Camera-Based Seatbelt Buckle Detection by Belt Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seatbelt detection systems in vehicles are costly and unable to provide an absolute length of the dispensed seatbelt, which is crucial for determining proper fastening, especially in autonomous vehicles where safety checks are essential before operation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an in-cabin camera to capture image data of the seatbelt, determining the length of the dispensed seatbelt based on patterns or retro-reflective materials, and comparing the lengths of the shoulder and lap belts to assess proper buckling, potentially aided by machine-learning neural networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional costly sensors are used to detect seatbelt proper use, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an existing in-cabin camera to capture an optical copy/image of the seatbelt instead of adding specialized sensors. The camera creates a visual representation that is then processed to extract length information, eliminating the need for additional costly sensors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical or specialized sensing systems with an optical system using an existing camera. Image processing algorithms substitute for physical measurement devices, converting visual data into length measurements through computational methods
2Device complexity
If existing seatbelt detection systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of seatbelt length is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct physical measurement to indirect optical measurement. By capturing the seatbelt in a 2D image and using perspective projection mathematics, the system extracts 3D length information from 2D visual data, adding a dimensional transformation approach to the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct physical contact to optical image analysis. By detecting patterns, retro-reflective materials, or visual features in the captured image and converting them to length measurements through calibration and computation, the system achieves precise measurement using different physical parameters
3Device complexity
If in-cabin camera is used to capture seatbelt image data, then device complexity is minimized, but determining absolute length becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference objects or calibration patterns as intermediaries between the camera and the seatbelt. These reference elements provide known dimensional relationships that enable the system to calculate real-world lengths from pixel measurements, bridging the gap between image space and physical space
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses known geometric relationships and calibration data as feedback to correct and refine length measurements. By comparing detected features against expected geometric models and adjusting measurements accordingly, the system achieves accurate absolute length determination from relative image data
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to techniques for detecting proper use of a seatbelt in a vehicle. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving, from a sensor, image data of one or more portions of a seatbelt. The process can further include steps for determining a length of the seatbelt that is dispensed based on the image data and determining if the seatbelt is buckled in front of a passenger's body based on the length of the seatbelt that is dispensed. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.