Vehicle Cabin Radar Monitoring with Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MIMO radar systems struggle to achieve adequate resolvability when identifying targets in close proximity or in moving environments, particularly in vehicle cabins, where complex target objects with different parts complicate imaging, and existing sensor systems are costly and unreliable for monitoring occupancy and passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
A radar-based monitoring system using a single sensor unit with a beam deflection device, such as a reflector or refractor, to direct electromagnetic waves towards obstructed regions within the vehicle cabin, allowing for the generation of 3D images that detect occupancy, posture, and vital signs, and control safety systems like airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for monitoring occupancy and passenger safety, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (occupancy detection, passenger classification, airbag control) into a single radar-based system. The radar unit integrates transmitter and receiver antennas that emit and detect electromagnetic waves to monitor the vehicle cabin, replacing multiple separate sensors with one unified system that provides comprehensive safety monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting occupancy status, classifying passengers by size and position, monitoring vital signs, and controlling airbag deployment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If beam deflection devices are added to direct electromagnetic waves towards obstructed regions, then measurement coverage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beam deflection devices as intermediary elements that redirect electromagnetic waves from the radar unit towards obstructed regions of the vehicle cabin. These devices act as mediators that expand the radar's monitoring coverage without requiring additional radar units, maintaining system simplicity while improving area coverage.
3Reliability
If radar systems are used for passenger classification and safety monitoring, then reliability of safety system control improves, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical sensor systems with a radar-based electromagnetic detection system. This substitution improves reliability by providing more consistent and accurate data for safety control decisions, though it introduces manufacturing complexity due to the specialized radar components required.
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
The system provides enhanced radar reflections for improved occupancy monitoring and safety system control, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing passenger classification and airbag activation decisions, while maintaining privacy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a radar unit comprising at least one transmitter antenna connected to an oscillator and configured to transmit electromagnetic waves into the vehicle cabin, and at least one receiver antenna configured to receive electromagnetic waves reflected by objects within the vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver antenna configured to receive electromagnetic waves reflected by objects within the vehicle cabin
Implementation Method 3
at least one beam deflection device configured to direct the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the at least one transmitter antenna towards at least one shielded or obstructed region within the vehicle cabin
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle cabin monitoring using a radar unit positioned within the cabin to obtain image data of the vehicle cabin, a beam deflector for deflecting electromagnetic waves into obstructed regions of the cabin and a processor to generate detect occupancy of seats within the vehicle cabin, categorize occupants, detect posture, determine seatbelt status and monitor life signs of the occupants.