Vehicle Cabin Monitoring Using LIDAR for Occupant Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle cabin monitoring systems lack the ability to effectively determine the orientation and position of occupants and vehicle seats in real-time, which limits their capacity to perform adaptive functions such as inhibiting airbag deployment and optimizing seat positioning during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based cabin monitoring system that utilizes light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices to map the vehicle cabin, determining the orientation and position of seats and occupants, and performs functions like inhibiting airbag deployment and repositioning seats to align with the primary direction of force during a collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital cameras or seat pressure sensors are used to detect occupants, then basic occupancy detection is achieved, but real-time orientation and position determination capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing systems (pressure sensors, cameras) with LIDAR technology that uses light detection and ranging to achieve precise 3D spatial mapping. This optical-based system provides accurate real-time measurement of occupant and seat orientation and position without the complexity limitations of mechanical sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from detecting basic presence (binary occupancy) to measuring multiple spatial parameters simultaneously (position, orientation, distance) using LIDAR. This parameter expansion enables comprehensive monitoring of occupant state and seat configuration for adaptive safety responses.
2Reliability
If adaptive functions like airbag inhibition and seat repositioning are implemented, then occupant safety is enhanced, but real-time data acquisition capability must be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system continuously creates real-time 3D spatial maps of the cabin environment, capturing occupant position, orientation, and seat configuration before collision occurs. This preliminary data acquisition enables the safety system to make informed decisions about airbag inhibition and seat repositioning actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous LIDAR scanning to provide real-time feedback on occupant and seat states, enabling dynamic adjustment of safety functions. The feedback loop ensures that adaptive responses are based on current spatial information, improving reliability of collision mitigation actions.
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 real-time adaptive responses to enhance occupant safety by optimizing seat positioning and airbag deployment strategies, minimizing injury risk during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A cabin monitoring system for a vehicle is described. The system includes a sensor suite that scans a vehicle cabin to generate image data
Data Source
AI summary
A computer that includes memory that stores instructions executable by a processor. The computer may be programmed to: receive image data that includes a vehicle seat and an occupant within a vehicle cabin; determine, using the received data, an orientation of the seat and an orientation of the occupant; and perform a vehicle function based on the determination.