A method for visualizing a state of occupancy of a seat in a motor vehicle for a person outside of the motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for visualizing a state of occupancy of at least one seat 14, 16 in a motor vehicle 10 for a person 28 outside of the motor vehicle by a visualization system 12 of th

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for visualizing a state of occupancy of a seat in a motor vehicle for a person outside of the motor vehicle by a visualization system of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding computer program product, to a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, as well as to a corresponding visualization system. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Ride sharing becomes more and more popular and may eventually be supplemented by in particular so-called autonomous robotaxis, where there are often situations when a shared ride is pulling up with tinted windows and it may be impossible to know for a person outside of the motor vehicle whether a specific seat is already occupied or free.

[0003] The only way for an entering passenger to check the seat occupancy is to open a door to check for themselves. If the nearest seat is occupied, it is often a very awkward situation for both the seat occupant and the entering passenger. While this problem is pervasive in shared mobility services, it may also be possible during private vehicle rides and trips. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, as well as a corresponding visualization system, by which a person may get informed about the occupancy state of the motor vehicle in an improved manner.

[0005] This object is solved by a method, a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, as well as a corresponding visualization system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for visualizing a state of occupancy of a seat in a motor vehicle for a person outside of the motor vehicle by a visualization system of the motor vehicle. The state of occupancy of the seat is detected by a detection device of the visualization system. An occupancy signal is generated depending on the detected state of occupancy by an electronic computing device of the visualization system. The occupancy signal is transmitted to a visualization device of the visualization system for displaying the state of occupancy for the person outside of the motor vehicle. The state of occupancy is visualized depending on the transmitted occupancy signal by the visualization device.

[0007] Therefore, a method is provided by which a person outside of the motor vehicle may get informed about the state of occupancy inside the motor vehicle. This may raise the comfort for a person outside of the motor vehicle and also in particular for persons inside the motor vehicle.

[0008] In particular, the ride sharing experience for persons may be improved, especially in autonomous shuttles. Furthermore, the safety of ride sharing passengers is improved since it can keep the doors to occupied seats locked.

[0009] In particular, the visualization system may visualize the seat occupancy if the visualization system deems it appropriate to do so. The appropriateness of this visualization can be based on the current drive mode, vehicle position, approaching pedestrian detection and tracking, etc.

[0010]

[0011] According to an embodiment, a free seat is detected as the state of occupancy by the detection device.

[0012] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle is provided as an at least in part automatically operated motor vehicle.

[0013] According to another embodiment depending on a current drive mode of the motor vehicle the method is performed.

[0014] In another embodiment depending on a current position of the motor vehicle the method is performed.

[0015] In another embodiment depending on a detected approach of the person by the visualization system the method is performed.

[0016] In particular, the method is at least in part a computer-implemented method. Therefore, another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0018] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a visualization system for visualizing a state of occupancy of a seat in a motor vehicle for a person outside the motor vehicle, comprising at least one detection device, one electronic computing device, and one visualization system, wherein the visualization system is configured for performing a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is performed by the visualization system.

[0019] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least the visualization system according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the motor vehicle may be configured as an at least in part automatically operated motor vehicle or a fully automatically operated motor vehicle.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the visualization system, as well as the motor vehicle. The visualization system as well as the motor vehicle therefore comprises means for performing the method according to the preceding aspect.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0023] The drawings show in:

[0024] Fig. 1 a schematic side view according to an embodiment of a motor vehicle comprising an embodiment of a visualization system; and

[0025] Fig. 2 a schematic flow chart according to an embodiment of the method.

[0026] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0028] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0030] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view according to an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 is in particular at least partially automatically operated or fully automatically operated. The motor vehicle 10 comprises a visualization system 12. The visualization system 12 is configured for visualizing a state of occupancy of a seat 14, 16 of the motor vehicle 10. Therefore, the visualization system 12 comprises at least one detection device 18, 20, one electronic computing device 22, and one visualization device 24.

[0032] According to the shown embodiment, a first seat 14 is occupied by an occupant 26 of the motor vehicle 10. A second seat 16 is free and therefore not occupied. The first seat 14 comprises a first detection device 18, and the second seat 16 comprises a second detection device 20. In particular, the visualization device 24 is configured for visualizing the occupancy of the seat 14, 16 for a person 28 outside of the motor vehicle 10.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow chart according to an embodiment of the method. In particular, Fig. 2 shows a first step S1, wherein the state of occupancy, in particular if occupied or free, is detected by the detection device 18, 20 of the visualization system 12. An occupancy signal is generated depending on the detected state of occupancy by the electronic computing device 22 in a second step S1. In a third step S3, the occupancy signal is transmitted to the visualization device 24 for displaying the state of occupancy for the person 28 outside the motor vehicle 10. In a fourth step S4, the state of occupancy is visualized depending on the transmitted occupancy signal by the visualization device 24.

[0034] In particular, according to an embodiment, a free seat is detected as the state of occupancy by the detection device 18, 20. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 may be provided as an at least in part automatically operated motor vehicle 10. Furthermore, depending on a current drive mode, for example a parking mode or a driving mode, of the motor vehicle 10, the method is performed. Furthermore, depending on a current position of the motor vehicle 10 the method is performed. Furthermore, depending on a detected approach 30 of the person 28 by the visualization system 12 is performed. For example, the approach of the person 28 can be detected environmental perception module, which can be part of the motor vehicle 10 and / or the visualization system 12.

[0035] In particular, in a first part of the method the detection that the motor vehicle 10 is likely to pick up another person 28 is performed. This can be done in various ways that can be used in combination or isolation. For example, manual triggering by a driver of the motor vehicle 10 on an infotainment system or the motor vehicle 10 may be placed in a park, and the doors may be unlocked. Furthermore, the vehicle’s environmental perception module may detect the person 28 walking towards a vehicle door. This message requires pedestrian detection and object tracking. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 may detect that it is near known safe passenger pick-up locations, for example outside of a driving corridor at the side of the road or next to a curb. Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 may be connected to a ride sharing application that reports the motor vehicle 10 has arrived at a passenger’s pick-up location.

[0036] This stage is critical to ensure that the seat occupancy state is not communicated when it is not necessary to do so. Unwanted communication may pose a privacy concern and disrupt the vehicle’s nominal appearance.

[0037] A second stage may be the detection which seat 14,16 is occupied. There are several methods for doing so. For example, a current seatbelt warning systems that utilize the seat pressure sensors may be used. An occupant detection using interior cameras and a perception system that can detect persons can be used. These cameras can be optical or thermal cameras. Furthermore, ultrasonic sensors within the interior of the motor vehicle 10 may be used. Another option may be a radar device within the interior of the motor vehicle 10.

[0038] The next step may be the visualization of the seat occupancy to potential passengers, in particular to the person 28 outside of the motor vehicle 10. There are several ways to do that. For example, only retractable exterior door handles may pop up if they are near an unoccupied vehicle seat. Most motor vehicles 10 already comprise retractable door handles, so this invention may take advantage of this system. Furthermore, illuminated exterior door handles with a color that indicates the occupancy of nearby seats may be used. For example, an exterior door handle may be illuminated with red light, in particular with LEDs, if the nearest seat 14, 16 is occupied, and green LEDs, if the nearest seat 14, 16 is free. In combination with visual cues, doors may only be unlocked if they are near an unoccupied seat 14, 16.

[0039] The seat occupancy status may also be projected using light projectors on the motor vehicle 10, for example on the underside of the side mirrors. This may be a diagram of vehicle interiors with occupied seats either highlighted or marked with status colors. Furthermore, the seat occupancy status may be projected using lighting elements on the front or rear of the motor vehicle 10. For example, if a potential passenger, in particular the person 28, is walking towards the rear of the motor vehicle 10, the vehicle’s rear can illuminate with a red stop design on the left side and a green arrow pointing towards the right side to guide passengers to an open seat 14, 16 on the right side.

[0040] In particular, for motor vehicles 10 equipped with electrochromic glasses, the window nearest an unoccupied seat 14, 16 can turn transparent while the others remain tinted or opaque.

[0041] Furthermore, automated doors nearest unoccupied seats 14, 16 can fully open or become ajar. Furthermore, ambient lighting element on the sides or the bottom of the motor vehicle 10, for example a vehicle underglow system, can light up to indicate the status of the nearby seats 14, 16. This indication may be by color or by pattern.

[0042] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 10 may communicate its status to the potential passenger, in particular to the person 28, via an application, for example via mobile device of the person 28, in particular, for example, via a text message. Reference Numerals 10 motor vehicle 12 visualization system 14 first seat 16 second seat 18 first detection device 20 second detection device 22 electronic computing device 24 visualization device 26 occupant 28 person 30 approach S1 to S4 steps of the method

Claims

1. A method for visualizing a state of occupancy of at least one seat (14, 16) in a motor vehicle (10) for a person (28) outside of the motor vehicle (10) by a visualization system (12) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: - detecting the state of occupancy of the seat (14, 16) by a detection device (18, 20) of the visualization system (12);- generating an occupancy signal depending on the detected state of occupancy by an electronic computing device (22) of the visualization system (12);- transmitting the occupancy signal to a visualization device (24) of the visualization system (12) for displaying the state of occupancy for the person (28) outside of the motor vehicle (10); and- visualizing the state of occupancy depending on the transmitted occupancy signal by the visualization device (24).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in thata free seat (14, 16) is detected as the state of occupancy by the detection device (18, 20).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe motor vehicle (10) is provided as an least in part automatically operated motor vehicle (10).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatdepending on a current drive mode of the motor vehicle (10) the method is performed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatdepending on a current position of the motor vehicle (10) the method is performed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatdepending on a detected approach (30) of the person (28) by the visualization system (12) the method is performed.

7. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 7.

9. A visualization system (12) for visualizing a state of occupancy of at least one seat (14, 16) in a motor vehicle (10) for a person (28) outside the motor vehicle (10), comprising at least one detection device (18, 20), one electronic computing device (22), and one visualization device (24), wherein the visualization system (12) is configured for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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