Vehicle Clearance Detection Using Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle imaging systems lack the ability to accurately determine the clearance height of a vehicle when it is loaded, leading to potential hazards such as collision with low structures or bridges, as they rely on pre-stored data and do not account for the actual height of the vehicle with added loads.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle alert system that utilizes cameras and image processing to determine the height of the vehicle and structures in its path, providing real-time alerts and potential avoiding paths to the driver if insufficient clearance is detected, using sensors like cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to assess the vehicle's height and the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre-stored data is used to determine vehicle clearance height, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the actual loaded height of the vehicle is not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with automated optical imaging systems. Cameras capture images of the vehicle and surrounding structures, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate clearance heights, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and reducing system complexity while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing technology as an intermediary between the camera system and the clearance determination. The image processing component extracts vehicle dimensions and structural heights from captured images, enabling accurate clearance calculation without direct mechanical contact or complex sensor arrays
2Measurement precision
If real-time image processing is implemented to determine vehicle and structure heights, then the measurement precision improves, but the use of energy increases due to continuous camera operation and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs image capture and processing at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control unit triggers camera operation and image analysis only when the vehicle approaches distances where clearance assessment becomes critical, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and processing when the vehicle is at a distance where clearance assessment can be completed with adequate time margin. This allows the vehicle to be evaluated before reaching critical proximity to potential obstacles, reducing the frequency of high-energy processing operations
3Reliability
If multiple sensors including cameras and radar are used to assess vehicle height and environment, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs multiple functions: capturing vehicle images for dimension measurement, identifying surrounding structures, and determining spatial relationships. This multi-functionality provides reliable clearance assessment data without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement task, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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
Enhances driving safety by providing accurate real-time clearance assessments and alerts, preventing collisions and damage by accounting for the vehicle's loaded height and environmental obstacles, and offering alternative paths to avoid hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a camera with a field of view forward of the vehicle... provides the communication/data signals, including camera data or image data
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes at least one camera disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view at least in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. At least in part responsive to image processing of captured image data, the control determines a projected driving path of the vehicle and the width thereof. At least in part responsive to image processing of captured image data, the control detects an object that is ahead of the vehicle and determines the detected object's location in the camera's exterior field of view. Responsive to the determined width of the projected driving path and to the determined location of the detected object, the control is operable to determine if there is sufficient clearance for the vehicle to pass the detected object.