Patent ID: 6804607
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: G01S,G05D

Abstract:
A method of collision avoidance for a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:determining a variable centroid, said centroid being spaced from said vehicle by a variable distance and direction that shifts as a function of the speed and direction of motion of said vehicle and a predetermined period of time required to analyze contact motion and execute an evasive maneuver, so that said centroid is adjusted forwardly away from said vehicle as a forward speed of said vehicle increases and rearwardly towards said vehicle as said forward speed decreases; monitoring a volume around said centroid with at least one sensor so as to establish a surveillance envelope that substantially surrounds said vehicle; adjusting said volume of said surveillance envelope as said centroid shifts with changes in the speed and direction of motion of said vehicles; tracking movement of targets within said envelope with said at least one sensor so as to identify a target that is converging on said vehicle; and executing said evasive maneuver so as to avoid collision between said vehicle and said target converging thereon.