RF Device Tracking for Vehicle Occupant Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many vehicles lack occupancy sensors in all seats, making it difficult to accurately determine the number of occupants and their status, especially in emergency situations where real-time data is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system using location sensors that employ radiofrequency waves, such as ultra-wideband or Bluetooth technology, to track connected devices within the vehicle, allowing the command unit to calculate occupant numbers and movement patterns, and transmit vehicle status data to a remote assistance unit, even in the absence of occupant sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If occupancy sensors are installed in all seats to accurately determine occupant status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes connected devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) serve multiple functions: they act as both personal electronic devices for occupants and as occupancy detection sensors themselves. The location sensor detects these universal devices to determine occupant presence, seat occupancy, and even movement patterns, eliminating the need for dedicated occupancy sensors in each seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the connected devices that occupants already carry and use throughout the vehicle to provide occupancy detection functionality. Instead of requiring the vehicle system to provide all sensing capabilities, the solution leverages the self-carried electronic devices of occupants to perform sensing functions, making the system self-sufficient.
2Device complexity
If location sensors track connected devices to determine occupant status, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The location sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly detects occupant presence through connected devices rather than directly sensing occupants. This intermediary approach uses radiofrequency waves to detect devices, which in turn represent human occupants, providing a simplified yet effective measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical occupancy sensors with a radiofrequency-based detection system. Instead of using contact-based or proximity-based mechanical sensors, the system uses electromagnetic waves to detect connected devices, substituting a simpler wireless field-based system for complex physical sensing mechanisms.
3Loss of time
If real-time tracking of connected devices is implemented, then response time in emergencies is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location sensor performs periodic detection of connected devices rather than continuous monitoring. The system updates occupant status information at regular intervals, which provides timely emergency response data while reducing energy consumption compared to uninterrupted real-time tracking.
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 real-time determination of the total number of occupants and seatbelt usage, detecting potential ejections and vehicle orientation, providing critical information to first responders without the need for occupant sensors, thus enhancing safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining vehicle status data includes a location sensor configured to obtain location data for one or more connected devices in or around the vehicle. The vehicle has a plurality of seats, including at least one seat without an occupant sensor. The location data is obtained based at least partially on radiofrequency waves. A command unit is adapted to receive the location data. The command unit has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The command unit is adapted to obtain the vehicle status data in real time based in part on the location data of the one or more connected devices, the vehicle status data including a total number of occupants in the vehicle.