Child seat monitoring method and system

Abstract

According to an example embodiment, a system is provided that includes a sensor system configured to generate sensor data associated with a seat of a vehicle, and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor system and configured to determine, from the sensor data, a baseline position of a child seat positioned on the seat of the vehicle, determine, from the sensor data, a displacement of the child seat from the baseline position, and selectively generate, based on the displacement, notification data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicles, and more specifically, to methods and systems for monitoring a child seat of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle cabin monitoring feature spaces using active safety sensors are evolving. Some vehicles today include systems for determining whether a seat of the vehicle includes an occupant or an object. In some cases, a seat of the vehicle can include a child seat that is occupied or unoccupied by a child.

[0003] A child seat can not be securely installed to the seat, and therefore, the position of the child seat can vary relative to the seat during operation of the vehicle. The variation in the child seat position can result in different retention levels of the child occupying the seat.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide methods and systems for monitoring the position of a child seat when the child seat is occupied and unoccupied by a child. Additionally, other desired features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. SUMMARY

[0005] According to an example embodiment, a system is provided that includes a sensor system and a processor. The sensor system is configured to generate sensor data associated with a seat of a vehicle. The processor is communicatively coupled to the sensor system and is configured to determine, from the sensor data, a baseline position of a child seat seated on the vehicle seat, determine, from the sensor data, a displacement of the child seat from the baseline position, and selectively generate notification data based on the displacement.

[0006] In various embodiments, the sensor system includes a radar configured within a cabin of the vehicle.

[0007] In various embodiments, the processor is configured to determine the displacement based on range and Doppler data from the radar.

[0008] In various embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust the displacement based on a parameter determined from a maneuver of the vehicle.

[0009] In various embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine an ingress or egress event of the vehicle, and wherein the processor determines the baseline position of the child seat based on the ingress or egress event.

[0010] In various embodiments, the processor is further configured to assess a speed of the vehicle, and wherein the processor determines the displacement of the child seat in response to assessing the speed of the vehicle.

[0011] In various embodiments, the displacement includes a dynamically adjusted maximum value and a dynamically adjusted minimum value in any direction.

[0012] In various embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine, based on the sensor data, whether a child is sitting in the child seat, and wherein the processor selectively generates the notification data based on whether the child is sitting in the child seat.

[0013] In various embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive user input and configure the notification data based on the user input.

[0014] In various embodiments, the notification data initiates at least one of a visual notification, an audio notification, and a haptic notification.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a processor, sensor data associated with a seat of a vehicle; determining, by the processor and from the sensor data, a baseline position of a child seat seated on the seat of the vehicle; determining, by the processor and from the sensor data, a displacement of the child seat from the baseline position; and selectively generating, by the processor, notification data based on the displacement.

[0016] In various embodiments, the sensor system includes a radar configured within a cabin of the vehicle.

[0017] In various embodiments, the displacement is determined based on range and Doppler data from the radar.

[0018] In various embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the displacement based on parameters determined from a maneuver of the vehicle.

[0019] In various embodiments, the method further includes determining an ingress or egress event of the vehicle, and wherein the baseline position of the child seat is determined based on the ingress or egress event.

[0020] In various embodiments, the method further includes assessing a speed of the vehicle, and wherein the displacement of the child seat is determined in response to assessing the speed of the vehicle.

[0021] In various embodiments, the displacement includes a dynamically adjusted maximum value and a dynamically adjusted minimum value in any direction.

[0022] In various embodiments, the method further includes determining, based on the sensor data, whether a child is sitting in the child seat, and wherein the notification data is selectively generated based on whether the child is sitting in the child seat.

[0023] In various embodiments, the method further includes receiving user input and configuring the notification data based on the user input.

[0024] In various embodiments, the notification data initiates at least one of a visual notification, an audio notification, and a haptic notification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle including a seat monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a seat monitoring system according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a process for monitoring a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of it. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory of operation presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components can be realized by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure can employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which can carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced with

[0030] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) can not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternatives or additional functional relationships or physical connections can be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] SUMMARY Figure 1In accordance with various embodiments, a seat monitoring system, generally shown at 10, is associated with a vehicle 100. Generally, the seat monitoring system 10 receives sensor data from one or more in-cabin sensors and determines a position of a child seat and / or a child in the child seat based on the sensor data. The position of the child seat and / or the child is then used to monitor retention (i.e., a loose or no seat belt fastening) of the child seat and / or the child. The seat monitoring system 10 selectively generates notifications to a user of the vehicle 100 based on the monitoring of the retention.

[0032] In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 is an automobile. The vehicle 100 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, a four-door car, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in certain embodiments can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles. In various other embodiments, the vehicle 100 can also be other vehicles, such as an airplane, a boat, a sport utility vehicle, a truck, etc., and / or one or more other types of mobile platforms (e.g., robots and / or other mobile platforms).

[0033] The vehicle 100 includes a body 103 disposed on a chassis 116. The body 103 substantially encloses other components of the vehicle 100. The body 103 and the chassis 116 can collectively form a frame. The vehicle 100 also includes a plurality of wheels 112. The wheels 112 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 116 near a respective corner of the body 103 to facilitate movement of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes four wheels 112, although this can vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles).

[0034] A drive system 110 is mounted on the chassis 116 and drives the wheels 112, e.g., via axles 114. The drive system 110 preferably includes a propulsion system. In certain example embodiments, the drive system 110 includes an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor / generator coupled with a transmission thereof. In certain embodiments, the drive system 110 can vary, and / or two or more drive systems 110 can be used. By way of example, the vehicle 100 can also incorporate any one or combination of a variety of different types of propulsion systems, such as a gasoline or diesel fuel combustion engine, a "flexible fuel vehicle" (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and / or natural gas) fuel engine, a combustion / electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

[0035] The braking system 116 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 112. In various embodiments, the braking system 116 can include friction brakes, a regenerative braking system such as an electric motor, and / or other appropriate braking systems. The steering system 118 affects the position of the wheels 112. While depicted as including a steering wheel for illustrative purposes, the steering system 118 can not include a steering wheel in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] In various embodiments, the drive system 110 and / or other components of the vehicle 100 are controlled by a control system 120. The control system 120 includes a sensor system 122, an actuator system 124, and a controller 126. In various embodiments, the control system 126 is in communication with a notification system 132. The notification system 132 can include any means for notifying an occupant of the vehicle 100 through, for example, visual, audible, and / or tactile notifications.

[0037] The sensor system 122 includes one or more sensing devices S1-Sn that sense observable conditions of the external and / or internal environment of the vehicle 100. The sensing devices S1-Sn can generally include, but are not limited to, radio radar, laser radar, global positioning systems, optical cameras, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, inertial measurement units, and / or other sensors.

[0038] The actuator system 124 includes one or more actuator devices A1-An that control one or more vehicle features, such as but not limited to the drive system 110, the steering system 118, and the braking system 116. In various embodiments, the vehicle features can also include internal and / or external vehicle features such as, but not limited to, doors, trunk, and cabin features such as air, music, lighting, etc. (not numbered).

[0039] The controller 126 includes at least one processor 128 and a computer- readable storage device or medium 130. The processor 128 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a co-processor in a number of processors associated with the controller 126, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device typically used for executing instructions that are typically used for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and nonvolatile storage such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), which is a type of nonvolatile memory used in computers to store various operating variables when the processor 128 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or medium 130 can be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices, such as a PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions used by the controller 126 in controlling the vehicle 100.

[0040] The instructions can include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 126, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 122, perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 100, and generate control signals to the actuator system 124 to automatically control components of the vehicle 100 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although Figure 1 Although only one controller 126 is shown in the FIG. 1, embodiments of the vehicle 100 can include any number of controllers 126 that communicate through any suitable communication medium or combination of communication mediums and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the vehicle 100. In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the controller 126 are implemented in the seat monitoring system 10 and, when executed by the processor 128, process sensor data from the sensor system 122, perform processes as described in more detail with respect to Figure 3 In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the controller 126 are implemented in the seat monitoring system 10 and, when executed by the processor 128, process sensor data from the sensor system 122, perform processes as described in more detail with respect to

[0041] As Figure 2 shown in more detail in the FIG. 1, Figure 1The vehicle body 103 and / or frame 116 of the vehicle 100 forms an interior cabin 134. Disposed within the cabin 134 is one or more rows of seats 136 that are secured to the floor of the vehicle 100. For exemplary purposes, a single row of one seat 136 is shown. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, more rows and / or more seats can be implemented in the vehicle 100.

[0042] At least one of the one or more rows of seats 136 is configured to receive a child seat, generally referred to as 138. In various embodiments, the child seat 138 includes a base, a back support, and a head support. In various embodiments, a safety belt (not shown) secures the child seat 138 and child to the seat 136 in a first position shown as child seat 138a. In some cases, vehicle maneuvers can move the child seat 138 from the original secured position 138a to another position shown as child seat 138b. The sensor system 122 senses the presence of the child seat, senses the presence of the child, and senses movement 142 of the child seat, and generates sensor signals to the controller 126 indicative of the movement 142.

[0043] In various embodiments, the sensor system 122 can include one or more occupant mass or force sensors, weight sensors, cameras, range sensors (i.e., radio radar or laser radar), audio sensors, biometric sensors, and / or input sensors. In various embodiments, the occupant mass or force sensors and / or weight sensors are coupled to one or more seats of the vehicle 100 and are configured to detect the presence of an occupant or object on the vehicle seat. In certain embodiments, the cameras, range sensors, audio sensors, and biometric sensors are disposed within the cabin 134 and are configured to detect the seats 136, child seats 138, and / or occupants within the cabin 134 of the vehicle 100.

[0044] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the input sensors include one or more touch screen sensors, additional audio sensors (microphones), and / or other input sensors configured to obtain input from the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle 100, including confirmations and / or refinements regarding the seat monitoring system 10.

[0045] In various embodiments, the display system 132 provides notifications to the driver or other user of the vehicle 100 regarding the status of the seat monitoring. Also in various embodiments, the display system 132 allows the driver or other user of the vehicle 100 the opportunity to confirm and / or refine parameters of the seat monitoring system 10, for example via interaction with the display system 135 as detected via input sensors. In certain embodiments, the display system 132 provides a visual depiction of the notifications, for example via a display screen. In certain embodiments, audio, haptic, and / or other depictions of the information related thereto can be provided by the display system 132.

[0046] In various embodiments, as shown, the controller 126 is disposed within the vehicle body 103 of the vehicle 100. In certain embodiments, the controller 126 and / or one or more components thereof can be disposed outside of the vehicle body 103, for example on a remote server, in the cloud, or other means of performing data processing remotely.

[0047] It should be appreciated that the controller 126 can differ in other ways from the embodiments depicted in Figure 1 For example, the controller 126 can be coupled to or can otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, for example as part of one or more of the above-described vehicle 100 devices and systems.

[0048] It should be appreciated that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product in one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal bearing media having stored thereon instructions and / or data structures for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a processor 128, to execute and / or implement the program. Such program product can take many forms, including but not limited to a tangible storage medium and / or memory associated with the controller 126, such as a diskette, hard drive, memory card, and / or optical disc storing computer instructions to be executed by a computer processing system (such as the processor 128). The present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable signal bearing media utilized to actually carry out the distribution, whether that media be magnetic, punch cards, optical, including digital and / or analog communications links, downloadable from servers, over the airwaves, etc. It should similarly be appreciated that the computer system of the controller 126 can also differ in other ways from the embodiments depicted in Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, in that the computer system of the controller 126 can be coupled to or can otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0049] Figure 3is a flowchart of a process 200 for monitoring a child seat of a vehicle and for selectively generating notifications based thereon according to example embodiments. Process 200 can be implemented in conjunction with vehicle 100 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 , according to example embodiments. As can be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, the order of operations within process 200 is not limited to being performed in the order shown in Figure 3 , but rather can be performed in one or more varied orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure. In various embodiments, process 200 can be scheduled to run based on one or more predetermined events, and / or can run continuously during operation of vehicle 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3 , process 200 can begin at 202. In various embodiments, process 200 begins at the start of a vehicle drive or ignition cycle, such as when a user approaches or enters vehicle 100, or when a user unlocks the vehicle, remotely starts the vehicle, and / or opens a door of the vehicle (e.g., by turning a key, engaging a key fob or other button, etc.). At 204, it is determined whether a passenger ingress / egress event has occurred, such as by monitoring door openings or other events associated therewith. If an ingress / egress event has occurred at 204, sensor data is obtained at 206. In various embodiments, the cabin is monitored by obtaining sensor data from one or more sensing devices of a sensor system.

[0051] In various embodiments, at 208, it is determined whether a vehicle seat is occupied, such as based on passenger sensor data. If the seat is not occupied at 208, process 200 continues to monitor the cabin at 206. However, if it is determined that the seat is occupied at 208, it is determined whether the seat is occupied by a child at 210. For example, mass or weight data or camera data can be evaluated to determine whether the seat is occupied by a child.

[0052] If the seat is not occupied by a child at 210, process 200 continues to monitor the cabin at 206. However, if the seat is occupied by a child at 210, the presence of the child seat is determined using altitude resolution and Doppler logic at 212. A baseline resting position of the child seat and seated child is established at 214.

[0053] Thereafter, motion of the vehicle is monitored at 216. For example, once the vehicle speed is greater than zero (or some other threshold speed), child movement and seat movement are monitored based on sensor data from the sensor system at the seat movement. And at 220, seat movement and child movement lags are determined and monitored at 222 and 224. For example, at 218, radar sensor data is used to determine average and maximum position displacement of the child seat in any direction. Vehicle dynamics information is used to understand vehicle maneuvers and weight observed data.

[0054] If at 222 and 224 the seat movement or child movement is not greater than the threshold, the method continues to monitor child movement and seat movement at 218. If at 222 and 224 the seat movement or child movement is greater than the threshold, notification data is generated to, for example, a notification device at 226 to notify an occupant of the vehicle that a retention failure can have occurred. Thereafter, process 200 can end at 226.

[0055] It can be appreciated that process 200 can be configured based on user input provided by a user through a notification system. For example, a user is provided with the option to enable the feature and determine child seat position.

[0056] Thus, methods, systems, and vehicles for monitoring child seats of a vehicle are provided. It should be appreciated that the systems, vehicles, and methods can differ from those depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, Figure 1 Vehicle 100 and control system 120 and components thereof can vary in different embodiments. It will be similarly appreciated that the steps of process 200 can differ from those depicted in Figure 2 and described herein, and / or individual steps of process 200 can occur simultaneously and / or in a different order than depicted in Figure 2 and described herein.

[0057] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the application, it should be appreciated that a vast number of modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a sensor system configured within a cabin of a vehicle and configured to generate sensor data indicative of motion of a child seat seated on a seat of the vehicle, wherein the sensor data comprises range data and Doppler data; and a processor of the vehicle communicatively coupled to the sensor system, the processor configured to determine a baseline position of the child seat seated on a seat of the vehicle from the sensor data, determine real-time displacement of the child seat relative to the baseline position in response to a vehicle speed greater than a threshold speed and vehicle dynamic information indicative of a vehicle maneuver from the sensor data, and selectively generate notification data based on the real-time displacement exceeding a threshold displacement; and a user interface to display a visual notification to a passenger of the vehicle in response to the notification data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the sensor system comprises a radar configured within the cabin of the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to determine an ingress or egress event of the vehicle, and wherein the processor determines the baseline position of the child seat based on the ingress or egress event.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, the real-time displacement comprises a dynamically adjusted maximum value and a dynamically adjusted minimum value in any direction.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, the processor is further configured to determine whether a child is seated in the child seat based on the sensor data, and wherein the processor selectively generates the notification data based on whether a child is seated in the child seat.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, the processor is further configured to receive user input and configure the notification data based on the user input.

7. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, sensor data indicative of motion of a child seat seated on a seat within a cabin of a vehicle, wherein the sensor data comprises range data and Doppler data generated by a sensor system within the vehicle cabin; and determining, by the processor, a baseline position of the child seat seated on a seat of the vehicle from the sensor data; determining, by the processor, real-time displacement of the child seat from the baseline position in response to a vehicle speed greater than a threshold speed and vehicle dynamic information indicative of a vehicle maneuver from the sensor data; selectively generating, by the processor, notification data based on the real-time displacement exceeding a threshold displacement; and displaying, by a user interface, a visual notification to a passenger of the vehicle in response to the notification data.

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