Vehicular Vision Sensing for Parked-Exit Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems lack effective detection of potholes and other road hazards, which can lead to vehicle damage and safety issues, and do not efficiently utilize image data from multiple sensors for comprehensive vehicle assistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing CMOS cameras and image processors to detect potholes and other road hazards by analyzing movement patterns of leading vehicles and providing alerts or control adjustments for suspension and steering, while also integrating thermal cameras for climate control and hazard detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional vehicle vision systems are used, then basic imaging functions are provided, but detection of potholes and road hazards is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: capturing images of the road surface, detecting potholes, identifying other hazards, and providing driver alerts. The same camera infrastructure serves both standard imaging purposes and specialized hazard detection, making the system multi-functional without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D image capture to 3D spatial analysis by processing images to identify depth information, surface irregularities, and elevation changes that indicate potholes and hazards. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to detect road surface conditions that conventional 2D imaging would miss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data from multiple sensors is integrated, then comprehensive vehicle assistance is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (cameras, thermal sensors, and other imaging devices) are merged into a single integrated vision system that processes data from all sensors through a unified control unit. This consolidation allows comprehensive hazard detection while managing system complexity through centralized processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple sensor inputs and perform various processing functions including image capture, thermal detection, hazard identification, and driver alerting. This multi-functional control unit reduces the need for separate processing systems for each sensor type.
3Ease of operation
If thermal cameras are integrated for climate control, then climate optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal camera serves dual purposes: detecting road hazards through thermal signatures and optimizing vehicle climate control by monitoring interior temperature distribution. This multi-functionality allows climate optimization without requiring a separate thermal sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal imaging system automatically provides climate control data without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The same thermal data used for hazard detection is repurposed to inform climate control decisions, allowing the system to serve itself across multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a sensor disposed at a vehicle and having a field of sensing exterior of the vehicle. The sensor captures sensor data. Electronic circuitry of an electronic control unit (ECU) includes a processor for processing sensor data captured by the sensor. Responsive to the vehicle being parked, captured sensor data is processed at the ECU to determine a topography of the environment at the parked vehicle. The ECU, responsive to determining the topography at the parked vehicle determines presence of a hazard of the topography. The ECU, responsive to determining presence of the hazard, notifies an occupant of the vehicle of the hazard prior to the occupant exiting the parked vehicle.