How can I detect whether driver is sitting in car or not?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the development of a device to detect whether a driver is present in a car. Participants explore various technological solutions, including sensors and other detection methods, considering factors such as cost, size, and effectiveness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a PIR motion sensor on the dashboard but notes that it requires the person to be moving to function effectively.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of using accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect if a person is walking.
  • RFID technology is mentioned as a potential solution, with a participant noting its existing use in car key detection.
  • Beacons are proposed, but concerns are raised about the necessity of a phone for operation.
  • A participant shares their experience with pressure sensors in car seats, highlighting potential annoyances when objects are placed in the seat.
  • Another participant proposes using a load cell in the seat, which could buzz when no weight is detected, similar to technology used in passenger airbag systems.
  • Micro-switches are suggested as an alternative to load cells, with a straightforward connection to a buzzer without needing additional electronics.
  • A participant recalls a 90s car model that used a unique method to identify seat occupants and suggests that modern technology could simplify this process using Bluetooth.
  • One participant proposes the idea of using an IR camera with facial recognition as a detection method.
  • A later reply challenges the terminology around motion sensors, suggesting that "occupancy sensors" may be more accurate, as modern versions can detect occupancy without requiring motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of ideas and potential solutions, but there is no consensus on a single approach. Multiple competing views remain regarding the best technology to use for detecting a driver in the car.

Contextual Notes

Some solutions depend on specific conditions, such as the need for movement or the presence of additional devices like phones. Limitations regarding the effectiveness and practicality of each proposed method are acknowledged but not resolved.

rushi121
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I want a device that can either stick on dashboard or like a key fob in driver pocket that will help to detect whether person is in car or not.

Requirements:
- Device must have a detector and siren. When detector detects that person is not in car should buzz siren.
- Can be a device in car or in person's pocket
- Low cost and small form factor

Solutions I can think of (please validate my understanding)
1. PIR Motion Sensor stuck on dashboard
- Cons: The person need to keep moving

2. Accelometer and Gyroscope
- Is it possible to detect whether person is walking using these sensors?

3. RFID?

4. Beacons?
- Cons: Need a phone?

What technology does smart keys for car use?
 
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My car has pressure sensors in the seat to detect when someone is sitting. It can get very annoying if I put a bag in the passenger seat and get a beeping warning that the passenger seat belt is not buckled :mad:

Edit: Before anyone comments, yes, I know that it is dangerous to have heavy objects loose in the car.
 
DrClaude has a reasonable solution, a load cell in the seat would work. But you would have connect it to a recording device that would buzz when there is no load/weigh. Most modern cars use a similar technology to turn on and off passenger airbags. The problem would be finding the equipment that would "buzz" I suppose if you could find a recording device it could be rigged to buzz when the circuit on the load cell was open. You just need someone that knows something about electronics to build it.
 
Do you know that RFID is already used to detect if the car's key is nearby?

Micro-switches can also be used like load cells. A micro switch can connect 12 v to a buzzer with no additional electronics. But it needs to be in the seat, not on the dashboard.

My favorite was some car in the 90s. It had fingers to feel your fanny to identify who was sitting there. It used that information to set your personal profile suite of settings like radio stations, temperature, and seat position. It would be much simpler to do that today using your phone automatically connects to the car with Bluetooth.
 
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rushi121 said:
1. PIR Motion Sensor stuck on dashboard
- Cons: The person need to keep moving
The term "motion sensor" is somewhat obsolete: Google "occupancy sensor". Modern ones use other technologies such as ultrasonics, which can map out a room and detect occupancy without motion.
 
An IR camera with facial recognition?
 

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