Method for avoiding collisions between a motor vehicle and obstacles

#The present invention relates to a method for avoiding collisions of motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a method for avoiding a collision of a motor vehicle with an obstacle. According to the method, an output signal is emitted from a distance measuring device with a plurality of scanning beams from an evaluation unit being emitted fanwise in and beside the motion path of the motor vehicle.

#A distance measuring device is preferably a laser-based device as described, for example, in DE 40 28 788 A1 and DE 40 28 789 A1. It is important, in this connection, that the investigation area includes not only the motion path alone, but the areas located to the sides thereof.

#An object of the present invention is to provide a collision avoidance method in which an indication is reliably given of the threatening danger of a collision with an obstacle while also substantially avoiding incorrect solutions.

#These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic showing one embodiment of the present invention in which fixed obstacles are not tracked and a moving obstacle is regarded when a determination is made that it is moving in the direction of the motion path; and

#FIG. 2 is a schematic showing another embodiment of the present invention in which a vehicle cornering or rounding a curve recognizes obstacles which do not pose risk as opposed to obstacles that do pose risks.

#In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a motor vehicle 1 is shown schematically as viewed from above, emitting three triads (2, 3 and 4) of laser beams in the direction of travel. The triads are directed into different range areas and have an aperture angle that decreases with increasing distance of the investigated area. The light beams reflected from the investigated areas are evaluated in a conventional evaluation unit (not shown) on the motor vehicle, and a possibly fixed obstacle is evaluated in terms of its distance and position relative to the motion path of the motor vehicle. A movement of motor vehicle 1 in a straight line is assumed in FIG. 1. The evaluation unit then takes its departure from a motion path of the motor vehicle 1 that is limited by two lines 5 drawn using dashes.

#Each of the beam triads 2, 3, 4 directs the central beam into the area of the motion path between the lines 5, while the two marginal or outside beams leave the motion path area. If objects are detected with the aid of the marginal or outside beams located outside the motion path of the motor vehicle 1, the obstacles are then evaluated in terms of their significance for the motor vehicle 1. It is also then determined what sort of obstacles they are, i.e. what kind of motion, if any, they are performing relative to the motion path. If it is detected that, as assumed here, obstacles 6 and 7 are fixed and located outside the motion path of motor vehicle 1, these obstacles are not graded as critical and no warning or indication of any kind is given.

#In the case of another obstacle, shown as a vehicle 8, assumed to be moving transversely to the motion path of a cornering motor vehicle 1, it is determined what significance this obstacle has for the motor vehicle 1. If it is determined that the motor vehicle is both outside the motion path of the motor vehicle 1 and is also located even further from this motion path, the obstacle 8 is likewise disregarded. However, if it is determined that the obstacle 8 is moving in the direction of the motion path of the motor vehicle 1, upon approaching this motion path, a corresponding signal is given by the evaluation unit and gives the corresponding warning or signaling measure.