Develop Presence Detection: New Occupant Sensing Tech
Presence Detection
Defining Occupant Presence Detection Function for Vehicle Safety Features
In the realm of Automotive Passive Safety Vehicle Functions, the Occupant Presence Detection Function stands as a fundamental cornerstone. The implementation of this function would apply to both conventional vehicles and the emerging Autonomous ones.
In terms of “Occupant Safety”, facilitating the sophisticated detection algorithms, the presence of occupants is identified and verified, marking the inception of logic governing numerous Passive Safety functions.
Notably, radar-based sensors play a pivotal role in this process. The Occupant detected Signal Output extends beyond merely identifying objects; it encompasses distinguishing alive entities within the sensor’s field of view. This comprehensive detection capability ensures the verification of occupants under varying conditions, enhancing overall vehicle safety.
The Significance of Occupant Presence Detection System Function
Within the extensive array of vehicle systems, the Occupant Sensing System stands out for its unique reliance not on vehicle components or mechanisms but on understanding the attributes of occupants, in order to deliver the Presence Detection Signal output. Whether through weight-based, visual, or other sensors, data acquisition revolves around detecting the incoming presence of occupants. Consequently, the development focus on Occupant Sensing and Safety functions should prioritize several key aspects:
- Firstly, attention should be directed towards the detectable elements of potential occupants, ensuring comprehensive data acquisition
- Next, consideration must be given to the vehicle’s status (Power on / Power off / Idle, etc.), as well as encompassing other situational and environmental conditions
- Thirdly, emphasis should be placed the interface between occupants and the vehicle, meaning the movement of the incoming occupants into their respective final seating destinations
- Lastly, the development of logic associated with data processing (occupant’s attributes) is crucial for analyzing, and providing the verifiable outputs
Note: The specifics of the Subsystem Requirements necessary to achieve the proper capabilities for the Occupant Sensing System are to be developed via a properly scoped project.
Defining Occupant Presence Detection: Key Element in Passive Safety Applications
Sequentially, for the general system function definition, the following can be adopted: The Occupant Sensing System shall be capable to detect the presence of the incoming (alive, not object) occupant within the defined vehicle interior, and determine the verifiable presence considering specific conditions, such as:
- Availability of power to facilitate system processing capabilities
- Limitations associated with sensor technologies, such as “in seat” weight-based sensors, radar sensors, or other sensor types
- Adherence to timing requirements for feature signals output
- Potentially, additional conditions influencing the system processes
However, the general intent should be the ability to begin the data acquisition as soon as the alive object approaches the sensor’s range, and capability to provide the verifiable signal to the receiving interface as soon as the computations are complete. Generally, this capability should be applied to the entirety of the Vehicle for the purpose of “Total Vehicle functionality”.
References:
- Passive Safety: https://georgedallen.com/evolution-of-occupant-safety-systems-in-the-vehicle-development/
- Government Standards: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ https://www.euroncap.com/en/
Unlocking the Core of System Development: Feature Applications
Considering each of the Vehicle Feature applications, there would be a specific logic / condition for the request related to the Presence Detection Signal output. Numerous vehicle applications stand to benefit from this critical system function, including:
- Notification Features: Examples include Vehicle Intrusion detection, Driver Monitoring systems, and Occupant Left Behind scenarios (such as Child Presence Detection), among others
- Restraints-related Features: These encompass functionalities like Seat Belt Monitoring and Buckle to Drive systems, ensuring optimal safety measures for vehicle occupants
- Airbag Deployment Features: Precise comprehension of occupant presence enables effective control of airbag deployment, ensuring timely activation or deactivation as per the designated seat’s status
- Other potential usage can include the Seat Comfort applications
Furthermore, by integrating Occupant Presence Detection Function into these feature applications, vehicles can enhance safety, security, and comfort, thereby enriching the driving experience for occupants.
Unlocking the Essence of System Development: Technologies Capable
Technically, several technologies are capable of sensing of the occupant’s presence. While in-seat weight-based sensors offer a feasible option, their efficacy is limited to detecting properly seated individuals, lacking the intelligence to distinguish between live occupants and inert objects.
Alternatively, sensors from the vision-based and radar-based families present promising avenues for Occupant Presence Detection Function. These sensors possess the capability to discern nuanced occupant presence, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of sensing systems. However, the quest for a definitive sensor or sensor set capable of serving the entirety of vehicle functions remains ongoing.
Conclusion: Ensuring Optimal Occupant Presence Detection Functionality
In conclusion, the Occupant Sensing System plays a vital role in various feature functions by promptly detecting the presence of live occupants under specific conditions. It must be capable to initiate data acquisition upon power availability and deliver the requested signal output as expediently as possible, as dictated by governing features.
Moreover, the system’s high-level logic must accommodate diverse use cases and account for real-time vehicle and environmental conditions. To achieve true sophistication, it should retain status information in memory to conserve power, necessitating logic for re-initiation when “change of state” occurs.
In addition, this optimization enhances the power consumption, while ensuring efficiency across other feature applications, requiring the same Signal Output.
As a result, comprehensive development entails comprehending and documenting all potential processing scenarios for data, leading to a library of test and evaluation cases for simulating all possible failure modes. This underscores the importance of parallel development in (Virtual) simulation technology, facilitating the creation and verification of safe and high-quality products.
Finally, by embracing these principles, vehicle systems can evolve to meet the demands of modern safety standards, delivering enhanced performance and reliability for occupants.
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.
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