Driver entry detector for a motor vehicle

Abstract

An active infrared (IR) sensor usable for detecting the entry of an occupant into a motor vehicle, the active IR sensor (10) comprising: an IR emitter (12) that sends a signal (14); a signal receiver that detects a reflection of the signal (14); a microcontroller (40) having a memory (42) and a processor (44), wherein the microcontroller (40) receives an indication from the signal receiver that the reflection has been detected; an output converter (34) that converts the display into an automotive compatible protocol; wherein a notification is generated (416) by the infrared sensor (10) or the output transducer (34) that an occupant has entered the motor vehicle; a power conditioner that adapts a 12 V power supply to a sensor-usable voltage, and a central control unit that applies a personalized feature once the notification is sent to the central control unit; wherein the memory (42) stores the step of applying the personalized feature in response to the notification, wherein the personalized feature is selected from the group: adjusting to a personalized seat position, adjusting to a personalized steering wheel position, illuminating an ignition, tuning to a radio station, changing a personalized navigation screen, and adjusting an interior light.

Description

[0001] The topic described here is aimed at detecting an occupant entering a vehicle in order to achieve motor vehicle property personalization.

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with a variety of features that can be personalized, including seat position, steering wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angle, and touchscreen configuration. Some systems automatically personalize one or more features in response to various detections, such as closing a door or inserting a key into the ignition. However, the earlier a driver can be detected, the more time remains to personalize features before ignition. US 6 252 240 B1 discloses a system and method for distinguishing vehicle occupants. US 6 417 783 B1 discloses a motor vehicle detector. D3 US 2002 / 0 195 806 A1 discloses a motor vehicle sensor system for the selective deployment of airbags. US 2012 / 0 296 567 A1 discloses a method and system for controlling vehicle components.

[0003] The independent claims represent an improvement on the prior art. Preferred embodiments thereof are specified in the further claims. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an infrared (IR) sensor mounted in the driver's footwell of a motor vehicle that detects the driver's entry into the vehicle. For example, the active IR sensor can be mounted on a driver's seat. Detection of the driver by the IR sensor can be used to personalize motor vehicle features.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an active infrared (IR) sensor contained within a single integrated chip that can be used to detect occupant entry into a motor vehicle. The sensor includes an IR emitter that transmits a signal and a signal receiver that detects a reflection of the signal. The sensor also includes a microcontroller that receives an indication from the signal receiver that the reflection has been detected and an output converter that converts the indication to an automotive-compatible protocol. A power conditioner adapts a 12 V power supply to a sensor-usable voltage.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for personalizing a feature of a motor vehicle. According to the method, an infrared signal is transmitted into a footwell of the motor vehicle. Additionally, a reflected infrared signal is received. In response to receiving the reflected signal, a notification is generated that an occupant has entered the motor vehicle. A personalized feature is applied in response to the notification.

[0006] Embodiments are defined by the claims below, not by this Summary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention is provided here to provide an overview of the disclosure and to introduce a selection of concepts further described below in the Detailed Description section. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an isolated aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary infrared (IR) sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary IR sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary seat for a motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing exemplary steps performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described herein with specificity to meet legal requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways to include various elements or combinations of elements similar to those described herein, along with other current or future technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying a particular order among or between various steps disclosed herein, unless the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an infrared (IR) sensor mounted in the driver's footwell of a motor vehicle that detects the driver's entry into the vehicle. Detection of the driver by the IR sensor can be used to personalize motor vehicle characteristics such as, among others, seat position, steering wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angle, and touchscreen configuration.

[0010] In one embodiment, the IR sensor is an active IR sensor, and an exemplary representation of an active IR sensor 10 is shown in Fig. 1. The active IR sensor includes an infrared (IR) emitter 12 that emits a signal 14. The signal 14 is reflected by one or more objects 16, and the reflected signal 18 is detected by the photodiode signal receiver 20. The active IR sensor 10 also includes an ambient light sensor 24 that measures ambient light from the surrounding environment. The measurements provided by the ambient light sensor 24 can be used to control various parameters such as the intensity of the signal provided by the emitter 12 and the sensitivity of the photodiode 20.

[0011] The active IR sensor 10 includes a housing 22 containing various electrical components, such as circuitry, wiring, and a microcontroller. The housing 22 can have different sizes depending on a use of the sensor 10, and in one aspect, the housing measures approximately 5 mm × 2.4 mm × 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, the active IR sensor is contained within a single integrated circuit (IC). The microcontroller performs various functions, including signal threshold detection and providing startup logic for the IC. Additionally, the active IR sensor 10 can include various components that adapt the sensor for use in an automotive environment.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 2 shows an illustrative schematic diagram of various components of an exemplary active IR sensor 10. The active IR sensor 10 includes various components such as a microcontroller 40 with a memory 42 and a processor 44. In addition, the active IR sensor 10 includes other components suitable for a motor vehicle environment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the active IR sensor 10 includes a power logic component 28 (e.g., a power conditioner) that provides an appropriate voltage to the chip and emitter components. For example, the power logic component can adjust or regulate the 12 V typically available in an automobile if the chip operates at 3.3 V.

[0014] Additionally, sensor 10 may include one or more types of emitters. For example, an internal IR emitter 30 may provide a signal suitable for detecting or measuring objects at shorter distances (e.g., approximately 20 cm or less). Additionally (or alternatively), an external IR emitter may provide a stronger IR signal suitable and sufficient for detecting or measuring objects that are farther away (e.g., approximately 20 cm or more).

[0015] In another embodiment, the active IR sensor 10 includes an output converter 34 that configures a message sent by the active IR sensor to be consistent with a protocol suitable for communication between electronic modules in a motor vehicle. For example, if the chip includes an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus that communicates using an I2C protocol, the output converter 34 converts the I2C-formatted messages so they are readable by other electronic modules in the motor vehicle.

[0016] A message generated by the output transducer 34 may be sent to various other modules in the motor vehicle.

[0017] For example, the message may be communicated to a central control unit that manages vehicle features such as, among others, seat position, steering wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angle, and touchscreen configuration. The central control unit may incorporate various conditions when determining personalization of various features. For example, the central control unit may also receive information sent from a smart key fob that identifies a specific driver. One embodiment of the invention uses the combination of key fob identification and driver entry detection to personalize one or more motor vehicle features.

[0018] The active IR sensor 10 can be positioned at various locations within a motor vehicle to detect a driver's entry into the motor vehicle. For example, the sensor 10 can be positioned in a driver footwell region to detect a driver's leg entering the vehicle. Detecting the driver entering the vehicle provides the ability to activate more features compared to some other systems that rely on door closing or the ignition switch, which are not temporally linked to the driver's entry.

[0019] To detect driver entry when the driver's seat is in a wide range of positions, the active IR sensor is packaged on a seat bottom in one embodiment. For example, an exemplary position of an active IR sensor 10 is shown with reference to Fig. 3, which is attached to the outer portion of the seat bottom. That is, the outer portion 52 includes a seat trim cover 54 that conceals a seat support and the rail on which the seat support adjusts its longitudinal position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor 10 is positioned in front of the outboard seat rail behind the seat trim cover. Accordingly, the sensor 10 is mounted on a hard surface, providing a secure location. When mounted on the outboard seat trim cover 54, the IR sensor 10 is positioned to detect a driver's leg entering the footwell area 50 in a wide variety of scenarios, since the driver's legs are likely to enter the vehicle at a similar distance from the seat regardless of the seat position or driver size. As such, the IR sensor 10 is positioned to detect drivers when the drivers are of different sizes and heights and when the seat is adjusted to different lengthwise positions.

[0021] The IR sensor 10 also provides other advantages. For example, the IR sensor 10 has a favorable cost compared to vision, weight, and other driver detection technologies. Additionally, the IR sensor 10 does not need to be embedded in the seat foam like weight-based and capacitive systems, thereby reducing the difficulty of packaging the IR sensor 10.

[0022] In Fig. 4 is a flowchart including steps 410 performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The steps may be implemented in various ways. One embodiment of the invention includes a method 400 for personalizing a feature of a motor vehicle. In another embodiment, the steps are stored as computer-readable instructions in a computer storage device (e.g., memory 42). In describing the method 400, reference may also be made to the Fig. 1-3 should be taken.

[0023] Step 412 involves transmitting an infrared signal into a footwell of the motor vehicle. For example, an IR emitter 12 may transmit signals 14 into a footwell region 50 of a motor vehicle. At step 414, a reflected infrared signal is received. For example, a photodiode 20 may receive the reflected signal 18.

[0024] The method 410 also includes, in response to receiving the reflected signal, generating 416 a notification that an occupant has entered the motor vehicle. For example, a notification may be generated by the IR sensor 10 or the output transducer 34. Further, in step 418, a personalized feature is applied in response to the notification. For example, a central controller applies a personalized feature once the notification is sent to the central controller.

[0025] The method 410 may be applied in various environments that include different steps or elements.

[0026] For example, a driver preference often includes a seating position in which a particular driver operates the motor vehicle (i.e., an operating seating position).

[0027] In some cases, the driver's seat is moved rearward after the vehicle is turned off to facilitate entry and exit. For example, the seat can be moved rearward manually, or the vehicle can automatically move the seat rearward.

[0028] When the driver re-enters the vehicle, it is desirable to reposition the driver's seat to the operating seating position.

[0029] The present invention (i.e., the active IR sensor 10) detects driver re-entry relatively early in the pre-ignition process, when the driver's legs enter the footwell. For example, the present invention allows re-entry to be detected prior to various other events, such as starting the ignition, closing the door, sitting in the driver's seat, and the like. Once driver re-entry is detected using the present invention, the seat position is reset to the operating seat position in which the seat was positioned when the motor vehicle was last driven. The present invention detects driver re-entry independently of and regardless of the manner in which the door is opened or unlocked (e.g., manually, smartphone detection, smart key fob, dumb key fob, and the like).

[0030] Method 410 may also include other elements. For example, the reflected IR signal may be received by a photodiode, which sends an indication to a microprocessor that the reflected signal was received and conforms to an inter-integrated circuit protocol. In response, the microprocessor generates the notification conforming to an automotive-compatible protocol. Additionally, applying the personalized feature may include various elements such as adjusting to a personalized seat position, adjusting to a personalized steering wheel position, illuminating an ignition, tuning to a radio station, changing a personalized navigation screen, or a combination thereof.

[0031] Method 410 may also include other elements. For example, in a motor vehicle environment, a 12 V power supply may be converted by a power logic component to a sensor-usable voltage (e.g., 3.3 V). Additionally, the emitted IR signal may be amplified so that the IR sensor has a detection range of more than approximately 20 cm into the footwell.

[0032] Many different arrangements of the various components shown, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the claims below. Embodiments of our technologies have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after and upon reading it. Alternative means of carrying out the foregoing may be practiced without departing from the scope of the claims below. Certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be practiced without reference to other features and subcombinations and are considered to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Active infrared (IR) sensor usable for detecting the entry of an occupant into a motor vehicle, wherein the active IR sensor (10) comprises: an IR emitter (12) that sends a signal (14); a signal receiver that detects a reflection of the signal (14); a microcontroller (40) with a memory (42) and a processor (44), wherein the microcontroller (40) receives an indication from the signal receiver that the reflection has been detected; an output converter (34) that converts the display into an automotive-compatible protocol; wherein a notification is generated by the infrared sensor (10) or the output converter (34) (416) that an occupant has entered the motor vehicle; a power conditioner that adapts a 12 V power supply to a sensor-usable voltage, and a central control unit that applies a personalized property as soon as the notification is sent to the central control unit; where the step (42) is stored in memory: Applying the personalized property in response to the notification, where the personalized property is selected from the group: Setting a personalized seat position, Setting a personalized steering wheel position, Lighting an ignition, Setting a radio station, Changing a personalized navigation screen and Setting an interior light. [2] Active IR sensor according to claim 1, further comprising an ambient light sensor (24). [3] Active IR sensor according to claim 1, wherein the IR emitter (12) includes an external IR emitter (32) which has a measurement range exceeding approximately 20 cm. [4] Active IR sensor according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (40) processes the signal (14) to generate a notification that the entry of a vehicle occupant into the motor vehicle has been detected. [5] Active IR sensor according to claim 1, wherein the signal receiver utilizes an Inter-Integrated-Circuit(I2C) communication bus and protocol to send the indication that reflection has been detected. [6] Seat for a motor vehicle, comprising: a seat base; a seat base that connects the seat base to a vehicle floor and includes an inner part and an outer part; and an active infrared (IR) sensor (10) coupled to the seat base and comprising: an infrared emitter (12) that sends an infrared signal (14); a proximity photodiode that detects a reflected infrared signal (14); wherein the infrared sensor (10) generates a notification (416) that an occupant has entered the motor vehicle; a microprocessor that generates the notification, which is compliant with an automotive-compatible protocol; a central control unit that applies a personalized property as soon as the notification is sent to the central control unit; and a microcontroller (40) with a memory (42) and a processor (44), where the step is stored in memory (42): - Applying the personalized property in response to the notification, where the personalized property is selected from the group: Set to a personalized seat position, Set to a personalized steering wheel position, Illuminate an ignition, Set a radio station, Change a personalized navigation screen and Set interior lighting. [7] Seat according to claim 6, wherein the active IR sensor (10) is coupled to the outer part. [8] Seat according to claim 7, wherein the outer part comprises a seat trim cover (54) which at least partially conceals an outer seat rail, and wherein the active IR sensor (10) is coupled to the seat trim cover (54). [9] Seat according to claim 6, wherein the IR emitter (12) sends the infrared signal (14) into the footwell region in front of the seat. [10] Seat according to claim 9, wherein the active IR sensor (10) further comprises an external IR emitter (32) coupled to the IR emitter (12) to increase the infrared signal (14), and wherein the external IR emitter (32) increases the measurement range of the active IR sensor (10) to a distance into the footwell exceeding approximately 20 cm.

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