Depth Sensor Activation for Driver State Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems face challenges in accurately determining a driver's state, particularly in three-dimensional space, due to limitations in two-dimensional data, and long-term exposure to laser depth sensors can be harmful.
Innovation Solution
A system that selectively activates a depth sensor based on first sensor data, such as camera images, to generate depth data only when necessary, reducing exposure time and minimizing health risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a depth sensor is continuously activated to accurately determine driver state in three-dimensional space, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to long-term laser exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The depth sensor is activated periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The system switches between a first sensor (camera) for normal operation and a depth sensor (laser) for enhanced measurement when needed, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing harmful laser exposure to acceptable levels
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary that intelligently controls when the depth sensor is activated. Based on analysis of sensor data indicating compromised driver states, the processor selectively enables the depth sensor only when necessary, mediating between the need for accurate measurement and the need to minimize harmful exposure
2Measurement precision
If a depth sensor is activated to gather three dimensional data, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when sensor data indicates a compromised driver state. This intermittent operation maintains the ability to gather accurate three-dimensional data when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses data from the first sensor to automatically determine when depth sensor activation is necessary. This self-monitoring capability allows the system to autonomously manage energy resources by activating the power-intensive depth sensor only when the first sensor data indicates a need for enhanced measurement precision
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 effectively determines the driver's state with reduced health risks and improved accuracy by activating the depth sensor only when required, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensor, such as a laser depth sensor, to gather depth data
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first sensor configured to generate first sensor data. The first sensor data is related to an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus further includes a depth sensor and a processor. The depth sensor is configured to generate data corresponding to a volume associated with at least a portion of the occupant. The processor is configured to receive the first sensor data and to activate the depth sensor based on the first sensor data.