ToF Sensor Rear Door Obstacle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless obstacle detection systems for motor vehicles struggle to provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for monitoring the opening regions of side doors, especially when static or slow-moving obstacles are present.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a single primary ToF sensor to monitor the opening regions of both front and rear side doors, with an additional less expensive sensor (e.g., ultrasonic or radar) used when the front side door is not sufficiently closed to enhance detection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single primary ToF sensor is used to monitor both front and rear side door opening regions, then system cost is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate when the front door is open and blocks the sensor view
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between primary ToF sensor and secondary ultrasonic/radar sensor based on the front door's opening state. When the front door is closed, the primary sensor monitors both doors; when the front door opens and blocks the view, the system transitions to using the secondary sensor for rear door monitoring, ensuring continuous reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
A door state detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that monitors the front door's opening state and triggers the appropriate sensor selection. This intermediary component enables the system to automatically switch between sensors based on whether the front door is open or closed, maintaining detection reliability without requiring both sensors to operate simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If ToF sensors are used for obstacle detection, then measurement precision improves, but system cost and vulnerability to contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different sensor types to different spatial zones and operational conditions: the primary ToF sensor handles the zone behind the front door when closed, while the secondary ultrasonic/radar sensor handles the zone when the front door is open. This localized application of appropriate sensor technology optimizes both precision and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary sensor (ultrasonic or radar) is designed to perform dual functions: it can monitor the rear door opening region when the front door is open, and can serve as a backup or supplementary sensor in various weather conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high detection precision without requiring multiple specialized sensors, thereby reducing overall system cost
3Measurement precision
If ToF sensors are used for obstacle detection, then measurement precision at close range improves, but reliability under adverse weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter (sensor type) based on weather conditions. When weather is favorable, the primary ToF sensor operates for high-precision close-range detection. When adverse weather is detected, the system switches to the secondary ultrasonic or radar sensor, which maintains reliable detection performance across varying weather conditions, thus optimizing both precision and reliability
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
This approach reduces system costs while maintaining high accuracy and reliability for obstacle detection, even in challenging weather conditions and with complex obstacles, by effectively combining the strengths of different sensor types.
Implementation Method 1
a primary obstacle sensor (16), in particular a ToF sensor, which is configured to monitor an opening region of the front side door (12) and, at least as long as the front side door (12) is closed, also to monitor an opening region of the rear side door (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for contactless obstacle detection for a motor vehicle having a front side door and a rear side door, using a single primary obstacle sensor provided on the motor vehicle, preferably in the form of a ToF sensor, which is configured to monitor an opening region of the front side door, and, at least as long as the front side door is closed, also to monitor an opening region of the rear side door, the method comprising the following step, which is carried out repeatedly: determining a current maximum allowed opening angle for the rear side door based on an output of a monitoring of the opening region of the rear side door by the primary obstacle sensor and taking into account a current opening state of the front side door.