AVAILABLE UPHOLSTERED STOOL AS FOOTREST, CALF SUPPORT, STORAGE AND INNER CAMERAS AND PREDICTION ALGORITHMS

Abstract

A deployable upholstered stool is disclosed, functionally connected to an electric motor for moving the stool. The deployable upholstered stool can be connected to a vehicle floor panel and moved by the electric motor from a first position to a second position for use by a vehicle occupant. A vehicle can be equipped with at least one interior camera and a microphone that can communicate with a control system to move the deployable upholstered stool within the vehicle based on determinations of an occupant's height, leg position, and seating position. The control system can move the deployable upholstered stool in response to voice commands or input to a control device.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a vehicle. The technical field generally relates to available upholstered stools, footrests, calf supports and storage compartments in a vehicle and to methods for their manufacture and use.

[0002] The publication DE 10 2012 012 329 A1 discloses an arrangement of a seating system in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in which a leg resting device is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of at least one seat for a seat occupant of the seating system, on which at least the lower legs of the seat occupant can be placed.

[0003] Document US 8 888 189 B2 discloses a vehicle footrest system that allows an occupant to rest their feet on a rear seat and is able to prevent the concentration of load on the occupant's heels.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2021 203 999 A1 discloses a method for operating a motor vehicle in which a gesture of a foot in relation to a footrest arranged in a footwell is detected.

[0005] The publication DE 601 11 277 T2 discloses a reclining-seat unit for passenger transport vehicles such as airplanes.

[0006] Vehicles in the future will feature significantly different interior designs and may relocate the steering wheel, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal, or even omit them entirely from the passenger compartment. These changes will lead to further demands for modifications and adjustments to passenger space within the passenger compartment.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide features in the passenger compartment that improve occupant accommodation. Furthermore, other desirable features and properties of the patentable variants will become clear from the following detailed description and the attached claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding introduction. SUMMARY

[0008] The aforementioned problem is solved by the features of independent claims 1 and 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] Several variants may include a method comprising the following: providing a computing device containing an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor. When executed by the electronic processor, the written instructions then perform operations that include: receiving, by the computing device, a request to activate a deployable upholstered stool, the deployable upholstered stool being functionally connected to at least one rail to move along a vehicle floor panel by means of an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered stool.

[0010] Furthermore, the computing device receives data from at least one camera and uses the data to determine the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of an occupant. Furthermore, the computing device receives a request for the deployable cushion to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined within the deployable cushion, or act as a calf support. Furthermore, the computing device sends a signal to the deployable cushion to move into a position in response to the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of the occupant, and in response to the request for the deployable cushion to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined within the deployable cushion, or act as a calf support.

[0011] Several variants may include a procedure in which the sending of the signal by the computing device to the deployable upholstered stool causes the deployable upholstered stool to move to a position in order to work as requested.

[0012] Several variants may include a procedure that further includes the sending of a communication by the computing device to a vehicle occupant, requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0013] Several variants may include a procedure that further includes receiving confirmation by the computing device that the position of the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0014] Several variants may include a procedure that further includes placing the computing device into a standby mode which expects a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0015] Several variants may include a procedure that further includes receiving an input from the vehicle occupant by the computing device indicating that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested.

[0016] Several variants may include a procedure that further includes determining by the computing device a newly calibrated position in order to move the deployable upholstered stool in such a way that it works as requested, and causing the deployable upholstered stool to move to the newly calibrated position.

[0017] Several variants may include a procedure that further involves the computer device sending another communication to the vehicle occupant, requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0018] Several variants may include a procedure which further includes receiving by the computing device confirmation that the position of the deployable upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested, and in response thereto placing the computing device into a ready mode awaiting a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0019] Several variants may include a procedure that further involves the computing device receiving an input from the vehicle occupant indicating that the provided upholstered seat is not in a position to operate as requested, and in response sending a communication to the vehicle occupant recommending that the vehicle occupant fine-tune the position of the provided upholstered seat using electronic controls.

[0020] Several variants may include a vehicle comprising the following: a vehicle floor panel having at least one rail formed therein, a deployable upholstered seat functionally connected to the at least one rail for movement along the vehicle floor panel, and an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered seat for movement of the deployable upholstered seat in a first and a second direction. The vehicle may include a passenger compartment and at least one camera, the camera being functionally connected to a control system comprising a computing device containing an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor.The control system can be configured to provide functionality that includes: receiving a request to activate the deployable footrest; receiving data from the at least one camera and using that data to recognize an occupant's body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position; and receiving a request for the deployable footrest to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined within the footrest, or act as a calf support.Furthermore, the computing device sends a signal to the deployable upholstered stool to move to a position in response to the body characteristics, leg positions and seating position of the occupant and in response to the requirement that the deployable upholstered stool acts as a footrest, provides access to a storage area defined in the deployable upholstered stool, or acts as a calf support.

[0021] Several variants can include a vehicle, whereby the sending of the signal by the computing device to the deployable upholstered stool causes the deployable upholstered stool to move to a position in order to work as requested.

[0022] Several variants may include a vehicle which further includes the sending of a communication by the computing device to an occupant of the vehicle, requesting the occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0023] Several variants may include a vehicle that further includes receiving confirmation by the computing device that the position of the deployable upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0024] Several variants may include a vehicle which further includes placing the computing device into a standby mode, waiting for a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0025] Several variants may include a vehicle that further includes receiving, by the computing device, an input from the occupant of the vehicle, indicating that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested.

[0026] Several variants may include a vehicle that further includes determining a recalibrated position by the computing device in order to move the deployable upholstered stool in such a way that it works as requested, and causing the deployable upholstered stool to move to the recalibrated position.

[0027] Several variants may include a vehicle which further includes receiving by the computing device confirmation that the position of the deployable upholstered stool is in a position to work comfortably as requested, and in response thereto placing the computing device into a standby mode waiting for a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0028] Several variants may include a vehicle which further comprises receiving, by the computing device, an input from the occupant indicating that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested, and in response sending a communication to the occupant recommending that the occupant fine-tune the position of the provided upholstered stool using electronic controls.

[0029] Several variants may include a vehicle comprising the following: a vehicle floor panel having at least one rail formed therein, a deployable upholstered seat functionally connected to the at least one rail for movement along the vehicle floor panel, and an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered seat for movement of the deployable upholstered seat in a first and a second direction. The vehicle may include a passenger compartment and at least one camera, the camera being functionally connected to a control system comprising a computing device containing an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor.The control system can be configured to provide functionality that includes: receiving a request to activate the deployable footrest; receiving data from the at least one camera and using that data to recognize an occupant's body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position; and receiving a request for the deployable footrest to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined within the footrest, or act as a calf support.Furthermore, the computing device sends a signal to the deployable upholstered stool to move from a first position to a second position in response to the occupant's body characteristics, leg positions and seating position, and in response to the requirement that the deployable upholstered stool act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable upholstered stool, or act as a calf support.And wherein the vehicle may include a display screen and / or a trim panel and / or a door and / or a movable display screen, and the provided upholstered footrest in the first position is: flush with the display screen or trim panel located in front of a seat in the vehicle, and / or below the trim panel or display screen located in front of the seat in the vehicle, and / or concealed behind the door located below the display screen or trim panel located in front of the seat in the vehicle, and / or concealed behind the movable display screen located in front of the seat in the vehicle.Where the at least one camera may be mounted on an A-pillar, headliner, instrument panel or door trim panel of the vehicle, and the vehicle includes a navigation system integrated with the upholstered seat to inform the occupant that the vehicle is approaching its destination and to request that the occupant confirm that the occupant is ready for the upholstered seat to be folded or stowed away to create space so that the occupant can exit the vehicle comfortably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The illustrative variants are described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where similar numerical symbols denote similar elements; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle with distant sections showing a deployable upholstered stool in a first position stowed in such a way as to be flush or integrated with a display screen or trim panel and located at a first distance from an occupant seat, according to several variants; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a vehicle with removed sections showing a deployable upholstered stool in a second position at a second distance from the occupant seat to function as a footrest for an occupant of the vehicle, wherein the deployable upholstered stool is at a first height which is closest to the vehicle floor plate, according to several variants; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the vehicle with removed sections showing a deployable upholstered stool in a second position at a second distance from the occupant seat, the deployable upholstered stool having an upper wall that is rotated to an open position to allow access to a storage space defined in the deployable upholstered stool, according to several variants; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a vehicle with removed sections showing a deployable upholstered stool in a second position at a second distance from the occupant's seat to function as a calf support, according to several variants; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed, showing a deployable upholstered stool in a second position, wherein the deployable upholstered stool is at a second height raised from the vehicle floor plate, according to several variants; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a deployable upholstered stool with an upper wall in an open position according to several variants; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a control system for operating a deployable upholstered stool according to several variants; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a section of a vehicle containing sections of a pair of rails formed in a floor plate of the vehicle for use in moving a deployable upholstered stool, according to several variants; Fig. 9 a schematic side view of a section of a provisionable upholstered stool, which is functionally connected to an electric motor for the optional movement of a provisionable upholstered stool, according to several variants; Fig. 10 a schematic side view of a section of a deployable upholstered stool which is functionally connected to a motor for the optional movement of a deployable upholstered stool, according to several variants; Fig. 11 a perspective and schematic representation of a system for the rectilinear movement of a deployable upholstered stool according to several variants; Fig. 12 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed, showing a deployable upholstered stool in a storage position under and behind a trim panel, according to several variants; Fig. 13 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed, showing a deployable upholstered stool and a storage position under a display screen or trim panel, according to several variants; Fig. 14 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed, showing a deployable upholstered stool hidden behind a door under the display screen or trim panel, according to several variants; Fig. 15 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed showing a deployable upholstered stool, with a door panel pulled back to provide space for the deployable upholstered stool under a trim panel or display screen, according to several variants; Fig. 16 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed showing a deployable upholstered stool, with a door panel fully retracted to reveal the deployable upholstered stool; Fig. 17 a perspective view of the vehicle with sections removed, showing a movable display screen or trim panel in a position to conceal the deployable upholstered stool behind the movable display screen or trim panel, according to several variants; Fig. 18 a perspective view of a vehicle with sections removed, showing a movable display screen or panel which is moved away in a vertical direction from the vehicle floor plate to reveal a section of the deployable upholstered footrest, according to several variants; Fig. 19 a perspective view of the vehicle with sections removed showing the movable display screen or panel lowered to a position closest to the vehicle floor panel, the deployable upholstered stool in a second position at a second distance from an occupant seat to function as a calf support for an occupant, according to several variants; Fig. 20 a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a deployable upholstered stool in a vehicle, according to several variants; and Fig. 21 a flowchart illustrating a procedure for operating a deployable upholstered stool in a vehicle, according to several variants. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following detailed description is merely an example.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 100, with sections removed, showing a deployable upholstered stool 102 in a first position 124, stowed in such a way that it is integrated or flush with a display screen 132 or a trim panel and is arranged at a first distance from a seat 108, according to several variants. Fig. 1- Fig. 6, Fig. 8 and Fig. 11- Fig. Figure 12 illustrates several variants that may include a deployable upholstered stool 102, which is functionally connected to an electric motor 158 for moving the deployable upholstered stool 102. In several variants, the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be arranged in a vehicle 100 such that the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved by the electric motor 158 along a first rail 160 and / or a second rail 166 and / or a third rail 161, which are embedded in a vehicle floor panel 104 (which is in Fig. 8 is best seen) are formed. A seat 108 may be provided in the passenger compartment 106 to support an occupant (not shown). The seat 108 may include a seat back 112 and a floor cushion 114. The deployable upholstered ottoman 102 may be movable from a first position 124, which is a first distance from the seat 108, to a second position 126, which is a second distance from the seat 108. The second position 126 may be closer to the seat 108 than the first position 124. The first position 124 may be such that the deployable upholstered ottoman 102 is adjacent to a display screen 132 or may be located behind the display screen 132. In several variants, the passenger compartment 106 need not contain a steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator pedal. In several variants, the vehicle 100 can be capable of autonomous driving, with a passenger such as a driver.The driver of the vehicle does not need to control the vehicle using a steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator pedal. In several variants, the vehicle can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously using control logic executed by a control system using an electronic processor and a non-transient digital storage medium containing written commands stored therein and executable by the electronic processor. Control of the vehicle can be achieved temporarily by a human driver using any of a variety of devices, such as a joystick, voice controls, displays, or buttons, but not limited to these, without the use of a conventional steering wheel, brake pedal, or accelerator pedal.One or more cameras 302 and one or more microphones 304 can be arranged in the interior of the vehicle 100 and can be functionally connected to a control system (which will be described in more detail below) to move the deployable upholstered stool 102 to different positions based on determinations made by the control system, the height of an occupant, the position of one or more occupant legs, and the occupant's seated position. The deployable upholstered stool 102 can also be moved by voice commands or by inputs provided by an occupant using a control device (which will be described in more detail below).

[0033] As in Fig. As is most evident in Figure 6, the deployable upholstered stool 102 can include a front wall 116 and a rear wall 118, a first side wall 123 and an opposite second side wall 127, and a top wall 120 that can extend between the front wall 116, the rear wall 118, the first side wall 123, and the second side wall 127. An occupant (not shown) can lift the top wall 120 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 to access a storage space 125 defined within the deployable upholstered stool 102. The top wall 120 can be rotatably connected to either the rear wall 118, the first side wall 123, or the opposite second side wall 127. In several variants, the upper wall 120 can be rotatably connected by a first hinge 134 and / or a second hinge 136, each of which is connected to the upper wall 120 and the rear wall 118.In an alternative configuration, a flexible hinge 138 can be provided between the upper wall 120 and one of the rear walls 118, the first side wall 123, or the opposite second side wall 127. The flexible hinge 138 can be made of the same material as the upper wall 120, but with a thinner thickness sufficient to function as a hinge. In several configurations, the flexible hinge 138 can be made of a different material than the upper wall 120. In several configurations, the upper wall 120 can be opened and closed manually or by an electric motor controlled by the control system 140, as described in more detail below.

[0034] As in Fig. As illustrated in 2, the provided upholstered stool 102 can be positioned from a first position 124 (which is shown in Fig. 1 shown) to be moved to a second position 126, such that an occupant can use the front wall 116 of the provided upholstered stool 102 as a footrest.

[0035] As in Fig. As illustrated in 3, the provided upholstered stool 102 can be positioned from a first position 124 (which is shown in 3). Fig. The seat back 112 (shown in Figure 1) can be moved to a second position 126 such that an occupant (not shown) can reach the upper wall 120 and rotate the upper wall 120 upwards to open the deployable upholstered stool 102 and gain access to storage space 125 defined in the deployable upholstered stool 102. The seat back 112 of the seat 108 can be moved manually or by an electric motor to an upright position, which can make the distance that an occupant (not shown) has to move to reach into the deployable upholstered stool 102 shorter than when the seat back 112 is in the reclined position.As described below, at least one first section 101 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be raised to make it easier for an occupant to reach the upper wall 120 and gain access to the storage space 125 defined in the deployable upholstered stool 102.

[0036] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, according to several variants the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved to a second position 126 at a second distance from the seat 108, such that the upper wall 120 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 acts as a calf support.

[0037] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the deployable upholstery stool 102 can comprise a first section 101 and a second section 103. At least one first section 101 of the deployable upholstery stool 102 can be raised to a second height above the vehicle floor panel 104. In several variants, a linear actuator, such as in Figure 5, can be used. Fig. 11- Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the available upholstered stool 102 is functionally connected to raise at least a first section 101 or the entire available upholstered stool 102. In several variants, at least one section of the available upholstered stool 102 can be raised to an elevated position by an electric motor to adjust the comfort of the occupant whose calf is supported by the available upholstered stool.

[0038] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates several variants that may include a control system 140, which may include a computing device 142, which includes an electronic processor 144 and non-transient digital storage media 146 in which written instructions 148 are stored, which can be executed by the electronic processor 144 to perform or achieve any operation, step, procedure, or functionality described herein. The control system 140, or a similar control system, may be used to operate the vehicle in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner. A control device 152, such as, but not limited to, the display screen 132, a microphone 304, a camera 302, or a handheld device controller, may be provided in the passenger compartment 106 of the vehicle 100. As shown in Figure 7, the control system 140 may include a computer device 144, an electronic processor 144, and non-transient digital storage media 146 in which written instructions 148 are stored, which can be executed by the electronic processor 144 to perform or achieve any operation, step, procedure, or functionality described herein. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, in one variant the control device 152 can include a first input component 154, which may be a button on a handheld device or a widget on a display screen, a monitor, or a computer, and can include a second input component 156. In several variants, the first input component 154 can be used to send a signal to the control system 140, which may be functionally connected to an electric motor 158, which may be functionally connected to the deployable upholstered stool 102, in order to move the deployable upholstered stool 102 in a first direction, which may be, for example, to the first position 124 (as in Figure 7). Fig. 1 and Fig. 13- Fig. 19), and the second input component 156 can be used to send a signal to the control system 140 to move the deployable upholstered stool 102 in a second direction, which can be to the second position 126 (as shown in Fig. 2- Fig. (as shown in Figure 5). The control system 140 may include a communication device 150, such as, but not limited to, an antenna, to receive requests to move the deployable upholstered stool 102 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio signals. The control system 140 may also be configured to receive and respond to voice requests to move the deployable upholstered stool 102. At least one audio speaker or display screen 132 may be functionally connected to the computing device 142 to send a signal to communicate visually or audibly with an occupant of the vehicle 100.

[0039] In several variants, the control system 140 can contain written commands 148, which are stored in non-transient digital storage media 146 and are executable by the processor 144 to use data from one or more cameras 302 to make determinations regarding an occupant's height, leg position, and seating position; to move the deployable upholstered stool 102 to various positions based on determinations made by the control system 140 and / or with input from the occupant; and to raise and lower the deployable upholstered stool 102. The control system 140 can be configured to perform the functionality described in Fig. 19- Fig. 20 is described, as will be described in more detail below.

[0040] Fig. 8- Fig. Figure 9 illustrates several variants that can include a vehicle floor panel 104, which has a first rail 160 that may contain a recess defined by a first vertical wall 162 and a spaced-apart second vertical wall 164 extending from a top surface 172 to a bottom surface 174 of the vehicle floor panel 104. Similarly, a second rail 166 may contain a second recess defined in the vehicle floor panel 104 by a third vertical wall 168 and a spaced-apart fourth vertical wall 170 extending from the top surface 172 to the bottom surface 174 of the vehicle floor panel 104. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, a connector 176 runs through the lower wall 122 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 and into or through a table 182, which is functionally connected to the electric motor 158 and is constructed and arranged in such a way that it moves in a first direction and a second direction to provide a straight-line movement of the deployable upholstered stool 102 from the first position 124 to the second position 126 and vice versa or anywhere in between.

[0041] Fig. Figure 10 illustrates several variants that can include the lower wall 122 of the deployable upholstered stool 102, which has an elongated projection 183 extending from it and may include at least one flexible finger 186 at its free end 190, such that the elongated projection 183 can be pressed through a tapered wall 192 formed in the table 182. The deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved by a variety of linear motion systems, including, but not limited to, a ball screw linear motion system, a rack and pinion linear motion system, or a toothed belt linear motion system.

[0042] Fig. Figure 11 illustrates several variants that can include a ball screw linear motion system 199, which can include a ball screw 198 having a first end 210 functionally connected to an electric motor 158, and a second end 200 that is received in a bearing 202 supported by a guide rail 204. The ball screw 198 can extend through a guide block 194, which incorporates a ball screw nut 196 for engaging with the thread of the ball screw 198. The table 182 can be attached to the guide block 194 and can have a tapered wall 192 that defines a recess or a through-hole.The guide block 194 can be L-shaped and can have a bottom surface 205 of the table 182 that can slide along an upper surface 206 of the guide rail 204, and a first surface 207 can slide along an edge 208 of the guide rail 204 and a second surface 209 can slide along a base surface 211 of the guide rail 204.

[0043] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates several variants that may include a rack and pinion linear motion system 201, which may include a guide rail 204 and a rack 218 attached to it, having a first set of several spaced teeth 220. A pinion 222 may include a second set of several spaced teeth 224 for connecting to the first set of several spaced teeth 220. A pinion shaft 226 may be connected to the pinion 222, and a motor (not shown) may be connected to the pinion shaft 226 to rotate the pinion 222 in order to move the table 182, which is functionally connected to the pinion 222, in a straight line.

[0044] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates a deployable upholstered stool 102 in a first position 124, wherein the deployable upholstered stool 102 is in a storage position below and behind a lower edge 301 of a trim panel 300, according to several variants. The deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved from the first position 124 to a second position 126, wherein the deployable upholstered stool can function as a footrest, the occupant can reach the upper wall 120, or the upper wall 120 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 can function as a calf support, as previously described.

[0045] Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a door 303 that extends downwards from a trim panel 300 to conceal a deployable upholstered stool 102 behind the door 303. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 15, the door 303 can be moved upwards or rotated to reveal a section of the deployable upholstered stool 102. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 16, the door 303 can further be raised or rotated so that the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved from the first position 124 to a second position 126, whereby the deployable upholstered stool can function as a footrest, an occupant can reach the upper wall 120, or the upper wall 120 of the deployable upholstered stool 102 can function as a calf support, as previously described. The control system 140 can be configured to control a movement of the door 303.

[0046] Fig. Figure 17 illustrates a movable display screen 132 that can be moved from a position that conceals the deployable upholstered stool 102 behind the movable display screen 132, the display screen 132 being close to or on the vehicle floor panel 104. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 18, the movable display screen 132 can be moved to a position in which a section of the deployable upholstered stool 102 is revealed. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 19, the deployable upholstered stool 102 can be moved to a second position 126, and the movable display screen 132 can be moved to or onto the vehicle floor panel 104. The control system 140 can be configured to control a movement of the movable display screen 132.

[0047] Fig. Figure 19 illustrates a flowchart of a procedure that can be executed by a control system 140, which is related to Fig. The procedure can start in block 400, where an occupant sends a request for the deployable upholstered seat to the control system 140 using input on the display screen, a voice command, or another input device. The control system 140 receives the request from the occupant, and the procedure proceeds from block 400 to block 402, where interior cameras and predictive algorithms in the control system 140 are used to detect the occupant's body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position. The procedure proceeds from block 402 to block 404, where the control system interacts with the occupant and sends a request asking which deployable upholstered seat function the occupant desires.In block 406, the control system 140 can receive a footrest request from an occupant. In response, the procedure can progress from block 406 to block 412, where the control system 140 receives data from interior cameras and uses the data in predictive algorithms to recalibrate and confirm an optimal position in which the deployable upholstered stool should be positioned in response to the footrest request. The procedure can then progress from block 412 to block 440, where the control system 140 moves the deployable upholstered stool into the proper position to function as a footrest.The procedure can progress from block 440 to block 442, where the control system 140 sends a request to the occupant to confirm that the current position as a footrest is comfortable, and in response, the control system 140 can receive an input from the occupant in block 444 confirming that the position of the deployable footrest is comfortable. The procedure can progress from block 444 to block 446, where the control system 140 goes into standby mode to await an instruction to move the deployable footrest to a folded or storage position, or to another position or function.However, the control system 140 can receive an input from an occupant in block 448 that the deployable upholstered stool is not in a comfortable position to be used as a footrest, and this procedure can proceed from block 448 to block 450, where the control system 140 recalibrates a revised position so that the deployable upholstered stool can comfortably function as a footrest support, moves the footrest to the revised position, and sends a request to the occupant to confirm that the revised position is comfortable.Control system 140 can receive an input from the occupant at block 452 confirming that the revised position of the deployable upholstered footrest is comfortable, and in response, the procedure can proceed to block 454, where the computer system goes into standby mode to await the instruction to return to a folded or storage position, or another function. However, at block 456, control system 140 can receive an input from the occupant indicating that the position of the deployable upholstered footrest is not comfortable, and the procedure can proceed from block 456 to block 458, where the computer system sends a signal to the occupant recommending that fine-tuning be performed by the occupant via an input from an electronic controller.

[0048] The procedure can progress from block 404 to block 408, where the computer system receives an input from the occupant to move the deployable ottoman to a position to access storage space within the deployable ottoman. In response, the procedure progresses from block 408 to block 412, where the control system 140 receives data from interior cameras and uses the data in predictive algorithms to recalibrate and confirm an optimal position in which the deployable ottoman should be positioned in response to the request to access storage space within the deployable ottoman. The procedure can progress from block 434 to block 436, where the control system 140 sends a signal that causes the storage compartment door or the upper wall of the deployable ottoman to open automatically, for example, by an actuator motor (not shown).The procedure can progress from block 436 to block 438, where the control system goes into standby mode to await an instruction to close the door and return to a folded or storage position or another function.

[0049] The procedure can progress from block 404 to block 410, where the computer system receives an input from the occupant to move the deployable cushion to a position to act as a calf support. In response, the procedure progresses from block 410 to block 412, where the control system 140 receives data from interior cameras and uses the data in predictive algorithms to recalibrate and confirm an optimal position in which the deployable cushion should be positioned in response to the occupant's request to move the deployable cushion to a position to act as a calf support. The procedure can progress from block 412 to block 414, where the control system 140 moves the deployable cushion to the proper location to act as a calf support.The procedure can progress from block 414 to block 416, where the control system sends a request for the occupant to confirm that the deployable padded stool is in a proper position and comfortable as a calf support. The computer system can progress from block 416 to block 418, where the computer system receives confirmation that the position of the deployable padded stool is comfortable for its function as a calf support. In response, the procedure can progress from block 418 to block 420, where the computer system goes into standby mode, awaiting instructions to return to a folded or stowed position, or to any other position or function.However, the control system 140 in block 422 can receive an input that the deployable cushion stool is not in a position to be comfortable as a calf support, and the procedure can proceed from block 422 to block 424, where the control system 140 recalibrates a revised position into which the deployable cushion stool should be moved to function comfortably as a calf support, and moves the deployable cushion stool to a second position to act as a calf support, and sends a signal to the occupant to confirm this.The procedure can progress from block 422 to block 426, where the control system 140 receives an input confirming that the second position is convenient for use as a calf support, and the procedure can progress from block 426 to block 428, where the system becomes ready to await instructions to return to a folded or storage position, or to another position or function. However, in block 430, the control system 140 may receive an input indicating that the second position is not convenient for use as a calf support, and the procedure can progress from block 430 to block 432, where the control system 140 sends a signal to the occupant recommending that fine-tuning be performed by the occupant using electronic controls as inputs.

[0050] The control system 140 can contain written commands that can be executed by the electronic processor 144 to operate the vehicle 100 in an autonomous or semi-autonomous mode and can provide navigation functionality. Alternatively, another control system (not shown) can be provided to operate the vehicle 100 in an autonomous or semi-autonomous mode and can provide navigation functionality. Fig.Figure 21 illustrates a procedure, which may include in Block 460, in which the control system 140 or a navigation system determines that the vehicle is approaching a desired destination. The procedure may progress from Block 460 to Block 462, where the computer system sends a signal informing an occupant that the vehicle is approaching the destination and that the deployable bolster must be moved to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle comfortably. The procedure progresses from Block 462 to Block 464, where the control system 140 sends a signal to the occupant to confirm that the occupant is ready for the deployable bolster to be folded or stowed and / or moved into a position to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle comfortably.The control system can receive an input from the occupant in block 472 confirming that the occupant is ready for the deployable bolster to be folded, stowed, or moved into a position to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle comfortably. The procedure can proceed from block 472 to block 474, where the control system 140 moves the deployable bolster to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle and moves the occupant's seat backrest to a position to allow the occupant to exit the vehicle comfortably.However, the control system 140 can receive an input from the occupant in block 476 indicating that the occupant is not ready to leave the vehicle, and can proceed from block 476 to block 478, where the control system 140 goes into standby mode to wait for an input indicating that the occupant is ready to leave the vehicle, and in response to this, the control system moves the seat back to a position to allow the occupant to leave the vehicle comfortably.

[0051] At least one camera may be mounted on an A-pillar, headliner, instrument panel or door trim panel of the vehicle, the vehicle including a navigation system integrated with the upholstered seat to inform the occupant that the vehicle is approaching its destination and request that the occupant confirm that the occupant is ready for the upholstered seat to be folded or stowed away to create space so that the occupant can exit the vehicle comfortably.

[0052] Item 1. A method comprising: providing a computing device comprising an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor, wherein the written instructions, when executed by the electronic processor, perform operations comprising: receiving by the computing device a request to activate a deployable upholstered stool, wherein the deployable upholstered stool is functionally connected to at least one rail to move along a vehicle floor panel by means of an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered stool;Receiving data from at least one camera by the computing device and using the data to determine the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of an occupant; receiving a request by the computing device for the deployable upholstered stool to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable upholstered stool, or act as a calf support; and sending a signal by the computing device to the deployable upholstered stool to move to a position in response to the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of the occupant and in response to the request for the deployable upholstered stool to act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable upholstered stool, or act as a calf support.

[0053] Paragraph 2. The method according to paragraph 1, wherein the sending of the signal by the computing device to the provisional upholstered stool causes the provisional upholstered stool to move to a position in order to work as requested.

[0054] Paragraph 3. The procedure according to paragraph 2, which further includes the sending by the computing device of a communication to a vehicle occupant requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0055] Paragraph 4. The procedure according to paragraph 3, which further includes the receipt by the computing device of a confirmation that the position of the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0056] Item 5. The procedure according to item 4, which further includes placing the computing device into a standby mode which awaits a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0057] Item 6. The procedure according to item 3, which further includes the receipt by the computing device of an input from the vehicle occupant that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested.

[0058] Item 7. The procedure according to item 6, which further includes determining by the calculating device a newly calibrated position in order to move the provisional upholstered stool in such a way that it works as requested, and causing the provisional upholstered stool to move to the newly calibrated position.

[0059] Paragraph 8. The procedure according to paragraph 7, which further includes the sending by the computing device of a further communication to the vehicle occupant, requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0060] Paragraph 9. The procedure according to paragraph 8, which further includes the receiving by the computing device of confirmation that the position of the deployable upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested, and in response thereto, placing the computing device into a standby mode awaiting a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0061] Item 10. The procedure according to item 8, which further includes the receiving by the computing device of an input from the vehicle occupant that the provided upholstered seat is not in a position to operate as requested, and in response thereto the sending of a communication to the vehicle occupant recommending that the vehicle occupant fine-tune the position of the provided upholstered seat by means of electronic controls.

[0062] Item 11. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle floor panel having at least one rail formed therein, a deployable upholstered seat functionally connected to the at least one rail for movement along the vehicle floor panel, and an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered seat for movement of the deployable upholstered seat in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the vehicle comprises a passenger compartment and at least one camera functionally connected to a control system comprising a computing device comprising an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor, wherein the control system is configured to provide functionality,which includes the following: receiving by the computing device a request to activate the deployable cushion; receiving by the computing device data from the at least one camera and using the data to recognize the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of an occupant; receiving by the computing device a request that the deployable cushion act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable cushion, or act as a calf support; and sending by the computing device a signal to the deployable cushion to activate in response to the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of the occupant and in response to the request that the deployable cushion act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable cushion.or acts as a calf support, to move into a position.

[0063] Item 12. The vehicle according to item 11, wherein the sending by the computing device of the signal to the provisional upholstered stool causes the provisional upholstered stool to move to a position in order to work as requested.

[0064] Item 13. The vehicle according to item 12, which further includes the transmission by the computing device of a communication to an occupant of the vehicle, requesting the occupant to confirm that the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0065] Item 14. The vehicle according to item 13, which further includes receiving by the computing device a confirmation that the position of the provided upholstered stool is in a position to operate as requested.

[0066] Item 15. The vehicle according to item 14, which further comprises placing the computing device into a standby mode awaiting a request to move the deployable upholstered stool into a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0067] Item 16. The vehicle according to item 13, which further includes receiving by the computing device an input from the occupant of the vehicle, that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested.

[0068] Item 17. The vehicle according to item 16, which further includes determining by the calculating device a newly calibrated position in order to move the provisional upholstered stool in such a way that it works as requested, and causing the provisional upholstered stool to move to the newly calibrated position.

[0069] Item 18. The vehicle according to item 17, which further includes receiving by the computing device confirmation that the position of the deployable upholstered stool is in a position for comfortable working as requested, and in response thereto placing the computing device into a standby mode awaiting a request to move the deployable upholstered stool to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function.

[0070] Item 19. The vehicle according to item 17, which further comprises receiving by the computing device an input from the occupant that the provided upholstered stool is not in a position to operate as requested, and in response to this sending a communication to the occupant recommending that the occupant fine-tune the position of the provided upholstered stool by means of electronic controls.

[0071] Item 20. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle floor panel having at least one rail formed therein, a deployable upholstered seat functionally connected to the at least one rail for movement along the vehicle floor panel, and an electric motor functionally connected to the deployable upholstered seat for movement of the deployable upholstered seat in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the vehicle comprises a passenger compartment and at least one camera functionally connected to a control system comprising a computing device comprising an electronic processor, a non-transient storage medium, and written instructions stored in the non-transient storage medium and executable by the electronic processor, wherein the control system is configured to provide functionality,which includes the following: receiving by the computing device a request to activate the deployable cushion; receiving by the computing device data from the at least one camera and using the data to recognize the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of an occupant; receiving by the computing device a request that the deployable cushion act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable cushion, or act as a calf support; and sending by the computing device a signal to the deployable cushion to activate in response to the body characteristics, leg positions, and seating position of the occupant and in response to the request that the deployable cushion act as a footrest, provide access to a storage area defined in the deployable cushion.or acts as a calf support, to move from a first position to a second position; wherein the vehicle includes a display screen and / or a trim panel and / or a door and / or a movable display screen, and the provisional upholstered footrest in the first position is: flush with the display screen or trim panel located in front of a seat in the vehicle, and / or below the trim panel or display screen located in front of the seat in the vehicle, and / or concealed behind the door located below the display screen or trim panel located in front of the seat in the vehicle, and / or concealed behind the movable display screen located in front of the seat in the vehicle; wherein the at least one camera is mounted on an A-pillar, headliner, instrument panel, or door trim panel of the vehicle, and the vehicle includes a navigation system,which is integrated with the upholstered seat to inform the occupant that the vehicle is approaching its destination and to request that the occupant confirm that they are ready for the upholstered seat to be folded or stowed away to create space so that the occupant can exit the vehicle comfortably.

Claims

[1] Procedure that includes: Providing a computing device (142) comprising an electronic processor (144), a non-transient storage medium (146), and written instructions (148) stored in the non-transient storage medium (146) and executable by the electronic processor (144), wherein the written instructions (148), when executed by the electronic processor (144), perform operations which include: Receiving by the computing device (142) a request for activation of a provisionable upholstered stool (102), wherein the provisionable upholstered stool (102) is functionally connected to at least one rail (160, 166) in order to move along a vehicle floor plate (104) by means of an electric motor (158) which is functionally connected to the provisionable upholstered stool (102); Receiving data from at least one camera (302) by the computing device (142) and using the data to determine the body characteristics, leg positions and seating position of an occupant; Receiving by the computing device (142) a request that the provisionable upholstered stool (102) acts as a footrest, provides access to a storage area defined in the provisionable upholstered stool (102), or acts as a calf support; and Sending a signal by the computing device (142) to the provisioning upholstered stool (102), it moves to a position in response to the body characteristics, leg positions and seating position of the occupant and in response to the requirement that the provisioning upholstered stool (102) acts as a footrest, provides access to a storage area defined in the provisioning upholstered stool (102) or acts as a calf support. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the sending of the signal by the computing device (142) to the provisionable upholstered stool (102) causes the provisionable upholstered stool (102) to move to a position in order to work as requested. [3] Method according to claim 2, further comprising sending by the computing device (142) a communication to a vehicle occupant requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provisional upholstered stool (102) is in a position to operate as requested. [4] Method according to claim 3, further comprising receiving by the computing device (142) a confirmation that the position of the provisional upholstered stool (102) is in a position to operate as requested. [5] Method according to claim 4, further comprising placing the computing device (142) into a standby mode which awaits a request to move the deployable upholstered stool (102) to a folding position, a storage position or another position or to provide another function. [6] Method according to claim 3, further comprising receiving by the computing device (142) an input from the vehicle occupant that the available upholstered stool (102) is not in a position to operate as requested. [7] Method according to claim 6, which further comprises determining by the computing device (142) a recalibrated position in order to move the provisionable upholstered stool (102) in such a way that it works as requested, and causing the provisionable upholstered stool (102) to move to the recalibrated position. [8] Method according to claim 7, further comprising sending by the computing device (142) a further communication to the vehicle occupant, requesting the vehicle occupant to confirm that the provisional upholstered stool (102) is in a position to operate as requested. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving by the computing device (142) a confirmation that the position of the deployable upholstered stool (102) is in a position to operate as requested, and in response thereto placing the computing device (142) into a standby mode awaiting a request to move the deployable upholstered stool (102) to a folding position, a storage position or another position, or to provide another function. [10] Vehicle (100) comprising: a vehicle floor panel (104) comprising at least one rail (160, 166) forming a provisionable upholstered seat (102) functionally connected to the at least one rail (160, 166) to move along the vehicle floor panel (104), and an electric motor (158) functionally connected to the provisionable upholstered seat (102) to move the provisionable upholstered seat (102) in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises a passenger compartment (106) and at least one camera (302) functionally connected to a control system (140) comprising a computing device (142) comprising an electronic processor (144), a non-transient storage medium (146), and written instructions (148) stored in the non-transient storage medium (146) and processed by the electronic processor (144). executable includes,exhibits and the control system (140) is configured to provide functionality that includes the following:, Receiving by the computing device (142) a request for activation of the available upholstered stool (102); Receiving data from the at least one camera (302) by the computing device (142) and using the data to recognize the body characteristics, leg positions and seating position of an occupant; Receiving by the computing device (142) a request that the provisionable upholstered stool (102) acts as a footrest, provides access to a storage area defined in the provisionable upholstered stool (102), or acts as a calf support; and Sending a signal by the computing device (142) to the provisioning upholstered stool (102), it moves to a position in response to the body characteristics, leg positions and seating position of the occupant and in response to the requirement that the provisioning upholstered stool (102) acts as a footrest, provides access to a storage area defined in the provisioning upholstered stool (102) or acts as a calf support.

Images