Methods for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle

Abstract

A method (100) for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle (12), wherein the method comprises: Determining (104) the location of the vehicle (12) using a global satellite navigation system (34), GNSS (34); Comparing (106) the vehicle's location with a list of previously visited locations; and Initiating (108) a capture routine in response to determining that the vehicle location is included in the list of previously visited locations, wherein the capture routine includes: Detection (108) of an occupant in the vehicle (12) using one or more occupant monitoring sensors (36); Determining (122) an occupant comfort and safety level of the occupant in the vehicle (12) using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36) in response to the detection (108) of the occupant in the vehicle (12), wherein the occupant comfort and safety level comprises one of the following: a high comfort and safety level and a low comfort and safety level; Conducting a monitoring action in response to the determination (122) that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the high comfort and safety level; and Implementing (132, 138) a corrective action in response to determining (122) that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the low comfort and safety level.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to systems and methods for occupant detection in a vehicle and, in particular, to the detection, monitoring and maintenance of the comfort and safety of unattended occupants in a vehicle. introduction

[0002] To enhance occupant awareness, comfort, and safety, vehicles can be equipped with occupant detection systems configured to recognize the occupants inside. These systems can utilize sensors such as seat weight sensors, seatbelt sensors, and similar devices to identify occupants. When occupants are detected, the vehicle's systems can be adjusted to optimize performance based on occupant characteristics such as seating position and weight. For example, the activation of safety restraint systems can be adjusted based on these characteristics. In another scenario, the occupant detection system can be used to alert the driver to unattended or left-behind occupants in the vehicle.Current occupant detection systems may not be able to monitor the comfort and safety levels of unattended occupants. Furthermore, current occupant detection systems may not be able to adaptively adjust vehicle systems to enhance the comfort and safety of unattended occupants.

[0003] EP 3 407 318 A1 describes a safety device. The safety device comprises at least one environmental sensor for measuring at least one environmental condition in an indoor space, and a data processing unit configured to monitor the environmental conditions in the indoor space based on the signals from the at least one environmental sensor and to output an information, alarm, and / or control signal when an environmental condition unfavorable to a living being is detected in the indoor space. The safety device includes a loudspeaker and a microphone for audio communication between the living being and an external communication device.

[0004] German patent application DE 10 2009 061 016 A1 describes a situation where, after a journey, for example in a passenger car, a child traveling with the vehicle may fall asleep and therefore be unable to leave the parked car alone. When lifting the sleeping child out of the parked vehicle, there is a risk that the child will wake up. In the worst case, the child could even fall while being lifted out. The patent application is intended to facilitate the handling of vulnerable individuals. To this end, a detection device in a parked vehicle records at least one parameter that correlates with at least one characteristic of the individual. Depending on the measured parameter, at least one action is then performed. The patent application is particularly suitable for monitoring a child sleeping in the vehicle by a person outside the vehicle to check whether the child has woken up.

[0005] While current occupant detection systems and methods fulfill their purpose, the object of the invention is to provide a new and improved system and method for detecting, monitoring and increasing the comfort and safety of unattended occupants in a vehicle. Description

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] A method for increasing the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants is provided, based on several aspects. This method may include determining the vehicle's position using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The method may further include comparing the vehicle's location with a list of previously visited locations. The method may also include initiating a detection routine upon finding the vehicle's location in the list of previously visited locations, with the detection routine potentially including the detection of an occupant in the vehicle using one or more occupant monitoring sensors.The detection routine may further include determining an occupant's comfort and safety level in the vehicle using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors in response to the detection of the occupant. The occupant's comfort and safety level comprises one of: a high comfort and safety level and a low comfort and safety level. The detection routine may further include performing a monitoring action in response to the determination that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the high comfort and safety level. The detection routine may further include performing a corrective action in response to the determination that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the low comfort and safety level.

[0008] In another aspect of this description, the method may further include detecting a manual activation of the data acquisition routine. The method may also include determining the vehicle's location using GNSS in response to the detection of the manual activation of the data acquisition routine. Finally, the method may include adding the vehicle's location to the list of previously visited locations.

[0009] In another aspect of this description, the detection of the occupant in the vehicle may further include performing a detection measurement using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. The multiple occupant monitoring sensors include at least one of the following: a vehicle seat occupancy detection system and a vehicle interior camera. The detection of the occupant in the vehicle may further include identifying the occupant in the vehicle, at least partially, based on the detection measurement.

[0010] In another aspect of this description, determining the occupant comfort and safety level may further include taking a temperature measurement inside the vehicle using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. The multiple occupant monitoring sensors include at least one vehicle interior temperature sensor. Determining the occupant comfort and safety level may also include comparing the measured vehicle interior temperature with a predetermined temperature threshold. Furthermore, determining the occupant comfort and safety level may include defining a high level of comfort and safety in response to finding that the measured vehicle interior temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature threshold.Determining the occupant comfort and safety level may also include determining the occupant comfort and safety level as the low comfort and safety level in response to the finding that the measured vehicle interior temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold.

[0011] In another aspect of this description, determining the occupant's comfort and safety level may further include performing a biometric measurement of the occupant using one or more sensors from the multitude of occupant monitoring sensors. The multitude of occupant monitoring sensors also includes at least one biometric sensor. Determining the occupant's comfort and safety level may further include determining the occupant's comfort and safety level, at least partially, based on the biometric measurement of the occupant.

[0012] In another aspect of this description, determining the occupant comfort and safety level may further include performing an occupant response measurement using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. The multiple occupant monitoring sensors also include at least one of the following: an in-vehicle microphone and an in-vehicle camera. Determining the occupant comfort and safety level may further include determining the occupant comfort and safety level, at least partially, based on the occupant response measurement.

[0013] In another aspect of this description, performing the monitoring action may further include determining a weather condition using one or more of a plurality of vehicle sensors. The plurality of vehicle sensors includes at least one of the following: an outside humidity sensor and a vehicle communication system. The weather condition includes one of the following: a precipitation weather condition and a no-precipitation weather condition. Performing the monitoring action may further include providing a notification to a vehicle owner in response to the determination that the weather condition is the precipitation weather condition. Performing the monitoring action may further include waiting a predetermined period of time after providing the notification.Performing the monitoring action may also include closing a vehicle window in response to the detection that the predetermined time period has elapsed. Furthermore, performing the monitoring action may include activating a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in response to the detection that the predetermined time period has expired.

[0014] In another aspect of this description, performing the monitoring action may further include determining the state of charge (SOC) of a vehicle's traction battery. Performing the monitoring action may further include comparing the traction battery's SOC to a predetermined SOC threshold. Performing the monitoring action may further include providing a notification to a vehicle owner in response to the finding that the traction battery's SOC is less than or equal to the predetermined SOC threshold. Performing the monitoring action may further include waiting a predetermined period of time after providing the notification. Performing the monitoring action may further include initiating a low battery voltage action in response to the finding that the predetermined period of time has elapsed.The low battery action includes at least one of the following: disabling a vehicle's heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, opening a vehicle window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0015] In another aspect of this description, carrying out the corrective action may also include sending a notification to the vehicle owner. Carrying out the corrective action may also include waiting a predetermined period of time after providing the notification. Carrying out the corrective action may also include taking the corrective action in response to the determination that the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The corrective action includes at least one of the following elements: stopping the operation of a vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, opening a vehicle window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0016] In another aspect of this description, the corrective action includes at least requesting emergency assistance. Requesting emergency assistance may further include displaying an informational message visible from the outside of the vehicle, using an external vehicle display. The informational message is based, at least in part, on the comfort and safety level of the occupants.

[0017] A system designed to enhance the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants is provided according to several criteria. This system may include a variety of vehicle sensors, including occupant monitoring sensors. The system may also include a control unit electrically connected to most of these sensors. This control unit is programmed to detect an occupant in the vehicle using one or more of the occupant monitoring sensors. Furthermore, the control unit is programmed to determine the occupant's comfort and safety level in response to this detection, again using one or more of the occupant monitoring sensors.The occupant's comfort and safety level is categorized as either high or low. The control unit is further programmed to perform a monitoring action when it detects that the occupant's comfort and safety level is high. The control unit is also programmed to perform a corrective action when it detects that the occupant's comfort and safety level is low.

[0018] In another aspect of the present description, the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors may further comprise at least one of the following elements: a vehicle seat occupancy detection system and a vehicle interior camera. To detect the occupant in the vehicle, the control unit is further programmed to perform a detection measurement using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors. To detect the occupant in the vehicle, the control unit is further programmed to identify the occupant in the vehicle, at least partially, based on the detection measurement.

[0019] In another aspect of this description, the majority of occupant monitoring sensors may also include a vehicle interior temperature sensor and a biometric sensor. To determine the occupant comfort and safety level, the control unit is further programmed to measure the vehicle interior temperature using the interior temperature sensor. To determine the occupant comfort and safety level, the control unit is further programmed to perform a biometric measurement of the occupant using the biometric sensor. To determine the occupant comfort and safety level, the control unit is further programmed to determine the occupant comfort and safety level, at least partially, based on the measurement of the vehicle interior temperature and the biometric measurement of the occupants.

[0020] In another aspect of this description, the majority of the occupant monitoring sensors may further comprise at least one of the following elements: a microphone in the vehicle interior and a camera in the vehicle interior. To determine the occupant's comfort and safety level, the control unit is further programmed to measure the occupant's response using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. To determine the occupant's comfort and safety level, the control unit is further programmed to determine the occupant's comfort and safety level, at least partially, based on the occupant response measurement.

[0021] In another aspect of this description, the system may also include a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system electrically connected to the control unit. The array of vehicle sensors may also include a vehicle communication system. To perform the monitoring action, the control unit is further programmed to determine the state of charge (SOC) of a vehicle's traction battery. To perform the monitoring action, the control unit is further programmed to compare the traction battery's SOC with a predetermined SOC threshold. To perform the monitoring action, the control unit is further programmed to send a notification to a vehicle owner via the vehicle communication system in response to the determination that the traction battery's SOC is less than or equal to the predetermined SOC threshold.To perform the monitoring action, the control unit is further programmed to wait a predetermined time after receiving the notification. To execute the monitoring action, the control unit is also programmed to perform a low battery action upon detecting that the predetermined time has elapsed. The low battery action includes disabling the vehicle's HVAC system, opening a vehicle window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0022] In another aspect of this description, the control unit is further programmed to send a notification to the vehicle owner to carry out the corrective action. To execute the corrective action, the control unit is further programmed to wait a predetermined period of time after sending the notification. Finally, the control unit is programmed to execute the corrective action when it detects that the predetermined period has elapsed. The corrective action includes shutting down the vehicle's HVAC system, opening the vehicle's window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0023] In another aspect of this description, the system can also include an external vehicle display that is electrically connected to the control unit. To request emergency assistance, the control unit is further programmed to display an externally visible information message on the vehicle's external display. This information message is based, at least in part, on the comfort and safety level of the occupants.

[0024] A method for increasing the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants is provided, based on several aspects. This method may include determining the vehicle's position using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The method may further include comparing the vehicle's location with a list of previously visited locations. The method may also include initiating a data acquisition routine upon finding the vehicle's location in the list of previously visited locations, where the data acquisition routine may include detecting an occupant in the vehicle using one or more occupant monitoring sensors. The method may further include performing a temperature measurement inside the vehicle using one or more of the occupant monitoring sensors.The majority of occupant monitoring sensors include at least one vehicle interior temperature sensor. The method may further include performing a biometric occupant measurement using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. The majority of occupant monitoring sensors also include at least one biometric sensor. The method may further include performing an occupant reaction measurement using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors. The majority of occupant monitoring sensors further includes at least one of the following elements: a vehicle interior microphone and a vehicle interior camera, which determine, at least partially, the occupant comfort and safety level in the vehicle based on the vehicle interior temperature measurement, the occupant biometric measurement, and the occupant reaction measurement.The occupant's comfort and safety level comprises one of two categories: a high level of comfort and safety and a low level of comfort and safety. The procedure may further include implementing a monitoring action in response to the finding that the occupant's comfort and safety level corresponds to the high level. The procedure may further include implementing a corrective action in response to the finding that the occupant's comfort and safety level corresponds to the low level.

[0025] In another aspect of this description, performing the monitoring action may further include determining the state of charge (SOC) of a vehicle's traction battery. Performing the monitoring action may further include comparing the traction battery's SOC to a predetermined SOC threshold. Performing the monitoring action may further include providing a notification to a vehicle owner in response to the finding that the traction battery's SOC is less than or equal to the predetermined SOC threshold. Performing the monitoring action may further include waiting a predetermined period of time after providing the notification. Performing the monitoring action may further include initiating a low battery voltage action in response to the finding that the predetermined period of time has elapsed.The low battery action includes at least one of the following: disabling a vehicle's heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, opening a vehicle window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0026] In another aspect of this description, carrying out the corrective action may also include sending a notification to the vehicle owner. Carrying out the corrective action may also include waiting a predetermined period of time after sending the notification. Carrying out the corrective action may also include taking the corrective action in response to the determination that the predetermined period of time has elapsed. The corrective action includes at least one of the following elements: stopping the operation of the vehicle's HVAC system, opening the vehicle window, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0027] Further areas of application will become apparent from the present description. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The figures described here serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present description in any way. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 3 is a continuation of the flowchart from Fig. 2 of the method for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed description

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use.

[0030] Vulnerable and / or unattended occupants (e.g., children or pets) in vehicles may be exposed to unpleasant and / or dangerous environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) found inside the vehicle. Therefore, this description presents a new and improved system and method for increasing the comfort and safety of vehicle occupants, including occupant detection and monitoring, and intervention to enhance comfort and safety.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 1 is a system for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle and is generally designated by the reference number 10. System 10 is illustrated with an example vehicle 12. Although a passenger car is shown, vehicle 12 can be any type of vehicle without exceeding the scope of this description. System 10 generally comprises a control unit 14, a variety of vehicle sensors 16, a traction battery 18, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 20, a variety of window motors 22, and a vehicle exterior display 24.

[0032] The control unit 14 is used to implement a method 100 for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle, as described below. The control unit 14 comprises at least one processor 26 and a non-transferable, computer-readable device or medium 28. The processor 26 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors connected to the control unit 14, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally, an instruction-executing device.

[0033] The computer-readable devices or media 28 can contain volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 26 is turned off. The computer-readable memory device or media 28 can be implemented using a variety of memory devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the control unit 14 to control various systems of the vehicle 12.

[0034] The control unit 14 can also consist of several control units that are electrically interconnected. The control unit 14 can be connected to additional systems and / or control units of the vehicle 12, so that the control unit 14 can access data such as speed, acceleration, braking and steering angle of the vehicle 12.

[0035] The control unit 14 is electrically connected to the plurality of vehicle sensors 16, the traction battery 18, the HVAC system 20, the plurality of window motors 22, and the vehicle's external display 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical communication is established, for example, via a CAN network, a FLEXRAY network, a local area network (e.g., WiFi, Ethernet, and the like), a serial peripheral interface network (SPI), or the like. It is understood that various additional wired and wireless techniques and communication protocols for communicating with the control unit 14 fall within the scope of this description. Within the scope of this description, electrical communication also includes the transfer of power and / or energy between electrical devices (e.g., using conductive wires and / or wireless power transfer techniques).

[0036] The multiple vehicle sensors 16 are used to acquire information relevant to the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the majority of the vehicle sensors 16 comprise a vehicle communication system 30, an external humidity sensor 32, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) 34, and a majority of occupant monitoring sensors 36.

[0037] The vehicle communication system 30 is used by the control unit 14 to communicate with other systems outside the vehicle 12. For example, the vehicle communication system 30 includes capabilities for communication with vehicles (“V2V” communication), infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote systems in a remote call center (e.g., GENERAL MOTORS ON-STAR), and / or personal devices. In general, the term vehicle-to-everything communication (“V2X” communication) refers to communication between the vehicle 12 and any remote system (e.g., vehicles, infrastructure, and / or remote systems). In certain embodiments, the vehicle communication system 30 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate over a wireless local area network (WLAN) using IEEE 802.11 standards or using cellular data communication (e.g., using GSMA standards, such as…).SGP.02, SGP.22, SGP.32, and the like). Accordingly, the vehicle communication system 30 may further include an embedded universal integrated circuit card (eUICC) configured to store at least one configuration profile for cellular connectivity, such as an embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile. The vehicle communication system 30 is further configured to communicate via a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth), near-field communication (NFC), and / or any other type of radio frequency communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communication channel (DSRC) and / or mobile telecommunications protocols based on the standards of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), are also considered within the scope of this description.DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short- to medium-range wireless communication channels specifically designed for use in motor vehicles, and encompass a range of protocols and standards. The 3GPP is a partnership between several standards organizations that develop protocols and standards for mobile telecommunications. 3GPP standards are structured as "releases." Therefore, communication methods based on 3GPP versions 14, 15, 16, and / or future 3GPP versions fall within the scope of this description. Accordingly, the vehicle communication system 30 may include one or more antennas and / or communication transceivers for receiving and / or transmitting signals, such as cooperative acquiring messages (CSM). The vehicle communication system 30 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the vehicle 12 and another vehicle.Furthermore, the vehicle communication system 30 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the vehicle 12 and the infrastructure or other vehicles. It is understood that the vehicle communication system 30 can be integrated into the control unit 14 (e.g., on the same circuit board as the control unit 14 or otherwise as part of the control unit 14) without this deviating from the scope of this description.

[0038] The external humidity sensor 32 is used to detect the occurrence of precipitation (e.g., rain, hail, sleet, snow, etc.) on the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the external humidity sensor 32 comprises one or more moisture-sensitive elements arranged on an external surface of the vehicle 12. In a non-limiting example, the one or more moisture-sensitive elements use capacitive or resistive sensing principles to detect moisture. The control unit 14 uses the external humidity sensor 32 to continuously monitor the moisture content on the external surface of the vehicle 12. The control unit 14 can then detect the occurrence of precipitation based on the moisture values. The external humidity sensor 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0039] The GNSS 34 is used to determine the geographic location of the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the GNSS 34 is a global positioning system (GPS). In a non-limiting example, the GPS comprises a GPS receiving antenna (not shown) and a GPS control unit (not shown) electrically connected to the GPS receiving antenna. The GPS receiving antenna receives signals from a variety of satellites, and the GPS control unit calculates the geographic position of the vehicle 12 based on the signals received by the GPS receiving antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the GNSS 34 additionally includes a map. The map contains information about infrastructure such as municipal boundaries, roads, railways, sidewalks, buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, gas stations, and the like. Therefore, the geographic location of the vehicle 12 is contextualized using the map information.In one non-restrictive example, the map is retrieved from a remote source via a wireless connection. In another non-restrictive example, the map is stored in a database of the GNSS 34. It is understood that various additional types of satellite-based radio navigation systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo, GLONASS, and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), fall within the scope of this description. It is understood that the GNSS 34 can be integrated into the control unit 14 (e.g., on the same circuit board as the control unit 14 or otherwise as part of the control unit 14) without this altering the scope of this description. The GNSS 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 14 as described above.

[0040] The multiple occupant monitoring sensors 36 are used to monitor the presence and status of one or more occupants of the vehicle 12. For the purposes of this description, an occupant includes a driver, a passenger, a child, an infant, a pet, and / or any other living being in the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors 36 comprises a vehicle interior camera 40, a biometric sensor 42, a vehicle seat occupancy detection system 44, a vehicle interior microphone 46, and a vehicle interior temperature sensor 48. The plurality of occupant monitoring sensors 36 are electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0041] The vehicle interior camera 40 is used to record images and / or videos of the environment inside the vehicle 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle interior camera 40 is a photo and / or video camera positioned to view the environment inside the vehicle 12's cabin. In one example, the vehicle interior camera 40 is mounted inside the vehicle 12, for instance, in the vehicle's headliner, facing one or more seats. It is understood that cameras with various sensor types, such as CCD (charge-coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), and / or HDR (high dynamic range) sensors, fall within the scope of this description. Furthermore, cameras with various lens types, such as wide-angle and / or narrow-angle lenses, also fall within the scope of this description.The vehicle interior camera 40 is, as described above, electrically connected to the control unit 14.

[0042] The biometric sensor 42 is used to perform biometric measurements of the occupant. Within the scope of this description, the biometric measurements include, for example, respiratory rate, heart rate, galvanic skin response, blood oxygen, body temperature, pupil dilation, brain activity, and / or similar parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, the biometric sensor 42 comprises a respiratory rate sensor, a heart rate sensor, a sensor for galvanic skin response, an electroencephalography (EEG) sensor, and / or similar parameters. The biometric sensor 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0043] In a non-restrictive example, the respiratory rate sensor is used to measure the respiratory rate (i.e., breathing) of the occupant. In one exemplary embodiment, the respiratory rate sensor is a pneumograph attached to the occupant's chest or abdomen. In another exemplary embodiment, the respiratory rate sensor is a non-contact infrared respiratory rate sensor (e.g., an infrared or near-infrared camera) installed in the vehicle 12.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, the heart rate sensor is used to measure the occupant's heart rate. In one exemplary embodiment, the heart rate sensor is an electrical sensor capable of detecting a bioelectrical potential generated by electrical signals that control the expansion and contraction of the heart chambers. In another exemplary embodiment, the heart rate sensor is an optical sensor (e.g., an infrared or near-infrared camera) that uses light-based technology to measure the volume of blood transferred by the heart's pumping action. In a non-limiting example, the heart rate sensor is located in a seat, armrest, steering wheel, and / or other surface that is typically in contact with the occupants of the vehicle 12.

[0045] In a non-restrictive example, the galvanic skin response sensor is used to measure the skin conductance of the occupant. In an exemplary embodiment, the galvanic skin response sensor is an electrical sensor capable of measuring electrical conductivity between multiple electrodes in contact with the occupant's skin. In a non-restrictive example, the galvanic skin response sensor is located in a seat, armrest, steering wheel, and / or other surface that is typically in contact with the occupants in the vehicle 12.

[0046] In a non-restrictive example, the EEG sensor is used to measure the occupant's brainwave activity. In a non-restrictive example, the EEG sensor is located in a headrest of vehicle 12.

[0047] The vehicle seat occupancy detection system 44 is used to detect the presence of an occupant in a seat of the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle seat occupancy detection system 44 comprises a pressure and / or weight sensor integrated into the seat of the vehicle 12. In a non-limiting example, the control unit 14 uses the pressure and / or weight sensor to detect a pressure and / or weight distribution caused by an occupant seated in the seat of the vehicle 12. The vehicle seat occupancy detection system 44 is electrically connected to the control unit 14 as described above.

[0048] The vehicle interior microphone 46 serves to receive sounds by converting sound waves into electrical signals. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle interior microphone 46 comprises a unidirectional dynamic microphone (i.e., a microphone that converts acoustic waves into electrical signals by electromagnetic induction) configured to receive sounds emitted by a particular occupant of the vehicle 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle interior microphone 46 comprises a plurality of MEMS microphones (e.g., a microphone with a pressure-sensitive diaphragm etched directly into a silicon wafer) arranged throughout the vehicle 12 cabin and configured to receive sounds. It is understood that other types of microphones configured to convert acoustic waves into electrical signals (e.g.,The conversion of digital and / or analog electrical signals is included in the scope of this description. The vehicle interior microphone 46 is, as described above, electrically connected to the control unit 14.

[0049] The vehicle interior temperature sensor 48 serves to determine and monitor the air temperature inside the vehicle 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle interior temperature sensor 48 is located inside the vehicle 12, for example, near the dashboard or the headliner of the vehicle 12. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle interior temperature sensor 48 comprises a thermistor, a thermocouple, and / or a semiconductor-based temperature sensor. It is understood that other types of sensors configured for temperature sensing fall within the scope of this description. The vehicle interior temperature sensor 48 is electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vehicle sensors 16 also includes sensors for determining performance data of the vehicle 12. In a non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 16 also includes at least one engine speed sensor, one engine torque sensor, one voltage and / or current sensor of the electric drive motor, one accelerator pedal position sensor, one brake position sensor, one coolant temperature sensor, one cooling fan speed sensor, and one transmission oil temperature sensor.

[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of vehicle sensors 16 also includes sensors for obtaining information about the vehicle's environment (i.e., outside the vehicle). In a non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 16 further includes at least one sensor from the group consisting of ambient air temperature sensors, an air pressure sensor, a LiDAR sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a radar sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, and / or a photo and / or video camera positioned to detect the environment in front of the vehicle 12. The multiple vehicle sensors 16 are electrically connected to the control unit 14 as described above.

[0052] The traction battery 18 stores and supplies electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC) for powering the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the traction battery 18 comprises a plurality of battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion battery cells) connected electrically in series and / or parallel to provide increased voltage and / or current capability. In a non-limiting example, the majority of the battery cells are housed in a casing configured to protect them from mechanical vibrations, water ingress, and dust ingress. The casing is also configured to allow temperature control (e.g., by a liquid cooling system, a resistance heating system, and / or the like).In an exemplary embodiment, the traction battery 18 also includes a battery management system (BMS) configured to monitor battery characteristics such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), temperature, and / or similar parameters, and to transmit these characteristics to the control unit 14. In a non-limiting example, the BMS includes a BMS control unit electrically connected to a plurality of BMS sensors located within the housing of the traction battery 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the traction battery 18 provides a DC voltage via a positive and a negative output terminal. The traction battery 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 14 as described above.

[0053] The HVAC system 20 is used to control the airflow in the interior of the vehicle 12. The HVAC system 20 is used to improve the comfort and safety of the occupants by regulating the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle 12.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the HVAC system 20 comprises a fan 50, air guide vanes 52, a temperature controller 54 and HVAC outlets (not shown).

[0055] The blower 50 is an electrically driven fan that generates the airflow in the HVAC system 20. The air guide vanes 52 are electrically actuated surfaces within the HVAC system 20 that serve to direct the airflow within the HVAC system 20. By moving the air guide vanes 52, the HVAC system 20 can control a portion of the total volume of airflow generated by the blower 50 that is directed to each of the HVAC outlets. The control unit 54 allows the HVAC system 20 to control the temperature of the airflow throughout the entire HVAC system 20. The HVAC outlets deliver the airflow into the interior of the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the HVAC outlets are configured to deliver an airflow to the occupants of the vehicle 12 to improve their comfort and safety.

[0056] The HVAC system 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 14 as described above. The fan 50, the air guide vanes 52 and the temperature control 54 of the HVAC system 20 can be controlled automatically by the control unit 14 or in response to an input from a vehicle occupant 12 at a human-machine interface (not shown).

[0057] The multiple window motors 22 are used to operate a multiple of windows (not shown) of the vehicle 12. In one exemplary embodiment, one of the multiple window motors 22 is integrated into each of the multiple door assemblies of the vehicle 12 (e.g., a driver's door, a front passenger door, a rear passenger door on the driver's side, and a rear passenger door on the passenger side). In a non-limiting example, each of the multiple window motors 22 is coupled to a window mechanism comprising a mechanical linkage and / or a gear system that moves one of the multiple windows up and down along a window track.

[0058] Each of the multiple window motors 22 operates by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, which is used to move one of the multiple windows. The occupant or the control unit 14 activates one or more of the multiple window motors 22 by sending electrical signals to one or more of the multiple window motors 22, causing them to rotate in one direction or the other, depending on whether the window is being opened or closed. The rotational movement is transferred to the window mechanism, which converts the rotational movement into a linear movement to raise or lower the window. The multiple window motors 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0059] The vehicle exterior display 24 is used to provide information to persons outside the vehicle 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle exterior display 24 is attached to a rear window 56 of the vehicle 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle exterior display 24 is attached to a windshield 58 of the vehicle 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle exterior display 24 is attached to one of the multiple windows of the vehicle 12. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the vehicle exterior display 24 is attached to an exterior surface of the vehicle 12, such as a body panel, a bumper, a roof rack, and / or the like. In a non-limiting example, the vehicle exterior display 24 is an electronic display, such as a...A liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display, an electroluminescent display, and / or the like. In another, non-limiting example, the rear window 56 contains transparent phosphors configured to emit light when selectively excited by a laser projector. It is understood that the vehicle exterior display 24 can be used to display any message, graphic, image, symbol, and / or the like within the scope of this description. The vehicle exterior display 24 can additionally set the color, size, and / or position of the message within the scope of this description. The vehicle exterior display 24 is electrically connected to the control unit 14, as described above.

[0060] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of procedure 100 for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle. Procedure 100 begins in block 102 and continues to block 104. In block 104, the control unit 14 uses the GNSS 34 to determine the vehicle position of vehicle 12. After block 104, procedure 100 continues to block 106.

[0061] In block 106, the control unit 14 compares the vehicle position determined in block 104 with a list of previously visited locations. In an exemplary embodiment, the list of previously visited locations is stored on the medium 28 of the control unit 14. For the purposes of this description, the list of previously visited locations is a list of places where the user has previously used the system 10. If the vehicle location determined in block 104 is included in the list of previously visited locations, the procedure 100 proceeds to block 108 to initiate a data acquisition routine, as explained in more detail below. If the vehicle location determined in block 104 is not included in the list of previously visited locations, the procedure 100 proceeds to block 110.

[0062] In block 110, the control unit 14 detects manual activation of the detection routine. In an exemplary embodiment, manual activation includes the occupant's interaction with a physical button inside the vehicle 12 and / or a virtual button of an infotainment system inside the vehicle 12. If manual activation is not detected, the method 100 in block 112 enters a standby state (via page reference 3C in Fig. 3) If manual operation is detected, procedure 100 proceeds to block 114.

[0063] In block 114, the control unit 14 stores the vehicle position determined in block 104 in the list of previously visited positions, after it has been determined that the acquisition routine has been manually activated. After block 114, the procedure 100 continues with block 108.

[0064] In block 108, the control unit 14 uses one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors 36 to detect the occupant in the vehicle 12. As described above, for the purposes of this description, the occupant includes a driver, a passenger, a child, an infant, a pet, and / or any other living being in the vehicle 12. In a non-restrictive example, the system 10 and the procedure 100 are used when the occupant has been left unattended in the vehicle 12.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle seat occupancy detection system 44 to perform a detection measurement. In a non-limiting example, the detection measurement includes a pressure and / or weight distribution measurement of each of a plurality of seats in the vehicle 12. The control unit 14 then analyzes the pressure and / or weight distribution measurement to identify the presence of one or more occupants inside the vehicle 12.

[0066] In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle interior camera 40 to perform the occupant detection measurement. In a non-limiting example, the detection measurement comprises one or more images or videos from inside the vehicle 12. The control unit 14 uses a computer vision algorithm to analyze the one or more images or videos and identify the presence of one or more occupants in the vehicle 12.

[0067] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer vision algorithm uses machine learning techniques to analyze pixel-level information from an input image in order to detect and classify objects or patterns of interest. In a non-restrictive example, the computer vision algorithm begins by preprocessing the input image using techniques such as resizing, normalization, and / or noise reduction filtering. The algorithm then extracts relevant features from the input image using methods such as edge detection, corner detection, texture analysis, and / or similar techniques. The algorithm can then employ a machine learning model, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), to classify and label relevant features (i.e., occupants) of the input image based on learned patterns and associations.

[0068] If no occupant is detected in vehicle 12, procedure 100 in block 112 switches to standby mode (via page reference 3C in Fig. 3) If at least one occupant is detected in vehicle 12, procedure 100 continues with blocks 116, 118 and 120.

[0069] In block 116, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle interior temperature sensor 48 to perform a vehicle interior temperature measurement. After block 116, procedure 100 proceeds to block 122, as explained in more detail below.

[0070] In Block 118, the control unit 14 uses the biometric sensor 42 to perform a biometric occupant measurement of one or more occupants in the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the biometric occupant measurement includes at least one of the following elements: respiratory rate, heart rate, galvanic skin response, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, pupil dilation, and / or brain activity. Following Block 118, the method 100 transitions to Block 122, as explained in more detail below.

[0071] In Block 120, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle interior microphone 46 and the vehicle interior camera 40 to perform an occupant response measurement. For the purposes of this description, the occupant response measurement is a measurement of the occupant's physical reaction, including, for example, sounds emitted by the occupant (e.g., words, shouting, crying, whimpering, barking, and / or the like) and the occupant's body language (e.g., excessive movement, lack of movement, movement indicating discomfort, and / or the like). In an exemplary embodiment, the occupant response measurement includes audio and / or photo / video recordings of the occupant. Following Block 120, Method 100 transitions to Block 122.

[0072] In block 122, the control unit 14 determines the occupant's comfort and safety level in vehicle 12. For the purposes of this description, the occupant's comfort and safety level indicates how comfortable and safe the occupant is in vehicle 12 due to the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) within the vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, the occupant's comfort and safety level can range from a high level to a low level. For the purposes of this description, a high level of comfort and safety indicates that the occupant feels comfortable in vehicle 12 and that the environmental conditions in vehicle 12 do not pose a health risk to the occupant. A low level of comfort and safety indicates that the occupant does not feel comfortable in vehicle 12.In some cases, a low level of comfort and safety may indicate that the environmental conditions inside the vehicle 12 pose a health hazard to the occupant. It is understood that the occupant's level of comfort and safety can be expressed on a continuous scale (e.g., from zero to one hundred, where zero represents a very low level of comfort and safety and one hundred a very high level of comfort and safety) without this deviating from the scope of this description.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the comfort and safety level of the occupants is determined at least partially based on the results from blocks 116, 118, and 120. In a non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 compares the vehicle interior temperature measured in block 116 with a predetermined temperature threshold (e.g., thirty degrees Celsius). If the measured vehicle interior temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature threshold, the comfort and safety level of the occupants is determined to be high. If the measured vehicle interior temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold, the comfort and safety level of the occupants is set to low.

[0074] In another, non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 analyzes the biometric measurement of the occupant performed in block 118 to determine the occupant's comfort and safety level. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses a rule-based algorithm to analyze the occupant's biometric measurement. For example, if the occupant's heart rate is greater than or equal to a predetermined heart rate threshold (e.g., 150 beats per minute), the occupant's comfort and safety level is determined to be low. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses a machine learning algorithm for biometric analysis to analyze the occupant's biometric measurement.

[0075] In a non-restrictive example, the machine learning algorithm for biometric analysis comprises several layers, including an input layer, an output layer, and one or more hidden layers. The input layer receives the occupant's biometric measurement as input. This input is then passed to the hidden layers. Each hidden layer applies a transformation (e.g., a nonlinear transformation) to the data and passes the result to the next hidden layer, and so on, until the last hidden layer. The output layer provides the occupant's comfort and safety levels.

[0076] To train the machine learning algorithm for biometric analysis, a dataset containing inputs and the corresponding comfort and safety levels of the occupants is used. The algorithm is trained by adjusting the internal weights between nodes in each hidden layer to minimize the prediction error. During training, an optimization procedure (e.g., gradient descent) is used to further adjust the internal weights and reduce the prediction error. The training process is repeated with the entire dataset until the prediction error is minimized, and the resulting trained model is then used to classify new input data.

[0077] After sufficient training of the machine learning algorithm for biometric analysis, the algorithm is able to accurately and precisely determine the comfort and safety of the occupants based on biometric measurements. By adjusting the weights between the nodes in each hidden layer during training, the algorithm "learns" to recognize patterns in the occupants' biometric measurements that indicate the level of comfort and safety.

[0078] In another, non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 analyzes the occupant reaction measurement performed in block 120 to determine the occupant comfort and safety level. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses a rule-based algorithm to analyze the occupant reaction measurement. For example, if the volume of noise emitted by the occupant is greater than or equal to a predefined volume threshold (e.g., seventy decibels), the occupant's comfort and safety level is determined to be low. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses a machine learning algorithm for reaction analysis to analyze the occupant reaction measurement.

[0079] In a non-restrictive example, the machine learning algorithm for reaction analysis comprises several layers, including an input layer, an output layer, and one or more hidden layers. The input layer receives the occupant reaction measurement as input. The input is then passed to the hidden layers. Each hidden layer applies a transformation (e.g., a nonlinear transformation) to the data and passes the result to the next hidden layer, and so on, until the last hidden layer. The output layer provides the occupant comfort and safety levels.

[0080] To train the machine learning algorithm for reaction analysis, a dataset containing inputs and the corresponding comfort and safety levels of the occupants is used. The algorithm is trained by adjusting the internal weights between nodes in each hidden layer to minimize the prediction error. During training, an optimization procedure (e.g., gradient descent) is used to further adjust the internal weights and reduce the prediction error. The training process is repeated with the entire dataset until the prediction error is minimized, and the resulting trained model is then used to classify new input data.

[0081] After sufficient training, the machine learning algorithm for reaction analysis is able to accurately and precisely determine the occupant's comfort and safety level based on occupant reaction measurements. By adjusting the weights between nodes in each hidden layer during training, the algorithm "learns" to recognize patterns in the occupant reaction measurements that indicate the occupant's comfort and safety level. The machine learning algorithm for reaction analysis can also incorporate image / video analysis techniques, such as edge detection, corner detection, texture analysis, and / or similar methods.

[0082] It is understood that any combination of the above-mentioned techniques for determining the occupant's comfort and safety level, based on any combination of one or more of the results from blocks 116, 118, and 120, falls within the scope of this description. If the occupant's comfort and safety level is determined to be low, procedure 100 continues with block 124 (via page reference 3A in Fig. 3) If the occupant's comfort and safety level is determined to be high, procedure 100 continues with blocks 126 and 128 (via page reference 3B in Fig. 3).

[0083] Fig. Figure 3 shows a continuation of the flowchart from Fig.2 of method 100 for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle. In block 124, the control unit 14 transmits a notification to the vehicle owner. For the purposes of this description, the vehicle owner is a person responsible for the vehicle 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to wirelessly transmit the notification to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, and / or similar) belonging to the vehicle owner. In a non-limiting example, the notification is provided via a push notification from a mobile application running on the mobile device.

[0084] The notification contains information about occupant comfort and safety levels, as well as environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) inside and / or outside the vehicle 12. The notification enables the vehicle owner to take action using the mobile device to improve occupant comfort and safety. Actions include, for example, instructing the control unit 14 to actuate one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open one or more windows of the vehicle 12, instructing the control unit 14 to activate / deactivate and / or set a temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20, or deactivating the system 10. The actions taken by the vehicle owner via the mobile device are transmitted to the vehicle communication system 30 for execution by the control unit 14. After block 124, procedure 100 proceeds to block 130.

[0085] In block 130, after sending the notification in block 124, the control unit 14 waits for a predetermined period of time (e.g., three minutes). During this period, the control unit 14 monitors the vehicle communication system 30 for a response from the vehicle owner via the mobile device. If the control unit 14 receives a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure in block 112 enters standby mode. If the control unit 14 does not receive a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure continues with block 132.

[0086] In block 132, the control unit 14 performs a first corrective action when it detects that the predetermined time period has elapsed without a response from the vehicle owner. In an exemplary embodiment, the first corrective action comprises one or more of the following: actuating one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open / close one or more windows of the vehicle 12, activating / deactivating and / or adjusting the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0087] In a non-restrictive example, the first corrective action involves adjusting the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20 to increase occupant comfort and safety. In one exemplary embodiment, the temperature setpoint is adjusted according to a lookup table of known comfort and safety temperatures. In another exemplary embodiment, the temperature setpoint is adjusted iteratively until the occupant comfort and safety level is improved (i.e., until the occupant comfort and safety level reaches a high level).

[0088] In another, non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 requests emergency assistance as the first corrective action when the measured vehicle interior temperature is greater than or equal to a predefined critical temperature threshold (e.g., 38 degrees Celsius). In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to request emergency assistance by establishing a connection with local emergency services and / or a remote emergency call center that coordinates the emergency services. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 additionally uses the vehicle exterior display 24 to transmit an information message visible from outside the vehicle 12. The information message can contain information about the comfort and safety of the occupants and / or the environment inside the vehicle 12, e.g., "Interior temperature high - occupant in danger!"The information message may also include animations, flashing lights, or other highly visible features to draw attention to vehicle 12 and facilitate its location by emergency services. Following block 132, procedure 100 enters standby mode in block 112.

[0089] In block 126, the control unit 14 determines a weather condition. For the purposes of this description, the weather condition is either precipitation or no precipitation. For the purposes of this description, precipitation includes conditions such as rain, hail, sleet, snow, and / or similar. No precipitation includes dry conditions without precipitation. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the outdoor humidity sensor 32 to determine the weather condition. In a non-restrictive example, the weather condition is determined to be precipitation if the outdoor humidity sensor 32 detects moisture. If the outdoor humidity sensor 32 does not detect moisture, the weather condition is determined to be no precipitation.

[0090] In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to wirelessly retrieve a weather report from a remote server based on the vehicle location determined in block 104. The control unit 14 analyzes the weather report to determine whether the weather conditions are precipitation or dry in the immediate geographical vicinity of the vehicle 12 at the present time. If the weather conditions are dry, the procedure 100 transitions to the standby state in block 112. If the weather conditions are precipitation, the procedure 100 transitions to block 134.

[0091] In block 134, the control unit 14 transmits a notification to the vehicle owner. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to wirelessly transmit the notification to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, and / or similar) belonging to the vehicle owner. In a non-limiting example, the notification is provided via a push notification from a mobile application running on the mobile device.

[0092] The notification contains information about the comfort and safety level of the occupants, the environmental conditions (e.g., the temperature) in the vehicle 12, and the weather conditions determined in Block 126. The notification also enables the vehicle owner to take action using the mobile device. These actions include, for example, instructing the control unit 14 to actuate one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open / close one or more windows of the vehicle 12, instructing the control unit 14 to activate / deactivate and / or set a temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20, or deactivating the system 10. The actions taken by the vehicle owner via the mobile device are transmitted to the vehicle communication system 30 for execution by the control unit 14. After Block 134, procedure 100 transitions to Block 136.

[0093] In block 136, after sending the notification in block 134, the control unit 14 waits for a predetermined period of time (e.g., three minutes). During this period, the control unit 14 monitors the vehicle communication system 30 for a response from the vehicle owner via the mobile device. If the control unit 14 receives a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure in block 112 enters standby mode. If the control unit 14 does not receive a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure continues with block 138.

[0094] In block 138, the control unit 14 performs a second corrective action if it detects that the predetermined time period has elapsed without a response from the vehicle owner. In an exemplary embodiment, the second corrective action comprises one or more of the following: actuating one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open / close one or more windows of the vehicle 12, activating / deactivating and / or adjusting the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20.

[0095] In a non-restrictive example, the second corrective action involves operating each of the multiple window motors 22 in such a way that all windows of the vehicle 12 are closed to prevent precipitation from entering the vehicle 12. The temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20 is set so that the comfort and safety of the occupants are maintained despite the reduced ventilation caused by closing the windows. In one exemplary embodiment, the temperature setpoint is set to maintain the current temperature in the vehicle 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the temperature setpoint is set according to a lookup table of known comfort and safety temperatures. After block 138, the method 100 enters standby mode in block 112.

[0096] In block 128, the control unit 14 determines the state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery 18. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 communicates with the traction battery's battery management system (BMS) 18 to determine the SOC, as described above. If the traction battery's SOC is greater than a predetermined SOC threshold, the method 100 in block 112 enters standby mode. In a non-restrictive example, the predetermined SOC threshold is a setpoint (e.g., ten percent) stored in the control unit 14's media 28. In another non-restrictive example, the predetermined SOC threshold is a minimum SOC required to drive the vehicle 12 to the nearest charging station, as determined, for example, using the vehicle location determined in block 104 and a map database of charging stations.If the state of charge (SOC) of the traction battery is greater than the specified SOC threshold, procedure 100 in block 112 switches to standby mode. If the SOC of the traction battery is less than or equal to the specified SOC threshold, procedure 100 switches to block 140.

[0097] In block 140, the control unit 14 transmits a notification to the vehicle owner. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to wirelessly transmit the notification to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, and / or similar) belonging to the vehicle owner. In a non-limiting example, the notification is provided via a push notification from a mobile application running on the mobile device.

[0098] The notification contains information about occupant comfort and safety levels, environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) inside / outside the vehicle 12, and the state of charge of the traction battery as determined in 128. The notification also enables the vehicle owner to take action using the mobile device. These actions include, for example, instructing the control unit 14 to actuate one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open / close one or more windows of the vehicle 12, instructing the control unit 14 to activate / deactivate and / or set a temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20, or deactivating the system 10. The actions taken by the vehicle owner via the mobile device are transmitted to the vehicle communication system 30 for execution by the control unit 14. After block 140, procedure 100 proceeds to block 142.

[0099] In block 142, after sending the notification in block 140, the control unit 14 waits for a predetermined period of time (e.g., three minutes). During this period, the control unit 14 monitors the vehicle communication system 30 for a response from the vehicle owner via the mobile device. If the control unit 14 receives a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure in block 112 enters standby mode. If the control unit 14 does not receive a response from the vehicle owner within the predetermined period, the procedure proceeds to block 144.

[0100] In block 144, the control unit 14 performs a low battery action in response to the detection that the predetermined time interval has elapsed without a response from the vehicle owner. In an exemplary embodiment, the low battery action comprises one or more of the following steps: actuating one or more of the multiple window motors 22 to open / close one or more windows of the vehicle 12, activating / deactivating and / or setting the temperature setpoint of the HVAC system 20, and requesting emergency assistance.

[0101] In a non-restrictive example, when the battery level is low, each of the multiple window motors 22 is operated in such a way that all windows of the vehicle 12 are opened to increase the airflow in the vehicle 12. The HVAC system 20 is deactivated to conserve battery power in the traction battery 18.

[0102] In another, non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 requests emergency assistance when the battery level is low. In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 uses the vehicle communication system 30 to request emergency assistance, establishing communication with local emergency services and / or a remote emergency call center that coordinates the emergency services. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 additionally uses the vehicle's external display 24 to transmit an information message visible from outside the vehicle 12. The information message can contain information about the comfort and safety of the occupants and / or the environment inside the vehicle 12, e.g., "Vehicle battery low - occupant in danger!"The information message may also include animations, flashing lights, or other highly visible features to draw attention to vehicle 12 and facilitate its location by emergency services. Following block 144, procedure 100 enters standby mode in block 112.

[0103] In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14 repeatedly exits the standby state 112 and restarts the procedure 100 in block 102. In a non-restrictive example, the control unit 14 exits the standby state 112 and starts the procedure 100 with a timer, for example every three hundred milliseconds, in order to continuously monitor the vehicle 12 for occupants and to determine the comfort and safety level of the occupants.

[0104] System 10 and Method 100, as described herein, offer several advantages. System 10 and Method 100 can be activated manually by the vehicle owner or automatically based on the vehicle's location. With manual activation, the vehicle's location is recorded, and System 10 and Method 100 are automatically activated when the vehicle returns to the same location. System 10 and Method 100 enable the detection of vulnerable and / or unattended occupants in the vehicle. Using the occupant monitoring sensors 36, System 10 and Method 100 allow for the determination of the occupants' comfort and safety levels. System 10 and Method 100 enable the vehicle owner to remotely take action to address issues related to occupant comfort and safety, weather conditions, or the battery's state of charge.If the vehicle owner does not respond, System 10 and Procedure 100 offer an automatic and proactive response to increase the comfort and safety of the occupants.

Claims

[1] A method (100) for increasing occupant comfort and safety in a vehicle (12), wherein the method comprises: Determining (104) the location of the vehicle (12) using a global satellite navigation system (34), GNSS (34); Comparing (106) the vehicle's location with a list of previously visited locations; and Initiating (108) a capture routine in response to determining that the vehicle location is included in the list of previously visited locations, wherein the capture routine includes: Detection (108) of an occupant in the vehicle (12) using one or more occupant monitoring sensors (36); Determining (122) an occupant comfort and safety level of the occupant in the vehicle (12) using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36) in response to the detection (108) of the occupant in the vehicle (12), wherein the occupant comfort and safety level comprises one of the following: a high comfort and safety level and a low comfort and safety level; Conducting a monitoring action in response to the determination (122) that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the high comfort and safety level; and Implementing (132, 138) a corrective action in response to determining (122) that the occupant's comfort and safety level is the low comfort and safety level. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: Detect (110) a manual activation of the capture routine; Determining (104) the vehicle location using the GNSS (34) in response to the detection (110) of the manual activation of the acquisition routine; and Adding (114) the vehicle location to the list of previously visited locations. [3] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the capture (108) of the occupant in the vehicle (12) further comprises: Performing (108) a detection measurement using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36), wherein the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36) comprise at least one of the following: a vehicle seat occupancy detection system (44) and a vehicle interior camera (40); and identifying the occupant in the vehicle (12) at least partially on the basis of the detection measurement. [4] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein determining (122) the occupant comfort and safety level further comprises: Performing (116) a vehicle interior temperature measurement using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36), wherein the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36) includes at least one vehicle interior temperature sensor (48); Comparing the measured vehicle interior temperature with a predefined temperature threshold; Determining (122) the occupant comfort and safety level as the high comfort and safety level in response to determining (116) that the measurement of the vehicle interior temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined temperature threshold; and Determining (122) the occupant comfort and safety level as the low comfort and safety level in response to determining (116) that the measurement of the vehicle interior temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold. [5] Method (100) according to claim 4, wherein determining (122) the occupant comfort and safety level further comprises: Performing (118) a biometric measurement of the occupant using one or more of the multiple occupant monitoring sensors (36), wherein the multiple occupant monitoring sensors (36) further comprise at least one biometric sensor (42); and Determine (122) the occupant comfort and safety level at least partially on the basis of the occupant's biometric measurement. [6] Method (100) according to claim 5, wherein the determination (122) of the occupant comfort and safety level further comprises: Performing (120) an occupant response measurement using one or more of the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36), wherein the plurality of occupant monitoring sensors (36) further comprises at least one of the following elements: a vehicle interior microphone (46) and a vehicle interior camera (40); and Determining the occupant comfort and safety level, at least partially, based on occupant response measurements. [7] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein carrying out the monitoring action further comprises: Determining (126) a weather condition using one or more of a plurality of vehicle sensors (16), wherein the plurality of vehicle sensors (16) includes at least one of the following: an outside humidity sensor (32) and a vehicle communication system (30), and wherein the weather condition includes one of the following: a precipitation weather condition and a non-precipitation weather condition; Providing (124) a notification to a vehicle owner in response to the determination (126) that the weather condition is the weather condition ‘precipitation’; Wait (130) for a certain period of time after the message has been transmitted; Closing (132) a window of the vehicle (12) in response to the detection that the predetermined time period has elapsed; and Activating (132) a heating, ventilation and cooling system, HVAC, of ​​the vehicle in response to determining that the specified time period has elapsed. [8] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein carrying out the monitoring action further comprises: Determining (128) the state of charge, SOC, of ​​a traction battery (18) of the vehicle (12); Comparing the SOC of the traction battery (18) with a predetermined SOC threshold; Providing (140) a notification to a vehicle owner in response to the determination (128) that the SOC of the traction battery (18) is less than or equal to the predetermined SOC threshold; Waiting (142) a predetermined period of time after the notification has been provided; and Performing (144) a low battery action in response to determining that the predetermined time period has elapsed, wherein the low battery action includes at least one of the following: disabling a heating, ventilation and cooling system, HVAC, of ​​the vehicle, opening a window of the vehicle and requesting emergency assistance. [9] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein carrying out the corrective action (132, 138) further comprises: Transmitting (124, 140) a notification to the vehicle owner; Waiting (130, 142) a predetermined period of time after transmitting (124, 140) the notification; and Performing (132, 138) the corrective action in response to the finding that the predetermined time interval has elapsed, the corrective action comprising at least one of the following elements: stopping (132) the operation of a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system of the vehicle, opening a window of the vehicle (12) and requesting emergency assistance. [10] Method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the corrective action includes at least the request (144) for emergency assistance, and wherein the request (144) for emergency assistance further comprises: Displaying an information message visible from outside the vehicle (12) using an external vehicle display (24), wherein the information message is based at least partially on the comfort and safety level of the occupants.

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