A method for sensing occupancy status within an automotive vehicle uses a radar sensor system, the radar sensor system comprising an antenna system, at least one sensor (10) and processing circuitry (18). The method comprises illuminating, using the antenna system, at least one occupiable position within the vehicle with continuous wave (CW signals), the CW signals being frequency modulated in time. At least one sensor signal (a) reflected as a result of the CW signals, is received using at least one sensor (10) the at least one sensor (10) defining a plurality of receive channels (1 . . . i), each channel having a different frequency (f1 . . . fi). Processing circuitry (18) is operable for applying, for each receive channel (1 . . . i), DC offset removal to the corresponding sensor signal (a) to generate a modified signal (b); and generating, based on the modified signals (b) one or more occupancy status signals (34, 38), the occupancy status signal indicating a property related to said at least one occupiable position. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The techniques provide for in-vehicle occupant detection and classification (airbag suppression), for passenger presence detection and passenger's vital sign monitoring and for seat-belt reminder functionality (SBR). The radar system may consist of one or two (or four) outputs (I/Q) per channel. The received signal may be mixed down with a single channel demodulator or an I/Q demodulator into the baseband. An advanced signal processing including an auto calibration routine and clutter removal may be used to detect occupants and their vital sign (breathing and heart beat) and to determine their distance to the radar system.


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    Title :

    RADAR SENSING OF VEHICLE OCCUPANCY


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2016-07-14


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    A61B DIAGNOSIS , Diagnostik / B60R Fahrzeuge, Fahrzeugausstattung oder Fahrzeugteile, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR / G01S RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING , Funkpeilung



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