Customer-centric portable personal seat comfort preference

Abstract

A method of operating a customer-centric portable personal vehicle seat positioning system includes generating a pressure sensor profile in response to a user seated on a vehicle seat of a first vehicle having a seat base and a seat back; associating the pressure sensor distribution map with each user task; after each user task is associated, performing data reduction on the pressure sensor distribution map; and encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat comfort setting system. Background Art

[0002] Existing vehicle seats allow an occupant or user to move a seat base and seat back to a preferred seating position and save the preferred seating position for subsequent use by one or more vehicle users during vehicle operation by pressing a predetermined button, key fob, or digital switch. The preferred seating position is typically limited to fixed seat base pitch and fore-aft position and fixed seat back angle, and some vehicles also control lumbar support. During subsequent vehicle operation, the user may recall the preferred seating position by pressing a predetermined button, key fob, or digital switch.

[0003] Therefore, the current vehicle seat position preferences are manually selected and remain only in the specific vehicle in which the user originally set the seat position preferences. If the user purchases or changes to a second or additional vehicle, the seat position preferences must be reset and may not exactly match the original seat position for the user's position or comfort. Furthermore, the current seat position preferences will not change the seat during vehicle operation, for example, to accommodate changes in the user's comfort during extended driving operations.

[0004] Therefore, while current systems and methods for selecting and saving vehicle user preferred seating positions achieve their intended purposes, a new and improved system and method is needed for selecting and saving a user-selected vehicle seating position from one vehicle to another. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to several aspects, a method of operating a customer-centric portable personal vehicle seat positioning system includes: generating a pressure sensor distribution map in response to a user sitting in a vehicle seat of a first vehicle having a seat base and a seat back; associating the pressure sensor distribution map with each user task; performing data reduction on the pressure sensor distribution map after associating with each user task; and encoding a plurality of seat comfort preference distribution maps.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: positioning a first set of pressure sensors in the seat base to generate a first set of pressure sensor distribution maps; positioning a second set of pressure sensors in the seat back to generate a second set of pressure sensor distribution maps.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes configuring a first set of pressure sensors in a first array in the seat base to collectively generate a first set of pressure sensor profiles.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes configuring a second set of pressure sensors in a second array in the seat back to collectively generate a second set of pressure sensor profiles.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes receiving a first set of pressure sensor distribution maps, a second set of pressure sensor distribution maps, and a plurality of seat comfort preferences and saving them in a module; and forwarding the plurality of seat comfort preferences from the module to a user upon a user's request during a second vehicle operation or a subsequent vehicle operation.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes: using a signal combiner to combine a first group of pressure sensor distribution maps from a first pressure sensor and a second group of pressure sensor distribution maps from a second pressure sensor to generate an output signal; forwarding the output signal to a signal analyzer; generating a seat pressure distribution map from the first group of pressure sensor distribution maps and the second group of pressure sensor distribution maps; and using the seat pressure distribution map for signal encoding to generate a set of Fourier Shape Descriptors (FSD).

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes storing a plurality of seat comfort preferences in a customer profile database; calling the plurality of seat comfort preferences from the customer profile database; and applying one of the plurality of seat comfort preferences to adjust a second vehicle seat of a second vehicle.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: encoding a plurality of seat comfort preference profiles for one of a short driving event and a long driving event; and selectively requesting one of the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles for the short driving event or for the long driving event.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles into a first set of driving tasks when a user defines a vehicle operator and encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles into a second set of non-driving tasks when a user defines a vehicle occupant.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes operating a user interface to allow a user to visualize, record, and manipulate at least one of the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles.

[0015] According to several aspects, a method for generating and using a customer-centric portable personal vehicle seat comfort preference distribution map includes: measuring a first pressure distribution of a user in contact with a first vehicle seat; calculating a pressure distribution map of a seat cushion and a seat back of the first vehicle seat; creating a compact representation of the pressure distribution map with a finite set of Fourier shape descriptors (FSD) in a reduction model; encoding the finite set as a comfort preference distribution map of a user of the first vehicle, and storing the comfort preference distribution map in user distribution map data located in one of the first vehicles or in a cloud retention system. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes notifying a change in the configuration of the first vehicle seat during driving to compare the modified pressure distribution with the stored value encoded in the comfort preference distribution map; and switching the configuration of the first vehicle seat when the driving time changes between short-time operation, medium-time operation, and long-time operation.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes notifying the automatic changes of the user's comfort preference profile during the short-time operation, the medium-time operation, and the long-time operation.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes automatically and dynamically interpolating between values ​​of the comfort preference profile.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method also includes: measuring a second pressure distribution of a user sitting on a second vehicle seat of a second vehicle; applying a reduction model to generate a compact representation of the second pressure distribution; and comparing the first pressure distribution with the second pressure distribution and applying the difference between the first pressure distribution and the second pressure distribution to guide adjustment of the second vehicle seat.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes loading a customer profile having a plurality of different comfort preference profiles of a user into a user interface to visualize, record, and manipulate the customer profile.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes selecting a user interface from one of a smart phone, a tablet, a web page, a key fob, and a computer.

[0021] According to several aspects, a method for positioning a personal vehicle seat positioning system includes: recording a pressure profile generated between a vehicle seat and a user of a first vehicle; associating the pressure sensor profile with respective user tasks performed by the user during operation of the first vehicle; performing data reduction of the pressure sensor profile after association with the respective user tasks to create a finite set of scalars applied to encode a plurality of seat comfort preference profiles for the user; storing the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles in a customer profile database; retrieving the pressure sensor profile of the user during operation of the first vehicle; and changing the configuration of the vehicle seat to obtain a different seat comfort preference profile when the time of vehicle operation changes.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes: calling a customer profile database; and forwarding the customer profile database to the second vehicle.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes applying one of the seat comfort preference profiles to guide adjustment of a second seat in the second vehicle.

[0024] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat having a seat positioning system adapted to be used with a portable customer-centric comfort preference profile according to an exemplary aspect Figure 1 Use together.

[0027] Figure 2 is to provide signal processing and communication components to Figure 1 A flow chart of a system for transmitting information of a first vehicle to a second vehicle;

[0028] Figure 3 is a flow chart for transmitting the seat pressure distribution map data to the data reduction unit and generating;

[0029] Figure 4 Is used by Figure 1 A flow chart for encoding a finite set of Fourier shape descriptors for a pressure distribution map generated by a vehicle seat; and

[0030] Figure 5 is a graph showing pressure distribution diagrams for multiple seats. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 , a portable customer-centric seat comfort preference profile system 10 includes a vehicle seat 12 disposed in a first vehicle 14, the vehicle seat 12 being suitable for use with the portable customer-centric seat comfort preference profile system 10. Customer-centric as used herein is defined as a need, desire, or wish arising from a particular customer. The seat 12 may include a seat base 16 and a seat back 18 that rotates relative to the seat base 16. According to several aspects, the first vehicle 14 may include one or more seats 12. An exemplary user 20, defining an operator, customer, or passenger of the vehicle 14, is presented with a seated position on the seat 12. The user 20 may select to change the position of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18. To effectuate the seat position change, the seat 12 is slidably supported on a track frame 22 that is fixed to a vehicle structural frame 24. To adjust the position of the seat base 16, a first seat position switch 26 is actuated by the user 20 to slidably displace the seat base 16 in an upward direction 28, a relative downward direction 30, a forward direction 32, and a relative rearward direction 34. To adjust the position of the seat back 18, the second seat position switch 36 allows the user 20 to rotate the seat back 18 along a forward rotation arc 38 and an opposite rearward rotation arc 40. The user 20 adjusts the position of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18 to initially establish at least one user preferred position assigned to a user task (e.g., a driving task or activity) to allow the user 20 to comfortably reach a steering wheel 42 and a set of pedals 46 mounted on a dashboard 44 while performing the user task.

[0033] It has been found that the comfort of a seated user is related to the spatial distribution of contact pressure at the interface between the occupant or user 20, a given seat (such as seat 12), and a given activity (such as driving activity) performed by the user 20 while seated on the seat 12. According to several aspects, to identify the contact pressure, the seat base 16 of the present disclosure includes at least one seat base first pressure sensor 48, which generates a first pressure signal 50 when the user 20 is located on the partially used seat base 16 to generate a seat comfort preference distribution map. The seat back 18 of the present disclosure also includes at least one second pressure sensor 52, which generates a second pressure signal 54 when the user 20 contacts the seat back 18, and the seat back 18 is also used to generate a seat comfort preference distribution map.

[0034] According to several aspects, at least one seat base first pressure sensor 48 defines a plurality of first pressure sensors configured as an array in the seat base 16, collectively generating a first pressure signal 50. According to several aspects, at least one seat back second pressure sensor 52 defines a plurality of second pressure sensors configured as an array in the seat back 18, collectively generating a second pressure signal 54. The portable customer-centric seat comfort preference profile system 10 may also provide a module 56 for identifying system operation options, and the module 56 may save the first pressure signal 50 and the second pressure signal 54 when the user 20 determines that the seat configuration is set to comfort. As will be referred to in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As discussed, a first pressure signal 50 from at least one seat base first pressure sensor 48 and a second pressure signal 54 from at least one seat back second pressure sensor 52 are analyzed to generate a seat comfort preference profile based on a user generated pressure profile.

[0035] The user 20 may also releasably secure the position of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18 by actuating one of the plurality of position switches 58 located on the seat position selection unit 60 as a starting point for the seat position to repeat the selected seat position during subsequent use of the first vehicle 14. The releasably secure position of the seat may then be further modified by a separate seat comfort preference profile after establishment. The seat position selection unit 60 may be located anywhere accessible to the user 20. In addition to or in lieu of using the seat position selection unit 60, the user 20 may repeatedly engage the seat position using a key fob 62 provided with the first vehicle 14, or by indicating a seat comfort selection on a user interface 66 of the personal device 64 to repeatedly engage the seat position using a personal device 64 (e.g., a smart phone).

[0036] When the user 20 sits on the seat base 16 and the seat back 18, the first seat pressure distribution map of the user 20 is transferred to the reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 For a more detailed discussion of the data reduction model, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first seat pressure profile is converted to a compact representation using a data reduction model as discussed below. The compact representation is mapped back to the first seat pressure profile and used to create a personal seat comfort preference profile.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 And refer again Figure 1, which corresponds to the first seat pressure profile when the user 20 adjusts the seat 12 in the first vehicle 14 to a position that the user 20 feels comfortable, is a user-centric measurement of a comfortable seat configuration setting for the user 20 and a specific user activity (such as driving). When the user 20 moves to a different vehicle, such as a second vehicle 78 with a different seat, the different seat having a different seat position setting and different seat features, the different seat configuration is adjusted so that a second seat pressure profile similar to the first seat pressure profile is achieved, which brings a more comfortable experience to the user 20 performing the same activity (such as driving in the second vehicle 78) compared to directly copying the seat configuration settings (such as the seat base angle or the seat back tilt angle) of the first vehicle 14 from the second vehicle 78.

[0038] According to several aspects, the pressure signal data may be called upon to develop seat comfort preferences for the first vehicle 14 as well as other vehicles, such as a second seat in the second vehicle 78. The customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10 provides for transmitting the saved seat comfort preferences for the first vehicle 14 from the first vehicle 14 to the second vehicle 78, or any other vehicle suitable for operation of the customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10. To accommodate the selected and saved seat comfort preferences of the first vehicle 14 for transmission, a signal combiner 68 receives a first pressure signal 50 from the first pressure sensor 48 and a second pressure signal 54 from the second pressure sensor 52 and generates an output signal 70. The output signal 70 is forwarded to a signal analyzer 72, which generates a seat pressure profile based on the pressure data from the first pressure sensor 48 and the second pressure signal 54 from the second pressure sensor 52. The seat pressure profile is forwarded to a converter 74, which performs signal encoding to generate a finite set of descriptors or scalars derived from the seat pressure profile and referenced Figure 3 and Figure 4 The compact descriptors or finite set of scalars from the converter 74 are stored as a user comfort profile 76. The converter 74 receives the seat pressure profile and performs signal encoding using a trained data reduction model to generate a seat comfort preference profile, such as D OA .

[0039] According to several aspects, to transmit the user comfort profile 76 to the second vehicle 78, the user comfort profile 76 may be forwarded to a multiplexer 80 that allows for a variety of output formats for transmitting the user comfort profile 76. The personal device 64 of the user 20 may be used to transmit the user comfort profile 76. The user comfort profile 76 may also be wirelessly uploaded to an information technology cloud infrastructure retention system 82 for subsequent transmission at any time, such as by vehicle sales or maintenance personnel of the second vehicle 78. The fob 84 of the second vehicle 78 may also be programmed to receive the user comfort profile 76. Additionally, the infotainment system 86 of the second vehicle 78 may be programmed to receive the user comfort profile 76.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 And refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the seat pressure profiles of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18 are used to understand and solve the comfort problems of the vehicle seat. According to several aspects, a first pressure profile between the seat 12 and the user 20 is recorded, such as the first pressure profile 88 of the seat base 16. In addition, a second pressure profile between the seat back 18 and the user 20 is recorded, such as the second pressure profile 90 of the seat back 18. The first pressure profile 88 and the second pressure profile 90 are forwarded to a data reduction unit 92, which may include a first data reduction unit portion 94 and a second data reduction unit portion 96, which may be separately in the form of a principal component analyzer (PCA), a variational autoencoder (VAE), a generator such as from a generative adversarial network (GAN), a transformer, etc. The data reduction unit 92 encodes a compact and robust representation or shape of the seat pressure profile into a finite set of scalars 98 from a first term 100 to a final term 102 derived from the pressure profile. A user comfort pressure profile of the user 20 is generated based on the pressure profile and the set of scalars 98 and saved in a database.

[0041] Features of the seat pressure profile that are relevant to determining the comfort of the user 20 may be encoded in a data set 104 that is smaller than the complete pressure map of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18. Thereafter, the seat configuration settings in the second vehicle 78 are adjusted sufficiently to obtain the data set 104 to ensure the seat comfort of the user 20. In the following discussion, D OA A seat comfort preference profile of the user 20 during a first activity, such as a driving activity, is defined. A number of methods may be employed to more compactly represent (D OA) encodes salient features of the seat pressure profile. Examples of suitable methods from the fields of statistics and machine learning include principal component analysis, (variational) autoencoders, the generator part of a generative adversarial network, transformers, etc. According to another aspect, the use of applied expertise is used to guide the creation of a comfort preference profile based on the body pressure distribution. For example, longitudinal pressure distribution and lateral pressure distribution maps are created using descriptors of the pressure map of the seat base 16 and the pressure map of the seat back 18 representing the shapes of the longitudinal pressure distribution and the lateral pressure distribution, whereby the comfort preference profile includes a finite set of descriptors obtained in this way.

[0042] In addition to the above-identified profile D defining the seat comfort preference profile of the user 20 during a first activity such as a driving activity OA In addition, a plurality of additional seat comfort preference profiles of the user 20 sitting on the vehicle seat 12 may be generated from the plurality of pressure sensors. For example, one profile corresponds to a comfortable seat configuration (D OA-S ). Another distribution map is suitable for long-term driving (D OA-L There is also a distribution diagram for medium driving time (D OA-I A map for relaxing on the front passenger seat is also available (D OR-FP ). When vehicle operation is initiated, multiple similar or identical seat comfort preference profiles may be recorded and called up for later use.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 And refer again Figures 1 to 3 As previously described, pressure profiles of the seat base 16 and the seat back 18 are used to understand and troubleshoot comfort issues with vehicle seats. According to several aspects, a pressure profile between the seat 12 and the user 20 is recorded, such as the pressure profile 104 of the seat base 16. In a data reduction operation, the pressure profile defining a two-dimensional (2D) distribution is converted to a one-dimensional (1D) curve for the seat 12 and both the known seat base and the seat back, such as the lateral pressure profile 106 shown in the first figure 108 presenting a first 1D curve 110 with a peak pressure 112. The longitudinal pressure profile 114 is shown in a second figure 116 presenting a second 1D curve 118, the second 1D curve 118 having a first peak pressure 120 representing the user's right leg and a second peak pressure 122 representing the user's left leg.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 4According to several aspects, a set of Fourier shape descriptors (FSDs) can be created from the 1D curve using, for example, equation 124, which encode a compact and robust representation or shape of the pressure distribution. The personalized user comfort profile of the user 20 is compactly encoded in a finite data set 126 of FSDs from a first term 128 to a final term 130 derived from the pressure profile. The finite data set 126 can be determined once on any vehicle and stored in a customer profile database 132, which can be located in the first vehicle 14 or in the information technology cloud infrastructure retention system 82. The recorded pressure profile of the user 20 is compared to known comfortable seat positions and pressure profiles stored in the database 132. The database 132 defining the customer profile can then be called and used to guide the adjustment of the seat 12 in the first vehicle 14, or called and used to guide the adjustment of the seat 12 including the reference Figure 2 The adjustment of one or more seats of any vehicle of the second vehicle 78 described in the embodiment of the present invention can be performed by the user 20 or by a technician at a dealer. The reconstructed pressure distribution map of the limited set 126 of FSD or database 132 can also be shared with others.

[0045] refer to Figure 5 And refer again Figures 1 to 4 According to several aspects, the personalized seat comfort preference profile of the user 20 may vary over time, including when the user 20 operates the first vehicle 14 on the first distance trip profile 136, for example, with a travel time of one hour or less, such as driving to work, where the highest seat pressure may be preferred during short-time operations. In a second case where the seat comfort preference profile of the user 20 may vary over time, for example, when the user 20 operates the first vehicle 14 on the second distance trip profile 138, for example, with a travel time ranging from about one hour to up to about 3 hours, such as during a weekend trip to visit relatives. In the second case, a medium seat pressure profile that is lower than the highest seat pressure in medium-time operations may be preferred. In a third case where the seat comfort preference profile of the user 20 may vary over time, for example, on the third distance trip profile 140, such as with a travel time greater than about 3 hours, including when the user 20 operates the first vehicle 14 on a long trip. In the third case, a lowest seat pressure that is lower than the medium seat pressure may be preferred in long-time operations.

[0046] To accommodate different seat comfort preference profiles, the finite set 126 can be modified to include different comfort profiles for short-term operation user comfort and up to long-term operation. For example, for short-term user comfort, the user 20 may prefer a firm seat support, but modify the user comfort profile to provide a softer seat support than a firm seat support for long-term user comfort. The user 20 can manually choose to change the user comfort profile during driving operation, or the customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10 can automatically change the user comfort profile during driving operation. In addition, in order to identify a user comfort profile between the short-term profile value and the long-term profile value, the customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10 can also dynamically interpolate between the short-term profile value and the long-term profile value.

[0047] Overall reference Figures 1 to 5 , graphical user interface (see Figure 1 The user interface 66 of the personal device 64 shown and described may be used to visualize, record, manipulate and transmit the user comfort profile, such as via a smartphone. Other user interfaces available on a key fob, tablet, web page, off-site or vehicle sales site, personal computer, etc. may also be used. The customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10 allows the user 20 to save and transfer the user comfort profile from the first vehicle 14 to the second vehicle 78.

[0048] According to several aspects, the disclosed portable customer-centric seat comfort preference map system 10 provides a method of operating a portable customer-centric personal vehicle seat positioning system. The method includes generating a seat pressure sensor map from an array of pressure sensors respectively positioned in a seat base and a seat back of the vehicle seat in response to a user sitting on a vehicle seat of a vehicle. The pressure sensor map is associated with respective user tasks, such as driving, reading, resting, and operating the vehicle within a predetermined time period, resulting in a change in the user's seat comfort. The data collected during vehicle operation is reduced to a set of finite scalars in a data reduction unit to allow determination of a seat comfort preference map encoding a plurality of seat pressures, from which the user can select or change a seat comfort.

[0049] A customer-centric portable personal seat positioning system 10 of the present disclosure provides several advantages. These advantages include a user's personalized seat comfort preferences, which can be compactly encoded in a finite set of scalars derived from a seat pressure profile. The set can be determined once on any vehicle and stored in the customer's profile. The set can also be called up and used to guide the adjustment of the seat in a different vehicle. The adjustment can be performed by the customer or by a technician at a dealership. The scalar set or reconstructed pressure profile can be shared with others, allowing the user's seat comfort profile to be transferred to another vehicle.

Claims

1. A method of operating a customer-centric portable personal vehicle seat positioning system, comprising: generating a pressure sensor profile in response to a user sitting in a vehicle seat of a first vehicle having a seat bottom and a seat back; associating the pressure sensor profile with each user task; After being associated with each of the user tasks, data reduction is performed on the pressure sensor distribution map; as well as Encode multiple seat comfort preference profiles.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: Positioning a first set of pressure sensors in the seat base to generate a first set of pressure sensor distribution map; as well as A second set of pressure sensors is positioned in the seat back and a second set of pressure sensor profiles is generated. 3 . The method of claim 2 , comprising configuring the first set of pressure sensors in a first array in the seat base to collectively generate the first set of pressure sensor profiles. 4 . The method of claim 3 , comprising configuring the second set of pressure sensors in a second array in the seat back to collectively generate the second set of pressure sensor profiles.

5. The method according to claim 4, comprising: receiving and storing the first set of pressure sensor profiles, the second set of pressure sensor profiles, and the plurality of seat comfort preferences in a module; as well as During the second vehicle operation or during a subsequent vehicle operation, the plurality of seat comfort preferences are forwarded from the module to the user upon request of the user.

6. The method according to claim 2, comprising: generating an output signal using a signal combiner that combines a first set of pressure sensor profiles from the first pressure sensor and a second set of pressure sensor profiles from the second pressure sensor; as well as forwarding the output signal to a signal analyzer; generating a seat pressure profile from the first set of pressure sensor profiles and the second set of pressure sensor profiles; as well as Signal encoding is performed using the seat pressure profile to generate a set of scalars.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising: storing the plurality of seat comfort preferences in a customer profile database; retrieving the plurality of seat comfort preferences from the customer profile database; as well as A second vehicle seat of a second vehicle is adjusted applying one of the plurality of seat comfort preferences.

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising: encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles for one of a short driving event and a long driving event; as well as One of the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles is selectively requested for the short driving event or for the long driving event.

9. The method of claim 1 , comprising encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles into a first set of driving tasks when the user defines a vehicle operator and encoding the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles into a second set of non-driving tasks when the user defines a vehicle occupant.

10. The method of claim 1, comprising operating a user interface to allow the user to at least one of visualize, record, and manipulate the plurality of seat comfort preference profiles.

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