Seat Occupancy Radar Array for Multi-Seat Detection Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar-based occupancy detection systems for vehicle seats are complex and expensive, requiring multiple antennas to effectively monitor multiple seats, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A radar-based occupancy detection system using a single antenna arrangement with a transmit array comprising structured metallic layers and dielectric layers, which refracts radio-frequency signals to focus on vehicle seats, allowing for accurate detection without the need for complex beam-forming or multiple antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to detect multiple vehicle seats, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transmit array is introduced as an intermediary component between the single antenna and the vehicle seats. The transmit array processes and directs the radio-frequency signals to specific seats, enabling a single antenna to effectively monitor multiple seats without requiring multiple antennas, thus maintaining detection accuracy while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmit array is divided into multiple sections, each responsible for directing signals to specific vehicle seats. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple seats independently through a single antenna, effectively reducing the need for multiple antennas while maintaining the ability to detect occupancy at each seat accurately
2Reliability
If MIMO radar systems are used to monitor multiple seats, then occupancy detection reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single antenna arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting signals to multiple seats, receiving responses from different seats, and enabling both occupancy detection and classification. The transmit array enhances this universality by directing signals selectively to different seats, allowing one antenna system to replace what would traditionally require multiple antennas in a MIMO configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The transmit array acts as a mediator that enables a single antenna system to achieve the functional equivalence of a MIMO system. By processing and directing signals through the transmit array, the system maintains the reliability needed for multi-seat detection without requiring multiple transmit and receive antennas
3Measurement precision
If radar sensors are integrated into individual seats, then detection precision is improved, but installation complexity and interior design flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit array serves as an intermediary that enables ceiling-mounted radar sensors to achieve detection precision previously only attainable with seat-integrated sensors. By directing radio-frequency signals selectively to individual seats and focusing received signals, the transmit array allows external sensors to monitor each seat accurately without requiring physical integration into the seats themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from in-seate detection (zero-dimensional integration) to ceiling-mounted detection (spatial separation). The transmit array enables this dimensional change by providing directional control and signal focusing, allowing the radar sensor to be positioned in a different spatial location (ceiling) while maintaining detection precision through electronic beam forming and signal processing
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 efficient and cost-effective occupancy detection for multiple vehicle seats with a single antenna, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional MIMO systems while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
transmit array (3) adapted to refract at least one of the transmission field (40) and the response field (41, 42)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an occupancy detection system (1) for at least one vehicle seat (50, 51). In order to provide efficient means for accurate radar-based occupancy detection in a vehicle, the invention provides that the system (1) comprises: - an antenna arrangement (2), comprising at least one antenna (T1, R1, R2); - a control device (20) adapted to apply a radio-frequency transmission signal to the antenna arrangement (2) and to receive a response signal from antenna arrangement (2); and - a transmit array (3) comprising a plurality of structured metallic layers (4, 5, 6) disposed above each other and extending laterally, each two neighbouring metallic layers (4, 5, 6) isolated from each other by an intermediate dielectric layer (10), wherein the antenna arrangement (2) is adapted to transmit a radio-frequency transmission field (40) through the transmit array (3) onto the at least one vehicle seat (50, 51) in response to the transmission signal and to receive a radio-frequency response field (41, 42) through the transmit array to generate the response signal, and the transmit array (3) is adapted to refract at least one of the transmission field (40) and the response field (41, 42). The transmit array (3) comprises at least one receive section (3.2) adapted to focus a response field (41, 42) from a position of a vehicle seat (50, 51) to a position of a receive antenna (R1, R2).