3D Time-of-Flight Sensor Reflective Surface for Vehicle Occupant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the presence of a child in a vehicle seat are prone to incorrect classifications due to clothing, obstructions, and inability to account for occupants outside the expected location, limiting their effectiveness in monitoring non-line of sight regions.
Innovation Solution
A 3D time of flight active reflecting sensing system using a reflective surface capable of reflecting wavelengths corresponding to an active electro-optical 3D sensor, which detects changes in light characteristics to indicate dynamic objects or displaced components within an enclosed space, expanding the sensor's field of view beyond direct line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional sensing mechanisms (pressure, force, latching clip detection) are used to detect child seat occupancy, then the system can detect objects in direct line of sight, but it cannot account for occupants outside the expected location or in non-line of sight regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D camera or point-based sensors to a 3D time-of-flight sensing system that captures spatial depth information. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to detect occupants in non-line-of-sight regions by analyzing reflected light patterns from multiple angles and depths, resolving the contradiction between expanded coverage area and maintained detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element that redirects light from non-line-of-sight regions back to the sensor. This mediator enables the detection of occupants in hidden areas by bouncing light paths, effectively extending the sensor's field of view without compromising detection accuracy through characteristic pattern recognition.
2Measurement precision
If a 2D camera or 3D camera is used to detect child seats, then the system can identify occupied or un-occupied seats, but it is prone to incorrect classifications due to clothing, obstructions, and lack of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active illumination with modulated light sources and detects reflected light patterns that capture subtle movements and depth variations. This dynamic optical approach is insensitive to static obstructions like clothing or lack of motion, as it detects the presence of occupants through their interaction with the light field rather than relying on motion cues, thereby eliminating detection errors from clothing and obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple parameters simultaneously including time-of-flight, light intensity, and reflected pattern characteristics. By analyzing changes in these optical parameters rather than relying on a single measurement, the system can distinguish between actual occupants and false targets like clothing or obstructions, significantly improving classification accuracy despite adverse conditions.
3Measurement precision
If pressure or force sensors are integrated into the child seat structure, then the system can detect occupancy through physical contact, but it cannot detect occupants separated from the sensed location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective surfaces as intermediaries to extend the detection range beyond the immediate sensor location. These surfaces bounce light from separated occupants back to the sensor, enabling detection of occupants who are not in direct contact with the seat or sensor, thus expanding spatial detection range while maintaining presence detection precision through pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from contact-based point detection to volumetric 3D space detection using time-of-flight measurements. This allows the sensor to monitor an extended volume of space around and beyond the seat structure, detecting occupants who have moved away from the immediate sensing zone while maintaining accurate presence detection through depth mapping and pattern analysis.
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 detects and classifies objects within a vehicle cabin, including dynamic and static objects, by analyzing changes in reflected light characteristics, improving accuracy and coverage beyond direct line of sight limitations.
Implementation Method 1
3D time of flight active reflecting sensing systems and methods
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface capable of reflecting a wavelength corresponding to the active electro-optical 3D sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method provide for identification of dynamic objects in an enclosed space and the presence of a component in a primary location. The system uses an active electro-optical 3D sensor, such as a three-dimensional time of flight camera, to identify the presence or absence of a reflected pulse, to determine, for example, proper placement of a seat belt, or a change in characteristics of a reflected pulse to determine a change in location, and thus possible movement, of a living creature in a vehicle, for example.