Indent-Indication System For An Automated Vehicle

• US 20170305335A1
• Filed: 04/22/2016
• Published: 10/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wei, Junqing, Lee, Jong Ho, Kim, Junsung
• Application Number:
  US15/135,825
• Publication Number:
  US 20170305335A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/346 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/507 specific to autonomous vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/33 Driving situation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/42 oncoming vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/45 Special conditions, e.g. pedestrians, road signs or potential dangers

Abstract

An intent-indication 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 that the host-vehicle is stopped at an intersection. The vehicle-detector is also suitable for use on the host-vehicle. The vehicle-detector is used to detect a presence of an other-vehicle proximate to the intersection. The controller is in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector. The controller is configured to operate host-headlights of the host-vehicle to provide an indication of intent of the host-vehicle to the other-vehicle when the host-vehicle and the other-vehicle have been stopped at the intersection for more than a time-threshold.

Claims

1. An intent-indication system for an automated vehicle, said system comprising:

an intersection-detector suitable for use on a host-vehicle, said intersection-detector used to determine that the host-vehicle is stopped at an intersection;

a vehicle-detector suitable for use on the host-vehicle, said vehicle-detector used to detect a presence of an other-vehicle proximate to the intersection; and

a controller in communication with the intersection-detector and the vehicle-detector, said controller configured to operate host-headlights of the host-vehicle to provide an indication of intent of the host-vehicle to the other-vehicle when the host-vehicle and the other-vehicle have been stopped at the intersection for more than a time-threshold.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the intersection-detector includes one of a image-device and a location-device.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to wait a wait-time after the host-headlights of the host-vehicle are operated before any subsequent action to allow the other-vehicle time to move into the intersection.

4. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to move-forward the host-vehicle into the intersection after the wait-time has expired.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the vehicle-detector is also used to detect operation of other-headlights on the other-vehicle, and the controller operates the host-vehicle into the intersection when the other-vehicle flashes the other-headlights.