Vehicle mode and passenger interface

Abstract

A vehicle system including a vehicle component and a controller is provided. The controller can selectively activate the vehicle component and communicate with a mobile unit including an interface. The controller can be programmed to interact with the mobile unit upon detecting access via the interface of user preprogrammed vehicle sleep mode instructions, wherein the controller activates the vehicle component to exit a vehicle sleep mode according to an escalation sequence schedule. The system can also include a sensor in communication with the vehicle component and the controller. The controller can also be programmed to activate the vehicle component according to the escalation sequence schedule based on receiving a signal from the sensor indicating a passenger is sleeping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the activation of programmable vehicle components based on passenger input. Background Technology

[0002] Passengers in autonomous vehicles or ride-sharing services may wish to sleep during their journey. Therefore, passengers may desire wake-up options during the trip or upon arrival at their final destination. Furthermore, passengers may have access to a specific set of vehicle component operating conditions optimized for their comfort while sleeping and upon waking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A vehicle system includes vehicle components and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in response to detecting the presence of a mobile unit and selecting a passenger sleep mode, access a pre-programmed sleep mode instruction from the mobile unit and activate the vehicle component to exit the vehicle sleep mode according to a sequence of escalation operations defined by the sleep mode instruction. The controller may also be programmed to send a notification to the mobile unit when requesting user confirmation of access to the vehicle sleep mode instruction. Sensors may communicate with the vehicle components and the controller, and the controller may also be programmed to activate the vehicle components based on receiving a signal from the sensors indicating that a passenger is sleeping. The signal from the sensors may indicate that a passenger is sleeping based on detecting one of the following: a cabin noise level below a predetermined value, seat occupant movement below a predetermined threshold, manual passenger input, and no sensor activity. The activation of the vehicle components may be initiated based on detecting one of the following: a predetermined time period expires, arrival at a predetermined location, and receiving a signal indicating a telephone call or other notification to the mobile unit. The vehicle component may be an audio system communicating with the controller, and the sequence of escalation operations may be a command schedule instructing the audio system to subsequently increase the volume of a series of audio outputs. The vehicle component may be a seat assembly that communicates with the controller, and the sequence of upgrade operations may be a timeline of commands that guide the seat assembly to output commands to the user in a series of subsequent interactions.

[0004] A vehicle connectivity system includes at least one vehicle component, one or more sensors, a vehicle controller, and a mobility unit. The one or more sensors monitor conditions of the at least one vehicle component. The vehicle controller communicates with the at least one vehicle component and the one or more sensors. The mobility unit communicates with the vehicle controller and is programmed to selectively instruct the vehicle controller to activate the at least one vehicle component according to a predetermined vehicle sleep mode schedule and trigger a vehicle wake-up mode triggered by the detection of predetermined environmental conditions. The predetermined vehicle sleep mode schedule may include a first set of instructions for operating the at least one vehicle component during the vehicle sleep mode, and the vehicle wake-up mode may activate a second set of instructions for operating the at least one vehicle component in an escalation sequence schedule to wake a passenger. The vehicle controller may also be programmed to detect the presence of the mobility unit and identify whether the mobility unit has accessible pre-programmed instructions for the at least one vehicle component during the sleep mode. The at least one vehicle component may be one of the following: a vehicle seat, a vehicle window, a vehicle audio system, and a movable vehicle panel. The predetermined environmental conditions may be one of the following: cabin temperature, the amount of light entering the cabin, and the cabin noise level. The vehicle controller can also be programmed to activate the vehicle wake-up mode upon detecting the following: arrival at a predetermined destination, expiration of a predetermined time period, and receipt of a telephone call or other notification by the mobile unit. The vehicle controller can also be programmed to initiate the vehicle wake-up mode based on detecting that a passenger is asleep after the predetermined time period has expired, and the vehicle component may be a seat assembly communicating with the vehicle controller. The wake-up mode may include an escalation sequence schedule with a command schedule that directs a series of seat assembly outputs to subsequently and increasingly engage the passenger.

[0005] A vehicle system includes one or more vehicle components and a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller communicates with a mobile unit and with the one or more vehicle components, and is programmed to activate a vehicle sleep mode upon receiving instruction from the mobile unit, including pre-programmed instructions. In the vehicle sleep mode, the vehicle components command the one or more vehicle components to operate to facilitate sleep and wake-up conditions for a passenger. The wake-up conditions may include an escalation sequence schedule for operating the one or more vehicle components in subsequent steps to wake the passenger. The one or more vehicle components may be an audio system, and the escalation sequence schedule may be a series of commands that subsequently increase the volume level of the audio system in response to detecting that a passenger is asleep beyond a predetermined wake-up setting. The wake-up conditions may include an escalation sequence schedule that instructs a series of audio outputs of the audio system such that each output subsequently increases in volume. The vehicle controller may also be programmed to initiate the wake-up conditions based on receiving a signal from a sensor indicating that the passenger is sleeping, based on detecting one of the following: a cabin noise level below a predetermined value, minimal movement of a seat occupant, manual passenger input, or no sensor activity. The vehicle controller may also be programmed to activate the one or more vehicle components under the wake-up conditions based on detecting that a passenger is asleep after a predetermined time period has elapsed. One of the one or more vehicle components may be a seat assembly that communicates with the vehicle controller. An escalation sequence schedule, including a command schedule, can be initiated, which directs a series of seat assembly outputs that subsequently increasingly contact the passenger. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle and a mobile unit.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control system algorithm used for vehicle mode operation.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control system algorithm used to connect a mobile unit to a vehicle control system and establish a user-selected sleep mode setting.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control system algorithm related to the activation of a vehicle sleep mode setting.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control system algorithm used to help disengage from or complete a vehicle's sleep mode. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ embodiments of the present disclosure in different ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features shown and described with reference to any of the drawings may be combined with features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly shown or described. The combinations of features shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a communication system including a vehicle and a mobile unit. The vehicle 10 can operate in conjunction with the mobile unit 14 to control the operation of vehicle components based on user input or pre-programmed instructions, according to, for example, a vehicle sleep mode. The vehicle sleep mode can be a vehicle mode in which vehicle components operate according to a predetermined schedule to create a passenger environment for sleeping and for waking passengers from sleep. The vehicle 10 may include one or more sensors 20, a vehicle user input interface 22, one or more vehicle components 24, and a controller 26. The one or more sensors 20, the vehicle user input interface 22, and the one or more vehicle components 24 may be located within the passenger compartment. The one or more sensors 20 can detect the condition of the vehicle components 24 or other aspects of the vehicle 10 and can transmit information related to them to the controller 26.

[0013] Mobile unit 14 may include a mobile user input interface 30 and a communicator 32. The mobile user input interface 30 may be, for example, a touchscreen or a keypad. The communicator 32 may be, for example, an infrared transmitter / receiver, a Bluetooth transmitter / receiver, etc. User input can be transmitted from mobile unit 14 to controller 26 via communicator 32. Non-limiting examples of mobile unit 14 include telephones, wearable devices, tablets, and laptops.

[0014] Users can input vehicle sleep mode commands via mobile user input interface 30. For example, a user can input a set of commands received by controller 26, causing controller 26 to activate one or more vehicle components 24 based on the detection of one or more trigger conditions. Trigger conditions can be detected by one or more sensors 20, or based on the detection of reaching a predetermined location or the expiration of a predetermined time period. Users can also choose to upgrade the sequence schedule, where controller 26 outputs a command schedule to one or more vehicle components 24 to act in subsequent steps to help wake the user from sleep. Optionally, users can input pre-programmed sleep mode commands directly into vehicle user input interface 22. The communication system can be used in various applications, including autonomous vehicles and ride-sharing scenarios.

[0015] Vehicle 10 and mobile unit 14 can operate on each other such that one or more sensors 20 can detect mobile unit 14 and access pre-programmed sleep mode commands when mobile unit 14 is located within vehicle 10. Optionally, vehicle 10 can send a signal to mobile unit 14 requesting permission to access pre-programmed sleep mode commands. The user can grant or deny access.

[0016] Examples of vehicle components 24 may include: vehicle seats, microphones, vehicle windows, vehicle audio systems, or movable vehicle panels. Controller 26 may direct the operation of one or more vehicle components 24 based on information received from one or more sensors 20 or pre-programmed instructions accessed from the mobile unit 14 or controller 26.

[0017] For example, one or more sensors 20 can monitor the conditions of vehicle 10 and vehicle components 24. In response to receiving signals from one or more sensors 20 or another triggering event, controller 26 can change vehicle seat state conditions, such as recline position, vibration settings, or seat HVAC settings. If the vehicle sleep mode is active, controller 26 can change the vehicle seat state conditions according to pre-programmed instructions to help wake the passenger. For example, controller 26 can instruct the vehicle seat to vibrate upon detecting arrival at a predetermined location or the expiration of a predetermined time period.

[0018] For example, in response to receiving signals from one or more sensors 20 or another triggering event, controller 26 can change the vehicle window status conditions, such as open / closed position or in between. If the vehicle is in sleep mode, controller 26 can change the vehicle window status conditions according to pre-programmed instructions to help wake up passengers. For example, controller 26 can instruct the vehicle windows to open when a predetermined location is detected or a predetermined time period expires.

[0019] For example, in response to receiving signals from one or more sensors 20 or another triggering event, controller 26 can change the operating conditions of the vehicle audio system, such as music selection, volume selection, or on / off conditions. If the vehicle is in sleep mode, the controller can change the operating conditions of the vehicle audio system according to pre-programmed instructions to help wake up passengers. For example, controller 26 can instruct the vehicle audio system to switch to the "on" condition and output a pre-selected music selection at a predetermined volume level when it detects arrival at a predetermined location or the expiration of a predetermined time period.

[0020] For example, in response to receiving a signal from one or more sensors 20 or another triggering event, controller 26 can change the conditions of the movable vehicle panel, such as its open / closed position or position in between. Examples of movable vehicle panels include a vehicle sunroof and curtains or panels mounted to the vehicle to provide or prevent visual access through one of the vehicle windows. If the vehicle sleep mode is active, controller 26 can change the conditions of the movable vehicle panel according to pre-programmed instructions to help wake passengers. For example, controller 26 can instruct the movable vehicle panel to open upon detecting arrival at a predetermined location or the expiration of a predetermined time period.

[0021] For example, controller 26 may receive signals from one or more sensors 20 based on monitored conditions. Examples of monitored conditions include cabin temperature, cabin light levels, passenger-generated sounds, passenger movement, and vehicle GPS location. In response to receiving a signal from one or more sensors 20 indicating that one of the monitored conditions is within or outside a predetermined threshold, controller 26 may activate one of the vehicle components 24. For example, if the vehicle sleep mode is in operation, controller 26 may activate the vehicle's HVAC system's air conditioning mode to cool the cabin in response to detecting that the cabin temperature is too hot.

[0022] Optionally, in response to the detection of a triggering condition during vehicle sleep mode, the user can program or select an upgrade sequence schedule to guide the operation of one or more vehicle components 24. The upgrade sequence schedule may include commands that instruct one or more vehicle components 24 to operate in subsequent steps selected by the user.

[0023] For example, an upgrade sequence schedule could instruct the audio system to activate and gradually increase its volume when the vehicle 10 is detected to have arrived at a predetermined location or when a predetermined time period has expired. As another example, an upgrade sequence schedule could instruct curtains or panels to open to allow additional light into the passenger compartment upon arrival at a predetermined location or when a predetermined time period has expired. Yet another example is an upgrade sequence schedule that could instruct an odor control device to release an odor or activate the seat HVAC system upon arrival at a predetermined location or when a predetermined time period has expired. Still another example is an upgrade sequence schedule that could instruct a series of seat assembly outputs to subsequently make increasing contact with the user.

[0024] Figure 2 An example of an algorithm, commonly referred to as Algorithm 50, used to guide the operation of vehicle component 24 and controller 26 is shown. In operation 52, the controller can identify whether a passenger has initiated vehicle sleep mode or whether a passenger sleep condition has been detected. The passenger can initiate vehicle sleep mode via a movement unit (such as movement unit 14 as described above) or a vehicle interface (such as vehicle user input interface 22 as described above). If the controller does not detect a sleep mode or a passenger sleep condition, the controller can identify in operation 54 whether a predetermined condition has occurred or a predetermined time period has expired. Arriving at a predetermined location is an example of a predetermined condition.

[0025] If the controller does not detect the occurrence of a predetermined condition or the expiration of a predetermined time period in operation 54, the controller and one or more sensors may monitor vehicle and passenger conditions in operation 56 until the predetermined condition or the expiration of a predetermined time period is detected.

[0026] If the controller detects the occurrence of a predetermined condition or the expiration of a predetermined time period in operation 64, the controller may initiate the vehicle wake-up mode in operation 58 based on predetermined user input (including activation upgrade sequence schedule).

[0027] Passengers may wish to activate a wake-up mode before arriving at their destination to give them time to prepare. In one example, the wake-up mode could activate when GPS coordinates are detected indicating that the vehicle is arriving at or approaching the intended destination. In another example, the wake-up mode could activate when predetermined environmental conditions are detected that indicate the passenger is still asleep. Examples of predetermined environmental conditions include: cabin temperature, amount of light entering the cabin, and cabin noise level. In yet another example, the wake-up mode could activate based on a pre-selected time period relative to the pre-selected destination.

[0028] Figure 3An example of an algorithm, referred to as Algorithm 70, for connecting a mobile unit to a vehicle control system and establishing a user-selected sleep mode setting is shown. In operation 74, a passenger with a mobile device can enter the vehicle. In operation 76, the vehicle control system can detect the mobile unit and initiate a communication protocol service. For example, the mobile unit can connect to the controller via a USB connector, a Wi-Fi connection, or a Bluetooth connection. In operation 78, the control system can activate the protocol service and provide the passenger with a list of sleep mode options via the mobile unit. The sleep mode options may include various instructions related to activating vehicle components during sleep mode. Each sleep mode option may include a command schedule related to a wake-up mode, which may include an escalation sequence schedule. In operation 80, the vehicle control system can initiate the passenger's preferred sleep mode setting or store the setting for later use. It is also envisioned that the passenger-selected sleep mode option can be transmitted to the vehicle before the passenger comes into contact with the vehicle.

[0029] Figure 4 An example of an algorithm related to the activation of a vehicle sleep mode setting is shown. In operation 104, the vehicle controller (such as controller 26 as described above) can identify whether the passenger has automatically or manually entered sleep mode. In operation 106, the controller can identify whether the passenger or the passenger's movement unit is known. If the passenger's movement unit is known, then in operation 108, the controller can check the memory to identify whether the passenger's predetermined sleep mode setting is accessible.

[0030] If the passenger's mobile unit cannot be recognized in operation 106, the controller can prompt the passenger to manually enter the sleep mode setting via the mobile unit interface or the vehicle interface in operation 120.

[0031] If the controller cannot access the passenger's predetermined sleep mode settings, in operation 110, the controller may identify whether the mobile unit is accessible. If no mobile unit is detected in operation 110, in operation 114, the controller may identify whether the passenger's predetermined sleep mode settings can be accessed from a remote server (such as the cloud). If the passenger's sleep mode settings are not available in memory or on a remote server, in operation 120, the controller may prompt the passenger to manually enter the sleep mode settings via the mobile unit interface or vehicle interface. Then, in operation 122, the controller may store the sleep mode settings for later access.

[0032] If a moving unit is detected in operation 110, the controller can access the passenger's preferred sleep mode settings from the moving unit in operation 124. Then, in operation 122, the controller can store the sleep mode settings for later access.

[0033] If the passenger's sleep mode settings can be accessed via a remote server in operation 114, then in operation 126, the controller can access the passenger's sleep mode settings from the remote server. Then, in operation 122, the controller can store the sleep mode settings for later access.

[0034] In operation 128, the controller can access the passenger's sleep mode settings and send instructions to vehicle components (such as vehicle component 24 as described above) to operate according to the instructions.

[0035] Figure 5 An example of an algorithm for assisting in exiting or completing a vehicle sleep mode is shown. In operation 154, a controller (such as controller 26 as described above) may detect the occurrence of a triggering condition. Examples of triggering conditions include: arrival at a predetermined destination, expiration of a predetermined time period, or the passenger device (such as mobile unit 14 as described above) receiving a telephone call or other notification.

[0036] In operation 156, the controller may initiate a disengagement process to end the sleep mode or transition to the wake-up mode. In operation 158, the controller may access a passenger-preselected wake-up mode instruction to guide the operation of vehicle components (such as vehicle component 24 as described above). The wake-up mode instruction may include the escalation sequence schedule as described above.

[0037] In operation 162, one or more sensors (such as one or more sensors 20 as described above) can detect whether the passenger is sleeping or awake. For example, one or more sensors can send a signal to the controller indicating that the passenger is sleeping based on detecting one of the following: the cabin noise level monitored by the microphone is below a predetermined value, the seat occupant's movement is minimal, there is manual passenger input, or there is no sensor activity. If the passenger is identified as sleeping, the controller can initiate an escalation sequence schedule in operation 164. If the passenger is identified as awake, the controller can instruct vehicle components to operate in sleep mode or under normal conditions in operation 166.

[0038] Alternatively, the passenger can manually input a sleep mode exit command in operation 170, and the controller can then instruct vehicle components to operate under normal or sleep mode conditions in operation 166. For example, the passenger can input the sleep mode exit command via a mobile device or vehicle interface.

[0039] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims for these embodiments. The language used in this specification is descriptive and not restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As described above, features of various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of this disclosure that may not be explicitly described or shown. While various embodiments may have been described as providing an advantage or superiority over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired features, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be sacrificed to achieve desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, merchantability, appearance, consistency, robustness, customer acceptability, reliability, accuracy, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more features are not outside the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

Claims

1. A vehicle system comprising: a vehicle component; a controller; and a sensor in communication with the vehicle component and the controller, wherein the controller is programmed to access pre-programmed sleep mode instructions from a mobile unit in response to detecting the presence of the mobile unit and a selection of a passenger sleep mode, and to activate the vehicle component based on receiving a signal from the sensor indicating that a passenger is sleeping and according to a sequence of escalating operations defined by the sleep mode instructions to exit the passenger sleep mode to wake the passenger. The controller is further programmed to send a notification to the mobile unit when requesting user confirmation of access to the sleep mode instructions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The signal from the sensor indicating that a passenger is sleeping is based on detecting one of: a cabin noise level below a predetermined value, seat occupant movement below a predetermined threshold, a manual passenger input, and no sensor activity.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The activation of the vehicle component is initiated based on detecting one of: a predetermined time period expiring, reaching a predetermined location, and receiving a signal indicating a phone call or other notification to the mobile unit.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, The vehicle component is an audio system in communication with the controller, and wherein the sequence of escalating operations is a command schedule directing a series of audio outputs of the audio system to subsequently increase in volume.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The vehicle component is a seat assembly in communication with the controller, and wherein the sequence of escalating operations is a command schedule directing a series of seat assembly outputs of the seat assembly to subsequently contact the passenger more and more.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, 7. A vehicle connectivity system comprising: at least one vehicle component; one or more sensors monitoring a condition of the at least one vehicle component; a vehicle controller in communication with the at least one vehicle component and the one or more sensors; and a mobile unit for communicating with the vehicle controller and programmed to selectively direct the vehicle controller to activate the at least one vehicle component according to a predetermined passenger sleep mode schedule and to trigger a passenger wake mode triggered by detecting a predetermined environmental condition. The predetermined passenger sleep mode schedule includes a first set of instructions for operating the at least one vehicle component during a passenger sleep mode, and the passenger wake mode activates a second set of instructions for operating the at least one vehicle component in an escalating sequence schedule to wake a passenger.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The vehicle controller is further programmed to detect the presence of the mobile unit and to identify whether the mobile unit has accessible pre-programmed instructions for the at least one vehicle component during a passenger sleep mode.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein, The at least one vehicle component is one of: a vehicle seat, a vehicle window, a vehicle audio system, and a movable vehicle panel.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein, The predetermined environmental condition is one of: a cabin temperature, an amount of light entering a cabin, and a cabin noise level.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein, ​ 12. The system of claim 7, wherein, The vehicle controller is further programmed to activate the passenger wake-up mode upon detecting: arrival at a predetermined destination, expiration of a predetermined time period, and the mobile unit receiving a phone call or other notification.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein, The vehicle controller is further programmed to initiate the passenger wake-up mode based on detecting that a passenger is sleeping after expiration of a predetermined time period, wherein the vehicle component is a seat assembly in communication with the vehicle controller, and wherein the passenger wake-up mode includes an escalation sequence schedule having a command schedule that directs a series of seat assembly outputs to subsequently contact the passenger more and more.

14. A vehicle system comprising: one or more vehicle components; and a vehicle controller in communication with a mobile unit, in communication with the one or more vehicle components, and programmed to activate a passenger sleep mode upon receiving directions from the mobile unit including preprogrammed instructions, in which vehicle component commands direct the one or more vehicle components to operate to promote sleep and wake conditions of a passenger, wherein the vehicle controller is further programmed to initiate the wake condition in response to receiving a signal from a sensor indicating that the passenger is sleeping.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, The wake condition includes an escalation sequence schedule in which the one or more vehicle components are operated in subsequent steps to wake the passenger.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, The one or more vehicle components are an audio system, and wherein the escalation sequence schedule is a series of commands that subsequently increase a volume level of the audio system in response to detecting that passenger sleep exceeds a predetermined wake-up setting.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein, The wake condition includes an escalation sequence schedule that directs a series of audio outputs of the audio system, wherein each output subsequently increases in volume.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein, The signal from the sensor indicating that the passenger is sleeping is based on detecting one of: a cabin noise level below a predetermined value, minimal movement of a seat occupant, a manual passenger input, and no sensor activity.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein, The vehicle controller is further programmed to activate the one or more vehicle components in the wake condition based on detecting that a passenger is sleeping after expiration of a predetermined time period, wherein one of the one or more vehicle components is a seat assembly in communication with the vehicle controller, and wherein an escalation sequence schedule is initiated that includes a command schedule that directs a series of seat assembly outputs to subsequently contact the passenger more and more.

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