Infrared Array Sensor Passenger State Detection in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior monitoring systems cannot accurately detect the state of passengers, such as sleep or seatbelt use, without the driver's direct observation, leading to unsafe and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A processing method using an infrared array sensor to detect passenger positions and states within a vehicle, transmitting control commands to adjust environmental settings based on detected conditions, allowing the driver to monitor and control passenger comfort without looking away from the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driver directly observes passengers to detect their state, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road, reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared array sensor as an intermediary device to detect passenger states (sleeping, seatbelt use) without requiring the driver's direct observation. The sensor captures thermal radiation from passengers, and the processing apparatus analyzes this data to determine passenger states, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while keeping the driver's attention on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system (driver's direct observation) with a thermal radiation detection system (infrared sensor). This substitution allows automated detection of passenger states through thermal patterns, eliminating the need for the driver to visually monitor passengers while maintaining or improving detection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are installed to comprehensively monitor passenger states, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the infrared array sensor multi-functional by processing different aspects of thermal radiation data to detect various passenger states including sleeping detection, seatbelt use detection, and positioning. A single sensor system performs multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects different passenger states by analyzing changes in thermal radiation parameters (temperature distribution patterns, heat signatures) rather than using multiple physical sensors. By varying the analysis parameters of the same sensor output, the system achieves versatile monitoring capability without increasing hardware complexity.
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 safe and efficient operation by allowing the driver to recognize passenger states and adjust vehicle settings without distraction, improving passenger comfort and safety through accurate and non-intrusive monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared array sensor to detect passenger positions and states within a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A processing method for a processing apparatus is disclosed. The processing method causes a computer of the processing apparatus to perform a process. The process includes detecting a position and a sleep state of a passenger inside a vehicle on a basis of information indicating a state of space including seats of the vehicle. The information is obtained from a sensor provided inside the vehicle. The process also includes notifying an operator of the vehicle of the detected position and the detected sleep state of the passenger. Further, the process also includes transmitting, upon detecting an operation, the operation being performed by the operator of the vehicle in response to the notifying, for controlling a device near the detected position of the passenger, a control command corresponding to the operation to the device.