Occupant ID-Based ECU Control for Automatic Vehicle Seat Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart key systems do not automatically perform functions for vehicle passengers, and fail to adapt when a driver changes while driving, limiting convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with electronic control units (ECUs), a communicator, and a processor that detects personal identification devices using UWB, BLE, or NFC antennas to automatically adjust settings such as seat position, air conditioning, and heating based on pre-stored IDs, and adapts functions when a driver or passenger changes seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional smart key system is used, then the driver can operate the vehicle without inserting a key, but functions are not automatically performed for passengers and when the driver changes
Solution Approach 1:
The smart key system is extended from driver-only functionality to universal passenger functionality. The processor recognizes personal identification devices of any occupant (driver or passenger) and automatically performs pre-stored functions corresponding to their ID, making the system adaptable to all vehicle occupants rather than just the driver
Solution Approach 2:
Functions are pre-stored in the processor for each registered ID. When an occupant's personal identification device is detected, the system automatically retrieves and executes the pre-configured functions associated with that ID, eliminating the need for manual setup or reconfiguration when occupants change
2Extent of automation
If the system only recognizes driver's smart key, then driver functions are automatically performed, but passenger functions and driver change scenarios are not handled
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from driver-specific recognition to universal occupant recognition. The processor is configured to detect personal identification devices of any occupant type (driver or passenger) and automatically perform corresponding pre-stored functions, extending automated functionality to all vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on which occupant is detected. Instead of fixed driver-only automation, the processor identifies the current occupant through their personal identification device and dynamically executes the appropriate pre-stored functions for that specific occupant, whether driver or passenger
3Ease of operation
If pre-stored functions are only assigned to driver, then driver convenience is improved, but passenger convenience and driver change adaptation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-stored function assignment system is expanded from driver-only to include multiple occupants. Each registered ID (whether for driver or passenger) has its own set of pre-configured functions stored in the processor, enabling universal function assignment across all vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 2:
Functions are pre-stored for each registered occupant ID in advance. When any occupant's personal identification device is detected, the system automatically retrieves and executes the pre-configured functions for that specific occupant, providing seamless adaptation without manual intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances passenger convenience by automatically performing pre-stored functions for passengers with embedded IDs and facilitates seamless adaptation of vehicle settings during driver changes, improving overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a communicator configured to detect a personal identification device of an occupant and receive an identification (ID) of the occupant from the personal identification device
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle equipped with electronic control units (ECUs), a communicator, and a processor that detects personal identification devices using UWB, BLE, or NFC antennas
Implementation Method 3
A vehicle equipped with electronic control units (ECUs), a communicator, and a processor that detects personal identification devices using UWB, BLE, or NFC antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs); a communicator configured to detect a personal identification device of an occupant and receive an identification (ID) of the occupant from the personal identification device of the occupant; and at least one processor electrically connected to the communicator and configured to determine a position of the personal identification device, wherein the processor is configured to, in response that the ID of the occupant corresponds to an pre-stored ID, generate a control signal for controlling the plurality of ECUs to perform a function that matches the pre-stored ID for an occupant seat corresponding to the determined position.