Animal Motion Sickness Detection Using In-Vehicle Behavior Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods to determine motion sickness in animals based on their behavior, as pets cannot communicate their physical condition, and existing methods rely on biological signals that may not be accurate.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that uses a camera to capture an animal's behavior data, processes the image to recognize the animal, and determines motion sickness by comparing behavior data when the vehicle is in motion versus at rest, then adjusts the vehicle's windows to restrict the animal's field of view to reduce motion sickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If biological signals are used to determine motion sickness in animals, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision is insufficient and reliability is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sickness detection accuracyVSAvoiddetermination reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces biological signal measurement with image processing technology. Instead of measuring physiological parameters (heart rate, temperature) which have low reliability for animal motion sickness detection, the system uses camera images to capture behavioral changes, processes these images through computer vision algorithms, and determines motion sickness status based on observed behavior patterns. This substitution of measurement methodology significantly improves both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using behavioral observation as a mediator between the animal's physical state and the detection system. Since animals cannot communicate their condition directly, the system observes intermediate behavioral indicators (eye closure, head position, body movement) that reflect the animal's motion sickness state, providing a more reliable detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If animal behavior is observed through images, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement non-invasivenessVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using a standard camera (already present in vehicles for surveillance or entertainment) to serve dual purposes: capturing images for motion sickness detection in addition to its original functions. The same camera infrastructure is used for both entertainment purposes and medical/health monitoring, avoiding the need for separate dedicated equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service by automatically processing images and detecting motion sickness conditions without requiring manual intervention. The image processing algorithms automatically analyze behavioral patterns, and the system autonomously determines when motion sickness is present, eliminating the need for manual observation or intervention while maintaining simplicity of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If window adjustment is made to restrict animal's field of view, then motion sickness is reduced, but occupant experience may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sickness severityVSAvoidoccupant experience quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment by making the window state changeable based on real-time detection. The window adjustment mechanism is activated only when motion sickness is detected and can be dynamically controlled to restrict the animal's field of view while maintaining occupant comfort. The system can adjust window positions dynamically to balance animal welfare with occupant experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by providing differentiated treatment for different occupants. When motion sickness is detected in the animal, the window adjustment specifically targets the animal's viewing area while maintaining normal visibility for human occupants. This localized approach ensures that the harmful visual stimulation is restricted for the animal without compromising the occupant's experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12499709B2Information processing device for determining motion sickness of an animal
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SUBARU CORP
  • US12499709B2 patent drawing
  • US12499709B2 patent drawing
  • US12499709B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing device is configured to determine whether an animal is suffering from motion sickness. The animal is an animal other than an occupant who rides in a mobile object. The information processing device includes one or more processors, and one or more memories communicably coupled to the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to acquire an image captured by a camera configured to capture an image of the animal. The one or more processors are configured to, based on behavior data of the animal, determine whether the animal is suffering from motion sickness. The behavior data is externally observable from the captured image.