Passenger Condition Evaluation System Using Weighted Multi-Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle HVAC systems face challenges in maintaining passenger comfort due to indirect calibration methods, leading to potential discomfort under varying conditions, and the high cost and inefficiency of high-resolution infrared sensors for climate control.
Innovation Solution
An evaluation system that assesses passenger comfort and emergency conditions by evaluating multiple parameters such as cabin air and surface temperatures, metabolic rate, clothing level, respiratory rate, and mood state, using a weighting factor-based calculation to provide a comprehensive passenger condition value for individualized HVAC control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution infrared sensors are used to improve climate control functionality, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-resolution infrared sensors with multiple low-cost infrared sensors that have lower individual resolution. By using multiple sensors strategically positioned around the cabin, the system achieves comprehensive thermal coverage without requiring any single sensor to have high resolution, thereby significantly reducing device cost while maintaining adequate measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cabin into multiple measurement zones, each monitored by a separate low-resolution infrared sensor. Instead of using one high-resolution sensor to cover the entire cabin, the system segments the monitoring task across multiple sensors, where each sensor handles a specific zone with adequate but not excessive resolution, reducing overall system cost
2Ease of manufacture
If indirect calibration methods are used for HVAC systems, then calibration effort is reduced, but passenger comfort reliability deteriorates under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where multiple infrared sensors continuously monitor thermal conditions in different cabin zones, and the control system dynamically adjusts HVAC parameters based on real-time feedback from all sensors. This closed-loop control compensates for the simplicity of calibration methods, maintaining reliability under varying conditions without requiring complex calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static calibration to dynamic adaptation by continuously adjusting HVAC control parameters based on real-time thermal measurements from multiple sensors. The control algorithm adapts to changing environmental conditions and passenger distribution dynamically, ensuring comfort reliability without requiring re-calibration for different scenarios
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are evaluated for passenger condition, then passenger comfort accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional control unit that performs all evaluation functions: it processes data from multiple infrared sensors, evaluates thermal conditions across different zones, determines passenger presence and state, and controls HVAC parameters. This universal control unit consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex subsystems, achieving high evaluation accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensing and control functions into an integrated system where multiple infrared sensors are coordinated by a single control algorithm that simultaneously processes thermal data from all sensors and generates comprehensive passenger condition assessment. The merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Evaluation system, particularly for the condition evaluation of a vehicle passenger, the system comprising a parameter evaluation device being configured to evaluate a plurality of parameters of a set of vehicle interior and/or vehicle passenger parameters, and a condition value evaluation device being configured to evaluate a passenger condition value based on at least the parameters evaluated by the parameter evaluation unit, wherein the condition value evaluation device is configured to apply at least one weighting factor for a parameter evaluated by the parameter evaluation device.