Vehicle Occupant Position Prediction from Incomplete Biometric Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems fail to accurately identify the spatial position of vehicle occupants due to incomplete image data, leading to unreliable vehicle control.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two machine learning algorithms to enhance occupant spatial positioning by detecting missing biometric data points and predicting occupant movements, enabling precise control of vehicle safety systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image-based biometric data is used to identify occupant spatial position, then occupant identification is enabled, but measurement precision of spatial position is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial position identification precisionVSAvoidmissing key points in biometric data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary imputation algorithm that acts as a mediator between incomplete image-based biometric data and the required complete spatial position data. This algorithm fills missing key points by leveraging correlations between visible and hidden body parts, effectively bridging the information gap without requiring additional direct measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of missing biometric key points by imputing their spatial positions based on patterns learned from complete biometric datasets. These imputed key points are essentially copied spatial information that reconstructs the complete occupant model even when parts of the original image data are missing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If static biometric data is used for vehicle control, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to occupant movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to occupant movementVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static biometric data system into a dynamic one by continuously updating the occupant spatial model based on real-time image data and predicted movements. The system adapts to changing occupant positions by repeatedly imputing missing key points and updating the control parameters, making the previously static system responsive to dynamic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by predicting future occupant positions before actual movement occurs. The machine learning model forecasts occupant trajectory and pre-adjusts safety system parameters in anticipation of the occupant's next position, enabling proactive rather than reactive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional camera systems are used to monitor occupants, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability of spatial positioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of spatial positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of data processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical limitation of physical cameras with computational intelligence. Instead of adding more physical sensors to capture all body parts, the system uses machine learning algorithms to computationally infer missing spatial information, substituting mechanical complexity with intelligent data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4488961B1Method for providing control data configured to control a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP4488961B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488961B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488961B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method (100) for providing control data configured to control a vehicle (11), comprising: providing (110) biometric data of an occupant of the vehicle based on image data; utilizing (120) a first machine learning algorithm, wherein the first machine learning algorithm is at least configured to detect missing values in the provided biometric data and to determine the missing values in the provided biometric data; utilizing (130) a second machine learning algorithm, wherein the second machine learning algorithm is at least configured to provide dynamic occupant data for the occupant based on the provided biometric data and the determined missing values, the dynamic occupant data comprising a prediction of a movement of the occupant; and providing (140) control data configured to control the vehicle (11) based on the provided dynamic occupant data.