System and procedure for occupant size

Abstract

System (105) comprising a computer (140) with a processor (125) and a memory (130), wherein the memory (130) stores instructions that can be executed by the processor (125) for: receiving an image (30) from an image sensor (12) encompassing the head of an occupant; determining the seat size of the occupant; and adjusting a safety device (40) at least partially based on the seat size of the occupant; characterized in that the determination of the seat size of the occupant is based at least partially on a distance from the image sensor (12) to the head of the occupant and a detected angle of a vehicle seat (20).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present patent application is a partial continuation and claims the priority and all benefits of US patent application 14 / 741,575 dated June 17, 2015, to which reference is hereby made in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] Passive vehicle safety systems can utilize occupant information, such as occupant height and weight. However, determining occupant information within a vehicle can be difficult and expensive. For example, determining an occupant's height while seated in the vehicle is challenging because the occupant is sedentary.

[0003] Occupant detection and classification systems use various metrics to detect and classify vehicle occupants. These metrics can be measured or based on user input. Sometimes, the metrics relate to the occupant's size. For example, an occupant detection system might determine whether an occupant is present in a vehicle based on weight on the seat. Such systems can sometimes distinguish adult occupants from children, pets, or inanimate objects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an example vehicle with a system that can assign a classification to an occupant based on the occupant's seat weight and seat size.

[0005] Fig. 2A is a block diagram of the system consisting of Fig. 1.

[0006] Fig. 2B is another example block diagram of the system from Fig. 1.

[0007] Fig. 3 is an exemplary system for determining the size of an occupant in a vehicle.

[0008] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example image that provides altitude determination information.

[0009] Fig. Figure 5 is a process flow diagram for determining the size of the occupant and setting a safety system based on the size of the occupant.

[0010] Fig. 6A– Fig. 6C are graphs that show exemplary relationships between different metrics that can be used to determine an occupant mass index.

[0011] Fig. Figure 7 is a process flow diagram for determining and updating the inmate's classification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Medical professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to roughly assess a person's measurements relative to their height or weight. A person's BMI can indicate whether they are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. These same classifications can be used to adjust certain vehicle subsystems, such as a restraint system. BMI can be calculated from a person's standing weight and height. However, this information is often unavailable to the vehicle unless voluntarily provided by the occupant. Even when voluntarily provided, a person's weight can change over time. Therefore, simply requesting vehicle occupants to provide their height and weight is not necessarily a reliable way to determine an occupant's size and weight.

[0013] One possible solution is to determine an occupant's BMI using a vehicle classification system based on their seat size and seat weight. An example classification system might include a processor programmed to determine the seat size and seat weight associated with the occupant and assign the occupant a classification, at least partially based on a seat weight-to-seat-size ratio. Seat size could be a function of the vertical height set by a seat angle. Seat weight could include weight acting on the seat, neglecting most of the occupant's legs. The seat weight-to-seat-size ratio could be called the seat body mass index or seat BMI. In some cases, the seat BMI could be a function of the ratio of seat weight to the square of seat size.

[0014] The seated BMI can be related to the more traditional BMI used by medical professionals. Therefore, the seated BMI can be used to determine whether a particular occupant is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Various vehicle subsystems can be adjusted accordingly.

[0015] The elements shown can take many different forms and include multiple and / or alternative components and features. The illustrated example components are not intended to be limiting. In fact, additional or alternative components and / or implementations can be used.

[0016] As in Fig. As illustrated in 1, the vehicle 100 an occupant classification system 105The system can classify occupants according to their size without requiring them to provide their height and weight. The occupant classification system 105 It can measure the occupant's seat size, measure the occupant's seat weight, determine a ratio of seat weight to occupant size, and assign a classification based at least partially on this ratio. Although the vehicle 100 While depicted as a sedan, it can encompass any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, van, light commercial vehicle, taxi, bus, etc. In some possible approaches, as discussed below, the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle designed to operate in an autonomous (e.g., driverless) mode, a semi-autonomous mode, and / or a non-autonomous mode.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in 2A, the occupant classification system 105 a weight sensor 110 , an altitude sensor 115 , a belt extension sensor 120 and a processor 125 exhibit.

[0018] The weight sensor 110 It may have an electronic computing device programmed to measure the occupant's seat weight. The weight sensor 110 It can be embedded in a vehicle seat, such as the driver's seat. In some possible approaches, the weight sensor can 110 It is programmed to measure the magnitude of the weight acting on the seat. This weight can be referred to as the "seat weight" because it represents the occupant's weight while seated. The occupant's seat weight may differ from their standing weight because the seat weight neglects the weight of most of the occupant's legs. The weight sensor110 It can also be programmed to output a seat weight signal that corresponds to the weight sensor 110 Measured seat weight is represented.

[0019] The weight sensor 115 The seat size can include an electronic computing device programmed to measure the occupant's seat height. The seat height can be a vertical measurement, such as the distance from the top of the seat to the top of the occupant's head. The seat height can therefore be based on the difference between the height of the top of the occupant's head and the height of the seat's top edge. The height of the seat's top edge can be determined based on the seat's height from the vehicle floor, the seat's thickness, or both. The electronic computing device of the height sensor 115The seat angle can be determined based on input from a seat back angle sensor (not shown) built into the seat back. The height of the occupant's head can be determined, for example, by a height sensor. 115 The built-in image processing sensor, such as a camera, can be used to determine the altitude. 115 It can be programmed to estimate the height of the top of the occupant's head by detecting, for example, the height of the occupant's eye level. Since the seat angle can affect the height of the top of the occupant's head, the height sensor can 115 It is programmed to take the seat angle into account and adjust the height of the top of the occupant's head accordingly. The height sensor 115 It can be programmed to output a seat size signal that corresponds to the height sensor 115 Measured seat size represented.

[0020] The belt extension sensor 120It may include an electronic computing device programmed to determine a seatbelt extension length. The seatbelt extension length may be the length of the seatbelt that is unwound when the occupant is strapped into the seat. The seatbelt extension sensor 120 It can be programmed to output a belt extension signal that represents the length of the belt extension.

[0021] The processor 125 It may include an electronic computing device programmed to determine a classification for the occupant. The classification can be based, for example, on the weight sensor. 110 specific seat weight, which is determined by the height sensor 115 specific seat size and the one from the belt extension sensor 120 A specific belt extension can be determined. The processor 125It can, for example, be programmed to receive the seat weight signal, the seat size signal, and the seatbelt extension signal. In some possible implementations, the processor can 125 It should be programmed to determine a seated body mass index, which can be a function of the seated weight and seat size. The seated body mass index can, for example, be the ratio of the seated weight to the square of the seat size, as shown in equation (1), where the seated weight is measured in kilograms and the seat size in meters. BMI Sitz = f( Sitzgewicht Sitzhöhe² ) (1)

[0022] The processor 125 It can be programmed to assign a classification to the occupant based on their BMI while seated. Example classifications include underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.

[0023] In some cases, the processor 125It should be programmed to take into account the seatbelt extension length indicated by the belt extension signal when a classification is assigned to the occupant. This means that the seatbelt extension length can confirm the assigned classification (i.e., a greater belt extension length can indicate a larger occupant). Alternatively, the processor can 125 It should be programmed to adjust the classification according to the seatbelt extension length. For example, athletically built occupants may have a relatively high seated BMI, but may not be as tall as other people of the same weight and height. Consequently, the processor can 125 It should be programmed to classify the occupant as normal weight if the seat BMI indicates a larger occupant, but the belt extension length suggests a smaller occupant.

[0024] The processor 125It can be programmed to adjust one or more vehicle subsystems according to the assigned classification. The processor 125 It can be programmed to generate and output command signals that instruct vehicle subsystems to adjust one or more settings according to their assigned classification. An example of such a vehicle subsystem might be a control module, such as the restraint control module, the body control module, etc. The command signals can indicate whether one or more airbags should be deployed, how to adjust the position of the exterior and interior rearview mirrors, the seat position, the steering wheel height, etc.

[0025] In another example, which is in Fig. As shown in 2B, the occupant classification system 105 a seat height sensor 14 , an image sensor 12 , an angle sensor 26 , a safety device 40, the weight sensor 110 , a data storage device 130 , the belt extension sensor 120 and the processor 125 exhibiting a vehicle communication network bus 135 is communicatively connected. The processor 125 and the data storage 130 can in a computing device 140 It should be included.

[0026] The data storage 130 It can be any known type, e.g., hard disk drives, solid-state drives, servers, or any volatile or non-volatile media. The data storage device 130 can store data transmitted via the bus 135 be sent.

[0027] The bus 135 e.g., one or more known mechanisms for network communication in the vehicle 10 , e.g. a well-known Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or the like, can be used to provide the processor with 125to provide diverse data exchange, including data from the image sensor 12 and the angle sensor 26 .

[0028] The safety device 40 This could be, for example, a seatbelt, a cushion, an airbag, etc. The safety device 40 can receive instructions from the processor 125 Received, based on the occupant's seat size, e.g., a belt extension rate or belt position can be adjusted by adjusting a D-ring position, etc. The belt position can, for example, be the height of the seat belt in a vertical direction, or its position longitudinally to the front or rear of the vehicle. 100 , a position of the seat belt in a lateral direction in or out of the vehicle 100 and / or a rotation of the seat belt, e.g. the orientation of the D-ring through which the seat belt can be guided, in relation to the longitudinal, lateral and / or vertical axis.

[0029] Fig. 3 represents the system 105 This is used to determine a seat height in the vehicle 100 is configured. The system 105 points to the image sensor 12 , an instrument panel 16 and a vehicle floor 18 up. The system 105 also has a seat 20 on, which has a seat backrest 22 , a seat base 24 , the seat height sensor 14 , an angle sensor 26 , the weight sensor 110 and a headrest 28 features. The vehicle 100 is typically a land vehicle with three or more wheels. However, the vehicle could 100 e.g. a watercraft or an aircraft.

[0030] The image sensor 12 This could be a 3D camera, e.g., a time-of-flight camera, configured to capture an image and measure the image distance from the camera. The image sensor 12It could also be a stereo camera, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor enhanced with infrared sensors to measure the distance of the image from the camera, a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor, etc. The image sensor 12 collects data, e.g. an image of the occupant and the seat 20 and the distance from the center of the image to the image sensor 12 .

[0031] The image sensor 12 is typically located on the dashboard 16 attached. The image sensor 12 is at a predetermined distance above the vehicle floor 18 arranged. Typically, the vehicle floor 18 an interior vehicle surface on which the occupant's foot rests during normal operation, however, the vehicle floor 18 often not flat, whereby the vehicle floor 18 for the purposes of the system 105is defined as a predetermined plane that is parallel to the ground, from which other parts of the system are separated. 105 to be measured. The approach of the vehicle floor 18 Placing the sensor on a single plane enables uniform measurement distances for the image sensor. 12 , the seat height sensor 14 etc. and thus a uniform measurement of occupant size.

[0032] The image sensor 12 is at a predetermined angle α at a height SMH above the vehicle floor 18 fastened. The angle α is an angle between the vehicle floor 18 and an axis CL of a camera lens with which the image sensor 12 is equipped with the image sensor 12 is mounted at a distance DSE from the occupant's eyes, e.g., the distance is a DSE, a distance from an image sensor 12 to the eyes of the occupant.

[0033] The seat 20carries the occupant during normal operation of the vehicle 10 In particular, the seat backrest provides support. 22 the back and shoulders of the occupant, the seat base 24 supports the occupant's lower body and headrest 28 It supports the occupant's head. The seat backrest 22 , the seat base 24 and the headrest 28 They are conventionally constructed from materials such as metal, foam, leather, vinyl, fabric, etc. The top of the seat base 24 is located at a seat height (SH) from the vehicle floor 18 .

[0034] The seat height sensor 14 measures the height SH between the vehicle floor 18 and the seat height sensor 14 The seat height sensor 14 can be located near the upper surface of the seat base 24 The angle sensor is located 26 is on the seat backrest 22It is installed and rotates with a turn of the seat backrest. 22 The angle sensor 26 measures the rotation in relation to the fixed seat base 24 , where an angle is formed between the seat base 24 and the seat backrest 22 is measured.

[0035] The angle sensor 26 measures the angle between the seat base 24 and the seat backrest 22 The measurement of the angle sensor 26 can be related to the vehicle floor 18 It is calibrated to determine the seat back angle β. The angle sensor 26 It can be any known type, e.g., a Hall sensor. The measurements from the seat height sensor 14 and the angle sensor 26 are in conjunction with the images from the image sensor 12 used to determine the occupant seat size.

[0036] The seat 20 It also features the weight sensor 110up. The weight sensor 110 can be in the seat base 24 It must be installed to measure the seat weight of the occupant.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows the image 30 of an occupant, which is detected by the image sensor 12 is captured. The image 30 has a facial area 32 on, which corresponds to the face of the occupant. The facial area 32 has two eye areas 34 on, which correspond to the occupant's eyes. The calculating device 140 identifies the facial area 32 using known image processing techniques.

[0038] Each eye area 34 has a pupil 36 on, which corresponds to the occupant's pupils. In particular, the computing device identifies 140 the pupils 36 using known image processing techniques.

[0039] Fig. 5 represents a process 200to determine the occupant's standing height (SOH). The process 200 starts in a block 205 , in which the calculating device 140 a picture 30 of the occupant from the image sensor 12 captured and the image 30 in the data storage 130 saves.

[0040] Then the computing device records 140 in a block 210 the seat back angle β between the seat back 22 and the vehicle floor 18 from the angle sensor 26 .

[0041] Then the computing device records 140 in a block 215 the occupant's weight from the weight sensor 110 .

[0042] The computing device then estimates 140 in a block 220 Based on the image, the computer analyzes the occupant's head position. In particular, it analyzes... 140 the image 30, including the occupant's pupils and shoulders, to determine whether the occupant is facing forward, i.e., towards the image sensor 12 Look. The image sensor 12 requires a clear view of the occupant's face, and if the occupant's head is turned, the image sensor may malfunction. 12 request a new image.

[0043] Then the computing device records 140 in a block 225 a predetermined holding threshold value from the data storage 130 In particular, the occupant's head can be rotated to a certain extent to determine the occupant height, as determined by the posture threshold.

[0044] Then the calculating device determines 140 in a block 230The process checks whether the occupant's head position is within the posture threshold, that is, whether the occupant's head is pointing forward sufficiently to determine the seat size. If so, then the process continues. 200 continue to a block 235 Otherwise, the process reverses. 200 back to block 205 , where another picture 30 with the image sensor 12 is recorded.

[0045] In block 235 identifies the computing device 140 the eye areas in the image 30 using known image analysis techniques.

[0046] Then the calculating device determines 140 in a block 240 using the image 30 and known image analysis techniques determine the occupant's pupil position and the distance DSE between the image sensor 12 and the eyes of the occupant. The calculating device 140also determines the distance DECL between the occupant's pupils and the CL axis of the image sensor. 12 .

[0047] Then the calculating device determines 140 in a block 245 a sensor viewing height SVH. In particular, the computing device determines 140 a sensor viewing height SVH as follows SVH = (SMH – SH) + DSEsinα + DECL |kosα| (2) where SMH is the sensor mounting height, i.e., the distance between the vehicle floor and the sensor mounting height. 18 and the image sensor 12 SH is the seat height, i.e., a distance from the vehicle floor. 18 to the seat height sensor 14 DSE is the distance between the image sensor 12 and the occupant's eyes, DECL is the distance between the occupant's eyes and the CL axis of the image sensor. 12 is and α is the angle between the axis CL and the vehicle floor 18 is.

[0048] Then the computing device determines in a block 250assuming that the occupant's upper body and head are resting on the seat backrest 22 are aligned, as in the system from the Fig. 1– Fig. As described in section 4, the eye level of the seated occupant OEH is as follows: OEH = SVH |sinβ| (3) where β is the seat back angle.

[0049] Then the calculating device determines 140 in a block 255 The eye level of the seated occupant (OEH) and the standing height of the occupant (SOH) are calculated as follows: SOH = OEH·C (4) where C is a multiplication factor based on the relationship between seated eye level (OEH) and occupant standing height (SOH). For example, standing eye level for an average man may be approximately 93.4% of total height, and for an average woman, standing eye level may be approximately 92.6% of total height. Seated occupant eye level (OEH) can be approximated as the difference between standing eye level and the height between a person's waist and the floor, which may be approximately 46.3% of total height for an average man and 46% of total height for an average woman. Thus, in an example... C 1 0,463 or approximately 2.16. That is, the overall height of the occupant can be approximately 2.16 times that of the seated occupant's eye level (OEH). The value of C can be set based on known biological calculations and the driver's characteristics.

[0050] The system 105 The occupant seat size OSH can also be determined. Similar to the occupant standing size SOH, the occupant seat size OSH can be determined from the eye level of the seated occupant OEH and a multiplication factor C as in equation (4). However, the occupant seat size OSH requires a different value for the multiplication factor C. For example, the eye level of an average standing man may be approximately 6.6% of his total height, and the eye level of an average standing woman may be approximately 7.4% of her total height. A typical value C for an average man to determine the occupant seat size OSH might be 0,463 + 0,066 0,463 or approximately 1,142.

[0051] Then the computing device calculates 140 in a block 260 a mass index for the occupant. In particular, the computing device can 140Use the occupant's height and weight, as determined by a weight sensor, to calculate the occupant's Body Mass Index (BMI). The occupant's BMI is a measure of the ratio between the occupant's weight and height and can be determined using the occupant's standing and / or seated height and weight, as described in Fig. 6A– Fig. 6C is shown.

[0052] Then the calculating device determines 140 in a block 265 Whether the occupant's BMI is above a predetermined threshold. For example, a BMI value above 30 , who is sometimes described as "obese", a setting of the safety device 40 This may be necessary. If the BMI is above the predetermined threshold, the process continues. 200 to a block 270 continue. Otherwise, the process ends. 200 .

[0053] In block270 The computing device 140 the safety device 40 in such a way that the inmate's needs are taken into account, and the process 200 ends. For example, the computing device 140 to adjust a seat belt extension and / or seat belt position by adjusting the D-ring position, e.g. by substantially moving the D-ring vertically, e.g. up and down along a vehicle pillar, for an occupant with a high BMI.

[0054] Fig. 6A– Fig. 6C are graphs that show exemplary relationships between different metrics that can be used to classify vehicle occupants and that can be used in the processes described above. Fig. 6A shows a graphic 400, relates standing height (in millimeters) to seat height (in millimeters). The Y-axis represents standing height and the X-axis represents seat height. The trend line 405 illustrates an exemplary parametric relationship between occupant standing size and occupant seat size.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 6B sets the graph 410 Standing weight (in kilograms) and seated weight (in kilograms) are related to each other. The Y-axis represents standing weight and the X-axis represents seated weight. The trend line 415 illustrates an exemplary parametric relationship between standing weight and sitting weight.

[0056] Fig. 6C is a graph 420 , which relates the sitting BMI to the standing BMI. The Y-axis represents the standing BMI and the X-axis represents the sitting BMI calculated, e.g., according to equation (1). The trend line 425This illustrates an exemplary parametric relationship between standing BMI and sitting BMI. This basis can be used to create a database, table, or other dependency relationship that relates occupant classifications, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese, to various sitting BMI values ​​based on established BMI classifications.

[0057] The occupant classification system 105 It can therefore use traditional BMI classifications to classify a vehicle occupant according to their seat weight and seat size. By measuring seat size and seat weight, the occupant classification system can 105 Assign the classification without a user providing such information. Alternatively, the occupant classification system can 105If such information is provided, the seat BMI can be used to confirm the classification, or vice versa. Settings associated with various vehicle subsystems, such as airbags, mirrors, etc., can be adjusted according to their assigned classification.

[0058] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example process. 300 , which is part of the occupant classification system 105 can be used to classify occupants according to the size of the occupant, without requiring the occupant to provide their height and weight.

[0059] At Block 305 can the occupant classification system 105 Determine the seat size for the occupant. The seat size can be determined, for example, using the process 200 the Fig. 5. The seat size can be determined alternatively, e.g., based on the seat size signal from the height sensor. 115 The measurement of seat size can include the use of a height sensor. 115 The system determines a vertical dimension of the occupant while the occupant is seated, determines a seat angle (e.g., the angle of the seat back relative to the floor), and adjusts the vertical dimension according to the seat angle. The height sensor 115 The processor can generate and output the seat size that represents the adjusted seat size. 125 It can receive the seat size signal and determine the seat size of the occupant based on the seat size signal.

[0060] At Block 310 can the occupant classification system 105 Determine the occupant's seat weight. The seat weight can be determined, for example, using the seat weight signal from the weight sensor. 110 The weight sensor is generated and can be determined.110 It can measure the occupant's seat weight and generate a seat weight signal accordingly. The processor 125 It can receive the seat weight signal and determine the seat weight of the occupant based on the seat weight signal.

[0061] At Block 315 can the occupant classification system 105 Determine the sitting BMI, e.g., based on a ratio of sitting weight to seat size. For example, the sitting BMI can be a function of the ratio of sitting weight to the square of seat size, as discussed above with reference to equation (1). The processor 125 can determine the ratio.

[0062] At Block 320 can the occupant classification system 105 , based on the one at Block 315The processor assigns a classification to the occupant based on a specific BMI while seated. The classification can indicate whether the occupant is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. 125 The classification can be based on which classification corresponds to the block. 315 to assign a classification associated with a specific BMI of the occupant while seated. The classification can be selected from a table, a database, etc., that relates different BMI values ​​to different classifications.

[0063] Decision block 325 can the occupant classification system 105 the at Block 320 Confirm the assigned classification. Confirming the classification may include, for example, confirming that the processor 125 The processor receives the belt extension signal, which represents the length of the seat belt extension. 125The system can determine that the occupant classification needs to be adjusted if, for example, the seatbelt extension length does not match the size of other occupants with the same seated BMI as the current occupant. For athletically built occupants, the seatbelt extension might be short, even though the occupant has a relatively high seated BMI. In this example, the seatbelt extension and the seated BMI are inconsistent. The processor 125 The classification can be confirmed if, for example, the length of the seatbelt extension is consistent with the size of other occupants with the same seated BMI as the current occupant. If the classification is not confirmed, the process can be terminated. 300 to block 330 proceed. If the classification is confirmed, the process can continue. 300 to block 335 continue.

[0064] At Block 330 can the occupant classification system 105Update the classification. The processor 125 For example, the updated classification could be based on the seatbelt extension length and the ratio of seat size to seat weight. The updated classification could be selected from a table, database, etc., that correlates various seat BMI values, seatbelt extension lengths, and classifications. The process 300 can become a block 335 continue.

[0065] At Block 335 can the occupant classification system 105 generate a command signal and send it to one or more vehicle subsystems, e.g. the safety device 40 , output. The command signal that is sent by the processor 125A command signal that can be generated and output can instruct the subsystem to adjust one or more settings according to the assigned classification. Example vehicle subsystems might include a control module, such as the restraint control module, the body control module, etc. The command signals can indicate whether one or more airbags should be deployed, how the position of the exterior and interior rearview mirrors, the seat position, the steering wheel height, or similar parameters should be adjusted.

[0066] The process 300 can after block 335 end. In some cases, the process can 300 however, they can periodically restart or return to a previous block, such as the block 305 , so that the classifications are continuously reassessed and updated while the vehicle 100 is in operation.

[0067] In general, the described computing systems and / or devices can use any of a number of computer operating systems, including, but not limited to, versions and / or variants of Ford Sync. ® -operating system, of Microsoft Windows ® -operating system, the Unix operating system (e.g., Solaris) ®The operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California, USA, the AIX-UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines in Armonk, New York, USA, the Linux operating system, the Mac OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, USA, the BlackBerry OS distributed by BlackBerry, Ltd. in Waterloo, Canada, and the Android operating system developed by Google, Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, a vehicle on-board computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, notebook, laptop, or handheld computer, or any other computing system and / or device.

[0068] Computing devices, such as those discussed here, generally comprise instructions that are executable by one or more computing devices, such as those identified above, and serve to execute blocks or steps of processes described above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, Java, either alone or in combination. TM , C, C ++Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, etc. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, for example, from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions to run one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described here. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a data processing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random-access memory, etc.

[0069] A computer-readable medium encompasses any medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and so on. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent storage devices. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory.Conventional forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium, punched cards, punched tape, any other physical medium with hole patterns, RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a flash EEPROM, any other memory chip, or any other memory card or any other medium that a computer can read.

[0070] In the sense used here, the term "essentially" means that a form, structure, measurement, quantity, time, etc., may deviate from a precisely described geometry, distance, measurement, quantity, time, etc., due to deficiencies in the materials, machining, manufacturing, etc. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements could be modified. With regard to the components, processes, systems, procedures, etc., described herein, it is understood that these are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claimed invention.

[0071] Databases, data repositories, or other data storage devices described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, retrieving, and accessing different types of data, including a hierarchical database, a file set in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and so on. Each such data storage device is generally contained within a computing device that employs a computer operating system, such as one of those mentioned above, and is accessed via a network using any number of methods. A file system is accessible to a computer operating system and may contain files that can be stored in various formats.An RDBMS generally uses Structured Query Language (SQL), in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0072] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, PCs, etc.) stored on associated computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memory, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for executing the functions described here.

[0073] With reference to the media, processes, systems, procedures, etc., described here, it is understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as following a specific, ordered sequence, such processes can be carried out in a different order than that described here. Furthermore, it is understood that certain steps can be performed simultaneously, that additional steps can be added, or that certain steps described here can be omitted. For example, in the process 200 one or more of the steps 205 – 270 The steps may be omitted or performed in a different manner than described in the text. Fig.The sequence shown in section 5 must be carried out. In other words, the present descriptions of systems and / or processes are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the disclosed subject matter.

[0074] Accordingly, it is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. A person skilled in the art would readily recognize many other embodiments and applications beyond the given examples upon reviewing the above description. The scope of protection of the invention should not be determined by reference to the above description, but instead by reference to the accompanying claims together with the full scope of equivalents to which these claims entitle. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technology discussed herein and that the disclosed systems and methods will be integrated into such future embodiments. In summary, it is understood that modifications and variations of the invention are possible and that the invention is limited only by the following claims.

[0075] All terms used in the claims shall have their obvious and ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a", "a", "an", "the", "the", etc., shall be understood as indicating one or more of the elements shown, unless a claim expressly specifies a contrary limitation.

[0076] The revelation has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Given the teachings above, many modifications and variations of the present revelation are possible, and revelation can be exercised in ways other than those specifically described.

[0077] The summary is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope of protection or the meaning of the claims. Additionally, it can be inferred from the preceding detailed description that various features in different embodiments are grouped together for the sake of clarity of the disclosure. This approach to the disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly set forth in each claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment, as set forth in the following claims.Therefore, the following claims are hereby included in the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as an independently claimed subject matter.

Claims

[1] System comprising a computer with a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores instructions that can be executed by the processor to: Receiving an image from an image sensor that encompasses the head of an occupant; Determining the seat size of the occupant, at least partially, based on the distance from the image sensor to the occupant's head and a detected angle of a vehicle seat; and Adjusting a safety device at least partially based on the seat size of the occupant. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the instructions further include instructions for locating eye pupils in the image of the occupant. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the instructions further include instructions for determining the seat size of the occupant at least partially based on a distance of the image sensor to the pupils. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the instructions further include instructions for determining a head posture angle based on the image of the occupant. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the instructions further include instructions for receiving an occupant weight from a weight sensor. [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the instructions further include instructions for calculating a mass index based on the seat size and the occupant weight. [7] System according to claim 5, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the instructions comprise instructions for setting a seat belt position based on the mass index. [8] System according to claim 5, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the instructions comprise instructions for setting a seat belt extension rate based on the mass index. [9] System comprising the following: an image sensor; a seat comprising a seat backrest, a seat base and an angle sensor located on the seat backrest; and a computer with a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores instructions that can be executed by the processor to: Receiving an image from the image sensor that includes the head of an occupant; Determining the seat size of the occupant, at least partially, based on a distance from the image sensor to the occupant's head and a detected angle of the seat; and Adjusting a safety device at least partially based on the seat size of the occupant. [10] System according to claim 9, wherein the instructions further include instructions for determining a head posture angle based on the image of the occupant. [11] System according to claim 9, wherein the instructions further include instructions for receiving an occupant weight from a weight sensor. [12] System according to claim 11, wherein the instructions further include instructions for calculating a mass index based on the seat size and the occupant weight. [13] System according to claim 11, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the instructions comprise instructions for setting a seat belt position based on the mass index. [14] System according to claim 11, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the instructions comprise instructions for setting a seat belt extension rate based on the mass index. [15] Procedures, including: Receiving an image from an image sensor encompassing an occupant's head; determining the occupant's seat size at least partially based on the distance from the image sensor to the occupant's head and a detected angle of a vehicle seat; and Adjusting a safety device at least partially based on the seat size of the occupant. [16] Method according to claim 15, further comprising locating eye pupils in the image of the occupant. [17] Method according to claim 15, further comprising receiving an occupant weight from a weight sensor. [18] Method according to claim 17, further comprising calculating a mass index based on the seat size and the occupant weight. [19] Method according to claim 17, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the method further comprises adjusting a seat belt position based on the mass index. [20] Method according to claim 17, wherein the safety device is a seat belt and the method further comprises setting a seat belt extension rate based on the mass index.

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