Pre-Crash Airbag Activation Using Low-Light Global Shutter Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airbag systems face challenges in accurately predicting collisions, especially under low illuminance and during side collisions, due to limitations in distance and object identification using electromagnetic or ultrasonic waves, and image analysis difficulties with fast-changing side views.

Innovation Solution

An occupant protection device incorporating an imaging device with a light-receiving element containing selenium and an oxide semiconductor transistor, which uses images to predict collisions and activate airbags accurately, even in low light conditions and while moving, by employing a global shutter system and multiple imaging devices for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves are used for collision prediction, then the distance between the car and an object anticipated to collide can be detected, but the object anticipated to collide itself cannot be identified and the impact force cannot be estimated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance detection accuracyVSAvoidobject identification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electromagnetic wave/ultrasonic wave detection for distance measurement with image sensor detection for object identification. The control device integrates data from both detection methods to comprehensively identify objects and estimate impact forces, resolving the limitation of using only one detection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If an existing image sensor is used for collision prediction, then the object anticipated to collide can be identified, but the accuracy in collision prediction is decreased especially under low illuminance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification capabilityVSAvoidcollision prediction accuracy under low illuminance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameters by using a light-receiving element containing selenium which has high sensitivity in low illuminance conditions. This material property change enables accurate object identification and collision prediction even during night time or in dark environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If side-view imaging is performed while the car travels, then side collision can be detected, but the image changes fast causing distortion and making image analysis difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside collision detection capabilityVSAvoidimage analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary imaging actions at multiple positions before the car reaches the collision point. By taking images at different positions and times, the control device can analyze the movement and trajectory of objects, compensating for the fast-changing side views and reducing distortion effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If a single imaging device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the accuracy in collision prediction is insufficient especially under low illuminance and during side collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of imaging devicesVSAvoidcollision prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function into multiple imaging devices positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right). Each imaging device covers a specific field of view, and their combined data provides comprehensive collision prediction accuracy across all directions and lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables timely and accurate protection of occupants from collisions without delay, operating effectively under low illuminance and during side collisions, with improved accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the imaging device includes a light-receiving element containing selenium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a transistor including an oxide semiconductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12103481B2Occupant protection device

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

An occupant protection device which can protect an occupant without delay is provided. An image taken by an imaging device is analyzed to judge whether there is an object approaching the subject car. In the case where a collision between the object and the subject car is judged to be inevitable, an airbag device is activated before the collision, whereby the occupant can be protected without delay. By using selenium for a light-receiving element of the imaging device, an accurate image can be obtained even under low illuminance. Imaging in a global shutter system leads to an accurate image with little distortion. This enables more accurate image analysis.