Wrong-way driving detection using GNSS and IMU sensor fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems are not robust enough to effectively mitigate head-on crashes, relying on visual cues and sensors that are not always reliable, and fail to deploy counter-measures to alert other vehicles or control the powertrain in response to wrong-way driving.
Innovation Solution
A system using a combination of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors, and a map database to detect wrong-way driving, deploying counter-measures such as alerts, speed reduction, automated braking, and V2X communication to mitigate collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual cues and sensors are used to detect wrong-way driving, then detection capability is provided, but reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent detection systems (GNSS for location, IMU for motion tracking, map database for route validation) into a unified wrong-way driving detection system. This multi-sensor fusion approach resolves the technical contradiction by significantly improving detection reliability through cross-validation of multiple data sources while managing system complexity through integrated processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a map database as an intermediary component that serves as the reference truth for validating detected driving behavior. The map database provides pre-stored route information that mediates between raw sensor data and wrong-way driving determination, enabling reliable detection by comparing actual vehicle trajectory against authorized routes without requiring complex real-time analysis of road geometry.
2Reliability
If counter-measures are deployed to mitigate wrong-way driving, then collision mitigation is improved, but response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring vehicle position and direction against the map database before wrong-way driving is fully established. The system performs proactive validation of driving behavior against authorized routes, enabling early detection and immediate deployment of counter-measures (alerts, speed reduction, automated braking) before a collision scenario develops, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable mitigation and rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring and validation of vehicle trajectory against the map database, ensuring uninterrupted detection capability. This continuous action allows the system to maintain constant awareness of wrong-way driving conditions and deploy counter-measures immediately when thresholds are exceeded, eliminating response delays while ensuring reliable collision mitigation through persistent surveillance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and map database are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional modules: GNSS receiver for location acquisition, IMU sensors for motion parameter measurement, map database for route reference, and processing unit for integration and analysis. This segmentation improves detection accuracy by assigning specialized functions to dedicated components while managing system complexity through modular architecture that allows independent optimization and maintenance of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the vehicle's existing sensor suite (GNSS receiver, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) for multiple purposes: navigation, motion tracking, and wrong-way driving detection. This multi-functionality approach improves detection accuracy by leveraging already-deployed hardware without adding dedicated single-purpose sensors, thereby enhancing precision while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor configure the processor to receive data from a plurality of sensors in a vehicle, the sensors including a Global Navigation Satellite System receiver, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers; and to determine a location of the vehicle and a direction of motion of the vehicle based on the data and a history of locations of the vehicle in prior N seconds, where N is a number greater than 0. The instructions configure the processor to determine a permitted driving direction for the vehicle based on the location of the vehicle and a map database; and to detect whether the vehicle is moving in a wrong direction based on the permitted driving direction and the direction of motion of the vehicle.