3D Time-of-Flight Camera for Seat Belt Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt monitoring systems are unreliable due to the ability of individuals to improperly use or fake the use of seat belts, and many rear seating locations lack the necessary sensors for effective monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a light source emitting a predetermined wavelength of light and a 3-D time of flight camera to detect and track seat belt operation by reconstructing 3-D information and calculating depth measurements of reflective patterns on seat belt components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seat belt monitoring systems using on/off switches are used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the system is unreliable and can be easily spoofed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and sensors with an optical imaging system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of the seat belt area and uses computer vision to detect proper seat belt usage, eliminating the need for physical switches that can be bypassed or spoofed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the seat belt usage state through imaging. Instead of relying on electrical signals from switches, the system captures optical images that replicate the visual evidence of proper seat belt wear, allowing for verification of actual usage rather than just sensor activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If buckle switches and sensors are installed in all seating locations, then monitoring coverage is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple seating locations simultaneously with a single camera or camera array, providing universal monitoring coverage. One imaging system can monitor multiple seats, eliminating the need to install separate switches and sensors in each seating location, thus reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring function for multiple seats into a single integrated imaging system. Instead of having separate detection mechanisms for each seat, the system combines multiple monitoring tasks into one unified camera-based approach, simplifying installation while expanding coverage to include rear seating locations that previously lacked monitoring capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection by outside authorities is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that acts as a mediator between the seat belt usage and external verification. Instead of relying directly on visual inspection by authorities, the system uses cameras and image processing as an intermediary to capture and analyze seat belt usage, providing more accurate and objective detection data that can be verified remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical imaging and computer vision analysis. The imaging system captures detailed images of seat belt usage and uses algorithms to accurately determine whether the seat belt is properly worn, providing superior detection accuracy compared to human visual inspection while requiring minimal additional infrastructure.
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 verifies seat belt use and position by distinguishing reflective patterns from other structures in the vehicle, providing accurate data for safety precautions and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
At least one 3-D time of flight camera is positioned in the vehicle to receive reflected light from the structures in the vehicle and provide images of the structures
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source configured to emit a predetermined wavelength of light onto structures within the vehicle, wherein at least one of the structures is a passenger seat belt assembly having a pattern that reflects the predetermined wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system of detecting seat belt operation in a vehicle includes at least one light source configured to emit a predetermined wavelength of light onto structures within the vehicle, wherein at least one of the structures is a passenger seat belt assembly having a pattern that reflects the predetermined wavelength at a preferred luminance. At least one 3-D time of flight camera is positioned in the vehicle to receive reflected light from the structures in the vehicle and provide images of the structures that distinguish the preferred luminance of the pattern from other structures in the vehicle. A computer processor connected to computer memory and the camera includes computer readable instructions causing the processor to reconstruct 3-D information in regard to respective images of the structures and calculate a depth measurement of the distance of the reflective pattern on the passenger seat belt assembly from the camera.