US20170337819A1 - Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle - Google Patents
Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170337819A1 US20170337819A1 US15/159,234 US201615159234A US2017337819A1 US 20170337819 A1 US20170337819 A1 US 20170337819A1 US 201615159234 A US201615159234 A US 201615159234A US 2017337819 A1 US2017337819 A1 US 2017337819A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- intersection
- detector
- host
- stopping
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/161—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication
- G08G1/162—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication event-triggered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
- B60W30/08—Active safety systems predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision or attempting to minimise its consequences
- B60W30/09—Taking automatic action to avoid collision, e.g. braking and steering
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
- B60W30/18—Propelling the vehicle
- B60W30/18009—Propelling the vehicle related to particular drive situations
- B60W30/18154—Approaching an intersection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
- B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
- B60W50/14—Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
- G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
- G05D1/0231—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles using optical position detecting means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
- G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
- G05D1/0257—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles using a radar
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
- G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
- G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
- G05D1/0276—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles using signals provided by a source external to the vehicle
- G05D1/0278—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles using signals provided by a source external to the vehicle using satellite positioning signals, e.g. GPS
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/161—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication
- G08G1/163—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication involving continuous checking
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/164—Centralised systems, e.g. external to vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/166—Anti-collision systems for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
- B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
- B60W50/14—Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
- B60W2050/143—Alarm means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2420/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
- B60W2420/40—Photo, light or radio wave sensitive means, e.g. infrared sensors
- B60W2420/403—Image sensing, e.g. optical camera
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2420/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
- B60W2420/40—Photo, light or radio wave sensitive means, e.g. infrared sensors
- B60W2420/408—Radar; Laser, e.g. lidar
-
- B60W2420/52—
-
- B60W2550/20—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2554/00—Input parameters relating to objects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2556/00—Input parameters relating to data
-
- B60W2600/00—
Definitions
- This disclosure generally relates to a safe-to-proceed system that operates an automated vehicle, and more particularly relates to a system configured to prevent a host-vehicle from entering an intersection when the stopping-distance of an other-vehicle indicates that the other-vehicle will not stop before entering the intersection.
- a safe-to-proceed system for operating an automated vehicle proximate to an intersection.
- the system includes an intersection-detector, a vehicle-detector, and a controller.
- the intersection-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle.
- the intersection-detector is used to determine when a host-vehicle is proximate to an intersection.
- the vehicle-detector is also suitable for use on the host-vehicle.
- the vehicle-detector is used to estimate a stopping-distance of an other-vehicle approaching the intersection.
- the controller is in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector.
- the controller is configured to prevent the host-vehicle from entering the intersection when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of a safe-to-proceed system in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a traffic-scenario encountered by the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a safe-to-proceed system 10 , hereafter referred to as the system 10 .
- the system 10 is generally configured for operating an automated vehicle, hereafter referred to as the host-vehicle 12 , particularly when the host-vehicle 12 is proximate to a traffic-intersection 14 ( FIG. 2 ), hereafter the intersection 14 .
- the word ‘proximate’ is used to indicate that something is close enough to warrant consideration by the system 10 for the purpose of safely operating the host-vehicle 12 . For example, within one-hundred meters (100 m) would likely be considered proximate, but further than one-kilometer (1 km) would likely not be considered proximate.
- the system 10 is configured to estimate or determine when an other-vehicle 16 that is approaching the intersection 14 is able to stop, and operate the host-vehicle 12 to wait 40 if the other-vehicle 16 is estimated (i.e.—predicted, forecasted, or determined) to be moving too fast to safely stop before entering the intersection 14 .
- the non-limiting examples presented herein are generally directed to a fully automated or autonomous vehicle, it is contemplated that the teaching presented herein are also applicable to vehicles that are for the most part manually operated or driven by a human-operator (not shown), and the system 10 only becomes active to assist the human-operator to, for example, avoid a collision with the other-vehicle 16 at the intersection 14 .
- the system 10 includes an intersection-detector 18 suitable for use on the host-vehicle 12 .
- the intersection-detector 18 may include an image-device such as one of, or any combination of, a camera 62 , a lidar-unit 66 , and a radar-unit 64 .
- the function of the intersection-detector 18 may be provided by a location-device such as a global-positioning-system (GPS) receiver in combination with a digital-map 68 .
- GPS global-positioning-system
- the intersection-detector 18 is used to determine when a host-vehicle 12 is proximate to (i.e. close to or approaching) the intersection 14 , and those in the art will recognize how the various devices suggested above can be used to provide this function.
- the system 10 also includes a vehicle-detector 20 suitable for use on the host-vehicle 12 to detect the other-vehicle 16 .
- the vehicle-detector 20 may be one of, or any combination of, a camera 62 , a lidar-unit 66 , and a radar-unit 64 . It is contemplated that, for example, both the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20 may make use of images captured by same camera 62 to detect the intersection 14 and the other-vehicle 16 , respectively.
- the camera 62 , radar-unit 64 , and/or lidar-unit 66 may be shared by the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20 .
- the vehicle-detector 20 is used to estimate a stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 approaching the intersection 14 , as will be explained in more detail below.
- vehicle-detector 20 may also be provided or supplemented by a transceiver (not shown) configured for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, and/or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications, which may be generically labeled as V2X communications, as will be recognized by those in the art.
- V2I vehicle-to-infrastructure
- V2V vehicle-to-vehicle
- V2P vehicle-to-pedestrian
- the system 10 also includes a controller 24 in communication with the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20 .
- the controller 24 may include a processor (not specifically shown) such as a microprocessor or other control circuitry such as analog and/or digital control circuitry including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for processing data as should be evident to those in the art.
- the controller 24 may include memory (not specifically shown), including non-volatile memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for storing one or more routines, thresholds, and captured data.
- the one or more routines may be executed by the processor to perform steps for determining the stopping-distance 22 based on signals received by the controller 24 for controlling the host-vehicle 12 as described herein.
- the controller 24 is configured to prevent the host-vehicle 12 from entering the intersection 14 when the stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter the intersection 14 without stopping
- FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of a traffic-scenario 26 that may be encountered by the host-vehicle 12 where the host-vehicle 12 is stopped at the intersection 14 and the other-vehicle 16 is approaching or moving toward the intersection 14 .
- the controller 24 can determine a speed 28 of the other-vehicle 16 and then use a braking-model or algorithm for a typical vehicle to estimate the stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 if the other-vehicle 16 were to apply, for example, maximum braking-effort at the instant the speed 28 was determined.
- a traffic-scenario 26 that may be encountered by the host-vehicle 12 where the host-vehicle 12 is stopped at the intersection 14 and the other-vehicle 16 is approaching or moving toward the intersection 14 .
- the controller 24 can determine a speed 28 of the other-vehicle 16 and then use a braking-model or algorithm for a typical vehicle to estimate the stopping-di
- the stopping-distance 22 is such that it is likely that the other-vehicle 16 will not be able to stop before entering the intersection 14 , so the controller 24 keeps the host-vehicle 12 at the present position shown so a collision with the other-vehicle 16 is avoided even though the host-vehicle 12 may have the right-of-way.
- the controller 24 may also determine a long-stopping-distance (not shown) based on the other-vehicle 16 applying a typical braking-effort (i.e. less than maximum braking-effort).
- the long-stopping-distance may be used by the controller 24 to determine a threat-level of the other-vehicle 16 .
- the threat-level may be set at LOW.
- the threat-level may be increased to, for example, MEDIUM or HIGH.
- the controller 24 may also consider other variables when the estimate of the stopping-distance 22 is determined.
- V2V communications or the camera 62 may be used to determine a vehicle-type 32 , e.g. large-truck vs. small-automobile vs. motorcycle, so that a more accurate estimate of the stopping-distance 22 can be determined.
- Road conditions may be determined using V2X communications to receive slippery-road or icy-road messages originating from vehicles that previously passed through the intersection 14 , or a detected traction-loss by the host-vehicle 12 may suggest that traction-conditions are less than optimum, either of which could be used by the controller 24 to increase the estimate of the stopping-distance 22 .
- the camera 62 or the lidar-unit 66 may be used to determine if the travel-lane 30 of the other-vehicle 16 is flat, or has an uphill or downhill slope which would further influence the stopping-distance 22 .
- the system 10 may be further configured to warn other of potential danger.
- the controller 24 may be further configured to flash 42 the headlights 34 and/or activate 44 the horn 36 when the stopping-distance 22 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter the intersection 14 before or without stopping.
- Such action may be effective to warn a pedestrian 46 who appears to be entering the intersection 14 and may not recognize the danger of the other-vehicle 16 not stopping because the pedestrian 46 is, for example, texting.
- the action may also be effective to warn a waiting-vehicle 48 whose view of the other-vehicle 16 may be blocked by the pedestrian 46 , for example.
- the system 10 may include a transmitter 50 used to transmit a warning-signal 54 , and controller 24 may be configured activate the transmitter 50 to transmit 52 the warning-signal 54 when the stopping-distance 22 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter the intersection 14 before stopping.
- the transmitter 50 may be part of the transceiver for V2X communications discussed above.
- the transmitter 50 may be a light-source such as an infrared-light-source used to broadcast local messages that can be detected by other properly equipped vehicles and/or a V2I communications device 56 located proximate to the intersection 14 .
- the camera 62 may be used to detect light emitted by lights 60 on the other-vehicle 16 .
- the other-vehicle 16 may an ambulance equipped with emergency-lights that if activated will cause the system 10 to operate the host-vehicle 12 to wait 40 until the other-vehicle 16 has cleared the intersection 14 .
- flashing of headlights by the other-vehicle 16 may be interpreted as an indication that the other-vehicle 16 is unable to stop.
- a safe-to-proceed system (the system 10 ), a controller 24 for the system 10 , and a method of operating the system 10 is provided. While the examples presented herein are specifically directed to the system 10 having the host-vehicle 12 wait 40 when it appears that the other-vehicle 16 is not going to stop before entering the intersection 14 , it is also contemplated that system 10 will operate the host-vehicle 12 to proceed 58 into the intersection 14 when the speed 28 and the distance of the other-vehicle 16 from the intersection 14 indicate that the host-vehicle 12 has time to enter and sufficient proceed through the intersection 14 to avoid a collision or interference with the other-vehicle 16 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A safe-to-proceed system for operating an automated vehicle proximate to an intersection includes an intersection-detector, a vehicle-detector, and a controller. The intersection-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The intersection-detector is used to determine when a host-vehicle is proximate to an intersection. The vehicle-detector is also suitable for use on the host-vehicle. The vehicle-detector is used to estimate a stopping-distance of an other-vehicle approaching the intersection. The controller is in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector. The controller is configured to prevent the host-vehicle from entering the intersection when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
Description
- This disclosure generally relates to a safe-to-proceed system that operates an automated vehicle, and more particularly relates to a system configured to prevent a host-vehicle from entering an intersection when the stopping-distance of an other-vehicle indicates that the other-vehicle will not stop before entering the intersection.
- It is generally a poor driving safety practice for an operator or controller of a host-vehicle to assume that an other-vehicle is going to safely stop while approaching an intersection that the host-vehicle is about to enter, especially if roadway conditions are such that traction is less than optimal, and/or rainfall or snowfall makes it difficult for the other-vehicle to detect the presence of the intersection or traffic-control signs/signals at the intersection.
- In accordance with one embodiment, a safe-to-proceed system for operating an automated vehicle proximate to an intersection is provided. The system includes an intersection-detector, a vehicle-detector, and a controller. The intersection-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The intersection-detector is used to determine when a host-vehicle is proximate to an intersection. The vehicle-detector is also suitable for use on the host-vehicle. The vehicle-detector is used to estimate a stopping-distance of an other-vehicle approaching the intersection. The controller is in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector. The controller is configured to prevent the host-vehicle from entering the intersection when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
- Further features and advantages will appear more clearly on a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The present invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a safe-to-proceed system in accordance with one embodiment; and -
FIG. 2 is a traffic-scenario encountered by the system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a safe-to-proceed system 10, hereafter referred to as thesystem 10. Thesystem 10 is generally configured for operating an automated vehicle, hereafter referred to as the host-vehicle 12, particularly when the host-vehicle 12 is proximate to a traffic-intersection 14 (FIG. 2 ), hereafter theintersection 14. As used herein, the word ‘proximate’ is used to indicate that something is close enough to warrant consideration by thesystem 10 for the purpose of safely operating the host-vehicle 12. For example, within one-hundred meters (100 m) would likely be considered proximate, but further than one-kilometer (1 km) would likely not be considered proximate. In general, thesystem 10 is configured to estimate or determine when an other-vehicle 16 that is approaching theintersection 14 is able to stop, and operate the host-vehicle 12 to wait 40 if the other-vehicle 16 is estimated (i.e.—predicted, forecasted, or determined) to be moving too fast to safely stop before entering theintersection 14. While the non-limiting examples presented herein are generally directed to a fully automated or autonomous vehicle, it is contemplated that the teaching presented herein are also applicable to vehicles that are for the most part manually operated or driven by a human-operator (not shown), and thesystem 10 only becomes active to assist the human-operator to, for example, avoid a collision with the other-vehicle 16 at theintersection 14. - The
system 10 includes an intersection-detector 18 suitable for use on the host-vehicle 12. By way of example and not limitation, the intersection-detector 18 may include an image-device such as one of, or any combination of, acamera 62, a lidar-unit 66, and a radar-unit 64. The function of the intersection-detector 18 may be provided by a location-device such as a global-positioning-system (GPS) receiver in combination with a digital-map 68. Whatever the configuration, the intersection-detector 18 is used to determine when a host-vehicle 12 is proximate to (i.e. close to or approaching) theintersection 14, and those in the art will recognize how the various devices suggested above can be used to provide this function. - The
system 10 also includes a vehicle-detector 20 suitable for use on the host-vehicle 12 to detect the other-vehicle 16. By way of example and not limitation, the vehicle-detector 20 may be one of, or any combination of, acamera 62, a lidar-unit 66, and a radar-unit 64. It is contemplated that, for example, both the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20 may make use of images captured bysame camera 62 to detect theintersection 14 and the other-vehicle 16, respectively. That is, thecamera 62, radar-unit 64, and/or lidar-unit 66 may be shared by the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20. The vehicle-detector 20 is used to estimate a stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 approaching theintersection 14, as will be explained in more detail below. The function of the vehicle-detector 20 may also be provided or supplemented by a transceiver (not shown) configured for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, and/or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications, which may be generically labeled as V2X communications, as will be recognized by those in the art. - The
system 10 also includes acontroller 24 in communication with the intersection-detector 18 and the vehicle-detector 20. Thecontroller 24 may include a processor (not specifically shown) such as a microprocessor or other control circuitry such as analog and/or digital control circuitry including an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for processing data as should be evident to those in the art. Thecontroller 24 may include memory (not specifically shown), including non-volatile memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for storing one or more routines, thresholds, and captured data. The one or more routines may be executed by the processor to perform steps for determining the stopping-distance 22 based on signals received by thecontroller 24 for controlling the host-vehicle 12 as described herein. In particular, thecontroller 24 is configured to prevent the host-vehicle 12 from entering theintersection 14 when the stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter theintersection 14 without stopping. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of a traffic-scenario 26 that may be encountered by the host-vehicle 12 where the host-vehicle 12 is stopped at theintersection 14 and the other-vehicle 16 is approaching or moving toward theintersection 14. Based on signals from the vehicle-detector 20 thecontroller 24 can determine aspeed 28 of the other-vehicle 16 and then use a braking-model or algorithm for a typical vehicle to estimate the stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 if the other-vehicle 16 were to apply, for example, maximum braking-effort at the instant thespeed 28 was determined. In the example shown inFIG. 2 , the stopping-distance 22 is such that it is likely that the other-vehicle 16 will not be able to stop before entering theintersection 14, so thecontroller 24 keeps the host-vehicle 12 at the present position shown so a collision with the other-vehicle 16 is avoided even though the host-vehicle 12 may have the right-of-way. - The
controller 24 may also determine a long-stopping-distance (not shown) based on the other-vehicle 16 applying a typical braking-effort (i.e. less than maximum braking-effort). The long-stopping-distance may be used by thecontroller 24 to determine a threat-level of the other-vehicle 16. For example, if the long-stopping-distance suggests that the other-vehicle 16 can easily stop before entering theintersection 14, e.g. the other-vehicle 16 is traveling slower and/or is further away from theintersection 14 than as illustrated inFIG. 2 , the threat-level may be set at LOW. However, if the other-vehicle 16 continues to travel toward theintersection 14 and no change in thespeed 28 is detected, the threat-level may be increased to, for example, MEDIUM or HIGH. - The
controller 24 may also consider other variables when the estimate of the stopping-distance 22 is determined. For example, V2V communications or thecamera 62 may be used to determine a vehicle-type 32, e.g. large-truck vs. small-automobile vs. motorcycle, so that a more accurate estimate of the stopping-distance 22 can be determined. Road conditions may be determined using V2X communications to receive slippery-road or icy-road messages originating from vehicles that previously passed through theintersection 14, or a detected traction-loss by the host-vehicle 12 may suggest that traction-conditions are less than optimum, either of which could be used by thecontroller 24 to increase the estimate of the stopping-distance 22. Thecamera 62 or the lidar-unit 66 may be used to determine if the travel-lane 30 of the other-vehicle 16 is flat, or has an uphill or downhill slope which would further influence the stopping-distance 22. - In addition to operating the host-
vehicle 12 to wait 40 to enter theintersection 14 when the stopping-distance 22 of the other-vehicle 16 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will not stop before entering theintersection 14, thesystem 10 may be further configured to warn other of potential danger. For example, since it is likely that the host-vehicle 12 is equipped withheadlights 34 and ahorn 36, thecontroller 24 may be further configured to flash 42 theheadlights 34 and/or activate 44 thehorn 36 when the stopping-distance 22 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter theintersection 14 before or without stopping. Such action may be effective to warn apedestrian 46 who appears to be entering theintersection 14 and may not recognize the danger of the other-vehicle 16 not stopping because thepedestrian 46 is, for example, texting. The action may also be effective to warn a waiting-vehicle 48 whose view of the other-vehicle 16 may be blocked by thepedestrian 46, for example. - As another option to warn others of the danger represented by the other-
vehicle 16 not stopping, thesystem 10 may include atransmitter 50 used to transmit a warning-signal 54, andcontroller 24 may be configured activate thetransmitter 50 to transmit 52 the warning-signal 54 when the stopping-distance 22 indicates that the other-vehicle 16 will enter theintersection 14 before stopping. Thetransmitter 50 may be part of the transceiver for V2X communications discussed above. Alternatively, thetransmitter 50 may be a light-source such as an infrared-light-source used to broadcast local messages that can be detected by other properly equipped vehicles and/or aV2I communications device 56 located proximate to theintersection 14. - In another embodiment, the
camera 62 may be used to detect light emitted bylights 60 on the other-vehicle 16. For example, the other-vehicle 16 may an ambulance equipped with emergency-lights that if activated will cause thesystem 10 to operate the host-vehicle 12 to wait 40 until the other-vehicle 16 has cleared theintersection 14. Furthermore, flashing of headlights by the other-vehicle 16 may be interpreted as an indication that the other-vehicle 16 is unable to stop. - Accordingly, a safe-to-proceed system (the system 10), a
controller 24 for thesystem 10, and a method of operating thesystem 10 is provided. While the examples presented herein are specifically directed to thesystem 10 having the host-vehicle 12wait 40 when it appears that the other-vehicle 16 is not going to stop before entering theintersection 14, it is also contemplated thatsystem 10 will operate the host-vehicle 12 to proceed 58 into theintersection 14 when thespeed 28 and the distance of the other-vehicle 16 from theintersection 14 indicate that the host-vehicle 12 has time to enter and sufficient proceed through theintersection 14 to avoid a collision or interference with the other-vehicle 16. - While this invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited, but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that follow.
Claims (4)
1. A safe-to-proceed system for operating an automated vehicle proximate to an intersection, said system comprising:
an intersection-detector suitable for use on a host-vehicle, said intersection-detector used to determine when a host-vehicle is proximate to an intersection;
a vehicle-detector suitable for use on the host-vehicle, said vehicle-detector used to estimate a stopping-distance of an other-vehicle approaching the intersection; and
a controller in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector, said controller configured to prevent the host-vehicle from entering the intersection when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
2. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the intersection-detector includes one of a digital-map, a camera, a lidar-unit, and a radar-unit.
3. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the host-vehicle is equipped with headlights and a horn, and the controller is configured to flash the headlights and activate the horn when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
4. The system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system includes a transmitter used to transmit a warning-signal, and controller is configured activate the transmitter to transmit the warning-signal when the stopping-distance indicates that the other-vehicle will enter the intersection before stopping.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/159,234 US20170337819A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2016-05-19 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
US16/303,075 US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-05-04 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
PCT/US2017/031004 WO2017200754A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-05-04 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/159,234 US20170337819A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2016-05-19 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/303,075 Continuation US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-05-04 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170337819A1 true US20170337819A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
Family
ID=60325475
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/159,234 Abandoned US20170337819A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2016-05-19 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
US16/303,075 Active 2036-08-25 US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-05-04 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/303,075 Active 2036-08-25 US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-05-04 | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20170337819A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017200754A1 (en) |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10126136B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2018-11-13 | nuTonomy Inc. | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US10309792B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2019-06-04 | nuTonomy Inc. | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US10331129B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2019-06-25 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
CN110379192A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-25 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Remote vehicle control at intersection |
US10473470B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2019-11-12 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
EP3572293A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-27 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method for assisting driving of at least one motor vehicle and assistance system |
US10681513B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2020-06-09 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US20200193818A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods to temporarily alter traffic flow |
US10857994B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2020-12-08 | Motional Ad Llc | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2021-08-10 | Motional Ad Llc | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
US11092446B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2021-08-17 | Motional Ad Llc | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US11117513B2 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2021-09-14 | Beijing Baidu Netcom Science And Technology Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for vehicle interaction for autonomous vehicle |
US20220309923A1 (en) * | 2019-04-29 | 2022-09-29 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for vehicle maneuver planning and messaging |
US11670165B2 (en) | 2015-10-20 | 2023-06-06 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods for roadway management including feedback |
US20230192089A1 (en) * | 2021-11-10 | 2023-06-22 | Here Global B.V. | Method, apparatus and computer program product for autonomous vehicle management at unsignalized intersections |
US11756421B2 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2023-09-12 | Stc, Inc. | Protected turns |
US11758579B2 (en) | 2018-10-09 | 2023-09-12 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods for traffic priority systems |
US11887475B1 (en) * | 2021-12-13 | 2024-01-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling a programmable traffic light |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10887747B2 (en) | 2018-04-20 | 2021-01-05 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for remote management of emergency equipment and personnel |
US10657821B2 (en) | 2018-06-13 | 2020-05-19 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Autonomous intersection warning system for connected vehicles |
US10706722B1 (en) | 2019-03-06 | 2020-07-07 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | System and method for map-based geofencing for emergency vehicle |
US10531224B1 (en) | 2019-03-11 | 2020-01-07 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | System and method for managing emergency vehicle alert geofence |
US11758354B2 (en) | 2019-10-15 | 2023-09-12 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | System and method for intent-based geofencing for emergency vehicle |
DE102022204065A1 (en) | 2022-04-27 | 2023-11-02 | Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung | Method for predicting the behavior of surrounding traffic and method for controlling an ego vehicle |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6067031A (en) * | 1997-12-18 | 2000-05-23 | Trimble Navigation Limited | Dynamic monitoring of vehicle separation |
JP2005189983A (en) | 2003-12-24 | 2005-07-14 | Denso Corp | Vehicle operation supporting device |
US20110106442A1 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2011-05-05 | Indian Institute Of Technology Bombay | Collision avoidance system and method |
US8818641B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2014-08-26 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Method of intersection estimation for a vehicle safety system |
US9177477B2 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2015-11-03 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Collision warning system using driver intention estimator |
US8604918B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2013-12-10 | Hyundai Motor Company | System and method for detecting a vehicle in the vicinity by using wireless communication |
KR20130007754A (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-21 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Apparatus and method for controlling vehicle at autonomous intersection |
KR101811470B1 (en) * | 2013-05-03 | 2017-12-22 | 주식회사 만도 | Method of preventing collision in vehicle |
US20170337819A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2017-11-23 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
-
2016
- 2016-05-19 US US15/159,234 patent/US20170337819A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-05-04 US US16/303,075 patent/US11087624B2/en active Active
- 2017-05-04 WO PCT/US2017/031004 patent/WO2017200754A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11670165B2 (en) | 2015-10-20 | 2023-06-06 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods for roadway management including feedback |
US11087624B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2021-08-10 | Motional Ad Llc | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle |
US10309792B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2019-06-04 | nuTonomy Inc. | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US11022449B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2021-06-01 | Motional Ad Llc | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US11022450B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2021-06-01 | Motional Ad Llc | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US11092446B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2021-08-17 | Motional Ad Llc | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US10126136B2 (en) | 2016-06-14 | 2018-11-13 | nuTonomy Inc. | Route planning for an autonomous vehicle |
US10857994B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2020-12-08 | Motional Ad Llc | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US10681513B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2020-06-09 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US11711681B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2023-07-25 | Motional Ad Llc | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US10473470B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2019-11-12 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
US10331129B2 (en) | 2016-10-20 | 2019-06-25 | nuTonomy Inc. | Identifying a stopping place for an autonomous vehicle |
CN110379192A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2019-10-25 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Remote vehicle control at intersection |
CN110533900A (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-12-03 | 大众汽车有限公司 | Assist method, auxiliary system and the motor vehicle of the driving at least one motor vehicle |
US11161511B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2021-11-02 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method for supporting guidance of at least one transportation vehicle, assistance system, and transportation vehicle |
EP3572293A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-27 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method for assisting driving of at least one motor vehicle and assistance system |
US11758579B2 (en) | 2018-10-09 | 2023-09-12 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods for traffic priority systems |
US20200193818A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods to temporarily alter traffic flow |
US11587439B2 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2023-02-21 | Stc, Inc. | Systems and methods to temporarily alter traffic flow |
US11117513B2 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2021-09-14 | Beijing Baidu Netcom Science And Technology Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for vehicle interaction for autonomous vehicle |
US11756421B2 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2023-09-12 | Stc, Inc. | Protected turns |
US11620907B2 (en) | 2019-04-29 | 2023-04-04 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for vehicle maneuver planning and messaging |
US11462111B2 (en) * | 2019-04-29 | 2022-10-04 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for vehicle maneuver planning and messaging |
US20220309923A1 (en) * | 2019-04-29 | 2022-09-29 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for vehicle maneuver planning and messaging |
US11908327B2 (en) * | 2019-04-29 | 2024-02-20 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Method and apparatus for vehicle maneuver planning and messaging |
US20230192089A1 (en) * | 2021-11-10 | 2023-06-22 | Here Global B.V. | Method, apparatus and computer program product for autonomous vehicle management at unsignalized intersections |
US11887475B1 (en) * | 2021-12-13 | 2024-01-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling a programmable traffic light |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20190304308A1 (en) | 2019-10-03 |
US11087624B2 (en) | 2021-08-10 |
WO2017200754A1 (en) | 2017-11-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11087624B2 (en) | Safe-to-proceed system for an automated vehicle | |
US10037696B2 (en) | Cooperative automated vehicle system | |
US10466706B2 (en) | Automated guidance system | |
JP6373368B2 (en) | Predictive control of automobile | |
US9836977B1 (en) | Automated vehicle steering control system with lane position bias | |
US10685247B2 (en) | Infrastructure-device status-verification system for automated vehicles | |
US20160306357A1 (en) | Automated vehicle system with position bias for motorcycle lane splitting | |
US11639174B2 (en) | Automated speed control system | |
US20170349181A1 (en) | Lane management system for an automated vehicle | |
CA3029782C (en) | Travel control method and travel control device | |
US20190160998A1 (en) | Headlight control based on messaging and sensor data | |
GB2485652A (en) | Motor vehicle safety system | |
CN104325928A (en) | Device for controlling a turn signal | |
EP3471077A1 (en) | Automated vehicle safety system that protects pedestrians | |
JP4702171B2 (en) | Vehicle control device | |
KR102455836B1 (en) | Vehicle control apparatus for pedestrian detection and method thereof | |
US20150025791A1 (en) | Method for operating a safety system for a motor vehicle and safe system for a motor vehicle | |
CN110816401A (en) | Method and device for warning vehicle sliding of front vehicle, vehicle and storage medium | |
JP2020187496A (en) | Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program | |
CN111712866A (en) | Vehicle-mounted system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WEI, JUNQING;BHATIA, GAURAV;XU, WENDA;REEL/FRAME:038648/0415 Effective date: 20160518 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MOTIONAL AD LLC, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:053889/0065 Effective date: 20200917 |