User Location System Using Image Analysis for Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user location systems struggle to accurately determine the location of a user within a vehicle environment using images captured by electronic devices, particularly in varying lighting conditions and complex environments, which affects the reliability of controlling vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
A user location system that processes images from front- and rear-facing cameras of a mobile device, employing noise removal, image enhancement, histogram equalization, object edge detection, image uniformity analysis, and image quadrant analysis to determine the user's position, utilizing edge density and entropy calculations to identify seat positions and confirm location based on brightness analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing techniques are applied to determine user location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task into multiple distinct stages: noise removal, image enhancement, histogram equalization, edge detection, and quadrant analysis. Each stage processes the image independently and passes results to the next stage, making the complex overall task more manageable and implementable through modular processing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing results as mediators between the raw image input and final location determination. Each processing stage produces intermediate outputs (denoised image, enhanced image, equalized histogram, detected edges) that serve as inputs for subsequent stages, breaking down the complex transformation into manageable steps with clear intermediate goals.
2Reliability
If multiple image processing operations are performed, then reliability of location determination is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing operations (noise removal, enhancement, histogram equalization) before the critical edge detection and location determination steps. By preparing the image in advance through these preprocessing operations, the subsequent location determination can proceed more efficiently with pre-conditioned input data, improving overall reliability without excessive time penalty.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user location system (ULS) can use images captured from at least one camera of an electronic device, such as a mobile device, to determine location of a user in an environment, such as in a cabin of a vehicle. The determined location of the user can then be used as an input to control of at least one aspect of the environment. In the case of a vehicle, such input may be used to facilitate control of speed, safety features, climate, and/or audio playback, for example.