In-Vehicle Fiducial Mark Tracking for Console Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern automobiles face challenges in simplifying console wiring harnesses, reducing bulk, increasing reliability, and decreasing manufacturing costs due to the complexity of in-cabin controls and sensors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a camera and computer processor system to detect and analyze fiducial marks and patterns on vehicle components, such as the steering wheel and safety belts, to track and interpret information about occupant interactions and vehicle conditions, enabling automated configuration of settings and feedback for enhanced safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional controls and sensors are added to the cabin to enhance occupant safety and comfort, then occupant safety and comfort are improved, but console wiring complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single camera system. The camera captures images that are then processed to detect fiducial marks on various vehicle components (steering wheel, safety belts, seats), replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors and their associated wiring harnesses throughout the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs multiple functions: detecting steering wheel position via fiducial marks, monitoring safety belt usage, tracking seat position, and identifying occupant presence. This single multi-functional device replaces numerous specialized sensors, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities for occupant safety and comfort.
2Reliability
If additional controls and sensors are added to the cabin to enhance occupant safety and comfort, then occupant safety and comfort are improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor functions into a single camera system, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and installed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs despite maintaining comprehensive safety monitoring capabilities through image processing and fiducial mark detection.
3Measurement precision
If fiducial marks are used on vehicle components for tracking, then automated detection and configuration accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial marks utilize distinct color patterns and visual characteristics that enable automated camera detection. The colored or patterned marks on components like the steering wheel and safety belts provide high-contrast visual signals that are easily distinguished by image processing algorithms, improving detection accuracy without requiring complex physical modifications to the components.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for in-vehicle fiducial mark tracking and interpretation According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for executing computer executable instructions by one or more processors. The method includes receiving the one or more images from at least one camera attached to a vehicle; selecting, from the one or more received images, a region of interest associated with an object in the vehicle; identifying fiducial marks within the selected region of interest by comparing the identified fiducial marks with one or more stored fiducial representations; determining, based at least in part on the comparison, spatial information associated with the object or an occupant of the vehicle; and sending information based at least in part on the determined spatial information.