IP Library Granted Patent US 9,988,046
Granted Patent B2
US 9,988,046 · App. 15/219,493 · Granted Jun 5, 2018

Enhanced collision avoidance

Inventors: Roger Arnold Trombley (Ann Arbor, MI); Erick Michael Lavoie (Dearborn, MI)
Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
B60W30/09B60W10/184B60W10/20B60W40/10G08G1/166G08G1/167B60W2540/18B60W2710/18B60W2710/20B60W2750/30
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,988,046
App. No.
15/219,493
Filed
Jul 26, 2016
Granted
Jun 5, 2018
Kind
B2
Art Unit
3667
USPC
701/41
Abstract

A driver input representing a steering maneuver associated with non-autonomous operation of a host vehicle is detected. A first target vehicle in an adjacent lane relative to the host vehicle is identified. The steering maneuver is allowed when a second target vehicle is detected in an original lane relative to the host vehicle. The steering maneuver is prevented when no second target vehicle is detected in the original lane of the host vehicle.

Claims (26)

1. A system, comprising a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including:

detecting a driver input representing a steering maneuver associated with non-autonomous operation of a host vehicle;

identifying a first target vehicle in an adjacent lane relative to the host vehicle;

determine a threat level associated with the first target vehicle based on a predicted path of the first target vehicle; and

allowing the steering maneuver when a second target vehicle is detected in an original lane relative to the host vehicle and preventing the steering maneuver when no second target vehicle is detected in the original lane of the host vehicle and the threat level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further include actuating a brake to prevent the steering maneuver.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the instructions further include releasing the brake when an accelerator pedal position angle exceeds a pedal position angle threshold for a predetermined period of time.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the instructions further include releasing the brake after the first target vehicle passes the host vehicle.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein detecting the driver input includes detecting a direction of rotation of a steering wheel toward the adjacent lane and wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes actuating the steering wheel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the driver input.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further include allowing the steering maneuver after the first target vehicle passes the host vehicle.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein allowing the steering maneuver includes releasing a brake.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein detecting the driver input includes detecting a direction of rotation of a steering wheel toward the adjacent lane and wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes actuating the steering wheel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the driver input.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes limiting a powertrain output to prevent the steering maneuver.

10. A method, comprising:

detecting a driver input representing a steering maneuver associated with non-autonomous operation of a host vehicle;

identifying a first target vehicle in an adjacent lane relative to the host vehicle;

determining a threat level associated with the first target vehicle based on a predicted path of the first target vehicle; and

allowing the steering maneuver when a second target vehicle is detected in an original lane relative to the host vehicle and preventing the steering maneuver when no second target vehicle is detected in the original lane of the host vehicle and the threat level exceeds a predetermined threshold.

11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising actuating a brake to prevent the steering maneuver.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising releasing the brake when an accelerator pedal position angle exceeds a pedal position angle threshold for a predetermined period of time.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising releasing the brake after the first target vehicle passes the host vehicle.

14. The method of claim 10 , wherein detecting the driver input includes detecting a direction of rotation of a steering wheel toward the adjacent lane and wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes actuating the steering wheel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the driver input.

15. The method of claim 10 , further comprising allowing the steering maneuver after the first target vehicle passes the host vehicle.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein allowing the steering maneuver includes releasing a brake.

17. The method of claim 10 , wherein detecting the driver input includes detecting a direction of rotation of a steering wheel toward the adjacent lane and wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes actuating the steering wheel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the driver input.

18. The method of claim 10 , wherein preventing the steering maneuver includes limiting a powertrain output to prevent the steering maneuver.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 26, 2016
From: TROMBLEY, ROGER ARNOLD; LAVOIE, ERICK MICHAEL
To: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 039257/0390 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20180029592A1 · Feb 1, 2018