Garage Door State Detection Using Projected Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors, including ultrasound, cameras, radar, and LiDAR, fail to reliably detect the opening state of garage doors, especially when they are partially open or non-solid, posing challenges for automated parking and vehicle entry.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that project a predetermined light pattern onto the garage door and use a camera to detect and compare it with the actual pattern, generating information signals to determine the door's opening state, utilizing a headlight apparatus with LED or infrared diodes and a control apparatus to analyze changes in the light pattern over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors (ultrasound, radar, LiDAR) are used to detect garage door opening state, then the detection range is sufficient, but the detection reliability is insufficient for partially open or non-solid doors
Solution Approach 1:
A light pattern serves as an intermediary between the detection system and the garage door. The light pattern is projected onto the door surface and its reflection or absorption characteristics provide reliable information about the door's opening state, even for partially open or non-solid doors that conventional sensors cannot detect accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in light reflection characteristics (analogous to color changes) to detect the opening state. When the door is in different positions (closed, partially open, fully open), it reflects or absorbs the projected light pattern differently, providing detectable signals about its state.
2Loss of information
If cameras are used to detect road markings or signs, then the camera can capture images, but the camera cannot correctly classify the door as a garage door and recognize its opening state
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by projecting a known light pattern onto the garage door before detection. This predetermined pattern makes it easier for the camera to identify the door and determine its opening state, as the system is looking for specific expected patterns rather than trying to interpret arbitrary images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a camera to capture a copy (image) of the projected light pattern on the door. By comparing the captured light pattern with the originally projected pattern, the system can determine the door's opening state without needing complex image classification algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If LiDAR with laser beams is used for optical distance measurement, then the measurement precision is high, but the opening angle is not large enough to detect doors that open upwards
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from point-to-point distance measurement (LiDAR's strength) to area-based pattern projection. By projecting a light pattern that covers a broader area and using a camera to capture the entire pattern, the system achieves both precision and wide detection coverage, including upward-opening doors that LiDAR's narrow beam cannot detect.
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
Enables reliable detection of whether the garage door is closed, partially open, or completely open, assisting drivers during parking and allowing for automatic control of the parking process by providing accurate information on the door's state.
Implementation Method 1
A headlight apparatus with LED or infrared diodes
Implementation Method 2
infrared diodes
Implementation Method 3
a camera to detect and compare it with the actual pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for detecting the opening state of a garage door or the like, such as a door that restricts entry by a vehicle are provided. A control apparatus generates a predetermined light pattern. A headlight apparatus projects the predetermined light pattern onto the door, while a camera apparatus detects the light pattern projected onto the door. The control apparatus compares the light pattern detected by the camera apparatus with the predetermined light pattern and outputs information signals according to the differences between the detected light pattern and the predetermined light pattern. The differences determine the opening state of the door.