Dual Slit Light Obstacle Detection for Moving Object Discrimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for vehicles struggle to accurately reconstruct three-dimensional shapes of areas surrounding vehicles when moving objects, such as pedestrians or other vehicles, are present, as the integration of cutting shapes acquired at different times leads to erroneous reconstructions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dual slit light approach with a first slit light projecting in the width direction and a second slit light projecting parallel to the contact ground surface, allowing the camera to capture images from a different perspective, enabling the detection of moving objects by calculating the travel amount of the vehicle and reconstructing three-dimensional shapes accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cutting shapes are integrated sequentially during vehicle travel to reconstruct three-dimensional shape, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when moving objects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into two separate measurement systems: one for stationary objects (using multiple cameras to capture cutting shapes at different positions) and one for moving objects (using a single camera to capture images at fixed positions). This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific target, resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the measurement process by capturing images at multiple time points as the vehicle travels. By comparing the positional changes of detected objects across these time points, the system can distinguish between stationary and moving objects, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving coverage.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture images during vehicle travel, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of obstacle detection deteriorates due to inability to distinguish moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measurement system dynamic by allowing the vehicle to travel and capture images at multiple positions and time points. The system processes the temporal and spatial changes in image data to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, achieving reliable obstacle detection without requiring multiple fixed cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from comparing image data across multiple time points to identify moving objects. By analyzing positional changes of detected features between successive images, the system can determine whether objects are stationary or moving, thereby improving detection reliability while using a single camera.
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 configuration allows for the correct discrimination between stationary and moving objects, enabling precise reconstruction of three-dimensional shapes and obstacle detection even in the presence of moving objects, enhancing the accuracy of driving assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first light projecting unit for projecting first slit light toward an area surrounding a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second light projecting unit for projecting second slit light that spreads in a width direction or a front-rear direction of the vehicle toward the area surrounding the vehicle in a direction parallel to a contact ground surface on the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
an imaging unit for capturing an image of the area surrounding the vehicle from a position not included on either a plane including a direction in which the first slit light spreads and a direction in which the first slit light is projected or a plane including the direction in which the second slit light spreads and the direction in which the second slit light is projected
Implementation Method 4
A processing means detects the slit light in the image captured by the camera and reconstructs a cutting shape obtained by slicing the object with the slit light on the basis of the principle of triangulation
Implementation Method 5
a second reconstruction unit for reconstructing a shape of a part hit by the second slit light using the image captured by the imaging unit
Implementation Method 6
a travel amount calculating unit for calculating a travel amount of the vehicle
Implementation Method 7
a moving object detecting unit for detecting a moving object in the area surrounding the vehicle using the shape reconstructed by the second reconstruction unit and the travel amount of the vehicle calculated by the travel amount calculating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A first light projector projects first slit light that spreads in the width direction of a vehicle in a direction other than a direction parallel to a contact ground surface. A second light projector projects second slit light that spreads in the width direction of the vehicle in a direction parallel to the contact ground surface. An obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle using a captured image of an area surrounding the vehicle where the first slit light and the second slit light are projected.