Ceiling Radar Occupant Detection Across Opposite Seat Rows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar apparatuses face challenges in simultaneously detecting occupants in multiple directions within a vehicle due to limited electromagnetic beam radiation capabilities, leading to increased installation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus that radiates electromagnetic waves in two opposite directions, allowing for the detection of occupants in both forward and backward seats using a single unit, with a circuit that processes reflected signals to distinguish and accurately identify targets based on their movement and presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single radar apparatus is used to detect occupants in multiple directions, then installation cost is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously detect targets in opposite directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple radiation elements that can radiate electromagnetic waves in different directions simultaneously. Each radiation element is configured to cover a specific radiation angle range, allowing the single radar apparatus to detect occupants in multiple directions including opposite directions without requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability to perform occupancy detection in multiple directions using a single device. The antenna structure enables the apparatus to serve multiple detection zones (front, rear, left, right) simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radar apparatuses are installed to detect occupants in all directions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate radar apparatuses are merged into a single integrated device. The antenna combines multiple radiation elements with different radiation patterns, allowing the unified apparatus to achieve comprehensive angular coverage and maintain high detection accuracy without the complexity of multiple independent sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna radiation characteristics are designed to cover a broad angular range in the horizontal plane, extending detection capability from a single direction to three-dimensional spatial coverage. This dimensional expansion allows one apparatus to perform the work of multiple apparatuses positioned at different locations.
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
This solution enables cost-effective and efficient simultaneous detection of multiple occupants, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving installation flexibility while enhancing detection accuracy, particularly during vehicle parking or when occupants are still or moving.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to radiate a first electromagnetic wave in a first radiation angle range including a first direction and radiates a second electromagnetic wave in a second radiation angle range including a second direction opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a circuit configured to detect a first target in the first direction and a second target in the second direction on the basis of a first reflected signal of the first electromagnetic wave and a second reflected signal of the second electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus in a vehicle is provided. The object detection apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to detect at least one object located on at least three rows of seats in the vehicle, the one or more sensors being positioned on a ceiling of the vehicle. The object detection apparatus further includes a circuit configured to determine whether or not the at least one object detected is a living-object. A number of the one or more sensors is less than a number of the at least three rows of seats.