Rearview Mirror CO2 Sensing for Privacy-Safe Cabin Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional occupancy monitoring systems in vehicles face issues with user privacy, high energy consumption, limited field of view, and detection accuracy, particularly when determining if children or pets are left unattended in parked vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A cabin monitoring system using a carbon dioxide sensing device integrated into the interior rearview mirror assembly, which determines occupancy by measuring CO2 levels and controls the HVAC system based on these readings, reducing power consumption and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occupancy monitoring systems (cameras, weight sensors) are used, then occupancy detection capability is provided, but user privacy is compromised and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical occupancy detection systems (cameras, weight sensors) with a gas sensing system that measures CO2 concentrations. This substitution uses chemical sensing instead of mechanical imaging or weight measurement, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection capability and preserving user privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces CO2 concentration as an intermediary parameter to infer occupancy status. Rather than directly detecting occupants through cameras or sensors that require high power, the system uses CO2 levels as a indirect indicator, enabling low-power occupancy detection while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional occupancy monitoring systems are used, then occupancy detection is provided, but detection accuracy is limited particularly for unattended children or pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct physical presence (camera images, weight) to chemical presence (CO2 concentration). This parameter change enables detection of smaller occupants like children or pets who may be missed by traditional systems, as they still produce measurable CO2 emissions, thereby improving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If camera-based systems are used for occupancy detection, then occupancy information is obtained, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging systems (cameras) with a gas sensing system that measures CO2 concentrations. This substitution eliminates the need to capture visual information, thereby preserving user privacy while maintaining occupancy detection capability through chemical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CO2 concentration as an intermediary that does not reveal personal information about occupants. Unlike cameras that capture identifiable images, CO2 measurements provide occupancy status without compromising privacy, as the gas concentration data cannot be used to identify or track individuals.
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 system effectively detects occupancy with lower energy usage and improved accuracy, preventing unattended children or pets from being left in dangerous conditions and optimizing HVAC operation for comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon dioxide sensing device captures sensor data representative of a sample of air at the vehicular component
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular cabin monitoring system includes a carbon dioxide sensing device disposed at a vehicular component of a vehicle. The carbon dioxide sensing device captures sensor data representative of a sample of air at the vehicular component. The cabin monitoring system, based on processing at an ECU of sensor data captured by the carbon dioxide sensing device, determines a carbon dioxide level at the interior portion of the vehicle. The cabin monitoring system, when the vehicle is parked and not operating and based on the determined carbon dioxide level at the interior portion of the vehicle, determines occupancy of the vehicle. The cabin monitoring system, when the vehicle is operating and based on the determined carbon dioxide level at the interior portion of the vehicle, controls a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle.