Single image sensor positioning method and apparatus in a multiple function vehicle protection control system
First Claim
1. A method of positioning a single imaging sensor in a vehicle for use with a multiple function vehicle protection control system, wherein the imaging sensor includes an image entrance plane center (IEPC) and wherein sensor positioning is defined with reference to the IEPC, and wherein the sensor is aimed at a focus of view (FOV) point defined for the vehicle with respect to an expected typical vehicle occupant position and typical vehicle seat geometry, and wherein the IEPC is positioned a selected distance from the FOV point, and wherein the sensor positioning is further defined with reference to fore-aft (X dimension), lateral (Y dimension) and vertical (Z dimension) dimensions associated with the vehicle, comprising:
- (a) determining a lateral-vertical (Y-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the Y-Z position restriction plane;
(b) determining a fore-aft (X-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the X-Z position restriction plane;
(c) determining an intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes determined in steps (a) and (b); and
(d) positioning the single imaging sensor proximate the intersection determined in step (c).
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Accused Products
Abstract
Single imaging sensor positioning methods and apparatus for use in a vehicle protection system are disclosed. The vehicle protection system employs a single imaging sensor in order to obtain imaging information or imaging data related to a vehicle and its occupants. The vehicle protection system uses the imaging data to condition appropriate deployment of automated vehicle safety and security features and mechanisms. In particular, the imaging sensor is positioned according to a combination of one or more sensor positioning constraints, so as to optimize the usefulness of the imaging data provided by the sensor. In one embodiment, imaging sensor positioning constraints are described with respect to a lateral-vertical (Y-Z) position restriction plane, a fore-aft (X-Z) position restriction plane, and an intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes. In one embodiment, in order to satisfy the single imaging sensor positioning requirements in a multiple function vehicle protection control system, a single imaging sensor should be positioned proximate the passenger side A-Pillar of a vehicle. In this embodiment, an optimum single imaging sensor position is proximate the passenger side A-Pillar, or near the vehicle window frame just aft of the passenger side A-pillar.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of positioning a single imaging sensor in a vehicle for use with a multiple function vehicle protection control system, wherein the imaging sensor includes an image entrance plane center (IEPC) and wherein sensor positioning is defined with reference to the IEPC, and wherein the sensor is aimed at a focus of view (FOV) point defined for the vehicle with respect to an expected typical vehicle occupant position and typical vehicle seat geometry, and wherein the IEPC is positioned a selected distance from the FOV point, and wherein the sensor positioning is further defined with reference to fore-aft (X dimension), lateral (Y dimension) and vertical (Z dimension) dimensions associated with the vehicle, comprising:
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(a) determining a lateral-vertical (Y-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the Y-Z position restriction plane;
(b) determining a fore-aft (X-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the X-Z position restriction plane;
(c) determining an intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes determined in steps (a) and (b); and
(d) positioning the single imaging sensor proximate the intersection determined in step (c). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31)
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29. A single imaging sensor positioning apparatus positioning a single imaging sensor in a vehicle for use with a multiple function vehicle protection control system, wherein the imaging sensor includes an image entrance plane center (IEPC) and wherein sensor positioning is defined with reference to the IEPC, and wherein the sensor is aimed at a focus of view (FOV) point defined for the vehicle with respect to an expected typical vehicle occupant position and typical vehicle seat geometry, and wherein the IEPC is positioned a selected distance from the FOV point, and wherein the sensor positioning is further defined with reference to fore-aft (X dimension), lateral (Y dimension) and vertical (Z dimension) dimensions associated with the vehicle, comprising:
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(a) means, in operative communication with the imaging sensor, for determining a lateral-vertical (Y-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the Y-Z position restriction plane;
(b) means, in operative communication with the imaging sensor, for determining a fore-aft (X-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the X-Z position restriction plane;
(c) means, responsive to the Y-Z position restriction plane determining means and the X-Z position restriction plane determining means, for determining an intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes; and
(d) means, responsive to the intersection determining means, for positioning the single imaging sensor proximate the intersection.
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30. A computer program executable on a general purpose computing device, wherein the program determines positioning of a single imaging sensor in a vehicle for use with a multiple function vehicle protection control system, and wherein the imaging sensor includes an image entrance plane center (IEPC) and wherein sensor positioning is defined with reference to the IEPC, and wherein the sensor is aimed at a focus of view (FOV) point defined for the vehicle with respect to an expected typical vehicle occupant position and typical vehicle seat geometry, and wherein the IEPC is positioned a selected distance from the FOV point, and wherein the sensor positioning determined by the computer program is further defined with reference to fore-aft (X dimension), lateral (Y dimension) and vertical (Z dimension) dimensions associated with the vehicle, comprising:
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(a) a first set of instructions determining a lateral-vertical (Y-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the Y-Z position restriction plane;
(b) a second set of instructions determining a fore-aft (X-Z) position restriction plane, wherein the sensor positioning is restricted to fall approximately within the X-Z position restriction plane;
(c) a third set of instructions, responsive to the first and second instruction sets, determining an intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes; and
(d) a fourth set of instructions, responsive to the third instruction set, positioning the single imaging sensor proximate the intersection of the Y-Z and X-Z position restriction planes.
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Specification