Description:DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to a system to enable exit of passenger from a vehicle, and more particularly to a system and method for facilitating a safe exit of passenger from a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] In course of exiting a vehicle, passengers may be exposed to ground level potential hazards that may not be immediately visible or avoidable. Such potential hazards may include but limited to puddles, waterlogs, curbs, potholes, stones, trash, litter, slippery surfaces, and/or abrupt elevation changes (e.g., steep slopes or drop-offs). The risk associated with such hazards may significantly heighten for certain categories of passengers such as elderly people, children, passengers carrying bags and the like. Conventional systems such as puddle lamps, 360˚ cameras, and/or exit warning systems are limited in their utility. For example, puddle lamps merely illuminate the area near the vehicle door. They do not provide active input to the passengers exiting the vehicle. Additionally, they have limited utility in bright daylight conditions. Further, for example, 360˚ cameras are primarily designed to provide parking assistance and not to facilitate safe exit of the passengers. Moreover, for example, the existing exit warning systems are primarily designed to detect moving objects such as approaching vehicles and to warn the passengers accordingly. They do not provide inputs with respect to ground level potential hazards. Therefore, such conventional systems may not evaluate the immediate ground conditions and may not provide specific indication of potential hazards for the entry or exit of the passengers.
[003] Therefore, there is a pressing need to address the above shortcomings and provide a system for facilitating a safe exit of the passenger from the vehicle.
SUMMARY
[004] In an embodiment, a system for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle and configured to generate sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone of the vehicle. Further, the system may include a processor communicably coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to process the sensor data and determine a presence of a potential hazard in the step-out zone. Furthermore, the system may include a rendering device communicably coupled to the processor and configured to render a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard.
[005] In an embodiment, a method for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from a vehicle is disclosed. The method may include generating, by one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle, sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone of the vehicle. Further, the method may include processing, by a processor communicably coupled to the one or more sensors, the sensor data and determining a presence of a potential hazard in the step-out zone. Furthermore, the method may include rendering, by a rendering device communicably coupled to the processor, a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard.
[006] In an embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a system for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from a vehicle. The system may include one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle and configured to generate sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone of the vehicle. Further, the system may include a processor communicably coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to process the sensor data and determine a presence of a potential hazard in the step-out zone. Furthermore, the system may include a rendering device communicably coupled to the processor and configured to render a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle equipped with a system for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle with a door in an open configuration and depicting a step-out zone and a footprint zone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle indicating a condition in which exiting the vehicle is not safe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle indicating another condition in which exiting the vehicle requires caution, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3C illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle indicating yet another condition in which exiting the vehicle is safe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a methodology of the system for facilitating the safe exit of the passenger from the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed.
[0016] Further, the phrases “in some embodiments”, “in accordance with some embodiments”, “in the embodiments shown”, “in other embodiments”, and the like, mean a particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle 100 equipped with a system 101 for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 101 may be disposed within the vehicle 100 and may include a sensor unit 102, a processor 104 and a rendering device 106.
[0018] The sensor unit 102 may include one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle 100. The BSO may include exterior body surface of the vehicle such as, but not limited to, outer door panel, outer door handle assembly, mirror housing, and the like. The one or more sensors may be configured to generate a sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone of the vehicle 100. In other words, the one or more sensors may be configured to generate sensor data based on measuring one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to an object on the ground. The one or more parameters may include but not limited to a depth, a height and a slope of the ground or the object within the step-out zone. Further, the one or more parameters may be an image of the ground or the object on the ground. It is to be noted that the step out zone may include an area of the ground which the passenger is likely to encounter while exiting the vehicle 100. Further, the step-out zone may include a sub region referred to as a footprint zone. The footprint zone may include an area where the passenger is likely to place a foot while exiting the vehicle 100.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more sensors may be disposed on a lower portion of the outer door panel to facilitate effective scanning of the ground within the step-out zone. The one or more sensors may include at least one of an infrared sensor, a time of flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the sensor unit 102 may further include a short-range camera such as but limited to wide-angle camera, fisheye camera and the like to capture image of the ground or the object on the ground within the step-out zone for analysis of surface conditions. The one or more sensors may be activated upon detecting an intention of the passenger to exit the vehicle 100. In other words, when the vehicle 100 is stationary or in a parked state and the passenger initiates an interaction with the inner door handle such as unlocking the door or touching a door handle, the system 101 may trigger the activation of the one or more sensors. Further, to detect passenger intention, the door handle may include one or more exit detection sensors such as but not limited to proximity sensors, capacitive touch sensors, pressure sensors, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based sensors and the like. The one or more exit detection sensors may generate exit detection sensor data to facilitate the detection of the intention of the passenger to exit the vehicle 100.
[0020] The processor 104 is communicably coupled to the sensor unit 104. In particular, the processor 104 is communicably coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor 104 may include but not limited to a microcontroller unit (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and the like. In an embodiment, the processor 104 may be a standalone processing unit. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the processor 104 may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100. The processor 104 may be configured to receive and process exit detection sensor data generated by the one or more exit detection sensors. Based on the processing of the exit detection sensor data, the processor 104 may determine the intention of the passenger to exit the vehicle 100. Upon determination, the processor 104 may generate a control signal to activate the one or more sensors of the sensor unit 102 to generate sensor data based on scanning the ground in the step-out zone.
[0021] Further, the processor 104 may be configured to process the sensor data to determine the presence of potential hazard in the step out zone. The potential hazard may include a condition or the object that may pose a risk to the safety and/or convenience of the passenger while exiting the vehicle 100. The potential hazard may include but not limited to puddles, waterlogs, ice, snow, curbs, potholes, stones, trash, litter, sharp objects, animal waste, and abrupt change in elevations (e.g., steep slopes or drop-offs). In an embodiment, the determination of the presence of the potential hazard may be based on one or more predefined criteria such as, but not limited to, a pre-configured threshold for at least one of a depth, a height, and a slope of the ground or an object on the ground. Further, the one or more predefined criteria may include a pre-configured classification of the ground or the object on the ground. Based on the determination of the potential hazard, the processor 104 may be configured to generate a rendering signal to activate the rendering device 106. It is to be noted that the rendering signal may include a hazard signal, a caution signal and a safety signal which may be generated by the processor 104 based on a presence of the potential hazard and/or a location of the potential hazard within the footprint zone.
[0022] As will be appreciated, the rendering device 106 is communicably coupled to the processor 104. The rendering device 106 may include but not limited to an LED projector, a head-up display, a dashboard, a ground projection module, a speaker, a haptic output device, and the like. The rendering device 106 may be disposed within an infotainment systems of the vehicle 100 and/or a lower portion of the outer door panel. In response to the rendering signal, the rendering device 106 may be configured to render a safe exit feedback to the passenger based on the presence and/or the location of the potential hazard. The safe exit feedback may include a visual indication, an audio notification, or a haptic feedback. The safe exit feedback may advise one of: not safe to exit, exit with caution, or safe to exit, based on the rendering signal received by the processor 104. The audio notification may include but not limited to pre-recorded voice prompts, tones, beeps or alert. Further, the haptic feedback may include but not limited to vibratory signals or tactile sensations delivered through components such as door handle, seat, armrest and the like. Correspondingly, the visual indication may include but not limited to graphical indicators, visual icons, color-coded signals displayed on an internal screen of the vehicle 100 such as the head-up display, the dashboard, and the like. Alternatively, the visual indication may include but not limited to graphical indicators, visual icons, color-coded signals projected on the footprint zone using light projection mechanisms such as but not limited to a laser projection module, digital micromirror device (DMD), light-emitting diode, holographic projection system and the like.
[0023] In an embodiment, the visual indication may include a suggested footprint zone within the step-out zone for the passenger to step upon while exiting the vehicle 100. It is to be noted that the suggested footprint zone may be based on the location of the potential hazard within the step-out zone. As will be appreciated, in such embodiments, the visual indication system may be disposed at the lower portion of the outer door panel to facilitate efficient display of visual icons on the footprint zone of the ground.
[0024] For instance, in a scenario, the processor 104 may determine the presence of a potential hazard within the step-out zone which spatially coincides with the footprint zone. The processor 104 may then generate the hazard signal and may transmit the hazard signal to the rendering device 106. In response, the rendering device 106 may be configured to render a danger indicator on the footprint zone. The danger indicator may include but not limited to a red ‘X’ symbol, a skull and crossbones sign, lightning bolt in a red triangle and the like to indicate the passenger that exiting the vehicle 100 is not safe.
[0025] In another scenario, the processor 104 may determine the presence of a potential hazard within the step-out zone which partially coincides with the footprint zone. Accordingly, the processor 104 may generate the caution signal and may transmit the caution signal to the rendering device 106. In response, the rendering device 106 may be configured to display a caution indicator on the footprint zone. The caution indicator may include but not limited to yellow triangle with exclamation mark, triangle with wavy line, triangle with a hump/dip and the like, indicating the passenger to exit the vehicle 100 with caution.
[0026] Conversely, in the absence of any determined potential hazard within the step-out zone, the processor 104 may be configured to generate the safety signal and may transmit the safety signal to the rendering device 106. Accordingly, the rendering device 106 may render a safe indicator on the footprint zone. The safe indicator may include but not limited to a green footprint icon, a check mark, and the like, indicating the passenger that exiting the vehicle 100 is safe.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view 200 of the vehicle 100 with a door 206 in an open configuration and depicting a step-out zone 202 and a footprint zone 204, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the sensor unit 102 of the system 101 may be operatively configured to scan a pre-defined step out zone 202 of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the pre-defined step out zone 202 may be a field of view of the one or more sensors of the sensor unit 102. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the step-out zone 202 may be defined as a region of the ground corresponding to the door 206 of the vehicle 100 which the passenger is most likely to encounter while exiting the vehicle 100. An area of the step-out zone 202 may be based on but not limited to the vehicle dimension, door configuration, ground clearance, and/or positioning of the one or more sensors. By way of example, the step-out zone 202 may encompass the area ranging from about 0.2 m2 to about 1.0 m2. As explained earlier, the step-out zone 202 may include the sub-region referred to as the footprint zone 204. The footprint zone 204 may include the area where the passenger is expected to place the foot while exiting the vehicle 100. Based on an anthropometric data of foot dimensions, the footprint zone 204 may include an area ranging from about 0.1 m2 to about 0.2 m2. As explained earlier, while scanning the step-out zone 202, the sensor unit 102 may be configured to generate sensor data based on measuring of one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground. Further, the sensor unit 102 may transit the generated sensor data to the processor 104 for further processing.
[0028] As explained earlier, the processor 104 may be configured to process the sensor data received by the sensor unit 102 to determine the presence and/or the location of the potential hazard within the step-out zone 202. The determination of the presence of the potential hazard may be based on one or more predefined criteria. The one or more predefined criteria may include at least one of a pre-configured threshold for at least one of the depth, the height, and the slope of the ground or the object on the ground. Further, the one or more predefined criteria may include a pre-configured classification of the ground or the object on the ground. In other words, the one or more predefined criteria may include a pre-configured threshold of the one or more parameters measured by the sensor unit 102. For example, the predefined criteria may include a predefined depth threshold for depressions such as but not limited to puddles or potholes, a predefined height threshold for protrusions such as but not limited to rocks or debris, and/or a predefined slope angle threshold for inclined surfaces or uneven ground. The processor 104 may determine the potential hazard in case the one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground (as measured by the sensor unit 102) exceed the corresponding pre-configured threshold (i.e. the predefined depth threshold, the predefined height threshold and the predefined slope angle threshold).
[0029] Further, the processor 104 may classify the object or the ground within the step-out zone 202 based on the one or more parameters (e.g., image, height, depth, slope, etc.), using machine learning models, to distinguish between different categories of potential hazards such as depression (e.g. potholes, puddle, waterlogs), protrusions (e.g. curbs, rock, debris, animal waste), slope (e.g. bump, broken pavement) or surface condition (e.g. icy surface, loose gravel). The machine learning models may include but not limited to convolutional neural network (CNN), vision transformers and the like.
[0030] Particularly, the sensor unit 102 may determine the one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground by measuring the depth of the depression, the height of the protrusions, and the angle of the sloped surface. In case any of the measured parameters exceed the corresponding pre-configured threshold, the processor 104 may activate the rendering device 106 to alert the passenger of the potential hazard. By way of an example, in case a puddle is present in the step-out zone 202 of the vehicle 100 which occupies a substantial portion of the footprint zone 204, the sensor unit 102 may measure the depth of the puddle. In case the determined depth exceeds the predefined depth threshold, the processor 104 may detect a slip hazard. In another embodiment, in case the sensor unit 102 detects a rock on the ground which occupies substantial portion of the footprint zone 204, the sensor unit 102 may be configured to measure the height of the rock. In case the determined height exceeds the predefined height threshold, the processor 104 may detect a tripping hazard. In yet another embodiment, in case the ground within the step-out zone 202 exhibits an angular inclination occupying substantial portion of the footprint zone 204, the sensor unit 102 may be configured to determine the slope angle. In case the determined slope angle exceeds the predefined slope angle threshold, the processor 104 may detect an instability hazard.
[0031] FIG. 3A illustrates a side perspective view 300A of the vehicle 100 indicating a condition in which exiting the vehicle 100 is not safe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the vehicle 100 is stationary or in the parked state and the passenger initiates the interaction with the door handle such as unlocking the door 206 or touching the door handle, the processor 104 may activate the one or more sensors of the sensor unit 102. Upon activation, the sensor unit 102 may scan the step-out zone 202 associated with the respective door 206 of the vehicle 100. The sensor unit 102 may be configured to generate sensor data based on the one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground (i.e. the depth, the height and the slope of the ground and/or the object) within the step-out zone 202. Further, the sensor unit 102 may transmit the sensor data to the processor 104 for further processing.
[0032] As a result, the processor 104 may process the sensor data received by the sensor unit 102 to determine the presence of a potential hazard 302 within the step out zone 202. The processor 104 may determine the potential hazard 302 based on a set of predefined criteria (as explained earlier). Further, the processor 104 may classify the ground or the object on the ground within the step-out zone 202, using machine learning models, to distinguish between different categories of potential hazards. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the processor 104 may determine the potential hazard 302 (e.g. pothole) within the step-out zone 202 which spatially coincides with the footprint zone 204. Upon determination, the processor 104 may be configured to generate the hazard signal. Further, the processor 104 may transmit the hazard signal to the rendering device 106. In response, the rendering device 106 may be configured to render the safe exit feedback to the passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard 302. In this scenario, the safe exit feedback may advise the passenger that it is not safe to exit the vehicle 100. In particular, the safe exit feedback may include a danger indicator 304 (e.g. red ‘X’ symbol) on the footprint zone 204 using the light projection mechanism. As a result, the passenger may recognize the hazardous condition before exiting the vehicle 100. In response, the passenger may opt to refrain from exiting the vehicle 100 at current location and may choose to reposition the vehicle 100 to a safer parking spot.
[0033] FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view 300B of the vehicle 100 indicating another condition in which exiting the vehicle 100 requires caution, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the vehicle 100 is stationary or in the parked state and the passenger initiates the interaction with the door handle such as unlocking the door 206 or touching the door handle, the processor 104 may activate the one or more sensors of the sensor unit 102. Upon activation, the sensor unit 102 may scan the step-out zone 202 associated with the respective door 206 of the vehicle 100. The sensor unit 102 may be configured to generate sensor data based on the one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground (i.e. the depth, the height and the slope of the ground and/or the object) within the step-out zone 202. Further, the sensor unit 102 may transmit the sensor data to the processor 104 for further processing.
[0034] As a result, the processor 104 may process the sensor data received by the sensor unit 102 to determine the presence of a potential hazard 302 within the step out zone 202. The processor 104 may determine the potential hazard 302 based on the set of predefined criteria (as explained earlier). Further, the processor 104 may classify the ground or the object on the ground within the step-out zone 202, using machine learning models, to distinguish between different categories of potential hazards. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the processor 104 may determine the potential hazard 302 (e.g. pothole) within the step-out zone 202 which partially coincides with the footprint zone 204. Upon determination, the processor 104 may be configured to generate the caution signal.
[0035] Further, the processor 104 may transmit the caution signal to the rendering device 106. In response, the rendering device 106 may be configured to render the safe exit feedback to the passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard 302. In this scenario, the safe exit feedback may advise the passenger to exit the vehicle 100 with caution. In particular, the safe exit feedback may include a caution indicator 306 (e.g. triangle with exclamation mark) on the footprint zone 204 using the light projection mechanism. In another embodiment, the footprint zone 204 may include a suggested footprint print zone 308 which is free from the potential hazard 302. The rendering device 106 may render the safe exit feedback to the passenger on the suggested footprint zone 308. The safe exit feedback may include the safe indicator (e.g. a footprint icon) on the suggested footprint zone 308. As a result, the passenger may recognize the hazardous condition before exiting the vehicle 100. Thus, the passenger may step-out cautiously onto the suggested footprint zone 308 while exiting the vehicle 100.
[0036] FIG. 3C illustrates a side perspective view 300C of the vehicle 100 indicating yet another condition in which exiting the vehicle 100 is safe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the vehicle 100 is stationary or in the parked state and the passenger initiates the interaction with the door handle such as unlocking the door 206 or touching the door handle, the processor 104 may activate the one or more sensors of the sensor unit 102. Upon activation, the sensor unit 102 may generate sensor data based on scanning of the step-out zone 202 associated with the respective door 206 of the vehicle 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the step-out zone 202 is free from potential hazard 302. As a result, the processor 104 may generate the safety signal and may transmit the safety signal to the rendering device 106. Upon receiving the safety signal, the rendering device 106 may be configured to render the safe exit feedback to the passenger. In this scenario, the safe exit feedback may advise the passenger that it is safe to exit the vehicle 100. In particular, the safe exit feedback may include a safe indicator 310 (e.g. a tick mark) on the footprint zone 204 using the light projection mechanism. As a result, the passenger may be informed that the step-out zone 202 is clear of any potential hazard and that it is safe to exit the vehicle 100.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart 400 of a methodology of the system 101 for facilitating the safe exit of the passenger from the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 402, the one or more sensors may be configured to generate sensor data based on scanning the ground in the step-out zone 202 of the vehicle 100. Particularly, when the vehicle 100 is stationary or in the parked state and the passenger initiates the interaction with the door handle such as unlocking the door 206 or touching the door handle, the system 101 may trigger the activation of the one or more sensors to facilitate the determination of a presence of the potential hazard 302. Upon activation, the one or more sensors may be configured to scan the step-out zone 202 associated with the respective door 206 of the vehicle 100. The one or more sensors may be configured to generate sensor data based on the one or more parameters with respect to the ground or with respect to the object on the ground (i.e. the depth, the height and the slope of the ground and/or the object) within the step-out zone 202. Further, the one or more sensors may transmit the generated sensor data to the processor 104 for further processing.
[0038] At step 404, the processor 104 communicably coupled to the one or more sensors may be configured to process the sensor data received from the one or more sensors to determine the presence of a potential hazard 302 within the step-out zone 202. The processor 104 may determine the potential hazard 302 based on the set of predefined criteria (as explained earlier). Further, the processor 104 may classify the ground or the object on the ground within the step-out zone 202, using machine learning models, to distinguish between different categories of potential hazards. Upon determination, the processor 104 may be configured to generate the rendering signal based on a presence and/or a location of the potential hazard 302 within the footprint zone 204. Conversely, in absence of the potential hazard 302 within the step-out zone 202, the processor 104 may be configured to generate the safety signal. Further, the processor 104 may transmit the rendering signal (i.e. the hazard signal, caution signal or the safety signal) to the rendering device 106.
[0039] In response, at step 406, the rendering device 106 communicably coupled to the processor 104 may be configured to render the safe exit feedback to the passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard 302. The safe exit feedback may include the visual indication, the haptic feedback, or the audio notification advising at least one of, not safe to exit, exit with caution and safe to exit, thereby facilitating safe exit of the passenger from the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the visual indication may include the suggested footprint zone 308 within the step-out zone 202 for the passenger to step upon while exiting the vehicle 100. It is to be noted that the suggested footprint zone 308 may be based on the location of the potential hazard 302 within the step-out zone 202.
[0040] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the techniques described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional, or well-understood in the art. The techniques discussed above provide for system 101 to facilitate the safe exit of the passenger from the vehicle 100.
[0041] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[0042] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the system and method described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional or well understood in the art. The system and method discussed above may provide several advantages to detect ground-level obstacles and hazards in real time, thereby enhancing safety for passengers exiting the vehicle. Additionally, the system may project safe exit feedback onto the ground prior to the passenger stepping out, thereby providing proactive guidance. The system is designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicle types, including but not limited to battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), vehicles operating on fossil fuels.
[0043] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0044] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (101) for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from a vehicle (100), the system (101) comprising:
one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle (100) and configured to generate sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone (202) of the vehicle (100);
a processor (104) communicably coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to process the sensor data and determine a presence of a potential hazard (302) in the step-out zone (202); and
a rendering device (106) communicably coupled to the processor (104) and configured to render a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard (302).
2. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are activated upon detecting an intention of the passenger to exit the vehicle (100).
3. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors comprises at least one of:
an infrared sensor;
a time of flight (TOF) sensor;
an ultrasonic sensor; and
a short-range camera.
4. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein determination of the presence of the potential hazard (302) is based on one or more predefined criteria, and wherein the one or more predefined criteria comprises at least one of:
a pre-configured threshold for at least one of a depth, a height, and a slope of the ground or an object on the ground; and
a pre-configured classification of the ground or the object on the ground.
5. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safe exit feedback comprises:
a visual indication, a haptic feedback, or an audio notification advising one of:
not safe to exit;
exit with caution; and
safe to exit.
6. The system (101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the visual indication comprises a suggested footprint zone (308), within the step-out zone (202), for the passenger to step upon while exiting the vehicle (100), and wherein the suggested footprint zone (308) is based on a location of the potential hazard (302) within the step-out zone (202).
7. A method for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from a vehicle (100), the method comprising:
generating, by one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle (100), sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone (202) of the vehicle (100);
processing, by a processor (104) communicably coupled to the one or more sensors, the sensor data and determining a presence of a potential hazard (302) in the step-out zone (202); and
rendering, by a rendering device (106) communicably coupled to the processor (104), a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard (302).
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein scanning the ground in the step-out zone (202) comprises:
activating, by the processor (104), the one or more sensors upon detecting an intention of the passenger to exit the vehicle (100).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein rendering the safe exit feedback comprises:
advising, by a visual indication, a haptic feedback, or an audio notification one of:
not safe to exit;
exit with caution; and
safe to exit.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein advising, by the visual indication comprises a suggested footprint zone (308), within the step-out zone (202), for the passenger to step upon while exiting the vehicle (100), and wherein the suggested footprint zone (308) is based on a location of the potential hazard (302) within the step-out zone (202).
11. A vehicle (100), comprising:
a system (101) for facilitating a safe exit of a passenger from the vehicle (100), wherein the system (101) comprises:
one or more sensors coupled to a body side outer (BSO) of the vehicle (100) and configured to generate sensor data based on scanning of a ground in a step-out zone (202) of the vehicle (100);
a processor (104) communicably coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to process the sensor data and determine a presence of a potential hazard (302) in the step-out zone (202); and
a rendering device (106) communicably coupled to the processor (104) and configured to render a safe exit feedback to a passenger based on the presence of the potential hazard (302).