New Classification Stratification: Passive Safety Tech
Crafting Classification Stratification
Introduction - Classification Stratification for Passive Safety
The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive overview of the potential stratification (development map/strategy) for the Classification function and standards necessary for recognizing occupants and other objects relevant to various vehicle functions. Therefore, the primary focus is on addressing passive safety, specifically occupant protection applications, followed closely by comfort-related features. In addition, the development of the classification standards (algorithm) is targeted towards “static” use cases, while “dynamic” use cases are covered separately; refer to the reference section.
Addressing occupant protection applications, we are to consider the following:
- Initially used by Notification Features: Presence and location counting (all adults and children, other non-human occupants)
- Continued with Restraints Related Features: Seat belt (status) usage of all occupants
- Primary goal to be achieved for the Airbag Deployment Features: All of the above and specific static and dynamic assessment of body size
Sequentially, Aiding in comfort applications, we will address the following:
- Addressing Seat Comfort – Body elements in contact with the seat cushion
- Complimenting Environment Comfort (Temperature Adjustment): Presence and location (all occupants)
- Guiding Parental and Other Control: Potentially enabling/disabling the second-row entertainment; other functions require presence and location (all occupants)
In addition, for other Feature / Functions defined by the Vehicle content. Fundamentally, the governing features will have to specify their expectations for the particulars of the development of the data sets “standards” based on the recognition of the presence.
The Significance of Systemic Stratification for Classification Capabilities
Sequentially, each vehicle (Governing) Feature will have its specific functional responsibility, they will have a very particular need for classification related to the present occupant. Therefore, for example, the basic “Notification” features are in need of the identification/discrimination between the “object” and “alive” presence, followed by the necessity to determine the “Child” vs. “Adult” and their locations within the interior. Consequently, with the present “Head Count”, this information is very useful for external communication with the “User” in emergency situations. Moreover, this information can be packaged into the Information Data Set of System Outputs (signals) – custom for each feature.
Overall, the system’s capability to provide these necessary custom signal outputs brings up the necessity to map a strategy of developing the Classification capabilities. Consequently, this needs to be addressed from the simplest to the most complex with the verification of acceptance by the customer, i.e. each governing feature.
In summary so far, we covered the following logic related to the initial stratification of the occupant classification, see the Table I.
The Table I demonstrates a judgment made by the System’s Algorithm based on the particular “alive” object attributes in the fastest analysis period with some minimum data collected. Consequently, the following are the system’s capabilities (conclusions) ready for the Signal Outputs for the incoming object:
- Firstly, Present
- Second, Alive
- Alternatively, Non-Alive
Dynamic Classification function - Definition
Continuing with covering the logic for the Data Acquisition and Processing related to the “objects” coming into the “Field of View”, starting with the stratification or the “non-alive”, see Table II.
Notes:
- Consequently, the ability to “Classify” the Non-Alive object is not yet available as a functional capability
- Moreover, this proposal alone is a revolutionary approach for the Passive Safety functionality
- In addition, the primary idea for the “safety” related element is to aid in the assessment of the position and restraint necessity of the “object” within the passenger and cargo compartments, as well as ability to communicate this information if necessary
Furthermore, let’s look at the approach for the “alive” as well, See Table III.
Notes:
- Generally, the contemporary System (capabilities) has the following Classifications signals reserved: “Unknown”, “Empty”, “Child” and “Adult”
- Consequently, relative to human classification, the Table III describes the current technological capabilities for the In-seat sensing and potential for the remote sensing technologies
- In addition, the animal detection / general classification included
Potential AI Application for Classification Standards (recognition)
Looking for more advanced and future development of the Classification Standards, the system can utilize better defined characteristics of the body size and other attributes to designate the Classification output. Sequentially, proposed the Classification Standards, see Table 4.
Notes:
- Sequential to the previous, the described “classification” is a leap forward from the contemporary capabilities and can be developed using the Systems Engineering tools, including a sensor set with multiple data acquisition capabilities and Virtual development simulations
- Furthermore, advanced computations and verifications will be required for the precise performance related to the specific human sizes
Review of the Applicable Usecases
Initially, this was discussed in other articles related to the classification of the non-alive and alive objects. See the references. However, in general summary, here are the notes for the non-alive objects, withing the Passive Safety scope of development the following categories of objects need to be addressed:
- Large objects, which can fit through the doors
- Child Restraint Systems and potentially other handicap restraint (objects) systems
- Other objects – smaller and not related to the “occupant safety”, but maybe necessary for the occupant comfort, like briefcase or phone
Continuing with the alive objects to be addressed:
- Children of all ages and sizes
- Adult of all sizes
- Animals – this classification stratification needs to be addressed via higher-level requirements necessities – of various sizes
- As special cases to look at and comprehend the similarity in sizes between small adults and large children, which may drive complexity into the Data Set Standards
Finally, the Logic would compare the computed occupant size to the Data Set Standard and assign the fitting classification to the respective occupant.
Conclusion: Achieving Complete Stratification for the Classification Function
In conclusion, the overall system’s capability to recognize any object and provide this information for the On-board ECU is a crucial function of the Occupant Sensing System contributing to the Occupant Passive Safety.
Furthermore, each specific Classification Data Set will have to be developed for the particular Vehicle Feature to enable its functional performance. Hence, the more sophisticated the Vehicle content is going to be, the more demanding would be the necessity for these capabilities.
For example, the Table III content promises the technology outside of the available capabilities today. Moreover, the development of the “Dynamic” classification (see the reference) would be even further advanced from the Static occupant body assessment.
Finally, all of these capabilities are quite possible to develop with the proper panning and scope of work for the necessary steps. Additionally, the development of Classification system’s capabilities is a good step toward the comprehensive evolution toward the Passive Safety goals.
References:
- System Prerequisites https://georgedallen.com/usecases-development-of-the-prerequisites-new-databases/
- Governing Features https://georgedallen.com/development-of-the-prerequisites-new-passive-safety-features/
- Occupant Presence Detection https://georgedallen.com/develop-presence-detection-new-occupant-sensing-tech/
- Occupant Location https://georgedallen.com/develop-occupant-location-new-sensing-tech/
- Basic Classification https://georgedallen.com/develop-the-core-of-occupant-classification-new-sensing-tech/
- Seat Belt Monitoring Function development Part1 https://georgedallen.com/crafting-new-seat-belt-monitoring-tech-for-passive-safety/
- Seat Belt Monitoring Function development Part2 https://georgedallen.com/crafting-new-seat-belt-monitoring-tech-for-passive-safety-2/
- Classification – Stratification covered separately later
- Classification of Non Living Objects – https://georgedallen.com/develop-the-core-of-object-classification-new-sensing-tech/
- Seat Belt Monitoring Development https://georgedallen.com/advanced-seat-belt-monitoring-technology-in-occupant-safety/
- NCAP Standard https://www.euroncap.com/en/car-safety/the-ratings-explained/safety-assist/occupant-status-monitoring/
- Seat Belt Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_belt
About George D. Allen Consulting:
George D. Allen Consulting is a pioneering force in driving engineering excellence and innovation within the automotive industry. Led by George D. Allen, a seasoned engineering specialist with an illustrious background in occupant safety and systems development, the company is committed to revolutionizing engineering practices for businesses on the cusp of automotive technology. With a proven track record, tailored solutions, and an unwavering commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, George D. Allen Consulting partners with organizations to create a safer, smarter, and more innovative future. For more information, visit www.GeorgeDAllen.com.
Contact:
Website: www.GeorgeDAllen.com
Email: inquiry@GeorgeDAllen.com
Phone: 248-509-4188
Unlock your engineering potential today. Connect with us for a consultation.
