Vehicular occupant motion analysis system

• US 6,513,833 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2001
• Issued: 02/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David S., Johnson, Wendell C., DuVall, Wilbur E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TO, TOAN C
• Application Number:
  US09/891,432
• Publication Number:
  US 20010042976A1
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 180/271, 180/272, 280/734, 280/735, 342/70, 342/72, 701/45, 701/49
• 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 2/02246 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 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/829 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: 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 21/01516 : 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: 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 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 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration

Abstract

System and method for analyzing motion of occupants of the vehicle in which a wave-receiving system receives waves from spaces above seats of the vehicle in which the occupants would normally be situated and a processor coupled to the wave-receiving system determines movement of any occupants based on the received waves. The wave-receiving system may be arranged on a rear view mirror, in a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header, in an A-Pillar or B-Pillar, above a top surface of an instrument panel, and in connection with a steering wheel or an airbag module. The processor can be programmed to determine the location of the head, chest and/or torso of any occupants. If it determines the location of the head of any occupants, it could monitor the position thereof to determine whether the occupant is falling asleep or becoming incapacitated.

Claims

1. A vehicle including a system for analyzing motion of occupants of the vehicle, comprising:

a wave-receiving system for receiving waves from spaces above seats of the vehicle in which the occupants would normally be situated; and

a processor coupled to said wave-receiving system and arranged to determine movement of any occupants based on the waves received by said wave-receiving system, said processor embodying a trained pattern recognition system trained to analyze the movements of any occupants.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged on a rear view mirror of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged in a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged in an A-Pillar or B-Pillar of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged in connection with a steering wheel of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system is arranged in connection with an airbag module of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said processor is structured and arranged to determine the location of at least one of the head, chest and torso of any occupants.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein said processor is arranged to determine the location of the head of any occupants and monitor the position of the head of any occupants to determine whether the occupant is falling asleep or becoming incapacitated.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein said pattern recognition system embodied in said processor is arranged to differentiate movement of the head of each occupant when the occupant is awake to movement of the head of each occupant when the occupant is falling asleep or becoming incapacitated.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said processor is arranged to determine a position of any occupants at several time intervals based on the waves received by said wave-receiving system to thereby enable a determination of movement of any occupants to be obtained based on differences between the position of any occupants over time.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a wave-transmitting system for transmitting waves into the spaces above the seats which are reflected or modified by any occupants in the seats whereby the reflected or modified waves are received by said wave-receiving system.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system comprises a single axis antenna for receiving waves from spaces above a plurality of the seats in the vehicle.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said wave-receiving system comprises means for generating a scanning radar beam.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said pattern recognition system embodied in said processor is trained to analyze the movements of any occupants in order to determine whether the occupant is falling asleep or is otherwise becoming incapacitated.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said pattern recognition system embodied in said processor is structured and arranged to determine the location of the head of any occupants and monitor the position of the head of any occupants to determine whether the occupant is falling asleep or becoming incapacitated.

17. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said pattern recognition system is a trained neural network.

18. A vehicle including a system for operating the vehicle by a driver, comprising:

a wave-receiving system for receiving waves from a space above a seat in which the driver is situated;

a processor coupled to said wave-receiving system for determining movement of the driver based on the waves received by said wave-receiving system and ascertaining whether the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle; and

a reactive system coupled to said processor for taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein said wave-receiving system comprises a wave receiver arranged on a rear view mirror of the vehicle, above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle, in connection with a steering wheel of the vehicle or in connection with an airbag module of the vehicle.

20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein said wave-receiving system comprises a wave-receiver arranged on a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header of the vehicle.

21. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein said wave-receiving system comprises a wave-receiver arranged on an A-pillar or B-pillar of the vehicle.

22. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein said processor is arranged to determine a position of the driver at several time intervals based on the waves received by said wave-receiving system to thereby enable a determination of movement of the driver to be obtained based on differences between the position of the driver over time.

23. The vehicle of claim 18, further comprising a wave-transmitting system for transmitting waves into the space above the driver'"'"'s seat which are reflected or modified by the driver whereby the reflected or modified waves are received by said wave-receiving system.

24. A method for regulating operation of the vehicle by a driver, comprising the steps of:

receiving waves from a space above a seat in which the driver is situated;

determining movement of the driver based on the received waves;

ascertaining whether the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle based on any movement of the driver or a part of the driver; and

taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the driver has become unable to operate the vehicle.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of arranging a wave receiver of the waver receiving system on a rear view mirror of the vehicle, above a top surface of an instrument panel of the vehicle, in connection with a steering wheel of the vehicle or in connection with an airbag module of the vehicle.

26. The method of claim 24, comprising the step of arranging a wave receiver of the wave-receiving system on a headliner, roof, ceiling or windshield header of the vehicle.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of arranging a wave receiver of the wave-receiving system on an A-pillar or B-pillar of the vehicle.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of determining movement of the driver comprises the step of determining a position of the driver or a part of the driver at several time intervals based on the received waves and determining movement of the driver based on differences between the position of the driver over time.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of transmitting waves into the space above the driver'"'"'s seat which are reflected or modified by the driver.

30. A vehicle including a system for analyzing motion of occupants of the vehicle in order to assess an occupant'"'"'s state of consciousness, comprising:

a wave-receiving system for receiving waves from spaces above seats of the vehicle in which the occupants would normally be situated; and

a processor coupled to said wave-receiving system and arranged to determine motion of the any occupants based on the waves received by said wave-receiving system;

said processor being arranged to compare the motions of the occupant over time in order to assess the occupant'"'"'s state of consciousness.

31. The vehicle of claim 30, wherein said processor embodies a trained pattern recognition system trained to recognize changes in behavior of the occupant representative of becoming incapacitated or falling asleep as reflected in the comparison of the motions of the occupant over time.

32. The vehicle of claim 31, further comprising a reactive system coupled to said processor for taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the occupant is becoming incapacitated or falling asleep.

33. The vehicle of claim 30, further comprising a wave-transmitting system for transmitting waves into the spaces above the seats which are reflected or modified by any occupants in the seats whereby the reflected or modified waves are received by said wave-receiving system.

34. A method for analyzing motion of occupants of the vehicle in order to assess an occupant'"'"'s state of consciousness, comprising the steps of:

receiving waves from spaces above seats of the vehicle in which the occupants would normally be situated;

determining motion of the any occupants based on the received waves; and

comparing the motions of the occupant over time in order to assess the occupant'"'"'s state of consciousness.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of comparing the motions of the occupant over time comprises the step of providing a processor embodying a trained pattern recognition system trained to recognize changes in behavior of the occupant representative of becoming incapacitated or falling asleep as reflected in the comparison of the motions of the occupant over time.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of taking action to effect a change in the operation of the vehicle upon a determination that the occupant is becoming incapacitated or falling asleep.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of transmitting waves into the spaces above the seats such that the transmitted waves are reflected or modified by any occupants in the seats.