Vehicle Console User Detection via IMS Camera Key Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety features that aim to prevent driver distraction by disabling console interactions while driving often inadvertently restrict passengers, leading to frustration and a lack of differentiation between drivers and passengers using the console.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an Interior Monitoring System (IMS) camera to detect key points on individuals, determining their interaction with the console, and calculating distances to determine if the driver or passenger is using the console, thereby activating safety features only when the driver is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety features are activated to prevent driver distraction by disabling console interactions while driving, then driver safety is improved, but passenger convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the user detection function by identifying specific key points (wrist, elbow, shoulder) on the person's body to determine whether the driver or passenger is using the console. This segmentation allows differentiated access control based on user identity rather than a blanket restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system acts as an intermediary that detects the presence and position of users, providing information to the control unit to intelligently decide whether to activate safety features. This intermediary enables the system to distinguish between driver and passenger before applying restrictions
2Reliability
If console access is restricted while driving to ensure safety, then driver distraction is reduced, but user frustration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts console access restrictions based on real-time detection of who is using the console. When the passenger is detected, console access remains unrestricted; when the driver is detected, restrictions are applied. This dynamic response prevents unnecessary frustration while maintaining safety
3Reliability
If a blanket console disablement policy is implemented while driving, then driver safety is improved, but system intelligence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system continuously monitors and provides feedback about who is using the console, allowing the control unit to make intelligent decisions about access restrictions. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt its behavior based on current conditions rather than following a rigid policy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical disablement switches with an intelligent vision-based detection system that uses key point detection and distance calculation to determine user identity. This substitution enables nuanced, context-aware control decisions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The proposed invention concerns a method for detecting a person using a console (1), in particular for safety features activation in a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: • Providing a camera (2) configured to take images of the person, in particular the camera is an Interior Monitoring System (IMS) camera of a vehicle, • Detecting an interaction, in particular a touch, of a person on the console (1), • Detecting key points on the images, said key points (Kn) being located on the person's body, • Using key points (Kn) detected on the images to determine if the person is using the console by determining the distance between the key point (Kn) and a reference point -RP) on the console (1).