Vehicle Bonnet State Detection Using Camera Field of View Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front bonnet detection systems in vehicles require dedicated contactors, increase vehicle mass, are prone to mechanical wear, and fail to detect damage after impacts, necessitating a more efficient and reliable method for monitoring the bonnet's state.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based detection method that compares the field of view in acquired images with a reference image to determine if the front bonnet is in its normal state, generating an alarm if differences are detected, allowing for state monitoring without modifying the locking/unlocking mechanism and using existing camera systems for other functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated contactor is used to detect front bonnet opening, then the detection function is reliable, but the device complexity and vehicle mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: it captures images for both advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and front bonnet state detection. By reusing the same hardware component for multiple purposes, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated contactors while maintaining detection reliability through image analysis of the bonnet's position and shape
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contactor-based detection system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical switches and electrical contacts that require mechanical connection, the system uses camera images to detect bonnet opening states, partial openings, and deformation, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If a contactor-based detection system is installed, then the bonnet opening can be detected, but mechanical wear and malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contactor-based detection system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical switches and electrical contacts that require mechanical connection, the system uses camera images to detect bonnet opening states, partial openings, and deformation, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and extending component service life
3Reliability
If traditional detection devices are used, then the alarm function is provided, but damage detection after impact is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bonnet detection into multiple states by analyzing different regions of the camera image: normal closed state, partial opening state, and deformation state. By dividing the detection task into specific image analysis segments, the system can identify not only opening events but also impact damage, thereby improving versatility while maintaining alarm functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in image analysis to detect different bonnet states. By monitoring changes in image features such as the visible sky area, bonnet edge position, and shape characteristics, the system can distinguish between normal operation and impact damage, providing enhanced adaptability while maintaining reliable alarm functionality
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A detection method is implemented in a motor vehicle (V) comprising a front hood (CV) in its normal state, fully closed for driving, and a camera (CO) coupled to the upper part of the windshield (PB) and acquiring forward-facing images. This method comprises: - a first step in which the field of view of the camera (CO) is determined in each acquired image, and then each determined field of view is compared to a reference field of view, determined in a reference image acquired when the front hood (CV) was in its normal state; and - a second step in which, if a difference in the field of view is determined, the front hood (CV) is considered not to be in its normal state, and an alarm is generated to warn the driver.