Vehicle Occupant Pose and Size Detection via Interior Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occupant detection systems in vehicles can only provide general location information, lacking the specific size and pose data needed for more precise control of airbags and other safety systems, which limits their effectiveness in enhancing occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a camera and electronic control unit to classify vehicle interior regions, identify and determine the size and pose of occupants, and control vehicle systems accordingly, incorporating image processing to capture and analyze images from multiple angles and sensors to provide detailed occupant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If seat-based sensors are used to detect occupant location, then the system can provide general occupant location information, but it cannot provide specific size and pose data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical seat-based sensors with an optical camera system and image processing algorithm. The camera captures images of the vehicle interior, and image processing techniques classify interior regions and determine occupant size and pose without physical contact. This substitution provides richer information (size, pose, location) while avoiding the limitations of mechanical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the vehicle interior through camera imaging. By capturing and processing images, the system generates a digital representation of the interior space and occupant positions. This optical copy allows for detailed analysis of occupant characteristics without requiring direct physical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If general occupant location detection is used, then the system structure remains simple, but airbag control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle interior into multiple classified regions using image processing. By dividing the interior space into distinct zones and identifying which regions contain occupants, the system achieves precise location information. This segmentation approach enables detailed spatial understanding without requiring a complex array of individual sensors throughout the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional seat-based detection to two-dimensional image-based detection. The camera captures spatial information across the entire vehicle interior plane, providing comprehensive coverage of occupant positions, sizes, and poses. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters that would require separate sensors in traditional systems.
3Loss of information
If camera-based detection is used to capture detailed occupant information, then size and pose data can be obtained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image processing algorithms that automatically analyze captured images without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by performing region classification, occupant identification, size estimation, and pose determination through automated computational methods. This reduces the operational complexity despite the sophisticated analysis required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional image processing system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: classifying interior regions, identifying occupants, determining size ranges, and assessing poses. This universal processing approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate detection systems into a single integrated workflow, managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a size and pose of an occupant (305, 310, 315) within a vehicle interior. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving one or more images (FIG. 3) of a vehicle interior from a camera (114). The method also includes classifying interior regions (130, 132, 134, 136, 138) of the vehicle interior (100) in the one or more images. The method also includes identifying an occupant (305, 310, 315) in the one or more images based on the classification of the interior regions (130, 132, 134, 136, 138) of the vehicle interior (100). The method also includes determining a size range of the occupant (305, 310, 315) based on the classification (404) of the interior regions of the vehicle interior (100). The method also includes determining a pose of the occupant (305, 310, 315) based on the classification (404) of the interior regions of the vehicle interior (100). The method also includes controlling one or more vehicle systems (122, 124, 126, 128) based on the size and the pose of the occupant (305, 310, 315).