System and method for providing alert to a vehicle or an advanced driver assist system based on vehicle dynamics input

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US62194370A"><text>U.S. Provisional Patent application number 62/194,370, filed on July 20, 2015</text></patcit>, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to vehicle automated tracking and notification systems for motor vehicles.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.

Motor vehicle sensing systems are known which can identify to a host vehicle other proximate motor vehicles and warn the driver of the host vehicle of the other vehicle's movements which may intersect the driving path of the host vehicle. Other motor vehicle sensing systems are known which can utilize the data received from the above noted sensing system and institute changes such as to reduce a host vehicle driving speed, apply brakes, provide audio and visual warning signals, and the like. Known systems may utilize camera systems that receive visual data related to the one or more other vehicles and a computer system to perform calculations and generate vehicle command instructions, and LIDAR (light detection and ranging) which relies on laser light to illuminate one or more target vehicles. Other known systems include the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) system which allows multiple vehicles to communicate with each other using a predetermined frequency band (e.g., approximately 5.9 GHz).

While vehicle communication and sensing systems are known, such systems lack a warning or alert capability from the host vehicle to other receiving vehicles. This field can therefore benefit from improved vehicle communication system designs.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects, a motor vehicle alert system based on vehicle dynamics input includes a communication module positioned in a host vehicle used to receive and send vehicle data in vehicle mobility data format. A tracker module in communication with the communication module is used to periodically update the vehicle data defining a sensed vehicle and at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle. A transient condition data device in communication with the tracker module identifies when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle is present. A message standard conformance module receives data relating the transient condition of the sensed vehicle and forwards the data to the communication module for transmission to the at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle.

In one aspect, a generate message module receives the data relating the transient condition and converts the data relating the transient condition to a vehicle mobility data format.

In another aspect, a traffic hazardous condition module receives the data relating the transient condition and evaluates if the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the at least one other vehicle.

In another aspect, a yaw rate sensor is used to determine a yaw rate of the sensed vehicle.

In another aspect, an inertial measurement unit is used to measure and identify at least an angular rate of the host vehicle and the sensed vehicle.

In another aspect, a list generator in communication with the communication module is used to generate the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data.

In another aspect, a track list created by the list generator is used to distinguish the sensed vehicle from the at least one other vehicle.

In another aspect, the communication module defines a V2X telematics communication module.

In another aspect, a host vehicle warning device is in communication with the hazardous condition module.

In another aspect, a host vehicle hazardous condition module receives the data relating the transient condition from the transient condition data device.

In another aspect, upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module determining that the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the host vehicle a signal from the host vehicle hazardous condition module to the host vehicle warning device notifies the driver of the host vehicle of the transient condition.

According to further aspects, upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module determining that the data relating the transient condition does not pose a hazardous condition to the host vehicle a program step returns to the tracker module.

In another aspect, the communication module includes a V2X dynamics alert message data module for transmitting the transient condition of the sensed vehicle.

In another aspect, a swerve condition is defined when the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the at least one other vehicle.

According to further aspects, a motor vehicle alert system based on vehicle dynamics input includes a communication module positioned in a host vehicle used to receive and send vehicle data in vehicle mobility data format. A list generator in communication with the communication module is used to generate the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data in a track list to distinguish a sensed vehicle and at least one other vehicle positioned proximate to the host vehicle. A tracker module in communication with the list generator is used to periodically update the vehicle data for the sensed vehicle and the at least one other vehicle. A transient condition data device in communication with the tracker module generates data identifying when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle is present. A message standard conformance module receives the data identifying the transient condition of the sensed vehicle and forwards the data identifying the transient condition to the communication module for transmission to the at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle.

In another aspect, a list generator in communication with the communication module is used to generate the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data; and a track list created by the list generator is used to distinguish the sensed vehicle from the at least one other vehicle.

In another aspect, the communication module and the message standard conformance module are compatible with a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system.

In another aspect, a host vehicle hazardous condition module receives the data relating the transient condition from the transient condition data device.

In another aspect, upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module determining that the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the host vehicle a signal from the host vehicle hazardous condition module to the host vehicle warning device notifies the driver of the host vehicle of the transient condition; and upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module determining that the data relating the transient condition does not pose a hazardous condition to the host vehicle a program step returns to the tracker module.

According to further aspects, a method for generating and transmitting data identifying a transient condition of motor vehicle, comprises: providing a communication module in a host vehicle used to receive and send vehicle data in vehicle mobility data format; converting the vehicle data in a list generator to specific vehicle identification data in a track list to distinguish a sensed vehicle and at least one other vehicle positioned proximate to the host vehicle; periodically updating the vehicle data for the sensed vehicle and the at least one other vehicle using a tracker module in communication with the list generator; generating transient condition data identifying when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle is present using a transient condition data device in communication with the tracker module; forwarding the transient condition data to a message standard conformance module in the communication module; and transmitting the transient condition data to the at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle.

Further aspects, examples, and advantages will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a pictorial diagram of a roadway visibility and alert range of a host vehicle using a system and method of providing an alert of the present disclosure;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a diagrammatic flowchart of the system and method of providing an alert of <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>; and</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagrammatic flowchart modified from <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref>.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

With reference to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, a system and method for providing an alert to a motor vehicle based on vehicle dynamics input is generally indicated with reference to alert system 10. Alert system 10 provides vehicle dynamics data from a host vehicle 12 as it travels on a road or highway 14 in a general path of travel "A" to other vehicles on the highway 14, such as to a first receiving vehicle 16 and a second receiving vehicle 18. The host vehicle 12 and at least the first receiving vehicle 16 and the second receiving vehicle 18 are equipped with a V2V communication system. Alert system 10 can include for example a vision system to identify dynamics data of a sensed vehicle 20 in an immediate vicinity of the host vehicle 12. In this manner the information may be utilized for Advanced Driver Assist (ADAS) technology by utilizing sensors that are in an existing centralized processor. The vehicle dynamics data generated and transmitted by the host vehicle 12 can therefore be received by at least the first receiving vehicle 16 and the second receiving vehicle 18, as well as the sensed vehicle 20.

The vehicle dynamics data can be, for example, telemetry data such as vehicle speed, direction, GPS coordinates, and acceleration or deceleration rates of the sensed vehicle 20 as the sensed vehicle 20 changes from a general path of travel "B", which can be parallel to the path of travel "A" of the host vehicle 12, into or toward a modified path of travel 24. The data representing the path of travel 24 may indicate an intersection with the path of travel "A" of the host vehicle 12, thereby warranting a warning to the host driver of the host vehicle 12 that the sensed vehicle 20 may intersect the path of travel "A". Such data transmission is also defined as a "swerve alert". The data representing the path of travel 24 may also indicate a similar intersection with a path of travel of either or both of the first receiving vehicle 16 and the second receiving vehicle 18. In this condition, the host vehicle 12 can transmit data representing the path of travel 24 to the first receiving vehicle 16 and the second receiving vehicle 18. In addition to the first receiving vehicle 16 and the second receiving vehicle 18, the host vehicle can similarly transmit similar data to any vehicle traveling within a predefined window 22.

Referring to <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> and again to <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, alert system 10 functions to send and receive data in a vehicle mobility data format, for example such as Basic Safety Message (BSM) format, which is provided in accordance with SAE J2735 BSM. Vehicle mobility data 26 can include items such as latitude, longitude, time, heading angle, speed, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, yaw rate, throttle position, brake status, steering angle, headlight status, wiper status, external temperature, turn signal status, vehicle length, vehicle width, vehicle mass, and bumper height. The vehicle mobility data 26 is received via an antenna system 28 of the host vehicle 12 and is communicated to a V2X telematics communication module 30. In the V2X telematics communication module 30, the vehicle mobility data 26 is converted to V2X data 32. In a following step, using a list generator 34, the V2X data 32 is used to create a track list 58 (shown in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>) of the data representing the status of each of the various vehicles within the predefined window 22, such as the first receiving vehicle 16, the second receiving vehicle 18 and the sensed vehicle 20.

In an update traffic cluster steady state tracker module 36, the data from the list generator 34 is periodically updated at predefined intervals of time for each of the vehicles within the predefined window 22. At periodic intervals, in a traffic hazardous condition module 38, if data from any of the tracked vehicles within the predefined window 22 varies beyond predefined limits, a transient condition, such as a swerve condition is identified. In the traffic hazardous condition module 38 if the response to the query is "NO", indicating a transient condition is not present, the program returns to the update traffic cluster steady state tracker module 36. In the traffic hazardous condition module 38 if the response to the query is "YES", indicating a transient condition is present, the program transfers to an identification step 42. In the identification step 42, the transient condition, for example data indicating a swerve condition of the sensed vehicle 20 is evaluated against the data of the remaining vehicles within the predefined window 22. If the result of the analyses conducted in identification step 42 is "NO" indicating the swerve condition of the sensed vehicle 20 is not hazardous to the other vehicles within the predefined window 22, the program returns to the update traffic cluster steady state tracker module 36.

If the result of the analyses conducted in identification step 42 is "YES" indicating the swerve condition of the sensed vehicle 20 may be hazardous to the other vehicles within the predefined window 22, the program generates a warning message and converts the warning message to a standard format for vehicle mobility data in a message standard conformance step 48.

Referring to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> and again to <figref idref="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1 through 2</figref>, according to several aspects, the alert system 10 can utilize vehicle sensors such as a yaw rate sensor 52 or an inertial measurement unit 54 in conjunction with a vehicle position identified for example using GPS coordinates, to generate a steady state estimation model of traffic flow. From the steady state model, the alert system 10 identifies a transient condition or response attributed to each of the vehicle signals tracked by the host vehicle 12, otherwise known as a "swerve alert". The information generated by the algorithms or methods can be utilized and include multi-lane highway and expressways where a congregation of vehicles travel synchronously.

With continuing reference to <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref>, if the result of the analyses conducted in the identification step 42 is "YES", indicating the swerve condition of the sensed vehicle 20 may be hazardous to the other vehicles within the predefined window 22, the program in a generate message step 56 generates a warning message. The warning message provides for example data concerning the sensed vehicle 20. In addition to displaying the warning message to the driver of the host vehicle 12, the warning message as previously noted is also converted to a standard format for vehicle mobility data in the message standard conformance step 48. The warning message is then transmitted to each of the vehicles within the predefined window 22, including the first receiving vehicle 16, the second receiving vehicle 18 and the sensed vehicle 20.

According to several aspects, a vision system may be utilized to identify the size and geometry of a vehicle in the immediate vicinity and provide that information to surrounding vehicles. In this manner, the information may be utilized for Advanced Driver Assist (ADAS) technology by utilizing sensors that are in an existing centralized vision processor.

According to several aspects, a method and system as shown in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003">FIGS. 1-3</figref> provide an advantage to the ADAS system by providing or enhancing relevant traffic information to surrounding vehicles also equipped with V2V communication. The system may utilize components with range map capability such as LIDAR or a Stereo Vision system to determine the relevant dimensions of a detected vehicle, categorize the measurements into relevant categories, and transmit the relevant information in relationship to global coordinates. This feature provides vehicle information to the local traffic of a DSRC host to provide a clear understanding of the remote vehicle makeup. This feature also uses geometric data captured from a secondary sensor such as LIDAR or Stereo Vision with the capability to measure vehicle attributes such as size.

According to several aspects, the system and method utilizes V2X Basic safety message information from multiple V2X enabled vehicles in a cluster of traffic to generate a steady state filter model based on the history of the tracked vehicles and generate an alert when an object vehicle develops a transient condition to the filter model. In this manner, the information can be utilized for ADAS technology by utilizing V2X capability and ADAS computing systems to predict harmful traffic conditions when they are not necessarily line-of-sight to the host driver, or to vehicles in the cluster of vehicles being tracked.

According to several aspects, a motor vehicle alert system 10 based on vehicle dynamics input includes a communication module 30 positioned in a host vehicle 12 used to receive and send vehicle data 26 in vehicle mobility data format. A tracker module 36 in communication with the communication module 30 is used to distinguish a sensed vehicle 20 and at least one other vehicle 16, 18 proximate to the host vehicle 12. A traffic hazardous condition module 38 in communication with the tracker module 36 is used to identify when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle 20 is present. A message standard conformance module 48 receives data relating the transient condition of the sensed vehicle 12 and forwards the data to the communication module 30 for transmission to the at least one other vehicle 16, 18 proximate to the host vehicle 12.

A generate message module 56 receives the data relating the transient condition and converts the data relating the transient condition to vehicle mobility data format. A traffic hazardous condition module 38 receives the data relating the transient condition and evaluates if the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the at least one other vehicle 16, 18. A yaw rate sensor 52 can be used to determine a yaw rate of the sensed vehicle 20. An inertial measurement unit 54 can also be used to measure and identify at least an angular rate of the host vehicle 12 and the sensed vehicle 20. A list generator 34 in communication with the communication module 30 is used to generate the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data. A track list 58 created by the list generator 34 is used to distinguish the sensed vehicle 20 from the at least one other vehicle 16, 18.

A host vehicle warning device 46 is in communication with the hazardous condition module 38. A host vehicle hazardous condition module 44 receives the data relating the transient condition from the transient condition data device 38. Upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module 44 determining that the data relating the transient condition poses a hazardous condition to the host vehicle 12 a signal from the host vehicle hazardous condition module 44 to the host vehicle warning device 46 notifies the driver of the host vehicle 12 of the transient condition. Upon the host vehicle hazardous condition module 44 determining that the data relating the transient condition does not pose a hazardous condition to the host vehicle 12 a program step returns to the tracker module 36. The communication module 30 can further include a V2X dynamics alert message data module 50 for transmitting the transient condition of the sensed vehicle 20.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.