Seat control apparatus and method

Abstract

A seat control apparatus includes an input device, a drive device, a memory configured to store one or more instructions, and a controller. The instructions are configured, when executed by the controller, to cause the seat control apparatus to: recognize a first current state of a target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat when receiving a designation input with respect to a position of the target seat through the input means; identifying a target state of a target seat corresponding to the specified input; predicting a collision possibility of the target seat and the adjacent seat when the target seat is controlled from the first current state to the target state based on the first current state, the second current state and the target state; and controlling the target seat to the target state by using the driving device when it is recognized that there is no possibility of collision.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0162499, filed on November 21, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to seat control devices and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to predicting whether a collision will occur and deriving an avoidable control method based on current states and target states of multiple dynamic systems. Background Art

[0004] With the advancement of technology, various components inside a vehicle can be operably connected to each other. In particular, for the convenience of users, a seat control device can quickly and accurately provide various functions by performing coordinated control of components.

[0005] For example, the host vehicle may include a seat that can move relative to the front side in a fully automatic manner (e.g., sliding movement, backrest movement, legrest movement, and folding movement). When a situation such as a single user input (e.g., a switch input) and / or a specified event (e.g., a door opening or closing situation) is recognized, the seat can automatically move to a specified position.

[0006] For example, upon receiving a designated input (e.g., a touch input) from a user, the seat control device may move a plurality of seats in a host vehicle to designated positions. As an example, the seat control device may receive and store specific seat states from a user based on an integrated memory system (IMS), and upon receiving the designated input, it may control at least some of the plurality of seats to the stored states. These seats may be defined as memory seats.

[0007] When the seat control device moves the seat by using the drive device corresponding to the seat after receiving the designated input from the user, interference (or collision) may occur between the seats. In particular, when the user sitting in the host vehicle has changed the seat back from its standard position or changed the sliding position, there is a possibility that the seats will collide with each other in the process of controlling the seat to the designated state.

[0008] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems arising in the prior art while retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a seat control device and method, by which, when receiving a specified input from a user, the current state of an adjacent system (e.g., a front seat or a rear seat) of a dynamic system (e.g., a seat) corresponding to the specified input can be identified. In addition, the possibility of a collision that may occur in the process of controlling the adjacent system to a target state corresponding to the specified input can be controlled.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a seat control device and method, by which coordinate data corresponding to the current states of a target seat and adjacent seats and coordinate data corresponding to a target state can be identified, and the possibility of collision can be predicted based on the comparison result of the coordinate data.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a seat control apparatus and method, by which, when coordinate data corresponding to a current state is not identified based on a mapping table, collision possibility can be predicted based on reference data closest to the current state.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a seat control apparatus and method, by which, when it is recognized that a passenger is seated on an adjacent seat, a collision possibility can be predicted based on another reference different from a situation where no passenger is seated.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems. A person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure belongs should clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned in this document from the following description.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a seat control device includes: an input device; a drive device; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a controller operably connected to the input device, the drive device and the memory. The instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to identify a first current state of a target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat when receiving a specified input regarding the position of a target seat through the input device. The instructions may be further configured to cause the seat control device to: identify a target state of the target seat corresponding to the specified input; and based on the first current state, the second current state and the target state, predict a possibility of collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat when the target seat is controlled from the first current state to the target state. The instructions may be further configured to cause the seat control device to: control the target seat to the target state by using the drive device when it is identified that there is no possibility of collision.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: identify first coordinate data of a target seat and second coordinate data of an adjacent seat, respectively including at least one of a tilt angle, a sliding position, a folding angle, a pitch angle, or any combination thereof of the target seat and the adjacent seat. In addition, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to predict a collision possibility based on a comparison result of the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the instruction may be configured to cause the seat control device, when executed by the controller, to: based on the comparison result, when controlling the target seat to the target state, determine that there is a possibility of collision when the minimum spacing distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is a first distance or less.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: identify the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data from a mapping table stored in the memory based on the first current state and the second current state.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: when the first coordinate data is not identified from the mapping table, identify the first reference data and the second reference data having the first current state as an intermediate value from the mapping table. In addition, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to identify the possibility of collision based on a comparison result of the first reference data, the second reference data, the second coordinate data, and the target state.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: upon identifying that there is a possibility of collision, control an adjacent seat to a designated state and predict the possibility of collision again based on a first current state, a designated state and a target state.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: when identifying the possibility of a collision, identify the avoidance coordinates closest to the specified state among the avoidance coordinates set to not collide based on a mapping table stored in the memory. In addition, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to control an adjacent seat based on the avoidance coordinates and control the target seat to a target state.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may further include an output device. The instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control apparatus to: provide a notification regarding disabling operation of the target seat by using the output device when it is recognized that there is a possibility of a collision.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the seat control device may further include an output device. The instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: provide a warning notification by using the output device when recognizing that a passenger is sitting in an adjacent seat; and identify the first current state and the second current state when receiving an operation request corresponding to the warning notification.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the instructions may be configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: determine that there is a possibility of collision when a time point at which the minimum interval distance is not greater than a second distance less than the first distance is predicted to exist.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat control method may include the following steps: upon receiving a designated input regarding the position of a target seat through an input device, a controller identifies a first current state of the target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat; and the controller identifies a target state of the target seat corresponding to the designated input. The method may also include: based on the first current state, the second current state, and the target state, when the target seat is controlled from the first current state to the target state, the controller predicts the possibility of a collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat. The method may also include: when it is identified that there is no possibility of a collision, the controller controls the target seat to the target state by using a drive device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include identifying, by the controller, first coordinate data of a target seat and second coordinate data of an adjacent seat, which respectively include at least one of a tilt angle, a sliding position, a folding angle, a pitch angle, or any combination thereof of the target seat and the adjacent seat. In addition, the method may include predicting the possibility of a collision by the controller based on a comparison result of the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include: based on the comparison result, when the target seat is controlled to the target state, when the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is the first distance or less, determining by the controller that there is a possibility of collision.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include: identifying, by the controller, the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data from a mapping table stored in a memory based on the first current state and the second current state.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include: when the first coordinate data is not identified from the mapping table, identifying the first reference data and the second reference data having the first current state as an intermediate value from the mapping table. The method may further include: identifying the collision possibility by the controller based on the comparison result of the first reference data, the second reference data, the second coordinate data and the target state.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include: when it is identified that there is a possibility of collision, based on the first current state, the designated state and the target state, the controller controls the adjacent seat to a designated state and predicts the possibility of collision again.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may include: when identifying the possibility of collision, based on a mapping table stored in a memory, the controller identifies the avoidance coordinates closest to the specified state among the avoidance coordinates set to not collide. The method may also include: controlling the adjacent seats by the controller based on the avoidance coordinates, and controlling the target seat to the target state.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include providing, by the controller, a notification regarding disabling operation of the target seat by using an output device when it is recognized that there is a possibility of a collision.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include: when it is recognized that a passenger is sitting on an adjacent seat, the controller provides a warning notification by using an output device, and when an operation request corresponding to the warning notification is received, the controller identifies the first current state and the second current state.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the seat control method may further include determining, by the controller, that there is a possibility of a collision when it is predicted that there is a time point at which the minimum interval distance is not greater than a second distance less than the first distance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2A is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2B is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3A is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3B is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4A diagram showing a graph used by a seat control device to determine a possibility of a collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5 A diagram showing a table used by a seat control device to determine a possibility of collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 6 A diagram showing a graph used by a seat control device to determine a possibility of a collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 7 A flowchart for describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 8 A flowchart for describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 9 A flowchart for describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0046] Fig.10 A computing system related to a seat control device or a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] With respect to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numbers to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same or equivalent components are designated by the same numbers even when shown on other drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions have been excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the main points of the present disclosure.

[0049] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", "(a), (b)", etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order or sequence of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical or scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings in the relevant technical field, and should not be interpreted as having ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined as having these meanings in this application.

[0050] When a controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the controller, component, device, element, part, unit, or module should be considered herein as "configured to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. Each controller, component, device, element, part, unit, module, etc. may be separately embodied or included in a processor and memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) as part of a device. In the following, reference is made to Figure 1-10 Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0051] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus 100 may include at least one of an input device 110 , a driving device 120 , a memory 130 , a controller 140 , or any combination thereof. Figure 1 The configuration of the seat control device 100 is described in the following. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the seat control device 100 may also include Figure 1 Components not described in (e.g., at least one of a sensor device, an interface, a communication device, a notification device, or any combination thereof).

[0053] According to one embodiment, input devices 110 may include at least one input device that receives user inputs to some of the components of the host vehicle.

[0054] For example, the input device 110 may include at least one of a switch, a touch screen, a voice collection device, or any combination thereof.

[0055] For example, the input device 110 may be disposed in the area of ​​at least one seat, a center console, a backrest of an auxiliary seat, and / or a trunk area.

[0056] For example, the input device 110 may receive position control inputs from a user for at least some of a plurality of seats in the host vehicle.

[0057] For example, upon receiving a pressure input to a switch, a touch input to a touch screen, and / or a voice input to a voice collecting device from a user, the seat control apparatus 100 may perform seat position control corresponding to the corresponding input.

[0058] As an example, the seat control apparatus 100 may receive a designated input regarding position control of a target seat from a user through the input device 110. For example, the designated input may include a user input requesting the user to control the position of the seat to a predetermined state or a designated state corresponding to the input device 110.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the driving device 120 may include a plurality of driving devices that adjust the position (or state) of the seat.

[0060] For example, the drive device 120 may refer to the seat itself. In other words, the drive device 120 is the dynamic system of the seat itself, and at least one of its tilt angle (or backrest angle), sliding position, headrest angle, leg rest angle, rotation angle or any combination thereof is adjustable.

[0061] For example, the drive device 120 may include a first drive device corresponding to a target seat among a plurality of seats arranged in the host vehicle. For example, the first drive device may include a pitch motor for adjusting a pitch angle of the target seat, a tilt motor for adjusting a backrest angle of the target seat, a leg rest motor for adjusting a leg rest angle of the target seat, a slide motor for controlling a slide position of the target seat, or any combination thereof.

[0062] For example, the controller 140 may perform slide control for moving the target seat forward and backward by using the driving device 120. Alternatively, the controller 140 may perform rotation control for rotating the target seat by a designated angle within 360 degrees based on a vertical axis.

[0063] For example, the drive device 120 may include a plurality of drive devices corresponding to a plurality of seats, respectively. As an example, the drive device 120 may include a first drive device corresponding to a target seat and a second drive device corresponding to an adjacent seat adjacent to the target seat (or a rear row and / or front row seat of the target seat).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the memory 130 may store commands or data. For example, the memory 130 may store one or more instructions that, when executed by the controller 140 , cause the seat control apparatus 100 to perform various operations.

[0065] For example, the memory 130 and the controller 140 may be implemented as one chipset. The controller 140 may include at least one of a communication processor or a modem.

[0066] For example, the memory 130 may store a designated seat position (or seat state). As an example, the memory 130 may store information about the position (or state) of each of a plurality of seats set by a user. The memory 130 may store a state (e.g., rotation direction, revolutions per minute (rpm), pulse) of the drive device 120 corresponding to the designated seat position.

[0067] For example, the memory 130 may store a mapping table regarding the possibility of a seat collision according to the state of the seat. As an example, the mapping table may include coordinate data corresponding to the current state of the target seat and coordinate data corresponding to the current state of the adjacent seat. The mapping table may include information regarding whether a collision will occur between the target seat and the adjacent seat in the process of controlling the target seat from the current state to the target state in consideration of the current state of the adjacent seat.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the controller 140 may be operably connected to at least one of the input device 110, the drive device 120, the memory 130, or any combination thereof. For example, the controller 140 may control the operation of at least one of the input device 110, the drive device 120, the memory 130, or any combination thereof.

[0069] For example, upon receiving a designated input regarding position control of a target seat through the input device 110 , the controller 140 may identify a first current state of the target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat.

[0070] As an example, the adjacent seats may include seats in front of and / or behind the target seat.

[0071] As an example, the controller 140 may identify a current state of each of the target seat and the adjacent seats including at least one of a tilt angle, a slide position, a folding angle, a pitch angle, or any combination thereof.

[0072] As an example, the controller 140 may identify coordinate data corresponding to each of the first current state and the second current state using a mapping table stored in the memory 130. The coordinate data may include first coordinate data of a target seat and second coordinate data of an adjacent seat.

[0073] For example, the controller 140 may identify a target state corresponding to a designated input.

[0074] As an example, the controller 140 may identify a target state corresponding to a specified input from some of the information stored in the memory 130. The target position may include, for example, a position (or state) of each of a plurality of seats preset by a user. For example, the target state may include information about at least one of a backrest angle, a pitch angle, a leg rest angle, a seat cushion angle, a sliding position, or any combination thereof.

[0075] As an example, the controller 140 may identify target coordinate data corresponding to the target state by using a mapping table stored in the memory 130 .

[0076] As an example, the current state may be the position (or state) of each of the seats identified in real time. For example, the current position may include information about at least one of the backrest angle, pitch angle, leg rest angle, cushion angle, sliding position, or any combination thereof of the seat. For example, the controller 140 may identify the current position of each of the seats through at least one sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor).

[0077] For example, the controller 140 may predict the possibility of collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat when controlling the target seat from the first current state to the target state based on the first current state, the second current state, and the target state.

[0078] As an example, the controller 140 may predict the possibility of collision based on a comparison result of the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data.

[0079] For example, based on the comparison result, when controlling the target seat to the target state, upon identifying a time point at which the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is the first distance or less, the controller 140 may determine that there is a possibility of collision.

[0080] As an example, upon recognizing that passengers are seated on adjacent seats, the controller 140 may determine that there is a possibility of a collision when there is a time point at which the minimum interval distance is not greater than a second distance that is smaller than the first distance.

[0081] As an example, when the first coordinate data is not identified from the mapping table, the controller 140 may identify the first reference data and the second reference data having the first current state as an intermediate value from the mapping table. In this case, the controller 140 may identify (or predict) the possibility of collision based on the comparison result of the first reference data, the second reference data, the second coordinate data, and the target state.

[0082] For example, upon recognizing that there is a possibility of a collision, the controller 140 may provide a notification regarding disabling the operation of the target seat by using the output device 150 .

[0083] For example, upon identifying that there is a possibility of a collision, the controller 140 may control the adjacent seat to a designated state and predict the possibility of a collision again based on the first current state, the designated state, and the target state.

[0084] As an example, when the possibility of collision is recognized again, the controller 140 may identify the avoidance coordinates closest to the specified state among the avoidance coordinates set not to cause collision based on the mapping table stored in the memory 130. For example, the controller 140 may prevent the collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat by controlling the adjacent seat based on the avoidance coordinates and controlling the target seat to the target state.

[0085] For example, when a passenger sits in an adjacent seat, the controller 140 may provide a warning notification to the user before identifying the current state of the seat.

[0086] As an example, the warning notification may include information indicating that a hazardous situation may occur to a passenger due to a passenger sitting in an adjacent seat during the process of controlling the seat position.

[0087] As an example, after providing the warning notification, the controller 140 may receive an operation request from the passenger and / or the user to continue the operation. The operation request may be a feedback input (e.g., a touch input, a voice input, and / or a gesture input) corresponding to the warning notification through the output device 150. When receiving the operation request, the controller 140 may identify the first current state and the second current state and predict the possibility of collision.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the output device 150 may include at least one of a display device, an audio output device, a haptic device, or any combination thereof.

[0089] For example, the controller 140 may output notification information including at least one of a position, state, collision possibility, control disabling guide, warning notification, current state, and target state or any combination thereof of a seat corresponding to the driving device 120 by using the output device 150 .

[0090] In the following, Figures 2A-3B In the description of the present invention, different implementations of the seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described below. Figure 2A and 2B The implementation method and basis Figure 3A and 3B The implementations of the present invention may be different from each other. These implementations are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0091] Figure 2A and 2B FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100 includes an input device 210 (eg, Figure 1The input device 110 of the first controller 241, the second controller 242, the first motor 291, the second motor 292, the third motor 293, the fourth motor 294, the fifth motor 295, the sixth motor 296 or any combination thereof. For example, the first motor 291 to the third motor 293 may be a component included in a first drive device for position control of the first seat 271. The fourth motor 294 to the sixth motor 296 may be a component included in a second drive device for position control of the second seat 272.

[0093] For example, the first controller 241 may be electrically connected to the first motor 291, the second motor 292, and the third motor 293 provided for position control of the first seat 271. The first controller 241 may be electrically connected to the second controller 242 and the input device 210 in addition.

[0094] For example, the first controller 241 may receive a designated input from the input device 210. The designated input may include a request to control at least some of the plurality of seats to move to a designated target position.

[0095] For example, the first controller 241 may acquire position information (or motor status information acquired through the Hall sensors) from the first motor 291, the second motor 292, and the third motor 293. The first controller 241 may also identify the current position of the first seat 271 based on the acquired position information.

[0096] For example, the first controller 241 may identify the current position of the second seat 272 from the second controller 242. The second controller 242 may acquire position information (or state information of the motor acquired through the Hall sensor) from the fourth motor 294, the fifth motor 295, and the sixth motor 296. After identifying the current position of the second seat 272 based on the acquired position information, the second controller 242 may send the identified current position to the first controller 241.

[0097] For example, the first controller 241 may predict the possibility of a collision when controlling the seat from the current position to the target position based on the acquired position information. Based on the prediction result, the first controller 241 may set an operation sequence. The first controller 241 may transmit a drive device control operation request signal to other controllers including the second controller 242 so that the position is controlled based on the set operation sequence.

[0098] refer to Figure 2B According to one embodiment, the first system 201 (or the first driving device) and the second system 202 (or the second driving device) can send and receive electrical signals to and from each other.

[0099] For example, the first system 201 may include a first seat 271. The first system 201 may include at least one motor for position control of the first seat 271 (e.g., a first sliding motor 221, a first tilting motor 222, a first pitching motor 223, or a first leg rest motor 224), a first input device 211, a first controller 241, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0100] For example, the second system 202 may include a second seat 272. The second system 202 includes at least one motor (e.g., a second sliding motor 231, a second tilting motor 232, a second pitching motor 233, or a second leg rest motor 234) for position control of the second seat 272, a second input device 212, a second controller 242, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0101] Figure 3A and 3B FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing components of a seat control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100 may include an input device 310 (e.g., Figure 1 The first controller 341, the second controller 342, the first motor 391, the second motor 392, the third motor 393, the fourth motor 394, the fifth motor 395, the sixth motor 396, the integrated controller 340, or any combination thereof. For example, the first motor 391 to the third motor 393 may be a component included in a first drive device for position control of the first seat 371. For example, the fourth motor 394 to the sixth motor 396 may be a component included in a second drive device for position control of the second seat 372.

[0103] For example, the first controller 341 may be electrically connected to a first motor 391, a second motor 392, and a third motor 393 provided for position control of the first seat. Figure 2A Compared to the embodiment depicted in , the first controller 341 may be additionally electrically connected to the integrated controller 340 .

[0104] For example, the second controller 342 may be electrically connected to a fourth motor 394, a fifth motor 395, and a sixth motor 396 provided for position control of the second seat 372. Figure 2A Unlike the example of , the second controller 342 may be additionally electrically connected to the integrated controller 340 .

[0105] For example, the integrated controller 340 may receive a specified input through the input device 310. The specified input may include a request to control at least some of the plurality of seats to move to a specified target position. The integrated controller 340 may receive the current positions of the first seat 371 and the second seat 372 from the first controller 341 and the second controller 342. The integrated controller 340 may identify the target position corresponding to the specified input, and may predict the possibility that a collision will occur between the seats based on the current position and the target position.

[0106] For example, when the setting of the operation sequence is completed based on the collision possibility prediction result, the integrated controller 340 may transmit an operation signal to the first controller 341 and / or the second controller 342 based on the set operation sequence.

[0107] refer to Figure 3B According to one embodiment, the first system 301 (or the first driving device), the second system 302 (or the second driving device), and the integrated controller 340 may send and receive electrical signals to and from each other.

[0108] For example, the first system 301 may include a first seat 391. The first system 301 includes at least one motor (e.g., a first sliding motor 321, a first tilting motor 322, a first pitching motor 323, or a first leg rest motor 324), a first input device 311, a first controller 341, or any combination thereof.

[0109] For example, the second system 302 may include a second seat 372. The second system 302 includes at least one motor (e.g., a second sliding motor 331, a second tilting motor 332, a second pitching motor 333, or a second leg rest motor 334) for position control of the second seat 372, a second input device 312, a second controller 342, or at least one of any combination thereof.

[0110] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a graph used by a seat control apparatus to determine a possibility of a collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100) can determine the possibility of collision between seats based on coordinate data about the seat states.

[0112] For example, the seat control device may predict whether a collision will occur between the target seat and the adjacent seat in the process of controlling the target seat from the current state to the target state based on the comparison result of the coordinate data corresponding to the current state of the target seat, the target state and the current state of the adjacent seat. The coordinate data may include information about the tilt angle (or backrest angle), the relaxation angle (or pitch angle) and the sliding position.

[0113] For example, graphs according to reference numerals 410 and 420 are graphs depicting the likelihood of a collision occurring according to a current state of a target seat assuming that a current state of an adjacent seat is a specified state (eg, a fully folded state).

[0114] For example, the x-axis of the graphs according to reference numerals 410 and 420 may be the tilt angle of the target seat, the y-axis may be the relaxation angle, and the z-axis may be the slide position.

[0115] For example, referring to reference numeral 410 , the seat control apparatus may distinguish and identify coordinate data whereby a collision between seats is expected to occur and coordinate data whereby no collision is expected to exist.

[0116] For example, referring to reference numeral 420, the seat control device may identify boundary data. In other words, the seat control device may identify boundary data between coordinate data where a collision is expected to occur and coordinate data where no collision is expected.

[0117] For example, the seat control device may predict the possibility of a collision between a target seat and an adjacent seat based on the identified data. As an example, the seat control device may determine that there is a possibility of a collision when it is identified that coordinate data based on the current state and the target state of the target seat and the current state of the adjacent seat exist on the identified boundary data.

[0118] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a table used by a seat control apparatus to determine a possibility of a collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100 may store the mapping table in a memory (eg, Figure 1 in the memory 130).

[0120] The mapping table may include information regarding the status of a plurality of seats in the host vehicle and whether a collision will occur based on the status.

[0121] refer to Figure 5 For example, the mapping table may include information about the sliding position, tilt angle, cushion angle (or pitch angle) of the second row seats, and whether a collision will occur.

[0122] For example, when the second row seat is the target seat, the seat control device may identify the first current state of the second row seat and the second current state of the adjacent seat (e.g., the first row seat and / or the third row seat). In other words, when the user performs a designated input to control the second row seat to the target state, the seat control device may identify the second row seat as the target seat and identify the first current state and the second current state.

[0123] For example, the seat control device may store target coordinate data corresponding to the target state in a memory. As an example, the seat control device may identify first coordinate data and second coordinate data corresponding to a first current state and a second current state, respectively. The seat control device may compare them with the target coordinate data to predict the possibility of a collision based on the comparison result.

[0124] For example, when it is determined that there is a time point at which the minimum spacing distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is a specified distance or less, when the seat control device controls the target seat from a first current state to a target state, the seat control device expects a collision to occur and may not control the target seat.

[0125] For example, the seat control apparatus may identify state information according to a first current state of the target seat based on the first coordinate data.

[0126] As an example, refer to Figure 5 , it can be identified that the sliding position of the target seat is -210 degrees, the tilt angle is -18 degrees, and the cushion angle is 4 degrees. In this case, the seat control device can compare the coordinate data depending on the first current state and the second current state based on the mapping table, and can identify that the value of the collision column is 0 based on the comparison result. Therefore, the seat control device can predict that the target seat will not collide with the adjacent seat when controlling from the first current state to the target state.

[0127] As an example, refer to Figure 5 The seat control device may compare the coordinate data depending on the first current state and the second current state based on the mapping table. For example, it may be recognized that the sliding position of the target seat is -210 degrees, the tilt angle is -18 degrees, and the cushion angle is 6 degrees. In this case, the seat control device may recognize that the value of the collision column is 1 based on the comparison result. Therefore, the seat control device may predict that the target seat will collide with the adjacent seat when controlling from the first current state to the target state.

[0128] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a graph used by a seat control apparatus to determine a possibility of a collision according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100) can be used by using a seat control device based on Figure 6 A mapping table of 3D maps is used to identify the possibility of collision during seat control.

[0130] For example, the seat control device may extract at least one coordinate data from the coordinate data stored in the mapping table. As an example, the seat control device may identify a first coordinate (a11, b11, c11), a second coordinate (a11, b12, c12), a third coordinate (a12, b11, c13), and a fourth coordinate (a12, b12, c14). For example, when c11, c12, and c13 are less than or equal to c14, and any one of the first to fourth coordinates is identified as a coordinate where a collision may occur, the boundary value of the z-axis is set to c14. The set boundary portion may be represented by reference numeral 610.

[0131] For example, the seat control device may extract at least one coordinate data from the coordinate data stored in the mapping table. As an example, the seat control device may identify the fifth coordinate (a21, b21, c21), the sixth coordinate (a21, b22, c22), the seventh coordinate (a22, b21, c23), and the eighth coordinate (a22, b22, c24). The fifth to sixth coordinates may correspond to points where a collision is expected to occur, and may correspond to boundary points of an area where a collision is not expected to occur. In this case, the seat control device may identify a plane 620 passing through the fifth to sixth coordinates. For example, the seat control device may identify an equation of the plane 620 based on the fifth to sixth coordinates. Based on this, the seat control device may predict whether there is a possibility of a collision based on other coordinate data.

[0132] Figure 7 The present invention is a flowchart describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100) can execute Figure 7 For example, at least some of the components in the seat control device (e.g., Figure 1 The input device 110, the drive device 120, the memory 130, the controller 140 and the output device 150 may be configured to execute Figure 7 operation.

[0134] In the following embodiments, operations S710 to S750 may be performed sequentially, but need not be performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 7 The content described corresponds to or overlaps with the content.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may receive a designated input ( S710 ).

[0136] For example, the seat control apparatus may receive a designated input from a user who requests that a target seat be controlled to a target state by using an input device.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a current state of a target seat and current states of adjacent seats ( S720 ).

[0138] For example, the seat control apparatus may identify a first current state as a real-time state of a target seat and a second current state as a real-time state of adjacent seats (eg, front seats and / or rear seats of the target seat).

[0139] For example, the current state may include a slide position, a recline angle, and / or a cushion angle of the seat.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a target state of a target seat ( S730 ).

[0141] For example, the seat control device may identify target coordinate data corresponding to the target state.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a possibility of collision (S740).

[0143] For example, the seat control apparatus may predict whether a collision with an adjacent seat will occur in the process of controlling the target seat from a first current state to a target state.

[0144] For example, the seat control device may predict the possibility of a collision based on a comparison result between the first current state, the second current state, and / or the target state.

[0145] For example, in the process of controlling the target seat, when it is determined that there is a time point at which the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is less than or equal to the first distance, the seat control apparatus may predict that there is a possibility of collision.

[0146] For example, when it is predicted that a collision will occur (eg, operation S740 -YES), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S750 .

[0147] For example, when it is predicted that the collision will not occur (eg, operation S740 —No), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S745 .

[0148] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may control the target seat to a target state (S745).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the seat control device may display a notification ( S750 ).

[0150] For example, when controlling the target seat to a target state, the seat control device may provide the user with information predicting that a collision with an adjacent seat will occur.

[0151] For example, the seat control apparatus may provide a notification regarding disabling of the target seat by using an output device.

[0152] Figure 8 The present invention is a flowchart describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100) can execute Figure 8 For example, at least some of the components in the seat control device (e.g., Figure 1 The input device 110, the drive device 120, the memory 130, the controller 140 and the output device 150 may be configured to execute Figure 8 operation.

[0154] In the following embodiments, operations S810 to S860 may be performed sequentially, but need not be performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Figure 8 The content described corresponds to or overlaps with the content. For example, Figure 8 The description of operations S810 to S830 can be obtained from the above Figure 7 The description of operations S710 to S730 is replaced.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify the possibility of collision by considering whether a passenger is sitting on an adjacent seat (S840).

[0156] For example, with the above Figure 7 Unlike the embodiments, when identifying that a passenger is sitting in an adjacent seat, the seat control device may predict the possibility of a collision when determining a time point at which the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is less than and equal to a second distance less than the first distance.

[0157] Unlike the above example, upon recognizing that a passenger is sitting on an adjacent seat, the seat control device may not control the target seat without recognizing a possibility of a collision.

[0158] For example, when it is predicted that a collision will occur (eg, operation S840 -YES), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S850 .

[0159] For example, when it is predicted that the collision will not occur (eg, operation S840 —No), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S845 .

[0160] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a target state of an adjacent seat to eliminate the possibility of collision (S850).

[0161] For example, the seat control device may identify a predetermined avoidance state of an adjacent seat, and after controlling the adjacent seat to the avoidance state, identify whether no collision occurs when controlling the target seat to the target state.

[0162] For example, when the target state of avoiding the collision of the adjacent seat is identified (eg, operation S850 -YES), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S845 .

[0163] For example, when the target state for avoiding a collision of the adjacent seat is not identified (or when it is predicted that a collision will occur even if the adjacent seat is controlled by the target state) (eg, operation S850-No), the seat control apparatus performs operation S860.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may control the target seat to a target state (S845).

[0165] For example, the seat control device may control the target seat to a target state corresponding to the designated input after controlling the adjacent seats to the recognized target state.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the seat control device may display a notification (S860).

[0167] For example, the seat control device may provide the user with information indicating that, when the target seat is controlled to a target state, a collision with an adjacent seat is predicted to occur.

[0168] For example, the seat control apparatus may provide a notification regarding disabling of the target seat by using an output device.

[0169] Fig. 9 The present invention is a flowchart describing a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] According to one embodiment, a seat control device (e.g. Figure 1 The seat control device 100) can execute Fig. 9 For example, at least some of the components in the seat control device (e.g., Figure 1 The input device 110, the drive device 120, the memory 130, the controller 140 and the output device 150 may be configured to execute Fig. 9 operation.

[0171] In the following embodiments, operations S910 to S950 may be performed sequentially, but need not be performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Fig. 9 The content described corresponds to or overlaps with the content.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may receive a designated input ( S910 ).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify current states of the target seat and adjacent seats ( S920 ).

[0174] For example, the seat control device may identify a first current state of a target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a target state of a target seat ( S930 ).

[0176] For example, the seat control device may identify target coordinate data corresponding to a target state of a specified input.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may identify a possibility of collision between the target seat and an adjacent seat (S940).

[0178] For example, the seat control apparatus may predict the possibility of collision between the target seat and an adjacent seat when controlling the target seat from the first current state to the target state based on the comparison result of the first current state, the second current state and / or the target state.

[0179] For example, when it is predicted that a collision will occur (eg, operation S940 -Yes), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S950 .

[0180] For example, when it is predicted that the collision will not occur (eg, operation S940 —No), the seat control apparatus may perform operation S945 .

[0181] According to one embodiment, the seat control apparatus may control the target seat to a target state (S945).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the seat control device may display a notification (S950).

[0183] For example, the seat control device may provide the user with information indicating that, when the target seat is controlled to a target state, a collision with an adjacent seat is predicted to occur.

[0184] For example, the seat control apparatus may provide a notification regarding disabling of the target seat by using an output device.

[0185] Fig.10A computing system related to a seat control device or a seat control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0186] refer to Fig.10 , a computing system 1000 regarding a seat control method may include at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage device 1600 , and a network interface 1700 connected via a bus 1200 .

[0187] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0188] Therefore, the steps of the method or algorithm described in relation to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be directly implemented by hardware, software modules, or a combination thereof executed by the processor 1100. The software module may reside in a storage medium (i.e., the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600) such as a RAM, a flash memory, a ROM, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a solid-state drive (SSD), a removable disk, or a CD-ROM.

[0189] The storage medium is coupled to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 can read information from the storage medium and can write information to the storage medium. In another method, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In another method, the processor and the storage medium can reside in a user terminal as separate components.

[0190] Effects of the seat control apparatus and the seat control method according to the present disclosure are as follows.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a specified input is received from a user, the current state of an adjacent system (e.g., a front seat or a rear seat) of a dynamic system (e.g., a seat) corresponding to the specified input can be identified, and the possibility of a collision that may occur in the process of controlling it to a target state corresponding to the specified input can be controlled.

[0192] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coordinate data corresponding to the current state of the target seat and the adjacent seat and the coordinate data corresponding to the target state can be identified based on the mapping table stored in the memory. In addition, the collision possibility can be predicted based on the comparison result of the coordinate data.

[0193] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when coordinate data corresponding to a current state is not identified based on a mapping table, the possibility of collision may be predicted based on reference data closest to the current state.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is recognized that a passenger is seated on an adjacent seat, the possibility of collision may be predicted based on another reference different from the case where no passenger is seated.

[0195] Furthermore, various effects that can be directly or indirectly recognized through this document can be provided.

[0196] The above description is a simple illustrative description of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be variously modified and changed by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the basic characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0197] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, rather than to limit it. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the attached claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A seat control device, comprising: Input device; Drive device; a memory configured to store one or more instructions; as well as a controller operatively connected to the input device, the drive device and the memory, The instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: Upon receiving a designation input regarding a position of a target seat through the input device, identifying a first current state of the target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat; identifying a target state of the target seat corresponding to the specified input; predicting, based on the first current state, the second current state, and the target state, a possibility of collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat when the target seat is controlled from the first current state to the target state; as well as When it is detected that there is no possibility of collision, the target seat is controlled to the target state by using the drive device.

2. The seat control device of claim 1, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: identifying first coordinate data of the target seat and second coordinate data of the adjacent seat respectively including at least one of a tilt angle, a sliding position, a folding angle, a pitch angle, or any combination thereof of the target seat and the adjacent seat; and The collision possibility is predicted based on a comparison result of the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data.

3. The seat control device of claim 2, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: Based on the comparison result, when the target seat is controlled to the target state, when the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is a first distance or less, it is determined that there is a possibility of collision.

4. The seat control device of claim 2, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: The first coordinate data and the second coordinate data are identified from a mapping table stored in the memory based on the first current state and the second current state.

5. The seat control device of claim 4, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: When the first coordinate data is not identified from the mapping table, identifying first reference data and second reference data having the first current state as an intermediate value from the mapping table; and The collision possibility is identified based on a comparison result of the first reference data, the second reference data, the second coordinate data, and the target state.

6. The seat control device of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: When it is recognized that there is the possibility of the collision, the adjacent seat is controlled to a designated state based on the first current state, the designated state, and the target state and the possibility of the collision is predicted again.

7. The seat control device of claim 6, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: When it is recognized that there is the possibility of the collision, the avoidance coordinate closest to the specified state is identified among the avoidance coordinates set to avoid collision based on the mapping table stored in the memory; controlling the adjacent seat based on the avoidance coordinates; as well as The target seat is controlled to the target state.

8. The seat control device according to claim 1, further comprising: Output device, The instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: When the presence of the collision possibility is recognized, a notification regarding disabling the operation of the target seat is provided by using the output device.

9. The seat control device according to claim 3, further comprising: Output device, The instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: providing a warning notification by using the output device when recognizing that a passenger is seated on the adjacent seat; as well as Upon receiving an operation request corresponding to the warning notification, the first current state and the second current state are identified.

10. The seat control device of claim 9, wherein the instructions are configured to, when executed by the controller, cause the seat control device to: When it is predicted that there is a time point at which the minimum interval distance is not greater than a second distance less than the first distance, it is determined that there is the possibility of the collision.

11. A seat control method, comprising the following steps: When receiving a designation input regarding a position of a target seat through an input device, identifying, by a controller, a first current state of the target seat and a second current state of an adjacent seat; identifying, by the controller, a target state of the target seat corresponding to the specified input; predicting, by the controller, a possibility of collision between the target seat and the adjacent seat when the target seat is controlled from the first current state to the target state based on the first current state, the second current state, and the target state; as well as When it is recognized that there is no possibility of collision, the controller controls the target seat to the target state by using a drive device.

12. The seat control method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: identifying, by the controller, first coordinate data of the target seat and second coordinate data of the adjacent seat, respectively including at least one of a tilt angle, a sliding position, a folding angle, a pitch angle, or any combination thereof of the target seat and the adjacent seat; as well as The collision possibility is predicted by the controller based on a comparison result of the first coordinate data and the second coordinate data.

13. The seat control method according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps: Based on the comparison result, when the target seat is controlled to the target state, when the minimum interval distance between the target seat and the adjacent seat is a first distance or less, it is determined by the controller that there is a possibility of collision.

14. The seat control method according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps: The first coordinate data and the second coordinate data are identified by the controller from a mapping table stored in a memory based on the first current state and the second current state.

15. The seat control method according to claim 14, further comprising the following steps: When the first coordinate data is not identified from the mapping table, identifying first reference data and second reference data having the first current state as an intermediate value from the mapping table; as well as The collision possibility is identified by the controller based on a comparison result of the first reference data, the second reference data, the second coordinate data, and the target state.

16. The seat control method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: When the presence of the collision possibility is identified, the controller controls the adjacent seat to a designated state based on the first current state, the designated state, and the target state and predicts the collision possibility again.

17. The seat control method according to claim 16, further comprising the following steps: When it is recognized that there is the possibility of the collision, the controller identifies the avoidance coordinates closest to the specified state from the avoidance coordinates set to avoid collision based on a mapping table stored in a memory; as well as controlling the adjacent seat by the controller based on the avoidance coordinates; as well as The controller controls the target seat to the target state.

18. The seat control method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: Upon recognizing that there is the possibility of the collision, a notification regarding disabling the operation of the target seat is provided by the controller by using an output device.

19. The seat control method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: providing, by the controller, a warning notification by using an output device when recognizing that a passenger is seated on the adjacent seat; as well as The first current state and the second current state are identified by the controller when an operation request corresponding to the warning notification is received.

20. The seat control method according to claim 19, further comprising the following steps: When it is predicted that there is a time point at which a minimum interval distance is not greater than a second distance less than the first distance, the controller determines that there is the possibility of the collision.

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