Vehicle Head Positioning via Radar Camera Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver monitoring systems face challenges in accurately estimating the three-dimensional position and velocity of a vehicle occupant's head, which is crucial for preventing accidents due to driver inattention, as camera-only approaches are either expensive or provide low accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle occupant head positioning system that combines wave sensing and image capture technologies, using radar or ultrasonic waves and cameras to compute the radial range and image position of the head, with sensor fusion processors determining the three-dimensional position and velocity, and an attachment mechanism for securing the components within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a camera-only approach is used to estimate head position, then the system cost is reduced, but the measurement precision of the z-position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wave sensing assembly (radar or ultrasonic) with image capture assembly (camera) into an integrated head positioning system. The wave sensing provides accurate radial range measurements while the camera provides angular information, and their fusion resolves the contradiction by achieving both cost-effectiveness and high measurement precision through complementary sensor modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor fusion processing as an intermediary that combines measurements from wave sensing and image capture. This intermediary process integrates the radial range from wave sensing with the angular position from camera imaging, producing a unified three-dimensional position estimate that overcomes the limitations of either sensor type alone
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to improve z-position accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of using multiple cameras with a wave sensing approach (radar or ultrasonic) that inherently provides accurate range measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple cameras while achieving superior z-position accuracy through the physical properties of wave propagation and reflection
3Measurement precision
If wave sensing assembly is added to improve velocity tracking accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave sensing assembly serves multiple functions: it provides radial range measurements for position estimation, Doppler velocity measurements for velocity tracking, and complementary data for sensor fusion. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by delivering multiple measurement capabilities from a single sensor type
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 system provides a robust and accurate estimation of head position and velocity, enhancing the reliability of driver monitoring applications by reducing errors in gaze position and direction calculations, thereby improving safety and comfort features.
Implementation Method 1
The wave sensing assembly transmits and receives radar or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
The wave sensing assembly transmits and receives radar or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
at least one receiver for receiving waves reflected off the occupant head
Implementation Method 4
at least one (e.g., infrared, etc.) light emitting device for illuminating the occupant's head when the images are being captured
Data Source
AI summary
Described are occupant positioning systems, and methods of use thereof, which combine image capture and radar or ultrasonic sensors, determine the head position and/or velocity of a vehicle occupant's head in three dimensions for use in a driver monitoring application. The driver monitoring applications may include features such as driver drowsiness estimation and indication, driver attention monitoring, driver gaze direction and driver gaze positioning, driver identification, head-up display adjustment and automatic sun blocking. These are features that can improve the operational safety of the vehicle.