Seat Object Retrieval Mechanism for Driverless Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In self-driving vehicles, there is no driver to retrieve objects left behind by passengers, unlike in manned taxis, making it difficult to detect and store such items.
Innovation Solution
An object retrieval and storage device with a storage box, retrieval mechanism, and imager that captures seat conditions to determine and move objects into the storage box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a self-driving vehicle uses an in-vehicle camera to detect objects left behind, then object detection capability is improved, but actual retrieval and storage of the object cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically retrieve and store objects without human intervention. The control unit autonomously processes image data from the camera, identifies objects left behind, and activates the retrieval mechanism to transport objects to the storage box, making the vehicle self-serve its object retrieval function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of a driver retrieving objects with an automated system combining optical detection (camera) and mechanical retrieval (retrieval mechanism). The camera detects objects, the control unit processes this information, and the retrieval mechanism mechanically transports objects, substituting human mechanical action with an automated electromechanical system.
2Extent of automation
If no driver is present in a self-driving vehicle, then automation level is improved, but the ability to retrieve and store objects left behind is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs object retrieval autonomously without requiring a driver. The system self-monitors for objects left behind using the camera, self-decides on retrieval actions through the control unit, and self-executes the retrieval process using the retrieval mechanism, maintaining reliability of the object retrieval function despite the absence of a driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors the vehicle interior, the control unit processes this visual feedback to detect objects, and triggers the retrieval mechanism when objects are identified. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable object retrieval automation.
3Productivity
If a vehicle floor structure is designed to collect trash at one place by inclining the floor, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the structure cannot retrieve objects left on seats in an unmanned state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the camera serves both safety monitoring and object detection purposes, the control unit handles both vehicle control and object retrieval decisions, and the retrieval mechanism can transport objects from seats to storage. This universal design enables the system to perform both cleaning efficiency functions and object retrieval capabilities in an unmanned state.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the camera detection system and the retrieval mechanism. It receives image data, processes object detection results, and activates the retrieval mechanism accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios including retrieving objects from seats that the floor inclining mechanism cannot reach.
Data Source
AI summary
An object retrieval and storage device includes: a storage box in which an object is stored; a retrieval mechanism configured to move the object which is present on a seat to retrieve the object into the storage box; an imager configured to capture an image which includes a condition of the seat; and an object detecting unit configured to, based on the captured image, determine whether or not the object is present on the seat, wherein the retrieval mechanism is further configured to, when the object detecting unit determines that the object is present on the seat, move the object to put the object into the storage box.