Recent patent filings with the European Patent Office by BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as a submission by Subaru to the United States Patent and Trademark Office aim to advance the science of occupant detection.
Each automaker proposes unique methods to detect living beings—whether people or pets—left in a vehicle. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI-powered sound recognition, modular designs, and integrated sensors, these manufacturers are taking critical steps to enhance occupant safety and create safer, smarter vehicles.
Audi: Smarter Sound Recognition and Pet Detection
Audi’s first patent describes a system that can detect vandalism, hail, engine problems, or accidents, and combines it with a system to detect a child that’s been forgotten in the car. It uses microphone-based detection tech to determine any of the mentioned scenarios by sound. It also learns, keeping its sound library updated to improve operation.
In a second filing, Audi outlines a system to detect the presence of a child or pet in the vehicle, analyzing metrics such as temperature and occupant well-being to determine whether to alert people outside the vehicle of the occupant or pet, so they can call for help. It can also alert the owner, who can remotely control the climate control or unlock the vehicle.
BMW: Modular Roof Panel for Detection and Cost Efficiency
BMW’s patent puts the antennas, wiring, and associated technology for its rear-seat occupant-detection system in one easily serviceable and customizable roof panel that will also be able to accommodate features such as sunglasses holder, reading lights, microphones, and sunroof-control buttons. It’s a modular unit that reduces wiring and complexity, saving manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs.
Mercedes-Benz: Neural Acoustic Field and Adaptive Recognition
Like Audi, Mercedes-Benz’s first patent uses microphones, but differently. In-car microphones capture the sound of the vehicle doors closing, and these sounds are analyzed using AI algorithms to create a Neural Acoustic Field (NAF) profile – a unique sound signature – representing the current state of the car interior. Comparing It to a database of pre-recorded NAF profiles allows the system to recognize scenarios, such as the presence of occupants, children, or pets.
Mercedes filed a second patent for an occupant-detection system that detects occupants via weight sensors in the seats and an in-car camera, so it can distinguish between adults and children. The image processing is intelligent, so it learns and adapts. Based on the data inputs, this system can automatically activate features such as child or window locks, or adjust other vehicle settings to protect the occupants.
Subaru: Multi-Sensor System for Child Safety
Subaru’s patent outlines a system designed to detect a child left in the rear seat of an unattended car. Its multiple sensors include a parking-state sensor, cabin-situation and child-information detectors, a thermometer, and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The data is combined to trigger an emergency-notification system to alert people outside the vehicle that a child has been left unattended inside.
The push for advanced occupant-detection technology represents a pivotal moment for the automotive industry. These systems not only aim to prevent tragic accidents involving children and pets left in vehicles but also pave the way for smarter, more adaptive cars that prioritize safety and user convenience. As automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Subaru refine their designs, the implications for the industry include cost savings, advanced AI applications, and greater public awareness of in-car safety features.
