Vehicle Collision Avoidance System and Method

Abstract

A system and method for providing an alert warning to a driver of a that includes forward facing vehicle sensors that can detect the presence and relative distance of a forward obstruction in a travel lane immediately in front of the vehicle, a processor for receiving signals from the forward sensor and for processing the signal to determine the relative speed, acceleration and or deceleration of the forward obstruction, a forward signal receiver adapted to receive a signal from a forward obstruction, a rear signal transmitter for transmitting information relating to the vehicle and any forward obstructions a following vehicle, and an driver alert device to warn a driver if a collision is imminent unless evasive action is implemented.

Claims

1. A system and method for providing an alert warning to a driver comprising a vehicle, said vehicle further comprising a forward facing vehicle sensors, said forward facing vehicle sensor operable to detect the presence and relative distance of a forward obstruction in a travel lane immediately in front of said vehicle, and said first vehicle further comprising a processor wherein said processor receives said signal from said forward sensor and processes said signal to determine the speed, acceleration or deceleration of said forward obstruction, and said vehicle further comprising a forward signal receiver, said signal received adapted to receive a signal from a forward obstruction and a rear signal transmitter, said rear transmitter to transmit information relating to said vehicle and said forward obstruction to a following vehicle, and further comprising an driver alert device, wherein said alert is displayed based upon an algorithm run by said processor that uses forward sensor data, speed data and vehicle braking characteristics for said vehicle in the event that a collision is imminent unless evasive action is implemented.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said processor received data relating to the distance between a forward obstruction and said vehicle and the relative acceleration or declaration between said vehicles and said forward obstruction is determined.

3. The system of claims 2 wherein the speed of said forward obstruction and said vehicle is determined and transmitted from a rear vehicle transmitter.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein a data relating to the speed of the obstruction and other vehicles travelling in the same direction of the vehicle are determined and displayed on said vehicle display and transmitted to rearward vehicles.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a unique vehicle identifier code wherein the vehicle identification code is transmitted to a vehicle and the vehicle can display the vehicle code relative to the display of said vehicle.

6. The system of claims 5 wherein the unique vehicle identified provides information relating to the identification and further comprises the make of the vehicle.

7. The system of claims 6 wherein said information further comprises the model and color.

8. The system recited in claim 1 wherein said vehicle display can provide alert information and alarm information based upon said predetermined data input and said alter or alarm is determined by said algorithm.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a vehicle alarm or alter system that comprises a plurality of signals based upon predetermined threshold levels relative to the probability of a forward collision.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a look-up table that reflects braking characteristics of preselected vehicles and processor uses data relative to said in said algorithm.

11. The system of claims 1 wherein the display include light and sounds that reflect the traffic flow of other vehicles forward relative to the vehicle.

12. The System of claim 11 wherein said the display represents a plurality of vehicles in a forward traffic lane and each vehicle is graphically represented in said display.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said graphic display further reflect different color indicator lights that reflect a status of each said forward vehicles.

14. The system of claims 1 wherein said alert system further provides tactile feedback to the driver such as vibration in the steering wheel that reflects the existence of an alter or alarm condition.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein a plurality of vehicle are traveling in a single lane of traffic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 is a flow chart depicting the flow of data in an embodiment the invention.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the vehicle to vehicle data flow according to embodiments of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the components that are used in embodiments of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 4a is system display schematic when the system is in heavy traffic flow according to an embodiment of the invention. .

[0047] FIG. 4b an alternative system display schematic when the system is in heavy traffic flow according to an embodiment of the invention. .

[0048] FIG. 4c is system display schematic when the system is in moderate traffic flow according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 4d is system display schematic when the system is in heavy traffic flow according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle to vehicle transfer concept according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] As discussed above an embodiment of the invention is implemented on a system that comprises monitoring and control technology as described above including signal reception from a downstream vehicle, and reception of external transmitted data from GPS, radar and vision or optical sensors. No referring to FIG. 1, the signal processing flow is illustrated. An index vehicle include a central processor that continuously scans data at step 105 that includes data from downstream vehicle 107, on board sensors 109 and external transmitted data such as from GPS systems. This data is analyzed in step 113 and, at step 115 if the algorithm dictates that an alarm is required, the sequence proceeds to step 117 which triggers both an audio and visual alarm. If no alarm is triggered, the algorithm proceeds to step 119 is to determine if conditions dictate that an alert is triggered at step 121. If an alert is issued, an audible and visual signal is initiated. The alert audible and visual signal is different than the audible and visual signal from the alarm step. If neither an alert nor an alarm is activated the system proceeds to step 125. The system according to the invention may further include onboard sensors to collect and monitor vehicle operation that may including accelerometers, speedometers and a sensor to detect the implementation of the brake system, turn signals and other operator controlled actions. In an embodiment, the system is provided data from the windshield wiper operating, including the selected speed of the wipers and analyzes the data in the algorithm. In addition the system includes a signal transmitter and signal receiver and processor. The data from the various sensors and from received signals is collected and processed according to the algorithms disclosed herein. As discussed below, output from the processor includes signal to an alert display, an audio signal as well as information for a signal to be transmitted from a transmitter for use in other vehicles.

[0052] Now referring to FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of vehicles 201, 202, 203 and 204 in a travel lane 209 receive and process data to inform each driver of travel conditions ahead. As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 201 has an open road in front so no data is received from a downstream vehicle. External transmitted data 208 is received, however, and combined and analyzed with on-board sensor 215 data to establish the operating status of vehicle No. 1. The status is then displayed for the vehicle operator and transmitted upstream to vehicle 202. Vehicle 202 in turn, analyzes the received Data B 220 from vehicle 201, external transmitted data 221 and data from onboard sensors 225, and establishes a status of vehicle 202. As with vehicle 201, the status is displayed for the vehicle operator including any alarms or alerts the system has calculated, and this data C status 240 is transmitted upstream to vehicle 203. Vehicle 203 uses data C 240, external transmitted data process repeats for each following vehicle, in turn, with the system algorithm truncating forward data not relevant to the particular vehicle. Vehicle 204 receives data D 249 which includes relevant data from Data B 220 and Data C 240. Vehicle 204 analyzes data D along with external transmitted data 251 and data from on board sensors 255 to provide an output signal. In embodiments, the system may only use upstream transmitted data and the on-board sensors in the analysis to provide either an alarm, alert or status quo signal.

[0053] The system includes signal technology for the transmission of information up-stream to the next following vehicle. As an example, starting with vehicle 201 (first in an arbitrary line), the information imbedded in the data stream transmitted from vehicle 201 to the following vehicle 202 is weighted by a suitable separation distance/speed algorithm between vehicle 201 and vehicle 202, and the transmitted condition of vehicle 201 (as examples: Displayed in vehicle 202 for the status of vehicle 201 as visual and audible signals; green—“Okay”; amber+audible beep—“Alert”; or red +audible alarm—“Alarm”). This information is then processed to generate the appropriate control reaction within vehicle 202, and the modified data relayed to the next following vehicle 203 with the circumstance indicated on the vehicle 203 graphic/audible display denoting vehicles 201 and 202 with their corresponding conditions.

[0054] Again the algorithm for vehicle 203 considers the separation distance and speed data of vehicle 201 and vehicle 202, the separation distance and speed from vehicle 202 to vehicle 203, etc. Through this process the forward look from forward vehicle 201 is transmitted to vehicle 202, the forward look from vehicle 202 (including the data from vehicle 201) is transmitted to vehicle 203. By providing information with respect to vehicles 201and 202 to vehicle 203, the analyzed information can serve to mitigate or eliminate the chain-reaction propagation phenomena at the earliest possible point and the continuation of that abatement up-stream to subsequent following vehicles. The transmission of data can then continue up the traffic stream limited only by the design of the system and display, and the processing limits established in the software algorithms.

[0055] In an example, the, system algorithm will truncate data from vehicles outside of the response zone of a specific vehicle in order minimize the quantity of displayed information and to make the displayed information most relevant. A vehicle traveling at 30 MPH on light traffic would not need to display information from a downstream vehicle more than a mile ahead. In heavy or congested traffic it would be of greater importance to monitor vehicles in that same distance since the ripple effect of any sudden change would propagate quickly through the traffic stream.

[0056] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention include a handshake feature wherein vehicles in proximity will receive signals and confirm reception.

[0057] The handshake feature enables drivers and the system to both confirm the existence of the communication system and be provided with an alert if a communication system in an adjacent vehicle is not responding to the data transmission so that vehicle can be identified and possibly alerted via an alternative means.

[0058] The signal from the vehicles may be transmitted using a variety of conventional signal technologies including radio waves, such as 300Hz technology, infrared, WiFi, Wimax, or even visual.

[0059] Now referring to FIG. 3, a schematic representation of the system according to an embodiment of the invention used on a particular vehicle is shown that includes a data processing module 301, a downstream data receiver 304, an external transmitted data received 306 (Such as a GPS system), onboard vehicle sensors 308 and console 310 that includes audio speakers and visual display and consul 301 and an upstream vehicle data transmitter 312.

[0060] FIGS. 4a-4d depict aspects of a display and driver communication system according to an embodiment of the invention. The display a map element 405 and a proximate vehicle display 404. Proximate vehicle display 404 can display dynamic information relating to current driving conditions and display a series of indicator lights that reflect the presence of relevant vehicles on the road ad travelling in the same direction of travel. These indicator lights, such as light 409 on display region 404, are displayed at locations to simulate the distance between the relative vehicles that are represented on the display and their location will change as the system is continuously updated with new data. As such the location of the depictions vary in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. While the depiction in FIGS. 4a-4d shows a single travel lane, it is contemplated that the system could include data from vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes that include vehicles that are traveling in the same direction, or in other directions. The display may use a led display or be a series of LEDs that can be selectively illuminated. FIG. 4a depicts a display in normal status during heavy traffic conditions wherein each of the indicator lights 409-415 on the display are illumined in a green color (symbolized by the letter G). The consul includes a loudspeaker 460 for providing an audio signal. FIG. 4b depicts the consul 401 in heavy traffic in the alarm status. In this a number of the indicator lights such as light 491 is in red (symbolized by the letter R) and others, such as light 492 and 493 are illumined in amber (symbolized by the letter A). Other lights represent vehicles may be in green such as light 489, 490, 494, 495 and 496. In this status the loudspeaker provides an alarm signal.

[0061] FIG. 4c represents the display system in moderate traffic with the status of the system on Alert status. I this representation light 419, 420 are illuminate in green. Light 425 is illuminated in amber and lights 427, 428 429 and 430 are in green.

[0062] FIG. 4d represents the display in light traffic conditions in normal operating status. Here there are only three cars presented in field 404 and each one of them 431, 433 and 44 are represented in green.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the vehicle to vehicle transfer of information wherein an obstruction encountered and sensed by vehicle 1011 is transmitted to vehicle 1012, 1013 and 1014 regardless of whether each intermediate vehicle reacts to the obstruction. As such the sequential reaction is bypassed and can be eliminated and the intensity of the response can be reduced upstream. Providing the information allows correction time to be more rapid and the reaction, such a braking can be implemented with reduced intensity.

[0064] The present invention therefore improves upon conventional brake light and turn-signal binary data with the addition of a signal from a plurality of proximate vehicles that are travelling in the same direction wherein preselected information is captured, and then transmitted to up-stream vehicles and processed. While the technology limitations of the brake-light/turn-signal era limited the transmitted information to a simple and short distance binary-signal the present system gathers and processes significant quantities of data, and further allows for rapid and accurate analysis and transmission of the calculated results over substantial distances.

[0065] In addition to systems that are directed to traffic flow in generally the same direction, aspects of the invention can also have applications for the detection, alert and alarms with respect to a 90 degree field of inspection that would monitor a signal from a vehicle (including small sport cars and motorcycles) approaching an intersection so the vehicle at the intersection doesn't pull into their path for a T-bone collision. This embodiment requires that each vehicle-installed system have the capability of monitoring at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, and also have the capability to transmit a signal forward of the approaching vehicle to alert the vehicle presently at the intersection. The 90 degree system could function as a stand-alone since the calculation of absence or presence of a threat is much simpler than a basic car following system, though much of the hardware technology will be the same.

[0066] Basic Care following systems and distance algorithms are well known in the prior art and, for example, the algorithms as disclosed in the following reference are incorporated by reference herein: EVALUATION OF THE GHR CAR FOLLOWING MODEL FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY STUDIES; Kaveh Bevrani, Queensland University of Technology, Australia Edward Chung, Queensland University of Technology, Australia Marc Miska, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; 25th ARRB Conference—Shaping the future: Linking policy, research and outcomes, Perth, Australia 2012 and CAR FOLLOWING MODELS, RICHARD W. ROTHERY, Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department, The University of Texas, ECJ Building 6.204, Austin, Tex. Acha-Daza, J. A. and F. L. Hall (1994); Application cation of Catastrophe Theory to Traffic Flow Variables; Transportation Research—B, 28B(3). Elsevier Science Ltd., pp. 235-250. Babarik, P. (1968). Automobile Accidents and Driver Reaction Pattern. Journal of Applied Psychology, 52(1), pp. 49-54. Barbosa, L. (1961). Studies on Traffic Flow Models. Reports No. 202A-1. The Ohio State University Antenna Laboratory. Bender, J. G. (1971). An Experimental Study of Vehicle Automatic Longitudinal Control. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, VT-20, pp. 114-123.Bender, J. G. (1991). An Overview of Systems Studies of Automated Highway Systems. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology 40(1). IEEE Vehicular Technology Society, pp. 82-99. Bender, J. G. and R. E. Fenton (1969). A Study of Automatic Car Following. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, VT-18, pp. 134-140.Cardew, K. H. F. (1970). Traffic Dynamics: Studies in. Car Following, Operations Research, 6, pp. 165-184. Chow, T. S. (1958). Operational Analysis of a Traffic Dynamics Problem. Operations Research, 6(6), pp. 165-184. Constantine, T. and A. P. Young (1967). Traffic Dynamics: Car Following Studies. Traffic Engineering and Control 8, pp. 551. Cumming, R. W. (1963). The Analysis of Skills in Driving. Journal of the Australian Road Research Board 1, pp. 4. Darroch, J. N. and R. W. Rothery (1973). Car Following and Spectral Analysis. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow and Transportation. Ed. Newell, G. F., American Elsevier Publishing Co., New York. Drake, J. S., J. L. Schofer, and A. D. May, Jr. (1967). A Statistical Analysis of Speed Density Hypotheses. Highway Research Record 154, pp. 53-87. Drew, D. R. (1965). Deterministic Aspects of Freeway Operations and Control. Highway Research Record, 99, pp. 48-58. Edie, L. C. (1961). Car-Following and Steady State Theory for Non-Congested Traffic. Operations Research 9(1), pp. 66-76. Edie, L. C. and E. Baverez (1967). Generation and Propagation of Stop-Start Waves. Vehicular Traffic Science Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow. L. C. Edie, R. Herman and R. W. Rothery (Eds.). American Elsevier, New York. Gazis, D. C., R. Herman, and R. B. Potts (1959). Car Following Theory of Steady State Traffic Flow. Operations Research 7(4), pp. 499-505. Gazis, D. C., R. Herman, and R. W. Rothery (1961). Car Following Theory of Steady State Traffic Flow. Operations Research 7(4), pp. 499-505. Gazis, D. C., R. Herman, and R. W. Rothery (1963). Analytical Methods in Transportation: Mathematical Car-Following Theory of Traffic Flow. Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, ASCE Proc. Paper 3724 89 (Paper 372), pp. 29-46. Herman, R. and R. W. Rothery (1965). Car Following and Steady-State Flow. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow. Ed J. Almond, O.E.C.D., Paris. Herman, R. and R. W. Rothery (1969). Frequency and Amplitude Dependence of Disturbances in a Traffic Stream. Proceedings of 4th International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow, Ed. W. Leutzbach and P. Baron. Bonn, Germany. Herman, R. and R. W. Rothery (1962). Microscopic and Macroscopic Aspects of Single Lane Traffic Flow. Operations Research, Japan, pp. 74. Harris, A. J. (1964). Following Distances, Braking Capacity and the Probability of Danger of Collision Between Vehicles. Australian Road Research Board, Proceedings 2, Part 1, pp. 496-412. All of the following are incorporated by reference herein.

[0067] A system and method for providing an alert warning to a driver is therefore provided that includes a vehicle that has forward facing vehicle sensors, and the forward facing vehicle sensor is operable to detect the presence and relative distance of a forward obstruction in a travel lane immediately in front of said vehicle. The system also includes a processor for receiving signals from the forward sensor and to processes the signal to determine the speed, acceleration or deceleration of the forward obstruction.

[0068] The system also include a signal receiver to received signal from forward obstructions and a transmitter, for the transmission of information relating to the vehicle and forward obstructions to following vehicles. The system includes an alert and/or alarm devices which is triggered and displayed using an algorithm run by said processor that uses forward sensor data, speed data and vehicle braking characteristics for the vehicle in the event that a collision is imminent unless evasive action is implemented.

[0069] The processor may receive data relating to the distance between a forward obstruction and the vehicle as well as relative acceleration or declaration between said vehicles and said forward obstruction is determined. Accordingly in various embodiments the speed of a forward obstruction is determined and the speed of the vehicle is determined and the data is transmitted so that rearward vehicle have the benefit of such information. Data relating to the speed of the obstruction and other vehicles travelling in the same direction of the vehicle are determined and displayed on a vehicle display and such information is also transmitted to rearward vehicles.

[0070] In embodiments, a unique vehicle identifier code is provided wherein the vehicle identification code may be transmitted to a driver's vehicle and the driver's vehicle can display the vehicle code relative to the display of the vehicle. As discussed herein the unique vehicle identifier code can provides information relating to the identification and further comprises the make of the vehicle, the model and color.

[0071] the system may provide a vehicle alarm or alert system that comprises a plurality of signals based upon predetermined threshold levels relative to the probability of a forward collision determined by an algorithm. For example, if the speed of a vehicle is calculated and the braking are not before impact with a stationary obstruction, an alarm is activated. This alarm may preferable be activated at some time before the crash is imminent to allow for the diver to make further evasive action including but not limited to braking.

[0072] In embodiments a look-up table that reflects braking characteristics of preselected vehicles and processor uses data relative to said in said algorithm may be provided and this information is stored in a memory accessible to the processor. The vehicle display may include light and sounds that reflect the traffic flow of other vehicles forward relative to the vehicle. A display may further represents a plurality of vehicles in a forward traffic lane and each vehicle is graphically represented in said display.

[0073] Embodiments of the system of may include a graphic display that reflect different color indicator lights that reflect a status of each said forward vehicles. In embodiments, an alert system may provide tactile feedback to the driver such as vibration in the steering wheel that reflects the existence of an alert or alarm condition. The system therefore primarily applicable when a plurality of vehicle are traveling in a single lane of traffic. However, in other contemplated embodiments, vehicle indication codes and other vehicle identification data such as color, make model year, vehicle type (truck sedan, SUV, etc.) can be transmitted, collected and used on a display of multiple vehicles in multiple lane highways and other roadways and such display may include information on the relative status of the vehicle relative to the driver vehicle. While the, applicant used the term “rear transmitter” or forward signal receiver the transmissions could in some instances be from in any direction and what is important is that that the driver vehicle will only collect and process and display data relating to vehicles that are in a forward position relative to the driver's vehicle.

[0074] The present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, which embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and are not intended to be exclusive or otherwise limiting embodiments. Accordingly, although the above description of illustrative embodiments of the present invention, as well as various illustrative modifications and features thereof, provides many specificities, these enabling details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, and it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to many modifications, adaptations, variations, omissions, additions, and equivalent implementations without departing from this scope and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is further noted that the terms and expressions have been used as terms of description and not terms of limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof Additionally, the Present invention may be practiced without necessarily providing one or more of the advantages described herein or otherwise understood in view of the disclosure and/or that may be realized in some embodiments thereof. It is therefore intended that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but should be defined in accordance with the claims that follow.