NOVELIC Millimeter Wave Seat Occupation Radar Sensor Patent
In week two of NOVELIC IP 2023, we celebrate our mmWave detection patent for vehicle cabin animal and human presence detection and monitoring.
ACAM (Automotive In-cabin Monitoring) is an intelligent contactless radar sensor?for detecting, localizing, and classifying living beings inside a vehicle.
NOVELIC perception software stack combined with a radar sensor enables in-cabin monitoring with full interior coverage. ACAM does not require a line of sight to detect people and?does not invade passenger privacy.
The physical radar sensor can be equipped with different signal processing software packages to cover a custom selection of in-cabin applications for passenger safety, comfort, and vehicle and luggage protection.
Starting in 2025, Euro NCAP will reward up to 4 points to passenger vehicles with a Child Presence Detection system. ACAM provides a simple way to upgrade vehicles to the highest-level rating.
About the patent: The invention discloses a mmWave radar sensor for vehicle occupation detection applications. The critical system relevant components use mmWave integrated radar, specific planar high gain antenna radiation pattern, and heartbeat and respiratory dynamics analysis. The method of operation calculates the probability of the seat occupation event regarding the detection of the passenger on the seat, detection of a baby or a child on the seat, and detection of the presence of a baby or a child in the vehicle after the driver has left the vehicle or detection of the human or animal presence of intrusion in a specific vehicle environment. When that probability is above a predefined threshold, interaction with the vehicle control system is initiated using automotive interfaces, and corresponding predefined actions are taken in that case.
The predefined actions are one or a combination of the following: audio signal alerts to the driver, inside cabin light condition change, engine operation condition change, opening the windows, or related communication using wireless means to outside the vehicle environment. Optionally, the system utilizes additional parameters like vehicle cabin?temperature and/or timing information about engine stop and driver leaving the car. The method may use 60 GHz or 77-79 GHz integrated radar front end working in Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave?(FMCW) or Doppler operation mode, with a small number of ground-based (TX) or airborne (RX) antennae allowing a small form factor.
ACAM Applications – 7 Powerful Features in a Single Solution
Child Presence Detection
The sensor detects if a child was left unattended in a parked car and sends out a warning. ACAM is highly sensitive and detects the most minute movements, such as sleeping babies. Thanks to its wide field, the sensor covers the seating area and the footwells. Starting in 2025, Euro NCAP will require vehicles to have a child presence detection solution to obtain the highest grade.
Features:
Seat Occupancy Detection
ACAM detects which seats humans occupy (baby, child, adult). The sensor can distinguish between a living being and an inanimate object and is not triggered by luggage.
Features:
Intrusion Detection
The sensor detects unauthorized vehicle entry attempts and sends a warning. Thanks to its precision, ACAM is not triggered by passersby and only activates if a breach has occurred.
Features:
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Respiration Rate Monitoring
ACAM calculates the respiration rate of each passenger per occupied seat and can be modified to detect the heart rate frequency as well. This solution is also used for healthcare monitoring and statistical evaluation. The sensor isn’t affected by thick layers of clothes, blankets, or similar obstacles.
Features:
Life Presence Detection
The sensor can detect not only human beings but pets and animals as well. Life presence detection senses any life form in the vehicle’s cabin, luggage compartment, or third-row seating.
Features:
Gesture Control
Powered by complex machine learning algorithms, ACAM enables contactless control of in-vehicle features (infotainment, windows, etc.). By using predefined or custom hand gestures, the driver can keep their eyes on the road and stay focused. Gesture control improves safety and simplifies vehicle operation.
Features:
Passenger Classification
Children under 12 years old can be harmed by airbag inflation. If a child or an inanimate object occupies the seat, the airbag will not activate. The ACAM sensor can differentiate between children and adults with high accuracy. Our robust algorithms prevent false alarms from objects like vibrating cell phones, water bottles, bags, etc.
Features:
NOVELIC's?ADAS Solutions?include full-stack embedded software development, systems engineering, electronics/mechanics, HIL & SIL test systems, and analog and digital chip design teams that your company controls. NOVELIC defies the buying adage that you can have only two of three: Quality, Speed, and Cost.
????????????Higher quality?because NOVELIC already performed integrations with top OEMs and T1s.
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