Rear Camera Lift Gate Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems lack an efficient method to automatically open and close powered rear lift gates based on the authorization of individuals approaching the vehicle, often requiring additional sensors and complex manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular vision system utilizing a rearward-facing camera with a CMOS imaging array and an electronic control unit (ECU) processes image data to detect authorized users, allowing the powered rear lift gate to open or close based on image processing, eliminating the need for additional sensors by using existing cameras like rear backup cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are installed to detect authorized users for automatic lift gate operation, then the authorization detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing rear backup camera, originally designed for a single function (providing rear view assistance), is repurposed to perform multiple functions including authorized user detection, facial recognition, and automatic lift gate control. This eliminates the need for dedicated sensors and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable authorization detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing camera infrastructure serves dual purposes: its primary function for rear viewing and its secondary function for authorized user detection. The system leverages already-installed hardware resources to provide additional security functionality without requiring separate sensor installations, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Ease of operation
If manual operations are required to open the lift gate, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of hands-free functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of the lift gate (requiring physical contact and manual lifting) is replaced with an automated optical system. The camera captures facial images, the ECU processes biometric data to identify authorized users, and an actuator automatically operates the lift gate, eliminating the need for manual mechanical interaction and providing hands-free operation convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated control system between the user and the lift gate mechanism. Instead of direct manual operation, the user's facial features serve as the trigger, processed by the ECU which then activates the lift gate actuator. This intermediary layer provides hands-free convenience while maintaining system manageability through software-based control logic
3Ease of manufacture
If existing cameras are used for authorized user detection, then the cost is reduced, but the measurement precision of user detection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the inherent limitations of existing rear backup cameras by optimizing processing parameters in the ECU. Advanced image processing algorithms, multi-frame analysis, and biometric recognition techniques enhance the detection accuracy of standard camera hardware, allowing reliable authorized user identification without requiring expensive specialized sensors while maintaining cost-effectiveness
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 secure and hands-free operation of powered rear lift gates by automatically opening for authorized users and closing after use, enhancing convenience and reducing the need for additional sensor installations.
Implementation Method 1
The camera may include a CMOS imaging array with at least one million photosensors arranged in rows and columns
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing rear of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit (ECU) having an image processor for processing image data captured by the camera. The vehicular vision system, responsive to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines an individual has moved within a threshold distance of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicular vision system, responsive to determining that the individual has moved within the threshold distance of the vehicle, determines whether the individual is an authorized user of the vehicle. Responsive to at least to determining that the individual is an authorized user of the vehicle, a powered rear lift gate mechanism of the vehicle opens a rear lift gate of the vehicle to allow the user access to the interior of the vehicle.