GYORI MARTON (US)
MOLIN HANS (US)
NEMETH HUBA (US)
| WO2014192370A1 | 2014-12-04 |
| FR2979300A1 | 2013-03-01 | |||
| EP2555519A1 | 2013-02-06 | |||
| US20140267688A1 | 2014-09-18 |
| I/We claim: 1. A processing device for controlling an associated display, the processing device including: an input for receiving electronic signals from an object detector, the object detector detecting an object relative to a vehicle; means for predicting a position of the vehicle at a future time; means for generating first signals for causing an image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device; and an output transmitting the first signals to the associated display for causing the image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device. 2. The processing device for controlling an associated display as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the means for predicting predicts the position of the vehicle at the future time relative to the object. 3. The processing device for controlling an associated display as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the means for predicting predicts a second position of the vehicle at a second future time; the means for generating generates second signals for causing an image of the vehicle at the second predicted position at the second future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device; and the output transmits the second signals to the associated display for causing the image of the vehicle at the second predicted position at the second future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device. 4. The processing device for controlling an associated display as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the output means simultaneously transmits the first signals and the second signals to the associated display. 5. The processing device for controlling an associated display as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the means for generating the first signals causes a bird's eye view image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device. |
Background
[0001] The present invention relates to an overview of a vehicle. It finds particular application in conjunction with displaying an overview of the vehicle and a predicted position of the vehicle and will be described with particular reference thereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is also amenable to other applications.
[0002] Vehicle driving aids are known which warn the driver of the vehicle of objects which are too near to the front and/or rear of the vehicle. In such systems, proximity sensors are typically mounted in the front and/or rear bumpers. When an object is detected close to the front or rear of the vehicle, an audible alarm, typically a beeper, is sounded. As the vehicle gets closer to the detected object, the frequency of the alarm sound may increase until the object is at a predefined distance from the vehicle, at which point a continuous alarm is sounded.
[0003] Other driving aids display relative positions of the vehicle and the detected object. With such display systems, the driver must interpret the image on the screen in order to assess whether a predicted trajectory will result in a collision and, if so, when.
[0004] The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method which addresses the above-referenced problems. Summary
[0005] In one embodiment, a processing device controls an associated display. The processing device includes an input for receiving electronic signals from an object detector. The object detector detects an object relative to a vehicle. The processing device also includes a means for predicting a position of the vehicle at a future time, a means for generating first signals for causing an image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device, and an output transmitting the first signals to the associated display for causing the image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to exemplify the embodiments of this invention.
[0007] FIGURE 1 illustrates a overview representation of a vehicle driving along a path in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating principles of the present invention;
[0008] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a system in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating principles of the present invention;
[0009] FIGURE 3 illustrates an overview representation of a vehicle and a predicted position over time in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating principles of the present invention; [0010] FIGURE 4 illustrates another overview representation of a vehicle and a predicted position over time in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating principles of the present invention; and
[0011] FIGURE 5 illustrates another overview representation of a vehicle and a predicted position over time in accordance with one embodiment of an apparatus illustrating principles of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Illustrated Embodiment
[0012] With reference to FIGURE 1, an overview (e.g., bird's eye view) of a vehicle
10 driving along a path 12 (e.g., road) is illustrated. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 is articulated and includes a first portion 10i (e.g., a tractor or front portion), a second portion 10 2 (e.g., a trailer or a rear portion), and a hinge point 14 between the first and second portions 10i )2 . The first portion 10i and the second portion 10 2 are collectively referred to as the vehicle 10. A front 16 of the vehicle 10 is generally facing in the direction indicated by an arrow 20. However, for purposes of discussion, it is assumed a steering wheel of the vehicle is turned so that the front 16 of the vehicle 10 is turning to the right.
[0013] An object 11 is illustrated along the road 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the object 11 is in front and to a right side 22 of the vehicle 10. In addition, for purposes of discussion, the object 11 is assumed to be stationary. However, other embodiments in which the object 11 is moving are also contemplated. Although only one object 11 is illustrated, it is to be assumed any number of objects are present.
[0014] The vehicle 10 includes a collision warning system 30. FIGURE 2 illustrates an exemplary simplified component diagram of the system 30 in in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the system 30 includes an object detector 32, a processing device 34, and a display device 36 (e.g., a display means). It is contemplated that the processing device 34 electrically communicates with both the object detector 32 and the display device 36. As discussed below, the processing device 34 determines predicted positions of the vehicle according to a prediction model and transmits signals to the display 36 for displaying the predicted positions of the vehicle 10 relative to the object 11 over time. In one embodiment, the object detector 32 is capable of detecting objects (e.g., the object 11) around and relative to the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the object detector 32 is a camera system including cameras 32i,i ; i )2; 1,3; i,4; 2,1·, 2,2-, 2 ,3; 2,4-, 2,5; 2,6; 2,7 (collectively 32) positioned around an exterior of the vehicle 10. In this example, four (4) cameras 32i,i ; i )2; i )3; i )4 (collectively 32i) are positioned around the exterior of the first portion 10i of the vehicle and seven (7) cameras 32 2) i ; 2)2; 2)3; 2)4; 2)5; 2)6; 2)7
(collectively 32 2 ) are positioned around the exterior of the second portion 10 2 of the vehicle. In another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the object detector 32 is a radar system including sensors positioned around an exterior of the vehicle 10. It is to be understood that the number of cameras 32 or sensors positioned around the exterior of the vehicle portions 10i )2 can easily be modified to include more or fewer cameras 32 or sensors. It is to be understood the illustration of FIGURE 1 is displayed on the display device 36. The object detector 32 acts as a means for detecting objects relative to the vehicle.
[0016] Various sensors 60 are included on the vehicle 10. The sensors 60 may include a steering angle sensor for determining an angle at which the steering wheel is turned, wheel speed sensors for determining a speed at which wheels of the vehicle 10 turn, yaw rate sensors, etc. The processing device 34 electrically communicates with the sensors 60. Data received by the sensors 60 and transmitted to the processing device 34 are used by the processing device 34 to predict positions of the vehicle over time. As discussed above, any model for describing motion and movement and predicting positions of the vehicle over time may be used. One known model used for describing motion and movement and predicting positions of a vehicle (e.g., the illustrated vehicle 10) over time is known as the "Bicycle Model." Although the Bicycle Model is described in detail above, it is to be understood any other model for describing motion and movement of an articulated vehicle may also be used. The Bicycle Model is described in "An Improved Model-Based Predictive Control Of Vehicle Trajectory By Using Nonlinear Function", Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology 23 (2009), pp. 918-922.
[0017] It is to be understood that the processing device 34 controls the associated display 36 by generating signals that are transmitted to the display 36 for causing images to appear on the display 36. The processing device 34 includes an input 62 for receiving electronic signals from the object detector 32. The object detector 32 detects the object 11 relative to the vehicle 10. The processing device 34 also includes a means for predicting a position of the vehicle at a future time, a means for generating first signals for causing an image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device 34, and an output 64 transmitting the first signals to the associated display 36 for causing the image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object 11 to be displayed on the associated display device 36. It is to be understood that, in one embodiment, the means for predicting the position of the vehicle 10 at the future time and the means for generating first signals for causing the image of the vehicle at the predicted position at the future time relative to the object to be displayed on the associated display device 34 are software included in the processing device 34.
[0018] The hinge point 14 increases the difficulty of maneuvering the vehicle 10. In that regard, an operator (e.g., driver) of the vehicle 10 must monitor multiple points along the portions of the vehicle 10i, 2 length— particularly as the vehicle 10 turns— for possible collisions with objects. In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method is described that aids the driver in maneuvering the vehicle 10 by indicating on the display 36 where various portions of the vehicle 10i, 2 will be at various time horizons.
[0019] The motion model is run for various time horizons, generating various predicted positions of the first and second vehicle portions 10i, 10 2 . These positions are calculated for the various portions 10i, 2 of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the cameras 32 2 ,i; 2,3; 2,4; 2,6 are positioned at the corners of the second vehicle portion 10 2 and the cameras 32i,i ; i,3; 2,2; 2,5 are positioned at midpoints along the lengths of the first and second portions 10i,2 of the vehicle, where extreme deviations from a circular course occur (e.g., where a straight vehicle segment cuts the curve). The camera 32i )2 is positioned along a midpoint of the front of the first portion 10i of the vehicle, the camera 32i )4 is positioned along a midpoint of the back of the first portion 10i of the vehicle, and the camera 32 2)7 is positioned along a midpoint of the back of the second portion 10 2 of the vehicle.
[0020] Predicted positions and paths 40i ) i ; i )2; i,3 (collectively 40i) for three (3) respective time horizons are illustrated as predicted positions of the first portion of the vehicle 10i. In addition, predicted positions 40 2 ,i; 2 ,2; 2 ,3 (collectively 40 2 ) for the three (3) respective time horizons are illustrated as predicted positions of the second portion of the vehicle 10 2 . The predicted position 40i and the predicted position 40 2 are collectively referred to as the predicted position 40. In one embodiment, the three (3) time horizons are 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 seconds. Therefore, the predicted position 40i,i represents the predicted position of the first portion of the vehicle 10i after the first time horizon (e.g., 0.1 second); the predicted position 40i )2 represents the predicted position of the first portion of the vehicle 10i after the second time horizon (e.g., 0.2 seconds); and the predicted position 40i )3
represents the predicted position of the first portion of the vehicle 10i after the third time horizon (e.g., 0.3 seconds). Similarly, the predicted position 40 2 ,i represents the predicted position of the second portion of the vehicle 10 2 after the first time horizon (e.g., 0.1 second); the predicted position 40 2)2 represents the predicted position of the second portion of the vehicle 10 2 after the second time horizon (e.g., 0.2 seconds); and the predicted position 40 2 ,3 represents the predicted position of the second portion of the vehicle 10 2 after the third time horizon (e.g., 0.3 seconds).
[0021] In one embodiment, the respective positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 at the different time horizons are illustrated differently on the display 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective predicted positions 40i ) i ; i )2; i,3; 2 ,i; 2 , 2 ; 2 ,3 of the vehicle 10 at the three (3) respective time horizons are illustrated as different colored lines on the display 36. The different colored lines represent outlines of the vehicle portions 10i, 10 2 at the respective time horizons. For example, the predicted positions 40i,i ; 2 ,i representing the predicted position of the vehicle portions 10i, 10 2 at the first time horizon (e.g., in 0.1 second) are colored red; the predicted positions 40i )2; 2)2 representing the predicted position of the vehicle portions 10i, 10 2 at the second time horizon (e.g., in 0.2 seconds) are colored yellow; and the lines of the predicted positions 40i )3;2) 3 representing the predicted position of the vehicle portions 10i, 10 2 at the third time horizon are colored green (e.g., in 0.3 seconds).
[0022] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, all of the predicted positions
40i ) i;i )2 ;i ) 3; 2) i; 2)2;2) 3 are illustrated simultaneously, in the three (3) respective colors (e.g., red, yellow, green), for various points of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 . In other words, all of the predicted positions 40i ) i ; i )2 ;i ) 3; 2) i; 2)2;2) 3 are illustrated statically, together on the screen.
[0023] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3, the predicted positions
40i ) i;i )2 ;i ) 3; 2) i; 2)2;2) 3 are illustrated as dynamically displayed on the display device 36, in the three (3) respective colors (e.g., red, yellow, green), for various points of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 . For example, in FIGURE 3, the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are illustrated at respective current positions at time t=0. At time t=l (e.g., 0.1 second after t=0), the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are illustrated at the predicted positions 40i ; i ;2) i, which represents the predicted position of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 after the first time horizon (e.g., 0.1 second). At time t=2 (e.g., 0.1 second after t=l), the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are illustrated at the predicted positions 40i ) i ; i )2;2) i ;2)2 , which represent the predicted positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 after both the first time horizon (e.g., 0.1 second) and the second time horizon (e.g., 0.2 seconds). At time t=3 (e.g., 0.1 second after t=2), the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are illustrated at the predicted positions
40i ) i;i )2 ;i ) 3; 2) i; 2)2;2) 3, which represent the predicted positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 after the first time horizon (e.g., 0.1 second), the second time horizon (e.g., 0.2 seconds), and the third time horizon (e.g., 0.3 seconds). [0024] In FIGURES 2 and 3, the illustrations are shown accumulatively. In other words, the display 36 initially shows the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 at the respective current positions at time t=0. Then, the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are and the first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i are illustrated at time t=l (i.e., the first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i are added at the time t=l to the current positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 ). Then, the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 , the respective first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i, and the respective second predicted positions 40i )2 ;2,2 are illustrated at time t=2 (i.e., the second predicted positions 40i )2 ; 2 ,2 are added at the time t=2 to the first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i and the current positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 ). Then, the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 , the first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i, the second predicted positions 40i )2 ; 2 ,2, and the third predicted positions 40i )3 ; 2 ,3 are illustrated at time t=3 (i.e., the third predicted positions
40i )3 ;2,3 are added at the time t=3 to the second predicted positions 40i )2 ; 2 ,2, the first predicted positions 40i ; i; 2 ,i, and the current positions of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i, 2 ). After the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are and all three of the respective predicted positions 40i ) i; 2 ,i;3,i;2,i;2,2;2,3 are illustrated at time t=3, the display cycles back to only displaying the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 at time t=0 before repeating the accumulated displays of the three predicted positions 40i ) i; 2 ,i;3,i;2,i;2,2;2,3 as described. In one embodiment, an entire cycle of accumulatively displaying the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 at time t=0 and the three respective predicted positions 40i ) i;2,i;3,i;2,i;2,2;2,3 at times t=l, t=2, and t=3, respectively, is about 0.1 seconds. However other cycle times are also contemplated.
[0025] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4, the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 are displayed on the display 36 at time t=0. Then, at each of the times t=l, t=2, and t=3, only the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 and the respective predicted positions 40i ) i; 2 ,i;3,i;2,i;2,2;2,3 are displayed on the display 36. In other words, only one of the predicted positions 40i ) i ;2 ,i ; 3,i and one of the predicted positions
40 2 ,i;2,2;2,3 are displayed individually on the display 36 at the time t=0 and the three (3) time horizons t=l, t=2, and t=3 along with the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 . [0026] In both the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3 and the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4, the processing device 34 causes the display 36 to cycle through the displays discussed above at the times t=0, t=l, t=2, and t=3. As noted above, a cycle time of about 0.1 seconds is used in one embodiment. However, any other cycle times are also contemplated in other embodiments. In addition, it is also contemplated that the time horizon at t=l (e.g., 0.1 second) is illustrated as red, the time horizon at t=2 (e.g., 0.2 seconds) is illustrated as yellow, and the time horizon at t=3 (e.g., 0.3 seconds) is illustrated as green in both the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3 and the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4. The driver of the vehicle 10 is thus provided with a sense of where the vehicle 10 is expected to be over time.
[0027] With reference to FIGURES 2 and 5, uncertainty in the motion of the first and second portions of the vehicle 10i )2 relative to the object 11 is illustrated on the display 36 as fuzziness 50 (e.g., shading or gradients) at the predicted path edges 52 (e.g., 40i,i). In addition, predictions of protuberances 52 of the vehicle segments, such as mirrors, unusually wide loads, etc., colliding with the object 11 may be shown. By using the object detector 32, objects 11 predicted to be within a predetermined distance (e.g., 2 feet) of any part of the vehicle 10, including any protuberance 52 of the vehicle 10, can be identified. In one embodiment, of any part of the vehicle 10, including any protuberance 52 of the vehicle 10, predicted to be within a predetermined distance (e.g., 2 feet) of the object 11 may be highlighted (e.g., prioritized) on the display 36 using thicker lines, different colors, blinking, symbols, increased color saturation, preferential de-blurring, tinting, pulsing, etc. In this manner, the portion(s) of the vehicle 10 predicted to collide with the object 11 are highlighted. In addition, lateral fuzziness or shading 50 may be used to indicate which side of the vehicle 10 is laterally closer (within the predicted positions 40i ) i ; i )2 ;i ) 3; 2) i; 2)2;2) 3) to the obstacle 11. In general, lateral shading 50 may be used to indicate the presence of an object within the predetermined distance of the predicted position of the vehicle 10.
[0028] With reference again to FIGURES 2 and 5, it is contemplated that a split screen or screen inset in the display 36 may show a zoomed in view of the side of the vehicle 10 laterally closer (to the predicted positions 40i ) i ; i )2 ;i,3;2,i;2,2;2,3) to the obstacle 11. In one embodiment, the zoomed in view automatically displays. It is to be understood that those areas, shown on a split screen or inset, may be used to aid further in fine maneuvering in such difficult surroundings.
[0029] In one embodiment, the lateral shading 50 is used with any of the predicted positions 40 during the respective time horizon an object is predicted to be within the predetermined distance of the predicted position of the vehicle 10. For example, if the object is predicted to be within the predetermined distance of the predicted position of the second vehicle portion 10 2 during the third time horizon, but not during either the first time horizon or the second time horizon, only the predicted position 40 2)3 includes the lateral shading.
[0030] In one embodiment, a different (e.g., relatively more muted) color set is used for at least one of the predicted positions 40 and the lateral shading 50 during nighttime or low light situations. It is also contemplated that within at least one of the motion predicted positions 40 and the lateral shading 50, a tint, blinking, etc. is used to indicate an imminent collision and its predicted location.
[0031] It is also contemplated that the time horizon is configurable and may be personalized for individual vehicle drivers. For example, one driver may prefer to be warned earlier, in which case the driver may decrease the time horizons. For example, decreasing the time horizons may decrease the first time horizon from 0.1 second to 0.05 seconds, decrease the second time horizon from 0.2 seconds to 0.1 second, and decrease the third time horizon from 0.3 seconds to 0.2 seconds. In this case, the first predicted positions 40i ; i ;2) i display the predicted position of the vehicle 10 in 0.05 seconds, the second motion predicted positions 40i )2;2)2 display the predicted position of the vehicle 10 in 0.1 second (instead of 0.2 seconds), and the third motion predicted positions 40i )3;2) 3 display the predicted position of the vehicle 10 in 0.2 seconds (instead of 0.3 seconds). Alternatively, another driver may prefer to be warned later, in which case the driver may increase the time horizons. [0032] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
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