In-Display Cabin Imager Layout for Low-Distortion Occupant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant monitoring devices in vehicles face challenges in effectively imaging and monitoring multiple occupants, particularly passengers, due to the placement of dedicated cameras, which can result in distorted images and reduced accuracy in determining driver attention and drowsiness.
Innovation Solution
An occupant monitoring device comprising an imager, a display, and circuitry, where the imager is positioned on the back of a non-display area of the display panel, allowing for a wide-angle view of the cabin while minimizing distortion, and using registered captured image data to determine occupant conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated camera is provided in front of the driver to monitor the driver, then driver monitoring capability is improved, but image distortion and reduced accuracy in determining driver attention and drowsiness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a front-facing camera arrangement to a rear-facing camera positioned behind the display panel. This dimensional change allows the camera to capture images of the driver's face without the distortion caused by front-mounted cameras, improving both monitoring accuracy and image quality simultaneously
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imager is disposed on the back of the non-display area of the display panel, then wide-angle view and reduced distortion are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display panel and imager into a single integrated unit. The imager is positioned on the back of the non-display area of the same panel that displays information to the driver, combining two functions (display and monitoring) into one component structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving wide-angle coverage
3Device complexity
If multiple occupants are monitored using a single camera, then device complexity is reduced, but image distortion and monitoring accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the camera on the back of the display panel rather than in front, the system achieves a rearward viewing angle that allows a single camera to capture multiple occupants (driver and front passenger) with reduced distortion, maintaining monitoring accuracy while using only one camera
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant monitoring device for a vehicle includes an imager, a display, and a determiner. The imager is configured to image a cabin of the vehicle to monitor conditions of occupants in the vehicle. The display is configured to display a screen to be viewed by the occupants in the vehicle. The determiner is configured to determine the conditions of the occupants in the vehicle by using captured image data obtained by imaging each of the occupants by the imager while the screen is displayed on the display. A panel configured to display the screen of the display has a non-display area on an inner side of a rectangular frame circumscribing a display area of the screen. The imager is disposed on a back of the non-display area of the panel of the display.