Vehicle Window Status Detection Using Interior Camera Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position and condition of a vehicle window require additional hardware components like Hall sensors or extensive calibration, and do not provide information on window pane damage or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an optical sensor system to acquire images of the vehicle cabin, determining window characteristics such as position, damage, and obstacle presence, without the need for special hardware, relying on existing interior cameras and reduced calibration efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall sensors are used to determine window position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/Hall sensor-based position detection with an optical image processing system. The processing unit analyzes images from existing interior cameras to determine window pane position, eliminating the need for Hall sensors while maintaining measurement capability through image-based spatial analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing interior cameras serve multiple functions: their primary function for interior monitoring is supplemented with window status detection. By processing images from these multi-purpose cameras, the system achieves window position determination without requiring dedicated sensors, thus reducing hardware complexity
2Device complexity
If ripple count algorithms are used to estimate window position, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision worsens due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces engine revolution counting with direct optical visualization of the window pane. By detecting the pane's position, orientation, and characteristics directly from images, the system eliminates the need for calibration between engine revolutions and window position, achieving precision without extensive calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the window pane's actual state through image capture and processing. This optical copy provides direct information about pane position and condition without requiring intermediate calibration steps, replacing the indirect estimation method with direct visual measurement
3Device complexity
If existing window detection methods are used, then hardware requirements are reduced, but loss of information occurs regarding window pane condition and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional position detection to multi-dimensional analysis by examining the window pane's position, orientation, shape, and visual characteristics simultaneously. Image processing extracts multiple parameters (spatial location, edges, damage indicators, obstacles) from two-dimensional image data, providing comprehensive information without additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing interior cameras to perform multiple detection functions: window position detection, pane damage detection, and obstacle detection. By processing images to extract various characteristics, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring with a single multi-functional sensor system
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
Provides accurate and reliable information on window position, condition, and obstacle presence with low hardware and calibration requirements, enhancing vehicle safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor system configured to acquire at least one image of an interior of a vehicle cabin, wherein at least a part of the window is visible in the at least one image
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for determining a current status of a window of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an optical sensor system configured to acquire at least one image of an interior of a vehicle cabin, wherein at least a part of the window is visible in the at least one image. According to the method, at least one characteristic of a pane of the window is determined from the at least one image, and the current status of the window is determined based on the at least one characteristic of the pane.