Lidar Cargo Zone Object Detection for Driverless Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

In driverless vehicles, there is no one to notice objects left behind, leading to a need for a technological solution to detect and inform users of such objects.

Innovation Solution

A system using a computer programmed to actuate a lidar to collect data in cargo zones, emitting a light beam and determining the response time to identify objects, with the ability to divide zones and associate them with users, informing users via a device upon arrival at their destination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a driverless vehicle operates without a human driver, then automation level increases, but the ability to detect and notice objects left in the vehicle is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidobject detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system performs self-monitoring using lidars and sensors to detect objects in cargo zones without human intervention. The system automatically scans, identifies, and notifies users about left-behind objects, enabling the vehicle to serve its own monitoring needs despite operating autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the human visual inspection mechanism with automated optical sensing systems (lidars). These electronic/optical systems emit light beams, measure response times, and process data to detect objects, substituting the biological human sensing system with engineered physical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the cargo zone is divided into multiple detection zones, then object detection coverage improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo zone is divided into multiple detection zones, each monitored by specific lidars. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire cargo area by breaking it down into manageable sections, with each section having dedicated sensing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple lidars are configured to scan different detection zones, but each lidar can potentially monitor multiple zones or be reassigned based on detection needs. The system uses a unified data processing approach that handles data from all zones through a single notification system, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively detects objects left in vehicles and notifies users, ensuring they retrieve their belongings, enhancing user experience and reducing loss.

Implementation Method 1

actuate the lidar to emit a light beam into the cargo zone, receive a reflected light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

determine a response time between emitting the light beam and receiving the reflected light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11062587B2Object detection

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A lidar is actuated to collect data in a cargo zone in a vehicle. Upon identifying an object in the cargo zone, based on the collected lidar data, output to a user device is actuated.