System for predicting a door opening event of a side door of a vehicle

Abstract

A system for predicting a door opening event of a vehicle includes an identity recognition device associated with a personal occupant profile. The system also includes one or more controllers in electronic communication with the identity recognition device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in a memory of the one or more controllers, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identity recognition device. The one or more controllers execute instructions to determine that a predetermined condition has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine off event. The one or more controllers determine a door opening event probability value based at least on the gear probability value and the engine off probability value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system for predicting vehicle door opening events, wherein the opening event represents when a side door of the vehicle is opened. The system also determines whether a potential collision situation exists between the side door and a moving object surrounding the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, such as cars, typically include a driver's side door and a passenger side door. Many cars also include a rear passenger side door. Once the vehicle is parked or has stopped moving and is located on one side of the road, an occupant can open one of the side doors. The occupant can then exit the vehicle. However, when an occupant turns to open one of the vehicle's side doors, he or she creates an obstruction along the road. Therefore, it is challenging for an occupant to open a vehicle's side door without significantly interfering with traffic. In addition to traffic, the vehicle's side doors should not interfere with the movement of cyclists, pedestrians, or any other person traveling along the road. Therefore, people are particularly careful when opening the side doors of vehicles located on the roadside, especially in urban environments.

[0003] Therefore, while current vehicles achieve their intended purpose, there is a need in the art for a method to notify the user when the vehicle's side doors will be opened. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a system for predicting vehicle door opening events is disclosed. The system includes an identification device associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device links the personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located within the vehicle. The system also includes one or more controllers in electronic communication with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by the one or more occupants associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers execute instructions to determine that a predetermined condition has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event. In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, one or more controllers calculate a gear probability value starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the elapsed time is based on the historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers receive a transmission signal indicating that the vehicle's gear has been shifted to park. In response to receiving a transmission signal, one or more controllers determine an engine shutdown probability value starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time is based on historical occupant behavior associated with an identification device. The one or more controllers determine a door opening event probability value based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value.

[0005] In one aspect, one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile had unbuckled their seatbelts before the vehicle was shifted into park.

[0006] On the other hand, the probability value of the door opening event is less than 1, and it is the sum of the gear shift probability value and the engine shut-off probability value.

[0007] In another aspect, after the vehicle's gear was shifted to park, one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile had unbuckled their seatbelts.

[0008] In one aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred, and in response to receiving the engine signal, determine a seatbelt unfastening probability value.

[0009] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to determine the door opening event probability value based on the gear position probability value, the engine shutdown probability value, and the seat belt unfastening probability value.

[0010] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to: compare a door opening event probability value with a threshold confidence value, determine that the door opening event probability value is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, and, in response to determining that the door opening event probability value is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, predict that the door opening event will occur.

[0011] In one aspect, in response to a prediction that the vehicle door opening event will occur, one or more controllers perform a map matching algorithm based on a digital map of the geographic area where the vehicle is located and the geographic coordinates of the vehicle.

[0012] On the other hand, one or more controllers determine, based on the execution of a map matching algorithm, that the vehicle's side doors will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

[0013] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to transmit a basic safety message (BSM) to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle, the basic safety message including indicators of potential collision conditions.

[0014] In one aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to: receive signals from one or more vehicle sensors, wherein the signals indicate that one or more moving objects are approaching the rear of the vehicle, and in response to receiving the signals, determine that the one or more moving objects approaching the rear of the vehicle satisfy a plurality of predetermined parameters. The plurality of predetermined parameters indicate that the one or more moving objects approaching the rear of the vehicle create a potential collision situation with an open side door and one or more moving objects.

[0015] In another aspect, the plurality of predetermined parameters include threshold speed, threshold collision time, threshold lateral distance between the moving object and the vehicle, and threshold longitudinal distance between the moving object and the vehicle.

[0016] In another aspect, the system also includes one or more human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that communicate electronically with one or more controllers, wherein one or more controllers execute instructions to command the HMI to generate an alarm to notify the occupants of a potential collision.

[0017] In one aspect, the identification device is a remote device associated with the individual occupant profile, wherein the remote device is a portable electronic device carried by the occupant while in the vehicle.

[0018] In one aspect, a system for predicting door opening events in a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the system may include an identification device associated with a personal occupant profile. The identification device is a remote device carried by an occupant while in the vehicle. The system also includes one or more controllers wirelessly communicating with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers execute instructions to determine that a predetermined condition has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event. In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, the one or more controllers calculate an engine shutdown probability value, which starts from zero and increases with the elapsed time of a first time, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time of a second time is based on the historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred, and in response to receiving the engine signal, the one or more controllers determine a seatbelt unfastening probability value, which starts from zero and increases with the elapsed time of a second time. The rate at which the seatbelt unfastening probability increases with the passage of a second time period is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device. One or more controllers determine the door opening event probability value based at least on the engine shutdown probability value and the seatbelt unfastening probability value.

[0019] In one aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to: compare a door opening event probability value with a threshold confidence value, and determine that the door opening event probability value is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value. In response to determining that the door opening event probability value is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, one or more controllers predict that the door opening event will occur.

[0020] In another aspect, in response to a prediction that the vehicle door opening event will occur, one or more controllers perform a map matching algorithm based on a digital map of the geographic area where the vehicle is located and the geographic coordinates of the vehicle.

[0021] In another aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions based on a map matching algorithm to determine that the vehicle's side door will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

[0022] In one aspect, one or more controllers execute instructions to transmit a basic safety message (BSM) to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle, the basic safety message including indicators of potential collision conditions.

[0023] In one aspect, a system for predicting vehicle door opening events is disclosed. The system includes an identification device associated with a default personal occupant profile. This identification device links the default personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located within the vehicle. The system also includes one or more controllers in electronic communication with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers establish personal occupant profiles in their memory. These personal occupant profiles are established by modifying the default personal occupant profile using historical occupant behaviors exhibited by the one or more occupants associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers execute instructions to determine that a predetermined condition has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event. In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, one or more controllers calculate a gear probability value starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the elapsed time is based on the default personal occupant profile associated with the identification device. One or more controllers receive a transmission signal indicating that the vehicle's gear has been shifted to park. In response to receiving a transmission signal, one or more controllers determine an engine shutdown probability value starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time is based on a default individual occupant profile associated with the identification device. The one or more controllers determine a door opening event probability value based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value. Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] Option 1. A system for predicting vehicle door opening events, wherein the system comprises:

[0025] An identification device associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device links the personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located in the vehicle;

[0026] One or more controllers that electronically communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0027] A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event;

[0028] In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, a gear probability value is calculated starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the passage of the first time is based on historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device.

[0029] Receive a transmission signal, wherein the transmission signal indicates that the gear of the vehicle has been switched to parking gear;

[0030] In response to receiving a transmission signal, an engine shutdown probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time of a second time period, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time period is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device; and

[0031] The door opening event probability value is determined based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value.

[0032] Option 2. The system according to Option 1, wherein one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile have unbuckled their seatbelts before the vehicle's gear is switched to park.

[0033] Option 3. The system according to Option 2, wherein the door opening event probability value is less than 1, and is the sum of the gear position probability value and the engine off probability value.

[0034] Option 4. The system according to Option 1, wherein after the vehicle's gear is switched to park, one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile have unbuckled their seatbelts.

[0035] Option 5. The system according to Option 4, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0036] Receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred; and

[0037] In response to receiving an engine signal, the probability value of the seatbelt being unfastened is determined.

[0038] Option 6. The system according to Option 5, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0039] The probability value of the door opening event is determined based on the probability value of the gear position, the probability value of the engine being turned off, and the probability value of the seat belt being unfastened.

[0040] Option 7. The system according to Option 1, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0041] The probability value of the door opening event is compared with the threshold confidence value;

[0042] Determine that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value; and

[0043] In response to determining that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, the door opening event is predicted to occur.

[0044] Option 8. The system according to Option 7, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0045] In response to the prediction that the vehicle door opening event will occur, a map matching algorithm is executed based on a digital map of the geographical area where the vehicle is located and the geographical coordinates of the vehicle.

[0046] Option 9. The system according to Option 8, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0047] Based on the map matching algorithm, it is determined that the vehicle's side door will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

[0048] Option 10. The system according to Option 9, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0049] Basic safety messages (BSMs) are transmitted to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle. These BSMs include indicators that suggest a potential collision situation.

[0050] Option 11. The system according to Option 7, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0051] Receive signals from one or more vehicle sensors, wherein the signals indicate that one or more moving objects are approaching the rear of the vehicle; and

[0052] In response to receiving the signal, it is determined that one or more moving objects approaching the rear side of the vehicle satisfy a plurality of predetermined parameters, wherein the plurality of predetermined parameters indicate that the one or more moving objects approaching the rear side of the vehicle will produce a potential collision situation with the opened side door and the one or more moving objects.

[0053] Solution 12. The system according to Solution 11, wherein the plurality of predetermined parameters include threshold speed, threshold collision time, threshold lateral distance between the moving object and the vehicle, and threshold longitudinal distance between the moving object and the vehicle.

[0054] Option 13. The system according to Option 11, wherein the system further includes one or more human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0055] The HMI is commanded to generate an alarm, notifying the occupants of the vehicle of a potential collision.

[0056] Option 14. The system according to Option 1, wherein the identification device is a remote device associated with the personal occupant profile, wherein the remote device is a portable electronic device carried by the occupant while in the vehicle.

[0057] Option 15. A system for predicting vehicle door opening events, wherein the system comprises:

[0058] An identification device associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device is a remote device carried by the occupant while in the vehicle;

[0059] One or more controllers that wirelessly communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0060] A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event;

[0061] In response to determining that a predetermined condition has occurred, an engine shutdown probability value is calculated, the engine shutdown probability value starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the passage of a second time is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device;

[0062] Receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred; and

[0063] In response to receiving an engine signal, a seatbelt unfastening probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed second time interval, wherein the rate at which the seatbelt unfastening probability value increases with the elapsed second time interval is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device; and

[0064] The probability value of the door opening event is determined based at least on the probability value of the engine shutting off and the probability value of the seat belt unfastening.

[0065] Option 16. The system according to Option 15, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0066] The probability value of the door opening event is compared with the threshold confidence value;

[0067] Determine that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value; and

[0068] In response to determining that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, the door opening event is predicted to occur.

[0069] Option 17. The system according to Option 16, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0070] In response to the prediction that the vehicle door opening event will occur, a map matching algorithm is executed based on a digital map of the geographical area where the vehicle is located and the geographical coordinates of the vehicle.

[0071] Option 18. The system according to Option 17, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0072] Based on the map matching algorithm, it is determined that the vehicle's side door will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

[0073] Option 19. The system according to Option 18, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0074] Basic safety messages (BSMs) are transmitted to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle. These BSMs include indicators that suggest a potential collision situation.

[0075] Option 20. A system for predicting vehicle door opening events, wherein the system comprises:

[0076] An identification device associated with a default personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device links the default personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located in the vehicle;

[0077] One or more controllers that electronically communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers establish personal occupant profiles in their memory, wherein the personal occupant profiles are established by modifying a default personal occupant profile using historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0078] A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event;

[0079] In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, a gear probability value is calculated starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the passage of the first time is based on a default personal occupant profile associated with the identification device.

[0080] Receive a transmission signal, wherein the transmission signal indicates that the gear of the vehicle has been switched to parking gear;

[0081] In response to receiving a transmission signal, an engine shutdown probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time of a second time interval, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time of the second time interval is based on a default personal occupant profile associated with the identification device; and

[0082] The door opening event probability value is determined based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle including the disclosed system for predicting door opening events;

[0085] Figure 2A This is a timeline illustrating an exemplary implementation in which the occupants leave the vehicle once the vehicle's gear is shifted to park and an engine shutdown event occurs.

[0086] Figure 2B According to one exemplary implementation, Figure 2A An alternative implementation of the timeline shown is in which the occupant also unbuckles his or her seatbelt before leaving the vehicle.

[0087] Figure 2C According to one exemplary implementation, Figure 2A Another implementation of the timeline shown, wherein the vehicle is not switched to park before the occupants leave the vehicle.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a process flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating a method for transmitting a notification indicating a potential collision situation over a network; and

[0089] Figure 4 This is a process flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating a method for warning vehicle occupants in response to determining that one or more moving objects are approaching the rear of the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or use.

[0091] refer to Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle 10 is shown, having a system 12 for predicting door opening events, where the opening event represents when a side door 20 of vehicle 10 is opened by an occupant. It should be understood that vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a van, truck, SUV, minivan, or motorhome. In one embodiment, vehicle 10 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle; however, it should be understood that a vehicle manually driven by an individual may also be used. The disclosed system 12 has one or more controllers 22 in electronic communication with one or more vehicle sensors 24, one or more human-machine interfaces (HMIs) 26, one or more antennas 28, one or more door proximity sensors 30, one or more identification devices 32, and one or more vehicle system controllers 34. One or more antennas 28 wirelessly connect one or more controllers 22 of vehicle 10 to one or more moving objects 40 surrounding vehicle 10 via a wireless network 46. Figure 1 In the example shown, one or more mobile objects 40 may include vehicles and bicycles. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the controller 22 of system 12 sends and receives basic safety messages (BSMs) from the mobile objects 40 located in the environment based on vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X).

[0092] As described below, the disclosed system 12 predicts a door opening event based on historical occupant behavior observed before an occupant exits the vehicle 10 through one of the side doors 20. Specifically, the system 12 determines a door opening event probability value based on historical occupant behavior, and if the door opening event probability value is equal to or greater than a threshold confidence value, the system 12 predicts that a door opening event will occur. In one embodiment, the system 12 determines that the opening side door 20 creates a potential collision situation with one or more moving objects 40 around the vehicle 10. The controller 22 transmits a notification to the moving objects 40 surrounding the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the notification is a BSM, which includes a flag indicating a potential collision situation via network 46. In one embodiment, in response to determining that one or more moving objects 40 are approaching the rear side 48 of the vehicle, the system 12 generates an alarm for the occupants of the vehicle 10.

[0093] Occupants can enter or exit vehicle 10 through one of the side doors 20. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 10 has a driver's side door 20A, a passenger side door 20B, and two rear passenger side doors 20C. Although Figure 1 The vehicle 10 shown has four side doors 20, but it should be understood that... Figure 1 This is merely illustrative in nature, and the vehicle 10 may have any number of side doors 20. For example, in another embodiment, the vehicle 10 may have only a driver's side door 20A and a passenger side door 20B, without a rear passenger side door.

[0094] One or more vehicle sensors 24 are configured to detect when one or more moving objects 40 are approaching the rear side 48 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the one or more vehicle sensors 24 have radar, particularly short-range radar. However, it should be understood that other sensors, such as cameras, may also be used. The HMI 26 is any device that allows occupants to interact with the vehicle 10, such as a touchscreen.

[0095] The identification device 32 communicates electronically with one or more controllers 22, wherein the identification device links a personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located within the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the remote device is any portable electronic device carried by the occupant (e.g., the driver or passenger of the vehicle 10), wherein the identification device 32, such as a key fob, wirelessly communicates with one or more controllers 22 when the occupant is within the vehicle 10. It should be understood that items that can be carried by the occupant, such as wallets, handbags, or other portable storage devices, are included among the items carried by the occupant. The identification device 32 is associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device 32 is stored in the memory of one or more controllers 22 and includes historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the personal occupant profile. It should be understood that a personal occupant profile may represent behavior exhibited by more than one unique person. For example, vehicle 10 may include two key cards, wherein the first key card is associated with a single individual, and the second key card is associated with two different individuals (e.g., the first key card is associated with a parent, and the second key card is associated with two children of legal driving age).

[0096] As described below, controller 22 monitors one or more vehicle system controllers 34 to detect specific actions performed by one or more occupants associated with individual occupant profiles after an engine shutdown event but before exiting vehicle 10 by opening one of the side doors 20. Figure 1In the example shown, the identification device 32 is depicted as a key card. However, it should be understood that... Figure 1 Other portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, may also be used, though this is merely illustrative in nature. In another implementation, the identification device 32 is not a portable device, but rather part of one or more vehicle systems. For example, in one implementation, the identification device 32 is a smart camera capable of identifying occupants in vehicle 10 based on facial recognition technology.

[0097] In one implementation, if a new or unknown occupant is present in vehicle 10, system 12 may employ a default personal occupant profile based on default settings modified when historical occupant profiles were created. Specifically, one or more controllers 22 create personal occupant profiles in memory, wherein these profiles are created by modifying the default personal occupant profile with historical occupant behavior exhibited over time by one or more occupants associated with identification device 32. For example, one or more controllers 30 may create personal occupant profiles over a time span of fifty or more instances where one or more occupants associated with identification device 32 open side door 20 and leave vehicle 10.

[0098] Door proximity sensor 30 is any type of sensor used to detect the presence of an occupant's hand when the occupant's hand approaches the inner door handle of one of the side doors 20 of the vehicle 10. For example, door proximity sensor 30 can be an infrared sensor or a capacitive touch sensor; however, other types of sensors may also be used. One or more vehicle system controllers 34 are associated with systems with which the occupant interacts after an engine shutdown event and before a door opening event, such as, but not limited to, transmission control module 60, engine control module 62, restraint control module 64, body control module 66, and control module 68 for a driver monitoring system (DMS). As described below, in one embodiment, controller 22 receives a transmission signal 70 from transmission control module 60 (…). Figure 2A The transmission signal indicates that the gear of vehicle 10 has been switched to parking gear, and receives engine signal 72 from engine control module 62. Figure 2A The engine signal indicates an engine shutdown event, and it receives a constraint signal 74 from the constraint control module 64. Figure 2C This restraint signal indicates that the seatbelt has been unfastened or released.

[0099] One or more controllers 22 predict door opening events based on historical occupant behavior observed after the vehicle 10 experiences an engine shutdown event and before the occupants exit the vehicle 10. In one implementation, historical occupant behavior is based on the length of time taken by one or more occupants to open one of the side doors 20 of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle's gear is shifted to park and / or when the occupant's associated seatbelt is unfastened. Historical occupant behavior is a profile built based on specific behaviors performed by occupants when they exit the vehicle 10 a predetermined number of times with the identification device 32 present, because different individuals exhibit their own characteristics or specific behaviors before opening one of the side doors 20 of the vehicle 10. For example, some occupants do not open the side door 20 of the vehicle 10 until the vehicle's gear is in park and their seatbelts are unfastened. However, other occupants may not have fastened their seatbelts before exiting the vehicle 10. Furthermore, some other occupants do not shift the vehicle 10's gear to park before opening the side door 20.

[0100] Figure 2A-2C Various timelines are shown for predicting door-opening events based on specific behaviors exhibited by one or more occupants associated with individual occupant profiles. Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, once the gear of vehicle 10 is placed in park and an engine shutdown event occurs, the occupants exit vehicle 10. Figure 2A In the example shown, the occupant associated with the individual occupant profile had unbuckled his or her seatbelt before the gear in vehicle 10 was shifted to park. Specifically, see reference... Figure 1 and 2A In one implementation, one or more controllers 22 determine that a predetermined condition 80 has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition 80 indicates that vehicle 10 is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event. For example, in one implementation, the predetermined condition 80 is determined based on the geographical location and vehicle speed of vehicle 10. In this example, vehicle 10 decelerates to a threshold speed and enters a parking space.

[0101] In response to determining a predetermined condition 80 that has occurred, one or more controllers 22 calculate the gear probability value P. P The probability value P of shifting gears P From zero (P) P = 0) starts and increases as the first time interval t1 passes. It should be understood that the gear probability value P P The rate of increase as the initial time elapses is based on historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device 32. For example, in the gear probability value P P There can be a linear or exponential relationship between it and the first time value t1. For example... Figure 2AAs shown, one or more controllers 22 receive a transmission signal 70, wherein the transmission signal 70 indicates that the gear of the vehicle 10 has been shifted to parking gear. In response to receiving the transmission signal 70, the gear probability value P... P The probability value P is set to the maximum gear. PMAX .

[0102] In response to receiving the transmission signal 70, one or more controllers 22 determine the engine shutdown probability value P. E The probability value P of engine shutdown E From zero (P) E The probability of engine shutdown starts at 0 and increases as the second time increment t2 passes. It should be understood that the engine shutdown probability value P... E The rate of increase as the second time elapses is based on historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device 32. One or more controllers 22 receive an engine signal 72 indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred, wherein the engine shutdown event occurs after the gear is shifted to park. In response to receiving the engine signal 72, the engine shutdown probability value P... E The maximum engine shutdown probability value P is set. E MAX Then, one or more controllers 22 can, at least based on the gear probability value P P And the probability value P of engine shutdown E Determine the probability value P of the door opening event DOOR OPEN Specifically, in one implementation, the probability value P of the door opening event is... DOOR OPEN Less than 1, and is the probability value P of the gear position. P And the probability value P of engine shutdown E The sum (P) DOOR OPEN = P P + P E <1).

[0103] As mentioned above, in Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the occupant associated with the individual occupant profile has unbuckled their seatbelt before the vehicle 10 is shifted to park. Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, after the gear of vehicle 10 is shifted to park, the occupant unbuckles his or her seatbelt. Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, once the vehicle 10 is in park, the occupant exits the vehicle 10, the engine shuts off, and the occupant associated with the individual occupant profile has unbuckled their seatbelt. Figure 2BIn the example shown, after one or more controllers 22 receive an engine signal 72 indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred, the occupant associated with the individual occupant profile unbuckles his or her seatbelt.

[0104] refer to Figure 1 and 2B One or more controllers 22 are based on the gear probability value P P Engine shutdown probability value P E The probability P of the seatbelt being unfastened U Determine the probability value P of the door opening event DOOR OPEN Specifically, in one implementation, the probability value P of the door opening event is... DOOR OPEN Less than 1, and is the probability value P of the gear position. P Engine shutdown probability value P E The probability P of the seatbelt being unfastened U The sum (P) DOOR OPEN = P P + P E + P U <1). Figure 2B and Figure 2A Similarly, except that after receiving the engine signal 72 indicating an engine shutdown event, one or more controllers 22 then determine the seatbelt unfastening probability value P. U Among them, the probability value P of the seat belt being unfastened U Starting from zero (P) U = 0) and increases as the third time interval t3 passes. It should be understood that the probability P of the seatbelt unfastening is... U The rate of increase as the third time interval elapses is based on historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device 32. One or more controllers 22 receive a restraint signal 74 from the restraint control module 64, indicating that the occupant associated with the personal occupant profile has unbuckled his or her seatbelt. In response to receiving the restraint signal 74, a seatbelt unbuckle probability value P is determined. U The maximum probability value P of the seatbelt being unfastened is set. U Then, one or more controllers 22 can determine the probability value P of the door opening event. DOOR OPEN .

[0105] exist Figure 2A and 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the gears of vehicle 10 are manually shifted by the driver. However, in another embodiment, the driver can turn off the engine without shifting vehicle 10 into park, for example, when vehicle 10 includes an electronic shifter. Now refer to Figure 2CIn one implementation, one or more controllers 22 determine that a predetermined condition 80 has occurred, wherein the predetermined condition 80 indicates that the vehicle 10 is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event. In response to determining that the predetermined condition 80 has occurred, one or more controllers 22 calculate an engine shutdown probability value P. E .like Figure 2C As shown, one or more controllers 22 receive an engine signal 72, wherein the engine signal 72 indicates that an engine shutdown event has occurred. In response to receiving the engine signal 72, the engine shutdown probability value P... E The maximum engine shutdown probability value P is set. EMAX .

[0106] Then, in response to receiving engine signal 72, one or more controllers 22 determine the seatbelt unfastening probability value P. U Then, one or more controllers 22 receive a restraint signal 74 from the restraint control module 64, indicating that an occupant associated with an individual occupant profile has unbuckled his or her seatbelt. In response to receiving the restraint signal 74, the seatbelt unbuckled probability value P... U The maximum probability value P of the seatbelt being unfastened is set. UMAX Then, one or more controllers 22 can, at least based on the engine shutdown probability value P E The probability P of the seatbelt being unfastened U Determine the probability value P of the door opening event DOOR OPEN Specifically, in one implementation, the probability value P of the door opening event is... DOOR OPEN Less than 1, and is the engine shutdown probability value P. E The probability P of the seatbelt being unfastened U The sum (P) DOOR OPEN = P P + P U <1).

[0107] One or more controllers 22 will set the door opening event probability value P DOOR OPEN The comparison is made with a threshold confidence value. In one implementation, the threshold confidence value is application-specific and can be determined based on empirical data. This is in response to determining the probability value P of the door opening event. DOOR OPEN If the value is equal to or less than a threshold confidence value, one or more controllers 22 predict that a door opening event will occur. In one embodiment, one or more controllers 22 further determine that the side door 20 being opened creates a potential collision situation with one or more moving objects 40 surrounding the vehicle 10, and transmit a notification to the moving object 40 via network 46 indicating the potential collision situation with the opened side door 20.

[0108] It should be understood that, in another implementation, system 12 may predict door opening events based on a different method than [previous method]. Figure 2A-2C The system 12 can predict a door opening event based on one of the timelines shown. For example, the system 12 can predict a door opening event by detecting an occupant's hand approaching the inner door handle of one or more side doors 20 of the vehicle 10 via a door proximity sensor 30. In another example, the system 12 can predict a door opening event by monitoring an occupant's gaze or behavior via a DMS. In yet another implementation, the system 12 can predict a door opening event based on the status of the hood latch or trunk latch, the location of the occupant's key card, the end of an occupant's telephone conversation, or the end of a route (if the vehicle 10 is following a navigation system). In yet another implementation, if the vehicle 10 is a taxi or shared vehicle, the system 12 can predict a door opening event based on when payment is completed.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating method 200, which transmits a notification indicating a potential collision situation to a moving object 40 surrounding the vehicle 10 via network 46. This notification is, for example, a BSM including a flag indicating a potential collision situation via network 46. Now refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Method 200 can begin with block 202. In block 202, one or more controllers 22 determine the door opening event probability value P. DOOR OPEN As mentioned above, the probability value P of the door opening event... DOOR OPEN Based on Figure 2A , 2B Or determined by one of the timelines shown in 2C. In an alternative implementation, system 12 predicts the door opening event based on another method, rather than based on... Figure 2A-2C The timeline shown is used to predict the door opening event. Then, method 200 can proceed to decision box 204.

[0110] In decision box 204, one or more controllers 22 will determine the door opening event probability value P. DOOR OPEN Compare with the threshold confidence value. If the probability value of the door opening event P... DOOR OPEN If the value is less than the threshold confidence value, the method can terminate. However, in response to determining the probability value P of the door opening event... DOOR OPEN If the threshold confidence value is equal to or greater than the threshold, one or more controllers 22 predict that the door opening event will occur and method 200 can proceed to box 206.

[0111] In block 206, one or more controllers 22 perform a map matching algorithm based on a digital map of the geographic area where vehicle 10 is located and the geographic coordinates of vehicle 10. Then, method 200 can proceed to block 208.

[0112] In block 208, one or more controllers 22 determine whether side door 20 will be opened into the area where moving object 40 is traveling, based on an executed map matching algorithm. For example, one or more controllers 22 may determine that side door 20 is opened into a bike lane or towards the street, creating a potential collision situation with one or more moving objects 40. If one or more controllers 22 determine that side door 20 will not be opened into the area where moving object 40 is traveling, method 200 may terminate. Otherwise, method 200 may proceed to block 210.

[0113] In block 210, one or more controllers 22 transmit a BSM including a flag indicating a potential collision condition to one or more moving objects 40 via network 46. Method 200 can then proceed to block 212.

[0114] In block 212, one or more moving objects 40 generate a notification based on a marker included as part of the BSM and other factors, informing one or more occupants of vehicle 10 that an obstacle has been created by the side door 20. Specifically, the notification is generated by the one or more moving objects 40 based on the moving object's speed, collision time, lateral distance between the moving object and vehicle 10, and longitudinal distance between the moving object and vehicle 10. The notification informs one or more occupants of the vehicle or a cyclist of the impending obstacle created by the open side door 20. Method 200 can then terminate.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating method 300, which warns the occupants of vehicle 10 in response to determining that one or more moving objects 40 are approaching the rear side 48 of the vehicle. In one embodiment, one or more controllers 22 use HMI 26 to generate an alarm. Referring now to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 Method 300 can begin at block 302. In block 302, one or more controllers 22 determine the door opening event probability value P. DOOR OPEN As mentioned above, the probability value P of the door opening event... DOOR OPEN Based on Figure 2A , 2B Or it can be determined from one of the timelines shown in 2C. Then, method 300 can proceed to decision box 304.

[0116] In decision box 304, one or more controllers 22 will determine the door opening event probability value P. DOOR OPEN Compare with the threshold confidence value. If the probability value of the door opening event P... DOOR OPEN If the value is less than the threshold confidence value, the method can terminate. However, in response to determining the probability value P of the door opening event... DOOR OPENIf the threshold confidence value is equal to or greater than the threshold, one or more controllers 22 predict that the door opening event will occur and method 300 can proceed to box 306.

[0117] In block 306, one or more controllers 22 receive signals from one or more vehicle sensors 24 indicating that one or more moving objects 40 are approaching the rear side 48 of vehicle 10. For example, radar or a camera may generate a signal indicating the presence of a cyclist approaching the rear side of vehicle 10. Method 300 can then proceed to block 308.

[0118] In block 308, in response to receiving a signal, one or more controllers 22 determine whether one or more moving objects 40 indicated by the signal satisfy a plurality of predetermined parameters, wherein the plurality of predetermined parameters indicate that one or more moving objects 40 approaching the rear side 48 of vehicle 10 will produce a potential collision with the open side door 20. In one embodiment, the plurality of predetermined parameters include a threshold speed, a threshold collision time, a threshold lateral distance between the moving object and vehicle 10, and a threshold longitudinal distance between the moving object and vehicle 10. If the moving object 40 does not satisfy the plurality of parameters, method 300 terminates. However, in response to determining that the moving object 40 satisfies the predetermined parameters, method 300 may proceed to block 310.

[0119] In block 310, one or more controllers 22 command the HMI 26 to generate an alarm, notifying the occupants of vehicle 10 of a potential collision. For example, the alarm tone can be broadcast via a speaker, and the message can be displayed on a touchscreen. In one embodiment, one or more controllers 22 can electrically lock the side door 20 of vehicle 10 for a predetermined amount of time to prevent the occupants from opening the side door 20 of vehicle 10. Method 300 can then terminate.

[0120] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed system provides various technical effects and benefits by informing occupants, as well as occupants of surrounding vehicles and cyclists, of potential impact situations that may occur when a vehicle's side door is opened. The system predicts door opening events based on historical occupant behavior observed before the vehicle experiences an engine shutdown event and before the occupants exit the vehicle, wherein the historical occupant behavior is associated with a specific individual or groups of individuals.

[0121] A controller can refer to or be subordinate to electronic circuitry, combinational logic circuitry, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code, or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip. Furthermore, the controller can be microprocessor-based, such as a computer having at least one processor, memory (RAM and / or ROM), and associated input and output buses. The processor can operate under the control of an operating system residing in memory. The operating system can manage computer resources so that computer program code embodied as one or more computer software applications (e.g., an application residing in memory) can have instructions that are executed by the processor. In an alternative implementation, the processor can directly execute the application, in which case the operating system can be omitted.

[0122] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and variations thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for predicting vehicle door opening events, wherein, The system includes: An identification device associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device links the personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located in the vehicle; One or more controllers that electronically communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event; In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, a gear probability value is calculated starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the passage of the first time is based on historical occupant behavior included in the personal occupant profile associated with the identification device. Receive a transmission signal, wherein the transmission signal indicates that the gear of the vehicle has been switched to parking gear; In response to receiving a transmission signal, an engine shutdown probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time of a second time period, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time period is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device; and The door opening event probability value is determined based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, Before the vehicle is switched to park, one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile have unbuckled their seatbelts.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The probability value of the door opening event is less than 1, and it is the sum of the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, After the vehicle's gear was switched to park, one or more occupants associated with the individual occupant profile had unbuckled their seatbelts.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred; and In response to receiving an engine signal, the probability value of the seatbelt being unfastened is determined.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: The probability value of the door opening event is determined based on the probability value of the gear position, the probability value of the engine being turned off, and the probability value of the seat belt being unfastened.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: The probability value of the door opening event is compared with the threshold confidence value; The probability value of the door opening event is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value; and In response to determining that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, the door opening event is predicted to occur.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: In response to the prediction that the door opening event will occur, a map matching algorithm is executed based on a digital map of the geographical area where the vehicle is located and the geographical coordinates of the vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Based on the map matching algorithm, it is determined that the vehicle's side door will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Basic safety messages (BSMs) are transmitted to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle. These BSMs include indicators that suggest a potential collision situation.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Receive signals from one or more vehicle sensors, wherein the signals indicate that one or more moving objects are approaching the rear of the vehicle; and In response to receiving the signal, it is determined that one or more moving objects approaching the rear side of the vehicle satisfy a plurality of predetermined parameters, wherein the plurality of predetermined parameters indicate that the one or more moving objects approaching the rear side of the vehicle will produce a potential collision situation with the opened side door and the one or more moving objects.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The predetermined parameters include threshold speed, threshold collision time, threshold lateral distance between the moving object and the vehicle, and threshold longitudinal distance between the moving object and the vehicle.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The system also includes one or more human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that communicate electronically with the one or more controllers, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: The HMI is commanded to generate an alarm, notifying the occupants of the vehicle of a potential collision.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The identification device is a remote device associated with the individual occupant profile, wherein the remote device is a portable electronic device carried by the occupant while in the vehicle.

15. A system for predicting door opening events in a vehicle, wherein, The system includes: An identification device associated with a personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device is a remote device carried by the occupant while in the vehicle; One or more controllers that wirelessly communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers store one or more personal occupant profiles in their memory, the personal occupant profiles including historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event; In response to determining that a predetermined condition has occurred, an engine shutdown probability value is calculated, the engine shutdown probability value starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the passage of the first time is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device; Receive an engine signal indicating that an engine shutdown event has occurred; and In response to receiving an engine signal, a seatbelt unfastening probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time of a second time period, wherein the rate at which the seatbelt unfastening probability value increases with the elapsed time period is based on historical occupant behavior associated with the identification device; and The probability value of the door opening event is determined based at least on the probability value of the engine shutting off and the probability value of the seat belt unfastening.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: The probability value of the door opening event is compared with the threshold confidence value; The probability value of the door opening event is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value; and In response to determining that the probability value of the door opening event is equal to or greater than the threshold confidence value, the door opening event is predicted to occur.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: In response to the prediction that the door opening event will occur, a map matching algorithm is executed based on a digital map of the geographical area where the vehicle is located and the geographical coordinates of the vehicle.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Based on the map matching algorithm, it is determined that the vehicle's side door will be opened into the area where the moving object is traveling.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The one or more controllers execute instructions to: Basic safety messages (BSMs) are transmitted to one or more moving objects surrounding the vehicle. These BSMs include indicators that suggest a potential collision situation.

20. A system for predicting door opening events in a vehicle, wherein, The system includes: An identification device associated with a default personal occupant profile, wherein the identification device links the default personal occupant profile to one or more occupants located in the vehicle; One or more controllers that electronically communicate with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers establish personal occupant profiles in their memory, wherein the personal occupant profiles are established by modifying a default personal occupant profile using historical occupant behavior exhibited by one or more occupants associated with the identification device, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: A predetermined condition has been determined to have occurred, wherein the predetermined condition indicates that the vehicle is experiencing a potential engine shutdown event; In response to determining that the predetermined condition has occurred, a gear probability value is calculated starting from zero and increasing with the passage of a first time, wherein the rate at which the gear probability value increases with the passage of the first time is based on a default personal occupant profile associated with the identification device. Receive a transmission signal, wherein the transmission signal indicates that the gear of the vehicle has been switched to parking gear; In response to receiving a transmission signal, an engine shutdown probability value is determined, starting from zero and increasing with the elapsed time of a second time interval, wherein the rate at which the engine shutdown probability value increases with the elapsed time of the second time interval is based on a default personal occupant profile associated with the identification device; and The door opening event probability value is determined based at least on the gear position probability value and the engine shutdown probability value.

Images