Vehicle Cabin Climate Control Using Infrared Occupant Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle climate control systems require manual adjustment by occupants, diverting attention from driving, as they need to interact with knobs or touch-sensitive displays to maintain comfort based on their clothing, which may not be sufficient for maintaining optimal temperature.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle climate control system utilizing infrared cameras to determine the average temperature of occupants by analyzing temperature differences across their bodies, allowing for automatic adjustment of compartment temperature without manual input, using processing circuitry connected to temperature controlling devices and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual temperature adjustment is used via knobs or touch-sensitive displays, then the occupant can control the temperature, but the occupant's attention is diverted from driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects occupant temperature and clothing state using infrared sensors, then autonomously adjusts the climate control settings without requiring manual intervention. The occupant simply sits in the vehicle and the system handles temperature regulation based on detected physiological parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (knobs, touch displays) with an automated optical detection system. Infrared cameras and temperature sensors substitute for human visual attention and manual manipulation, using thermal radiation detection to automatically determine occupant thermal state and trigger appropriate climate responses.
2Ease of operation
If automatic temperature control is implemented, then manual adjustment is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared camera system serves multiple functions: it detects occupant presence, determines clothing state (coded attire detection), measures body temperature distribution, and identifies seating position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control systems, managing complexity through consolidated hardware with diverse capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature distribution patterns across different body regions as diagnostic parameters to infer clothing state. By analyzing thermal radiation intensity variations at multiple zones (head, torso, limbs), the system derives clothing information without direct contact or additional sensors, transforming thermal parameter analysis into clothing detection capability.
3Temperature
If continuous manual monitoring and adjustment is performed, then temperature comfort is maintained, but the occupant cannot focus on driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors occupant temperature and clothing state via infrared sensors, creating a closed-loop feedback system. The detected thermal parameters are processed to determine comfort levels, which automatically trigger climate control adjustments. This continuous feedback maintains comfort without requiring occupant attention, as the system self-regulates based on real-time thermal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared detection system operates continuously to monitor occupant thermal state, ensuring uninterrupted temperature comfort maintenance. Rather than periodic manual checks, the system provides constant thermal monitoring and automatic adjustment, keeping the climate control function active and responsive at all times without diverting driver attention.
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 automatic and continuous adjustment of vehicle compartment temperature based on occupant clothing, reducing the need for manual intervention, thereby enhancing comfort and safety by focusing the driver's attention on the road.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first infrared camera configured to determine temperature data of objects in an image captured by the at least first infrared camera
Implementation Method 2
determine an average temperature of a first vehicle occupant based on a temperature difference in temperature data of different areas of the at least first vehicle occupant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for method for managing a vehicle compartment temperature of at least a first vehicle compartment (20a, 20b, 20c), the method comprising the step of determining an average temperature of a first vehicle occupant based on a temperature difference in temperature data of different areas of the at least first vehicle occupant in an image of the at least first vehicle occupant captured by at least a first infrared camera (10a,10b,10c,10d). Ambient temperature sensors (12a,12b,12c) are used for measuring the temperature outside the vehicle (1). An offset to the target temperature is determined.