Connected Bike Rack Detection for Adaptive Vehicle Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack efficient methods to automatically adapt vehicle functions based on the presence and type of bicycles accommodated in bicycle racks, failing to consider user preferences and needs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that determines the presence and type of bicycles on a rack using environment sensors and weight sensors, employing object recognition algorithms to control vehicle functions such as route recommendations, theft alerts, and checklist functionalities, leveraging existing computing resources for enhanced user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle systems use existing environment sensors and weight sensors with object recognition algorithms to detect bicycles, then the system can automatically adapt vehicle functions to user needs, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors (environment sensors and weight sensors) to serve multiple purposes: their primary functions plus bicycle detection. The vehicle system processes sensor data to identify bicycle presence, type, and characteristics, then automatically adapts various vehicle functions including route recommendation, theft alert, and checklist functionalities based on the detected bicycle information.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle system automatically controls functions based on bicycle presence detection, then user convenience and safety improve, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting bicycle presence and type using sensor data and object recognition algorithms, then autonomously controlling vehicle functions without requiring manual user input. The vehicle system itself serves the user by adapting routes, providing theft alerts, and generating checklists based on the detected bicycle characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses object recognition algorithms on sensor data to identify bicycles, then measurement precision of bicycle detection improves, but the use of computing resources and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex dedicated mechanical detection systems with a software-based object recognition algorithm that processes data from existing sensors. Instead of using specialized hardware solely for bicycle detection, the system uses computational methods to analyze sensor data, identifying bicycles based on patterns in environment sensor readings and weight sensor measurements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (200; 400) of operating a vehicle system (110) of a vehicle (100) comprises determining (210; 405), by means of the vehicle system (110), the presence of at least one bicycle (F1, F2) accommodated in or on a bicycle rack (160) of the vehicle (100), wherein the presence of the at least one bicycle (F1, F2) is determined based at least partially on one or more sensor signals received from one or more environment sensors (130) of the vehicle (100) and/or from a weight sensor of the vehicle (100). The method (200; 400) further comprises controlling (210; 430, 440, 450, 455), by means of the vehicle system (110) and based at least partially on the determined presence of the at least one bicycle (F1, F2), at least one function (140) of the vehicle (100).