Vehicle Camera System for Real-Time Width Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of vehicles often face difficulties in determining whether a narrow alleyway or tight space is wide enough for safe passage, requiring them to exit the vehicle for evaluation, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system equipped with a camera, processor, and display that captures images of the forward path, allows users to select and measure the distance between two edges of objects using image processing and optional sensor data, providing real-time feedback on the vehicle's screen and audio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driver exits the vehicle to evaluate the width of an alleyway, then the driver can accurately assess whether the vehicle will fit, but the driver loses time and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of the driver physically exiting the vehicle with an electronic system comprising a camera, processor, and display. The camera captures images of the alleyway, the processor calculates width measurements using image processing algorithms, and the display presents the results to the driver inside the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical movement while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the alleyway scene through camera imaging and processes this copied visual information to derive width measurements. Instead of directly measuring the physical space, the system captures an optical copy (image) and analyzes it computationally to determine the actual dimensional information needed
2Loss of information
If the driver exits the vehicle to evaluate the situation, then the driver can identify obstacles and narrow spaces, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of the driver leaning out or exiting the vehicle to visually assess obstacles with an automated optical system. The camera captures the scene, the processor identifies edges and obstacles through image processing, and the display presents the information, making the operation convenient while maintaining complete visibility of the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the assessment function automatically without requiring driver intervention to exit the vehicle. The camera self-captures the scene, the processor self-analyzes the image to identify obstacles and calculate widths, and the display self-presents the results, allowing the driver to remain seated while the system serves the assessment function independently
3Measurement precision
If a camera and image processing system are implemented, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the camera serves multiple purposes: capturing images for width measurement, identifying obstacles, and providing visual feedback to the driver. The processor handles both image processing and calculation functions, and the display presents multiple types of information, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that bridges the camera and display, performing image processing and width calculations. This intermediary component consolidates the computational complexity in a single unit rather than requiring separate dedicated components for image capture, analysis, and presentation, thereby managing system complexity through functional integration
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 drivers to assess the width of alleys or spaces without leaving the vehicle, enhancing safety and convenience by providing accurate distance measurements through image processing and sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture an image of a forward path of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a processor, configured to, responsive to an input to the screen identify two edges of at least one object of the image, measure a first distance between the two edges and output the first distance
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle comprises a camera configured to capture an image of a forward path of the vehicle; a screen configured to display the image; and a processor, configured to, responsive to an input to the screen identify two edges of at least one object of the image, measure a first distance between the two edges and output the first distance.