Vehicle Door Obstacle Detection Using Camera and Ultrasonic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for vehicle doors struggle to accurately detect obstacles, especially those with complex shapes, leading to potential collisions due to inaccurate distance measurement and shape detection.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an obstacle detection device that combines an ultrasonic sensor signal processing unit and a camera image processing unit to detect the distance and shape of obstacles. This device is integrated with a controller that performs open operation control of the door based on the detection results from both units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monocular camera is used for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of distance to obstacle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a monocular camera and an ultrasonic sensor into an integrated detection system. The camera captures images of obstacles while the ultrasonic sensor measures distance to the same obstacle. By merging these two different detection methods, the system achieves both low complexity (using simple sensors) and high measurement precision (combining visual and acoustic range data) that would be difficult to achieve with either sensor alone.
2Device complexity
If only an ultrasonic sensor is used for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of obstacle shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges ultrasonic distance measurement with optical image capture to achieve comprehensive obstacle detection. The ultrasonic sensor provides accurate distance data while the camera provides visual information about obstacle shape and appearance. This combination allows the system to detect both the position and characteristics of obstacles, including complex shapes that would be difficult to identify with ultrasonic sensors alone.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor type is used for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of collision prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor types to continuously monitor and adjust door operation. The camera and ultrasonic sensor provide ongoing feedback about obstacle position and distance, allowing the control unit to make real-time adjustments to door movement. This multi-sensor feedback mechanism significantly improves collision prevention reliability compared to single-sensor systems that lack redundant verification.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining camera-based visual detection with ultrasonic-based acoustic detection, the system creates a redundant detection framework. If one sensor type fails or provides inaccurate data, the other can compensate, thereby improving overall system reliability for collision prevention while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integrated system enables precise detection of obstacles, preventing collisions by allowing the door to be controlled to stop immediately before contacting an obstacle, even in cases of complex-shaped obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor disposed on a door of a vehicle and configured to detect a distance to an obstacle within a predetermined detection range by an ultrasonic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle detection device includes: an ultrasonic sensor signal processing unit detecting at least a distance to an obstacle among the distance and a shape of the obstacle based on an output of an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic sensor being disposed on a door of a vehicle and detecting the distance within a predetermined detection range by an ultrasonic wave; a camera image processing unit detecting the distance and the shape based on an output of a camera of the vehicle, the camera capturing an image of an area including a trajectory range when the door is opened and a detection range of the ultrasonic sensor; and a controller performing open operation control of the door based on detection results of the ultrasonic sensor signal processing unit and the camera image processing unit.