Airbag Collision Severity Sensing With Camera and Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle collision detection systems rely on mechanical sensors that are often inaccurate and require extensive cable harnesses, leading to delayed and inappropriate airbag deployments, especially in complex collision scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing cameras and AI-based perception sensors to estimate kinetic energy and collision severity by classifying objects and correlating with mechanical sensor data, enabling precise airbag deployment and safety feature activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical sensors are used for collision detection, then the system can detect collisions, but the accuracy is poor and cable harnesses are extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collision sensors with a vision-based detection system using cameras and image processing. The camera captures images of the collision, and electronic processing determines collision severity, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors and their associated cable harnesses while improving measurement accuracy through digital image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processor as an intermediary between the camera and the airbag control system. This intermediary processes the captured images to extract collision information, converting visual data into actionable control signals without requiring direct mechanical sensing, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If mechanical sensors are used for collision detection, then the system can activate airbags, but the deployment is delayed and inappropriate in complex scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing to assess collision severity before triggering airbag deployment. By analyzing the captured images to determine collision characteristics and severity level, the system makes informed deployment decisions in advance, ensuring appropriate and timely airbag activation tailored to the specific collision scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processor continuously monitors collision parameters and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of deployment decisions based on actual collision severity, improving the appropriateness and timing of airbag activation by responding to actual collision conditions rather than relying on predetermined mechanical thresholds.
3Measurement precision
If vision system with AI classification is implemented, then collision severity prediction accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing arrays with a single or few camera units combined with AI-based image processing. The vision system uses algorithms to classify objects and estimate mass from captured images, achieving high measurement precision through software intelligence rather than hardware complexity, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical collision parameters (mass, velocity, severity) into visual parameters that can be extracted from images. By using AI classification to infer physical properties from visual data, the system achieves accurate collision severity prediction through parameter transformation rather than direct physical measurement, reducing the need for complex multi-parameter sensing hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular airbag control system includes a forward-viewing camera and a radar sensor disposed at a vehicle. The vehicular airbag control system, responsive to processing of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera, detects an object present exterior of the vehicle and estimates mass of the detected object. The vehicular airbag control system determines speed of the detected object relative to the vehicle based at least in part on processing of radar data captured by the radar sensor. The vehicular airbag control system determines severity of potential collision between the vehicle and the detected object based at least in part on the estimated mass of the detected object and the determined speed of the detected object relative to the vehicle. The vehicular airbag control system inhibits deployment of an airbag of the vehicle based at least in part on the determined severity of potential collision.