Polarimetric Vehicle Interior Light Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior cameras struggle to detect user devices outside their field of view, leading to difficulties in determining if a driver is distracted by such devices, as they can only interpret image data within their defined field of view.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system uses polarimetric image data to detect light sources outside the camera's field of view, determines if they are from a user device, and acts accordingly based on the driver's gaze and interaction with the device, employing a processor and memory to analyze polarization maps and depth maps to identify the location and type of light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a vehicle interior camera sensor is used to detect user devices, then devices within the field of view can be detected, but devices outside the field of view cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image plane detection to 3D spatial detection by using depth information from stereo cameras and temporal information from multiple frames. This dimensional expansion allows the system to detect light sources that project outside the current field of view by analyzing their spatial-temporal trajectories across multiple dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarimetric image data as an intermediary that captures light polarization properties. This intermediary information channel enables detection of light sources through their polarization characteristics, providing an additional detection dimension that complements traditional intensity-based imaging and allows detection beyond the standard field of view.
2Device complexity
If traditional image sensors are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to detect light sources outside the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing camera system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both traditional image capture and polarimetric detection using the same hardware platform. The camera sensor processes multiple types of optical information (intensity, polarization, depth, temporal changes) simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated detection devices while expanding detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from purely intensity-based to include polarization state, depth, and temporal variation. By analyzing changes in these parameters across multiple time points and processing dimensions, the system can identify and track light sources outside the traditional field of view without requiring fundamentally different hardware.
3Area of stationary object
If the camera field of view is expanded to cover more area, then more light sources can be detected, but the measurement precision for specific locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into multiple regions by analyzing light source trajectories across sequential frames. Instead of attempting to detect all light sources simultaneously across a wide field, the system divides the temporal-spatial detection task into discrete time-step analyses, tracking light sources as they move through different field of view regions, thereby maintaining precision while expanding overall coverage.
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
Enables the detection of user devices outside the camera's field of view, allowing the system to determine if a driver is distracted and take appropriate actions, such as switching to autonomous mode or alerting the driver, thereby improving safety by addressing the limitations of traditional image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle computer system uses polarimetric image data to detect light sources outside the camera's field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A location of a light source outside a field of view of a polarimetric image of a vehicle interior can be determined. Then, upon (a) determining, based on the polarimetric image, that the light source is other than vehicle lighting or an exterior source and (b) detecting a vehicle occupant, a vehicle actuator can be actuated based on a determined location of the light source.