Driver Positioning Control Using Gait-Based Cabin Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cabin configurations often lead to customer discomfort due to difficulties in adjusting seat, pedal, mirror, and steering column positions, particularly for new users.
Innovation Solution
A guided driver positioning system utilizing cameras and algorithms for real-time monitoring of user gait and eye movement to adjust vehicle components such as seats, mirrors, and displays, with audible feedback and learning capabilities to optimize user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vehicle cabin configuration is fixed, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but driver comfort and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of multiple vehicle components including seat position, steering column height and reach, mirror angles, and pedal positions. These components can be automatically reconfigured based on driver detection, transforming a static fixed configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains comfort across different drivers without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the driver's presence, physical characteristics, and preferences, then autonomously adjusting all relevant vehicle components. The driver simply enters the vehicle and the system handles the entire positioning process without manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple adjustable components are provided, then driver comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal control system that manages multiple different components (seat, steering column, mirrors, pedals) through a single integrated architecture. This multi-functional system uses one detection mechanism and one control logic to coordinate adjustments across all components, reducing the operational complexity despite the number of adjustable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor driver position, camera systems track eye movements and head position, and this data feeds back to the control unit which makes real-time adjustments. This closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies the complexity by providing automated control rather than requiring complex manual adjustment interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the driver's presence, physical characteristics, and preferences, then autonomously adjusting all relevant vehicle components. The driver simply enters the vehicle and the system handles the entire positioning process without manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment interfaces while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring all vehicle components before the driver begins operating the vehicle. The detection system identifies driver characteristics in advance, and all adjustments are made proactively during the entry phase, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during driving.
4Adaptability or versatility
If continuous monitoring is performed, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring rather than truly continuous operation. The camera and sensors activate at key moments (driver approach, entry, seating) and perform periodic checks during driving based on detected needs. This periodic action maintains real-time adaptability when necessary while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by keeping the basic detection systems active and ready, but only engaging full monitoring and adjustment functions when actually needed. The system continuously learns driver preferences over time and maintains baseline awareness, but conserves energy by activating intensive monitoring only during critical moments when adaptability is required.
Data Source
AI summary
Guided driver positioning system and methods are disclosed herein. An example method can include determining gait for a user of a vehicle from images obtained from a camera, the gait being indicative of a posture of the user, determining a distance between the user and a display of the vehicle, and automatically adjusting a vehicle component in response to the gait and the distance to change a user position relative to the display.