Vehicle Gap Clearance Detection Using Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for drivers to determine whether a vehicle can pass through a restricted gap in the roadway without damage, as existing methods lack accuracy and efficiency in assessing the vehicle's dimensions against the gap's clearance.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance system that uses a camera to detect restricted gaps and compares the vehicle's image with the gap on a display, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment of the vehicle's image to determine if it can pass through without damage, utilizing image analysis and light sources to guide the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a driver manually compares the vehicle dimensions with the gap clearance, then the driver can assess the situation, but the process is time-consuming and lacks accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual estimation process with an automated image processing system. The computer captures images of the gap, extracts dimensional information through image processing algorithms, and automatically compares these dimensions with the vehicle's known dimensions. This substitution of mechanical/manual measurement with automated optical processing resolves the contradiction by providing both high precision and rapid results simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the gap by capturing an image and extracting dimensional data from it. This digital representation is then used for comparison with the vehicle dimensions, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools or manual estimation. The copying approach enables rapid, accurate dimensional assessment without time loss.
2Reliability
If no assistance system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the driver cannot accurately determine if the vehicle can pass through the gap
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: image capture of the gap, image processing to extract dimensional information, storage of vehicle dimension data, and automatic comparison functionality. By combining these functions into one multi-functional system, the patent achieves high reliability in passage determination while minimizing the complexity that would result from separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the entire dimensional comparison process without requiring external assistance. The computer autonomously captures images, processes them to extract gap dimensions, retrieves vehicle dimensions from storage, performs the comparison, and provides guidance to the driver. This self-service capability ensures reliable determination while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle image is manually adjusted on the display, then the driver can position the image for comparison, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual dragging and positioning of the vehicle image with automated coordinate-based positioning. The system calculates the appropriate position of the vehicle image relative to the gap image based on extracted dimensional data and vehicle characteristics, then automatically places the image in the correct position on the display. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a method of determining the ability of a vehicle to pass through a restricted gap in the roadway, including the steps of: detecting a restricted gap in the roadway, defining an image of the vehicle, and comparing the vehicle image with the restricted gap.