Size and scale optimizer based on entry / exit path

Abstract

A method for analyzing entry and exit of a vehicle user into and from a vehicle includes receiving vehicle user data and receiving vehicle data. The vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions. The method further includes determining a three-dimensional path into and out of the vehicle using the vehicle user data and the vehicle data, determining a user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path into and out of the vehicle, comparing the user satisfaction score to a predetermined score threshold to determine whether the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold; and in response to determining that the user satisfaction score is not greater than the predetermined score threshold, virtually updating the vehicle size until the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an entry / exit path based size and ratio optimizer for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] This section generally presents the background of the invention. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present invention.

[0003] Vehicles typically transport passengers from one location to another. As a result, vehicle users enter and exit the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the entry and exit of vehicle users. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention describes a method for analyzing vehicle users entering and exiting a vehicle. The method includes receiving vehicle user data and receiving vehicle data. The vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions. The method includes: using the vehicle user data and the vehicle data to determine a three-dimensional path for entering and exiting the vehicle, determining a user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path for entering and exiting the vehicle; and comparing the user satisfaction score with a predetermined score threshold to determine whether the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold. The method also includes, in response to determining that the user satisfaction score is not greater than the predetermined score threshold, virtually updating the vehicle dimensions until the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatuses, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method. The method described in this paragraph improves vehicle technology by taking into account specific user characteristics (e.g., the user's musculoskeletal ability when the user enters or exits the vehicle) when selecting the dimensions of the vehicle.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Vehicle user data may include user segments. User segments include able-bodied users, elderly users, obese users, disabled users, and user regions. Vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions. Vehicle dimensions include rocker height, roof height, door opening width, and step length. Context data includes information about weather, the inclination of the vehicle, the vehicle user's clothing, and whether the vehicle user is loading objects into the vehicle. The method may include determining the musculoskeletal capabilities of the vehicle user based on the user segments. The user satisfaction score is based on the musculoskeletal capabilities of the vehicle user. The method may include generating a vehicle size sensitivity score for each vehicle size. Implementations of the technology may include hardware, methods, programs, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0006] The present invention also describes a system for analyzing vehicle users entering and leaving the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of sensors and a controller that communicates with the plurality of sensors. The controller includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium and is programmed to perform the above method.

[0007] The present invention also describes a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the above method.

[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure 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.

[0009] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the presently disclosed systems and methods are apparent from the detailed description, including the claims and exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a system for analyzing vehicle users entering and exiting a vehicle.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a vehicle user entering a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method for analyzing vehicle users entering and exiting a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to several examples of the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps.

[0015] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the host vehicle 10 includes a body 12 and a plurality of wheels 14 connected to the body. In addition to the wheels 14, the vehicle 10 also includes one or more doors 16 that are movably connected to the body 12. The doors 16 are movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the body 12. In the open position, the doors 16 expose an opening 18 into a passenger compartment 22 of the vehicle 10, thereby allowing a vehicle user 20 to enter or exit the vehicle 10.

[0016] The vehicle 10 includes one or more sensors 24 that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the host vehicle 10. At least one of the sensors 24 is capable of observing the vehicle user 20 entering or leaving the vehicle 10. As non-limiting examples, the sensors 24 may include one or more cameras, one or more laser detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more cameras, one or more three-dimensional (3D) depth sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more thermal imaging sensors, and / or other sensors. Each sensor 24 is configured to generate a signal indicating a sensed observable condition (i.e., sensor data) of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10.

[0017] The vehicle 10, and therefore the vehicle sensors 24, communicate with the controller 34. The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a non-transitory computer readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor in a number of processors associated with the controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally a device for executing instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using a variety of storage devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10, some of which represents executable instructions. The controller 34 may be programmed to perform the method 100 described in detail below. Figure 3 ).

[0018] The instructions may include one or more rerouting programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor 24, performing logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms. Figure 1 A single controller 34 is shown, but multiple controllers 34 may be included that communicate via a suitable communication medium or combination thereof and cooperate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the host vehicle 10. The controller 34 is part of a system 36 for analyzing vehicle occupants 20 entering or exiting the vehicle 10.

[0019] System 36 is a size and proportion optimizer layered on top of a human digital model path prediction tool. System 36 uses guidance based on digital human modeling (DHM) for complex 3D system interactions. In addition, System 36 uses optimization algorithms built to vary input parameters to test multiple configurations to understand the sensitivity of vehicle geometry, anthropometry, and human capabilities. System 36 uses both joint angle-based and biomechanical force-based approaches.

[0020] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart of a method 100 for analyzing a vehicle user 20 entering or leaving a vehicle 10. The method 100 begins at box 102. Then, the method 100 proceeds to box 104. At box 102, a target vehicle row (e.g., first row, second row, third row) is selected. The vehicle 10 may include one or more rows of seats. Therefore, it is necessary to indicate which row of seats will be analyzed. Next, the method 100 continues to box 106. At box 106, the controller 34 receives vehicle user data, such as user segmentation and anthropometric data. As a non-limiting example, the user segmentation can be healthy users, elderly users, obese users, disabled users, and user areas, etc. Then, the method 100 continues to box 108. Next, the method 100 proceeds to box 108.

[0021] At block 108 , the controller 34 receives a request for an overall user satisfaction score. The overall user satisfaction score may be a predetermined score threshold determined based on input requirements (eg, comfort, ease of entry, and ease of exit). The method 100 then proceeds to block 110 .

[0022] At block 110 , the controller 34 receives other vehicle data, such as vehicle dimensions. As non-limiting examples, vehicle dimensions may include rocker height, roof height, door opening width, step-over, etc. The method 100 then continues to block 112 .

[0023] At block 112, the controller 34 receives contextual data. As non-limiting examples, the contextual data includes information about weather, the incline of the vehicle, the vehicle user's clothing, human-related inputs (e.g., clothing, accessories, etc.), environmental inputs (e.g., when / where / how, weather, device use, etc.), accessories, device inputs, situational inputs (e.g., in zero-gravity space), input boundary conditions (e.g., crowded parking lots), urgency / speed of action (e.g., weather or other), vehicle entrances of varying grades, and whether the vehicle user 20 is loading objects into the vehicle 10. The method 100 then continues to block 114.

[0024] At box 114, the controller 34 determines whether user entry / exit data is available. If user entry / exit data is available, the method 100 proceeds to box 128. If user entry / exit data is not available, the method 100 continues to box 116. At box 116, the controller 34 obtains user data. The user data may refer to vehicle user data and may include user segmentation as described above. The method 100 then proceeds to box 118. At box 118, the vehicle user 20 enters the vehicle 10. After box 118, the method 100 continues to boxes 120 and 122.

[0025] At box 120, a user satisfaction score is obtained. As a non-limiting example, the vehicle user 20 may enter a user satisfaction score after entering or leaving the vehicle 10. After box 120, the method 100 proceeds to box 128, which will be discussed below. At box 122, the movement of the vehicle user 20 when entering or leaving the vehicle 10 is captured by the sensor 24 (e.g., a camera) of the vehicle 10. As described above, the sensor 24 may be a camera that captures an image of the vehicle user 20 entering or leaving the vehicle 10. Then, the method 100 continues to box 124. At box 123, the controller 34 uses the sensor data generated by the sensor 24 to identify the interference point of the user entering / leaving the vehicle 10. In other words, the controller 33 identifies the vehicle position where the vehicle user 20 contacts the vehicle 10 when entering or leaving the vehicle 10. Then, the method 100 continues to box 126. The controller 34 identifies the movement strategy of the vehicle user 20 when entering and / or leaving the vehicle 10 to avoid the vehicle user 20 contacting the vehicle 10 when entering or leaving the vehicle 10. The method 100 then continues to block 128 .

[0026] At box 128, the user data is fed into a three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) human model. Then, the method 100 continues to box 130. At this box, the 3D CAD human model uses the user data to develop a 3D digital model of the vehicle user 10. The 3D CAD human model can use machine learning (e.g., a deep neural network) to develop a digital model of the vehicle user 20 when entering and / or leaving the vehicle 10. Next, the method 100 continues to box 132. At box 132, the 3D CAD human model then simulates the vehicle user 20 entering and leaving the vehicle 10, and identifies the most favorable entry and exit path for the vehicle user 20. For the vehicle user 20, the most favorable entry and exit path depends on the user data and the vehicle data and the background data. For example, for the vehicle user 20, the most favorable entry and / or exit path can be a path that avoids contact between the vehicle user 20 and the vehicle 10. In the present invention, the term "entry path" refers to the path of the vehicle user 20 entering the vehicle 10. The term "exit path" refers to the path that the vehicle user 20 takes to exit the vehicle 10. In summary, at box 132, the three-dimensional path for the vehicle user 20 to enter and / or exit the vehicle 10 is determined using the vehicle user data and the vehicle data. The 3C CAD human body model also generates a vehicle size sensitivity score for each vehicle size. The vehicle size sensitivity score indicates how much the vehicle size can change before causing interference (i.e., physical contact) between the vehicle user 20 and the vehicle 10 when the vehicle user 20 follows the selected entry and / or exit path to enter or exit the vehicle 10. The method 100 then continues to box 134.

[0027] At box 134, the three-dimensional path of the vehicle user 20 entering and / or leaving the vehicle 10 is fed to the musculoskeletal model. Next, the method 100 continues to box 136. At box 136, the musculoskeletal capabilities of the vehicle user 20 are determined based on the user segmentation. The musculoskeletal model uses a kinematic analysis procedure for an overdetermined biomechanical system, which is formulated as a weighted least squares optimization problem that matches the experimental and model marker positions. Therefore, the musculoskeletal model uses machine learning (e.g., a deep neural network) to determine its output. As its output, the musculoskeletal model determines the linear and angular displacements, velocities, and accelerations of all body parts of the vehicle user when entering and / or leaving the vehicle 10 using the previously determined entry and / or exit path. In addition, the musculoskeletal model can also determine muscle lengths, activations, moment arms and forces, joint reaction forces, and muscle starting points / via points / insertion locations throughout the previously determined entry and / or exit paths for the vehicle user 20 to enter and / or leave the vehicle 10. Then the method 100 proceeds to box 138.

[0028] At box 138, an overall user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entering and exiting the vehicle 10 is determined based on the musculoskeletal model of the vehicle user 20 entering or exiting the vehicle 10 using the previously determined entry or exit path. Therefore, the overall user satisfaction score is determined based on the musculoskeletal ability of the vehicle user 20. For example, the overall user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entering and exiting the vehicle 10 may depend, among other things, on whether the combined force experienced by the vehicle user 20 when entering or exiting the vehicle 10 following the previously determined entry or exit path is greater than a predetermined force threshold. As another example, the overall user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entering and exiting the vehicle 10 may depend, among other things, on whether the linear and angular displacements, velocities, accelerations experienced by the vehicle user 20 when entering or exiting the vehicle 10 following the previously determined entry or exit path are greater than corresponding thresholds. Once the overall user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entering and exiting the vehicle 10 is determined, the method 100 proceeds to box 140.

[0029] At box 140, the overall user satisfaction score is compared to a predetermined score threshold to determine whether the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold. If the overall user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold, the method 100 continues to box 142. At box 142, the vehicle dimensions and vehicle dimension sensitivity scores are recorded. Box 124 may also require manufacturing a vehicle 10 having the recorded vehicle dimensions. The method 100 then continues to box 144. At box 144, the method 100 ends.

[0030] At box 140, if the overall user satisfaction score is not greater than the predetermined score threshold, the method 100 proceeds to box 146. At box 146, the vehicle dimensions are virtually updated and the method 100 returns to box 130. Therefore, the vehicle dimensions are virtually updated in the iterative process (i.e., method 100) until the overall user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold. At box 140, the system 36 can virtually generate vehicle configuration dimensions optimized around the "not exceeding" parameter (e.g., muscle force, force on joints and / or human body variables). In addition, the system 36 can generate a virtual 3D entry / exit envelope optimized around the "not exceeding" parameter (e.g., muscle force, force on joints and / or human body variables). In addition, the system 36 can generate a vehicle part geometry (e.g., raising the roof, lowering the rocker arm or increasing the couple, etc.) optimized around the "not exceeding" parameter (e.g., muscle force, force on joints and / or human body variables). Additionally, the system 36 may output a virtually deformed vehicle geometry / surface (e.g., raising the roof, moving the A-pillars, or increasing the wheelbase, etc.) optimized around “not exceeding” parameters (e.g., muscle forces, forces on joints, and / or human body variables).

[0031] The end state can be defined using weighted, AI-enabled, and better future suggestions. To this end, the following features can be used: The spider graph can inform the optimizer what we want (e.g., suggestions in a narrow sense), teach design, teach aerodynamics, and enable AI for individual designers (e.g., individual designers can train AI to help iterate designs around their style).

[0032] System 34 and method 100 can be used in the following applications: cargo loading; electric vehicle charging interface; child seat installation or entry / exit / fastening; vehicle assembly; scanning any vehicle and comparing with personnel capabilities to guide modifications (e.g., cost / benefit optimizer), so that recommendations for modifying a new vehicle or purchasing a new vehicle can be made, aircraft; planes, trains, ships, RVs and buses; public transportation, military (e.g., equipment, etc.); space (space kits, gloves, rocket packs, etc.); legal environment; carpool accommodation; golf carts, recreational vehicles, etc.

[0033] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms included in the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As previously mentioned, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the currently disclosed systems and methods that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments can be described as having advantages or advantages over other embodiments or prior art embodiments relative to one or more desired features, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, applicability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as less ideal than other embodiments or prior art implementations relative to one or more features do not exceed the scope of the present invention and may be ideal for specific applications.

[0034] The drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to exact scale. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, above, above, below, below, rear, and front may be used with respect to the drawings for the purpose of convenience and clarity of description only. These directional terms and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; certain features may be enlarged or minimized to show the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the systems and methods of the present invention in different ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with the features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments of typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present invention may be required for specific applications or implementations.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention may be described herein according to functions and / or logic block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by being configured to perform a plurality of hardware, software and / or firmware components of a specified function. For example, embodiments of the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, etc., which may perform a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with a variety of systems, and the system described herein is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] For the sake of brevity, technologies related to signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control and other functional aspects of the system (as well as the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] This description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or use. The broad teachings of the invention can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although the invention includes specific examples, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, description and appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for analyzing vehicle users entering and leaving a vehicle, comprising: Receiving vehicle user data; receiving vehicle data, wherein the vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions; determining a three-dimensional path of entry and exit from the vehicle using the vehicle user data and the vehicle data; determining a user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entry and exit from the vehicle; comparing the user satisfaction score to a predetermined score threshold to determine whether the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold; and In response to determining that the user satisfaction score is not greater than the predetermined score threshold, the vehicle dimensions are virtually updated until the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle user data includes user segments, and the user segments include healthy users, elderly users, obese users, disabled users and user regions.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions, and the vehicle dimensions include rocker height, roof height, door opening width, and step length.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising receiving contextual data, wherein the contextual data includes information regarding weather, the inclination of the vehicle, clothing of a vehicle user, and whether the vehicle user is loading an object into the vehicle. 5 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising determining a musculoskeletal capability of the vehicle user based on the user segment. The method of claim 5 , wherein the user satisfaction score is based on the musculoskeletal capabilities of the vehicle user. 7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising generating a vehicle size sensitivity score for each of the vehicle sizes.

8. A system for analyzing vehicle users entering and leaving a vehicle, comprising: Multiple sensors; a controller comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the controller is programmed to: Receiving vehicle user data; receiving vehicle data, wherein the vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions; determining a three-dimensional path of entry and exit from the vehicle using the vehicle user data and the vehicle data; determining a user satisfaction score for the three-dimensional path of entry and exit from the vehicle; comparing the user satisfaction score to a predetermined score threshold to determine whether the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold; and In response to determining that the user satisfaction score is not greater than the predetermined score threshold, the vehicle dimensions are virtually updated until the user satisfaction score is greater than the predetermined score threshold.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The vehicle user data includes user segments, and the user segments include healthy users, elderly users, obese users, disabled users and user regions.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The vehicle data includes vehicle dimensions, and the vehicle dimensions include rocker height, roof height, door opening width, and step length.

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