Ultrasonic Driver Distraction Detection Without Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver distraction detection systems in vehicles are inadequate in preventing distractions, particularly due to limitations in accuracy and light interference, and often require high computational power.
Innovation Solution
A driver distraction detection system utilizing ultrasonic devices with artificial intelligence, specifically neural networks, to determine driver motion towards the passenger side, enabling accurate distraction detection without light interference and with lower computational requirements, and controlling vehicle applications such as dimming or pausing displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used for driver distraction detection, then visual monitoring capability is improved, but light interference and high computational power requirements worsen system reliability and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical-based camera systems with ultrasonic sensing technology. The ultrasonic device emits sound waves and detects their reflection from the driver's head to determine position and motion, completely eliminating susceptibility to light interference while maintaining detection accuracy through acoustic physics rather than optical mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical (light-based) to acoustic (sound-based). By using ultrasonic frequency waves and measuring their reflection properties, the system achieves driver monitoring capability that is immune to lighting conditions while requiring significantly less computational processing compared to image analysis
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems with high computational power are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex optical image processing with simple ultrasonic signal processing. The ultrasonic device measures driver position by calculating time-of-flight and signal reflection characteristics, which requires minimal computational resources compared to analyzing camera images, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while preserving detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical ultrasonic sensing approach that replaces expensive, high-power camera systems. The ultrasonic device provides sufficient detection capability with lower-cost components and reduced processing requirements, making the system more energy-efficient and accessible
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 enhanced accuracy and reliability in detecting driver distractions across various light conditions with reduced computational power, effectively mitigating driver distraction by controlling in-vehicle displays and audio.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transmitter for detecting a motion of a driver of the motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic device comprises at least one ultrasonic transmitter for detecting a motion of a driver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a driver distraction detection system (1) for a motor vehicle (50). The driver distraction detection system (1) comprises an ultrasonic device (10) comprising a first control device (11) and at least one ultrasonic transmitter (12) for detecting a motion of a driver of the motor vehicle (50), and at least one second control device (20) for controlling at least one application. The first control device (11) is configured to obtain (S1) motion data of the detected motion from the at least one ultrasonic transmitter (12), determine a driver distraction based on the obtained motion data and using artificial intelligence, if the detected motion corresponds to a motion of the driver towards a passenger side of the motor vehicle (50), and, if the driver distraction is determined, notify (S3) the at least one second control device (20) that the driver is distracted. The at least one second control device (20) is configured to output a predetermined control command to the at least one application in reaction to the at least one second control device (20) being notified that the driver is distracted (S4).