Vehicle object detection system and method

• US 20020140215A1
• Filed: 05/20/2002
• Published: 10/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1992
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David S., Johnson, Wendell C., DuVall, Wilbur E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,820,897 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/00 Sealing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0022 for sensing anthropometric parameters, e.g. heart rate or body temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0023 for detection of driver fatigue
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0026 for distinguishing between humans, animals or objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0028 of a body part, e.g. of an arm or a leg
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0278 using sensors external to the seat for measurements in relation to the seat adjustment, e.g. for identifying the presence of obstacles or the appropriateness of the occupants position
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/20 Radar
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/24 Cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/26 Ultrasonic, e.g. sonar
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 : using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 : for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 : for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 : with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 : Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 : monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 : specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 : characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 : comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 : by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 : for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 : responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/015 : including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats , and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0154 : in combination with seat heating
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 : Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 : Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 : responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/431 : specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/46 : responsive to changes in electrical capacitance
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/433 : using reflection from the obstruction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/20 : by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/2962 : Measuring transit time of reflected waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/804 : containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration

Abstract

System for obtaining information about an object in the vehicle including one or more resonators or reflectors arranged in association with the object, each resonator emitting an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at an excitation frequency, a transmitter device for transmitting signals at least at the excitation frequency of each resonator, an energy signal detector for detecting the energy signal emitted by each resonator upon receipt of the signal at the excitation frequency, and a processor coupled to the detector for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by the detector. The information obtained about the object may be a distance between each resonator and the detector, which positional information is useful for controlling components in the vehicle such as the occupant restraint or protection device. If the object is a seat, the information obtained about the seat may be an indication of the position of the seat, the position of the back cushion of the seat, the position of the bottom cushion of the seat, the angular orientation of the seat, and other seat parameters. The resonator(s) may be arranged within the object and may be a SAW device, antenna and/or RFID tag. When several resonators are used, each may be designed to emit an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at a different excitation frequency. The resonators may be tuned resonators including an acoustic cavity or a vibrating mechanical element

Claims

1. A vehicle including a system for obtaining information about an object in the vehicle, comprising:

at least one resonator or reflector arranged in association with the object, said at least one resonator being arranged to emit an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at an excitation frequency;

transmitter means for transmitting signals at least at the excitation frequency of each of said at least one resonator;

energy signal detector means for detecting the energy signal emitted by said at least one resonator upon receipt of the signal at the excitation frequency; and

a processor coupled to said detector means for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by said detector means.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the information obtained about the object is a distance between each of said at least one resonator and said detector means.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the object is a seat whereby the information obtained about the seat is an indication of the position of the seat.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said at least one resonator is arranged within the object.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said at least one resonator is a SAW device, antenna or RFID tag.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said at least one resonator comprises a plurality of resonators, each of said resonators being arranged to emit an energy signal upon receipt of a signal at a different excitation frequency.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the object is a seat, a first one of said resonators being arranged at a front of a seat bottom portion, a second one of said resonators being arranged at a back of the seat bottom portion and a third one of said resonators being arranged at a top of a seat back portion.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said transmitter means and said detector means are co-located constituting at least one transducer.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the object is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt is an indication of whether the seatbelt is in use.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the object is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt is an indication of the position of the seatbelt.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the object is a child seat whereby the information obtained about the child seat is at least one of an indication of whether the child seat is present and an indication of whether a child seat is rear-facing.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the object is a door, said at least one resonator being arranged in a surface facing the door such that closure of the door prevents emission of the energy signal from said at least one resonator, whereby the information obtained about the door is an indication of whether the door is open or closed.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said at least one resonator comprises a tuned resonator including an acoustic cavity or a vibrating mechanical element.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein said at least one reflector comprises a parabolic-shaped reflector.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein said at least one reflector comprises a corner cube reflector or a cube array reflector.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein said at least one reflector comprises an antenna reflector.

19. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the information obtained about the object is a distance between each of said at least one reflector and said detector means.

20. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the object is a seat whereby the information obtained about the seat is an indication of the position of the seat.

21. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein said at least one reflector is arranged within the object.

22. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein said transmitter means and said detector means are co-located constituting at least one transducer.

23. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the object is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt is an indication of whether the seatbelt is in use.

24. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the object is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt is an indication of the position of the seatbelt.

25. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the object is a child seat whereby the information obtained about the child seat is at least one of an indication of whether the child seat is present and an indication of whether the child seat is rear-facing.

26. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the object is a window of the vehicle whereby the information obtained about the window is an indication of whether the window is open or closed or the state of openness.

27. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the object is a door, said at least one reflector being arranged in a surface facing the door such that closure of the door prevents reflection of an energy signal by said at least one reflector, whereby the information obtained about the door is an indication of whether the door is open or closed.

28. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein said transmitter means comprise an infrared laser system and said at least one reflector comprises an optical mirror.

30. The detection system of claim 29, further comprising a processor coupled to said at least one detector for obtaining information about the target upon analysis of the energy signal detected by said at least one detector.

31. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the information obtained about the object is a distance between each of said at least one reflector and said at least one detector.

32. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the target is a seat whereby the information obtained about the seat is an indication of the position of the seat.

33. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the target is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt seat is an indication of whether the seatbelt is in use.

34. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the target is a seatbelt whereby the information obtained about the seatbelt is an indication of the position of the seatbelt.

35. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the target is a child seat whereby the information obtained about the child seat is an indication of whether the child seat is present and rear-facing.

36. The detection system of claim 30, wherein the target is a window of the vehicle whereby the information obtained about the window is an indication of whether the window is open or closed or the state of openness.

37. The detection system of claim 27, wherein the target is a door, said at least one reflector being arranged in a surface facing the door such that closure of the door prevents reflection of an energy signal by said at least one reflector, whereby the information obtained about the door is an indication of whether the door is open or closed.

38. The detection system of claim 26, wherein said at least one reflector comprises a parabolic-shaped reflector.

39. The detection system of claim 26, wherein said at least one reflector is arranged within the target.

40. The detection system of claim 26, wherein said at least one transmitter and said at least one detector are positioned together.

12. The vehicle of claim l, wherein the object is a window of the vehicle whereby the information obtained about the window is an indication of whether the window is open or closed, or the state of openness.

15. A vehicle including a system for obtaining information about an object in the vehicle, comprising

at least one reflector arranged in association with the object, said at least one reflector being arranged to reflect an energy signal;

transmitter means for transmitting energy signals in a direction of each of said at least one reflector;

energy signal detector means for detecting energy signals reflected by said at least one reflector; and

a processor coupled to said detector means for obtaining information about the object upon analysis of the energy signal detected by said detector means.

29. A motor vehicle detection system, comprising:

at least one transmitter for transmitting energy signals toward a target in a passenger compartment of the vehicle;

at least one reflector arranged in association with said target;

at least one detector for detecting energy signals reflected by said at least one reflector.