Vehicle Seat Adjustment via Occupant Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for vehicle seats and components are complex to operate and lack precision in ergonomic settings, relying on manual input and preprogrammed settings that require multiple switches and do not fully utilize occupant data for automatic adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a memory that stores vehicle occupant data, utilizing a digital image acquisition system to read in two-dimensional images from mobile devices, allowing for automatic setting of seat and component positions through algorithms that determine body proportions, with a touch screen input for manual confirmation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input and preprogrammed settings are used for seat adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and precision of ergonomic settings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures occupant data using sensors and cameras, and autonomously calculates optimal seat positions without requiring manual input from the user. The control unit processes the captured data and automatically actuates the seat adjustment mechanisms, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods with automated optical and sensing systems. Instead of using physical switches and levers for seat adjustment, the system uses cameras, sensors, and control algorithms to detect occupant characteristics and automatically position the seat, substituting mechanical operation with electronic automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and preprogrammed settings are provided for seat adjustment, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single multi-functional control unit that integrates data capture, processing, calculation, and actuation control. Instead of having separate switches and mechanisms for each seat adjustment function, one control unit handles all adaptation tasks by processing occupant data and automatically determining optimal positions for various seat components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts to different occupants by capturing their physical characteristics through sensors and cameras, calculating optimal seat positions based on their body measurements, and autonomously adjusting the seat without requiring users to manually select from preprogrammed settings or operate multiple switches.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic setting algorithms are implemented with comprehensive occupant data, then the manufacturing precision of ergonomic settings improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated sensing and control systems. Optical cameras and sensors capture occupant data, electronic algorithms calculate precise seat positions based on body measurements, and electronic actuators execute the adjustments, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic precision and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit autonomously processes captured occupant data, calculates optimal seat positions using embedded algorithms, and automatically actuates the adjustment mechanisms without requiring external input or intervention, thereby achieving high precision ergonomic settings while managing system complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device has a control unit with a memory, in which vehicle occupant data is storable. The data enable an automatic setting of all adjustable seat components and/or vehicle components. A read-in unit allows the necessary vehicle occupant data to be read into the memory of the control unit from a mobile data medium. The data medium obtains the necessary vehicle occupant data as a defined two dimensional image from a digital image acquisition system. The control unit or the data medium has an algorithm that determines proportions of given body parts in relation to each other from the two dimensional image such that a certain, at least relative, automatic setting of the seat components and/or the vehicle components is derivable. An input unit, which is manually operable as a touch screen, sets defined body part positions using marks superposed in succession on the image.