Dual Mode Vehicle Blind Spot Sensor System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle proximity sensing systems fail to accurately detect and alert drivers to objects in blind spots, particularly when reversing or towing, as they do not effectively differentiate between stationary and moving objects in different zones, leading to potential collisions.

Innovation Solution

A proximity sensor system for vehicles that includes a zone detection module to switch between near and far zone detection modes, using remote sensors to provide a wider field of view for near zones and a narrower field for far zones, with a response module generating visual and audible alerts based on object movement and proximity to the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single fixed field of view is used for proximity sensing, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously cover both near and far zones effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between near zone and far zone detection modes. The system changes its field of view characteristics based on detected object properties: when stationary objects are detected, it uses a first field of view optimized for near zone coverage; when moving objects are detected, it switches to a second field of view optimized for far zone coverage. This dynamic adaptation allows a single sensor system to effectively cover multiple zones without requiring permanently installed multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If proximity sensing responds to all detected objects, then comprehensive detection is achieved, but false alarms increase due to stationary non-threatening objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse alarms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different response characteristics to different types of detected objects. Stationary objects trigger only visual alerts through cluster lens assemblies, while moving objects trigger both visual alerts and audible warnings through speakers. This differentiated local quality of response allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy while reducing false alarm impact, as stationary non-threatening objects generate less disruptive alerts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the system uses a narrow field of view for far zone detection, then detection precision is improved, but coverage area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcoverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two field of view modes based on object characteristics. When stationary objects are detected in the far zone, it activates a first field of view with wider coverage area. When moving objects are detected, it switches to a second field of view with narrower angle but extended range, optimizing precision for tracking moving targets. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between coverage area and detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7830243B2Dual mode vehicle blind spot system
Publication Date: 2010.11.09 FCA US LLC
  • US7830243B2 patent drawing
  • US7830243B2 patent drawing
  • US7830243B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.