Occupant sensing system and method via imaging
US6810133B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T7/254
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An occupant sensing system (12) and an associated method provide for the sensing of an occupant (14). An illuminating element (46) of the system (12)selectively illuminates the interior of a vehicle (8). An image sensor (50) acquires a first image of the interior of the vehicle (8) when the interior of the vehicle is illuminated by ambient sources only and acquires a second image of the interior of the vehicle when the interior of the vehicle is illuminated by ambient sources and the illuminating element (46). A controller (34) removes the effect of ambient sources by comparing the first and second images to produce a third image of the interior of the vehicle (8) as illuminated by the illuminating element (46) only. The controller (34) determines the presence of an occupant (14) by comparing the third image to a produced map of the interior of the vehicle (8).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.