An assistance system for collision avoidance using context-sensitive prediction

An alert and collision avoidance system is introduced. A new method has been used to calculate a closest point of approach, incorporating a context-sensitive prediction. Movement and routing information were used and an approach for taking evasive action is described. When a potential collision was detected, then an estimation was made of the direction of movement and an evasive manoeuvre was selected. A closest point of approach was calculated between the wheelchair and any object detected in its vicinity. A linear motion vector was calculated based on current speed, position and direction and that vector was compared with the object position.