In-Vehicle UWB Power Delay Profiling for Occupancy Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle occupancy sensing technologies face challenges in accurately detecting and locating occupants within a vehicle using ultra-wideband (UWB) communication due to limitations in UWB device design and the need for UWB-enabled devices, as well as vulnerabilities to security breaches.

Innovation Solution

The use of ultra-wideband (UWB) channel impulse response (CIR) data analysis to determine power delay profiles (PDP) for occupancy sensing, employing multiple signal classification algorithms like MUSIC to enhance resolution and accuracy, and integrating dual-mode system nodes for communication and radar modes to improve detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional occupancy sensing methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the detection precision and location accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical occupancy sensing methods with UWB communication technology. The UWB system transmits signals that interact with occupants and vehicle structures, and the reflected signals are processed to determine occupancy status and location with high precision, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The UWB communication system serves multiple functions: it enables both data communication between vehicle components and performs occupancy sensing. By utilizing the same UWB infrastructure for both communication and sensing purposes, the system achieves high detection precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If UWB communication is used for occupancy sensing, then the detection accuracy improves, but the system becomes vulnerable to security breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupant location accuracyVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes UWB signal characteristics to detect occupancy. This intermediary system processes the raw communication signals and extracts occupancy information without directly exposing the security-critical communication protocols, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing security vulnerabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If high-resolution power delay profile analysis is implemented, then the occupancy detection precision increases, but the processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy sensing precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of the power delay profile by identifying and extracting only the relevant signal components that indicate occupancy. Rather than processing the entire high-resolution PDP data set, the system pre-identifies key features and parameters, reducing the computational burden and processing time while maintaining high detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables precise detection of vehicle occupancy and location, overcoming hardware limitations and security vulnerabilities, allowing for effective control of vehicle systems based on occupancy status.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting and receiving a UWB signal within the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltra-wideband electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

filtering the UWB signal as received and excluding selected filter taps to reduce aliasing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS12541017B2In-vehicle occupancy sensing via high-resolution ultra-wideband power delay profile

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method of sensing occupancy of a vehicle using ultra-wide band (UWB) communication includes transmitting and receiving a UWB signal within the vehicle, obtaining channel impulse response (CIR) data corresponding to the UWB signal as received within the vehicle, calculating power delay profile (PDP) results for the CIR data, determining, based on the calculated PDP results, the occupancy of the vehicle, and at least one of generating, storing, and transmitting occupancy sensing results based on the determined occupancy of the vehicle. The occupancy sensing results include data that indicates at least one of a presence of occupants within the vehicle, a number of occupants within the vehicle, and locations of occupants within the vehicle.