Vehicle Occupant Posture Detection Using Radar Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack effective monitoring and utilization of occupant posture, which is crucial for safety and comfort, especially in driver assist and autonomous driving scenarios, as they rely on simple relativistic measurements of seat position rather than absolute posture information.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle occupant posture detection system uses radar/Lidar sensors to measure angles between the torso line, femoral line, and Z-axis, determining the occupant's posture state and utilizing this information to adjust seat settings for comfort and safety, pre-positioning the seat in a safe configuration before impact events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simple relativistic measurements (seat position sensors) are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of occupant posture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the occupant posture measurement into multiple independent measurement components: seat position sensors measure seat configuration, while radar/LIDAR sensors measure occupant body angles (torso angle, thigh angle, knee angle, ankle angle) independently. This segmentation allows each sensor type to specialize in specific measurements, improving overall precision without requiring a single complex sensor system to measure all parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radar and LIDAR sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure occupant posture by detecting body contours and calculating angles from reflected electromagnetic waves. These intermediaries bridge the gap between simple seat position sensors and the need for precise occupant posture measurement, enabling non-contact measurement of body angles while maintaining system manageability.
2Measurement precision
If radar/LIDAR sensors are used to measure occupant posture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using radar and LIDAR sensors to perform multiple measurement tasks simultaneously: detecting occupant presence, measuring body angles (torso, thigh, knee, ankle), determining occupant position, and characterizing posture state. This universal approach allows a single sensor system to replace multiple specialized sensors, improving measurement precision while actually reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct contact mechanical sensors to non-contact electromagnetic wave-based measurements. By measuring body contours and calculating angles from reflected radar/LIDAR waves, the system achieves precise posture measurement without mechanical contact, reducing wear and allowing for more sophisticated measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing mechanical system complexity.
3Reliability
If absolute posture information is collected, then safety system reliability is improved, but loss of information from secondary measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of multiple posture parameters (torso angle, thigh angle, knee angle, ankle angle) using radar/LIDAR sensors before safety systems need to make decisions. This preliminary collection of comprehensive posture information ensures that when safety systems need to act, they have access to complete and accurate occupant posture data, improving reliability without losing valuable secondary measurement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring occupant posture parameters and using this information to adjust or inform safety system operations. The system feeds back posture information to control systems, allowing real-time adjustments to safety interventions based on actual occupant position and posture, thereby improving safety system reliability while utilizing rather than losing secondary measurement data.
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 system enhances occupant comfort and safety by accurately determining and utilizing primary occupant posture information, fine-tuning safety and restraint systems, and informing seat design, especially in driver assist and autonomous driving situations, where simple seat information may not accurately represent occupant posture.
Implementation Method 1
Radar/Lidar sensors in the vehicle can be used for these same purposes
Implementation Method 2
Radar/Lidar sensors in the vehicle can be used for these same purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle occupant posture detection (OPD) system, including: a measuring device (23) coupled to a seat back (16) of a seat (12) of a vehicle and adapted to determine an angle (α) between a Z-axis and a torso line (18) of an occupant (10) seated in the seat (12) by measuring an angle of the seat back (16); a measuring device (24) coupled to a seat bottom (14) of the seat (12) of the vehicle and adapted to determine an angle (β) between the Z-axis and a femoral line (20) of the occupant (10) seated in the seat (12) by measuring an angle of the seat bottom (14); and means (26) for receiving and using the determined values of α and β to determine an angle (ϕ) between the torso line (18) and the femoral line (20) of the occupant (10) seated in the seat (12) and thereby characterize a posture state of the occupant (10) seated in the seat (12).