Vehicle Seat Absolute Position Detection Using Interior Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat technologies can only detect relative positions, leading to positional deviation over time due to motor clearance and hysteresis, necessitating periodic relearning without a clear trigger mechanism, and posing risks of incorrect learning or sudden movement.
Innovation Solution
Employ an in-vehicle capturing device, such as cameras or millimeter wave radar, to capture images of seat components and compare them with pre-stored data to determine the absolute position, eliminating the need for relearning triggers and maintaining the existing motor pulse sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motor pulse sensors are used to detect seat position, then relative position detection is achieved, but absolute position detection is not possible and positional deviation accumulates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an in-vehicle capturing device (camera or millimeter wave radar) as an intermediary to detect the absolute position of the seat. The capturing device takes images of the seat at specified positions, and the processing device compares these images to determine absolute position, thereby mediating between the motor pulse sensor's relative position detection and the need for accurate absolute position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the seat at its specified position using the in-vehicle capturing device. This image copy is stored and compared with subsequent images to determine absolute position, replacing the need for direct physical sensing of absolute position and eliminating cumulative deviation.
2Measurement precision
If periodic relearning is performed to correct positional deviation, then position accuracy is restored, but the trigger mechanism is unclear and may cause sudden movement or incorrect learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing an image of the seat at its specified position and storing it as reference data before normal operation begins. This preliminary image serves as the basis for subsequent absolute position detection, eliminating the need for periodic relearning operations and preventing sudden movements during relearning processes.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect absolute position, then position detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the in-vehicle capturing device universal by using it for multiple purposes: detecting absolute seat position, detecting seat occupancy, and monitoring seat usage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated absolute position sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while achieving accurate absolute position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the existing in-vehicle capturing device to serve itself by having it perform absolute position detection in addition to its existing functions. The device uses its own imaging capability to detect seat position, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes an electric device for moving at least one of a seat cushion and a seat back. The vehicle seat includes an in-vehicle capturing device and a processing device. The in-vehicle capturing device is configured to capture interior image including at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back. The processing device is configured to compare the interior image with an interior specified image when the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back is in a specified position, to calculate an absolute position of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back from an amount of change of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back relative to the specified position.