Systems and methods for hazard mitigation
First Claim
1. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computing environment to perform a method for mitigating vehicle collisions, the method comprising:
- detecting, with a sensor mounted on a subject vehicle, a second vehicle;
calculating that a collision is imminent between the subject vehicle and the second vehicle;
preparing a plurality of sequences of actions, each action comprising a period of acceleration or deceleration or steering of the subject vehicle for a particular time interval at a particular intensity;
calculating whether the collision is avoidable or unavoidable, wherein the collision is avoidable if any of the sequences avoids the collision, and the collision is unavoidable if the collision cannot be avoided by implementing any of the sequences;
if the collision is avoidable, implementing a particular sequence that avoids the collision; and
if the collision is unavoidable, calculating how much harm would result from a collision according to each of the sequences, and implementing a sequence associated with the least harm.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensor means to detect other vehicles, and computing means to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment means enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computing environment to perform a method for mitigating vehicle collisions, the method comprising:
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detecting, with a sensor mounted on a subject vehicle, a second vehicle; calculating that a collision is imminent between the subject vehicle and the second vehicle; preparing a plurality of sequences of actions, each action comprising a period of acceleration or deceleration or steering of the subject vehicle for a particular time interval at a particular intensity; calculating whether the collision is avoidable or unavoidable, wherein the collision is avoidable if any of the sequences avoids the collision, and the collision is unavoidable if the collision cannot be avoided by implementing any of the sequences; if the collision is avoidable, implementing a particular sequence that avoids the collision; and if the collision is unavoidable, calculating how much harm would result from a collision according to each of the sequences, and implementing a sequence associated with the least harm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computing environment to perform a method for mitigating vehicle collisions, the method comprising:
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detecting, with a sensor mounted on a subject vehicle, a second vehicle, and calculating a projected course of the second vehicle; if the subject vehicle is projected to collide with the second vehicle, calculating a plurality of sets of sequential actions to avoid a collision between the subject vehicle and the second vehicle; if the subject vehicle, when accelerated according to a particular one of the sets of sequential actions, is projected to avoid colliding with the second vehicle, then implementing the one particular set of sequential actions; and if the subject vehicle, when accelerated according to each of the sets of sequential actions, is projected to collide with the second vehicle, then calculating how much harm would be caused by collisions according to each set of sequential actions, and implementing a particular set of sequential actions that would cause the least harm. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computing environment to perform a method for mitigating vehicle collisions, the method comprising:
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detecting, with a sensor mounted on a subject vehicle, a second vehicle, and calculating position and velocity and acceleration data about the second vehicle; determining, based on the calculated position and velocity and acceleration data about the second vehicle, and on position and velocity and acceleration data about the subject vehicle, whether a collision is projected to occur between the subject vehicle and the second vehicle when no avoidance action is taken; if a collision is projected to occur, then calculating a first set of sequential actions to avoid the collision between the subject vehicle and the second vehicle; if the first set of sequential actions avoids the collision, implementing the first set of sequential actions; and if the first set of sequential actions fails to avoid the collision, then calculating a second set of sequential actions to minimize harm caused by the collision, and implementing the particular sequential action, of the first and the second set of sequential actions, which produces the least harm. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising instructions for causing a computing environment to perform a method for mitigating vehicle collisions, the method comprising:
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detecting, with a sensor mounted on a subject vehicle, a second vehicle, and calculating if the second vehicle will collide with the subject vehicle; calculating whether a first set of actions would avoid a collision with the subject vehicle; if the first set of actions would avoid the collision, implementing the first set of actions; if the first set of actions would fail to avoid the collision, calculating whether a second set of actions would avoid the collision; if the second set of actions would avoid the collision, implementing the second set of actions; and if the second set of actions would fail to avoid the collision, implementing which of the first or second set of actions that would cause the least amount of harm; wherein each set of actions comprises a set of sequential accelerations of the subject vehicle, each acceleration having a specified timing, duration, direction, and amplitude; and wherein a collision comprises the second vehicle striking the subject vehicle or passing within a predetermined radius of the subject vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
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Specification