Vehicle Seat Occupancy Control Using Reading Light Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling vehicle seat occupancy require complex installations, impact passenger comfort, and necessitate significant human intervention, often involving costly sensors and video analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a seat occupancy control device with reading lights equipped with a control system that employs visible light communication to transmit seat status data wirelessly, allowing passengers to check and modify reservations without additional resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors or video analysis systems are installed to control seat occupancy, then seat occupancy control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reading light system performs self-service by automatically detecting passenger presence and communicating seat occupancy status without requiring external sensors or video analysis systems. The existing reading light is repurposed to emit optical signals that convey seat status information, eliminating the need for complex dedicated occupancy detection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading light system serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for reading and simultaneously communicates seat occupancy status through optical signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors or video systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining occupancy control capability.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors are installed in seats to detect occupancy, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but passenger comfort and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reading light is repurposed to serve dual functions: providing illumination and communicating occupancy status through optical signals. This eliminates the need for additional sensors that would compromise passenger comfort or aesthetic appearance, as the existing reading light infrastructure is already present and non-intrusive.
3Reliability
If video analysis cameras are installed to achieve good visual coverage of all seats, then occupancy detection capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each seat's reading light system independently detects and communicates its own occupancy status through optical signals, eliminating the need for centralized video analysis cameras and complex image processing infrastructure. The system serves itself by using existing illumination infrastructure for dual purposes.
4Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems are installed to control seat occupancy, then occupancy control accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reading light system performs multiple functions including illumination and occupancy status communication through optical signals. This eliminates the need for complex sensor installations and simplifies deployment, as the system leverages existing reading light infrastructure already present in vehicle seats.
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
Enables simple, resource-efficient seat occupancy management with minimal impact on comfort, avoiding complex sensor installations and personal data collection, ensuring accurate seat reservation and occupancy control.
Implementation Method 1
the data being transmitted using a wireless optical communication technique, the technique being the visible light communication technique
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of controlling the occupancy of seats (12) in one or more vehicles (8) by passengers (P) using a seat occupancy control device (10), the vehicle (8) comprising a plurality of seats (12) equipped with a reading light (14), the control device (10) comprising each reading light (14), a control system (15) for the reading lights (14) and a controller (16), comprises: - a step of transmitting at least one data relating to a seat (12) to an electronic device (18) of a passenger (P) in the vehicle (8), the data being transmitted using a wireless optical communication technique, the technique being visible light communication, the transmission step being implemented by the reading light (14) of the seat (12) controlled by the control system (15).