System and method for adjusting vehicle settings based on the height of a portable wireless device

Abstract

A system for adjusting vehicle driver settings includes a vehicle node configured to receive a signal from a key fob or other portable wireless device, and a processing system for evaluating altitude information of the key fob or other device. The processing system is configured to receive the altitude information and evaluate whether the wireless device is likely to be carried within the driver's clothing. A vehicle settings controller system accesses a settings database to obtain vehicle settings associated with a particular wireless device altitude and implements initial vehicle settings when the driver approaches the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for determining location information of a portable wireless device relative to a vehicle and utilizing the device location information to make initial adjustments to user settings of the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicle systems typically include one or more transceivers for communicating with wireless devices, such as key fobs, and using radio signals to control vehicle functions, such as passive keyless entry and passive start. Many key fobs are relatively small in size and are intended to be carried by a user, for example, in the user's clothing.

[0003] Modern vehicle systems often further include various user adjustable features, such as seats and mirrors. Typically, the user makes adjustments to the vehicle settings after entering the vehicle. Adjustments can be made manually or automatically (such as in a signature-based system that makes adjustments based on stored settings). Depending on the extent of the changes made by the user, the settings adjustment period can extend to several minutes. Typically, these vehicle adjustments occur before the vehicle is used or before departure. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect, a vehicle system is provided, the vehicle system having a portable wireless device (such as a remote control key) configured to communicate with the vehicle using wireless signals. The vehicle system includes a plurality of nodes (such as base stations) located around or within the vehicle. Each node is configured to receive wireless signals and generate a signal indicating the location of the wireless device. The node and a controller are configured together to determine the three-dimensional position of the portable wireless device based on the signals generated by each node.

[0005] According to another aspect, a vehicle system is provided having a portable device configured to provide a wireless signal. The vehicle system includes a plurality of nodes configured to receive the wireless signal and generate a signal indicating a location of the wireless signal. Information from the nodes is used to determine at least a vertical height of the wireless signal device from the ground.

[0006] According to yet another aspect, a vehicle system is provided that determines at least a vertical height of a wireless portable device. A method of evaluating device height information is disclosed. In one example, the height information of the wireless device is evaluated within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, and assumptions may be made depending on the position and movement of the wireless device just before a user enters the vehicle. The method further includes using the height information to make vehicle adjustments depending on the height of the wireless device relative to the ground.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, a vehicle system is provided that determines at least the vertical height of a portable wireless device and assesses whether the wireless device is carried in a user's clothing. In one example, as the user approaches the vehicle, the vehicle system assesses whether the portable wireless device is carried in a user's pants pocket.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle system is provided that assesses whether the wireless device is carried in the user's clothing by determining the vertical height of the device as the user approaches the vehicle. In one example, the assessment may be performed during a predetermined time period just before the user enters the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a vehicle system for detecting a 3D position of a wireless device consistent with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless device and a vehicle node consistent with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a top view of a vehicle system and vehicle node consistent with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for determining a 3D position of a wireless device consistent with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for utilizing wireless device location information to enable vehicle operation, particularly based on the movement of a portable wireless device (or "PWD") relative to the vehicle. Wireless key fobs, cell phones, personal digital assistants, and other mobile devices are examples of portable wireless devices.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, vehicle user settings are configured based on the height position of the PWD relative to the vehicle. In one example, the PWD is a key fob, and key fob position information is determined when the user approaches or enters the vehicle, and then the vehicle user settings are configured.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for implementing automatic configuration of vehicle settings of a vehicle, performed by a vehicle controller, the method comprising:

[0016] receiving a signal from the PWD when the user approaches the vehicle;

[0017] determining a position of the PWD relative to the vehicle based on the received signal;

[0018] assessing whether the PWD is carried in the user's clothing; and

[0019] If the PWD is likely to be carried within the garment, vehicle settings are adjusted, wherein the vehicle settings are adjusted based on the estimated size of the user.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide multiple circuits or other electrical devices. All references to circuits and other electrical devices and the functions they each provide are not intended to be limited to only those shown and described herein. Although specific labels can be assigned to the various circuits or other electrical devices disclosed, such labels are not intended to limit the scope of the operation of circuits and other electrical devices. Based on the desired specific type of electrical implementation, such circuits and other electrical devices can be combined and / or separated from each other in any way. It should be appreciated that any circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may include any number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., flash memory, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or other suitable variants thereof) and software that interact to perform any number of operations disclosed herein.

[0021] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle system 10 for determining the position of a wireless device 12 relative to a vehicle is shown according to one or more embodiments. In the example shown, the vehicle system 10 includes a portable wireless device 12 (e.g., a wireless key) and at least four nodes or base stations 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d (collectively referred to as "14"). The system controller 20 is operatively connected to the nodes 14. According to the embodiment shown, three of the nodes 14a, 14b, 14c are aligned in a substantially horizontal plane, and the fourth node 14d is vertically spaced apart from the other nodes 14. As further described herein, the vertical spacing of the fourth node 14d relative to the other nodes 14a, 14b, 14c allows the vehicle system 10 to determine the position of the remote control key 12 in three dimensions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the controller 20, the node 14, and the key fob 12 perform a series of signal exchanges with each other and utilize a time-of-flight (TOF) implementation to determine the distance of the key fob 12 from the vehicle 18. Thereafter, the node 14 and the controller 16 employ trilateration to locate the key fob 12. The use of trilateration enables the controller 20 to use distance measurements to assess the horizontal position of the key fob 12 relative to the vehicle. In contrast, triangulation uses the angle of incidence (angle of arrival or AoA) of the signal to determine the source location.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vertical offset between the fourth node 14d and the other nodes (14a, 14b, 14c) enables the vehicle system 10 to use trilateration to calculate the three-dimensional (3D) position of the remote control key 12 relative to multiple planes. Such 3D analysis provides a more accurate position determination than a 2D analysis relative to a single plane. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 20 can determine that the remote control key 12 is located at a distance of 4.5 feet from the vehicle and that the remote control key 12 is located at a distance of 3.2 feet from the ground.

[0024] Controller 20 typically includes additional circuitry to lock and unlock the vehicle in response to command signals provided by key fob 12. In some embodiments, if key fob 12 sends a command indicative of a desired operation, controller 20 may work with the vehicle to perform the desired operation (e.g., lock, unlock, liftgate release, etc.).

[0025] Reference now Figure 2 , provides a detailed schematic diagram of the key fob 12 and the node 14 according to one or more embodiments. The key fob 12 includes a microcontroller 22, a transmitter / receiver ("transceiver") 24, and at least one antenna 26. The microcontroller 22 is operably coupled to the transceiver 24 and the antenna 26 for sending signals to and receiving signals from the node station 14. A radio frequency (RF) switch 30 is operably coupled to the antenna 26 for coupling the antenna 26 to the transceiver 24.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, the key fob 12 includes a battery 32 that powers the microcontroller 22 and the transceiver 24. The key fob 12 may also include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that includes an accelerometer 40 and a gyroscope 42 for detecting motion of the wireless device 12. The accelerometer 40 may provide data indicating acceleration of the key fob 12 on three axes (Ax, Ay, and Az). The gyroscope 42 may provide data indicating the yaw rate (Ψ), pitch rate (θ), and roll rate (θ) of the key fob 12. directional data.

[0027] The key fob 12 may include a piezoelectric sounder 44 operably coupled to the microcontroller 22 for providing additional user feedback. A plurality of switches 50 are located on the wireless device 12 for sending commands to the vehicle to initiate vehicle operations such as door locking and unlocking, liftgate release, and remote start.

[0028] In one embodiment, the transceiver 24 is generally configured to operate at a frequency between 3 GHz and 10 GHz and communicate within an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandwidth of at least 500 MHz. In one embodiment, the transceiver 24 operates at a frequency between 3.1 GHz and 10.6 GHz. Such high frequency communications in the UWB bandwidth enable the vehicle system 10 to accurately determine the distance of the remote key 12 relative to the vehicle. The transceiver 24 generally includes an oscillator 52 and a phase-locked loop (PLL) 54 for enabling the transceiver 24 to operate at a frequency between 3 GHz and 10 GHz.

[0029] The microcontroller 22 is operably coupled to the transceiver 24 and the antenna 26 for transmitting a wireless signal 56 to the node 14. According to one or more embodiments, the wireless signal 56 may include information such as encrypted data, acceleration data (Ax, Ay, and Az), and gyroscope data (Ψ, θ, and ) and other data.

[0030] The node 14 typically includes a transceiver 70 and at least one antenna 72. The node 14 communicates with the vehicle controller 20. A power source 80 in the vehicle powers the controller 20 and the node transceiver 70. The controller 20 is operably coupled to the transceiver 70 and the antenna 72 for sending and receiving signals (e.g., wireless signals 56) to and from the remote key fob 12. The controller 20 determines the location of the remote key fob 12 based on these signals. The vehicle further includes circuits (not shown) for performing locking / unlocking of vehicle doors and / or liftgates / trunks and performing remote start operations. In one embodiment, the vehicle further includes a vehicle location circuit (not shown) that includes a chirp or flash to assist a user in locating the vehicle in response to the remote key 12 signal.

[0031] The transceiver 70 is also typically configured to operate at a frequency between 3 GHz and 10 GHz and communicate within an ultra-wideband (UWB) bandwidth of at least 500 MHz. Operating the transceiver 70 at an operating frequency between 3 GHz and 10 GHz and within the UWB bandwidth can enable the node 14 and the controller 20 to determine the distance of the remote key 12 relative to the vehicle within a high accuracy range. The transceiver 70 typically includes an oscillator 82 and a PLL 84 to enable the transceiver 70 to operate at a frequency between 3 GHz and 10 GHz.

[0032] In some embodiments, each node 14 receives the wireless signal 56 from the key fob 12 and sends a message 86 to the controller 20, the message 86 including information indicating the flight time of the wireless signal. The message 86 may also include acceleration data (Ax, Ay, and Az) and gyroscope data (Ψ, θ, and In one embodiment, the nodes 14 communicate with the controller 20 using a local interconnect network (LIN).

[0033] In some embodiments, the remote control key 12, the controller 20, and the node 14 are each arranged to send and receive data within a UWB bandwidth of at least 500MHz. For example, by operating within the UWB bandwidth, such conditions produce a large spectrum (e.g., both low and high frequencies) and a high time resolution that improves ranging accuracy. Such a large bandwidth (i.e., within the UWB bandwidth) can improve noise immunity and improve signal propagation. This can also improve the accuracy of determining the distance of the remote control key 12 because the UWB bandwidth allows more reliable signal transmission. As described above, the operating frequency of 3-10GHz enables the transceiver 24, 70 to send and receive data within the UWB range.

[0034] Utilization of the UWB bandwidth for the fob 12, node 14, and controller 20 can provide (1) penetration of transmitted signals through and / or received around obstacles with reduced multipath degradation, (2) high ranging (or positioning) accuracy, (3) high-speed data communication, (4) secure encoding of signals, and (5) low-cost implementation. Due to the multiple frequency components in the UWB spectrum, the transmitted data can be received more reliably at the fob 12 and node 14 than data transmitted in conjunction with a narrowband implementation. These conditions can improve data reliability at the fob 12 and node 14.

[0035] The implementation of UWB in the key fob 12 and the node 14 is generally suitable for TOF applications. In other embodiments, the key fob 12 and the node 14 may communicate information at different frequencies and utilize a non-TOF algorithm to calculate the position of the key fob 12. In some embodiments, the node 14 is mounted in the passenger compartment and near a window or windshield to allow for approximately line-of-sight communication with the key fob 12.

[0036] Figure 3 is a top view of vehicle system 10 and shows three of the nodes ( 14 a , 14 b , and 14 c ) lying in a common horizontal (XY) plane (“Nodal Plane 1 ”). A fourth node (node ​​14 d ) is vertically offset from Nodal Plane 1 .

[0037] In one embodiment, the controller 20 uses TOF to determine the distance between the fob 12 and each node 14. The controller 20 then uses trilateration calculations to determine the 3D position of the fob 12. Each node 14 receives the wireless signal 56 from the fob 12 and generates a message 86 with information indicating the time of flight of the wireless signal. The controller 20 receives the time of flight information from each node 14 and performs a TOF calculation to determine a first distance (D1) between the fob 12 and the node 14a, a second distance (D2) between the fob 12 and the second node 14b, a third distance (D3) between the fob 12 and the third node 14c, and a fourth distance (D4) between the fob 12 and the fourth node 14d. Each trilateration calculation requires at least three distance readings. In some embodiments, the vehicle system 10 performs multiple trilateration calculations to accurately determine the 3D position of the fob 12.

[0038] Reference now Figure 4According to one or more embodiments, a flowchart 100 is provided showing a method for initial vehicle setup based on a remote key position relative to the vehicle. At operation 102, the vehicle system controller 20 uses TOF technology to calculate the distances (D1, D2, D3, D4) between the remote key 12 and the four nodes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. At operation 104, the vehicle system controller 20 determines the position of the remote key 12 relative to the four nodes 14. The vehicle system controller 20 uses trilateration based on the distances D1, D2, D3 and D4 to determine the position of the remote key 12 relative to the nodes 14. At operation 106, the vehicle system 10 determines the 3D position of the remote key 12. At operation 108, the vehicle system controller 20 evaluates the vertical height of the remote key 12 in multiple samples. For example, when the user traverses a perimeter of 5 feet from the vehicle, the controller 20 evaluates the height of the remote key 12. The evaluation of the height of the remote key 12 may include a comparison with waist height data of the general population. In a general sense, one embodiment of the controller 20 evaluates whether the fob 12 is carried in the pants pocket when the user approaches the vehicle, and if the fob 12 is likely to be carried in the pants pocket, the vehicle settings are adjusted based on the assumed user size reference. Once it is established that the fob height is related to the possible user waist height, the system controller 20 can make initial adjustments to the vehicle settings before the user enters the vehicle. At operation 110, the system controller 20 evaluates whether the fob 12 is likely to be carried in the user's clothing based on the determined fob height information. At operation 112, the system controller 20 evaluates the initial vehicle settings based on the determined fob height information. In one example, the system controller 20 accesses a database of vehicle settings based on waist height, driver inseam size, etc. At operation 114, the system controller 20 directs various vehicle settings to be adjusted to the determined settings based on the derived fob height information. Controller 20 can make one or more initial adjustments to the vehicle settings, including: seats (backrest angle, fore / aft position, headrest level, lumbar position, seat depth, seat height, seat cushion tilt); mirrors (side view mirrors and rear view mirrors); seat belts (seat belt height adjustment, pretensioning level); pedals (pedal height; pedal spacing); and steering wheel (tilt, telescopic length adjustment).

[0039] In yet other embodiments, the controller 20 can receive data from the IMU and evaluate movement characteristics, such as gait or disability. In one example, gait information can be combined with waist height estimation to improve initial setup adjustment calculations. For example, IMU data can indicate that the user's pants are sagging due to intermittent longitudinal (non-rotational) acceleration. In another example, IMU data can indicate that the user's pants are worn very high, or the remote control key is clipped on the belt or belt (due to the minimum detected non-rotational longitudinal acceleration). In other examples, IMU data can indicate that the user's hips or knees are stiff, and the controller 20 can then make vehicle setup adjustments to accommodate the user's injuries or disabilities. In yet another example, IMU data can be used to detect whether the user is approaching using a wheelchair, crutches, or walker. The controller 20 can use IMU data to identify such situations to start various accessibility algorithms.

[0040] The functions or steps of the systems and methods for making vehicle adjustments based on the position of the remote control key described above may also be implemented in or as a computer-readable medium having non-transitory computer-executable instructions stored thereon for determining the position of the remote control key for use in a vehicle remote control function system. More specifically, the computer-executable instructions stored on the computer-readable medium may include instructions for performing any or all of the activities, functions, or steps described above in connection with the systems or methods disclosed herein.

[0041] In this regard, the controller 20 may include a suitably programmed processor or other hardware, software, or any combination thereof to perform the functions described herein. The controller 20 may also include a memory that may provide a computer-readable medium and have the above-mentioned computer-executable instructions stored thereon.

[0042] The controller 20 can operatively control one or more of the plurality of vehicle systems according to the vehicle setting profile. One or more of the plurality of vehicle settings can adjust the corresponding settings according to the vehicle driver size estimate. In some cases, the adjustment of the settings can be completed before the driver enters the vehicle and / or starts the vehicle engine, so that the driver does not need to wait for the settings to be executed before entering the vehicle and / or starting the vehicle engine.

[0043] As will be apparent from the foregoing, a vehicle system and method for determining a key fob location relative to a vehicle and utilizing the key fob location information to make vehicle adjustments based on a height / body estimate of a user has been described. In the described embodiment, the system and method uses ultra-wideband wireless signals communicated between the key fob and a vehicle mounted antenna to determine the key fob location outside the vehicle.

[0044] In some embodiments, an additional IMU sensor (e.g., accelerometer (3-axis), gyroscope, etc.) in the remote control key can be used to detect the gait pattern of a person approaching the vehicle. The remote control key and / or the controller can analyze the gait pattern to identify specific characteristics of the vehicle driver. Based on the sensor data, the vehicle may (or may not) adjust the vehicle configuration before the person enters the vehicle. For example, when the probability of carrying the remote control key in the clothing is equal to or higher than a threshold, the vehicle will adjust the configuration of the vehicle cabin according to the stored settings. On the other hand, when the probability received from the remote control key or other mobile device is lower than a threshold, the vehicle will not adjust the configuration of the vehicle cabin.

[0045] Discussion of Possible Implementations

[0046] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0047] According to one aspect, a system for adjusting vehicle settings includes a remote control key height assessment system and a processing system using one or more antenna nodes on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the remote control key height assessment system uses TOF calculation to calculate the remote control key height. The one or more antennas are configured to receive remote control key signals, and the processing system is configured to assess the remote control key height based on the signals received at the one or more antennas. For example, the processing system can combine the remote control key signals received at multiple nodes to determine the remote control key position in the Z direction (height) of the remote control key.

[0048] In another aspect, a system for adjusting vehicle settings based on fob location includes: a plurality of nodes within a fob location system, each node including one or more antennas configured to receive a fob signal, wherein a range between each of the plurality of nodes and the fob is determined based on the received fob signal; and a processing system configured to receive the calculated range relative to each of the plurality of nodes, and wherein the processing system calculates a vertical height of the fob; and an evaluation system configured to determine whether the fob is carried in a driver's clothing based on the fob vertical height; and a vehicle settings system for adjusting initial settings for the driver based on the fob vertical height and whether the fob is carried in the driver's clothing. In one example, the processing system combines a plurality of time of flight (TOF) measurements or angle of arrival (AoA) data to construct a map of fob location.

[0049] In another example, the processing system constructs a 3D map of the location of the key fob. In another example, the processing system acquires vertical height samples of the key fob within a predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

[0050] In yet another example, the evaluation system compares changes in fob height within a predetermined range from the vehicle. In yet another example, the vehicle setup system determines an initial setting based on a database value that correlates driver waist data or inseam data with the fob height. In another example, the evaluation system is enhanced with output from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the fob.

[0051] The one or more antennas may include at least a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are located at a known distance from each other. The one or more antennas may include at least two antennas aligned in an XY plane and a third antenna located at a known distance from the plane (offset in the Z direction). In one application, the processing system determines angle of arrival (AoA) data using a single single antenna node receiver that is tightly coordinated and timed.

[0052] The processing system may determine the angle of arrival (AoA) or time of flight (TOF) of multiple key fob signals to determine the height of the key fob above the ground. The processing system may calculate the key fob height based on key fob signals received at multiple nodes of the vehicle.

[0053] In another aspect, a system and method for adjusting vehicle settings before a user enters a vehicle includes using a plurality of nodes and a processor system to assess a fob location. Once the fob location is determined, the processor is configured to assess whether a particular article of clothing on the user is carrying the fob. In one example, the processor system includes a processor that accesses a user size database and calculates an updated vehicle settings estimate based on fob location data collected from nodes as the user approaches the vehicle.

[0054] On the other hand, a system for adjusting vehicle settings based on remote control key location includes: multiple nodes, the multiple nodes are located in a remote control key positioning system, each node includes one or more antennas configured to receive remote control key signals, wherein the range between each of the multiple nodes and the remote control key is determined based on the received remote control key signals; and a processing system, the processing system is configured to receive the calculated range relative to each of the multiple nodes, and wherein the processing system calculates the vertical height of the remote control key; and an evaluation system, the evaluation system is configured to determine whether the remote control key is carried in the driver's clothing based on the vertical height of the remote control key; and a vehicle settings system, the vehicle settings system is used to adjust the initial settings for the driver based on the vertical height of the remote control key and whether the remote control key is carried in the driver's clothing.

[0055] In one example, the processing system constructs a 3D map of the location of the key fob. In another example, the processing system acquires vertical height samples of the key fob within a predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

[0056] In another example, the evaluation system compares the change in fob height within a predetermined range from the vehicle. In another example, the vehicle setup system determines the initial setting based on a database value that correlates driver waist data or inseam data with the fob height. In one example, the evaluation system is enhanced with output from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the fob.

[0057] The system of the preceding paragraphs may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0058] According to another aspect, a method of processing wireless signals received at a plurality of vehicle nodes to determine a fob location includes: for each signal received, calculating a distance between a local antenna and the fob that generated the signal. The method further includes calculating the fob location based on the distance calculation between the fob and the vehicle node. The fob / node distance calculation is then used to determine a current location estimate, or to determine at least a vertical height of the fob relative to the vehicle. The fob location information is then evaluated to determine whether to make adjustments to vehicle settings.

[0059] The method of the preceding paragraph may optionally include (additionally and / or alternatively) any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components. For example, assessing the height of the remote control key may include comparing the height of the remote control key with a previously assessed height of the remote control key to detect changes indicative of body movement. Assessing the height of the remote control key may further include generating a confidence factor indicating whether the remote control key is carried in a particular article of clothing of the user.

[0060] The method may further include enhancing the key fob height estimate using output from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting driver characteristics that may be used to offset the initial vehicle trim settings.

[0061] Many of the examples shown above (paragraphs

[0043] -

[0057] ) describe a remote control key as a portable wireless device. In yet other examples, the portable wireless device may include a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, etc., and the system and method will include a portable wireless device height determination.

[0062] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the present invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the features of various implementation embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting vehicle settings based on a portable wireless device (PWD) position, the system comprising: a plurality of nodes, the plurality of nodes being located within a PWD positioning system, each node comprising one or more antennas configured to receive a PWD signal, wherein a range between each of the plurality of nodes and the PWD is determined based on the received PWD signal; a processing system configured to calculate a vertical height of the PWD relative to the vehicle over a plurality of samples using the range determined relative to each of the plurality of nodes, and further configured to compare the vertical height of the PWD over the plurality of samples to general population waist height data to determine whether the vertical height of the PWD over the plurality of samples corresponds to a waist height of a possible user; and A vehicle settings system is provided for adjusting initial settings for a driver based on the waist height of the potential user.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing system combines multiple time-of-flight measurements or angle-of-arrival data to construct a map of the PWD's location.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The processing system constructs a 3D map of the PWD's location.

4. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The processing system acquires vertical height samples of the PWD as the PWD traverses a predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The processing system compares PWD height changes within a predetermined range from the vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing system is augmented with output from an inertial measurement unit on the PWD.

7. A method for adjusting vehicle settings based on a portable wireless device (PWD) position, the method comprising: determining a range between each of the plurality of nodes and the PWD based on signals received at a plurality of nodes on the vehicle; calculating a vertical height of the PWD relative to the vehicle over a plurality of samples using the range determined relative to each of the plurality of nodes; comparing the vertical height of the PWD on the plurality of samples with general population waist height data to determine whether the vertical height of the PWD on the plurality of samples corresponds to the waist height of a possible user; and Based on the waist height of the potential user, an initial setting is adjusted for the driver.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: Combine multiple time-of-flight measurements or angle-of-arrival data to build a map of the PWD's location.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: A 3D map of the PWD location is constructed.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: Vertical height samples of the PWD are acquired as the PWD traverses a predetermined perimeter around the vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Also includes: PWD height changes are compared within a predetermined range from the vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: Augmentation is performed using output from an inertial measurement unit on the PWD.

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