Cargo Camera Object Detection for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack the capability to perform tasks typically handled by human drivers, such as detecting objects left behind by occupants and ensuring safe operation without human oversight, leading to potential safety and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system using vehicle cargo cameras and sensors to capture and compare image data before and after an occupant exits the vehicle, detecting the presence of objects and initiating automated responses, such as notifications or safety measures, based on the comparison analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous vehicles operate without human drivers, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but the ability to perform tasks typically handled by human drivers (such as detecting objects left behind by occupants) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs the task of detecting objects left behind by occupants using its own sensors and image analysis capabilities, without requiring human intervention. The system captures images, compares them across different time points, and autonomously identifies objects that were left in the vehicle, thereby making the vehicle self-sufficient in performing tasks traditionally done by human drivers.
2Ease of operation
If human drivers are present to override operational control, then tasks involving interaction between driver and occupant are performed, but the autonomous operation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human driver interaction with an automated image analysis system. Instead of relying on a human driver to notice and communicate about objects left in the vehicle, the system uses cameras, image processing algorithms, and automated notification mechanisms to perform the same functional task, thereby eliminating the need for human presence while maintaining the ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and cameras are installed to detect objects, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs existing sensors and cameras in the autonomous vehicle for multiple functions: primary autonomous navigation and safety monitoring, plus the additional function of detecting objects left behind by occupants. By making the existing sensor system multi-functional rather than adding dedicated specialized equipment, the detection capability is improved without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and computer readable media for capturing image data of one or more regions of a vehicle (e.g., a cargo area of an autonomous vehicle) at various particular times and assessing the image data to determine whether a past vehicle occupant has left behind one or more belongings of value in the vehicle. If it is determined that a former vehicle occupant has left behind an article of value, an audible message may be outputted from a speaker of the vehicle to inform the former occupant of the presence of the article in the vehicle or a notification may be sent to a mobile device of the former occupant. The audible message may be outputted, for example, while the former occupant is beyond a predetermined distance from the vehicle, but still within range of hearing the message.