In-Vehicle Physiological Sensing Using Ultrasonic Audio Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring bio-motion in vehicles are inefficient and lack effective methods for detecting physiological movements such as breathing and cardiac activity, requiring specialized hardware and struggling to operate in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of processor-enabled devices like smartphones and in-vehicle infotainment systems equipped with sensors and speakers to generate and process ultrasonic acoustic signals for detecting physiological movements, allowing for the derivation of parameters like breathing rate and cardiac activity, and adjusting vehicle settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized hardware circuitry and antennas are used for radio location or ranging, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing audio system components (speakers and microphones) to perform dual functions: their primary audio functions and secondary physiological detection functions. The speaker serves as both an audio output device and a signal transmitter for physiological detection, while the microphone serves as both an audio input device and a signal receiver for detecting reflected acoustic signals containing physiological information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the vehicle's existing audio system infrastructure to perform physiological monitoring without requiring external specialized equipment. The audio system serves itself by generating and receiving acoustic signals for physiological detection, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware circuits and antennas.
2Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring systems are used, then physiological detection is possible, but they struggle in noisy vehicle environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ambient noise into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By using active acoustic signals with known characteristics transmitted through the audio system, the system creates a reference signal that can be correlated with the received signal. This correlation process enhances the physiological signal while suppressing uncorrelated noise, effectively converting the noisy environment into a condition where signal processing can distinguish physiological movements from background disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the received acoustic signal containing reflected physiological information to continuously refine and adjust the detection process. The system processes the reflected signal to extract physiological parameters, and this feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and adaptation to varying environmental conditions, improving detection accuracy despite noise interference.
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
Enables efficient and effective monitoring of bio-motion in vehicles, improving sleep detection and health screening capabilities while integrating seamlessly with existing audio systems without the need for additional hardware, enhancing user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with sensors and speakers to generate and process ultrasonic acoustic signals for detecting physiological movements
Implementation Method 2
controlling sensing a reflected signal from the cabin vicinity of the vehicle
Data Source
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Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide physiological movement detection, such as gesture, breathing, cardiac and/or gross motion, such as with sound, radio frequency and/or infrared generation, by electronic devices such as vehicular processing devices. The electronic device in a vehicle may, for example, be any of an audio entertainment system, a vehicle navigation system, and a semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle operations control system. One or more processors of the device, may detect physiological movement by controlling producing sensing signal(s) in a cabin of a vehicle housing the electronic device. The processor(s) control sensing, with a sensor, reflected signal(s) from the cabin. The processor(s) derive a physiological movement signal with the sensing signal and reflected signal and generate an output based on an evaluation of the derived physiological movement signal. The output may control operations or provide an input to any of the entertainment system, navigation system, and vehicle operations control system.