Vehicle Occupant Localization Using CSI and Sub-Carrier Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupant detection systems in vehicles are costly and complex, particularly due to the need for multiple wireless control modules, which is not feasible in most vehicles equipped with only a single module, and raise privacy concerns with camera-based systems and are expensive with weight sensors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless occupant detection system using a single multi-band transceiver wireless control module in communication with signal conversion devices, each assigned a unique sub-carrier frequency, allowing for the determination of occupant presence and position within the vehicle through CSI estimation without additional modules, by correlating missing sub-carrier frequencies with specific positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless sensing technologies are used for occupant detection, then cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment are improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring two or more wireless control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The existing wireless control module is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both wireless communication and occupant detection functions. The system reuses the existing wireless infrastructure (transceivers, antennas, signal processing circuits) for dual purposes: standard vehicle communication and CSI-based occupant presence detection, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated detection modules
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wireless control module infrastructure serves itself by utilizing its own transmitted signals for detection purposes. The module's own communication signals are used to estimate CSI and detect occupant presence, eliminating the need for external or additional dedicated detection hardware
2Measurement precision
If additional wireless control modules are installed for presence detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing wireless control module is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both wireless communication and occupant detection functions. The system reuses the existing wireless infrastructure (transceivers, antennas, signal processing circuits) for dual purposes: standard vehicle communication and CSI-based occupant presence detection, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated detection modules
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wireless control module infrastructure serves itself by utilizing its own transmitted signals for detection purposes. The module's own communication signals are used to estimate CSI and detect occupant presence, eliminating the need for external or additional dedicated detection hardware
3Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used for occupant detection, then detection capability is improved, but privacy issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/mechanical detection systems (cameras) with electromagnetic field-based detection (wireless CSI sensing). Instead of using visual information that raises privacy concerns, the system uses radio frequency signal propagation characteristics to detect occupant presence, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating privacy intrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces wireless signals as an intermediary medium for detection. Rather than directly observing occupants with cameras, the system uses wireless signals that interact with occupants (reflect, absorb, or scatter) to indirectly infer presence, creating a privacy-preserving detection mechanism
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
This approach reduces the cost and complexity of occupant detection by using existing infrastructure, enabling accurate detection of occupant presence and position within the vehicle using a single control module, while avoiding privacy issues associated with cameras and the expense of weight sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-band transceiver having a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals on a first frequency band and a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals on a second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
CSI estimation represents how wireless signals propagate from the transmitter to the receiver at certain carrier frequencies along multiple paths
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant detection system for determining a unique position of a detected presence within an interior cabin area of a vehicle includes a plurality of signal conversion devices each including conversion circuitry. Each of the plurality of signal conversion devices are assigned to a specific position within the interior cabin area of the vehicle. The conversion circuitry for the plurality of signal conversion devices include unique sub-carrier frequency that corresponds to the unique position within the interior cabin area of the vehicle. The occupant detection system includes a wireless control module including a multi-band transceiver having a first transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals on a first frequency band and a second transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals on a second frequency band.