3D Environment Mapping for Automatic Vehicle Closure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic vehicle door systems rely on dedicated obstacle detection sensors, which are not integrated with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and lack the capability to perform 3D environment mapping for intelligent closure operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes an ADAS sensor suite, including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar, to collect sensor data, generate a 3D map of the surroundings, define boundary conditions, and control the closure actuator of the vehicle door without the need for obstacle detection sensors on the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated obstacle detection sensors are mounted on the closure, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the obstacle detection function with the existing ADAS sensor suite (cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors) that are already mounted on the vehicle body. Instead of adding dedicated sensors to each closure, the system combines multiple sensor types to create a unified 3D environment map that serves both ADAS and closure control functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ADAS sensor suite is made multi-functional by using it for both advanced driver assistance operations and closure obstacle detection. The same sensors that detect road conditions and other vehicles are also utilized to map the environment around closures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated obstacle detection sensors are mounted on the closure, then closure-specific obstacle detection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the closure control system with the vehicle's existing ADAS sensor suite, merging two separate systems into one integrated architecture. This eliminates the need to manufacture and install additional dedicated sensors on each closure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining closure-specific obstacle detection capability through the unified 3D environment mapping system
3Device complexity
If ADAS sensor suite is used for closure control, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for closure operations may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ADAS sensor suite into multiple specialized processing streams, with each sensor type (cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors) processed independently before being integrated into a unified 3D environment map. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific detection task while maintaining overall system integration, thereby preserving measurement precision despite using a multi-functional sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D sensor data to comprehensive 3D environment mapping by integrating data from multiple sensor types and perspectives. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to achieve precise obstacle detection and spatial understanding using the existing ADAS sensor suite, overcoming potential precision limitations through three-dimensional spatial reconstruction
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 intelligent and safe automatic vehicle closure operations by leveraging existing ADAS technology for 3D environment mapping and boundary condition definition, eliminating the need for dedicated obstacle detection sensors on the vehicle door.
Implementation Method 1
The ADAS sensor suite includes at least a camera and ultrasonic sensors, and wherein the camera and ultrasonic sensors are used in collecting the sensor data
Implementation Method 2
The ADAS sensor suite includes at least a camera and ultrasonic sensors, and wherein the camera and ultrasonic sensors are used in collecting the sensor data
Implementation Method 3
The ADAS sensor suite further includes a radar, and wherein also the radar is used in collecting the sensor data. The radar is a short-range radar
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method comprises: collecting, in a vehicle having an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), sensor data using an ADAS sensor suite of the vehicle, the sensor data collected while the vehicle is moving and reflecting surroundings of the vehicle; generating a three-dimensional (3D) map of the surroundings using the sensor data; defining a boundary condition regarding the vehicle based on the 3D map; and controlling a closure actuator of a closure of the vehicle based on the boundary condition, the closure actuator configured for opening or closing the closure, the closure actuator controlled without the closure having any obstacle detection sensor.