Passive Vehicle Interior Control via Occupant Biomass Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior control systems require active user input to engage memory settings and other features, making them specific to the input provided rather than the user, and lack passive control based on occupant classification.
Innovation Solution
A method that passively monitors occupant characteristics such as weight classification or biomass to control vehicle interior functions like seat position, pedal position, and steering column, using sensors and user identification devices to automatically adjust settings without user input, and monitors vehicle occupancy to regulate functions like temperature and provide notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If active user input is required to engage memory settings and interior functions, then the system can ensure settings are specific to the input provided, but the system lacks passive control based on occupant classification and requires additional user steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects occupant characteristics and activates appropriate interior functions without requiring user input. The memory settings system self-activates based on detected occupant weight, and the parked vehicle monitoring system self-regulates temperature based on detected occupancy, eliminating the need for manual engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (pressing buttons, starting vehicle) with automatic sensing systems that detect occupant characteristics through weight sensors and biomass detection, substituting mechanical user input with automated electronic detection and control.
2Ease of operation
If memory settings are activated only after active user input, then the system maintains security and prevents unintended activation, but the user experience is less convenient and requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of occupant characteristics and pre-activates the appropriate memory settings automatically. By detecting occupant weight and characteristics before the user needs the settings, the system prepares and activates functions in advance, eliminating the time delay between user entry and settings activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory settings system automatically detects when an occupant enters and self-activates the appropriate preset based on detected characteristics, eliminating the need for the user to manually select or activate settings, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If the vehicle monitoring system continuously monitors interior functions when parked and locked, then the system can detect occupancy and provide notifications, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses periodic sensing intervals to detect occupancy changes in the parked vehicle. Rather than continuous monitoring, the system checks for occupancy at defined intervals using the weight/biomass sensing system, maintaining reliable detection capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system leverages the existing weight and biomass sensing infrastructure already present in the vehicle for active operation, repurposing these sensors for parked vehicle monitoring without requiring additional dedicated sensors or excessive energy input.
4Extent of automation
If passive monitoring of occupant characteristics is implemented, then the system can automatically control interior functions, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional sensing approach where the weight/biomass sensing system serves multiple purposes: it detects occupant presence, determines occupant characteristics for memory settings activation, and monitors occupancy in parked vehicles. This universal sensing system reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors and their associated precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a method of monitoring and controlling interior functions of a vehicle, for example, a memory seat position, a vehicle pedal position, a steering column position, a vehicle interior temperature, and/or whether the vehicle is occupied or unoccupied at certain times and under certain conditions. The interior functions are controlled by passively monitoring a characteristic of an occupant, determining an identity of the occupant based on the monitored characteristic, and regulating the interior function based upon the identity of the occupant. The monitored characteristic, for example, may be representative of a weight classification or biomass associated with the occupant, or a signal or input generated based upon a user identification device, for example, a key fob or other personal electronic device carried by the occupant.