Vehicle with interior monitoring for areas not covered by a monitoring device, as well as vehicle seat

Abstract

A vehicle is provided having an interior fitting in its interior, comprising at least the following elements: a plurality of vehicle seats with integrated or separate or without headrests, each vehicle seat having a supporting framework made of a metallic base body, as well as at least one intermediate layer arranged thereon and a cover arranged thereon serving as a covering, as well as a plurality of body elements which are formed from a metallic material and which serve as a supporting body structure or as an interior component, and at least partial areas of which are covered by a covering.The vehicle further comprises: at least one monitoring device, comprising at least one sensor which is configured and arranged to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of at least one monitoring area in the surroundings of at least one element of the interior fittings, and comprising at least one control device which is configured to control the sensor to emit the electromagnetic waves and to receive electromagnetic waves reflected from the monitoring area and to process them in such a way that a detection takes place as to whether an object is located in the monitoring area.The monitoring device is arranged in such a way that a portion of the monitoring area is an area that cannot be detected by the sensor, and an element of the interior fittings has a deflection structure in an area concealed by a panel, which deflection structure is formed in such a way that it is struck by the electromagnetic waves and reflects them into the non-detectable area in such a way that detection by the control device can take place as to whether an object is located in this non-detectable area.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an improved interior monitoring of a vehicle, as well as a suitable vehicle seat.

[0002] A wide variety of systems are known for monitoring vehicle interiors, for example, for theft protection or to detect objects or people. Highly automated vehicles, in particular, have a multitude of sensors and associated evaluation systems installed in the interior.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2016 219 517 A1 discloses a monitoring system using radar sensors, which can detect the position of a person sitting on a vehicle seat. For this purpose, the seat cover is provided with a radar-reflecting seat cover. DE 11 2020 006 871 T5 provides a passenger compartment interior detection device, which can also detect occupants located in a blind spot. However, the known systems for monitoring vehicle interiors still require improvement, particularly with regard to detecting objects, i.e., both items and persons, located in a blind spot of the monitoring device. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved system for monitoring vehicle interiors.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A vehicle is proposed having an interior fitting in its interior, comprising at least the following elements: a plurality of vehicle seats with an integrated or separate or without a headrest, each vehicle seat having a supporting framework made of a metallic base body, as well as at least one intermediate layer arranged thereon and a cover arranged thereon serving as a covering, as well as a plurality of body elements which are formed from a metallic material and which serve as a supporting body structure or as an interior component, and at least partial areas of which are covered by a covering.The vehicle further comprises: at least one monitoring device, comprising at least one sensor which is configured and arranged to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of at least one monitoring area in the surroundings of at least one element of the interior fittings, and comprising at least one control device which is configured to control the sensor to emit the electromagnetic waves and to receive electromagnetic waves reflected from the monitoring area and to process them in such a way that a detection takes place as to whether an object is located in the monitoring area.The monitoring device is arranged in such a way that a portion of the monitoring area is an area that cannot be detected by the sensor, and an element of the interior fittings has a deflection structure in an area concealed by a panel, which deflection structure is formed in such a way that it is struck by the electromagnetic waves and reflects them into the non-detectable area in such a way that detection by the control device can take place as to whether an object is located in this non-detectable area.

[0006] By providing dedicated structures (deflection structures) directly at an area of ​​an interior fitting that is not visible in the interior, an elegant way is created to monitor an area in the blind spot of a surveillance device.

[0007] Furthermore, it is provided that the deflection structure is formed in such a way that a diffuse reflection results in the non-detectable area.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided that the deflection structure is introduced or applied into or onto the frame of one or more vehicle seats and / or headrests or into or onto one or more body elements.

[0009] Furthermore, it is provided that the deflection structure is part of a separate component which is arranged in an area behind the panelling of at least one of the elements of the interior fittings.

[0010] Furthermore, it is intended that the cladding is made of a material that is at least largely permeable to electromagnetic waves.

[0011] Furthermore, it is provided that in the case of a vehicle seat, the intermediate layers are additionally made of a material that is at least largely permeable to electromagnetic waves.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that the non-detectable area is an area between two vehicle seats, comprising a seating area of ​​the rear vehicle seat, or a footwell or an area in the rear of the vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, it is intended that the sensor of the monitoring device is a radar sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, a vehicle seat is provided, comprising a sandwich-like structure made of a frame, which is formed such that a seat surface and a backrest are provided, followed by at least one layer made of a predetermined material, followed by a seat cover serving as a covering, wherein the frame is formed of a material that reflects electromagnetic waves, and wherein at least a part of the surface of the frame has a predetermined deflection structure, which is formed such that electromagnetic waves incident on it are reflected in a predetermined manner.

[0015] Furthermore, it is provided that the predetermined deflection structure is formed in such a way that it diffusely reflects electromagnetic waves incident on it.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which illustrate details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination in a variant of the invention.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a monitoring system according to the prior art. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of important components of the monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the following descriptions of the figures, the same elements or functions are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0019] The basic concept of the invention is to provide monitoring of an area in the interior of a vehicle that is located in a blind spot, i.e., an undetectable area, of a monitoring device 2. The monitoring device 2 comprises a device, such as a radar sensor, that emits electromagnetic waves into a predetermined monitoring area. For illustrative purposes, the invention will be described below with reference to a radar sensor as part of the monitoring device 2, although other sensors emitting electromagnetic waves may also be used.

[0020] A monitoring device 2 advantageously comprises both the sensor, such as a radar sensor, and a control device, either integrated directly into the monitoring device 2 or formed as part of an in-vehicle control unit, for controlling the sensor to emit electromagnetic waves. The control device is further configured to evaluate the received sensor signals reflected by an object 6, either directly or via a processing device of an in-vehicle control unit. Monitoring devices 2 with sensors, such as radar sensors, with and without an integrated control unit, are known from the prior art and are therefore not described further here.

[0021] The arrangement of the monitoring device(s) 2 within the interior of the vehicle 1 depends on which areas are to be monitored. For various reasons, the monitoring devices 2 can be arranged in such a way that blind spots occur in the monitoring area(s), i.e., non-detectable areas 5 are present. Such non-detectable areas 5 can occur, for example, between two vehicle seats 1 arranged one behind the other, i.e., between the driver's seat or passenger seat and a vehicle seat located behind them, as shown in Fig. 1 by way of example. Non-detectable areas 5 can also occur in an area in the rear of the vehicle 1 (e.g. trunk or 3rd row of seats) or in a footwell. It is advantageous to find a way to monitor non-detectable areas 5 in the interior of a vehicle 1 in order to be able to detect, for example, animals or people, in particular children, located in this area. An example of problematic detection is a child in a rear-facing child seat. In this case, it must be detected whether a child is in the child seat, which can be problematic depending on the arrangement of the monitoring device 2, since this can possibly only emit electromagnetic waves directed at the back of the child seat and thus the child itself is located in a non-detectable area.

[0022] In order to address the problem of monitoring an area 5 in the interior of a vehicle 1 that cannot be detected by a monitoring device 2, a deflection structure 4 is provided on an area of ​​an element of the interior fittings that is concealed by a panel 31, which deflection structure is formed in such a way that it is struck by the electromagnetic waves and reflects them into the area 5 that cannot be detected in such a way that the control device of the monitoring device 2 can detect whether an object 6 is located in this area 5 that cannot be detected.

[0023] In one embodiment, it is proposed to design the structure of certain elements of an interior fitting, which are arranged in an area in which they are impinged by electromagnetic waves emitted by the monitoring device 2, in a predetermined manner to reflect electromagnetic waves, i.e. to provide a deflection structure 4 as part of the structure of the element. An element of the interior fitting is suitable for this application if it is at least partially formed from a metal that can reflect electromagnetic waves. Such an element is generally not visible in the interior but is covered by a panel 31. In this way, the element can be provided with the reflective structure (deflection structure 4) without changing the visual impression of the interior.At least part of the metallic structure of the interior trim element is thus adapted in such a way that it reflects electromagnetic waves in a predetermined manner. Since suitable elements do not yet have the function proposed by the invention, they are not yet designed to reflect electromagnetic waves in a directed manner. The electromagnetic waves reflected by them without the predetermined structure would be randomly scattered into the undetectable area, and the waves could be reflected, but at most a very limited evaluation would be possible because the reflections are not directed.

[0024] Suitable elements of an interior fitting are, in particular, a vehicle seat 3 and its integrated or separate headrest, if present. Parts of the body frame of the vehicle 1 are also suitable, e.g., one of the A, B, or C pillars, a roof lining, the instrument panel, or side areas of the vehicle door, as these have a metallic framework 30 concealed by a panel 31 (similar to a vehicle seat), as well as loudspeaker housings concealed by a panel 31. The person skilled in the art selects the elements to be provided with the deflection structure 4 depending on the position of the monitoring device 2 in the vehicle 1. Depending on the position of the monitoring device 2, it is apparent to him, or can be determined by means of measurements, which areas cannot be detected and which elements of the interior fittings are suitably arranged so that a deflection structure 4 integrated there can make the non-detectable area detectable.

[0025] In a Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a vehicle seat 3 is used as an interior fitting to make a non-detectable area 5 of a monitoring device 2 detectable. A vehicle seat 1 has a sandwich-like construction consisting of a framework structure formed in such a way that a seat surface and a backrest are provided, followed by at least one layer of a predetermined material (e.g., foam, upholstery), followed by a seat cover serving as a lining 31. The framework 30 of the vehicle seat 3, which already consists of a metal that reflects electromagnetic waves, is used as the deflection structure 4. However, these reflections are not directed, so that no meaningful use is possible without changing the surface.Therefore, at least a portion of the surface of the frame 30 of the vehicle seat 3 is provided with a predetermined structure as a deflection structure 4, which can be incorporated into the material of the frame 30 or even placed thereon. The purpose of this structure is to reflect electromagnetic waves impinging on it in the direction of the non-detectable area 5 of the monitoring device 2. Diffuse reflection in the direction of the non-detectable area 5 can occur, since it is important to detect an object 6 (object or human) potentially located in the area, i.e., to classify it (e.g., animal, adult, child, object) and / or to localize it (which area in the vehicle).

[0026] The control device serves to control the signals reflected via the frame 30 of the vehicle seat 3, which hit the object 6 in the non-detectable area 5 and then reflected from there back towards the monitoring device 2 (in Fig.2 indicated by the dashed arrow) and to process the electromagnetic waves detected by it. During evaluation, the static components of the reflected signal (electromagnetic waves) are filtered out. The remaining signal is then examined for changing content such as breathing in order to detect the presence of a person. If a change in the signal is detected, it can be concluded that an object 6 (person / animal or item) is located in the area of ​​the non-detectable area 5 of the monitoring device 2. If there is an object in the non-detectable area 5, a comparison can be made with a signal that depicts an empty, non-detectable area 5. If the currently detected signal matches this signal, it can be assumed that there is no object in the non-detectable area 5.If the signals differ, it can be assumed that an object is located in the undetectable area 5.

[0027] In principle, when designing the deflection structure 4, care must be taken to ensure that the electromagnetic waves reflected by an object 6 within the non-detectable area 5 are reflected back in the direction of the monitoring device 2 so that it can carry out processing.

[0028] When using a vehicle seat 3, it is also important to ensure that the deflection structure 4 is designed in such a way that it can fulfill its function in as many positions of the vehicle seat 3 as possible, provided that electromagnetic waves impinge on it. In one embodiment, deflection structures 4 with different reflecting characteristics are provided, so that there is an increased probability that electromagnetic waves impinging on the deflection structure 4 will be reflected in the direction of the non-detectable area 5 in such a way that they are reradiated towards the monitoring device 2 by an object 6 potentially located in this non-detectable area 5.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the structure of the element is not adapted, but rather an additional component that reflects electromagnetic waves is inserted between the covering 31 and the element, preferably in the form of a plate with a suitable deflection structure 4 (not shown in the figures). This component is also arranged behind a covering 31, preferably without any further intermediate elements. Naturally, the material must be selected such that the crash safety requirements of the vehicle 1 are met.

[0030] In one embodiment, elements arranged at opposing positions are provided with a deflection structure 4. This can be advantageous if electromagnetic waves incident on an element cannot be reflected into the non-detectable area 5, for example, due to a seat inclination. In such a case, electromagnetic waves can be reflected from the first element to another element, from which the electromagnetic waves are directed toward the non-detectable area 5. This increases the detection accuracy.

[0031] To implement the invention, it should be noted that the material of the cladding 31 and also of layers or components located between the element and the cladding 31 must be as permeable as possible to electromagnetic waves, i.e. only weakly or non-absorbing, but it should also not reflect electromagnetic waves.

[0032] Suitable forms of the deflection structure 4 are already known from the prior art and can be elevations of various shapes, sizes, and heights. The exact type will be selected by the person skilled in the art depending on the required reflection. Several deflection structures 4 can also be combined in one element, for example, in the case of a vehicle seat 1, to provide suitable reflection into the non-detectable area 5 at different inclinations of the vehicle seat 3.

[0033] By providing the ability to monitor undetectable areas 5 with relatively simple means, in particular without installing additional sensors, even better monitoring of the interior of a vehicle 1 can be achieved. If an object 6 has been detected in a undetectable area 5, further evaluation can be performed and, if necessary, appropriate measures can be taken, for example, to alert a driver that an object 6 is still present in the vehicle 1 even though the driver has left the vehicle 1. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 Monitoring device (radar sensor) 3 vehicle seat 30 scaffolding 31 Cladding 4 Deflection device 5 non-detectable area 6 Object QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2016 219 517 A1

[0003] DE 11 2020 006 871 T5

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1), comprising in its interior - an interior fitting comprising at least the following elements: - several vehicle seats (3) with integrated or separate or without headrests, wherein each vehicle seat (3) has a supporting frame (30) made of a metallic base body, as well as at least one intermediate layer arranged thereon and a cover arranged thereon serving as a covering (31), and - a plurality of body elements which are formed from a metallic material and which serve as a supporting body structure or as an interior component, and at least partial areas of which are concealed by a panel (31), the vehicle (1) further comprising: - at least one monitoring device (2), comprising at least one sensor which is configured and arranged to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of at least one monitoring area in the surroundings of at least one element of the interior fittings, and comprising at least one control device which is configured to control the sensor to emit the electromagnetic waves and to receive electromagnetic waves reflected from the monitoring area and to process them in such a way that a detection takes place as to whether an object (6) is located in the monitoring area, wherein - the monitoring device (2) is arranged such that a partial area of ​​the monitoring area is an area (5) which cannot be detected by the sensor, and wherein - an element of the interior fittings has a deflection structure (4) in an area concealed by a panel (31), which deflection structure is formed in such a way that it is struck by the electromagnetic waves and reflects them into the non-detectable area (5) in such a way that the control device can detect whether an object (6) is located in this non-detectable area (5). [2] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the deflection structure (4) is formed such that a diffuse reflection results in the non-detectable area (5) [3] Vehicle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflection structure (4) is introduced or applied into the frame (30) or onto the frame (30) of one or more vehicle seats (3) and / or headrests or into or onto one or more body elements. [4] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection structure (4) is part of a separate component which is arranged in an area behind the panel (31) of at least one of the elements of the interior fittings. [5] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering (31) is formed from a material which is at least largely permeable to electromagnetic waves. [6] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the case of a vehicle seat (3) the intermediate layers are additionally formed from a material which is at least largely permeable to electromagnetic waves. [7] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-detectable area (5) is an area between two vehicle seats (3), comprising a seating area of ​​the rear vehicle seat (3), or a footwell or an area in the rear of the vehicle. [8] Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor of the monitoring device (2) is a radar sensor. [9] Vehicle seat (3), comprising a sandwich-like structure made of a frame (30) which is formed in such a way that a seat surface and a backrest are provided, followed by at least one layer made of a predetermined material, followed by a seat cover serving as a lining (31), wherein the frame (30) is formed from a material which reflects electromagnetic waves, and wherein at least part of the surface of the frame (30) has a predetermined deflection structure (4) which is formed in such a way that electromagnetic waves incident on it are reflected in a predetermined manner. [10] Vehicle seat (3) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined deflection structure (4) is formed such that it diffusely reflects electromagnetic waves impinging on it.

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