Animatronic Head for Reproducible Camera-Based Head Tracker Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for developing and testing camera-based head tracking systems in autonomous vehicles face challenges due to the variability in test subjects' behavior and appearance, making it difficult to compare different systems or development stages, and limiting the ability to simulate consistent, reproducible facial movements for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A human-like animatronic head with an animation device, capable of producing standardized and identical facial movements, is used to generate reproducible input parameters for sensor systems, allowing for consistent testing and calibration by simulating various human states and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If test subjects are used to develop or improve algorithms for head tracking systems, then diverse real-world scenarios can be tested, but the variability in behavior and appearance makes comparison between different systems or development stages difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses artificial heads as copies of real human subjects. These artificial heads replicate human facial features and can reproduce standardized facial movements and expressions, providing consistent test inputs for head tracking systems while eliminating the variability inherent in using real test subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial heads can systematically vary specific parameters such as facial expression intensity, head position, and movement speed while keeping other factors constant. This allows for controlled experimentation and precise comparison of system performance across different development stages.
2Duration of action of moving object
If test persons are used for extended testing, then comprehensive system evaluation is possible, but test persons cannot be used for all tests due to unrealistic time requirements and human limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial heads can be used repeatedly for extended testing periods without fatigue, discomfort, or the need for breaks. They serve as durable, reusable test subjects that can operate continuously for comprehensive system evaluation without the practical limitations of human test subjects.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial heads are self-contained test devices that can autonomously reproduce standardized facial movements and maintain consistent positions throughout extended testing periods, eliminating the need for human operators to manually control or monitor each test sequence.
3Measurement precision
If static artificial heads are used for validation, then standardized positioning is achieved, but reproducible facial movements and dynamic test scenarios cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial heads incorporate actuators and control systems that enable them to dynamically reproduce standardized facial movements such as eye blinking, mouth opening, and head rotation. This transforms static artificial objects into dynamic test devices that can simulate realistic facial behavior while maintaining consistency across multiple test runs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing a sensor system (11), which is configured to detect a head position, a head movement and/or a facial movement of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle. For this purpose a humanoid artificial head (1) as well as an animation device (5) are provided. The animation device (5) performs predetermined head and/or facial movements of the artificial head (1). Thus the artificial head (1) is designed to be animatronic. These predeterminable movements of the artificial head (1) are detected by the sensor system (11). Due to the uniformity and exact reproducibility of the head and/or facial movements the sensor system (11) can be tested, developed and improved as a head tracking system without the use of test persons. Disadvantageous effects due to the use of test persons, such as for example no identical head and/or facial movements, can be minimised by the artificial head (1). The artificial head (1) can be represented by an artificial skin (10) in a visually realistic or aesthetically pleasing manner.