Monitoring systems and methods for vehicles
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsEric Lee Nicks, James Ralph Hamilton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A monitoring system and method are configured to detect a status of a door for a component on a vehicle. The monitoring system includes a sound sensor positioned within an auditory range of the door. The sound sensor detects sound energy generated in relation to a closed position of the door and an open position of the door. The sound sensor outputs a sound signal indicative of the sound energy. A monitoring control unit is in communication with the sound sensor. The monitoring control unit receives the sound signal and analyzes the sound signal to determine the status of the door.
Claims20
A monitoring system configured to detect a status of a door for a component on a vehicle, the monitoring system comprising:
- a sound sensor positioned within an auditory range of the door, wherein the sound sensor is configured to detect sound energy generated in relation to an open position of the door and a closed position of the door, and wherein the sound sensor is further configured to output a sound signal indicative of the sound energy;
- and
- a monitoring control unit in communication with the sound sensor, wherein the monitoring control unit is configured to receive the sound signal and analyze the sound signal to determine the status of the door.
A monitoring method for detecting a status of a door for a component on a vehicle, the monitoring method comprising:
- positioning a sound sensor within an auditory range of the door;
- detecting, by the sound sensor, sound energy generated in relation to an open position of the door and a closed position of the door;
- outputting, by the sound sensor, a sound signal indicative of the sound energy;
- receiving, by a monitoring control unit in communication with the sound sensor, the sound signal;
- and
- analyzing, by the monitoring control unit, the sound signal to determine the status of the door.
A vehicle comprising:
- a component having a door configured to move between a closed position and an open position;
- and
- a monitoring system configured to detect a status of the door, wherein the monitoring system comprises:
- a sound sensor positioned within an auditory range of the door, wherein the sound sensor is configured to detect sound energy generated by the door as the door moves between the closed position and the open position, and wherein the sound sensor is further configured to output a sound signal indicative of the sound energy;
- a sound filter configured to filter, from the sound signal, sound that is unrelated to the sound energy generated by the door;
- and
- a monitoring control unit in communication with the sound sensor, wherein the monitoring control unit is configured to receive the sound signal and analyzes the sound signal to determine the status of the door, and wherein the monitoring control unit is further configured to recognize the sound energy caused by one or more latches, one or more hinges, or other portions of the door as the door moves between the closed position and the open position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.