Vehicle Door Collision Avoidance via Vision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hatch systems lack effective collision avoidance mechanisms, particularly when opening or closing, as they fail to detect objects in their path, leading to potential collisions and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A vision system utilizing one or more cameras to capture images of the area swept by the vehicle hatch, processing image data to detect objects and control the hatch's movement, stopping or reversing it to avoid collisions, and maintaining a safe gap even when the vehicle's body height changes during loading or unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hatch is opened or closed without object detection, then the operation is simple and fast, but collision with objects may occur causing injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collision avoidance mechanisms with an optical detection system (camera) and electronic control system. The camera captures images of the hatch path, the processor analyzes the images to detect objects, and the control system adjusts the hatch movement accordingly, substituting mechanical sensing with optical and electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the hatch actuator and the hatch itself. This intermediary system includes the camera, image processor, and control unit that mediate the hatch's movement by detecting objects and adjusting the opening/closing action to prevent collisions.
2Reliability
If the hatch stops or reverses to avoid collision, then safety is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary object detection before the hatch completes its opening or closing motion. By detecting objects in the hatch path in advance and preemptively stopping or reversing the hatch movement, the system prevents collisions before they occur, maintaining safety while minimizing unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the camera continuously monitors the hatch path, the processor analyzes the detected objects, and the control system adjusts the hatch movement in real-time based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures safety while optimizing operation time by making adjustments only when necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hatch maintains a fixed position, then the control is simple, but it cannot accommodate changes in vehicle body height during loading or unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static hatch position control system to a dynamic one. The hatch position is continuously adjusted based on real-time detection of objects and changes in vehicle body height. The control system modifies the hatch's opening/closing behavior dynamically to maintain safe clearance while accommodating loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the camera and image processor to continuously monitor the hatch's environment and adjust the hatch position accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions such as vehicle body height variations during loading or unloading, maintaining safety without requiring complex predetermined control sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door control system includes a camera disposed at a portion of the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses a region exterior of the vehicle that is swept by a door of the vehicle as the door is opened and closed via a powered door opening/closing system of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to detect an object present in the region that is swept by the door when the door is opening and to determine if the door may collide with the detected object when the door is being opened. During opening of the door and responsive to determination of a potential collision of the opening door with the detected object, the vehicle door control system positions the door at a partially open position whereby a gap is established between the door and the detected object.