System and method for detecting and adapting a gait of a user

Abstract

Systems and methods for detecting and adapting a gait of a user. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations including: detecting one or more individuals in the vicinity of a vehicle; collecting data about one or more individuals; calculating a baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals; determining a physiological condition for each of the one or more individuals based on the data and the baseline gait; and calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and the baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently attributed inventors, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise conform to the prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly regarded as prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to vehicles, and more particularly to systems and methods for evaluating one or more individuals and adjusting vehicles accordingly.

[0004] Vehicles typically include one or more settings and features that can be manually adjusted by the vehicle's user. Sometimes, it is necessary to modify these settings or features, and this requires manual adjustment by one or more users. The shortcomings of existing systems and methods are addressed by one or more aspects of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one configuration, a computer-implemented method is provided that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include detecting one or more individuals near a vehicle, collecting data about the one or more individuals, calculating a baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals, determining a physiological condition for each of the one or more individuals based on the data and the baseline gait, and calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals.

[0006] The method may include one or more of the following optional aspects or steps. For example, the method further includes determining whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait, and modifying vehicle settings based on the one or more deviations.

[0007] According to another aspect, detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting smart keys or mobile devices.

[0008] According to at least one example, collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle.

[0009] According to another example, the method further includes using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

[0010] According to at least one aspect, calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of one or more seats arranged within the vehicle.

[0011] According to another aspect, calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of the steering wheel arranged within the vehicle.

[0012] According to at least one example, calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes opening the vehicle's liftgate.

[0013] According to another example, calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of one or more side mirrors.

[0014] According to at least one aspect, calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of the rearview mirror.

[0015] In another configuration, a system is provided, comprising data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include detecting one or more individuals near a vehicle, collecting data about the one or more individuals, calculating a baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals, determining a physiological condition for each of the one or more individuals based on the data and the baseline gait, and calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and the baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals.

[0016] The system may include one or more of the following optional aspects or steps. For example, the system further includes determining whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait.

[0017] According to at least one aspect, detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting a smart key or mobile device.

[0018] According to another aspect, collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle.

[0019] According to at least one example, the system further includes using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

[0020] In another configuration, a vehicle management system is provided, comprising: a sensor system including one or more sensors coupled to a vehicle; data processing hardware; and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle, collecting data about the one or more individuals, calculating a baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals, determining a physiological condition for each of the one or more individuals based on the data and the baseline gait, and calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and the baseline gait for each of the one or more individuals.

[0021] The vehicle management system may include one or more of the following optional aspects or steps. For example, the vehicle management system further includes determining whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait.

[0022] According to at least one aspect, detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting a smart key or mobile device.

[0023] According to another aspect, collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors.

[0024] According to at least one example, the vehicle management system further includes the use of facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

[0025] This application provides the following technical solution:

[0026] 1. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causing the data processing hardware to perform operations, comprising:

[0027] Detect one or more individuals near the vehicle;

[0028] Collect data about one or more individuals;

[0029] Calculate the baseline gait of each of one or more individuals;

[0030] Determining the physiological status of each of one or more individuals based on data and baseline gait; and

[0031] One or more vehicle settings are calculated based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals.

[0032] 2. The method according to technical solution 1 further includes:

[0033] Determine whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait; and

[0034] Modify vehicle settings based on one or more deviations.

[0035] 3. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting a smart key or mobile device.

[0036] 4. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle.

[0037] 5. The method according to technical solution 1 further includes using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

[0038] 6. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of one or more seats arranged in the vehicle.

[0039] 7. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of a steering wheel arranged within the vehicle.

[0040] 8. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes opening the liftgate of the vehicle.

[0041] 9. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of one or more side mirrors.

[0042] 10. The method according to technical solution 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of the rearview mirror.

[0043] 11. A system comprising:

[0044] Data processing hardware; and

[0045] Memory hardware that communicates with data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including:

[0046] Detect one or more individuals near the vehicle;

[0047] Collect data about one or more individuals;

[0048] Calculate the baseline gait of each of one or more individuals;

[0049] Determining the physiological status of each of one or more individuals based on data and baseline gait; and

[0050] One or more vehicle settings are calculated based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals.

[0051] 12. The system according to technical solution 11 further includes:

[0052] Determine whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait; and

[0053] Modify vehicle settings based on one or more deviations.

[0054] 13. The system according to technical solution 11, wherein detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting a smart key or mobile device.

[0055] 14. The system according to claim 11, wherein collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle.

[0056] 15. The system according to claim 11 further includes using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

[0057] 16. A vehicle management system, comprising:

[0058] A sensor system comprising one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle;

[0059] Data processing hardware; and

[0060] Memory hardware that communicates with data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including:

[0061] Detect one or more individuals near the vehicle;

[0062] Collect data about one or more individuals;

[0063] Calculate the baseline gait of each of one or more individuals;

[0064] Determining the physiological status of each of one or more individuals based on data and baseline gait; and

[0065] One or more vehicle settings are calculated based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals.

[0066] 17. The vehicle management system according to technical solution 16 further includes:

[0067] Determine whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait; and

[0068] Modify vehicle settings based on one or more deviations.

[0069] 18. The vehicle management system according to technical solution 16, wherein detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further includes detecting a smart key or mobile device.

[0070] 19. The vehicle management system according to claim 16, wherein collecting data about one or more individuals further includes capturing data using one or more sensors.

[0071] 20. The vehicle management system according to claim 16 further includes using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle operating environment based on the principles of this disclosure, including the vehicle and the vehicle management system;

[0074] Figure 2 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 1 A top-down view of the vehicle;

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the vehicle's interior;

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vehicle management system; and

[0077] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the gait of one or more individuals and calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0078] Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the relevant parts. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, the example configuration can be implemented in many different forms, and the specific details and example configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0080] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0081] When an element or layer is referred to as “located on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly located on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or an intervening element or layer may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly located on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, an intervening element or layer may not be present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed entries.

[0082] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless explicitly indicated by the context. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part.

[0083] In this application (including the following definitions), the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor (shared, dedicated, or group) for executing code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) for storing code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0084] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor combined with an additional processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory combined with additional memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not cover transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium, and therefore can be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0085] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0086] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0087] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0088] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0089] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented as digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transfer data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0090] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by performing operations on input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are the processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, receiving data from or transferring data to, or both from, one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0091] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen) for displaying information to the user and optional keyboard and pointing devices (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from devices used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0092] refer to Figure 1An example vehicle operating environment 10 is provided to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. The vehicle operating environment 10 includes a vehicle 100 and a vehicle service center 20. For illustrative purposes, the vehicle operating environment 10 is shown as including a single vehicle service center 20. However, in other examples, the vehicle operating environment 10 may include multiple vehicle service centers 20 communicating via a network 30 (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network). The vehicle operating environment 10 also includes one or more detection devices 32, such as one or more cameras or one or more sensors. In at least one example, the one or more detection devices 32 may be coupled to or located within vehicle-friendly infrastructure (e.g., a parking lot). Furthermore, the vehicle operating environment may include a smart key 34 communicating with the vehicle 100 and / or a mobile device 40 communicating with the vehicle 100 and / or the network 30. For example, the smart key 34 and / or the mobile device 40 may be configured to allow a user (e.g., a driver or another passenger) to access the vehicle 100.

[0093] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The vehicle operating environment 10 may include one or more individuals 42. In this illustrative configuration, the one or more individuals may include a driver 42a, a passenger 42b of the vehicle 100, and a pedestrian 42c. Each of the one or more individuals 42 includes a gait pattern 44. For the purposes of this application, gait pattern 44 may refer to a pattern of walking (i.e., stride length, rhythm, speed, hip / knee / foot angle, etc.). Certain injuries, medical conditions, and other factors (i.e., fatigue, stress, etc.) may affect the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42. As will be discussed in more detail below, it may be desirable to collect and evaluate the gait patterns 44 of one or more individuals 42 approaching or surrounding the vehicle 100, so that one or more aspects of the vehicle 100 can be adapted to, for example, one or more of the gait patterns 44.

[0094] refer to Figure 2Vehicle 100 may have a body 102, which has an interior 104 and an exterior 106. Body 102 has a first or front end 108 spaced aft from a second or rear end 110 relative to a longitudinal axis 112. Vehicle 100 has a first or front passenger compartment 114 near the front end 108 and a second or rear passenger compartment 116 spaced aft from the front passenger compartment 114 toward the rear end 110. In this example, the front passenger compartment 114 and the rear passenger compartment 116 each have a first or driver's side 118 and a second or passenger side 120, the second or passenger side 120 being spaced across the vehicle from the driver's side 118 relative to a lateral axis 122. The lateral axis 122 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 112. The driver and passenger sides 118, 120 may be on different sides (i.e., left or right), depending on the region of the world for which vehicle 100 is manufactured. For the purposes of this disclosure, the driver's side 118 is on the left side of the vehicle 100 relative to the lateral axis 122, while the passenger side 120 is on the right side of the vehicle 100. Note that this disclosure also applies to vehicles where the driver's side is on the right side of the vehicle and the passenger side is on the left side.

[0095] Continue to refer to Figure 2 One or more closing devices (e.g., doors, tailgates, etc.) may be coupled to the body 102 of the vehicle 100. For example, the left front passenger door 124 and the right front passenger door 126 may be coupled to the body 102 to close the front passenger compartment 114. The left front passenger door 124 and the right front passenger door 126 may each include side mirrors 128, 130. The side mirrors 128, 130 may include motors or another mechanism configured to automatically adjust (i.e., position, angle, etc.). The left rear passenger door 132 and the right rear passenger door 134 may be coupled to the body 102 to close the rear passenger compartment 116. The body 102 may also include a front hood 136 disposed at the front end 108 and a liftgate 138 (i.e., a rear hood) disposed at the rear end 110. The front hood 136 and the liftgate 138 may each include a motor or another mechanism configured to receive and process commands to open and / or close the front hood 136 and the liftgate 138. Furthermore, vehicle 100 may include a windshield 139a disposed adjacent to a front hood 136 at a front end 108 and extending across the vehicle between the driver's side 118 and the passenger side 120. Similarly, vehicle 100 may include a rear windshield 139b disposed adjacent to a liftgate 138 at a rear end 110 and extending across the vehicle between the driver's side 118 and the passenger side 120.

[0096] Continue to refer to Figure 2The vehicle 100 may include a sensor system 140, which includes one or more sensors disposed within the vehicle interior 104 and / or the vehicle exterior 100. For example, the one or more sensors may include a first sensor 142 coupled to the body 102 toward the front end 108, a second sensor 144 coupled to the body 102 toward the rear end 110, a third sensor 146 coupled to the body 102 on the driver's side 118, and a fourth sensor 148 coupled to the body 102 on the passenger side 120. In this illustrative configuration, a first sensor 142 may be coupled to or adjacent to the front hood 136, a second sensor 144 may be coupled to or adjacent to the liftgate 138, a third sensor 146 may be coupled to or adjacent to the side mirror 128 of the left front passenger door 124, and a fourth sensor 148 may be coupled to or adjacent to the side mirror 130 of the right front passenger door 126. The first, second, third, and fourth sensors 142, 144, 146, and 148 may include one or more cameras, radars, wheel speed sensors, impact sensors, etc. Typically, one or more sensors may be configured to collect and / or capture information (i.e., data) about one or more aspects of the vehicle around 100 during driving and / or when stationary. More specifically, one or more sensors may be configured to capture information about gait patterns 44 of one or more individuals 42 approaching or surrounding the vehicle 100.

[0097] refer to Figure 3An example configuration of the vehicle interior 104 of vehicle 100 is provided. An instrument panel 149 is arranged within the vehicle interior 104 and extends relative to the lateral axis 122. An infotainment system or display 150 may be coupled to or arranged on or within the instrument panel 149. The infotainment system 150 may be configured to act as a user interface for controlling settings of vehicle 100, such as, for example, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The infotainment system 150 may be configured to receive one or more inputs and adjust the settings of vehicle 100 accordingly. A steering wheel 152 may be coupled to the instrument panel 149 and extends fore and aft relative to the longitudinal axis 112. The steering wheel 152 may include a motor (not shown) or another mechanism configured to automatically adjust (e.g., position, height, etc.). A gear shifter 154 may be arranged across the vehicle between the left front seat 156 and the right front seat 158, allowing the operator of vehicle 100 to change the gear position of vehicle 100 (i.e., park, reverse, neutral, drive, low speed). The left front seat 156 may be positioned in front of and behind the steering wheel 152 and may include a motor or other mechanism configured to automatically adjust (e.g., seat height, position, tilt, etc.). Similarly, the right front seat 158 ​​may include a motor or other mechanism configured to automatically adjust (e.g., seat height, position, tilt, etc.). A rearview mirror 160 may be coupled to an interior portion of the windshield 139a and is positioned across the vehicle relative to the lateral axis 122. The rearview mirror 160 may include a motor or another mechanism configured to automatically adjust (e.g., position, angle, etc.).

[0098] refer to Figure 4Vehicle 100 may be equipped with vehicle management system 200 (e.g., telematics unit), which includes network connectivity interface 202. In this example, network connectivity interface 202 is communicatively coupled to vehicle management system 200. Some examples of network connectivity interface 202 may include a twisted-pair / fiber Ethernet switch, an internal / external parallel communication bus, a local area network (LAN) interface, a controller area network (CAN), a media-oriented system transport (MOST), a local interconnect network (LIN) interface, and the like. Other communication interfaces may also include those conforming to ISO, SAE, and IEEE standards and specifications. Network connectivity interface 202 enables components of vehicle management system 200 to send and receive signals to and from each other, and to send and receive signals with various systems and subsystems within or "reside" in vehicle body 102, as well as outside or "away" from vehicle body 102. This allows vehicle 100 to perform various vehicle functions, such as communicating with mobile device 40 via peer-to-peer communication or via network 30 (i.e., via cellular or wireless internet). For example, the vehicle management system 200 may receive data from and / or transmit data to one or more electronic control units (ECUs) such as sensor interface module 204 and vehicle control unit (VCU) 206. The vehicle management system 200 may also communicate with additional ECUs such as engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module, brake system control module (BSCM), climate control module (CCM), etc.

[0099] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The vehicle management system 200 may include a communication system 208 (e.g., an onboard computing device), which provides several functions individually and several functions through communication with other networked devices. For example, the communication system 208 may communicate with a remote positioning or off-vehicle cloud computing system 50 via a network 30. Figure 1 The vehicle 100 may communicate wirelessly with mobile device 40 (e.g., via cellular towers, base stations, and / or mobile switching centers (MSCs)). Communication system 208 typically comprises data processing hardware 210, each of which can be implemented as a discrete microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or dedicated control module. Centralized vehicle control may be provided via a central processing unit (CPU) 212 operatively coupled to memory hardware 214, each of which may take the form of a CD-ROM, disk, IC device, semiconductor memory (e.g., various types of RAM or ROM). Vehicle 100 may include wireless communication technology 209, including long-range and short-range vehicle communication capabilities. This may be via cellular chipset or module 216, navigation and positioning chipset or module 218 (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)), or wireless internet. One or more of chipsets or modules 220 provide remote vehicle communication capabilities with remote, external connected devices. This can be achieved via short-range wireless communication devices (such as wireless low-energy chipsets or modules 222, for example, ...). Low-energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB) chipsets or modules 224 and near-field communication (NFC) chipsets or modules 226 and / or dual antennas 227 provide short-range wireless connectivity.

[0100] The CPU 212 can receive data from one or more sensors of the sensor system 140. Furthermore, the CPU can receive data from any of one or more sensors configured for cellular communication, wireless internet communication, low-energy wireless communication, ultra-wideband communication and / or near-field communication, or for other communication with network 30 and / or mobile device 40. Vehicle 100, and more specifically, the sensor system 140 may be equipped with one or more sensors for wireless communication technology 209. In other words, at least some of the one or more sensors of the sensor system 140 may be configured to receive wireless communication signals, such as cellular communication, wireless internet communication, low-energy wireless communication, ultra-wideband communication and / or near-field communication.

[0101] The detection device 32 can be configured to communicate directly or via network 30 using wireless communication technology 209. According to at least one aspect, the detection device 32 can be configured to collect data 228 on gait patterns 44 of one or more individuals 42 and transmit it to vehicle 100 or network 30 for storage or evaluation.

[0102] The smart key 34 and mobile device 40 (e.g., smartphone) can be configured to communicate directly or via network 30 using wireless communication technology 209. According to one aspect, vehicle 100, and more particularly, vehicle management system 200, can be configured to wake vehicle 100 when the smart key 34 and / or mobile device 40 are detected in the vicinity of vehicle 100. As will be discussed in more detail below, for example, once the smart key 34 and / or mobile device 40 are detected, sensor system 140 can begin collecting data 228 about one or more individuals 42 in the vicinity of vehicle 100. In at least one configuration, sensor system 140 can be configured to continuously collect data 228 (e.g., even during low-power modes).

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 4Motors or other mechanisms coupled to each of the side mirrors 128, 130, the hood 136, and the liftgate 138 can be communicatively coupled to the communication system 208 and configured to receive commands 230 from the vehicle control unit 206 or another module within the vehicle 100. Similarly, the infotainment system 150 can be communicatively coupled to the communication system 208 and configured to receive commands 230 from the vehicle control unit 206 or another module within the vehicle 100. Motors or other mechanisms coupled to each of the steering wheel 152, the left front seat 156, the right front seat 158, and the rearview mirror 160 can be communicatively coupled to the communication system 208 and configured to receive commands 230 from the vehicle control unit 206 or another module within the vehicle 100. Note that other aspects of the vehicle 100 can also be communicatively coupled to the communication system 208, such as the vehicle suspension, the vehicle powertrain, and safety restraint systems (e.g., seat belts, airbags, etc.). These systems can be configured to receive instructions 230 from the vehicle control unit 206 or another module within the vehicle 100.

[0104] Based on the principles of this disclosure, and referring to Figure 5 A method 300 is provided, which typically evaluates the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42 within the vehicle operating environment 10 and adjusts one or more aspects of the vehicle 100 accordingly. For example, adapting the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42 may be desired to enhance and / or improve the driving experience. Method 300 is initiated at 310. In practice, method 300 can be initiated when at least one of the one or more sensors collects data indicating that one or more individuals 42 are approaching the vehicle 100. For example, method 300 will be initiated if one or more individuals 42 unlock the vehicle 100, for example, using a smart key 34 or a mobile device 40. Typically, method 300 can be initiated in any situation where one or more individuals 42 can be evaluated by one or more sensors of the sensor system 140 or one or more detection devices 32 communicating with the vehicle 100.

[0105] At 312, one or more individuals 42 are evaluated by one or more sensors (e.g., first, second, third and / or fourth sensors 142, 144, 146, 148), and data 228 may be locally stored in memory hardware 214 and / or remotely stored in an off-vehicle cloud computing system 50.

[0106] At 314, data 228 is evaluated and / or analyzed to determine gait patterns 44 of one or more individuals 42. Data 228 can be processed using one or more machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM), visual transducers, graph neural networks, Bayesian networks, deep Gaussian processes, multimodal large language models (LLM), visual language models (VLM), and other ML algorithms utilized in the automotive industry. It may be desirable to use one or more of these ML algorithms to analyze the data to establish gait patterns 44 for each of the one or more individuals 42.

[0107] At 316, the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42 can be evaluated (i.e., compared) against data 228 stored in memory hardware 214 and / or the external cloud computing system 50 to identify or determine whether one or more of the individuals 42 have been evaluated. If the gait pattern 44 is new (i.e., has not been previously identified), method 300 proceeds to 318. If the gait pattern 44 is not new (i.e., has been previously identified), the method proceeds to 320.

[0108] At 318, the new gait pattern 44 may require authorization from the vehicle owner. For example, gait pattern 44 may include a gait pattern for a pedestrian 42c who does not own vehicle 100 or is not authorized to enter vehicle 100. The owner or authorized user of vehicle 100 may be notified via an app, text, and / or telephone on mobile device 40, and may choose to approve or disapprove a particular individual. If the owner or authorized user does not approve one or more individuals 42 (e.g., pedestrian 42c), vehicle 100 may be disabled at 322. If the owner or authorized user approves one or more individuals 42 whose gait 44 has not previously been identified, method 300 proceeds to 324. In at least one configuration, facial recognition may also be used to determine whether one or more individuals 42 is an authorized user of vehicle 100.

[0109] At point 324, the baseline physiological characteristics 326 of a new individual among one or more individuals 42 are estimated. In other words, the height, body mass index, age, sex, etc., of the new individual among one or more individuals 42 are estimated. According to at least one aspect, one or more ML algorithms described above can be used to help estimate and / or establish the baseline physiological characteristics 326 of a new individual among one or more individuals 42.

[0110] At 328, baseline physiological conditions 326 can be used to establish one or more computational settings 330 and / or characteristics of vehicle 100. For example, if a new individual is approaching the left front passenger door 124 and is about to drive vehicle 100, the positions of the left front seat 156, steering wheel 152, rearview mirror 160, side mirrors 128, 130, etc., can be determined. Other aspects of vehicle 100, such as driving mode (e.g., fully automatic, semi-automatic, manual, etc.), can also be determined. Computational settings 330 can be locally stored in memory hardware 214 and / or remotely stored in an external cloud computing system 50. Additionally, if a new individual among one or more individuals 42 enters vehicle 100 for the first time and changes various settings from computational settings 330, personal preferences can be stored in addition to or in lieu of computational settings 330.

[0111] At 320, when one of one or more individuals 42 has been previously identified, their computational or preferred settings 330 can be retrieved from the memory hardware 214 or from the off-board cloud computing system 50.

[0112] At 332, baseline physiological conditions 326 and calculated or preferred settings 330 can be used to assess data 228 to determine if any deviations 334 exist. For example, one or more of these deviations 334 may exist due to the object being carried (e.g., an infant, shopping bag, etc.) and / or due to fatigue, stress, excitement, or disability. Other factors not provided herein may also contribute to deviations from the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42. According to at least one aspect, one or more ML algorithms described above can be used to help determine if any of these deviations exist.

[0113] At 336, the calculation or preferred setting 330 can be modified to accommodate the deviation 334, so that the instruction 230 can be determined. For example, if the gait pattern 44 of one or more individuals 42 is affected by carrying a shopping bag, then one of the settings 330 can be modified such that the instruction 230 will automatically open the liftgate 138 (i.e., the rear cover).

[0114] At 338, instruction 230 may be transmitted via communication system 208 to one or more aspects of vehicle 100, causing one or more settings of vehicle 100 to be adjusted to enhance or improve the experience of one or more individuals (e.g., driver 42a and passenger 42b), and then method 300 ends.

[0115] Various implementations have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0116] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in alternative configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. The same applies to variations in various ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causing the data processing hardware to perform operations, comprising: Detect one or more individuals near the vehicle; Collect data about one or more individuals; Calculate the baseline gait of each of one or more individuals; The physiological status of each of one or more individuals is determined based on data and baseline gait. as well as One or more vehicle settings are calculated based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine whether the data indicates one or more deviations from the baseline gait; as well as Modify vehicle settings based on one or more deviations.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting one or more individuals near the vehicle further comprises detecting a smart key or mobile device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein collecting data about one or more individuals further comprises capturing data using one or more sensors coupled to the vehicle.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising using facial recognition to identify one or more individuals.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of one or more seats arranged within the vehicle.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of a steering wheel disposed within the vehicle.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals further comprises opening the liftgate of the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of the one or more individuals further includes calculating the positions of one or more side mirrors.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating one or more vehicle settings based on the physiological condition and baseline gait of each of one or more individuals further includes calculating the position of a rearview mirror.

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