Cargo Area Image Monitoring for Load Shift Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo area monitoring systems fail to detect and notify drivers of changes within the cargo area, making it difficult for them to recognize shifts or potential hazards.

Innovation Solution

A control device and system that includes an image acquisition unit, cargo area detection unit, and notification processing unit to detect changes in the cargo area using image recognition and notify the driver through sound or display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If an image device photographs the cargo area and displays the image, then the driver can see the cargo area, but the driver cannot easily recognize changes or hazards in the cargo area

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDriver awareness of cargo changesVSAvoidMonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously captures cargo area images and compares them with reference images to detect changes. When changes are detected (such as load shifts, protrusions, or unauthorized access), the system provides feedback notifications to the driver through visual or audible alerts, enabling timely awareness of cargo conditions without requiring the driver to continuously monitor the cargo area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection by the driver with an automated image recognition system. The control device automatically processes images, detects changes using image comparison algorithms, and generates notifications, substituting the mechanical action of driver monitoring with an automated electronic system that provides more reliable and continuous surveillance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the system continuously monitors the cargo area, then changes are detected promptly, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveChange detection reliabilityVSAvoidEnergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic image capture at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The control device acquires cargo area images at scheduled intervals, compares them with reference images, and determines changes based on these periodic assessments. This approach maintains reliable change detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures a reference image of the cargo area in its initial state before the vehicle begins its journey or before monitoring starts. This preliminary reference image is stored and used for subsequent comparisons, enabling the system to detect any deviations from the initial state without requiring continuous active monitoring of all cargo conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250342702A1Control device, cargo area monitoring system, and notification method

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 DENSO CORP

AI summary

In a notification method for a vehicle, a cargo area image photographed by an image device that photographs a cargo area of the vehicle is acquired. A change in a detection target is detected in the cargo area based on the cargo area image. A user of the vehicle is notified of the change of the detection target by at least one of sound output from a sound output unit and a display of a notification image from an image output unit when detecting the change in the detection target.