Shared Vehicle Compartment Lighting for Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shared vehicles often experience issues with users forgetting objects in storage compartments due to poor visibility and the need for detection sensors, which are costly and require driver diversion to trigger alarms.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes lighting means in the peripheral visual field of the driver, activated when the engine is stopped, to draw attention to storage compartments, eliminating the need for object detection sensors and ensuring the compartment's lid retains its functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If detection sensors are installed inside storage compartments to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the detection function from the storage compartment interior and relocates it to the vehicle's existing control system. The detection sensor is moved from inside the compartment to detect door opening/closing actions, while the control unit processes this information to trigger appropriate responses, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the vehicle's existing door detection sensor serve multiple functions: it detects both door opening/closing actions and indirectly indicates the presence of objects in storage compartments. This multi-functional use eliminates the need for dedicated object detection sensors inside compartments, reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If alarm triggers require door opening action, then driver attention is diverted to the door, but this causes driver distraction and delays alarm effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealarm triggering reliabilityVSAvoiddriver operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by providing visual warning (lighting up the compartment) before the driver actually opens the door. When the system detects an object in the storage compartment, it illuminates the compartment area, alerting the driver in advance so they can check the compartment before door opening, preventing forgetful removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary visual warning mechanism (lighting system) between the detection of object presence and the actual alarm trigger. This intermediary provides gentle visual提醒 to the driver, mediating between the detection system and the driver's awareness, reducing abrupt distractions while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If storage compartments are closed with lids for security, then compartment protection is improved, but visibility of contents and control member accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompartment securityVSAvoidcontrol member accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by providing selective lighting only in the storage compartment area when needed, rather than illuminating the entire vehicle interior. The lighting is localized to highlight the compartment and its control member, improving visibility and accessibility without compromising the closed-state security of the compartment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system performs preliminary action by illuminating the compartment area before the driver needs to access it. This advance lighting helps the driver locate and access the control member more easily, compensating for the poor visibility caused by the closed lid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively prevents object forgetting by visually alerting drivers to check storage compartments before exiting, enhancing user experience and reducing lost items without additional sensor costs.

Implementation Method 1

the lighting means comprise a light source and a part made of light-diffusing material and surrounding the opening control member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and diffusion: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3418123B1Shared vehicle comprising means to prevent object(s) from being left behind in a closed storage compartment of the vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3418123B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

shared vehicle comprising at least one storage compartment (1) arranged in the vehicle cockpit and closed by a cover (2), and a means for controlling the stopping of the vehicle engine, characterized in that it further comprises means for external lighting (40) of the compartment (1) arranged in the peripheral field of vision of the driver of the vehicle, means for detecting capable of generating information on the status of the vehicle engine and means for activating said lighting means (40) when information to stop the vehicle engine delivered by the control means is detected by the detection means.