DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SEAT

Abstract

A device may include a seat swivel arrangement comprising a motor configured to swivel a seat, a sensor configured to detect a pulse generated on the basis of the motor being driven, a switch configured to be turned on or off on the basis of a swivel position of the seat, and a control circuit configured to determine the swivel position of the seat on the basis of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and to determine, on the basis of at least one of the swivel position of the seat, the number of detected pulses within a preset range of action, or the switching on of the switch, whether a vehicle function should be activated.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for controlling a seat. BACKGROUND

[0002] Seats installed in the vehicle can rotate via a swivel mechanism. This allows passengers to position themselves facing each other, depending on the seat rotation. The seats can also rotate in a screen direction, making it easy to view an image on a pop-up display located inside the vehicle. This improves passenger comfort.

[0003] Passenger expectations regarding comfort and functionality in vehicles are evolving, leading to increased interest in improved space utilization made possible by adjustable seating positions. This is particularly important in vehicles such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and camper vans, where a flexible interior design can support various use cases (e.g., entertainment, relaxation, or collaboration). SUMMARY

[0004] The facts described in this background section serve only to provide a better understanding of the background of the disclosure and should not be understood as an acknowledgment or confirmation that they correspond to the state of the art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, a device can have a seat rotation arrangement comprising a motor configured to rotate a seat, a sensor configured to detect a pulse generated on the basis of driving the motor, a switch configured to be turned on on the basis of a rotated position or rotation position of the seat, and a control circuit configured to determine the rotated position of the seat on the basis of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and to determine, on the basis of at least one of the rotated position of the seat, the number of detected pulses which are within a preset range of action, or the switch which is turned on, whether a vehicle function should be activated.

[0006] The device, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate the vehicle function based on at least one of the rotated position of the seat, which is an initial position, the number of detected impulses that are within the preset effective range, or the switch that is turned on, and wherein the vehicle function may include shifting and driving,

[0007] The device may further have a command input interface configured to receive a rotation mode switching command for controlling a position of the seat, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine, based on the rotation mode switching command, whether a rotation mode should be switched, to output a control signal for controlling the driving of the motor based on the determination of whether the rotation mode should be switched, and to detect or determine the rotated position of the seat based on the number of detected pulses.

[0008] The device, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the rotated position of the seat based on a corresponding rotation mode selected from a plurality of rotation modes, wherein each of the plurality of rotation modes is assigned to a respective range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and wherein each range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor is preset from a motor start time to a motor stop time to rotate the seat,

[0009] The device, comprising the plurality of rotation modes, includes a partial rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from a return position corresponding to 0° by a first angle about a reference axis of the seat, a full rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle about the reference axis of the seat, and a return rotation mode in which the seat is rotated back to the return position.

[0010] The device, wherein the switch is configured to be switched on by physical contact with the seat on the basis that the seat is turned into the return position,

[0011] The device may further include a camera arranged in such a way that it is directed at the seat in order to obtain an image of the seat by photographing at least a section of the seat.

[0012] The device, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the rotated position of the seat based on the fact that a rotation line of an upper plate of the seat rotation assembly and a fixing line of a lower plate of the seat rotation assembly are aligned in a straight vertical line in the seat image, and based on a position of the seat that corresponds to the mode for reversing,

[0013] The device, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine, based on at least one of the following factors, whether the rotation mode should be switched: whether a drive of a vehicle equipped with the seat is in an operating mode, a stopped state of the vehicle, a parked state of a transmission provided in the vehicle, a seated state of a passenger in the seat, a fastened state of a seat belt buckle provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, a rotation operating state of another seat arranged next to the seat, or whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat is to be inflated,

[0014] The device, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether the airbag should be inflated, to output information indicating whether airbag inflation is unavailable based on the determination of whether the airbag should be inflated, to determine whether a user consents to proceed with rotating the seat based on the output information, and to determine whether the seat should be rotated based on the determination of whether the user consents to proceed with rotating the seat and a rotation mode switching command received from the user,

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a method performed by a device may comprise: driving a motor configured to rotate a seat, detecting a pulse generated by the driving of the motor via a sensor of the device, detecting the state of a switch that is switched based on a rotated position of the seat, determining the rotated position of the seat based on a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and determining whether a vehicle function should be activated based on at least one of the rotated position of the seat, the number of detected pulses that are within a preset range of action, or the state of the switch.

[0016] The method, wherein determining whether the vehicle function should be activated may involve activating the vehicle function based on the fact that the rotated position of the seat is a starting position, that the number of detected impulses is within the preset effective range, or that the state of the switch is turned on, and wherein the vehicle function may include shifting and driving,

[0017] The method may further include receiving a rotary mode switching command from a command input interface, determining, based on the rotary mode switching command, whether a rotary mode should be switched, and outputting, based on a determination to switch the rotary mode, a control signal to control the driving of the motor.

[0018] The method, wherein determining the rotated position of the seat based on a corresponding rotation mode selected from a plurality of rotation modes, may include determining the rotated position of the seat, wherein each of the plurality of rotation modes is assigned to a respective range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and wherein each range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor is preset from an operating start time of the motor to an operating end time of the motor for rotating the seat,

[0019] The method, wherein the plurality of rotation modes may include a partial rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from a 0° corresponding return position by a first angle about a reference axis of the seat, a full rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle about the reference axis of the seat, and a return rotation mode in which the seat is rotated back to the return position,

[0020] Method, wherein a seat rotation arrangement of the device is configured to rotate the seat by driving the motor, and wherein determining the rotated position of the seat is based on a rotation line of an upper plate of the seat rotation arrangement and a fixing line of a lower plate of the seat rotation arrangement being aligned in a straight vertical line in a seat image captured by a camera of the device, and is based on a position of the seat corresponding to the mode for reversing,

[0021] The method may further include determining whether a rotation mode should be switched based on at least one of the following states: whether a drive system of a vehicle equipped with the seat is in an operating mode, a stopped state of the vehicle, a parked state of a transmission provided in the vehicle, a seated state of a passenger, a fastened state of a seat belt buckle provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, a rotation operating state of another seat located next to the seat, or whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat is to be inflated.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, a device of a vehicle may comprise a seat, a motor configured to rotate the seat, and a control circuit configured to cause the seat to move into a release position before rotation, to rotate the seat based on a received mode command, to obtain data from a sensor indicating the position of the seat, to verify or check the position of the seat after rotation based on the data, to classify the checked position of the seat as one of a plurality of zones, and to control a function of the vehicle based on the classified zone of the plurality of zones.

[0023] The device, wherein the function of the vehicle may comprise at least one of the following: activating or deactivating the shifting, allowing or preventing the vehicle from being driven, or changing a performance state of the vehicle between a utility mode and a driving mode,

[0024] The device, wherein the plurality of zones comprises a first zone corresponding to a partial rotation range from a return position to a first angle about a reference axis of the seat, and a second zone corresponding to a full rotation range from the return position to a second angle greater than the first angle, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 shows an example of an arrangement of a seat control device according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a vehicle in which the seat control device is applied and of a seat in the vehicle according to the example of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a seat and a seat swivel part according to the example of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a screen for providing a seating position and an airbag operating notification instruction according to the example of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 shows, according to the example in the present disclosure, an example of a screen for providing an airbag operational notification instruction, which is activated by default when the seat position detection fails; Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a seat control method for the seat control device according to the example of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of the seat control procedure for the seat control device according to the example in the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Some examples of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that identical or equivalent components are designated with the same reference numeral, even if they appear on other drawings. Furthermore, when describing an example of the present disclosure, a detailed description of the associated known configuration, arrangement, or function is omitted if it is determined that such a detailed description would impair the understanding of the example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as first / first / first, second / second / second, “A”, “B”, (a) and (b) may be used in describing the components of the examples in this disclosure. These terms serve only to distinguish one component from other components and do not represent any limitation on the nature, order, or sequence of the components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as they would be commonly understood by a person skilled in the art in the field to which this disclosure belongs.It is further assumed that terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted in such a way as to have a meaning that corresponds to their meaning in the context of the relevant state of the art, and that they should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless they are expressly defined as such here.

[0028] For the purposes of this application and the claims, the wording that uses the exemplary phrase "at least one of: A; B; or C" or "at least one of A, B or C" means "at least one A or at least one B or at least one C or any combination of at least one A, at least one B and at least one C". Furthermore, exemplary phrases such as "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", etc., as used herein, may mean any of the listed elements or all possible combinations of the listed elements. For example, "at least one of A or B" may refer to (1) at least one A; (2) at least one B; or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0029] In the present disclosure, a "controller" can be implemented by a processor and a memory. The "processor" should be defined to include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. In some contexts, the "processor" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.For example, the term "processor" can refer to a combination of processing devices such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such combination. Furthermore, the term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information.The term "memory" can refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical storage devices, and registers. If the processor can read information from and / or store information in memory, the memory can be in an electronic communication state with the processor. Memory integrated into a processor is in a state of electronic communication with the processor.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an arrangement of a seat control device according to an example of the present disclosure, Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a vehicle in which the seat control device is applied, and a seat in the vehicle according to the example of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a seat and a seat swivel part according to the example of the present disclosure;

[0031] A seat control device 100 according to an example of the present disclosure can comprise a command input part 110, a seat swivel part 130, a Hall sensor 150 and a control 170.

[0032] At least one seat 12 installed within a vehicle 10 can rotate via the seat control device 100. Consequently, passengers in the vehicle 10 can be seated facing each other depending on the rotation of the seat 12, or the seat 12 can be positioned facing a monitor so that an image can be easily viewed on a pop-up display installed within the vehicle 10 (e.g., for watching videos, participating in conference calls, or displaying navigation information, etc.). This increases comfort within the vehicle 10.

[0033] The command input part 110 can include a selection button for the rotation mode, which is provided on a side surface of the seat 12, and the selection button for the rotation mode can be subdivided and provided into a plurality of parts according to a rotation mode (e.g. partial rotation, full rotation or reverse rotation, etc.).

[0034] A variety of rotation modes can include a partial rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from a 0° return position by a first angle about a reference axis of the seat 12; a full rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from the return position by a second angle about the reference axis of the seat 12; and a return rotation mode, in which the seat 12 returns to the return position. Here, the term return position can be replaced by an "initial or starting position".

[0035] The first angle can be 0° to 10° around the reference axis of the seat 12, the second angle can be 180° around the reference axis of the seat 12, and these angles are merely an example and can be changed according to an initial setting or a user setting (e.g. based on the seat construction, the orientation of the display or user preference, etc.).

[0036] The partial rotation mode, which is a mode in which the seat 12 is rotated by a predetermined angle towards the interior of the vehicle 10, can, for example, be a mode that is carried out from the return position and in which the seat 12 is rotated towards the monitor or screen so that the image can be easily viewed via the pop-up display located inside the vehicle 10 (e.g. for rear passengers to view entertainment content or for front-seat passengers to view centrally mounted displays, etc.).

[0037] The full rotation mode can be a mode that can be performed from the reset position and is set up to support a conversation mode by rotating towards a front or rear seat (e.g. enabling face-to-face interactions, conference-like conversations or collaborative activities in the vehicle, etc.).

[0038] The mode for reversing can be a mode in which a position of the seat 12 corresponds to the initial position in which a vehicle function can be activated (e.g. enabling the engine to be started, allowing the driving mode to be switched on or initiating power transitions, etc.).

[0039] The mode for reversing can be a mode that corresponds to a position in which a driver's seat position can enable activation of vehicle functions, including shifting gears, driving, and transitioning or switching to the power state (e.g., switching from a utility mode to a driving mode, enabling the handover of autonomous driving, or resuming navigation-assisted driving control, etc.).

[0040] The usage mode can include, for example, an image viewing mode via the pop-up display provided in the vehicle 10, a conversation mode in which the seat 12 is rotated to allow a conversation between passengers in a seat in the first row and a seat in the second row, a relaxation mode for resting or reclining, or a conference mode for joint conversations, etc.

[0041] The return-to-position mode can be a mode in which the seat 12 mechanically reaches the return position, a fault occurs in the Hall sensor 150, and the seat 12 is rotated to a position in which a switch 180, activated by physical contact with the seat 12, is turned on. The return-to-position mode can be performed from any rotated position of the seat and across the entire rotation range.

[0042] The rotation modes described above are examples to classify the multitude of rotation modes, and a rotation mode based on a rotation angle of the seat 12 and directions of rotation corresponding to an outer direction CW of the vehicle or an inner direction CCW of the vehicle may be additionally added (e.g. a mode for partial rotation of the seat by 90°, a mode offset by 45° to allow oblique viewing, or a mode with reversed CW / CCW direction for arrangements on the passenger or driver side, etc.).

[0043] In addition to defining rotation modes, the Seat Control Unit 100 can perform a pre-rotation operation before executing a rotation mode to prevent mechanical interference between seat components. The pre-rotation operation may involve setting or adjusting other seat motors—such as recline, tilt, longitudinal displacement, or height motors—to positions that provide sufficient clearance for safe rotation. After the rotation is complete, a post-rotation operation can be performed to reposition the seat into a target configuration prepared or optimized for the selected mode. For example, in full-rotation mode, the post-rotation operation might adjust the seat into a conversation-friendly position, while in partial-rotation mode, the post-rotation operation might position the seat toward a viewing angle of the display.The entire control sequence can proceed as follows: Pre-rotate → Rotate → Post-rotate.

[0044] The command input unit 110 can receive a rotation mode switching command to control the position of the seat 12. For example, the command input unit 110 can receive the rotation mode switching command via input from a user via a rotation mode selection button. Alternatively, the command input unit 110 can receive the rotation mode switching command from the user via a terminal or end device connected to the seat control device 100 via wired or wireless communication (e.g., via a touchscreen interface, a smartphone app, a center console user interface (UI), or a voice recognition system, etc.).

[0045] The seat swivel 130 can rotate the seat 12 by driving a motor (not shown). The motor's operation can be controlled by a control signal transmitted by the control unit 170. A drive shaft of the motor can rotate, and the direction of rotation of the seat 12 can be changed according to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise to accommodate different cabin layouts or seat orientations, etc.).

[0046] The Hall sensor 150 can detect a pulse caused by a change in the magnetic field generated according to the operation of the motor (e.g. during initial acceleration, deceleration or reversal of direction, etc.).

[0047] Specifically, a rotation can occur between an upper plate 132 and a lower plate 134 of the rotating seat 130. A magnet and the Hall sensor 150 for measuring the amount of rotation can be coupled together; the magnet can be coupled to a surface of the upper plate 132 that faces the lower plate 134, and the Hall sensor 150, which is configured to detect a change in the magnetic field of this magnet, can be coupled to the lower plate 134.

[0048] The Hall sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the change in the magnetic field of the magnet, and the Hall sensor 150 detects the change in the magnetic field of the magnet when the upper plate 132 rotates (e.g. in response to user-initiated rotation commands or automated return-to-home operations, etc.).

[0049] For example, if the magnet is coupled to the upper plate 132 while being divided into an N pole and an S pole, the magnetism of the magnet, corresponding to the Hall sensor 150, changes relative to the N pole or the S pole as the upper plate 132 rotates. Furthermore, the strength of the magnetic field changes according to the amount of rotation, even if the magnet remains within the same area of ​​the N pole. The Hall sensor 150 can detect a pulse representing the change in magnetism or magnetic field to measure the amount of rotation of the upper plate 132 (e.g., to determine the angle of rotation corresponding to a partial, full, or reverse rotation mode, etc.).

[0050] In this way, the controller 170 can determine the position of the seat 12 based on the number of pulses generated by the magnetic field, which are detected via the Hall sensor 150 (e.g. to determine whether the seat is in a position of resetting, partial or complete rotation, etc.).

[0051] The control unit 170 can determine the position of the seat 12 based on a rotation mode corresponding to the number of counted pulses from the multitude of rotation modes (e.g. using pulse thresholds predefined for reversing, partial rotation or complete rotation, etc.).

[0052] Each of the numerous rotation modes can be mapped by presetting a range of the number of pulses based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 150 from an operating start time to an operating end time of the motor (e.g. mapping 0-X pulses to a partial rotation, XY pulses to a full rotation or Y+ pulses for states outside the range or fault states, etc.).

[0053] The 170 controller can classify the seat's position during a rotation into distinct areas designated as Zone 1 and Zone 2 based on the total number of detected Hall sensor pulses. For example, Zone 1 might refer to the area between the return position and the partial rotation position. Zone 2 might refer to the area between the partial rotation position and the full rotation position. If the rotation stops at a position where the pulse count does not exactly match a known rotation mode threshold (due to motor stalling or user interruption), the 170 controller can use the pulse range classification to infer an approximate area of ​​the seat. This zone classification can be used for fault handling, airbag logic, or conditional mode switching.

[0054] As described above, the variety of rotation modes can include the partial rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from the 0° corresponding return position by the first angle around the reference axis of the seat 12; the full rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from the return position by the second angle around the reference axis of the seat 12; and the return rotation mode, in which the seat 12 returns to the return position (e.g., 0° for a driving position, 10° for viewing the display, or 180° for rear-facing conversation, etc.). This is one example of classifying the variety of rotation modes, and a further rotation mode classified based on the rotation angle and direction of the seat 12 can be added (e.g.,a 90° intermediate rotation for side entry, a 45° diagonal rotation for side-oriented displays, or mode variants based on a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, etc.).

[0055] The seat control device 100 may further include the switch 180, which is switched on by physical contact with the seat 12 when the seat 12 is turned into the return position (e.g. using a mechanical microswitch, a proximity-based actuator or a pressure-activated trigger or release, etc.).

[0056] The switch 180 can be provided in a peripheral area of ​​the seat 12, can be a switch that is turned on when the switch is physically in contact with the seat 12 during the rotation process, and turned off when the switch is not physically in contact with the seat 12, and can be set to be turned on when the seat 12 returns to its initial position, i.e. a position in which vehicle functions may be activated.

[0057] If it is detected that the position of seat 12 corresponds to the mode for turning back, the control 170 can further determine the position of seat 12 taking into account whether the switch 180 is turned on to confirm the physical positioning.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can, for example, as a result of counting the number of pulses due to the change in the magnetic field detected via the Hall sensor 150, if it is determined that the counted number of pulses corresponds to the mode for turning back, determine that the position of the seat 12 only corresponds to the mode for turning back when the switch 180 is turned on (e.g. as additional safety confirmation of the physical seat orientation, etc.).

[0059] On the other hand, even if the counted number of pulses determines that the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 150 corresponds to the reverse rotation mode, the controller 170 may not be able to determine that the position of the seat 12 corresponds to the reverse rotation mode when the switch 180 is off (e.g., due to mechanical misalignment, an obstruction by a foreign object, or a spring-back of the seat preventing it from fully engaging the switch, etc.). In this case, the process for determining the seat position can be repeated, a notification of the failed seat position determination can be issued to the user, or the user can be prompted to re-enter the rotation mode switching command (e.g.,through a user warning via the dashboard user interface, audio prompts or in-app notifications, etc.).

[0060] Meanwhile, the control unit 170 can determine whether to activate the vehicle function based on at least one of the following: the position of the seat, whether the number of detected impulses is within a preset effective range, and whether switch 180 is turned on (e.g., to check that driving-related operations can be continued safely, etc.).

[0061] Here, vehicle functions can include shifting gears, driving the vehicle, and changing the performance state (e.g., switching from usage mode to driving mode, enabling autonomous handover, or allowing battery charge levels, etc.).

[0062] In the example, if the seat position is the starting position, if the number of detected impulses is within the preset effective range, or if switch 180 is turned on, the control unit 170 can determine to activate the vehicle function (e.g., enabling gear changes, switching on the driving mode, or resuming autonomous driving, etc.).

[0063] On the other hand, if the seat position is not the initial position, if the number of detected impulses does not correspond to the preset operating range, and if switch 180 is not switched on, the control unit 170 can prevent the vehicle function from being activated. Consequently, the vehicle function can enter an inactive state if the seat position is unsuitable for driving the vehicle, thus promoting the safety of the driver and the vehicle (e.g., blocking acceleration, disabling acceleration, or restricting gear operation, etc.).

[0064] The seat control device 100 may further comprise a camera 190 which is provided around the seat 12 inside the vehicle 10 and obtains an image of the seat by photographing at least one section of the seat 12 (e.g. in top view, side view or alignment view, etc.).

[0065] If it is determined that the position of the seat 12 corresponds to the mode for reversing, the controller 170 can further determine the position of the seat 12 taking into account whether a rotation line “A” of the upper plate 132 and a fixing line “B” of the lower plate 134 of the seat swivel part 130 are arranged in a straight line on a vertical line in the seat image (e.g., are aligned within a predefined pixel threshold, contour match, or edge detection area, etc.).

[0066] For example, if, as a result of counting the number of pulses due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 150, it is determined that the counted number of pulses corresponds to the reverse rotation mode, the controller 170 can only determine that the position of the seat 12 corresponds to the reverse rotation mode if it is determined that the rotation line “A” of the upper plate 132 and the fixing line “B” of the lower plate 134 of the seat rotating part 130 are arranged in a straight line on the vertical line in the image of the seat obtained via the camera 190 (e.g., if the lines are visually aligned within a tolerance range using edge detection, optical pattern matching, or pixel alignment algorithms, etc.).

[0067] Even if, on the other hand, the counting of the number of pulses due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 150 determines that the counted number of pulses corresponds to the reverse rotation mode, the controller 170 may not be able to determine that the position of the seat 12 corresponds to the reverse rotation mode if it is determined that the rotation line “A” of the upper plate 132 and the fixing line “B” of the lower plate 134 of the seat swivel part 130 are not arranged in a straight line on the vertical line in the image of the seat obtained via the camera 190 (e.g. due to image distortions, obstacles or alignment errors beyond an acceptable threshold, etc.).In this case, the process for determining the seat position can be repeated, the notification of the failed seat position determination can be issued to the user, or the user can be guided to re-enter the swivel mode switching command (e.g., via a prompt on the touchscreen, a voice warning or audible alarm, or a message from the connected mobile device, etc.).

[0068] If it is determined that the position of seat 12 corresponds to the full rotation mode, the controller 170 can further determine the position of seat 12 taking into account whether a fault occurs in the Hall sensor 150. For example, the controller 170 can determine that the position of seat 12 corresponds to the full rotation mode only if the number of pulses generated by the Hall sensor 150 corresponds to the full rotation mode and the fault in the Hall sensor 150 occurs at a time when the rotation process is terminated (e.g., due to a mechanical end stop, sensor overshoot, or blockage detection at maximum rotation, etc.).

[0069] The 170 controller can determine, in response to an input of the rotation mode switching command, whether the rotation mode should be switched and, based on the determination result, output a control signal to control the driving of the motor (e.g. initiating seat rotation, maintaining the current mode or rejecting the command with a user message, etc.).

[0070] For this purpose, the control unit 170 can determine whether the rotation mode can be switched based on at least one of the following factors: whether the drive of the vehicle 10 equipped with seat 12 is in operating mode, a stopped state of the vehicle 10, a P-stage state of a transmission provided in the vehicle 10, a passenger seated in seat 12, a fastened state of a seat belt buckle provided in seat 12, a manual operating state of seat 12, a state in which the mode for rotating seat 12 back is completed, a rotation operating state of another seat located next to seat 12, and whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with seat 12 can be inflated (e.g., during a commissioning check, the synchronization of several seats, or the verification of the presence of occupants, etc.).

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can determine, based on the position of the seat 12 in response to the input of the rotation mode switching command, whether the airbag can be inflated. Consequently, the control unit 170 can output certain information about whether the airbag can be inflated (e.g., notify the user if deployment is deactivated due to a seat misalignment or an active rotation mode, etc.).

[0072] If information about the unavailability of the airbag inflate is output here, indicating whether the airbag can be inflated, the control unit 170, after determining whether the user agrees to switch to rotation mode, can rotate the seat 12 according to the rotation mode switching command entered into the command input unit 110, if the user agrees (e.g., after pressing a confirmation button, acknowledging a warning message, or confirming via the touchscreen interface, etc.).

[0073] On the other hand, if information about the unavailability of the airbag inflation is output regarding whether the airbag can be inflated, the control unit 170, when determining whether the user agrees to switch to rotation mode, can determine whether the seat 12 should be rotated according to the rotation mode switching command entered into the command input part 110 if the user does not agree (e.g., cancel the rotation, prompt the user again, or maintain the current position for safety, etc.).

[0074] Even if, for example, the rotation mode switching command is entered into command input part 110 and the user, in view of the information about the unavailability of the airbag inflation, selects an option not to switch to rotation mode, the switching of rotation mode can be stopped at a later stage (e.g. during a safety check, a confirmation timeout or system override, etc.).

[0075] In this case, as for example in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 170 can provide the user with a message that the position of seat 12 is returning to a forward position and thus the airbag is being activated (e.g., activating normal airbag deployment based on the checked alignment, etc.).

[0076] As another example of how in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, if the control unit 170 cannot determine the position of the rotated seat 12, it can provide a message that standard airbags will be triggered, so that the airbags are reduced to a minimum for safety reasons (e.g. to reduce the triggering force, suppress certain zones or trigger only the necessary front airbags, etc.).

[0077] Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows flowcharts describing a seat control method for the seat control device according to the example in the present disclosure. The same description as that relating to the seat control device referred to in Fig. Sections 1 to 5, as described above, are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a control unit that forms the seat control device can first control or drive a motor that rotates a seat (S110) (e.g. by supplying power, releasing a lock or initializing the rotary control loop, etc.).

[0079] The controller can then detect a pulse generated according to the driving of the motor via a Hall sensor (S120) (e.g. by counting transitions caused by magnetic field changes when the seat is rotated, etc.).

[0080] In this case, the Hall sensor 150 can detect a pulse caused by a change in a magnetic field generated by driving the motor (e.g., due to the rotational displacement of a magnet attached to the seat structure, rotation of the gearbox, or incremental angular movement, etc.). Specifically, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the seat rotates according to the rotation between the upper plate 132 and the lower plate 134 of the seat's rotating part 130 (e.g., via a rotary bearing, a rotary mechanism, or a motor-driven interface, etc.). The magnet and the Hall sensor 150 for measuring the amount of rotation can be coupled together; the magnet can be coupled to the surface of the upper plate 132 facing the lower plate 134, and the Hall sensor 150, which detects the change in the magnetic field of this magnet, can be coupled to the lower plate 134 (e.g., mounted offset or concentrically to ensure continuous signal acquisition, etc.).

[0081] The Hall sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the change in the magnetic field of the magnet, and the Hall sensor 150 detects the change in the magnetic field of the magnet when the upper plate 132 rotates and turns (e.g. by generating a digital pulse output or an analog voltage waveform that correlates with the angular movement, etc.).

[0082] For example, if the magnet is coupled to the upper plate 132 and divided into an N pole and an S pole, the magnetism of the magnet corresponding to the Hall sensor 150 can change relative to the N pole or the S pole when the upper plate 132 is rotated (e.g., due to a rotational displacement that causes a polarity reversal at the sensor's sensing axis, etc.). Furthermore, the strength of the magnetic field can change according to the amount of rotation, even if the magnet remains within the same area of ​​the N pole (e.g., due to angular variations in field strength, sensor orientation, or magnetic gradient effects, etc.). The Hall sensor 150 can detect a pulse representing the change in magnetism or magnetic field to measure the amount of rotation of the upper plate 132 (e.g.,Capturing incremental changes in magnetic flux to estimate angular displacement, seat alignment, or direction of rotation, etc.).

[0083] The control unit can then detect the state of the switch, which is switched according to the rotated position of the seat (S130) (e.g. using a mechanical limit switch, a contact sensor or a magnetic reed switch, etc.).

[0084] Here, the switch can be located in a peripheral area of ​​the seat; it can be a switch that is turned on when it is physically in contact with the seat during the seat's rotation (e.g., when the seat reaches a predefined end point of rotation or hits a mechanical stop, etc.); it can be set to be turned off when it is not physically in contact with the seat (e.g., when the seat is turned out of the return position or detaches from the surface of the switch, etc.); and it can be set to be turned on when the seat returns to its initial position, i.e., a position in which the vehicle function can be activated (e.g., activation of gear shifting, drive, or regenerative braking, etc.).

[0085] Next, the controller can determine the seat position based on the number of pulses detected by the Hall sensor (S140) (e.g., by comparing the pulse count with preset thresholds for reset, partial, or full rotation states, etc.). For example, the seat position can be determined based on the number of pulses detected by the Hall sensor, which detects the pulse due to the change in the magnetic field generated by driving the motor (e.g., to determine specific angular positions for classification of the rotation mode, seat alignment, or safety validation, etc.).

[0086] For this purpose, the control unit can determine the position of seat 12 based on a rotation mode corresponding to the number of counted pulses, from among the multitude of rotation modes.

[0087] Each of the many rotation modes can be mapped by presetting a range of the number of pulses based on the change in the magnetic field detected by the Hall sensor 150 from the start time of operation to the end time of operation of the motor (e.g. defining a specific pulse range for partial rotation, full rotation or reverse rotation, etc.).

[0088] As described above, the variety of rotation modes can include the partial rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from the 0° corresponding return position by the first angle around the seat 12's reference axis; the full rotation mode, in which the seat 12 is rotated from the return position by the second angle around the seat 12's reference axis; and the return rotation mode, in which the seat 12 returns to its initial position (e.g., 0° for forward-facing driving, 10° for display orientation, or 180° for a fully rear-facing orientation, etc.). This is one example of classifying the variety of rotation modes, and additional types of rotation modes can be added, classified based on the rotation angle and direction of the seat 12 (e.g.,a mode with a lateral orientation of 90°, a 135° diagonal mode, or direction-specific variants such as a complete rotation clockwise or counterclockwise, etc.).

[0089] This may include the mode for reversing, where the seat position corresponds to the starting position in which the vehicle function can be activated (e.g., activating or enabling the driving mode, unlocking the transmission, or starting the engine, etc.).

[0090] The reverse mode can be a mode corresponding to a position in which the driver's seat position allows activation of vehicle functions, including shifting gears, driving, and changing performance states (e.g., switching from a utility mode to a driving mode, restarting the drive systems, or enabling manual oversteer, etc.).

[0091] The usage mode can include, for example, an image viewing mode via the pop-up display provided in the vehicle, a conversation mode in which the seat is rotated to allow conversation between passengers in the first and second rows, a relaxation mode for rest configurations, or a work mode for screen-based tasks, etc.

[0092] The return-to-base mode can be a mode in which the seat mechanically returns to its home position, a fault occurs in the Hall sensor 150, and the seat rotates to a position where the switch is activated due to physical contact with the seat. The return-to-base mode can be initiated from any previous rotation mode or position and can cover the entire range (e.g., the entire rotation range, enabling a safe transition from the full rotation position back to the driving position, regardless of the direction of rotation or stopping point, etc.).

[0093] Next, the control unit can determine the activation of the vehicle function based on at least one of the position of the seat, whether the number of pulses detected by the Hall sensor is within the preset operating range, and the state of the switch (S150) (e.g. by cross-verification of position data, seat alignment or reset confirmation, etc.).

[0094] In this example, if the seat position is the starting position, if the number of detected impulses is within the preset range, or if the switch is turned on, the control unit can determine to activate the vehicle function (e.g., enabling engine start, unlocking the gearshift lever, or resuming cruise control, etc.).

[0095] If, however, the seat is not in its home position, the number of detected impulses does not correspond to the preset operating range, and the switch is not turned on, the control unit can enter a state in which activation of the vehicle function is prevented (e.g., deactivating the driving mode, preventing the use of the powertrain, or restricting gear changes, etc.). Consequently, vehicle function activation can be prevented if the seat position is unsuitable for driving, thus promoting driver and vehicle safety (e.g., preventing accidental gear selection, power transmission, or battery changes in non-driving configurations, etc.).

[0096] Here, the control unit can receive a rotary mode switching command from a command input unit before the operation S110 of driving the motor (e.g., at the request of the user or triggered by a system routine such as entry, exit or infotainment transition, etc.).

[0097] For this purpose, the control unit can receive the swivel mode switching command to control the seat's position (e.g., initiating a partial swivel, a full swivel, or returning to the driving position, etc.). For example, the control unit can receive the swivel mode switching command via user input from the swivel mode selection button, which may be located on the seat or a nearby control panel. Alternatively, the control unit can receive the swivel mode switching command from the user via the terminal or end device connected to the seat control unit via wired or wireless communication (e.g., via a touchscreen panel, a smartphone app, a key fob, or a voice assistant interface, etc.).

[0098] The command input part 110 can include a selection button for the rotation mode, which is enclosed on a side surface of the seat, and the selection button for the rotation mode can be divided and provided for in a variety of parts according to the rotation mode (e.g. mode for partial rotation, full rotation or mode for reversing, or customer-specific memory modes, etc.).

[0099] Next, the control can determine whether the rotation mode can be switched (S102) (e.g. based on a current seat condition, a vehicle condition or safety related to driver and passenger, etc.).

[0100] For this purpose, the control system can determine whether the rotation mode can be switched based on at least one of the following factors: whether the drive of the vehicle equipped with the seat is in operating mode, the stopped state of the vehicle, the state of the P stage of the transmission provided in the vehicle, the seating status of the passenger for the seat, the fastening status of the seat belt buckle provided in the seat, the manual operating status of the seat, the state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, the rotation operating status of another seat located next to the seat, and whether the airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat can be inflated (e.g., checking whether the vehicle is parked, the seat is unoccupied, or the seat next to it is locked or latched, etc.).

[0101] If it is then determined that the rotation mode can be switched, the controller can output the control signal to control the driving of the motor that rotates the seat, based on the determination result (S103) (e.g. to initiate a partial rotation, full rotation or reversal, etc.).

[0102] The motor's operation can be controlled by a control signal transmitted by the controller. The drive shaft can be rotated by the controlled motor, and the seat's direction of rotation can be changed according to the drive shaft's direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise for right-hand rotation or counterclockwise for left-hand rotation, depending on the selected mode, etc.). Consequently, the seat can be rotated by an angle corresponding to the entered rotation mode as a rotation mode switching command (e.g., 10°, 90°, or 180°, depending on the user's selection or preset configuration, etc.).

[0103] However, if it is determined that the switching mode may not be able to be changed, the user may be notified that the rotary mode may not be able to be changed, or they may be prompted to re-enter the rotary mode switching command (e.g. via a display or indicator in the vehicle, an audible warning, or a connected mobile app, etc.).

[0104] An example of the present disclosure provides a device and a method for controlling a seat which enables a user to safely use a rotation function by detecting a rotated position of a seat, determining, based on the position of the seat, whether an airbag should be inflated, and informing the user of the result of the determination.

[0105] Another example of the present disclosure provides a device and a control method for controlling a seat which are capable of promoting the safety of a vehicle and a driver by placing vehicle functions, including shifting or driving, into a non-activatable state if a swivel seat of the driver does not return to its initial position.

[0106] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and any other technical problems not mentioned here will be clearly apparent to a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0107] According to an example in the present disclosure, a seat control device comprises a seat swivel with a motor that rotates a seat, a Hall sensor that detects a pulse generated according to the driving of the motor, a switch that is turned on / off according to a rotated position of the seat, and a control that determines the position of the seat based on the number of pulses detected by the Hall sensor, wherein the control determines, based on at least one of the position of the seat, whether the number of detected pulses is within a preset range of action, and whether the switch is turned on, whether a vehicle function should be activated.

[0108] For example, the control unit can activate vehicle functions when the seat position is a starting position, when a value from the Hall sensor is within the preset operating range, or when the switch is turned on, and the vehicle functions can include shifting and driving.

[0109] According to one example, the seat control device may further include a command input part that receives a rotation mode switching command to control the position of the seat, wherein the controller, in response to an input of the rotation mode switching command, can determine whether to switch a rotation mode, output a control signal to control the driving of the motor based on the determination result, and determine the position of the seat based on the number of pulses detected by the Hall sensor.

[0110] According to one example, the control system can determine the position of the seat based on a corresponding rotation mode from a multitude of rotation modes based on the number of detected pulses, and each of the multitude of rotation modes can be mapped by presetting a range of the number of pulses detected via the Hall sensor from an operating start time to an operating end time of the motor.

[0111] For example, the variety of rotation modes may include a partial rotation mode, in which the seat is rotated from a 0° corresponding return position by a first angle around a reference axis of the seat; a full rotation mode, in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle around the reference axis of the seat; and a return rotation mode, in which the seat returns to the return position.

[0112] For example, the switch can be turned on by physical contact with the seat when the seat is turned into the return position.

[0113] According to one example, the seat control device may further include a camera that is provided around the seat and obtains an image of the seat by photographing the seat.

[0114] According to one example, the control can further determine the position of the seat by taking into account whether a rotation line of an upper plate and a fixing line of a lower plate of the seat swivel part are arranged in a straight line on a vertical line in the seat image, if it is determined that the position of the seat corresponds to the mode for reversing.

[0115] According to one example, the control system can determine whether to switch the rotation mode based on at least one of the following factors: whether the drive of a vehicle equipped with the seat is in a usage mode, a stopped state of the vehicle, a P-stage state of a transmission provided in the vehicle, a passenger's seated state, a seatbelt buckle's fastening state provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, a rotation operating state of another seat located next to the seat, and whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat is to be inflated.

[0116] For example, the controller can determine whether the airbag should be inflated, output whether the airbag should be inflated based on the determination result, ascertain whether a user consents to information about the unavailability of airbag inflation if the information about the unavailability of airbag inflation is output as information about whether the airbag should be inflated, and determine whether the seat should be rotated according to the subsequently entered rotation mode switching command based on the determination result of the user consent.

[0117] According to another example in the present disclosure, a seat control method comprises controlling or driving a motor that rotates a seat, detecting a pulse generated by driving the motor via a Hall sensor, detecting the on / off switching of a switch whose state is changed according to the rotated position of the seat, determining the position of the seat based on the number of pulses detected via the Hall sensor, and determining whether a vehicle function should be activated based on at least one of the following: the position of the seat, whether a value detected by the Hall sensor is within a preset operating range, and whether the switch is turned on.

[0118] According to one example, when determining whether to activate the vehicle function, the vehicle functions can be activated if the seat position is a home position, if a value of the Hall sensor is within a preset effective range, or if the switch is turned on, and the vehicle functions can include shifting and driving.

[0119] According to one example, the seat control procedure may further include receiving a rotary mode switching command from a command input part, determining whether a rotary mode should be switched, and outputting a control signal to control the driving of the motor based on a determination result if it is determined that the rotary mode will be switched.

[0120] According to an example, when determining the position of the seat, the position of the seat can be determined based on a corresponding rotation mode from a multitude of rotation modes based on the number of detected pulses, and each of the multitude of rotation modes can be mapped by presetting a range of the number of pulses detected via the Hall sensor from an operating start time to an operating end time of the motor.

[0121] For example, the variety of rotation modes may include a partial rotation mode, in which the seat is rotated from a 0° corresponding return position by a first angle around a reference axis of the seat; a full rotation mode, in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle around the reference axis of the seat; and a reverse rotation mode, in which the seat returns to the return position.

[0122] According to an example, when determining the position of the seat, the position of the seat can further be determined by taking into account whether a rotation line of an upper plate and a fixing line of a lower plate of a seat swivel part, which rotates the seat by driving the motor, are arranged in a straight line on a vertical line in a seat image captured by a camera, if it is determined that the position of the seat corresponds to the mode for reversing.

[0123] According to one example, the seat control procedure may include determining whether to switch the rotation mode based on at least one of the following factors: whether the drive of a vehicle equipped with the seat is in an operating mode, a stopped state of the vehicle, a P-stage state of a transmission provided in the vehicle, a passenger's seating state for the seat, a fastening state of a seat belt buckle provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, a rotation operating state of another seat located next to the seat, and whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat is to be inflated.

[0124] According to one example, the seat control procedure may further, after determining the position of the seat, include determining, based on the position of the seat, whether the airbag should be inflated, and outputting, based on the result of the determination, whether the airbag should be inflated.

[0125] According to one example, the seat control procedure may further include determining whether a user consents to receiving information about the unavailability of the airbag inflate, if the information about the unavailability of the airbag inflate is presented as information about whether the airbag should be inflated.

[0126] According to one example, the seat control procedure may also include determining, based on the result of the user agreement, whether the seat should be rotated according to the subsequently entered rotation mode switching command.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, the position of the rotated seat can be quickly determined only by a function of counting the number of pulses detected via the Hall sensor.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the control unit can determine, based on the determined position of the seat, whether the airbag can be inflated and inform the user whether the airbag can be inflated, so that the user can use the swivel function of the seat comfortably and safely.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, shifting gears or driving the vehicle can become impossible if the driver's swivel seat does not return to its starting position, and thus the vehicle can be driven safely.

[0130] The above description serves only to illustrate the technical meaning of the present disclosure, and a person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure belongs may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure. Thus, the examples disclosed in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the technical meaning of the present disclosure, but rather to describe the present disclosure, and the scope of the technical meaning of the present disclosure is not limited by these examples. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the attached claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] Fig. 1 110 COMMAND INPUT SECTION 130 SEAT SWIVEL 150 HALL SENSOR 170 CONTROL 180 SWITCHES 190 CAMERA

[0132] Fig. 4 The seat returns to its forward position, thus activating the lower airbag. Check.

[0133] Fig. 5 Rotational position cannot be determined. For safety, the airbag will be activated as needed, as follows. CHECK THIS MESSAGE WILL DISAPPEAR IN 10 SECONDS.

[0134] Fig. 6 START S110 MOTOR POWERING THE SEAT S120 DETECTS THE IMPULSE GENERATED BY DRIVING THE MOTOR VIA A HALL SENSOR S130 DETECTS THE STATE OF THE SWITCH THAT IS SWITCHED ACCORDING TO THE ROTATED POSITION OF THE SEAT S140 Determine seat position based on the number of impulses detected by the hall sensor S150 DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE FUNCTION SHOULD BE ACTIVATED, BASED ON AT LEAST ONE OF THE SEAT POSITION, WHETHER A NUMBER OF IMPULSES DETECTED BY THE HALL SENSOR IS WITHIN THE PRESET RANGE OF EFFECT, AND ON THE STATE OF THE SWITCH END

[0135] Fig. 7 S101 ROTATION MODE SHIFT COMMAND RECEIVED S102 DETERMINE WHETHER TO SWITCH TO ROTATION MODE S103 Output control signal to control engine drive when it is determined that the speed mode is switched

Claims

[1] Device comprising: a seat swivel assembly comprising a motor configured to rotate a seat; a sensor that is set up to detect a pulse generated on the basis of driving the motor; a switch that is set up to be turned on or off based on a rotated position of the seat; and a control circuit that is set up to: to determine the rotated position of the seat based on a number of impulses detected by the sensor, and to determine whether a vehicle function should be activated, based on at least one of: the rotated position of the seat, the number of detected impulses that lie within a preset effective range, or a switch being turned on. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the control is configured to: based on at least one of the rotated position of the seat, which is a starting position, the number of detected impulses that lie within the preset effective range, or the switching on of the switch to activate the vehicle function, and where the vehicle function includes shifting gears and driving. [3] Device according to claim 1, further comprising: a command input interface that is set up to receive a rotation mode switching command to control a position of the seat, the control circuit is set up to: to determine, based on the rotation mode switching command, whether a rotation mode should be rotated; based on the determination of whether the rotation mode should be switched, to output a control signal to control the driving of the motor; and to determine the rotated position of the seat based on the number of detected impulses. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to: to determine the rotated position of the seat based on a corresponding rotation mode selected from a variety of rotation modes, wherein each of the multitude of rotation modes is assigned to a respective range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and where each range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor is preset from a motor start time to a motor end time for rotating the seat. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the device has a plurality of rotation modes: a partial rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from a 0° return position by a first angle around a reference axis of the seat; a full rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle around the seat's reference axis; and a return-to-return mode in which the seat is rotated back to the return position. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the switch is configured to be turned on by physical contact with the seat on the basis that the seat is turned into the return position. [7] Device according to claim 5, further comprising: a camera positioned so that it faces the seat and is set up to obtain an image of the seat by photographing at least a section of the seat. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the rotated position of the seat based on: a rotation line of an upper plate of the seat swivel assembly and a fixing line of a lower plate of the seat swivel assembly, which are aligned in a straight vertical line in the seat image, and a seat position that corresponds to the mode for rotating the seat back. [9] Device according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine whether the rotation mode should be switched on the basis of at least one of the following states: whether a vehicle equipped with the seat is in a usage mode, a stopped state of the vehicle a parking state of a gearbox provided in the vehicle, a passenger's seating condition for the seat, a fastening state of a safety belt buckle provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the mode for rotating the seat back is completed, a rotating operating state of another seat arranged next to the seat, or whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat should be inflated. [10] Device according to claim 9, wherein the control circuit is configured to: to determine whether the airbag should be inflated, Based on the determination of whether the airbag should be inflated, to output information indicating whether airbag inflation is unavailable, to determine, based on the information provided, whether a user agrees to proceed with rotating the seat, and to determine whether the seat should be rotated, based on: determining whether the user agrees to proceed with rotating the seat, and a rotation mode switching command received from the user. [11] Method carried out by a device comprising the method: Driving a motor designed to rotate a seat; Capturing a pulse generated by driving the motor via a sensor in the device; Detecting the state of a switch that is activated based on the rotated position of the seat; Determining the rotated position of the seat based on a number of impulses detected by the sensor; and Determine whether a vehicle function should be activated, based on at least one of: the rotated position of the seat, the number of detected impulses that lie within a preset effective range, or the state of the switch. [12] The method of claim 11, wherein determining whether the vehicle function should be activated comprises activating the vehicle function based on: that the rotated position of the seat is a starting position, the number of detected impulses lies within the preset effective range, or the switch is in the "on" state, and the vehicle function involves shifting and driving. [13] Method according to claim 11, further comprising: Receiving a rotation mode switching command from a command input interface; Determine, based on the rotation mode switching command, whether a rotation mode should be switched; and Output, based on a determination to switch the rotation mode, a control signal to control the driving of the motor. [14] Method according to claim 11, wherein determining the rotated position of the seat based on a corresponding rotation mode selected from a plurality of rotation modes comprises determining the rotated position of the seat, wherein each of the multitude of rotation modes is assigned to a respective range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor, and where each range of a number of pulses detected by the sensor is preset from a motor start time to a motor end time for rotating the seat. [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of rotation modes comprises: a partial rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from a 0° return position by a first angle around a reference axis of the seat; a full rotation mode in which the seat is rotated from the return position by a second angle around the seat's reference axis; and a return-to-return mode in which the seat is rotated back to the return position. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein a seat rotation arrangement of the device is provided to rotate the seat by driving the motor, and wherein determining the rotated position of the seat is based on the fact that: a rotation line of an upper plate of the seat swivel assembly and a fixing line of a lower plate of the seat swivel assembly are aligned in a straight vertical line in a seat image captured by a camera of the device, and based on a seat position that corresponds to the seat swivel mode. [17] Method according to claim 15, further comprising: Determine whether a rotation mode should be switched, based on at least one of: whether a vehicle equipped with the seat is in a usage mode, a stationary state of the vehicle, a parked state of a gearbox provided in the vehicle, a passenger's seating condition for the seat, a fastening state of a safety belt buckle provided in the seat, a manual operating state of the seat, a state in which the seat-reversing mode is complete, a rotating operating state of another seat arranged next to the seat, or whether an airbag of the vehicle equipped with the seat should be inflated. [18] Device of a vehicle comprising the device: a seat; a motor designed to rotate the seat; and a control circuit that is set up to: to cause the seat to move into a release position before the seat is rotated, to rotate the seat based on a received mode command, To obtain data via a sensor that indicates the position of the seat, to check the position of the seat after rotation based on the data, to classify the tested position of the seat as one of a multitude of zones, and Based on the classified zone, one of the many zones is used to control a function of the vehicle. [19] Device according to claim 18, wherein the function of the vehicle comprises at least one of: Activating or deactivating a switch, Enabling or preventing the vehicle from being driven, or Switching the vehicle's performance state between a usage mode and a driving mode. [20] Device according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of zones comprises: a first zone corresponding to a partial rotation range from a return position to a first angle about a reference axis of the seat; and a second zone corresponding to a full rotation range from the return position to a second angle that is larger than the first angle.

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