Deployable Underbody Camera for Vehicle Blind-Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging systems lack effective underbody object detection capabilities, particularly in areas obscured by the vehicle's underside, leading to potential hazards from debris, obstacles, and blind spots during maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular vision system with underbody cameras that are retractable and extendable, equipped with a deployment mechanism, an electronic control unit, and image processing capabilities to detect objects and control camera position based on vehicle conditions, protecting the camera from debris and providing comprehensive underbody views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the underbody camera is extended to view the ground surface and underbody region, then object detection capability is improved, but the camera is exposed to moisture and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The underbody camera is designed with a deployment mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between a retracted state (flush with vehicle underside) and an extended state (positioned to view underbody region). This dynamic positioning enables the camera to be exposed only when needed for object detection, while remaining protected during normal vehicle operation, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera deployment mechanism is controlled in advance based on detected vehicle conditions (such as maneuver detection, speed thresholds, or terrain conditions). The system proactively extends the camera before potential hazards arise and retracts it when conditions are safe, preventing exposure to moisture and debris while maintaining detection readiness when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the underbody camera is retracted to protect from moisture and debris, then camera protection is improved, but underbody object detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system transitions from a static mounted position to a dynamic deployable position, allowing it to be retracted for protection and extended for operation. This dynamic capability ensures the camera remains protected during normal conditions while maintaining full detection capability when deployed to view the underbody region and ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The underbody camera system serves multiple functions: it remains retracted to provide general protection during normal vehicle operation, and can be extended to perform specific object detection tasks when needed. This multi-functionality allows a single camera system to provide both protection and detection capabilities without requiring separate systems.
3Device complexity
If a fixed underbody camera is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the camera cannot adapt to different vehicle conditions and terrain
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using multiple fixed cameras in complex positions, the system uses a single camera with a deployment mechanism that adapts its position based on vehicle conditions. The camera can be extended or retracted in response to detected conditions such as vehicle maneuvers, speed, or terrain type, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system autonomously determines when to deploy or retract based on processing of vehicle condition data and environmental sensors. The system self-regulates its operational state without requiring manual intervention, adapting to different vehicle conditions and terrain automatically while maintaining a simple control structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera disposed at an underside of a vehicle. The camera is movable between (i) a deployed position, where the camera is at least partially exposed at the underside of the vehicle and views a region between the ground under the vehicle and at least a portion of the underside of the vehicle, and (ii) a stowed position, where the camera is moved from the deployed position toward the underside of the vehicle to reduce exposure of the camera. A deployment mechanism is electrically operable to move the camera between the deployed position and the stowed position. The vehicular vision system, based on processing of image data captured by the camera when in the deployed position, determines presence of an object at the region viewed by the camera and operates the deployment mechanism to move the camera to the stowed position.