Vehicle Door Obstacle Detection via Image Sensor Path Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door opening systems lack the ability to detect and avoid objects in the path of the door, potentially causing damage to the door or nearby objects during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an image sensor and an actuator controlled by a controller that captures images under specific conditions (vehicle parked or locked) to detect objects outside the vehicle and determine if they are within the projected path of the door, preventing the door from moving if an object is detected in the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual door opening is used, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but the door may contact objects causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in the door's projected path before the door movement is executed. The controller captures images, detects objects, and determines if they are within the projected path before activating the actuator to move the door, preventing potential damage in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual door opening system with an automated system that integrates image sensors, object detection algorithms, and actuators controlled by a controller, substituting mechanical operation with sensor-based detection and automated control
2Reliability
If object detection system is added, then door safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the image sensor to capture images, processes the images to detect objects, determines the projected path of the door, and controls the actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing camera system (when available) or the added image sensor to perform detection, and the controller itself performs the object detection and decision-making, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external detection devices or complex additional hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A method for opening a vehicle door may include capturing a first image when a first condition is met and capturing a second image when a second condition is met. The first condition is one of the vehicle is parked, or the door is locked. The second condition is one of the vehicle is deactivated, or the door is unlocked. The method may further include detecting an object outside based on the first and second images, determining whether the detected object is within a projected path of the door moving from a first position to a second position, and controlling operation of an actuator configured to move the door, such that if the detected object is determined to be within the projected path of the door, the actuator does not move the door according to the projected path.