Single-Mode Laser Occupant Detection for Obstructed Vehicle Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle detection systems struggle to accurately monitor the interior for occupants, especially in scenarios where direct line of sight is obstructed, and fail to effectively detect vital signs or micro-scale movements.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing an array of single mode lasers, such as VCSELs, projects a structured light pattern onto the vehicle interior, employing both triangulation and speckle interferometry to capture images and detect changes in light distribution and speckle content, allowing for precise monitoring of occupant presence and vital signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection precision for occupant presence and vital signs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into multiple independent laser diodes arranged in arrays, with each laser diode contributing to specific region detection. This segmentation enables precise localization of occupants and vital sign detection while maintaining modular system architecture that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser diode array system performs multiple detection functions simultaneously: occupant presence detection, vital sign monitoring (breathing, pulse), and micro-scale movement detection. This multi-functionality achieves high detection precision across different parameters without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Reliability
If direct line of sight detection is used, then the system is simple, but the detection capability is reduced when views are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs local quality by using multiple laser diodes positioned at different locations within the vehicle interior, each providing illumination and detection for specific zones. This distributed arrangement ensures that at least some lasers maintain line of sight to occupants even when others are obstructed, maintaining overall detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point detection to three-dimensional detection by arranging laser diodes in arrays and analyzing spatial distribution of reflected light. This dimensional expansion enables detection around obstacles and provides depth information, maintaining reliability in obstructed view scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high-power lasers are used, then the detection range is extended, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by activating only the necessary number of laser diodes based on detection requirements and ambient conditions. Rather than operating all lasers at full power continuously, the system dynamically adjusts which lasers are active and at what power levels, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of multiple low-power laser diodes to achieve the detection capability that would otherwise require fewer high-power lasers. By combining the output of many low-power diodes arranged in arrays, the system achieves sufficient illumination and detection sensitivity while consuming less total power than equivalent high-power laser solutions.
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 provides accurate detection of occupant presence and vital signs, including breathing and pulse, even in obstructed views, with high granularity and low power consumption, enabling effective response to conditions like left-behind occupants.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination assembly includes an array of laser diodes each configured to project an illumination, each laser diode is configured as at least one of a single mode laser or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser ('VCSEL')
Implementation Method 2
An imaging device configured to capture an image of an interior surface of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
An optical element is proximate to the array of laser diodes and includes a collimation element for guiding the illumination to form at least one light spot
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device configured to capture an image of an interior surface of the vehicle. An illumination assembly includes an array of laser diodes each configured to project an illumination, each laser diode is configured as at least one of a single mode laser or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (“VCSEL”). An optical element is proximate to the array of laser diodes and includes a collimation element for guiding the illumination to form at least one light spot. A processor is in communication with the imaging device and the illumination assembly. The processor is configured to communicate a signal to operate the array of laser diodes and process the image of the interior surface to detect at least one of a change in a location or a speckle content of the at least one spot.