DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Road accidents have increased in recent time; the major reason being lack of infrastructure, improper training to drivers, and ever increasing vehicle densities on Indian roads. However, majority of all accidents are due to human error like driver’s negligence, over-confidence, or rash driving.
Presently there are numerous technologies in the automobile segment that provide different ways to reduce accidents. For instance collision warning system employing sensors coupled with an alarm fitted in the vehicle to provide a signal to the driver in time of potential collision so that the driver can swiftly react and avoid collision. However, these sensors can only sense one obstacle at one side at a time. Therefore, in situations when more than one obstacle is in proximity to the vehicle, then the collision detection system will evaluate without considering that an avoidance of one obstacle may result in a collision with another on the other side. This kind of detection of obstacles results in wrong decision making when more than one obstacle at multiple sides are involved, thereby resulting in a collision threat to the vehicle.
Further, the existing collision detection systems act only as collision warning systems. These systems generate alarms to the driver in case of a threat of collision. If the driver fails to control the vehicle in response to the generated alarms, then the vehicle will undergo a collision with the obstacle thereby causing an accident.
Moreover, these collision detection systems are generally in built in the vehicle. Therefore, when a customer intends to buy a vehicle he/she has to choose a vehicle model with or without an in-built collision detection system. Accordingly, the price of the vehicle also differs with or without the collision detection system.
Therefore, in view of the above drawbacks there is a need for a collision avoidance system which overcomes at least one of the drawbacks mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle. The system for avoiding collision of the vehicle is retrofittable or inbuilt.

In one embodiment, the system for avoiding collision of a vehicle is provided, the system comprising at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in the proximity of the vehicle; a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle; an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the system comprising at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in proximity of the vehicle; an infrared sensor for gesture detection of a driver; a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle; an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the infrared sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle if the infrared sensor fails to detect gesture of the driver or determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the method comprising receiving proximity of objects from a proximity sensor by a control unit; receiving a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor by a control unit; determining proximity of the objects from the vehicle, by a control unit; and alerting a driver of the vehicle if the object is in predetermined proximity of the vehicle by glowing a LED and/or producing buzzing noise from a buzzer of an alarm unit and/or actuating braking pedal of the vehicle, through a braking mechanism, by the control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for avoiding collision of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle. The system for avoiding collision of the vehicle is retrofittable or inbuilt.

The present invention in first embodiment provides a system for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the system comprising at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in the proximity of the vehicle; a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle; an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

According to the present invention, the proximity sensor is one or more of the sensors selected from a group including a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a vision sensor, and a laser sensor fitted on sides of the vehicle. The proximity sensors input the information related to objects in proximity of the vehicle to the control unit.

According to the present invention, the braking mechanism comprises an air cylinder connected to the braking pedal of the vehicle and a receiver for receiving instructions from the control unit to actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, the alarm unit comprises a Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and/or a buzzer.

According to the present invention, the connection between the proximity sensor, the braking mechanism, the alarm unit, and the control unit is wired and/or wireless.

According to the present invention, the control unit is connected to a vehicle speed sensor to receive information related to speed of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, the control unit generates one or more alarm to signal the driver proximity of objects from the vehicle. Specifically, the alarms are generated by the control unit when the objects are in predetermined proximity from the vehicle i.e. one or more alarms are generated based on distance of the object from the vehicle for avoiding collision. The predetermined proximity is stored in the control unit and the driver can adjustable the proximity range to generate the alarm. Moreover, the control unit determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle based on distance between the object and the vehicle, speed of the object and the vehicle, acceleration of the vehicle, relative velocity between the object and the vehicle, time to collision, etc.

According to the present invention, the control unit glows the LED of the alarm unit as a first alarm to signal a driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, the control unit glows LED and/or activates the buzzer to produce buzzing noise of the alarm unit as a second alarm to signal the driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle and simultaneously instructs the braking mechanism to slowly actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, the control unit glows LED and/or activates the buzzer to produce buzzing noise of the alarm unit as a third alarm to signal the driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle and simultaneously instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle to stop the vehicle to avoid collision.

According to the present invention, the control unit comprises a storage unit to store the proximity data received from the proximity sensor, the alarm generated by the alarm unit, speed of the vehicle, and related data for analysis. The data stored in the storage unit can be used for analysis such as number of alarms generated in a journey, speed of the vehicle, driver response to various conditions, quality of driving, and reasons for accident.

According to the present invention, a speed by which the braking mechanism actuates the braking pedal of the vehicle based on the instructions from the control unit is adjustable.

According to the present invention, the system is retrofittable or inbuilt.

The present invention in second embodiment provides a system for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the system comprising at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in proximity of the vehicle; an infrared sensor for gesture detection of a driver; a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle; an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the infrared sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle if the infrared sensor fails to detect gesture of the driver or determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of the objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

According to the present invention, infrared sensors are used to detect the gesture of the driver. The infrared sensors input the information related to the gesture of the driver to the control unit. The infrared sensors act as sleep detection of the driver; since, if the control unit receives input from the infrared sensors that there is no movement in body parts of the driver such as hand, head, and eyes it instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle to stop the vehicle thereby avoiding collision.

The present invention in third embodiment provides a method for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the method comprising receiving proximity of objects from a proximity sensor by a control unit; receiving a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor by a control unit; determining proximity of the objects from the vehicle, by a control unit; and alerting a driver of the vehicle if the object is in predetermined proximity of the vehicle by glowing a LED and/or producing buzzing noise from a buzzer of an alarm unit and/or actuating braking pedal of the vehicle, through a braking mechanism, by the control unit.

The subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are shown in diagram form in order to facilitate describing the invention.
With reference to Figure 1, a system 100 for avoiding collision of a vehicle is provided. The system 100 includes at least one sensor 102, a control unit 104, an alarm unit 106, a braking mechanism 108, a gyroscope 114 and an accelerometer 112.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor 102 of system 100 is mounted on at least one of the vehicle’s side. The vehicle’s side includes front, rear, right and left sides. Further, the sensor 102 is also mounted on side view mirrors. The sensor 102 is configured for detecting at least one obstacle (or object) in proximity of the vehicle. Advantageously, the sensors mounted on various sides of the vehicle, facilitate in detecting multiple obstacles surrounding and in proximity to the vehicle.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 102 is a radar sensor. The radar sensor has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits radar signals and the receiver receives radar signals reflected by the obstacle (or object), thereby detecting the obstacle in proximity to the vehicle. The sensor 102 after receiving the reflected signals from the obstacle, determines distance of the vehicle from the obstacle. The received radar signals are converted into an electronic signal.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 104 is connected to the at least one sensor 102. The control unit 104 receives the electronic signal from the sensor 102. The electronic signal received at the control unit 104 contains information regarding distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. The control unit 104 is configured for calculating speed of the obstacle and relative velocity of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle based upon the electronic signal received from the sensor 102. The control unit 104 receives information regarding speed of the vehicle from a speed sensor 110. Further, the control unit 104 receives information regarding rate of change of acceleration of the vehicle from the accelerometer 112 of system 100 as shown in Figure 1.
Subsequently, the control unit 104 determines time to collision of the vehicle with the obstacle based upon the distance and the relative velocity between the vehicle and the obstacle.
Further, the control unit 104 generates at least one type of alarm at the alarm unit 106. The alarm is generated at the alarm unit 106 based upon at least one pre-defined parameter. The pre-defined parameters include distance between the vehicle and the obstacle, speed of the vehicle and the obstacle, acceleration of the vehicle, relative velocity between the vehicle and the obstacle, time to collision, etc.
When the time to collision between the vehicle and the obstacle reaches a pre-determined time period and also based upon the type of alarm generated, the control unit 104 sends a signal to the braking mechanism 108 to actuate the braking, thereby preventing collision of the vehicle with the obstacle. The braking mechanism 108 includes an air cylinder connected to a braking pedal of the vehicle. Therefore, when the control unit 104 sends a signal to the air cylinder, the air cylinder actuates the braking pedal, thereby preventing collision of the vehicle with the obstacle. The brake pedal is actuated by the air cylinder automatically just as the driver would apply brake; thereby no tampering is done with the internal braking system of the vehicle. Advantageously, the system 100 can be fitted in the vehicle even after it is bought, making the system 100 as an aftermarket fitment.
With reference to figure 1 of the present invention, the gyroscope 113 of system 100 monitors path of the vehicle precisely to avoid any false alarms from being generated.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the alarm unit 106 includes Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and buzzer located within the vehicle.
In accordance with the present invention, three alarms are generated by the control unit 104.
In an example embodiment of the present invention, when first alarm is generated only LED of the alarm unit 106 glows. If the driver of the vehicle does not respond to the first alarm, then the control unit 104 sends a signal to an air cylinder which is connected to a braking pedal to slowly actuate the braking pedal. The control unit 104 simultaneously generates a second alarm at the alarm unit 106 by allowing the LED to glow along with a buzzer. Finally, if the driver of the vehicle still does not respond to the second alarm, then a third alarm (LED and buzzer) along with full braking of the braking mechanism 108 is actuated by the control unit 104, thereby preventing collision of the vehicle with the obstacle.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, motion of the air cylinder is controlled by the control unit 104 based on the time to collision and the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. Once the vehicle is brought into safe distance zone by application of the braking pedal, the control unit 104 sends a signal to the air cylinder of the braking mechanism 108 to immediately release the pressure on the braking pedal, and the vehicle is brought back into its original speed.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when more than one sensors are mounted on the vehicle; the sensors can detect multiple obstacles (or objects) surrounding and in proximity to the vehicle. An example embodiment of system 100 for avoiding collision of the vehicle with multiple obstacles is mentioned below:
For example, a vehicle in-the front of the vehicle with system for avoiding collision which is about to collide with the vehicle with the system and at the same time there is another vehicle tailgating the vehicle with the system. In such a situation in order to avoid collision of the vehicle with the system with the vehicle in-front, if the system 100 applies full immediate braking, then the vehicle with the system will collide with the vehicle tailgating at the back. To avoid this kind of collision, the system 100 applies slow braking making sure that the vehicle with the system does not collide with either of the vehicles in the front as well as in the back. Similarly, if the vehicle with the system needs to accelerate to avoid collision from the back, the system100 slowly accelerates to avoid collision with the vehicle at the front.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in cities distance between bumper of vehicle with the system for avoiding collision and bumper of vehicle without the system in-front is pre-defined by city traffic police. Therefore, in case of bumper to bumper traffic between the vehicles, generally speed of the vehicle with the system will be less than 10 km per hour and hence the system 100 will initiate braking mechanism when the bumper distance between the vehicles is approximately less than 1 meter. The distance for braking of the vehicle with the system will generally be less than the pre-defined bumper to bumper distance of the vehicles set by the traffic police. The distance for braking of the vehicle with the system in case of pre-defined bumper to bumper distance as set by the traffic police is calculated by the system 100 based upon the relative velocity of the vehicle with the system.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the system 100 can be used as an add-on feature to vehicles. Advantageously, the system 100 can be installed once the vehicle is bought, thereby saving on costs for in-built collision detection systems.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, system 100 also includes a vision based sensor mounted on a specific part of the vehicle for detecting pedestrians, signal and sign poles, animals, road and lane markings and accordingly braking is applied for advanced safety, if the driver is driving off road or changes lane without giving turning signals, thereby avoiding breach of traffic rules.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the system 100 is also used for stopping the vehicle in case the driver is sleepy or drowsy and is not focused on driving. An infrared sensor 116 is mounted to headlight control handle bar just close to steering wheel of the vehicle. The infrared sensor 116 is connected to the control unit 104 as shown in figure 1 of the present invention. An example embodiment of the system 100 for stopping the vehicle in case of the driver is sleepy is illustrated below:
At night time between 11 pm and 7 am, the infrared sensor 116 is activated and the driver is required to place his hand in front of the infrared sensor 116 once every 30 seconds, while driving. The infrared sensor 116 is strategically placed that the driver need not remove his grip from the steering wheel. Therefore placing the hand in front of the sensor once every 30 seconds, confirms that the driver is active and focused while driving. If the driver is in a drowsy condition, chances are high that he shall forget to place his hand in front of the infrared sensor 116. When he fails, the system 100 will first cut off the accelerator and hence this shall alert the driver so that the driver immediately places the hand in front of the infrared sensor 116. Time of 5 seconds is given for the accelerator to cut off. This time is extended time after 30 seconds. Even after the 5 seconds if the driver fails to place the hand in front of the infrared sensor 116, the system 100 starts slow braking automatically, thereby alerting the driver. Again a period of 5 seconds is provided for the driver to place the hand in front of the sensor. Even after 5 seconds if the driver fails, this indicates that the driver is drowsing hence the system 100 actuates the braking mechanism 108 and brings the vehicle to a stationary condition.
Therefore, in a total of 45 seconds, whenever the driver places the hand in-front of the infrared sensor 116, the time resets to zero and countdown of 30 seconds begins. The time is calculated by a timer 118 connected to the control unit 104 of system 100.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the driver or any third person cannot place any object constantly in-front of the sensor with an intention to fool that the driver has placed a hand in-front of the sensor. The system 100 constantly looks for a change in proximity of the object placed in-front and determines whether the driver is active or not. To further enhance sensitivity of determining activeness of the driver of the vehicle, a camera sensor is connected to the system 100. The camera sensor tracks eyeballs of the driver. In case where the eyeballs of the driver are closed, the image or video captured by the camera sensor is transmitted to the system 100. The system 100 after receiving the image or video of the eyeballs of the driver, determines whether the driver is active or drowsy. Based on the state of the driver, the system 100 simultaneously actuates alarms and/or braking mechanism of the vehicle to prevent collision.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, sensors can be mounted on side mirrors. The sensors on the side mirrors detect obstacles which are not visible to the driver.
With reference to Figure 2, a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for avoiding collision of a vehicle is shown.
The method 200 comprises the step S202 of detecting at least one obstacle (or object) in proximity of the vehicle by at least one sensor mounted on at least one of the vehicle’s side, S204 of determining proximity of the object from the vehicle based on speed of the vehicle and the obstacle and relative velocity of the obstacle with respect to the vehicle at a control unit based upon the input received from the sensor, S206 of determining time to collision of the vehicle with the obstacle based upon the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle and the relative velocity, S208 of generating at least one alarm at an alarm unit, the alarm generated based upon at least one pre-determined parameter, S210 of sending a signal from the control unit to a braking mechanism to actuate a braking pedal based upon the pre-determined time to collision and the type of alarm being generated, thereby preventing collision of the vehicle with the obstacle.
In S204, the control unit receives a signal from a speed sensor about speed of the vehicle.
In S208 of the present invention, the alarm is generated at an alarm unit based upon at least one pre-determined parameter. The pre-determined parameters include distance between the vehicle and the obstacle, speed of the vehicle and the obstacle, acceleration of the vehicle, relative velocity between the vehicle and the obstacle, time to collision, etc.
In S210 of the present invention, a signal is sent from the control unit to the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism includes an air cylinder which actuates the braking pedal.
Following are the advantages of the present invention:
1. The system can be used by fleet owners for safety of the drivers and its passengers.
2. The system can be installed in any type of vehicle after the vehicle is bought.
3. Due to continuous and timely alarms and automatic braking provided in the system, the driver becomes unconsciously aware to drive safely and keep minimum distance with the obstacle in the front.

While the present invention has been described herein with respect to the various exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to one of the ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, improvements and sub combinations of the various embodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope thereof as claimed in the following claims.
,CLAIMS:
1. A system for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the system comprising:
at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in the proximity of the vehicle;
a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle;
an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and
a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is one or more of the sensors selected from a group including a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a vision sensor, and a laser sensor.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the braking mechanism comprises an air cylinder connected to the braking pedal of the vehicle and a receiver for receiving instructions from the control unit to actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm unit comprises a Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and/or a buzzer.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection between the proximity sensor, the braking mechanism, the alarm unit, and the control unit is wired and/or wireless.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle based on distance between the object and the vehicle, speed of the object and the vehicle, acceleration of the vehicle, relative velocity between the object and the vehicle, time to collision, etc.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit glows the LED of the alarm unit as a first alarm to signal a driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit glows LED and/or activates the buzzer to produce buzzing noise of the alarm unit as a second alarm to signal the driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle and simultaneously instructs the braking mechanism to slowly actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit glows LED and/or activates the buzzer to produce buzzing noise of the alarm unit as a third alarm to signal the driver of the vehicle a close object near the predetermined proximity of the vehicle and simultaneously instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle to stop the vehicle to avoid collision.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a storage unit to store the proximity data received from the proximity sensor, the alarm generated by the alarm unit, speed of the vehicle, and related data for analysis.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speed by which the braking mechanism actuates the braking pedal of the vehicle based on the instructions from the control unit is adjustable.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is retrofittable or inbuilt.

13. A system for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the system comprising:
at least one proximity sensor for detecting objects in proximity of the vehicle;
an infrared sensor for gesture detection of a driver;
a braking mechanism for actuating a braking pedal of the vehicle;
an alarm unit for indicating objects in a predetermined proximity of the vehicle; and
a control unit connected to the proximity sensor, the infrared sensor, the braking mechanism, and the alarm unit, the control unit instructs the braking mechanism to fully actuate the braking pedal of the vehicle if the infrared sensor fails to detect gesture of the driver or determines proximity of the objects from the vehicle in real time and generates one or more alarms based on proximity of objects from the vehicle to avoid collision.

14. A method for avoiding collision of a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving proximity of objects from a proximity sensor by a control unit;
receiving a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor by a control unit;
determining proximity of the objects from the vehicle, by a control unit; and
alerting a driver of the vehicle if the object is in predetermined proximity of the vehicle by glowing a LED and/or producing buzzing noise from a buzzer of an alarm unit and/or actuating braking pedal of the vehicle, through a braking mechanism, by the control unit.