Door Distance Sensor Detection Range Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems for motor vehicles are not effective in reliably detecting objects in the opening area of a door, as they often fail to distinguish between obstacles and vehicle components, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method using at least one distance sensor on the door to adjust its detection range based on the door's opening angle and the state of other vehicle components, preventing the sensor from recognizing vehicle parts as obstacles, and ensuring accurate detection of objects in the opening area by adjusting the detection range dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection range of the distance sensor is set to cover the entire opening area, then object detection coverage is improved, but false positives from vehicle components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection range of the distance sensor is dynamically adjusted based on the door opening angle. When the door is closed or partially open, the detection range is limited to avoid detecting vehicle components. When the door is fully open, the detection range expands to cover the entire opening area for comprehensive object detection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection coverage and false positive reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter (detection range) based on the door opening angle parameter. By establishing a correspondence between the door opening angle and the detection range, the system adapts the sensor's detection characteristics to the current operational state, preventing false positives when the door is closed while maintaining detection capability when the door is open.
2Reliability
If the detection range is limited to avoid vehicle components, then false positives are reduced, but object detection coverage in the opening area is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection range is made dynamic rather than fixed. It automatically expands when the door opening angle indicates the door is fully open, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the opening area. When the door is closed or partially open, the detection range is constrained to avoid vehicle components. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve both high detection accuracy and adequate coverage area at different operational states.
3Reliability
If the detection range is dynamically adjusted based on door opening angle, then false positives are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening angle sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the door's operational state and simultaneously controls the detection range of the distance sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving reliable object detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the door opening angle sensor to automatically adjust the detection range of the distance sensor. This closed-loop control ensures that the detection range is always appropriate for the current door position, reducing false positives without requiring complex manual intervention or additional sensing mechanisms.
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 approach enhances the reliability of object detection in the door's opening area by preventing false positives from vehicle components, thereby preventing collisions and ensuring safe door operation.
Implementation Method 1
The distance sensor can be designed in particular according to the echo sounder principle. This means that it emits a transmission signal, which is reflected by the object and hits the distance sensor again. The distance to the object can be determined based on the propagation time of the transmission signal.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting an object in an opening region of a first door (5) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11). The at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11) is arranged in and/or on the first door (5) and has a detection region (17, 18, 19) in which a current opening angle (α2) of the first door (5) is detected, and the detection region (17, 18, 19) is adapted depending on the detected opening angle (α2). A state variable of at least one motor vehicle (1) component which differs from the first door (5) is determined, said state variable describing a position and/or an operational setting of the at least one component, and the detection region (17, 18, 19) of the at least one first distance sensor (9, 10, 11) is additionally adapted depending on the determined state variable.