Vehicle Passenger Counting With Multi-Sensor Cabin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger counting systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges due to sensor obstructions like smoke and inaccuracies when multiple passengers pass closely, necessitating improved automated systems for accurate passenger counting.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of mm-wave-radar-sensors, cameras, infrared sensors, and light-barrier-sensors, positioned strategically to collect and evaluate data for robust passenger counting, with a computation unit to synchronize and prioritize sensor data for accurate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If visual cameras and infrared sensors are used for passenger counting, then automated passenger monitoring is enabled, but sensor performance is hindered by obstructions such as smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (visual cameras, infrared sensors, and mm-wave radar sensors) into an integrated passenger monitoring system. The mm-wave radar sensor operates independently of optical obstructions like smoke, providing reliable detection when visual and infrared sensors fail, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining automated monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mm-wave radar sensor acts as an intermediary detection mechanism that penetrates smoke and other obstructions to provide backup passenger detection. When the primary visual and infrared sensors are blocked, the radar sensor mediates the detection function, ensuring continuous reliable operation of the automated monitoring system
2Extent of automation
If light-barrier-sensors are used for passenger counting, then automated detection is achieved, but erroneous data occurs when multiple passengers pass through the light barrier in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges light-barrier sensor data with mm-wave radar sensor data to resolve counting errors. When multiple passengers pass through close proximity causing light-barrier sensor confusion, the radar sensor's ability to detect individual objects at different ranges provides accurate passenger counts, compensating for the light-barrier sensor's measurement errors
3Extent of automation
If a singular mm-wave-radar-sensor is used, then automated passenger detection is enabled, but accurate reflection of real situation cannot be provided under all circumstances with current computing power
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task across multiple sensor units, with each mm-wave radar sensor covering a specific zone. By dividing the cabin into multiple detection zones and using multiple sensors, the system overcomes the limitations of a single sensor's computing power and detection accuracy, providing comprehensive and accurate passenger monitoring throughout the entire cabin
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
Enhances passenger counting accuracy by compensating for individual sensor flaws through data combination and synchronization, providing reliable passenger counts and positions, even in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
Mm-wave-radar-sensors emit electromagnetic signals with a wavelength in the mm range and use received reflections of said signals to identify objects, their location and movement
Implementation Method 2
Various types of sensors, including but not limited to visual cameras, infrared sensors, and light-barrier-sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system (100) for determining the number of passengers in a vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors (110) arranged to collect data concerning a cabin (11) of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of sensors (110) comprises at least one mm-wave-radar-sensor (111), and a computation unit (120), wherein the computation unit (120) is connected to the plurality of sensors (110) and configured to evaluate the data collected by the plurality of sensors (110) in order to determine the number of passengers within the vehicle. The present invention further provides a vehicle and a method for determining the number of passengers in a vehicle