Vehicle Seat Force Tracking With Patterned-Surface Depth Maps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat force measurement systems rely on pressure sensors, which may be limited in accuracy and capability to differentiate between various objects and conditions, such as identifying occupants and detecting changes in acceleration or fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A system using a seat pattern observed by a camera to generate depth maps, which are then used to create point-cloud representations and force maps, allowing for the evaluation of deformation patterns to determine the presence and condition of objects on the seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to measure seat forces, then force measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and ability to differentiate between various objects and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat surface is divided into multiple regions with different patterns (e.g., grid patterns, dot patterns, or other distinctive markings). Each region's deformation is independently captured and analyzed, allowing the system to create a detailed force distribution map that can differentiate between various occupant types, seating positions, and acceleration conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct force sensing to optical dimension measurement by capturing the 3D deformation of the patterned seat surface. This dimensional approach provides richer data about force distribution, contact area, and deformation characteristics, enabling more precise differentiation between various objects and conditions while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a camera-based depth map system is implemented, then measurement precision and object differentiation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A patterned surface is introduced as an intermediary between the occupant and the camera. This pattern acts as a mediator that translates complex force distributions into visible deformation patterns that can be captured by a standard camera and processed into depth maps, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly measuring physical forces with complex sensor arrays, the system creates an optical copy (depth map) of the force-induced deformations on the patterned seat surface. This copying approach allows standard imaging technology to perform measurements that would otherwise require sophisticated force sensing arrays, reducing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If pressure sensors are distributed throughout the seat, then force measurement coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical force sensors with a visual copy approach, where a patterned surface captures force information optically. This eliminates the need to embed numerous sensors throughout the seat, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive force measurement coverage across the entire seat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical force sensors with an optical measurement system. Instead of using mechanical elements (pressure sensors) distributed throughout the seat, the system uses a camera to capture optical deformations of a patterned surface, replacing complex mechanical sensing infrastructure with simpler optical technology.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein relate to implementing measuring vehicle seat forces. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining an image of a seat pattern attached to a seat, generating a depth map based on the image of the seat pattern, and assessing the depth map to determine a characteristic of an object residing on the seat.