| CPC B60W 40/09 (2013.01) [B60W 50/14 (2013.01); B60W 2040/0872 (2013.01); B60W 2050/143 (2013.01); B60W 2420/408 (2024.01)] | 16 Claims |
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1. A method for detecting vital signs using at least one radar sensor mounted to a vehicle, the method comprising:
detecting a plurality of target candidates using the at least one radar sensor; analyzing the plurality of target candidates to generate a list of targets, wherein the list of targets includes a target, wherein the target is at a range and an angle of arrival relative to the at least one radar sensor; steering the at least one radar sensor towards the target using the angle of arrival to the target; and detecting a vital signal of the target based on the range using the at least one radar sensor;
wherein detecting the plurality of target candidates comprises:
emitting and receiving a series of chirps throughout the vehicle using the at least one radar sensor;
converting the series of chirps into a wave form;
identifying a plurality of energy peaks within the wave form, wherein the plurality of energy peaks includes the plurality target candidates in wave form, wherein the plurality of target candidates includes potential occupants;
generating a received signal spectral image by passing the plurality of energy peaks through a 2D-FFT filter; and
generating a target candidate signal spectral image by subtracting a background signal spectral image from the received signal spectral image, wherein the background signal spectral image is a pre-generated spectral image of an ambient state vehicle, wherein the ambient state vehicle is an empty vehicle;
wherein the method further includes:
analyzing the plurality of target candidates to generate the list of targets comprises:
using the target candidate signal spectral image to calculate the range, the angle of arrival, and a signal to interference and noise ratio of a target candidate represented in the target candidate signal spectral image;
using the angle of arrival, the range, the signal to interference and noise ratio of the target candidate to calculate a confidence level for the target candidate, wherein the confidence level is a value that represents likelihood that the target candidate is an occupant:
determining whether the confidence level exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein the predetermined threshold must be exceeded in order for the target candidate to be added to the list of targets;
disqualifying the target candidate from the list of targets if the confidence level is below the predetermined threshold; and
adding the target candidate to the list of targets if the confidence level is at or above the predetermined threshold.
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