Rearview Assembly Occupant Detection via IR Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rearview assemblies for vehicles lack effective occupant detection and monitoring capabilities, particularly for identifying users and detecting drowsiness or distraction, which are crucial for safety and accident avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A rearview assembly incorporating an electro-optic element with an infrared light source and image sensor to capture and analyze biometric data, such as iris patterns, for user identification and monitoring, while minimizing driver distraction through selective illumination and integration with vehicle systems for alerting and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an infrared light source and image sensor are integrated into the rearview assembly for occupant detection, then user identification and drowsiness detection capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared light source, image sensor, and processing circuitry into an integrated rearview assembly unit. This merging of multiple functional components into a single compact device enables occupant detection and user identification capabilities while maintaining a unified structural design that manages the complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rearview assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional rearview reflection, infrared illumination for night vision, user identification through iris recognition, and drowsiness detection. By making the device multi-functional, the patent resolves the complexity issue by consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal platform rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
2Reliability
If biometric data such as iris patterns are captured for user identification, then security and authorization accuracy are improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes infrared illumination to change the optical parameters of the iris, making it more distinct and easier to capture. By using infrared light instead of visible light, the system alters the contrast and visibility parameters of biometric features, thereby improving measurement precision and reducing the difficulty of capturing high-quality biometric data for accurate user identification.
3Reliability
If the infrared light source continuously illuminates for occupancy detection, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous illumination, the infrared light source operates periodically or intermittently to detect occupancy. The system can use brief illumination pulses combined with image sensor capture at specific intervals, or employ motion-triggered activation where the infrared source activates only when occupancy change is detected. This periodic operation maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
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
Enhances vehicle safety by accurately identifying authorized users, detecting drowsiness or distraction, and integrating with vehicle systems for real-time alerts and control, thereby improving accident avoidance and operational security.
Implementation Method 1
A light source, such as an infrared (IR) light source, may be configured to transmit radiation through the electro-optic element
Implementation Method 2
An image sensor may be proximate the fourth surface and be configured to capture image data of an object, such as a user's eye, through the electro-optic element
Data Source
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AI summary
A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate includes a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the second surface and the third surface. An infrared (IR) light source is configured to transmit radiation through the electro-optic element. An image sensor is proximate the fourth surface and is configured to capture image data of an object through the electro-optic element. The image sensor is configured to identify at least one passenger of the vehicle.