Abstract:
A vision-based vehicle occupant detection and classification system includes a camera mounted in the vehicle interior to capture low resolution images of the seating area. Image processing algorithms account for lighting, motion, and other phenomena. A spatial-feature matrix numerically describes the content of the image. This descriptor is the result of a number of digital filters being run against a set of sub-images, derived from pre-defined window regions in the original image. This spatial-feature matrix is used as an input to an expert classifier function, which classifies this image as best representing a scenario in which the seat is (i) empty, (ii) occupied by an adult, (iii) occupied by a child, (iv) occupied by a rear-facing infant seat (RFIS), (v) occupied by a front-facing infant seat (FFIS), or (vi) occupied by an undetermined object.

Description:
This application claims priority to Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 60/448,796, filed Feb. 20, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of image-based vehicle occupant detection and classification. More specifically, the invention uses an imaging system in order to classify a vehicle seat into a number of occupancy classes, the minimum of which includes (i) empty, (ii) occupied by an adult passenger, (iii) occupied by a child passenger, (iv) occupied by a forward facing infant seat, (v) occupied by a rear facing infant seat. 
     Automobile occupant restraint systems that include an airbag are well known in the art, and exist in nearly all new vehicles being produced. While the introduction of passenger-side airbags proved successful in reducing the severity of injuries suffered in accidents, they have proven to be a safety liability in specific situations. Airbags typically deploy in excess of 200 mph and can cause serious, sometimes fatal, injuries to small or out-of-position occupants. These hazardous situations include the use of rear-facing infant seats (RFIS) in the front seat of a vehicle. While it is agreed upon that the safest location for a RFIS is the back seat, some vehicles do not have a back seat option. While RFIS occupants can be injured from indirect exposure to the force of an airbag, small children and occupants in forward-facing infant seats (FFIS) are at risk of injury from direct exposure to the airbag deployment. Beyond safety concerns, there is also a high financial cost associated with replacing a deployed airbag. Thus, it is preferred to deactivate an airbag when the passenger seat is empty, or occupied by an infant passenger. 
     Various solutions have been proposed to allow the modification of an airbag&#39;s deployment when a child or infant is occupying the front passenger seat. This could result in an airbag being deployed at a reduced speed, in an alternate direction, or not at all. The most basic airbag control systems include the use of a manual activation/deactivation switch controllable by the driver. Due to the nature of this device, proper usage could be cumbersome for the driver, especially on trips involving multiple stops. Weight sensors have also been proposed as a means of classifying occupants, but they may give inconsistent readings while an occupant is moving around in the seat. They may also be fooled by an over-cinched seat belt on an infant seat, and are prone to misclassification of heavy but inanimate objects. Capacitance-based sensors have also been proposed for occupant detection, but they have difficulty dealing with seat dampness. 
     Vision-based systems offer an alternative to weight-based and capacitance-based occupant detection systems. Intuitively we know that vision-based systems should be capable of detecting and classifying occupants, since humans can easily accomplish this task using visual senses alone. A number of vision-based occupant detection/classification systems have been proposed. In each of these systems one or more cameras are placed within the vehicle interior and capture images of the seat region. The seat region is then observed and the image is classified into one of several pre-defined classes such as “empty,” “occupied,” or “infant seat.” This occupancy classification can then act as an input to the airbag control system. Many of these systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,472 to Steffens, rely on a stored visual representation of an empty passenger seat. This background template can then be subtracted from an observed image in order to generate a segmentation of the foreign objects (foreground) in the vehicle. This technique is highly problematic in that it relies on the system having a known image stored of the vehicle interior when empty, and will fail if cosmetic changes are made to the vehicle such as a reupholstery of the seat. As well, unless seat position and angle sensors are used (as suggested by Steffens), the system will not know which position the seat is in and will therefore have difficulty in extracting a segmented foreground image. 
     Other approaches include the generation of a set of image features which are then compared against a template reference set of image features in order to classify the image. This technique is used in U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,698 to Stevens, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,147 to Krumm, in both of which an image is classified as being “empty,” “occupied,” or having a “RFIS.” The reference set represents a training period that includes a variety of images within each occupant classification. However, generation of an exhaustive and complete reference set of image features can be difficult. As well, these systems are largely incapable of interpreting a scenario in which the camera&#39;s field-of-view is temporarily, or permanently, occluded. Some occupant detection systems have made use of range images derived from stereo cameras. Systems such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,147 to Krumm discuss the use of range images for this purpose, but ultimately these systems still face the challenges of generating a complete reference set, dealing with occlusion, and a means for segmenting the foreground objects. Finally, all of these systems that rely on a training set require that the classifier function be retrained if the camera mount location is moved, or used in a different vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is a vision-based device for use as a vehicle occupant detection and classification system. A camera mounted in the vehicle interior captures low resolution images of the seating area. Image processing algorithms can be applied to the image to account for lighting, motion, and other phenomena. A spatial-feature matrix is then generated which numerically describes the content of the image. This descriptor is the result of a number of digital filters being run against a set of sub-images, derived from pre-defined window regions in the original image. This spatial-feature matrix is then used as an input to an expert classifier function, which classifies this image as best representing a scenario in which the seat is (i) empty, (ii) occupied by an adult, (iii) occupied by a child, (iv) occupied by a rear-facing infant seat (RFIS), (v) occupied by a front-facing infant seat (FFIS), or (vi) occupied by an undetermined object. This expert classifier function is trained using an extensive sample set of images representative of each occupancy classification. Even if this classifier function has not encountered a similar scene through the course of its training period, it will classify the captured image based on which occupancy class generated the most similar filter response. 
     This occupancy classification from the captured image is then smoothed with occupancy classifications from the recent past to determine a best-estimate occupancy state for the seating area. This occupancy state is then used as the input to an airbag controller rules function, which gives the airbag system deployment parameters, based on the seat occupancy determined by the system. 
     This invention makes no assumptions of a known background model and makes no assumptions regarding the posture or orientation of an occupant. The device is considered to be adaptive as once the expert classifier function is trained on one vehicle, the system can be used in any other vehicle by taking vehicle measurements and adjusting the system parameters of the device. The system may be used in conjunction with additional occupant sensors (e.g. weight, capacitance) and can determine when the visual input is not reliable due to camera occlusion. In the absence of additional non-visual sensors, the device can sense when it is occluded or unable to generate usable imagery. In such a situation, the airbag will default to a pre-defined “safe state.” 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  schematically shows an occupant classification system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a high-level system flowchart, showing the operation of the occupant classification system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the classification algorithm. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the temporal smoothing function. 
         FIG. 5  is a screen capture of the visual occupant detection system running on a personal computer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An occupant classification system  20  is shown schematically in  FIG. 1  installed in a vehicle  22  for classification of an occupant  24  in an occupant area  26  (in this example, a seat  26 ). The classification of the occupant  24  may be used, for example, for determining whether or how to activate an active restraint  27  (such as an air bag) in the event of a crash. The occupant classification system  20  includes a camera  28  and a computer  30  having a processor, memory, storage, etc. The computer  30  is appropriately programmed to perform the functions described herein and may also include additional hardware that is not shown, but would be well within the skill of those in the art. 
     The camera  28  is directed toward the occupant area  26 . The camera  28  may include a lens, lens filters, an image sensor, a lens mount, image sensor control circuitry, a mechanical enclosure, and a method for affixing the camera  26  to the vehicle interior. The camera  28  may also include a digital encoder, depending on the nature of the image sensor. The camera  28  may also include a light source  29 , such as an LED. 
     The camera  28  may be mounted in a number of locations within the interior of the vehicle  22 , such as in the headliner at the windshield transition, as shown. Alternate locations for the camera  28  are shown as camera  28   a  (on the dashboard), camera  28   b  (on the windshield frame), camera  28   c  (behind the rearview mirror), and camera  28   d  (above the seat  26  in the headliner). Preferably, the camera  28  is located so that the region including the occupant area  26  is within the field-of-view, regardless of the seat angle or slider position. 
     Again, in the preferred embodiment the camera  28  is placed in the vehicle headliner at the headliner/windshield transition. This viewpoint provides a clear and usually unobstructed view of the occupant area  26 . Additionally, the view from this position should be relatively consistent in similarly sized vehicles. This will allow the system to perform occupancy detection/classification duties in a variety of vehicles using the same training data and expert classifier function. 
     The computer  30  is suitably programmed to include an image processor  33 , occlusion detector  34 , occupant classifier  36  and active restraint controller  38 . The classifier  36  further includes a spatial image divider  42  for dividing the image into N subimages based upon spatial windows defined by spatial window registers  44   1-N . The subimages from the image divider  42  are each sent to a plurality of digital filters  46 . In the preferred embodiment, the digital filters  46  may take the form of FIR (finite impulse response) filters, which can be tuned to extract quantitative image descriptors such as texture, contours, or frequency-domain content. The digital filters  46  may produce scalar values, histograms, or gradients. In all cases, these filter outputs are grouped together sequentially to produce a single spatial-feature matrix  47  which is sent to the expert classifier algorithm  48   
     The outputs of the digital filters  46  are all low-level image descriptors; that is, they quantitatively describe the low-level features of an image which include, but are not limited to, edge information, contour information, texture information, contrast information, brightness information, etc. In our preferred embodiment these descriptors model a number of regional attributes in a subimage such as: how complex the texture patterns are in a region, how natural the contours appear to be, how strongly the edges contrast with each other, etc. The answers to these questions classify the occupant  24 , as opposed to a high-level approach which relies on questions such as: where is the occupant&#39;s head, how far apart are the occupants eyes, etc. By combining these low-level descriptors into a spatially context-sensitive format (the spatial feature matrix  47 ) the image content is described robustly with a small number of parameters. 
     Two types of filters  46  are used in the current system: FIR filters (finite impulse response filters) and Algorithmic Filters. FIR filters essentially apply a convolution operator to each pixel in order to generate a numerical value for every pixel which is evaluated. The algorithmic filter uses an algorithm (such as a contour following algorithm which may measure the length of the contour to which the examined pixel is attached) to generate a numerical value for every pixel which is evaluated. 
     These digital filter outputs may be represented in a number of ways, some of which produce a single value for a sub-window (such as counting the number of edge pixels in a subimage, or counting the number of edges which point upwards) while some produce a group of numbers (such as representing filter outputs via histograms or gradients). 
     Either way, in all cases, the digital filter  46  outputs are represented in some way (scalar values, histograms, gradients, etc.) and then placed together end-to-end to form the spatial-feature matrix  47 . The spatial-feature matrix  47  is the input data for the neural network, while the output vector is the classification likelihoods for each of the classification levels (empty, rfis, ffis, child, adult, etc.) 
     The expert classifier algorithm  48  accesses stored training data  50 , which comprises known sets of filtered outputs for known classifications. The output of the classifier algorithm  48  is received by temporal filter  52  and stored in the temporal filter data set  50 , which includes the previous M output classifications  56  and an associated confidence rating  58  for each. 
     The overall operation of the occupant classification system  20  of  FIG. 1  will be described with respect to the flow chart of  FIG. 2 . At the time of vehicle ignition in step  80 , the device performs a system diagnostic in step  82 . This includes a formal verification of the functionality of all system components. The camera  28  captures an image of the occupant area  26  in step  84 . The image is processed by the image processor  33  in step  86 . Situations such as night time driving and underground tunnels will result in low-light levels, making image capture problematic. The system  20  compensates for low-light level image capture through a combination of image processing algorithms, external light source  29 , and use of ultra-sensitive image sensors. After image capture and encoding, a number of image processing filters and algorithms may be applied to the digital image in step  86  by the image processor  33 . This image processing can accommodate for low light levels, bright lighting, shadows, motion blur, camera vibration, lens distortion, and other phenomena. The output from the image processor  33  is an altered digital image. 
     Despite placement of the camera  28  in the vehicle headliner, or other high-vantage positions, situations may arise in which the camera&#39;s view of the occupant area  26  is occluded. Such scenarios include vehicles with an excessive amount of cargo, occupant postures in which a hand or arm occludes the camera&#39;s entire field-of-view, or vehicle owners who have attempted to disable the camera device by affixing an opaque cover in front of the lens. In such situations it is desirable to have the occlusion detector  34  determine whether there is occlusion in step  88 . In the presence of occlusion, the system  20  reverts to a default “safe state” in step  96 . The safe state may be defined to be “empty” such that the active restraint is never activated, or such that the active restraint is activated with reduced force. 
     Once an image has been processed, and determined to contain usable data, it is classified into one of the pre-defined occupancy classes by the classifier  36 . In the preferred embodiment, these classes include at least these classes: (i) empty, (ii) adult occupant, (iii) child occupant, (iv) rear-facing infant seat [RFIS], (v) front-facing infant seat [FFIS]. Additional occupancy classes may exist, such as differentiation between large adults and small adults, and recognition of small inanimate objects, such as books or boxes. 
       FIG. 3  conceptually shows the image classification method performed by the classifier  36 . Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in step  90  the image divider  42  divides the input image  120  into several sub-images  122  as defined by spatial window registers  44   1-N . The placement and dimensions of these spatial windows is a function of the geometry of the vehicle interior. Some of the spatial windows overlap with one another, but the spatial windows do not necessarily cover the entire image  120 . Once the expert classifier function is trained (as described more below), the camera  28  may be moved, re-positioned, or placed in a different vehicle. The system  20  compensates for the change in vehicle geometry and perspective by altering the spatial windows as defined in spatial window registers  44 . 
     In step  92 , the digital filters  46  are then applied to each of these sub-images  122 . These digital filters  46  generate numerical descriptors of various image features and attributes, such as edge and texture information. The response of these filters  46  may also be altered by the vehicle geometry parameters  51  in order to compensate for the spatial windows possibly being different in size than the spatial windows used during training. Grouped together, the output of the digital filters are stored in vector form and referred to as a spatial-feature matrix  47 . This is due to the matrix&#39;s ability to describe both the spatial and image feature content of the image. This spatial-feature matrix  47  is used as the input to the expert classifier algorithm  48 . 
     In step  94 , the output of the expert classifier algorithm  48  is a single image occupancy classification (empty, adult, child, RFIS, FFIS, etc.). The expert classifier algorithm  48  may be any form of classifier function which exploits training data  50  and computational intelligence algorithms, such as an artificial neural network. 
     Training of the expert classifier function is done by supplying the function with a large set of training data  50  which represents a spectrum of seat scenarios. Preferably this will include several hundred images. With each image, a ground-truth is supplied to indicate to the function what occupancy classification this image should generate. While a large training set is required for good system performance, the use of spatially focused digital features to describe image content allows the classifier algorithm  48  to estimate which training sub-set the captured image is most similar to, even if it has not previously observed an image which is exactly the same. 
     To ensure that the knowledge learned by the expert classifier algorithm  48  in training is usable in any vehicle interior, the expert classifier algorithm  48  may be adjusted using system parameters  51  which represent the physical layout of the system. Once a mounting location for the camera  28  has been determined in a vehicle  22 , physical measurements are taken which represent the perspective the camera  28  has of the occupant area  26 , and the size of various objects in the vehicle interior. These physical measurements may be made manually, using CAD software, using algorithms which identify specific features in the image of the occupant area  26 , or by any other means. These physical measurements are then converted into system parameters  51  which are an input to the expert classifier algorithm  48  and image divider  42 . These parameters  51  are used to adjust for varying vehicle interiors and camera  28  placements by adjusting the size and placement of spatial windows as indicated in the spatial window registers  50 , and through alteration of the digital filters  46 . Altering the digital filters  46  is required to individually scale and transform the filter response of each sub-image. This allows the spatial-feature matrix  47  that is generated to be completely independent of camera  28  placement and angle. Consequently, the system  20  is able to calculate occupancy classifications from any camera  28  placement, in any vehicle  22 . 
     In an alternative method, a known pattern may be placed on the occupant area  26 . While in a calibration mode, the camera  28  then captures an image of the occupant area  26  with the known pattern. By analyzing the known pattern on the occupant area  26 , the system  20  can deduce the system parameters  51  necessary to adapt to a new vehicle  22  and/or a new location/orientation within the vehicle  22 . 
     The expert classifier algorithm  48  generates a single image classification based upon the analysis of a single image, the training data  50  and the system parameters  51 . Transitions between occupancy classes will not be instantaneous, but rather they will be infrequent and gradual. To incorporate this knowledge, the single image classifications are temporally smoothed over the recent past by the temporal filter  52  in step  98  to produce a final seat occupancy classification. 
     This temporal smoothing in step  98  of  FIG. 2  occurs as shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 4 . The temporal filter  52  ( FIG. 1 ) keeps a record of the past M single image classifications in a memory and receives the single image classification in step  150 , which is weighted by the classifier algorithm&#39;s confidence level in that classification in step  152 . Each classification record is weighted according to the classification confidence level calculated by the expert classifier algorithm  48 . All the entries in the array are shifted one position, and the oldest entry is discarded in step  154 . In step  156 , the present weighted classification is placed at the first position in the array. All of the M image classifications are reweighted by a weight decay function, which weighs more recent classifications more heavily than older classifications in step  158 . Older image classifications are made to influence the final outcome less than more recent image classifications. In step  160 , the smoothed seat occupancy classification is then generated by summing the past M image classifications, with preferential weighting given to the most recently analyzed images. This temporal smoothing will produce a more robust final classification in comparison to the single image classification. As well, smoothing the classification output will avoid momentary spikes/changes in the image classification due to short-lived phenomena such as temporary lighting changes and shadows. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , once the seat occupancy classification has been determined in step  98 , the active restraint controller  38  determines the corresponding active restraint deployment settings. This algorithm associates the detected seat occupancy class with an air bag deployment setting, such as, but not limited to, “air bag enabled,” “air bag disabled,” or “air bag enabled at 50% strength.” Once the deployment settings are determined, these controller inputs are sent to the vehicle&#39;s air bag controller module which facilitates air bag deployment in the event of a crash, as determined by crash detector  32 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a screen of a personal computer used to calibrate and/or test the occupant classification system  20  of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. For example, some of the features implemented in software may alternatively be provided in hardware. Although many functions are described as being provided by the same computer  30 , more than one computer  30  (or more than one processor) could be used to implement these features. Alphanumeric identifiers for steps in the method claims are for ease of reference by dependent claims, and do not indicate a required sequence, unless otherwise indicated.