In-Cabin Radar Vital Sign Sensing for Early Driver State Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting drowsy driving and other driver states, such as drug use or hypoglycemic shock, using camera images are ineffective in predicting these conditions before they occur, and there is a need for a more reliable and proactive system.
Innovation Solution
A driver state predicting method using radar to non-contactly monitor heart and respiratory rates, with a system comprising a radar module to scan and count heartbeats and respiration, and a state determination unit to analyze these signals against predefined thresholds to predict drowsy driving, drug use, or hypoglycemic shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera image analysis is used to detect drowsy driving, then the driver's state can be recognized, but the drowsy driving cannot be predicted before it occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The radar-based system performs preliminary detection of driver state by monitoring vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate) before drowsy driving occurs. By detecting changes in these physiological parameters, the system can predict drowsy driving in advance, enabling preventive actions rather than reactive responses after the driver is already drowsy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vital signs (heart rate and respiratory rate) as intermediary parameters that mediate between the driver's internal physiological state and the external detection system. These intermediaries provide early indicators of drowsy driving before behavioral changes become visible to camera systems
2Reliability
If radar is used to non-contactly monitor heart rate and respiratory rate, then early prediction of driver state is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects the driver's presence, measures heart rate, measures respiratory rate, and determines driver state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving prediction reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces contact-based physiological measurement devices (such as heart rate monitors requiring chest straps or finger placement) with a non-contact radar system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and additional mechanical components, maintaining system simplicity while enabling reliable vital sign detection
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
Enables early prediction of drowsy driving and other hazardous conditions by accurately monitoring heart and respiratory rates, providing timely warnings to prevent accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a radar module scans a driver using radar signal and outputs at least one of heartbeat signals tracking heartbeats of the driver and respiratory signals tracking respiration of the driver
Implementation Method 2
KR 10-2023-0077605 A (Respiratory rate estimation device and method using Doppler velocity based on FMCW radar)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an in-cabin safety sensor for predicting a driver state and its driver state predicting method. The in-cabin safety sensor for predicting a driver state using radar of the present invention may count a driver's heart rate and/or respiratory rate using radar, and may monitor changes in the driver's heart rate or respiratory rate to predict driver's drug use, hypoglycemic shock, etc., in which the driver's heart rate per minute counted in real time is higher than the reference heart rate or the driver's respiratory rate per minute is higher than the reference respiratory rate, in addition to driver's drowsy driving or preliminary drowsy driving in which driver's heart rate per minute counted in real time is slower than a reference heart rate or driver's respiratory rate per minute is lower than a reference respiratory rate.