Vehicle Audio Volume Control Using 3D Passenger Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio control systems in vehicles may inaccurately determine if a passenger is asleep due to limitations in two-dimensional image analysis, particularly when the passenger's head moves in the front-back direction.
Innovation Solution
An audio control system that captures three-dimensional images of the vehicle compartment using a camera capable of distance measurement, determining if a passenger is asleep or on a call by analyzing head movement synchronization with vehicle travel conditions and posture, and adjusts sound volume accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-dimensional photographed images are used for determining passenger sleep status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the passenger's head moves in the front-back direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional image analysis by incorporating depth information. The photographing part captures three-dimensional images that include distance information from the camera, enabling accurate detection of head movement in the front-back direction. This dimensional enhancement allows the determination part to distinguish between head movements caused by sleeping and those caused by other factors, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional image analysis is implemented to improve sleep determination accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera system with distance measurement capability that serves multiple functions: capturing two-dimensional image data for basic visual analysis and three-dimensional data for depth-based movement detection. The photographing part is designed to simultaneously acquire both types of information, and the determination part processes this multi-dimensional data to determine passenger sleep status. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing a single integrated camera system rather than adding separate sensing devices.
3Ease of operation
If head movement in front-back direction is detected using two-dimensional images, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate sleep determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces three-dimensional image data as an intermediary element between the camera and the sleep determination process. The photographing part captures three-dimensional images that preserve depth information, and the determination part uses this intermediate three-dimensional data to accurately analyze head movement patterns in the front-back direction. This intermediary three-dimensional information enables reliable sleep determination while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically processes the enhanced data without requiring additional user input or complex manual adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio control system and audio control method that can appropriately control sound volume of an audio part while preventing inaccurate determination regarding condition of a passenger are provided. An audio control system includes an audio part installed in a compartment of a vehicle, a photographing part that photographs the compartment from a front side reference position in the compartment and obtains a photographed image also representing distance to an object within a photographing range in the compartment, a determination part that determines, based on the photographed image obtained by the photographing part, at least one of whether or not a passenger other than a driver in the vehicle is asleep and whether or not the passenger is making a call on a mobile phone, and a control part that turns down sound volume of the audio part if the determination part determined the passenger is asleep or making a call.