Vehicle Component Adjustment Using ToF Occupant Weight Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring techniques for vehicle components require complex image processing algorithms for dynamic depth detection, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a time-of-flight sensor to generate a point cloud for vehicle compartments, processing circuitry to detect occupants, and actuators to adjust components based on estimated bodyweight, utilizing a skeleton model and density estimates for precise volume calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing algorithms are used for depth detection, then dynamic depth detection capability is achieved, but system complexity and computational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical-mechanical image processing systems with a time-of-flight sensing system that directly measures depth through light travel time. This substitution of measurement methodology eliminates the need for complex algorithms while maintaining depth detection accuracy, directly resolving the technical contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Loss of information
If complex image processing algorithms are used, then depth information can be extracted, but computational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight sensor system replaces computationally intensive image processing with direct physical measurement of light travel time. This provides real-time depth information without complex computations, simultaneously achieving complete depth information extraction and high computational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural propagation properties of light itself to carry depth information, eliminating the need for external computational processing. The light pulses inherently encode distance information through their travel time, which is directly measured by the sensor system
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 accurate adjustment of vehicle components based on occupant presence and weight, reducing the need for complex image processing and enhancing computational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight sensor configured to generate a point cloud representing a compartment of the vehicle. The point cloud includes three-dimensional positional information about the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing adjustments for a component of a vehicle includes a time-of-flight sensor configured to generate a point cloud representing a compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes an actuator configured to adjust the component of the vehicle. The system further includes processing circuitry in communication with the time-of-flight sensor and the actuator. The processing circuitry configured to detect an occupant in a seat of the vehicle based on the point cloud, define a first portion of the point cloud corresponding to the occupant and a second portion of the point cloud corresponding to the seat of the vehicle, calculate a volume of the occupant based on the first portion of the point cloud, estimate a bodyweight of the occupant based on the volume, and communicate an instruction to adjust the component of the vehicle in response to the estimation of the bodyweight.