Vehicle Configuration via Mobile Device Occupancy Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location methods for IoT devices, such as GPS and acoustic position determination, are not accurate enough to determine the specific seat location of a mobile computing device within a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is in motion, making it difficult to configure vehicle preferences like seat position and radio settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a mobile computing device to communicate with a vehicle via a short-range wireless port, authenticating a digital key to configure vehicle settings, and determining occupancy zones and seat positions through sensor correlation logic and motion sensors to implement personalized vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS and acoustic position determination methods are used to locate mobile computing devices, then general location can be provided, but precision is insufficient to determine specific seat location within a vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is segmented into multiple occupancy zones (driver seat, front passenger seat, rear seats) with sensors distributed in each zone. Instead of using a single general location method, the system divides the space and uses localized sensor arrays (accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers) in each segment to determine device position with seat-level precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional GPS coordinates to three-dimensional spatial positioning within the vehicle by incorporating vertical acceleration data from barometers and rotational data from gyroscopes. This multi-dimensional sensor fusion enables precise determination of device location, orientation, and motion state within the vehicle interior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional key fobs are used for vehicle access, then basic keyless entry and ignition can be provided, but automated pre-entry vehicle configuration based on user preferences is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically configuring vehicle settings (seat position, mirror angles, climate control, radio stations) before the user enters the vehicle. When a device is detected in a specific occupancy zone, the corresponding user profile is activated and preferences are applied in advance, eliminating the need for manual adjustment after entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system automatically identifies the user and applies their preferences without requiring manual input. The device detects occupancy zone, retrieves associated profile information, and autonomously configures vehicle systems based on stored user preferences, making the system self-serve the user's needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobile computing devices are present in the vehicle, then multiple users can be supported, but determining which device belongs to which user and their respective preferences becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each occupancy zone is assigned unique local characteristics through dedicated sensor arrays and profile information. When multiple devices are present, each device's sensor data is correlated with the specific occupancy zone where it is detected, creating a unique association between device location and user profile. This local differentiation enables the system to distinguish between multiple users and apply their respective preferences correctly.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computing device is operated to control a vehicle. A digital key for accessing a vehicle is stored for accessing the vehicle. Profile information is associated with the digital key for configuring operation and/or use of a vehicle. The profile information may include one or more outside parameters for implementing one or more pre-entry vehicle configurations. When one or more proximity conditions are detected as being satisfied as between the mobile computing device and the vehicle, a communication is sent to the vehicle in order to cause the vehicle to implement one or more pre-entry vehicle configurations. The communication can be based on the digital key and may specify the one or more outside parameters.