Occupant recognition system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a passenger identification system, a plurality of capacitance diaphragm units, a plurality of signal transmitters, a touch surface and a controller, the plurality of capacitance diaphragm units are in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of seats on a vehicle, and each capacitance diaphragm unit is arranged in a cushion or a backrest of the corresponding seat; the plurality of capacitor diaphragm units are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of signal transmitters, each capacitor diaphragm unit is electrically connected with the corresponding signal transmitter, each signal transmitter is used for applying a preset signal to the corresponding capacitor diaphragm unit, and the preset signals applied by the signal transmitters are different; the controller comprises a signal detection module and a signal receiving module, the signal receiving module is in communication connection with the signal detection module, and the signal receiving module is electrically connected with the touch surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automotive intelligence, and more specifically to an occupant recognition system. Background Art

[0002] In modern automotive design, with the continuous improvement of intelligence and comfort, users' demands for personalized and convenient operations are increasing day by day. Traditional automotive control systems often rely on physical buttons or operation methods with a unified interface, which to a certain extent limits the interaction experience between drivers and occupants in the vehicle space. Especially in multi-seat vehicles, when occupants in different positions need to adjust the seat, air-conditioning temperature or other personalized settings, they often need to achieve this through the central control screen or complex button combinations, which is not only cumbersome to operate but also may lead to misoperations or delays. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an occupant recognition system. When an occupant sits on a seat and touches the screen of the controller, the controller can automatically recognize the position of the seat where the occupant is located and adjust and control the corresponding seat, which is very convenient.

[0004] Based on the above purpose, the utility model provides an occupant recognition system, which includes a plurality of capacitive film units, a plurality of signal transmitters, a touch surface and a controller. The plurality of capacitive film units correspond one-to-one with a plurality of seats or positions on the vehicle, and each of the capacitive film units is arranged in the seat cushion or backrest of the corresponding seat or position;

[0005] The plurality of capacitive film units correspond one-to-one with the plurality of signal transmitters. Each capacitive film unit is electrically connected to the corresponding signal transmitter, and each signal transmitter is used to apply a preset signal to the corresponding capacitive film unit, and the preset signals applied by each signal transmitter are different;

[0006] The controller includes a signal detection module and a signal receiving module. The signal receiving module and the signal detection module are communicatively connected, and the signal receiving module is electrically connected to the touch surface.

[0007] Further, the controller is communicatively connected to the vehicle electronic control unit. At least one function item that can be triggered by the occupant is provided on the touch surface, and the communication information between the controller and the vehicle electronic control unit includes the function item information triggered by the occupant and the recognized preset signal.

[0008] Further, the signal transmitter is installed on the seat or position corresponding to the corresponding signal transmitter.

[0009] Further, the capacitive film unit includes a conductive layer, and a signal wire is laid on the conductive layer.

[0010] Further, it further includes at least one protective layer, which is fixedly connected to the conductive layer and is used to prevent the conductive layer from being damaged.

[0011] Further, a heating film is provided on the seat or the seating, and the heating film is arranged horizontally at an interval from the capacitive film unit.

[0012] Further, the seat or the seating is provided with a wire part, and the wire part has an interval from the capacitive film unit in the projection direction.

[0013] Further, the seat where the seat or the seating is located includes a frame, a foam block and a seat cover. The foam block is fixed on the frame, the seat cover is sleeved outside the foam block, the capacitive film unit is located between the seat cover and the foam block and is fixed to the foam block and / or the seat cover, the signal transmitter is fixed on the frame, and the signal transmitter is electrically connected to the capacitive film unit through a connecting wire.

[0014] Further, one end of the connecting wire is connected to the capacitive film unit, and the other end is wrapped back from the edge of the foam block and the frame and then connected to the signal transmitter; or,

[0015] One end of the connecting wire is connected to the capacitive film unit, and the other end passes through the reserved holes in the foam block and the frame in sequence and then is connected to the signal transmitter.

[0016] Further, at least one fixing hole is provided on the signal transmitter to fix the signal transmitter on the frame through the fixing hole.

[0017] Further, the thickness of the seat cover is less than or equal to 15 millimeters.

[0018] In the occupant recognition system of the present utility model, a capacitive film unit and a signal transmitter are arranged on the seat or the seating. The signal transmitter applies a preset signal to the capacitive film unit. When an occupant sits on the seat or the seating, the human body will transmit the preset signal on the capacitive film unit to the controller as a conductor, so that the controller can identify the specific position of the seat or the seating through the received preset signal, which is very convenient; various selectable function items can be displayed on the touch surface, and the controller can send the preset signal and the function item selected by the occupant to the ECU, so that the ECU controls the seat or the seating to implement the selected function. Thus, the occupant can easily and intuitively control the related functions of the seat or the seating, greatly improving the overall operation experience and riding comfort in the vehicle. Description of the Drawings

[0019] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2A First schematic diagram of the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2B Second schematic diagram of the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2C Third schematic diagram of the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3A First schematic diagram of the conductive layer of the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3B Second schematic diagram of the conductive layer of the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram when the capacitive diaphragm unit of the occupant recognition system is integrated on the heating pad according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 5A Schematic diagram of the capacitive diaphragm unit and the signal transmitter of the occupant recognition system installed on the seat according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5B Cross-sectional view of the first arrangement of the capacitive diaphragm unit, signal transmitter and seat of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5C Cross-sectional view of the second arrangement of the capacitive diaphragm unit, signal transmitter and seat of the occupant recognition system according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] The following combines the accompanying drawings to give the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and describes them in detail.

[0030] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present utility model provides an occupant recognition system, which includes a plurality of capacitive diaphragm units 100 and a plurality of signal transmitters 200. Each capacitive diaphragm unit 100 corresponds to each signal transmitter 200 one by one. Each capacitive diaphragm unit 100 is electrically connected to the corresponding signal transmitter 200. Each capacitive diaphragm unit 100 also corresponds to a plurality of seats or seating positions 300 on the vehicle. It should be noted that it is allowed that two or more seating positions are integrated into one long seat, that is, one seat is designed to include a plurality of seating positions 300 and is for multiple passengers to sit on. Each capacitive diaphragm unit 100 is arranged on the seat 300 corresponding to the capacitive diaphragm unit 100. Each signal transmitter 200 is used to apply a preset signal to the corresponding capacitive diaphragm unit 100. The preset signals output by each signal transmitter 200 are different from each other. The occupant recognition system further includes a controller 400 and a touch surface 410. The controller 400 is electrically connected to the touch surface 410. When an occupant sits on a certain seat or seating position 300 and touches (such as with a hand) the touch surface 410, the human body will act as a conductor to connect the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 on the seat or seating position 300 to the controller 400. In this way, the preset signal applied by the signal transmitter 200 will be transmitted to the controller 400 through the capacitive diaphragm unit 100. Since the preset signals emitted by each signal transmitter 200 are different, when the occupant sits on different seats or seating positions 300 and touches the touch surface 410, the preset signals received by the controller 400 are also different. That is, each seat or seating position 300 corresponds to each preset signal one by one. Each seat or seating position 300 has its own preset signal. The corresponding relationship between the seat or seating position 300 and the preset signal can be sent to the controller 400 in advance. In this way, after receiving a certain preset signal, the controller 400 can determine the seat or seating position 300 corresponding to the preset signal according to the corresponding relationship between the seat or seating position 300 and the preset signal, so as to recognize the seat or seating position where the occupant is located (that is, recognize on which seat or seating position 300 the occupant is sitting). When the occupant touches the touch surface 410, the occupant can also select various function items on the touch surface 410. The controller 400 will send the seat or seating position information where the occupant is located and the selected function item information to the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and the ECU 500 controls the corresponding seat or seating position to implement the corresponding function. Thus, the intelligent recognition and control of the seat or seating position can be realized. Occupants in different positions do not need to select the seat or seating position when adjusting the seat or seating position, but directly select the function, which is more convenient to operate. For the convenience of description, the seat or seating position will be uniformly described as a seat hereinafter.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 may be composed of a capacitive diaphragm. In other embodiments, a conductive wire layer capable of forming a capacitance may also be selected. The capacitive diaphragm unit 100 may be configured to emit a certain frequency in the form of a capacitance to an occupant located on the seat, that is, each preset signal may be an electrical signal (such as a voltage signal) with a different frequency.

[0032] In some instances, the touch surface 410 may be a touch screen, a control panel with touch function. The touch surface 410 may be a unit with a flat surface, or a non-flat surface with specific structures such as protrusions and depressions. The touch surface 410 may be configured at positions such as the center console screen, the center console armrest, and the rear row armrest in the vehicle cockpit. The presentation form of the function items on the touch surface 410 may be icons displayed on the screen, beacons presented by backlight or projection, touch areas presented by surface shapes, etc.

[0033] The selection of the vehicle electronic control unit 500 should be understood as the selection by those skilled in the art based on the vehicle's overall electronic control architecture. In some instances, the vehicle electronic control unit 500 may be selected as a vehicle controller, a zone controller, etc.

[0034] Specifically, the controller 400 includes a signal receiving module and a signal detecting module. The signal receiving module is electrically connected to the touch surface 410 and is used to receive the preset signal transmitted from the touch surface 410. The signal detecting module is communicatively connected to the signal receiving module and is used to receive the preset signal sent by the signal receiving module and identify the preset signal. The signal detecting module is communicatively connected to the ECU 500. Further, based on the identified preset signal and the corresponding relationship between the preset signal and the seat, the signal detecting module of the controller 400 determines the person on the seat from which the preset signal originates. Alternatively, the signal detecting module of the controller 400 uploads the identified preset signal information to the vehicle electronic control unit, and the vehicle electronic control unit determines the person on the seat from which the preset signal originates according to the received preset signal and the corresponding relationship between the preset signal and the seat.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the occupant recognition system includes two capacitive diaphragm units 100 and two signal transmitters 200. One capacitive diaphragm unit 100 and one signal transmitter 200 correspond to the driver's seat, and the other capacitive diaphragm unit 100 and the other signal transmitter 200 correspond to the passenger seat. The preset signal emitted by the signal transmitter 200 corresponding to the driver's seat is the first signal (such as a voltage pulse signal with a frequency of 300KHZ), and the preset signal emitted by the signal transmitter 200 corresponding to the passenger seat is the second signal (such as a voltage pulse signal with a frequency of 350KHZ). When the occupant of the driver's seat touches the touch surface 410, the first signal emitted by the signal transmitter 200 will be transmitted through the human body to the controller 400. When the occupant of the passenger seat touches the touch surface 410, the second signal emitted by the signal transmitter 200 will be transmitted through the human body to the controller 400. When the controller 400 receives the first signal, it can recognize that the occupant is sitting on the driver's seat, that is, the seat position is the driver's seat; when the controller 400 receives the second signal, it can recognize that the occupant is sitting on the passenger seat, that is, the seat position is the passenger seat. Various function items such as backrest adjustment, seat front-back adjustment, and seat temperature adjustment can be displayed on the touch surface 410. When the occupant of the driver's seat touches the backrest adjustment option on the touch surface 410, the controller 400 will transmit relevant information to the ECU 500, and the ECU 500 will then control the driver's seat to perform backrest adjustment.

[0036] It can be understood that the number of capacitive diaphragm units 100 and signal transmitters 200 can be set according to the number of seats to be regulated, and the function items on the touch surface 410 can also be set as needed.

[0037] In some embodiments, the signal transmitter 200 can also be installed on the corresponding seat 300, that is, both the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 and the signal transmitter 200 are integrated on the corresponding seat 300.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller 400 can be set on the center console box for the convenience of use by the driver and passenger. Alternatively, the controller 400 can also be integrated with the ECU 500 and installed on the center console.

[0039] In some embodiments, the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 is in the form of a pad and is integrated on the seat 300. When the occupant sits on the seat 300, the occupant can contact the capacitive diaphragm unit 100. The capacitive diaphragm unit 100 can be formed into any suitable shape, such as circular, square, triangular, etc., as long as it is within the range that can be covered by the human body. Generally speaking, the minimum size of the capacitive diaphragm unit is 10cm * 10cm.

[0040] Such as Figure 2A 、Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, in some embodiments, the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. When it is a single-layer structure, as Figure 2A shown, it only includes a conductive layer 110, on which a signal wire 111 is laid. The signal wire 111 can be set to be partially on the conductive layer 110 and partially extend outside the conductive layer 110; as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the signal wire 111 is one and can be formed into any suitable shape. When it is a multi-layer structure, the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 may include a conductive layer 110 and a protective layer 120 (as Figure 2B shown) or include a conductive layer 110 and two protective layers 120. When only including one protective layer 120, the protective layer 120 is located above the conductive layer 110. When including two protective layers 120, the conductive layer 110 can be located between the two protective layers 120. The protective layer 120 can be fabric, film, foam or any other suitable material to play a role in protecting the conductive layer 110 from damage. The protective layer 120 and the conductive layer 110 can be fixed together by sewing or gluing. The signal wire 111 can be any suitable conductive material, such as metal materials like copper wire and silver wire, or polymer conductive materials.

[0041] As Figure 4 shown, in some embodiments, a heating pad 600 may be provided on the seat 300. The heating pad includes a heating diaphragm 620 and a heating wire 610. The heating wire 610 is electrically connected to the heating diaphragm 620. The capacitive diaphragm unit 100 can be integrated with the heating diaphragm 620, that is, at least one signal wire 111 is newly added on the heating pad 600. This signal wire 111 does not contact the heating wire 610 and the heating diaphragm of the heating pad 600 and maintains a certain distance, so that the heating function and the capacitive sensor diaphragm function do not interfere with each other. The heating diaphragm can be a metal wire heating diaphragm or a graphene heating diaphragm. The metal wire heating diaphragm can be a fabric or diaphragm with metal wires fixed by sewing.

[0042] Furthermore, some parts of the seat will include metal materials, such as metal wires for decoration on the surface of the seat cushion or the backrest surface, or other functional metal layer structures in layer structures such as the seat cover and foam. These layer structures containing metal wires are collectively referred to as the metal wire part. The capacitive diaphragm unit and the metal wire part need to have a certain interval in the projection direction so that the capacitive diaphragm unit is not interfered by the metal wire part.

[0043] As Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5CAs shown, the seat 300 may include a frame 310, a foam block 320, and a seat cover 330. The foam block 320 is fixed to the frame 310, and the seat cover 330 is sleeved outside the foam block 320. The capacitive membrane unit 100 may be located between the seat cover 330 and the foam block 320 and fixedly connected to the foam block 320 and / or the seat cover 330. For example, it is adhered to the foam block 320 or fixed to the seat cover 330 by stitching. In this way, the capacitive membrane unit 100 can contact the occupant sitting on the seat 300, and the hiding and protection of the capacitive membrane unit 100 can be achieved. The signal transmitter 200 may be fixed to the frame 310 (for example, fixed below the frame 310). The signal transmitter 200 may be electrically connected to the capacitive membrane unit 100 through a connection line 700. The connection line 700 may be a flexible wire or a rigid wire, as long as electrical connection can be achieved. As Figure 5B shown, one end of the connection line 700 is connected to the capacitive membrane unit 100 (connected to the signal wire 111), and the other end is wrapped from the edge of the foam block 320 and the frame 310, crosses the foam block 320 and the frame 310, and is connected to the signal transmitter 200. Or, as Figure 5C shown, one end of the connection line 700 is connected to the capacitive membrane unit 100, and the other end passes through the reserved holes on the foam block 320 and the frame 310 in sequence and is connected to the signal transmitter 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one fixing hole may be provided on the signal transmitter 200 to fix the signal transmitter 200 to the frame 310 through the fixing hole. The fixing method may be snap fixing, cable tie fixing, screw fixing, or any other suitable fixing method.

[0045] The capacitive membrane unit 100 may be a capacitive sensor. The signal transmitter 200 may generate a preset signal (such as a voltage pulse signal) and apply it to the capacitive membrane unit 100. When an occupant approaches or contacts the capacitive membrane unit 100, a capacitance is formed and grounded to the electrode array of the touch surface 410, so that the controller 400 can detect the preset signal applied by the signal transmitter 200 on the capacitive membrane unit 100.

[0046] It can be understood that in addition to the seat, the capacitive membrane unit 100 can also be applied to any suitable structure in the automotive cockpit, such as armrests, door panels, floor mats, instrument panels, etc.

[0047] In the occupant recognition system according to the embodiment of the present utility model, a capacitive diaphragm unit 100 and a signal transmitter 200 are provided on the seat 300. The signal transmitter 200 applies a preset signal to the capacitive diaphragm unit 100. When an occupant sits on the seat 300, the human body will transmit the preset signal on the capacitive diaphragm unit 100 to the controller 400 as a conductor, so that the controller 400 can identify the specific position of the seat 300 through the received preset signal, which is very convenient. Various selectable function items can be displayed on the touch surface 410. The controller 400 can send the preset signal and the function item selected by the occupant to the ECU 500, so that the ECU 500 controls the seat to implement the selected function. Thus, the occupant can easily and intuitively control the relevant functions of the seat, greatly improving the overall operation experience and riding comfort in the vehicle.

[0048] It should be noted that the present utility model (such as the utility model concept, etc.) has been described and / or illustrated in the drawings in the specification of this patent document according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present utility model are only presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the utility model concept embodied in the present utility model as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings are only illustrative. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail in this patent document, it is easy for those of ordinary skill in the art to understand that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present utility model; all such subject matter (such as modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, etc. can be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (such as in terms of concept, design, structure, device, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process / method, steps, order of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present utility model; all such subject matter (such as modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is not intended to be limited to the subject matter described in the specification and / or drawings of this patent document (such as details, structure, function, materials, behavior, steps, order, system, results, etc.). Considering that the claims of this patent document will be properly interpreted to cover the entire scope of the subject matter of the present utility model (such as including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it should be understood that the terms used in this patent document are for the purpose of describing the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and are not a limitation on the scope of the present utility model.

[0049] It should also be noted that, according to the exemplary embodiments, the present utility model may include conventional technologies (such as technologies implemented and / or integrated in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents), or may include any other applicable technologies (present and / or future), having the ability to perform the functions, processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such technologies (such as technologies implemented in the form of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present utility model of this patent document.

Claims

1. An occupant recognition system, characterized in that, It includes multiple capacitive membrane units, multiple signal transmitters, a touch surface, and a controller. The multiple capacitive membrane units correspond one-to-one with multiple seats on the vehicle. Each of the capacitive membrane units is arranged in the seat cushion or backrest of the corresponding seat. The multiple capacitive membrane units correspond one-to-one with the multiple signal transmitters. Each capacitive membrane unit is electrically connected to the corresponding signal transmitter. Each signal transmitter is used to apply a preset signal to the corresponding capacitive membrane unit, and the preset signals applied by each signal transmitter are different. The controller includes a signal detection module and a signal receiving module. The signal receiving module and the signal detection module are communicatively connected, and the signal receiving module is electrically connected to the touch surface.

2. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is communicatively connected to the vehicle electronic control unit. At least one function item that can be triggered by the occupant is provided on the touch surface. The communication information between the controller and the vehicle electronic control unit includes the function item information triggered by the occupant and the identified preset signal.

3. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal transmitter is installed in the seat corresponding to the corresponding signal transmitter.

4. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, characterized in that The capacitive membrane unit includes a conductive layer, and a signal wire is laid on the conductive layer.

5. The occupant recognition system according to claim 4, wherein It further includes at least one protective layer, and the protective layer is fixedly connected to the conductive layer to prevent the conductive layer from being damaged.

6. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A heating film is provided on the seat. The heating film is arranged horizontally at an interval from the capacitive membrane unit.

7. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wire part is provided on the seat. The wire part has an interval from the capacitive membrane unit in the projection direction.

8. The occupant recognition system according to claim 1, wherein The seat includes a frame, a foam block, and a seat cover. The foam block is fixed on the frame, and the seat cover is sleeved outside the foam block. The capacitive membrane unit is located between the seat cover and the foam block and is fixed to the foam block and / or the seat cover. The signal transmitter is fixed on the frame, and the signal transmitter is electrically connected to the capacitive membrane unit through a connecting wire.

9. The occupant recognition system according to claim 8, characterized in that One end of the connecting wire is connected to the capacitive membrane unit, and the other end is wrapped around from the edge of the foam block and the frame and then connected to the signal transmitter; or One end of the connecting wire is connected to the capacitive membrane unit, and the other end passes through the reserved holes in the foam block and the frame in sequence and then is connected to the signal transmitter.

10. The occupant recognition system according to claim 8, wherein, At least one fixing hole is provided on the signal transmitter to fix the signal transmitter on the frame through the fixing hole.

11. The occupant recognition system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the seat cover is less than or equal to 15 millimeters.

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