Liftgate Camera Object Detection and Trajectory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle liftgate systems often accidentally contact people or objects while closing due to the lack of effective detection methods, as they rely on pressure sensors that only trigger after contact, which can cause injuries or damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera and sensors on the liftgate to detect objects within its closing path, estimate their trajectory, and control the liftgate's speed to prevent contact, while also using mobile device proximity detection to dynamically adjust the threshold for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are used to detect objects in the closing path, then the system can prevent liftgate from closing on detected objects, but the sensors only trigger after contact has already occurred, causing potential injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The camera captures images of the closing path before the liftgate completes its closing motion. The processor analyzes these images to detect objects or persons in the closing path and generates warnings to users before contact occurs, enabling preventive action rather than reactive response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with an optical detection system using a camera and image processing. This substitution allows for non-contact detection of objects in the closing path, providing advance warning before the liftgate makes contact.
2Reliability
If a camera is used to detect objects in the closing path, then detection can occur before contact, but the system complexity increases due to image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a visual copy (image) of the closing path environment. The processor analyzes this optical copy to detect objects, persons, or obstacles without requiring complex mechanical sensors or multiple sophisticated detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera serves multiple functions: detecting objects, detecting persons, determining their location in the closing path, and providing visual information for the warning system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors and simplifies the overall detection system.
3Productivity
If the liftgate closes at high speed, then the closing operation is more efficient, but the risk of injury or damage increases if an object is in the closing path
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the closing path during the closing operation by capturing images and analyzing them in real-time. Based on the detection results, the system provides feedback to the user through warnings, allowing the user to interrupt the closing operation if an object or person is detected, thus preventing harm while maintaining high-speed operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a liftgate system for mitigating a liftgate from contacting an object within a closing path of the liftgate. The liftgate system includes the liftgate, a camera, and a processor. The liftgate includes a surface facing an interior of the vehicle when the liftgate is closed. The camera is disposed on the surface. The processor detects, via the camera, an object within a closing path of the liftgate. The processors estimate a trajectory of the object when the object is in motion. The processor controls the liftgate based on the estimated trajectory and a speed setting at which the liftgate closes.