Adjustment of a second and third row vehicle seat based on the anthropometric characteristics of a second and third row passenger

Abstract

Blind spot detection system for a vehicle (102, 202), comprising: an optical sensor arrangement (124) configured to acquire data which, while the vehicle (102, 202) is moving, indicates objects along the vehicle (102, 202) and, while the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped, indicates an expected third-row passenger (206, 208) before the passenger (206, 208) enters the vehicle (102, 202); and at least one control unit configured to move a second-row seat into a driving position based on the anthropometric characteristics of the passenger (206, 208) derived from the data, wherein the at least one control unit is further configured to unfold a third-row seat while the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The application generally concerns the adjustment of a driving position of a rear seat in the second or third row of a vehicle based on the anthropometric characteristics of an expected passenger. BACKGROUND

[0002] A primary goal in automotive interior design is to achieve a comfortable and safe seating position for vehicle occupants, who can vary widely in size and build. Many different types of adjustable seat mechanisms are available, and seats where the translational movement and reclining of the seatback are automated using electric motors are common. The use of memory seat modules, which store multiple preset positions so that a single button press adjusts the seat and backrest according to the preset data, is also common. These settings focus on the driver and their preferences, allowing adjustments to seating positions such as seat height, forward / backward position, seat cushion angle, and backrest angle.Typically, only limited space is available in the passenger compartments of most vehicles, and especially for the third-row seat.

[0003] Document DE 10 2016 105 284 A1 describes a vehicle system for adjusting the front seat based on the anthropometric characteristics of a rear passenger using a blind spot detection sensor. Document US 2007 / 0290554 A1 discloses a control system for changing the positions of vehicle seats. SUMMARY

[0004] A blind spot detection system for a vehicle can comprise an optical sensor array and at least one controller. The optical sensor array can be configured to acquire data that, while the vehicle is in motion, indicates objects along the vehicle, and, while the vehicle is stopped, indicates an expected third-row passenger before the passenger enters the vehicle. The at least one controller is configured to move a second-row seat into a driving position based on the passenger's anthropometric characteristics derived from the data, and to unfold a third-row seat while the vehicle is stopped.

[0005] A procedure can be carried out by a sensor array and a controller. The procedure can include acquiring, via a sensor array, data indicating the anthropometric characteristics of an expected third-row passenger before the passenger enters the vehicle. The procedure also includes, via a controller, unfolding a third-row seat and moving a second-row seat to a driving position based on the characteristics and data of the second-row passenger before the expected third-row passenger enters the vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle features a blind spot detection system and a control unit. The blind spot detection system can be configured to issue a warning in response to an object detected along the vehicle while it is moving, and to provide information that a third-row passenger is expected to board the vehicle shortly. The control unit is configured to unfold a third-row seat and move a second-row seat into a driving position based on the passenger's anthropometric characteristics derived from the data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary keyless entry system for a vehicle, which includes an external object detection module and a seat module. Fig. Figure 2 is an exemplary representation of a vehicle that identifies expected occupants through an external object detection module. Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary representation of a vehicle interior with 3 rows of seats, adjusted based on the expected number of occupants. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take different and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; certain features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to use the embodiments in various ways. As is apparent to those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not expressly illustrated or described.The illustrated combinations of features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for specific applications or implementations, different combinations and modifications of the features may be desirable in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide several circuits or other electrical devices. All references to the circuits or other electrical devices and the functionality they each provide are not intended to be limited to what is shown and described herein. Although certain designations may be assigned to the various circuits or other disclosed electrical devices, these designations are not intended to limit the scope of operation for the circuits and other electrical devices. Such circuits and other electrical devices may be combined and / or separated from one another in any way, based on the specific type of electrical implementation desired.It is stated that any circuit or other electrical device disclosed herein may comprise any number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., flash memory, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variants thereof), and software, which interact to perform the operation(s) disclosed herein. Furthermore, any one or more of the electrical devices may be configured to execute a computer program implemented in a non-volatile, computer-readable medium, which is programmed to perform any number of the functions disclosed herein.

[0009] Some vehicles feature a keyless entry system, an external object detection module, and at least one seat module. The keyless entry system may include a key fob with an RF transmitter and receiver mounted in the vehicle. The key fob and receiver are configured to communicate with each other. This communication may include a handshake and access authentication. Following authentication, selected modules in the vehicle can wake up or be activated. For example, an external object detection module (EODM), such as a pedestrian detection system, blind spot monitoring system, parking assist system, emergency assistance system, or cross traffic alert system, may be activated by the RF receiver in response to a signal from the key fob.After activation, the EODM can collect data such as the physical characteristics of an expected driver, a front-row passenger, a second-row passenger, and a third-row passenger. Typically, a second-row seat is adjusted based solely on the desired position of a second-row passenger. Here, the second-row seat position can be adjusted according to the data collected by the EODM. The EODM data can consist of the expected physical characteristics of the second-row passenger, compensated for by the characteristics of the expected third-row passenger. Alternatively, the EODM data can include the physical characteristics of the first-, second-, and third-row passengers.Here, a control unit or module adjusts the second-row seat position, taking into account the driver's preferences and physical characteristics. The physical characteristics of the expected second- and third-row passengers are then used to adjust the second-row seat to a compensated position. The EODM (Electronic End-of-Drive) can also determine the number of expected passengers on that side of the vehicle, and the control unit can activate a third-row power folding seat module to deploy the third-row seat in anticipation of a third-row passenger. The control unit can also fold down a second-row power folding seat, allowing the third-row passenger easy access. Typically, the second- and third-row seats are moved to facilitate entry and exit.The sensor technology and computing power of vehicle modules are constantly increasing, and these modules can be configured to perform additional tasks. One such task is adjusting a second- or third-row seat to a driving position based on sensor input. A driving position is the position a seat is occupied by a passenger while the vehicle is in motion. The driving position can be determined based on the anthropometric characteristics of some or all of the expected passengers. For example, the detection of a tall individual as an expected third-row passenger might cause the control system to move a second-row seat forward to accommodate their longer legs and larger feet.The movement of the second-row seat can also be based on the position of a first-row seat, such as the driver's seat, as well as the sizes of the expected passengers in the second and third rows.

[0010] The compensated position can be determined through various strategies, including feedback developed from human participant testing and cabin space calculations based on optimal seating positions for safety and comfort. For example, human testing can include diverse individuals with varying physical attributes, providing feedback on seating position preferences when a third-row seat is present. This feedback can include data such as multiple combinations of occupants with different leg and torso lengths. The data can be based on diverse anthropometric occupant characteristics, with occupants of varying anthropometric properties seated in the first, second, and third rows.This information can be used to generate a lookup table for determining the most likely compensated position for data collected by the EODM on the anthropometric characteristics of both a prospective passenger in the first and second row seats and a prospective passenger in the third row seat behind the second-row passenger. In another example, data collected from computer models, crash tests, or real-time vehicle impact data can be used to generate a lookup table for the position most likely to be optimal for safety and comfort.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary keyless entry system 100 for a vehicle 102, comprising a keypad 122, a seat module 126, and an external object detection module (EODM) 124. The system 100 can include a body control unit 104 with a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 106. A key fob 108 can communicate with the RF transceiver 106 of the control unit 104 using a remote control transceiver 110 powered by a battery 112. An antenna 114 of the RF transceiver 106 can receive RF signals from an antenna 116 of the remote control transceiver 110 and can transmit the signals to the RF transceiver 106. An unlocking / locking mechanism 118 is operationally coupled to the control unit 104.The control unit 104 is designed to control the lock / unlock mechanism 118 to lock / unlock the doors of the vehicle 102 in response to RF signals transmitted by the key fob 108. High-performance window actuators (not shown) can also be electrically coupled to the control unit 104, so that the control unit 104 is configured to cause various windows (e.g., front and rear power door windows, power side window vents, power sunroofs and awnings) of the vehicle 102 to open or close. The key fob 108 can include one or more remote control elements 120, such as a lock switch and an unlock switch.Accordingly, the controller 104 controls the unlock / lock mechanism 118 to lock the doors of the vehicle 102 in response to a user pressing down a remote locking control 120 of the key fob 108, and to unlock the doors of the vehicle 102 in response to the user pressing down a remote unlock control 120 of the key fob 108. The key fob 108 can also periodically transmit a signal that can wake up the vehicle modules, including the controller 104, and can further be used to unlock doors or activate other modules in the vehicle.

[0012] The keypad 122 communicates electrically with the controller 104. The keypad 122 can be positioned on an external part or section of the vehicle 102. The keypad 122 can have a touchpad configured to receive user input. The keypad 122 can wake up the controller 104 and other modules after a key on the keypad is pressed.

[0013] In one example, the keypad 122 can transmit commands to the controller 104 via hardwired signals in response to user interaction with the keypad 122. In another example, the keypad 122 can transmit commands to the controller 104 via RF signals. The controller 104 can control several vehicle functions, including the door locking and unlocking mechanism 118, power tailgate operation, engine ignition 130, and window movement mechanism. The unlocking / locking mechanism 118 unlocks / locks the doors in response to receiving commands, such as two or more signals (RF or hardwired) corresponding to a valid sequence of numeric, alphabetic, or alphanumeric characters. Activating the ignition switch 130 can power up vehicle modules, including the EODM 124 and seat modules, such as...a driver's seat module, a passenger seat module, a heat-ventilated seat module, an electric folding seat module or a rear seat module.

[0014] The key fob 108 can be implemented together with a basic remote entry system, a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system, or a passive anti-theft system (PATS). With the PEPS system, the controller 104 can control the unlock / lock mechanism 118 to unlock the door in response to the controller 104 determining that the key fob 108 is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle 102. In such a case, the key fob 108 automatically (or passively) transmits encrypted RF signals (e.g., without user intervention) so that the controller 104 can decrypt (or decode) the RF signals and determine whether the key fob 108 is within the predetermined distance and authorized.It should be noted that the key fob 108, with the PEPS implementation, also generates RF signals corresponding to coded lock / unlock signals in response to a user pressing down a remote lock control 120 or a remote unlock control 120. Additionally, with the PEPS system, a key may not be required to start the vehicle 102. In this case, the user may need to actuate the brake pedal switch or perform some predetermined operation before pressing a start switch after entering the vehicle 102. In the PATS implementation, the key fob 108 can function as a conventional key fob to lock / unlock the vehicle 102. With the PATS implementation, a key (not shown) is generally required to start the vehicle 102.The key may contain an embedded RF transmitter to authenticate the key to vehicle 102.

[0015] The control unit 104 includes an ignition switch authentication device 128. The ignition switch authentication device 128 may also include an RF receiver (not shown) and an antenna (not shown) for receiving RF signals transmitted by the key's RF transmitters. It should be noted that the ignition switch authentication device 128 may be implemented as a self-contained control unit (or module). The ignition switch authentication device 128 is designed to authenticate the specific type of mechanism used to start the vehicle 102. For example, in the PATS implementation, the key is inserted into an ignition switch 130 to start the vehicle 102. In such a case, the key's RF transmitter sends RF signals containing encrypted data to the receiver of the ignition switch authentication device 128.The ignition switch authentication device 128 decodes the data to authenticate the key before allowing the user to start the vehicle 102.

[0016] In the PEPS implementation, as mentioned above, no key is required to start vehicle 102. In such a case, the ignition switch authentication device 128 authenticates the encrypted RF data passively transmitted by transmitter 108 to allow the user to start the engine of vehicle 102. As mentioned above, in addition to the authentication device 128 authenticating the encrypted RF data, the user can perform a predetermined operation (e.g., pulling a door handle or opening a door, switching the brake pedal switch on or off, or another operation) before pressing a start switch to start vehicle 102. System 100 considers a number of other operations from those listed above before pressing the start switch to start vehicle 102.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is an illustrative representation of an external object detection vehicle system 200 that identifies expected occupants 206, 208, and other occupants not shown near the vehicle 102. For example, as an expected passenger 206 approaches the vehicle 102, a signal from a key fob remote control can be received by a controller inside the vehicle. The controller activates an EODM 124, such as a side-impact detection or blind-spot detection system. The EODM 124 can collect data from various sensors, including vision or optical sensors, LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic, and electromagnetic sensors. These sensors can be installed facing forward, backward, or sideways. Systems using forward-facing sensors include pedestrian detection, impact detection, and adaptive cruise control.Systems that use rear-facing sensors include pedestrian detection, parking assistance, rear-impact detection, and reversing vision. Systems that use side-mounted sensors include pedestrian detection, blind spot detection, and cross-traffic detection. In this example, the EODM 124 records the physical characteristics of an expected driver 206 positioned next to the driver's door, and expected passengers 208 and other occupants shown as not positioned next to the driver's side passenger door, including a driver's side rear passenger door. This example is for a four-door vehicle. In a four-door vehicle, the rear seat is swung forward, usually manually, to allow a rear passenger access to the third-row seat.

[0018] Based on the data collected by the EODM 124 while the expected occupants 206, 208, and other occupants not shown are outside the vehicle, a control system can calculate the anthropometric characteristics of the seated passengers in the second and third rows. The control system can also use data representative of the average anthropometric characteristics of a rear-seat passenger.Anthropometric characteristics of a second-row passenger may include the second-row passenger's stature 210A, second-row passenger's eye height 212A, second-row passenger's shoulder height 214A, second-row passenger's hip height 216A, second-row passenger's thigh length 218A, second-row passenger's lower leg length 220A, second-row passenger's upper arm length 222A, second-row passenger's forearm and hand length 224A, second-row passenger's shoe size 226A, and second-row passenger's seat height 228A.Similarly, anthropometric characteristics of a third-row passenger may include the third-row passenger's stature 210B, the third-row passenger's eye level 212B, the third-row passenger's shoulder height 214B, the third-row passenger's hip height 216B, the third-row passenger's thigh length 218B, the third-row passenger's lower leg length 220B, the third-row passenger's upper arm length 222B, the third-row passenger's forearm and hand length 224B, the third-row passenger's shoe size 226B, and the third-row passenger's seat height 228B.

[0019] Based on data from the EODM 124, a seat module, such as a rear seat module, can adjust the position of the rear seat cushion and the angle of the rear seat to maximize comfort for both second- and third-row passengers. The adjustment can include giving greater consideration to the preferences and characteristics of the second-row passenger. However, the characteristics of the third-row passenger can still influence the seating position and backrest angle of the second-row passenger seat. Furthermore, the EODM 124 can provide a count of the individuals adjacent to the vehicle and, in response to a count exceeding a predetermined number, activate an electric folding seat module to unfold a seat to accommodate a passenger.

[0020] Fig.Figure 3 is an exemplary representation of a configured vehicle interior 300 with 3 rows of seats according to settings based on the expected occupants. For example, the surface 318 of the second-row seat and a backrest 320 of the second-row seat can be moved according to signals sent by the EODM 124 based on the second-row seat occupant and the characteristics of the third-row seat occupant. Thus, the characteristics of the second-row seat occupant, such asThe stature 210B of the second-row passenger, the eye height 212B of the second-row passenger, the shoulder height 214B of the second-row passenger, the hip height 216B of the second-row passenger, the thigh length 218B of the second-row passenger, the lower leg length 220B of the second-row passenger, the upper arm length 222B of the second-row passenger, the forearm and hand length 224B of the second-row passenger, the shoe size 226B of the second-row passenger, and the seat height 228B of the second-row passenger, together with the vehicle data, are used to calculate the headroom 330B of the second-row passenger, the eye height 332B of the second-row passenger, and the shoulder height. 334B of the passenger in the second row seat and the seat height 336B of the passenger in the second row seat to be estimated.In the same way, the characteristics of the passenger in the third-row seat, such as… B. the stature 210B of the third-row passenger, the eye height 212B of the third-row passenger, the shoulder height 214B of the third-row passenger, the hip height 216B of the third-row passenger, the thigh length 218B of the third-row passenger, the lower leg length 220B of the third-row passenger, the upper arm length 222B of the third-row passenger, the forearm and hand length 224B of the third-row passenger, the shoe size 226B of the third-row passenger and the seat height 228B of the third-row passenger are used together with the vehicle data to estimate the headroom 228B of the third-row passenger, the eye height of the third-row passenger, the shoulder height of the third-row passenger and the seat height of the third-row passenger.

[0021] The seat surface 318 of the second-row seat can be configured to provide translational movement 322 along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 102 or can provide translational movement along a vertical axis of the vehicle. The backrest 320 of the second-row seat 324 can also pivot relative to the seat surface 318 of the second-row seat. Based on data from the second-row seat passenger and the third-row seat passenger, the seat surface 318 of the second-row seat can move longitudinally and vertically to maximize legroom for both the second-row seat passenger and the third-row seat passenger directly behind the second-row seat passenger. The backrest 320 of the second-row seat can also pivot based on data from the second-row seat passenger and the third-row seat passenger 324.For safety and comfort reasons, the driver may override the automatic seat positioning performed by the control unit. Safety and comfort aspects for the second-row passenger include headroom, eye level, shoulder height, and seat height. Similarly, safety and comfort aspects for the third-row passenger include headroom, eye level, shoulder height, and seat height.

[0022] The control system can adapt to situations where objects, such as luggage or a child seat, are placed on a seat, allowing the driver to override all automatic seat movements in such cases.

[0023] A seat surface 318 of a second-row seat, configured to provide translational movement 322 along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 102, and a backrest 320 of the second-row seat, configured to pivot 324 with the seat surface of the second row, can also move both longitudinally and pivotally, based on the characteristics of the second-row passenger 208 and the third-row passenger.

[0024] A vehicle parked, for example, in a parking space between two vehicles, can detect that a passenger in the second row and a passenger in the third row are approaching and adjust the second-row seat accordingly. A passenger sitting next to the rear door of a four-door vehicle might not be detected until they open the rear door. In this case, the rear seat position can be compensated for in response to a signal indicating that the rear door is being opened. Furthermore, this compensation can be based on the passenger's size, if known, or on a standard compensation setting determined through testing and adjusted for varying cabin space, thus providing a reasonable compensation value for the default setting.Similarly, if no passenger can be verified in the rear seat, the detection of the rear door opening can trigger a compensated seat position adjustment.

[0025] The detection of movement in a second-row seat backrest can also trigger the use of a third-row seat and a compensated position adjustment in the second row.

[0026] In another example, a passive occupant detection system (PODS) or passenger seat weight detection system can be used to generate a compensated seat position setting based on passenger size estimates. Furthermore, in the case of an object such as a bag of vegetables, a purse, or a wallet placed on a rear seat, the control system can determine that the compensated position of the second-row seat is not required, based on data from an EODM or PODS system.

[0027] The examples shown on the driver's side of the vehicle also apply to the passenger side. Furthermore, the examples shown on the driver's side also apply to a second-row seat if a passenger is expected to sit directly behind it in a third-row seat. Driver selection can also be provided by an HMI linked to the control system if a seat position setting based on optimal safety or a balance between safety and comfort is selectable. A vehicle operator can also choose to deactivate or turn off the automatic seat adjustment system.

[0028] The key fob control system can be improved to include a function that sends at least one signal to the vehicle indicating the presence of expected second- or third-row passengers. For example, a person holding the key fob presses the unlock button three times to indicate that a third-row passenger is approaching. In response, the vehicle prepares the seats for the third-row entry position. The vehicle begins by observing the passenger's height before they enter the vehicle to determine an appropriate seating position. In another example, an additional button is provided on the key fob, which the key fob holder can press as usual to unlock the seats, or press an alternative button to indicate the arrival of passengers.A single press of the passenger entry button indicates that two people are seated in the front seats, a double press indicates that there are passengers in both the front and rear seats, and a triple press indicates that there is a passenger in the third row. At this point, the vehicle prepares for the passengers in response to at least one signal and records the data for adjusting and processing the appropriate seating positions.

[0029] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the description are not limiting terms but descriptive terms, and it is understood that various modifications may be made without altering the essence and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of the different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated.Although various embodiments may have been described as offering advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or previously known implementations with respect to one or more desired properties, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more features or properties may be compromised in order to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes would include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life-cycle costs, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc.Embodiments that are described as less desirable than other embodiments or implementations of the prior art with regard to one or more properties are accordingly not outside the scope of protection of the disclosure and may be desirable for specific applications. Reference symbol list 100 keyless access systems 102 vehicles 104 Body Control 106 High-frequency (HF) transceivers 108 Key fob remote control / transmitter 110 remote control transceivers 112 Battery 114 Antenna 116 Antenna 118 Unlocking / locking mechanism 120 remote control elements 122-key keypad 124 External Object Detection Module (EODM) 126 Seating module 128 Ignition switch authentication device 130 Engine ignition / Ignition switch 200 external object detection vehicle system 202 vehicles 206 expected occupants / passengers 208 expected occupants / passengers 210A Stature of the second-row passenger 210B Stature of the third-row passenger 212A Eye level of the second-row passenger 212B Eye level of the passenger in the third row 214A Shoulder height of the second-row passenger 214B Shoulder height of the third-row passenger 216A Hip height of the second-row passenger 216B Hip height of the third-row passenger 218A Thigh length of the second-row passenger 218B Thigh length of the third-row passenger 220A Lower leg length of the second-row passenger 220B Lower leg length of the third-row passenger 222A Upper arm length of the second-row passenger 222B Upper arm length of the third-row passenger 224A Forearm and hand length of the second-row passenger 224B Forearm and hand length of the third-row passenger 226A Shoe size of the second-row passenger 226B Shoe size of the third-row passenger 228A Seat height of the second-row passenger 228B Seat height of the third-row passenger 300 vehicle interior 318 Seating area of ​​the second row 320 backrest 322 Translational movement 324 Swivel 330B Headroom of the passenger in the second row seat 332B Eye level of the passenger in the second row seat 334B Shoulder height of the passenger in the second row seat 336B Seat height of the passenger in the second row

Claims

[1] Blind spot detection system for a vehicle (102, 202), comprising: an optical sensor arrangement (124) configured to acquire data which, while the vehicle (102, 202) is moving, indicates objects along the vehicle (102, 202) and, while the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped, indicates an expected third-row passenger (206, 208) before the passenger (206, 208) enters the vehicle (102, 202); and at least one control unit configured to move a second-row seat into a driving position based on the anthropometric characteristics of the passenger (206, 208) derived from the data, wherein the at least one control unit is further configured to unfold a third-row seat while the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped. [2] Blind spot detection system according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor arrangement (124) is further configured, when the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped, to acquire data indicating an expected passenger (206, 208) of the second-row seat before the passenger (206, 208) of the second-row seat enters the vehicle, and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to move the second-row seat to a driving position based on the anthropometric characteristics of the second-row passenger (206, 208) and the third-row passenger (206, 208) derived from the data. [3] Blind spot detection system according to claim 2, wherein the optical sensor arrangement (124) is further configured, when the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped, to acquire data indicating an expected passenger (206, 208) of the first row seat before the passenger (206, 208) of the first row seat enters the vehicle (102, 202), and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to move the second row seat to a driving position based on the anthropometric characteristics of the first row passenger (206, 208), the second row passenger (206, 208) and the third row passenger (206, 208) derived from the data. [4] Blind spot detection system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one controller is further configured, while the vehicle (102, 202) is stopped, to activate the optical sensor arrangement (124) in response to a signal from a key remote control (100) or a detected movement of a rear door handle. [5] Blind spot detection system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one controller further comprises input channels configured to receive the data, output channels configured to provide control commands for the position of the second row seat to move the second row seat, and a control logic configured to generate the control commands for the position of the second row seat based on anthropometric characteristics of the expected third row passenger (206, 208). [6] Blind spot detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movement includes pivoting (324) a backrest (320) of the seat of the second row or translational movement of a seat surface (318) of the seat of the second row. [7] Procedures, comprehensive: via a sensor arrangement (124), acquiring data indicating anthropometric characteristics of an expected passenger (206, 208) in the second and third rows before the passenger enters a vehicle (102, 202); and via a control, unfolding a third-row seat and moving a second-row seat before the expected third-row passenger (206, 208) enters the vehicle (102, 202), to a driving position based on the characteristics and data of the second-row passenger (206, 208). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the data of the second-row passenger (206, 208) include anthropometric properties of the second-row passenger (206, 208). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the data of the second-row passenger (206, 208) include anthropometric characteristics of an average second-row passenger (206, 208). [10] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein moving the seat of the second row includes pivoting (324) a backrest (320) of the seat of the second row or translational movement of a seat surface (318) of the seat of the second row. [11] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the data include measurements from an optical blind spot sensor, an ultrasonic sensor or a lidar sensor. [12] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the detection is carried out in response to a signal transmitted by a key remote control (100) or indicating movement of a rear door handle. [13] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the second row seat is a driver-side rear seat of the second row and the third row seat is a driver-side seat of the third row. [14] Vehicle (102, 202), comprising: a blind spot detection system configured to issue a warning in response to an object detected along the vehicle (102, 202) while the vehicle (102, 202) is moving, and to output data indicating that an expected third-row passenger (206, 208) is about to board the vehicle (102, 202); and a control system configured to unfold a third-row seat and move a second-row seat to a driving position based on the anthropometric characteristics of the passenger (206, 208) derived from the data. [15] Vehicle (102, 202) according to claim 14, wherein the blind spot detection system is configured to output data about an expected third-row passenger (206, 208) based on a signal transmitted by a key fob (100). [16] Vehicle (102, 202) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the blind spot detection system is configured to output data about an expected third-row passenger (206, 208) in response to the movement of a rear door handle. [17] Vehicle (102, 202) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the data include measurements based on the anthropometric characteristics of average rear seat passengers (206, 208).

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