Motor Vehicle Obstacle Detection Using Sequential Radiation Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for motor vehicles require high luminous power, struggle with detecting small obstacles, face computational intensity in pattern comparison, and have difficulties in unambiguous dot assignment, especially when patterns overlap between adjacent vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle system using an imaging device to generate a radiation pattern, a detecting device to sequentially capture images of the pattern, and a processor to detect obstacles based on differences between images, eliminating the need for a stored reference pattern, with a radiation pattern that forms a continuous line or stripe around the vehicle, allowing for reliable and economical obstacle recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface to be sensed for obstacle detection, then obstacle recognition capability is improved, but high luminous power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the obstacle detection task into sequential frame-based comparisons rather than requiring a complete two-dimensional pattern at once. By segmenting the detection process into multiple time steps and comparing differences between sequential images, the system achieves reliable obstacle detection without needing to radiate high luminous power across the entire surface simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sequential imaging to detect obstacles by comparing differences between successive frames. This periodic action allows the system to build up detection information over time through multiple lower-power images rather than requiring a single high-power complete pattern, thereby reducing overall luminous power consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface to be sensed, then obstacle detection coverage is improved, but small obstacles between the dots may remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously compares sequential images to detect changes in the radiation pattern caused by obstacles. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect small obstacles by observing their impact on the pattern over time, rather than relying on a single static pattern where small obstacles between dots would be missed. The differential comparison provides feedback that highlights even minor disruptions to the pattern.
3Area of stationary object
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface, then obstacle detection area is improved, but the assignment of detected dot positions to desired positions becomes problematic for larger obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static two-dimensional pattern comparison to a dynamic sequential frame comparison. By analyzing changes in the radiation pattern across multiple time steps, the system can track and accurately assign positions of larger obstacles that may displace multiple dots, rather than struggling with static pattern matching where such obstacles cause ambiguous dot assignments.
4Reliability
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the comparison with stored reference pattern becomes computationally intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for obstacle detection by comparing differences between sequential frames rather than performing comprehensive comparisons with stored reference patterns. This extraction approach focuses computational resources on detecting changes in the radiation pattern that indicate obstacles, thereby reducing overall computational intensity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously comparing against a complete reference pattern, the system performs periodic differential comparisons between sequential frames. This periodic action with reduced computational scope at each step achieves obstacle detection with lower computational intensity than would be required for complete pattern matching against stored references.
5Area of stationary object
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface, then obstacle detection coverage is improved, but unambiguous assignment of individual dots is not always possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic sequential frame comparison to resolve ambiguities in dot assignment. By observing how dots move and change position across multiple time steps, the system can unambiguously track individual dots and their corresponding positions, even in complex scenarios where static pattern matching would be ambiguous. The temporal dimension provides additional information that resolves positioning ambiguities.
6Reliability
If a two-dimensional light pattern is radiated onto the entire surface, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the system cannot be meaningfully integrated into motor vehicles due to overlapping patterns from adjacent vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sequential frame comparisons to identify and filter out interfering patterns from adjacent vehicles. By continuously monitoring changes in the radiation pattern and comparing them against expected obstacle signatures, the system can distinguish between legitimate obstacles and artifacts caused by overlapping patterns from neighboring vehicles, enabling successful integration into multi-vehicle environments.
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
This solution enables efficient and reliable obstacle detection with low hardware and power consumption, improving detection reliability and allowing for differentiation between static and mobile obstacles, enabling automatic braking or evasive maneuvers, and providing a cost-effective integration into vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (3) for generating an image (5) of a radiation pattern (1, 45) in the environment of the motor vehicle (1)
Implementation Method 2
the imaging device includes an electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle has an imaging device for generating an image of a radiation pattern on the terrain surrounding the motor vehicle. A detecting device is provided for the multiple sequential detection of images of the radiation patterns that are influenced by the terrain. A processor device is also provided. The processing device is designed such that an obstacle in the terrain is detected based on the difference between directly or indirectly sequentially detected images of the radiation pattern.