Vehicle Obstacle Detection Using Depth Camera Clearance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
High vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are prone to collisions with structures having lower clearance heights due to inadequate detection systems, leading to accidents, as existing solutions like traffic sign detection are not comprehensive and stationary systems are costly and limited in coverage.
Innovation Solution
A non-stationary collision avoidance system integrated into the vehicle, utilizing on-board components like front and rear depth cameras and processors to detect obstacles above the vehicle's height, generating depth images in real-time and triggering safety operations to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traffic sign detection systems are used to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the system is not comprehensive and fails to detect all types of obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods including traffic sign detection, depth camera detection, and sensor fusion to create a comprehensive obstacle detection system. This merging of different detection approaches ensures both precision and reliability by cross-validating detections across multiple systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth camera system is designed to detect multiple types of obstacles including overpasses, tunnels, and other structures that traditional traffic sign detection cannot identify. This multi-functional detection capability ensures comprehensive coverage of all obstacle types while maintaining high detection precision.
2Area of stationary object
If stationary detection systems are deployed to monitor vehicle clearance, then detection coverage is improved, but the system becomes costly and limited in coverage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying stationary detection systems to monitor obstacles, the patent inverts the approach by equipping moving vehicles with active detection systems. This allows the detection coverage to expand dynamically with vehicle movement while eliminating the need for costly stationary infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles perform their own obstacle detection and clearance monitoring using onboard depth cameras and sensors, eliminating the need for external stationary detection systems. This self-service approach reduces infrastructure costs while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage as vehicles move through different areas.
3Ease of operation
If high vehicles are operated without advanced detection systems, then operational simplicity is maintained, but collision risk with low clearance structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual height measurement and driver judgment with automated depth camera detection and processor-based clearance calculation. This substitution maintains operational simplicity by providing automated warnings and alerts while dramatically reducing collision risk through continuous passive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback to the driver through visual and audible alerts when potential clearance issues are detected. This real-time feedback mechanism maintains operational simplicity by allowing drivers to continue normal operations while automatically receiving warnings about upcoming low clearance areas, thereby reducing collision risk without complicating the driving process.
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 collisions with obstacles by providing real-time obstacle detection and autonomous safety operations, such as stopping or reducing tire pressure, to avoid over-height vehicle accidents, enhancing safety without the need for costly stationary systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more depth cameras configured to provide depth information associated with a sensor image
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (100) may include one or more image sensors (110) configured to provide sensor image data (112d) representing a sensor image of a vicinity of the vehicle (100), and one or more processors (120) configured to determine one or more obstacles (132) from the sensor image data (112d), to determine a distance from ground for each of the one or more obstacles (132) based its corresponding image object (114), and to trigger a safety operation when the distance from ground is equal to or less than a safety height associated with the vehicle (100). A method for avoiding a collision of a vehicle with one or more obstacles.