Pre-Crash Airbag Activation Using Selenium Image Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag systems face challenges in accurately predicting collisions, especially under low illuminance and during side collisions, due to limitations in distance and impact force estimation, leading to decreased accuracy and delayed occupant protection.
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 before impact, enhancing accuracy and speed of deployment under various lighting conditions and during side collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an image sensor is used for collision prediction, then the distance and impact force can be estimated, but the accuracy decreases under low illuminance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the photoelectric conversion element from conventional materials to selenium, which has superior light sensitivity characteristics. This material parameter change enables accurate imaging under low illuminance conditions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and illumination intensity requirements
2Measurement precision
If a side-view image sensor is used for side collision prediction, then side collisions can be detected, but the image distortion increases due to fast changing side outside view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs selenium-based photoelectric conversion elements with enhanced sensitivity and temporal response characteristics. This enables accurate capture of side-view images despite rapid scene changes, reducing distortion effects and improving side collision detection accuracy
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves are used for collision prediction, then the distance to object can be measured, but the object itself cannot be identified and impact force cannot be estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic wave-based detection with optical imaging using selenium photoelectric conversion elements. This substitution enables capture of visual information including object identification and impact force estimation, while maintaining distance measurement capability through image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The selenium-based imaging device serves as an intermediary that converts optical information into electrical signals, preserving both distance and visual detail information that can be used to identify objects and estimate impact forces
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 provides timely and accurate protection of occupants from collisions by improving collision prediction and airbag deployment accuracy, even in low-light conditions and during side impacts, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device includes a light-receiving element containing selenium
Implementation Method 2
a transistor including an oxide semiconductor
Data Source
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.