WO2025257841A1

WO2025257841A1 - A system and method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2025257841A1
Application number: PCT/IN2024/051700
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunil Kumar CHIPPA; Anusha Jami
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2024-06-11
Filing date: 2024-09-11
Publication date: 2025-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-11

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system (100) and a method (200) for detecting one or more objects (102) for a vehicle (108). The system (100) comprises signal transmitters (104) disposed on the objects (102). The one or more signal transmitters (104) have signal emitters (104) configured to 5 emit a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics. The system (100) also comprises signal receivers (110) disposed on the vehicle (108) that receives signal emitted by the signal emitters (106) and generates an output signal. A control unit (112) secures and processes the output signal, and classifies the one or more objects (102) based on the predetermined 10 characteristics of the received signal. A vehicle control unit (114) is configured to receive the classification at least one of control a driving parameter and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle (108).

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ONE OR MORE OBJECTS

FOR A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting one or more objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In light of significant developments in autonomous driving, there is an increase in the prevalence of usage of fully autonomous or semi- autonomous vehicles, both for urban commuting as well as long distance commuting. One of the primary challenges in autonomous or semi- autonomous driving is recognition of foreign objects and surrounding environment, which has been subject to extensive research.

[003] In the recent years, the autonomous driving technology has seen a huge improvement in recognising the objects and the surrounding environment due to advent of deep learning infrastructures. This allows the autonomous driving to be done effectively at higher speeds. Despite such advances in the autonomous driving technology, detection of most vulnerable users such as pedestrians, small animals and two-wheelers is relatively poor due to various reasons such as a lack of training thereby making it difficult for autonomous vehicles to detect pedestrians, small animals and two-wheelers.

[004] While existing systems are effective for detection of larger objects such as cars, they remain ineffective for smaller objects like motorcycles, pedestrians etc. Some recent research finds that existing forward collision warning systems, which use cameras, LiDAR and RADAR to enhance visibility in semi-autonomous I fully autonomous vehicles give “inadequate results” for motorcycles in 41 percent of test cases, versus under 4 percent for cars.

[005] In an autonomous vehicle using cameras, in situation with fog, mist conditions, visibility of the other vehicles are greatly deteriorated causing distance estimation issues. In an autonomous vehicle using the RADAR, the vehicle is capable of detecting the object but is unable to classify the object and can only do so conventionally till forty meters of range. In an autonomous vehicle using the LIDAR, the objection detection is faster which compared with the autonomous vehicle with RADAR but LIDAR creates a congested recognition with the image formed. Such vehicles face challenges in terms of lower resolution, limited range, complex integration, cost effectiveness and safety concerns in dynamic environments.

[006] Thus, there is a need for a system and a method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle, which address the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle. The system has one or more signal transmitters disposed on the one or more objects where each of the one or more signal transmitters include one or more signal emitters that are configured to emit a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects. One or more signal receivers are disposed in the vehicle where the one or more signal receivers are configured to receive the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters and generate an output signal. A control unit is communicatively coupled with the one or more signal receivers. The control unit is further configured to secure the output signal from the one or more signal receivers, process the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers and classify the one or more objects based on the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal. A vehicle control unit communicatively coupled with the control unit where the vehicle control unit is configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects from the control unit and at least one of controlling at least a driving parameter of the vehicle and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle based on the classification of the one or more objects. In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit may be integrated with the control unit, thereby permitting the integrated control unit to directly secure the output signal, classify the one or more objects and corresponding control at least a driving parameter of the vehicle.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the system for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle has the one or more signal transmitters that includes a power source for providing power to the one or more signal transmitters. An emitter driving circuit is configured for actuating the one or more signal emitters to emit the signal having the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects.

[009] In an embodiment, the emitter driving circuit is configured to receive one or more biological parameters of the one or more objects on which the one or more signal transmitters are provided, determine whether the one or more objects are a living object or a non-living object based on the one or more biological parameters, if the one or more objects are determined as living objects, compare one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects with predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics, classify the one or more objects based on the comparison of one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects with predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics and emit the signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects.

[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to secure the output signal from the one or more signal receivers, process the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers, classify the one or more objects based on the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers, extract one or more dynamic or static characteristics, in relation to the one or more objects. The vehicle control unit is configured to at least one of: control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle and generate the alert for the user of the vehicle based on the classification and the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objects.

[011 ] In an embodiment, the emitted signal is an infrared signal. The one or more predetermined characteristics of the emitted signal includes at least a pulse rate of the emitted signal. The control unit is configured to process the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers to filter out noise and classify the one or more objects based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal.

[012] The vehicle control unit is configured to generate cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects and communicate the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[013] In an embodiment, the cooperative awareness network includes a vehicle-to-infrastructure network for exchange of information between vehicles. The vehicle control unit is configured to control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit. [014] In an embodiment, the system for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle further includes a wireless transceiver to communicate over the cooperative awareness network between vehicles.

[015] In an embodiment, the one or more extracted dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects include at least one of a speed, a position, a profile and a direction of the one or more objects.

[016] In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters include convex surfaces where the one or more signal emitters are oriented along a periphery of the one or more signal transmitters.

[017] In an embodiment, the driving parameters of the vehicle are at least one of a speed control, acceleration control, manipulation of braking characteristics and adaptive maneuvering planning. In another embodiment, the driving parameters of the vehicle comprises at least one of configuration of lighting units of the vehicle in terms of at least one of luminous intensity and frequency of blinking, configuration of audio transmitter units of the vehicle and enabling vehicle to infrastructure communication.

[018] In an embodiment, if the object is classified as a stationary object, the adaptive maneuvering planning include one or more of a reduction of vehicle speed to a predetermined vehicle speed, increase in sensitivity of a brake pedal and limiting an acceleration pedal.

[019] In an embodiment, if the object is classified as a vehicle, the adaptive maneuvering planning include a control over a telematics unit for vehicle- to-vehicle communication, lane change and power steering assistance. In this embodiment, the object classification of vehicle further accedes into sub-categorization of vehicle types such as trucks, buses, tractors, cars and other multi-axle vehicles.

[020] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle. The method has the steps of emitting, by one or more signal emitters, a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects. The method further has the step of receiving, by one or more signal receivers, the signal emitted by one or more signal transmitters and generating an output signal. The control unit secures, an output signal from the one or more signal receivers. The control unit further processes the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers. Then the control unit classifies the one or more objects based the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; and receives, the classification of the one or more objects from the control unit. Thereafter, the control unit controls, at least a driving parameter of the vehicle based on the determination of the one or more objects or generates, an alert for a user of the vehicle based on the classification of the one or more objects.

[021 ] In an embodiment, the method has the step of actuating, by an emitter driving circuit, the one or more signal emitters to emit the signal having the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects.

[022] In an embodiment, the method has the steps of securing, by the control unit, the output signal from the one or more signal receivers. The method further has the step of processing, by the control unit, the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers. Then the control unit classifies the one or more objects based on the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers and extracts one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects. The method furthermore has the step of controlling, by the vehicle control unit, at least the driving parameter of the vehicle based on the determination and the data of the one or more objects and generates the alert for the user of the vehicle based on the classification and the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objection.

[023] In an embodiment, the method has the steps of processing, by the control unit, the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers to filter out noise and classifying, by the control unit, the one or more objects based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal.

[024] In an embodiment, the method has the steps of classifying, by the control unit, the one or more objects based on the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal. The method further has the step of extracting, by the control unit, one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects. Thereafter, the vehicle control unit, generates cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects and communicates, the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[025] In an embodiment, the method has the step of controlling, by the vehicle control unit, at least the driving parameter of the vehicle based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit.

[026] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a system for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle. The system has one or more signal transmitters disposed on the one or more objects where each of the one or more signal transmitters has one or more signal emitters configured to emit a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects. One or more signal receivers disposed in the vehicle configured to receive the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters and generate an output signal. A control unit communicatively coupled with the one or more signal receivers being configured to secure the output signal from the one or more signal receivers, process the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers and classify the one or more objects based the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal. A vehicle control unit communicatively coupled with the control unit configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects from the control unit, communicate the classification of the one or more objects over a vehicle-to- infrastructure network and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle and other vehicles based on the classification of the one or more objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in 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 is a block diagram of a system for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing a method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of one or more signal emitters present on one or more signal transmitters, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the one or more signal transmitters, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a pictorial representation of the one or more signal transmitters disposed on the one or more objects, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a pictorial representation of the one or more signal transmitters disposed on the one or more objects, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of the system for detecting the one or more objects for the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing the method for detecting the one or more objects for the vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[028] The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle. The system and the method are adapted to ensure that small objects such as pedestrians, animals and two-wheelers are detected by the vehicle which drive autonomously, thereby enhancing detection of the one or more objects. Further, the present system achieves accurate categorization or classification of other objects such as potholes, rocks or other road user impeding embodiments. The vehicle control unit post assessment or classification of the one or more objects securely manipulates the vehicle’s driving parameters in achieving a safe autonomous vehicle environment.

[029] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for detecting one or more objects 102 for a vehicle 108, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises of one or more objects 102. The one or more objects 102 are at least one of a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, a bicycle, a pedestrian or a pet. The one or more objects 102 may alternately be multi-axled vehicles such as trucks, cars, buses and tractors. Alternately, the one or more objects 102 may refer to generic road obstructers such as speed breaking humps, pot holes, traffic signals as well as unidentified objects lying in the route of vehicle travel. The one or more objects 102 are present around the vehicle 108 when the vehicle 108 is driven on a road. Each of the one or more objects 102 comprises of one or more signal transmitters 104 disposed at various locations on the one or more objects 102. Each of the one or more signal transmitters 104 comprises of one or more signal emitters 106 which are configured to emit a signal. The signal comprises of one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects 102. The system 100 also comprises of one or more signal receivers 110 disposed on the vehicle 108. In an embodiment, the one or more signal receivers 110 are disposed on at least one of a front side of the vehicle 108, a back side of the vehicle 108, a left side of the vehicle 108 and a right side of the vehicle 108. The one or more signal receivers 110 are configured to receive the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters 110 and generate an output signal. The system 100 further comprises a control unit 112 communicatively coupled with one or more signal receivers 110 that is configured to secure the output signal from the one or more signal receivers 110, process the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers, classify one or more objects 102 based on the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal. The system 100 also comprises of a vehicle control unit 114 disposed in the vehicle 108 and is communicatively with the control unit 112. The vehicle control unit 114 manages data integration, decision-making and alerting. The vehicle control unit 114 is configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects 102 from the control unit 112 and perform at least one of controlling at least a driving parameter of the vehicle 108 or generate an alert for a user of the vehicle 108 based on the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[030] In another aspect, the vehicle control unit 114 is configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects 102 from the control unit 112. Thereafter, the control unit 114 is configured to communicate the classification of the one or more objects 102 over a vehicle-to-infrastructure network, and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle 108 and other vehicles based on the classification of the one or more objects 102. [031 ] A control unit 112 is capable of executing machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. In some embodiments, a memory unit, may be in communication with the control unit 112, is capable of storing machine executable instructions. Further, the control unit 112 is in communication with components such as the preprocessing module and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the control unit 112 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the control unit 112 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the control unit 112 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the control unit 112 is embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured to the control unit to perform the operations described herein.

[032] In an embodiment, the vehicle-to-infrastructure network is a network that enables communication between or among different vehicles and other infrastructure surrounding the vehicle. Accordingly, the vehicle-to- infrastructure network may be a wireless network for example a mobile or cellular network, or any suitable combination thereof. The network may include one or more portions that constitute a private network, a public network like Internet, or any suitable combination thereof. Any one or more portions of the network may communicate information via a transmission medium. As used herein, the term “transmission medium” may refer to any intangible medium that is capable of communicating or transmitting instructions for execution by a machine such as one or more processors of such a machine and can include digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of such software.

[033] The vehicle-to-infrastructure network refers to a connection structure in which information exchange is possible between respective nodes such as a plurality of terminals, including vehicle and servers. Examples of such networks may include, but not limited to, 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wde Area Network), PAN (Personal Area Network), Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), RF (Radio Frequency), Bluetooth (Bluetooth) network, NFC (Near-Field Communication) network, satellite broadcasting network, analog broadcasting network, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) networks, etc. Terminals provided at the vehicle may comprise, a wireless communication device that is guaranteed portability and mobility, navigation, Personal Communication System (PCS), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), W-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro) Terminal, Personal Handy-phone System (PHS), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), smartphone, smart-pad.

[034] In an embodiment, the control unit 112 is configured to secure the output signal from the one or more signal receivers 110, process the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers 110, classify the one or more objects based on the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers 110, and extract one or more dynamic and static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects 102. The vehicle control unit 114 is configured to control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle 108 or generate the alert for the user of the vehicle 108 based on the classification or the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the term “one or more dynamic characteristics” in relation to the one or more objects 102 correspond to at least one of a speed of the one or more objects 102, a position of the one or more objects 102 relative to the road, a position of the one or more objects 102 relative to the vehicle 108, a profile of the one or more objects 102 and a direction of motion the one or more objects 102.

[035] In an embodiment, the emitted signal is an infrared signal and the one or more receivers 110 are cameras. In an embodiment, the infrared signal is capable of being captured through the cameras. In an embodiment, when a video feed is viewed through the cameras, the infrared emitter area has a higher area of emissions. In an embodiment, the one or more receivers 110 contain more emitter LEDs in different predetermined orientations, the image/aura that the cameras see around the one or more receivers 110 is higher, thereby enhancing visibility of the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the camera is an infrared thermal camera which can improve the reception of the emitted infrared signal in challenging lighting conditions or scenarios where the one or more objects are not easily visible to visible light cameras.

[036] In an embodiment, the infrared thermal camera is used alongside a visible light camera. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 comprises convex surfaces where the one or more signal emitters 106 are oriented along a periphery of the one or more signal transmitters 104 thereby, enhancing perception by the vehicle 108 whilst enhancing radiation in different directions.

[037] In an embodiment, where the emitted signal is the infrared signal and where the one or more predetermined characteristics of the emitted signal comprises at least a pulse rate of the emitted signal, the control unit 112 is configured to process the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers 110 to filter out noise and classify the one or more objects 102 based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal. [038] In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 comprises the one or more signal emitters 106 that are configured to emit a signal at the pulse rate corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[039] In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 comprises of a power source 124 for providing power to the one or more signal transmitters 104. In an embodiment, the power source 124 is one of a battery, a cell or a solar panel disposed within a housing of the one or more transmitters 104. An emitter driving circuit 122 is disposed within the housing of the one or more transmitters 104. The emitter driving circuit 122 is configured for actuating the one or more signal emitters 106 to emit the signal comprising the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the emitter driving circuit 122 is configured for actuating the one or more signal emitters 106 to emit the signal in the pulse rate corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[040] In an embodiment, the emitter driving circuit 122 is configured to receive one or more biological parameters of the one or more objects 102 on which the one or more signal transmitters 104 are provided, determine whether the one or more objects 102 are a living object or a non-living object based on the one or more biological parameters. If the one or more objects 102 are determined as living objects, then the emitter driving circuit 122 compares the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects 102 with predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics, the emitter driving circuit 122 classifies the one or more objects 102 based on the comparison of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects 102 with the predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics. For example, the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of a human will be different to a the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of stray animal.

[041 ] Alternately, the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of a pedestrian walking is different from the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of a pedestrian brisk walking and that of a pedestrian who might be running. The capitulation of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects 102 assist in assessment of the relative position of the one or more objects 102 relative to the vehicle 108.

[042] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 112 is configured to determine a risk assessment strategy associated with each of the one or more objects 102 in a pre-defined radius of the vehicle 108 to mitigate risks of potential collision. As a working example, each of the signal output received from the one or more signal transmitters 104 of the one or more objects 102 is tabulated against a risk factor associated with the classification of the one or more objects 102. For instance, a stray animal may have a level 1 risk factor, while a vehicle may have a level 2 risk factor while a pedestrian walking may have a level 3 risk factor. The provision of the risk factor is indicative of the impact of potential collision between the vehicle 108 and the object, such that a higher impact would be corresponding to a level 1 . The risk factor may also include aspects of predictive motion associated with each object. For instance, the motion of a stray animal, unless leashed, is unpredictable, while that of a surrounding vehicle in-communication with the vehicle 108 is predictable.

[043] Similarly, for non-living objects, such as trees, potholes and other debris, the signal emitter shall generate a signal having predetermined characteristics that are linked to their static and dynamic characteristics. The signal shall assist in profiling of the non-living object, and the control unit 112 shall contain a memory comprising a look-up table linking the classified non-living object against a risk factor. The risk factor for the nonliving object may be similarly calculated by impact based on the potential interference of the vehicle 108 with the non-living object. As an illustration, even pot holes may be sub-classified based on risk factors, such that the depth of the pot hole and potentiality of vehicle toppling at the current vehicle speed yields the concerned risk factor of the respective pot hole, or other non-living as well as living object.

[044] Based on this determination, the emitter driving circuit 122 emits the signal comprising one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the emitter driving circuit 122 is configured to modulate the pulse rate of the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters 106 corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[045] In an embodiment, the emitter driving circuit 122 is configured to compare the dynamic and static characteristics against a pre-set look-up table to classify the object as an animal, the pedestrian or other vehicles. Based on the aforesaid classification, the emitter driving circuit 122 is configured to modulate the pulse rate of the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters 106 corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[046] In another preferred embodiment, sub-classification of the one or more objects 102 is provided whereby the risk factor calculated for each of the object asserting the potential impact on the vehicle 108 is assessed. For instance, an animal may be classified to have a low risk factor if it appear domesticated by provision of a leash, the same animal may be classified to have a medium risk factor if it is stray, the same animal may alternately be classified to have a high risk factor if the biological parameters may be indicative of a neurological/psychological disease such as rabies.

[047] In an aspect, the one or more signal transmitters 104 comprises a bio-sensor configured to capture physiological and biological parameters of the one or more objects 102.

[048] In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 is configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects 102 based on the one or more biological parameters of the one or more objects 102, determine a risk based on the classification and control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 may determine a higher risk if the one or more objects 102 is classified as the living object and a lower risk if the one or more objects 102 is classified as the non-living object. In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 may determine the risk based on both the biological parameters and dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects 102.

[049] In an embodiment, the control unit 112 is configured to classify the one or more objects 102 based on the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers 110 corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal, extract the one or more dynamic or static in relation to the one or more objects 102. The vehicle control unit 114 is configured to generate cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects 102 and communicate the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 108. The cooperative awareness network comprises of the classification of the one or more objects 102 which is communicated to the other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 108 through a transceiver thereby, helps the other vehicles in collision avoidance, cooperative manoeuvres like platooning and smoother traffic flow. In an embodiment, the cooperative awareness network also communicates the classification of the one or more objects 102 to infrastructure present around the vehicle 108. In the embodiment, the infrastructure is at least one of a road infrastructure such as traffic lights, traffic signs and traffic management system thereby, enhancing traffic signal optimization and real-time traffic management.

[050] Further, the cooperative awareness network leads to reduction in processing time owing to successful communication of the classified one or more objects, reducing the overall system latency in development of an effective autonomous vehicle-infrastructure network. Further, dependencies on in-vehicle sensors is reduced, since the same information or object classification is being securely transmitted by other vehicle and infrastructure elements in the vicinity.

[051 ] In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 is configured to control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle 108 based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit 114.

[052] In an embodiment, the driving parameters are at least one of a speed control and adaptive manoeuvring planning. In an embodiment, the adaptive manoeuvring planning comprises of one or more of a reduction of vehicle speed to a predetermined vehicle speed, increase in sensitivity of a brake pedal and limiting an acceleration pedal. In an embodiment, if the object is classified as a stationary object, the adaptive maneuvering planning comprises one or more of a reduction of vehicle speed to a predetermined vehicle speed, increase in sensitivity of a brake pedal and limiting an acceleration pedal. [053] Alternatively, if the object is classified as a vehicle, the adaptive maneuvering planning comprises a control over a telematics unit for vehicle- to-vehicle communication, lane change and power steering assistance.

[054] In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 controls a throttle/acceleration, braking, steering, gear selection, cruise control and suspension of the vehicle 108 based on the classification of the one or more objects 102 and/or cooperative awareness data. In an embodiment, the adaptive manoeuvring planning comprises of obstacle detection and avoidance, traffic signal detection based on the classification of the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the adaptive manoeuvring planning comprises of giving way to the one or more objects 102 based on the classification of the one or more objects 102, stops and goes based on the cooperative awareness network and performs emergency braking, evasive manoeuvres based on the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[055] For example, in operation, if the one or more objects 102 are classified as a stationary object, the route of the vehicle is altered along with the speed in avoidance of any impact of head-on collision. Similarly, if the one or more objects 102 are classified as another vehicle such as a car or a truck, then the route, lane change ability, braking and vehicle speed ought to be modified. Further vehicle-to-vehicle communication is established, and indicator lamps may be set to blinking to indicate an intention of overtake of the vehicle. Alternatively, for example, if the one or more objects 102 are classified as another two wheeler or a cyclist, then a re-assessment of the vehicle lane is initiated, especially since typically cyclists have separate lanes. Further, given that for a cyclist or two wheeler user the vehicle agility is higher, and they can change their lanes more abruptly, a pre-set safe distance is maintained. Alternatively, if the one or more objects 102 are classified as a stray animal, whose movements cannot be predicted since they have a randomised movement pattern, a safe distance is maintained by enabling braking and vehicle speed control.

[056] In an embodiment, the system 100 is implemented along with other aids to autonomous driving technology such as High-resolution cameras, 3D LIDAR technology, Stereo Vision systems etc. In an embodiment, the control unit 112 shall employ various machine learning techniques such as Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) which can significantly improve the system 100 ability to recognize and classify one or more objects 102.

[057] Figure 2 is a flow diagram showing a method 200 for detecting the one or more objects 102 for a vehicle 108, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 is performed by the system 100 for detecting the one or more objects 102 for the vehicle 108.

[058] At step 202, the one or more signal emitters 106 emits a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the signal emitted is an infrared signal. The signal emitted by the one or more emitters 106 is received by the one or more signal receivers 110 at step 204 after which the one or more signal receivers 110 generate an output signal.

[059] At step 206, the control unit 112 secures the output signal generated by the one or more signal receivers 110 and processes the secured output signal from the one or more signal receivers 110 at step 208. In an embodiment, the output signal is processed by decoding the output signal and conditioning the signal to filter out the noise.

[060] Then at step 210, the control unit 112 is adapted to classify the one or more objects 102 based on the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal.

[061 ] At step 212, a vehicle control unit 114 disposed in the vehicle 108 receives the classification of the one or more objects 102 from the control unit 112 and moves to the step of 214 at which the vehicle control unit 114 controls at least a driving parameter of the vehicle 108 based on the determination of the one or more objects 102 or the vehicle control unit 114 moves to step 216 at which the vehicle control unit 114 generates an alert for a user of the vehicle 108 based on the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[062] In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step where the emitter driving circuit 122 actuates the one or more signal emitters 106 to emit the signal comprising the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step where the control unit 112 extracts the one or more dynamic and static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects. In an embodiment, the method comprises of the step where the control unit 114 controls at least a driving parameter of the vehicle 108 based on the determination and the data of the one or more objects 102 and generates the alert for the user if the vehicle 108 based on the classification and the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objects 102. In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step the step where the control unit 112 processes the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers 110 to filter out noise and classify the one or more objects 102 based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal.

[063] In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step where the vehicle control unit 114 generates the cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects (102) and communicates the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle 108. In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises the step where the vehicle control unit 114 controls at least the driving parameter of the vehicle 108 based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit 114.

[064] Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of the one or more signal emitters 106 present on the one or more signal transmitters 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 are in a predefined shape such as a circular shape or a square shape depending on the predefined characteristics of the signal emitted by the one or more emitters 106. In an embodiment, the one or more emitters 106 are placed in convex surfaces as shown in the figure along the periphery of the one or more transmitters 104. In an embodiment, the convex surfaces can be placed all over a face of the one or more transmitters 104.

[065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the one or more signal transmitters 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 106 comprises of a power source 124 and an emitter driving circuit 122 configured to actuate the one or more signal emitters 106 to emit the signal comprising the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects 102.

[066] Figure 5 is a pictorial representation of the one or more signal transmitters 104 disposed on the one or more objects 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 are disposed on a pedestrian. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 are disposed on a backpack of the pedestrian thereby enabling the control unit 114 on the vehicle 108 classify the one or more objects as a pedestrian.

[067] Figure 6 is a pictorial representation of the one or more signal transmitters 104 disposed on the one or more objects 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment the one or more transmitters 104 are disposed on two-wheeled vehicles such as a motorcycle or a bicycle. In an embodiment, the one or more signal transmitters 104 are disposed on a helmet of a rider of the two-wheeled vehicles. In an embodiment, the one or more transmitters 104 are disposed on a jacket worn by the rider of the two-wheeled vehicles.

[068] Figure 7 is a block diagram of the system 100 for detecting the one or more objects 102 for the vehicle 108, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises of the signal transmitters 104 disposed on the object 102 where the signal transmitters 104 are capable of emitting the signal receivers disposed 110 on the vehicle 108. The control unit 112 is disposed in the vehicle 108 and is communicatively coupled with the vehicle control unit 114. The vehicle control unit 114 is also communicatively coupled with wireless transceiver 118 where the vehicle control unit 114 communicates the cooperative awareness network to vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to- infrastructure wirelessly.

[069] Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing a method 800 for detecting the one or more objects 102 for the vehicle 108, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 800 is performed by the system 100 for detecting the one or more objects 102 for the vehicle 108. At step 802, infrared signals are emitted by the one or more transmitters 104 which are disposed on vehicles or pedestrians. [070] At step 804, the infrared signals emitted by the one or more transmitters 104 are received by the signal receivers 104 disposed on the vehicle 108. The control unit 112, at step 806, processes the infrared signal received from the one or more receivers 110 and conditions the received infrared signal at step 808 by filtering and/or amplification to enhance signal quality.

[071 ] At step 810, the control unit 112 extracts the data such as one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects 102 and then moves to step 812 where the object is classified based on the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objects 102.

[072] At step 814, the control unit 112 wirelessly transmits the data extracted through the transceiver establishing vehicle-to-vehicle communication or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.

[073] At step 816, the vehicle control unit 114 receives the classification of the one or more objects 102 from the control unit 112 and activates the alert system at step 818.

[074] At step 820, the vehicle control unit 114 performs the adaptive manoeuvring planning of the vehicle 108 based on the classification of the one or more objects 102.

[075] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and method for detecting one or more objects for a vehicle, which is capable of classifying and detecting stationary objects such as trees, and well as moving objects such as vehicles, cyclists and animals. Based on this classification, the vehicle control unit controls one or more driving parameters and/or generates an alert. By using the infrared signal, safety of autonomous vehicles is improved through infrared communication and there is enhanced object detection in blind spots, while not suffering from limitations of using only visible light cameras, or RADAR or LiDAR.

[076] Due to the infrared transmitters being disposed on the one or more objects, there is improved detection of two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, stray animals etc., due to which overall safety of autonomous driving systems is improved. The system provides a comprehensive solution for autonomous vehicle safety and precision in classification of one or more objects.

[077] The cost of the infrared emitter is low, thereby making the system a cost effective solution. The vehicle control unit controls the driving parameters in the vehicle based on the cooperative awareness network thereby promoting collaborative communication which enhances overall traffic efficiency and safety.

[078] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. List of Reference Numerals

102 - One or more objects

104 - One or more signal transmitters

106 - One or more signal emitters 108 - Vehicle

110 - One or more signal receivers

112 - Control Unit

114 - Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)

118 - Wireless transceiver 122 - Emitter driver circuit

124 - Power source

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A system (100) for detecting one or more objects (102) for a vehicle (108), the system (100) comprising: one or more signal transmitters (104) disposed on the one or more objects (102), each of the one or more signal transmitters (104) comprising one or more signal emitters (106) configured to emit a signal comprising one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects (102); one or more signal receivers (110) disposed in the vehicle (108), the one or more signal receivers (110) configured to receive the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters (106) and generate an output signal; a control unit (112) communicatively coupled with the one or more signal receivers (110), the control unit (112) being configured to: secure, the output signal from the one or more signal receivers (110); process, the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110); and classify, the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; and a vehicle control unit (114) communicatively coupled with the control unit (112), the vehicle control unit (114) configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects (102) from the control unit (112), and at least one of: control, at least a driving parameter of the vehicle (108) and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle (108) based on the classification of the one or more objects (102).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more signal transmitters (104) comprises: a power source (124) for providing power to the one or more signal transmitters (104); and an emitter driving circuit (122) configured for actuating the one or more signal emitters (106) to emit the signal comprising the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects (102).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the emitter driving circuit (122) being configured to: receive, one or more biological parameters of the one or more objects (102) on which the one or more signal transmitters (104) are provided; determine whether the one or more objects (102) are living objects or non-living objects based on the one or more biological parameters; if the one or more objects (102) are determined as living objects, compare one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects (102) with predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics; classify the one or more objects (102) based on the comparison of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics of the one or more objects (102) with predetermined values of the one or more dynamic and static characteristics; and emit the signal comprising one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the classification of the one or more objects (102).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (112) being configured to: secure, the output signal from the one or more signal receivers (110); process, the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers (110); classify, the one or more objects (102)based on the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers (110); extract, one or more dynamic or static characteristics, in relation to the one or more objects (102) ; and wherein the vehicle control unit (114) is configured to at least one of: control, at least the driving parameter of the vehicle (108) and generate the alert for the user of the vehicle (108) based on the classification and the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objects (102).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the emitted signal is an infrared signal, and wherein the one or more predetermined characteristics of the emitted signal comprises at least a pulse rate of the emitted signal, and the control unit (112) being configured to: process, the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers

(110) to filter out noise; and classify, the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (112) is configured to: classify, the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110) corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; and extract, the one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects (102); and the vehicle control unit (114) is configured to: generate, cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects (102); and communicate, the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle (108).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cooperative awareness network comprises a vehicle-to-infrastructure network for exchange of information between vehicles, and the vehicle control unit (114) being configured to control at least the driving parameter of the vehicle (108) based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit (114).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the system (100) further comprises a wireless transceiver to communicate over the cooperative awareness network between vehicles (108).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more extracted dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects (102) comprises is at least one of a speed, a position, a profile and a direction of the one or more objects (102).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more signal transmitters (104) comprises of convex surfaces where the one or more signal emitters (106) are oriented along a periphery of the one or more signal transmitters (104).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the driving parameters of the vehicle (108) are at least one of a speed control and adaptive maneuvering planning.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein if the object is classified as a stationary object, the adaptive maneuvering planning comprises one or more of a reduction of vehicle speed to a predetermined vehicle speed, increase in sensitivity of a brake pedal and limiting an acceleration pedal.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein if the object is classified as a vehicle, the adaptive maneuvering planning comprises a control over a telematics unit for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, lane change and power steering assistance.

14. A method (200) for detecting one or more objects (102) for a vehicle (108), the method (200) comprising the steps of: emitting, by one or more signal emitters (106), a signal having one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects (102); receiving, by one or more signal receivers (110), the signal emitted by one or more signal transmitters (104) and generating an output signal; securing, by a control unit (112), an output signal from the one or more signal receivers (110); processing, by the control unit (112), the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110); classifying, by the control unit (112), the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; and receiving, by a vehicle control unit (114), the classification of the one or more objects (102) from the control unit (112) and at least one of: controlling, by the vehicle control unit (114), at least a driving parameter of the vehicle (108) based on the determination of the one or more objects (102); and generating, by the vehicle control unit (114, an alert for a user of the vehicle (108) based on the classification of the one or more objects (102).

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising the steps of: actuating, by an emitter driving circuit (122), the one or more signal emitters (106) to emit the signal comprising the one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects (102).

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising the steps of: securing, by the control unit (112), the output signal from the one or more signal receivers (110); processing, by the control unit (112), the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers (110); classifying, by the control unit (112), the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal received from the one or more signal receivers (110); extracting, by the control unit (112), one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects (102); and controlling, by the vehicle control unit (114), at least the driving parameter of the vehicle (108) based on the determination and the data of the one or more objects (102); and generating, by the vehicle control unit (114), the alert for the user of the vehicle (108) based on the classification and the one or more dynamic or static characteristics of the one or more objection (102).

17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11 , the method (200) comprising the steps of: processing, by the control unit (112), the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110) to filter out noise; and classifying, by the control unit (112), the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal corresponding to the pulse rate of the emitted signal;

18. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising the steps of: classifying, by the control unit (112), the one or more objects (102) based on the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110) corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; extracting, by the control unit (112), one or more dynamic or static characteristics in relation to the one or more objects (102); generating, by the vehicle control unit (114), cooperative awareness network in relation to data of the one or more objects (102); and communicating, by the vehicle control unit (114), the cooperative awareness network to other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle (108).

19. The method (200) as claimed in claim 11 , comprising the steps of: controlling, by the vehicle control unit (114), at least the driving parameter of the vehicle (108) based on the integration of the cooperative awareness network with the vehicle control unit (114).

20. A system (100) for detecting one or more objects (102) for a vehicle (108), the system (100) comprising: one or more signal transmitters (104) disposed on the one or more objects (102), each of the one or more signal transmitters (104) comprising one or more signal emitters (106) configured to emit a signal comprising one or more predetermined characteristics corresponding to the one or more objects (102); one or more signal receivers (110) disposed in the vehicle (108), the one or more signal receivers (110) configured to receive the signal emitted by the one or more signal emitters (106) and generate an output signal; a control unit (112) communicatively coupled with the one or more signal receivers (110), the control unit (112) being configured to: secure, the output signal from the one or more signal receivers (110); process, the output signal secured from the one or more signal receivers (110); and classify, the one or more objects (102) based the output signal corresponding to the one or more predetermined characteristics of the received signal; and a vehicle control unit (114) communicatively coupled with the control unit (112), the vehicle control unit (114) configured to receive the classification of the one or more objects (102) from the control unit (112), communicate the classification of the one or more objects (102) over a vehicle-to-infrastructure network, and generate an alert for a user of the vehicle (108) and other vehicles based on the classification of the one or more objects (102).