Vehicle Object Classification Using 3D Shape and Dimensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle environmental sensing systems primarily rely on geometric information, such as position and velocity, which is insufficient for accurate object classification, leading to potential false activations and reduced reliability in safety and comfort functions, especially in accident scenarios where detailed object type information is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A device that classifies objects in a vehicle's surrounding field based on their three-dimensional shape, dimensions, velocity, and orientation, using environmental sensors like stereoscopic cameras, LIDAR, or scanning radar, enabling more accurate identification and activation of protective measures by considering these parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If geometric information (position and velocity) is used for object classification, then the classification process is simple and fast, but the classification accuracy is insufficient leading to false activations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (stereoscopic camera, LIDAR, scanning radar) into an integrated environmental sensor system that captures both geometric information and three-dimensional shape data. This merging of sensors allows the system to achieve accurate object classification by processing multiple data types simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional shape information by incorporating depth data from stereoscopic cameras and LIDAR. This dimensional enhancement enables the system to classify objects based on their three-dimensional characteristics, significantly improving classification accuracy while maintaining system feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If only monoscopic camera data is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of object dimensions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject dimension measurementVSAvoidcamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs stereoscopic cameras that capture images from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, enabling three-dimensional reconstruction of objects. This dimensional enhancement transforms two-dimensional image data into three-dimensional shape information, providing precise object dimension measurements without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The environmental sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing geometric information, measuring object dimensions, determining three-dimensional shape, and classifying objects. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each function.

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

3Reliability

If detailed object classification (shape, dimensions, orientation) is implemented, then safety function reliability improves, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety function reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification of objects based on three-dimensional shape and dimensions before safety functions are activated. By pre-processing and categorizing objects in advance, the system reduces computational load during critical safety operations, maintaining high reliability while minimizing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the object classification process into distinct stages: geometric information extraction, three-dimensional shape determination, dimension measurement, and final classification. This segmentation allows each processing stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive classification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8301344B2Device for classifying at least one object in the surrounding field of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2012.10.30 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US8301344B2 patent drawing
  • US8301344B2 patent drawing
  • US8301344B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for classifying at least one object in the surrounding field of a vehicle with the aid of an environmental sensor system, the device classifying the at least one object on the basis of its shape and its dimensions, and the environmental sensor system ascertaining the dimensions.