In-Cabin RADAR Occupant Classification for Adaptive Vehicle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack effective methods to accurately identify, classify, and monitor occupants within the vehicle using electromagnetic signals, particularly in dynamic environments, which limits their ability to adapt to changes in the vehicle scene and provide appropriate responses based on occupant presence and status.
Innovation Solution
The use of RADAR sensors to process electromagnetic signals for identifying and classifying vehicle occupants by extracting features such as vital signs, and adjusting processing parameters in response to scene changes, allowing for precise location assignment and classification of occupants, including age estimation based on breathing rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RADAR sensors are used to detect and classify vehicle occupants, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RADAR sensor system performs multiple functions including occupancy detection, location determination, vital sign monitoring (breathing rate, heart rate), and classification of occupant type. By consolidating these functions into a single sensor system rather than using separate sensors for each function, the patent achieves high measurement precision while managing device complexity through multi-functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical occupancy detection methods (such as weight sensors or capacitive sensors in seats) with electromagnetic RADAR signal processing. This substitution enables non-contact detection of occupants and their vital signs, significantly improving measurement precision for occupancy status while providing additional capabilities like breathing rate detection through Doppler signal analysis
2Adaptability or versatility
If processing parameters are continuously adjusted in response to scene changes, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of signal processing parameters based on detected scene changes. When an occupancy change is detected (such as a passenger entering or exiting), the system adapts its processing parameters to optimize detection accuracy for the new scenario. This dynamic adaptation improves versatility while avoiding continuous full-scale processing that would consume excessive energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of scene changes using the RADAR signals before initiating full classification and parameter adjustment sequences. By detecting basic occupancy changes first and then selectively adjusting processing parameters only when necessary, the patent achieves good adaptability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous parameter re-adjustment
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 and adaptive monitoring of vehicle occupants, enabling features like automatic airbag disablement and notification systems, improving safety and operational responses within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
using electromagnetic signals... identifying a vehicle occupant within a vehicle using electromagnetic signals... processing reflected electromagnetic signals to estimate a location of the vehicle occupant
Implementation Method 2
identifying a repeating pattern of Doppler spectrum peaks in a RADAR signal... identifying an estimated frequency distance between adjacent peaks of the repeating pattern. An estimated breathing rate or another vital sign may be calculated using the estimated frequency distance
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for location, identification, and/or classification of vehicle occupants using, at least in part, RADAR or other electromagnetic sensor data from within the vehicle cabin. In some implementations, the method may comprise identifying a vehicle occupant within a vehicle using electromagnetic signals and assigning the vehicle occupant to a location within the vehicle by processing electromagnetic signals. One or more features about the vehicle occupant may be extracted by processing electromagnetic signals and used to classify the occupant and/or alter a function of the vehicle.