Seat Belt Indicator Unit for Camera-Based Misuse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat belt reminder systems face challenges in covering all seats in vehicles, especially in larger vehicles with reconfigurable seats, due to increased complexity and cost associated with electrical harnesses and obstruction issues with camera-based systems, which also fail to detect misuse such as buckle tampering.
Innovation Solution
A safety apparatus with a camera assembly that includes an indicator unit mounted on the seat with a lock indicator and a strap indicator, detectable by a camera, which determines seat belt status without requiring additional wire harnesses, allowing for flexible seat configurations and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PODS and lock switch systems are used to cover all seats, then seat belt reminder coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional electrical harnesses and connection terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical harness-based PODS and lock switch systems with a camera-based optical detection system. The camera captures images of the seat area, and image processing algorithms detect occupant presence and seat belt usage status, eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring to each seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying through camera imaging to detect seat belt status. Instead of direct electrical sensing, the system captures optical information of the seat belt strap and buckle area, processes the images to determine usage state, thereby replacing physical electrical connections with optical information copying.
2Device complexity
If camera-based systems are used to determine seat occupancy and seat belt compliance, then electrical harness complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to obstructions by jackets, blankets and other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera to capture images of the seat area before the occupant may place obstructing objects on their lap. The system proactively detects the seat belt strap and buckle in the captured images, determining usage status before obstructions can interfere with the detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the camera and the detection system. These algorithms enhance and analyze the captured images to reliably identify the seat belt strap and buckle even in challenging conditions, mediating between the optical capture and the final detection result.
3Ease of manufacture
If camera-based systems are used without additional sensors, then cost is reduced, but the system cannot detect misuse such as buckle tampering or strap deployment behind back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single camera to capture multiple pieces of information simultaneously - both the seat belt strap position and the buckle lock status. By capturing excessive visual information in one image, the system can detect various misuse scenarios without adding additional sensors, achieving comprehensive monitoring through partial redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by using it to detect both seat occupancy, seat belt strap position, and buckle lock status. The same optical system serves multiple detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function and reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If indicator units are mounted on upper region of seat with indicators detectable by camera, then obstruction by clothing is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicator unit with the existing seat structure, mounting it on the upper region of the seat where it is visible to the camera but does not obstruct the seat belt strap. The indicator unit combines multiple functions - displaying lock status and strap position information - in a single integrated component, reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Safety apparatus for indicating the usage state of a seat belt. The seat belt has a strap (3) spooled from a retractor and being lockable to a buckle (2) by a tongue (4). The apparatus has an indicator unit (5) for mounting to an upper part of a seat (1). A lock indicator (9) is provided on the indicator unit (5) and, in use, is operably connected to the buckle (2) for indicating a state when the tongue (4) has been locked into the buckle (2). A strap indicator (11) is provided for indicating a state when a spooled length of the strap (3) exceeds a threshold corresponding to a predetermined minimum length of strap (3) needed to secure a body with the seat belt. The lock indicator (9) and the strap indicator (11) are detectable by a camera (7).