3D Radio Wave Occupant Detection for Posture and Physique Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant detection systems in vehicles struggle to accurately determine the posture and physique of occupants, which is crucial for effective occupant protection measures such as airbag deployment and seat belt fastening.
Innovation Solution
A radio wave sensor is installed above the seat surface in a vehicle cabin to transmit and receive waves, creating three-dimensional map information and calculating backbone information of occupants using reflected waves, allowing for precise determination of posture and physique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If radio wave sensors are used to detect occupant information, then detection capability is improved, but accuracy in determining posture and physique deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional detection to three-dimensional mapping by installing radio wave sensors above the seat surface that transmit waves in multiple directions and reconstruct reflection points in 3D space. This dimensional enhancement allows accurate determination of backbone position, posture, and physique by analyzing spatial distribution of reflection points rather than simple presence/absence detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces three-dimensional map information as an intermediary between the raw reflected wave data and the final posture/physique determination. The map information serves as a intermediate representation that captures the spatial distribution of reflection points, enabling more accurate extraction of backbone position and body characteristics through systematic analysis of the 3D map data.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single radio wave sensor perform multiple functions by installing it above the seat surface in a position that enables both occupancy detection and detailed posture/physique analysis. The sensor transmits waves in multiple directions and processes reflections from various body parts, eliminating the need for separate sensor arrays while achieving comprehensive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic signal processing techniques to extract static anatomical information (backbone position, posture, physique) from dynamic reflected wave patterns. By analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics of reflected waves from different body parts, the system determines stable anatomical features without requiring multiple physical sensors.
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
Enables accurate detection of occupant posture and physique, facilitating enhanced control over airbag deployment and seat belt fastening to improve safety during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a reception unit configured to receive a reflected wave generated by the transmission wave being reflected by an occupant on the seat
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant detection device includes: a radio wave sensor located above a seat surface of a seat that is disposed in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle, in a vertical direction of the vehicle, and including a transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission wave to the vehicle cabin and a reception unit configured to receive a reflected wave generated by the transmission wave being reflected by an occupant on the seat; a creation unit configured to create, based on the reflected wave, three-dimensional map information in the vehicle cabin in which a position of a reflection point of the reflected wave is represented by three-dimensional coordinates; and a calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the three-dimensional map information, backbone information that is information on a backbone of the occupant on the seat.