Stereo Camera Depth Map for Vehicle Door Interference Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors in vehicles have limited accuracy in detecting objects close to them, which can lead to issues with door opening, as they may not reliably prevent doors from colliding with nearby objects.
Innovation Solution
The use of stereo cameras to create depth maps of the vehicle's surroundings, determining if objects within these maps intersect with the door's interaction space, and adjusting door operation accordingly to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection, then the detection range is extended, but the measurement precision deteriorates for close objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (ultrasonic sensors and cameras) into a hybrid detection system. The ultrasonic sensors provide broad detection range while cameras provide high precision for close objects. The system merges the detection results from both sensor types to achieve both extended range and high precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cameras as an intermediary detection mechanism to complement ultrasonic sensors. The cameras act as a mediator that provides high-precision depth information for close objects where ultrasonic sensors fail, while ultrasonic sensors handle distant object detection. This intermediary approach resolves the precision limitation of ultrasonic sensors.
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic sensors are used for door safety detection, then the door opening function is enabled, but the safety reliability deteriorates due to limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where camera-based depth maps continuously monitor the door interaction space. The system provides real-time feedback about object presence and depth information to the door control system. This feedback loop ensures that door opening operations are safe by preventing door movement when objects are detected in the interaction space, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If stereo cameras are used for object detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using cameras only in the specific interaction space where high precision is needed (near the door), rather than deploying a full camera system throughout the vehicle. The system selectively activates camera-based detection only when door opening is requested and only in the relevant spatial region, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed. The system includes one or more processors, and a memory including instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method. The method includes receiving first image data from a first image sensor mounted on a vehicle and second image data from a second image sensor mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle including an element configured to open into a space external to the vehicle; generating a depth map from a comparison of the first image data and the second image data, the depth map including an object; in accordance with a determination that the object, in the depth map, is within the space into which the element is configured to open, determining that the object will interfere with opening of the element into the space; and in accordance with a determination that the object, in the depth map, is not within the space into which the element is configured to open, determining that the object will not interfere with opening of the element into the space.