Vehicle Seating Position Detection via Restraint Orientation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to determine the seating position of a vehicle occupant accurately to prevent the use of electronic devices while driving, as existing methods are inadequate in distinguishing between driver and passenger sides, especially in varying traffic regulations and vehicle configurations.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device captures images of the vehicle environment to detect the orientation of a restraining device, using image processing to determine the seating position based on the orientation of the device, which is correlated with geographic location and vehicle type to differentiate between driver and passenger sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image processing is used to detect restraining device orientation, then seating position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating position determination accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or sensor-based detection systems with image processing technology. The electronic device uses its camera to capture images of the restraining device (seatbelt) and determines seating position through software analysis of the image data, substituting physical detection mechanisms with optical and computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation (image) of the physical restraining device and analyzes this copy to determine seating position. Instead of directly measuring physical parameters, the device captures visual information and processes it to infer the occupant's location, using a graphical copy as the basis for determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system adapts to different traffic regulations and vehicle configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different traffic regulations and vehicle configurationsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs multiple functions: it detects restraining device orientation, determines seating position, and adapts to different vehicle configurations and traffic regulations. A single image processing system handles various scenarios (different countries, vehicle types, seat positions) without requiring separate detection systems for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its analysis based on detected characteristics. By analyzing the orientation and configuration of the restraining device in real-time, the system adapts its interpretation to match different vehicle types and traffic regulations, making the detection process flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9330305B2Method and device for detecting a seating position in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment a method performed by an electronic device for determining a seating position of a person in a vehicle, the method comprises capturing at least one image of an environment of a vehicle, detecting, from the at least one captured image, an orientation of a retraining device within the vehicle, and determining the seating position of a person within the restraining device based on the orientation of the restraining device.