DE102019217456A1 - METHODS AND SYSTEMS THAT USE THE ORIENTATION OF A TELEPHONE FOR ADJUSTING PHYSICAL OBJECTS AND / OR THE CLOSE TO THE TELEPHONE TO SELECTED PARTS OF PHYSICAL OBJECTS FOR ADJUSTMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system provide for a controller to receive an alignment signal indicative of an orientation of the telephone from a telephone and to set an object corresponding to the orientation of the telephone. The controller may select one of the parts of the object according to an initial orientation of the phone and adjust the selected part of the object according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. The selected part can be selected in response to the phone being near the selected part. The controller may receive a control signal from the phone indicating user input on the phone and adjust the object according to the user input. The object can be a vehicle seat, which comprises a first part in the form of a seat surface and a second part in the form of a seat back.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to control systems with a user interface and a control device which can cooperate to set physical objects.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle contains adjustable physical objects such as seats, a sunroof, windows, etc. The vehicle also contains a control system with which a user such as the driver or passenger can set the objects. The control system includes a user interface and a control device. Usually, the user interface uses buttons, buttons, a touch screen, gesture control via an onboard camera and the like. The user interface receives an input from the user indicating how the user wants to set an object. The control device generates a control signal based on the user input and sends the control signal to the object. In this way, the control device causes the object to be set in accordance with the user input received by the user interface.

For user interfaces with buttons, buttons, or touch screens, users must pay attention to the user interface and touch the user interface. For user interfaces with gesture control, users must perform gestures.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system includes a phone and a controller. The phone is configured to send an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. The controller is configured to receive the orientation signal from the phone and to set an object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

In one embodiment, a method includes wirelessly receiving, from a controller, an alignment signal indicative of an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, by a controller. The method further includes adjusting, by the controller, an object corresponding to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

In one embodiment, a system includes an object, a phone, and a controller. The object has a label. The phone is configured to detect the label when the phone is near the label and to send an identification signal when it detects the label. The controller is configured to stand by for setting the object when the identification signal is received from the phone.

The phone may also be configured to send an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. The controller may further be configured to receive the alignment signal from the phone and, after receiving the identification signal from the phone, adjust the object in accordance with the alignment of the phone when the alignment of the phone changes.

The label can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) label or an optical label.

The object may include a first part that has a first label and a second part that has a second label. The phone may further be configured to detect the first label when the phone is near the first label and to send a first identification signal when it detects the first label. The phone may further be configured to detect the second label when the phone is near the second label and to send a second identification signal when it detects the second label. The controller may further be configured to stand by for setting the first part when it receives the first identification signal from the phone and to stand by for setting the second part when it receives the second identification signal from the phone.

The phone may also be configured to send an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. The controller may further be configured to receive the alignment signal from the phone, and after receiving the first identification signal from the phone, adjusting the first portion in accordance with the alignment of the phone when the alignment of the phone changes and after receiving the second identification signal from the phone, adjusting the second part according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

The phone may further be configured to send a control signal indicative of user input entered on the phone. The controller may further be configured to receive the control signal from the phone, to set the first part in accordance with the user input after receiving the first identification signal from the phone, and to set the second part in accordance with the user input after it received the second identification signal from the phone.

The object can be a vehicle seat. The first part can be a vehicle seat surface and the second part can be a vehicle seat back.

A system includes a handheld electronic device such as a telephone and a controller. The phone is configured to send an alignment signal that indicates an alignment of the phone. The controller is configured to receive the alignment signal from the phone and to set an object in accordance with the alignment of the phone.

The controller may further be configured to adjust the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

The controller may further be configured to select a portion of the object in accordance with an initial orientation of the phone and to adjust the selected portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. The controller may further be configured to select a different part of the object in accordance with a different initial orientation of the telephone and to set the other part of the object in accordance with the orientation of the telephone when the orientation of the telephone changes.

The controller may further be configured to select a first portion of the object when an initial orientation of the phone is a first orientation and to adjust the first portion of the object to correspond to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone is relative to that first orientation changes. The controller may further be configured to select a second portion of the object if the initial orientation of the phone is a second orientation and to adjust the second portion of the object to correspond to the orientation of the phone if the orientation of the phone is relative to that second orientation changes.

The object can be a vehicle seat or a vehicle sunroof. The object can include several adjustable parts. For example, if the object is a vehicle seat, a first part of the object may be a vehicle seat surface and a second part of the object may be a vehicle seat back.

The phone may also be configured to send a selection signal indicating a user selection of the object. The controller may further be configured to set the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone after receiving the selection signal indicating the user selection of the object. The phone may also be configured to send a selection signal indicating user selection of a second object. The controller may further be configured to adjust the second object in accordance with the orientation of the phone after receiving the selection signal indicating the user selection of the second object.

The phone may also be configured to send a control signal indicating user input on the phone. The controller may further be configured to receive the control signal from the phone and to set the object in accordance with the user input.

The control device can also be configured to set the object independently of the telephone.

Another system includes a telephone and a control device. The phone is configured to send an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone and to transmit a control signal indicating user input on the phone. The controller is configured to receive the alignment signal and the control signal from the phone, select a portion of an object in accordance with an initial orientation of the phone, and adjust the selected portion of the object in accordance with user input.

The controller may further be configured to select a different part of the object in accordance with a different initial orientation of the telephone and to set the other part of the object in accordance with the user input.

The phone may also be configured to send a selection signal indicating a user selection of the object. The control device may further be configured to set the selected part of the object accordingly to the user input after receiving the selection signal indicating the user selection of the object.

The phone may also be configured to send a selection signal indicating user selection of a second object. The controller may further be configured to set the second object in accordance with the user input after receiving the selection signal indicative of the user selection of the second object.

The controller may further be configured to adjust the selected portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

One method includes receiving a phone wirelessly by a controller; an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone. The method further includes adjusting, by the controller, an object corresponding to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes.

The method may further include: selecting, by the controller, a first portion of the object when an initial orientation of the phone is a first orientation; and adjusting, by the controller, the first portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes relative to the first orientation. The method may further include: selecting, by the controller, a second portion of the object if the initial orientation of the phone is a second orientation; and adjusting, by the controller, the second part of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes relative to the second orientation.

The method may further include: wirelessly receiving, from the controller, a selection signal indicative of a user selection of the object; and adjusting, by the controller, the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes after receiving the selection signal indicative of the user selection of the object.

The method may further include: wirelessly receiving, by the controller, a control signal indicative of user input on the phone; and setting, by the controller, the object in accordance with the user input.

Figure list

• 1 FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system configured to set a physical object in accordance with the orientation of a phone.
• 2A Figure 12 is a block diagram of an operation of the control system for adjusting the seat back of a seat in accordance with the orientation of the phone.
• 2 B Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an operation of the control system for adjusting the seat surface in accordance with the orientation of the phone.
• 3A Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operation of a user to use the phone to select a physical object for a setting.
• 3B Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user of the phone to move the phone to an initial orientation for selecting a part or a function of the selected object for adjustment.
• 4th Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing control buttons of the phone that the user uses to enter a user control input for the controller to set the selected part or function of the selected object in accordance with the user control input.
• 5A Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone for the controller to move the sunroof between front and rear positions.
• 5B Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone to cause the controller to tilt the sunroof between upper and lower positions.
• 6A Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone relative to a first initial orientation of the phone for the controller to adjust a seat up / down adjustment function up or down.
• 6B Fig. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of the user to move the phone relative to a second initial orientation of the phone to cause the controller to adjust a front / rear setting member. Function of the seat forwards or backwards shows.
• 6C Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone relative to a third initial orientation of the phone for the controller to set a lumbar front / rear lumbar function forward or backward.
• 6D Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone relative to a fourth initial orientation of the phone for the controller to adjust a lumbar support up / down function of the seat up or down.
• 6E Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing an operation of the user to move the phone relative to a fifth initial orientation of the phone for the controller to set a cushion cushion in / out function of the seat in or out.
• 7A Figure 12 is a block diagram of a control system configured to allow selection for setting a first or second part of an object based on the phone being near the part of the object to be selected.
• 7B Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an operation of the in 7A shown control system for selecting the first part of the object for a setting based on that the phone is in the vicinity of the second part.
• 7C Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an operation of the in 7B shown control system for selecting the second part of the object for a setting based on that the phone is in the vicinity of the second part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are described here in detail, but it should be noted that the embodiments described here are only examples of the invention, which can also be implemented by various other alternative embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale, although some parts may be exaggerated in size or detail to clarify details of certain components. The specific details of the structure and function described here are therefore not to be interpreted as restrictive, but merely as a representative basis for the person skilled in the art who wishes to implement the invention.

The block diagram of 1 shows a control system 10th configured to set one or more physical objects 12th and 14 corresponding to the orientation of a phone 16 . For example, the tax system 10th The object is part of a vehicle 12th a seat of the vehicle and is the object 14 a sunroof of the vehicle. The seat 12th and the sunroof 14 can be adjusted (e.g. moved, tilted, changed, modified, arranged etc.). For example, the seat 12th can be adjusted by tilting its backrest forward and backward. The sun roof 14 can be adjusted by moving it between an open position and a closed position.

The tax system 10th includes a phone 16 and a control device 18th . The telephone 16 functions as a user interface of the control system 10th . The control device 18th is configured to adjust the seat 12th and the sunroof 14 both regardless of the phone 16 as well as in connection with the phone. The telephone 16 and the control device 18th can cooperate so that a user such as the driver or passenger can select the seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 can adjust. The control device 18th represents the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 in accordance with an input from the user.

The user input takes the form of an operation on the phone 16 on. User input can be an orientation or movement of the phone 16 be in the room by the user. The orientation of the phone 16 changes when the user moves the phone. So the user input changes when the orientation of the phone changes 16 changes. For example, in a one-button user interface, when the user turns the button, the user input changes. The phone changes accordingly 16 user interface using the user input when the user is pointing or moving the phone.

The orientation and movement of the phone 16 is recognized by the accelerometer built into the phone and / or the gyroscope built into the phone. The telephone 16 generates an appropriate alignment signal that indicates the orientation of the phone. The telephone 16 sends the alignment signal to the controller 18th over a wireless communication link 20th . The wireless communication link 20th can be a short range wireless communication link using, for example, near field communication (NFC) or Bluetooth ™ communication protocols.

The control device 18th receives the alignment signal from the phone 16 over the wireless communication link 20th . The control device 18th determines the orientation of the phone 16 from the alignment signal. The control device 18th generates a control signal for the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 based on the orientation of the phone 16 . The control device 18th sends the control signal to the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 to the selected seat or canopy in accordance with the orientation of the phone 16 adjust. The control device 18th causes the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 is set in accordance with the user input. The user input, as mentioned above, is the orientation of the telephone 16 when the orientation of the phone changes because the user is physically moving the phone.

In one embodiment, the phone 16 and the control device 18th cooperate so that the user has the seat 12th or the sunroof 14 for a setting based on an initial orientation of the phone. In this embodiment, a first initial orientation of the phone corresponds 16 a choice of seat 12th by the user and a second initial orientation of the phone corresponds to a selection of the sunroof 14 by the user. So after the phone 16 and the control device 18th standby, the user moves the phone to an initial orientation. The telephone 16 then sends to the controller 18th an orientation signal that indicates the initial orientation of the phone.

The control device 18th determines from the alignment signal whether the phone is 16 is in the first initial orientation or in the second initial orientation. The control device 18th chooses the seat 12th off when the phone 16 is in the first initial orientation and selects the sunroof 14 off when the phone is in the second initial orientation. The control device 18th then represents the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 according to the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes as the user moves the phone relative to the initial orientation.

In one embodiment, the phone 16 and the control device 18th cooperate so that the user has the seat 12th or the sunroof 14 for a setting based on a user selection entered by the user on the phone. In this embodiment, the user operates a control key or control screen of the phone 16 to a user selection of the seat 12th or the sunroof 14 to enter. Alternatively, the user speaks a voice command into the phone 16 to a user selection of the seat 12th or the sunroof 14 to enter. The telephone 16 then sends to the controller 18th a selection signal indicating the user selection. If the user selection the seat 12th is the control device 18th the seat corresponding to the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes while the user is moving the phone. If the user selection the sunroof 14 is the control device 18th the sunroof in accordance with the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes while the user is moving the phone.

One or more objects 12th and 14 can include multiple adjustable parts. For example, the seat includes 12th an adjustable seat back 22 and an adjustable seat 24th . The seat back 22 can be adjusted, for example, by moving forward and backward relative to the seat 24th is tilted. The seat 24th can be adjusted by using the seat 12th is moved forward and backward relative to the body.

In one embodiment, the phone 16 and the control device 18th cooperate so that the user can select one of several parts of a selected object for a setting based on an initial orientation of the phone. For example, it is assumed here that the selected object is the seat 12th is. In this case, the phone will work 16 or the control device 18th together so that the user the seat back 22 or the seat 24th for a setting based on an initial orientation of the phone. In this embodiment, a first initial orientation of the phone corresponds 16 a selection of the seat back 22 by the user and a second initial orientation of the phone corresponds to a selection of the seat 24th by the user. So after the phone 16 and the control device 18th have been placed in a standby state, the user moves the phone to an initial orientation. The telephone 16 then sends to the controller 18th an orientation signal that indicates the initial orientation of the phone.

The control device 18th determines from the alignment signal whether the phone is 16 is in the first initial orientation or in the second initial orientation. The control device 18th chooses the seat back 22 off when the phone 16 is in the first initial orientation, and represents the seat back in correspondence to that Orientation of the phone on when the orientation of the phone changes as the user moves the phone relative to the first initial orientation. The control device 18th chooses the seat 24th off when the phone 16 is in the second initial orientation, and represents the seat 24th according to the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes as the user moves the phone relative to the second initial orientation.

In one embodiment, the user input includes user input on the phone 16 entered tax input. For example, the user operates a control key or control screen of the phone 16 to enter user control input. For example, the user presses a volume button on the phone 16 up to enter a first user control input and press the volume key on the phone 16 down to enter a second user control input. Alternatively, the user speaks a voice command into the phone 16 to enter a user control input (eg "up" or "down", "more" or "less", "forward" or "back", "higher" or "lower" etc.). The telephone 16 then sends to the controller 18th a control signal indicative of user control input. The control device 18th represents the selected seat 12th or the selected sunroof 14 in accordance with the user control input.

The block diagrams of 2A and 2 B show with reference to 1 Control system operations 10th for adjusting the seat back 22 of the seat 12th ( 2A) and for adjusting the seat 24th the seat ( 2 B) according to the orientation of the phone 16 . Operation of the control system 10th for adjusting the seat back 22 from 2A involves positioning the phone 16 by the user in a first initial orientation. Like for example in 2A shown is in the first initial orientation of the phone 16 the phone is oriented in a portrait orientation. The first initial orientation of the phone 16 (ie the portrait orientation) is predefined to the selection of the seat back 22 by the user for a setting to match. The telephone 16 sends to the control device 18th over the wireless communication link 20th an orientation signal indicating that the phone is in the first initial orientation. The control device 18th determined from the first initial orientation of the phone 16 that the seat back 22 should be set.

The user moves the phone 16 relative to the first initial orientation to provide user input for seat back adjustment 22 to create. For example, the user turns like in 2A shown the phone 16 in the counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow 26 indicated relative to the first initial alignment. The telephone 16 sends to the control device 18th over the wireless communication link 20th the alignment signal when the orientation of the phone changes. The control device 18th in turn, the seat back 22 according to the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes while the user is moving the phone. For example, as in 2A shown the seat back 22 set to forward as indicated by the arrow 28 indicated to be tilted when the phone is off 16 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

Accordingly, in the operation of the control system 10th for adjusting the seat 24th from 2 B the telephone 16 positioned by the user in a second initial orientation. For example is like in 2 B shown in the second initial registration the phone 16 aligned in a landscape orientation. The second initial orientation of the phone 16 (ie the landscape orientation) is predefined to the selection of the seat 24th by the user for a setting to match. The telephone 16 sends to the control device 18th over the wireless communication link 20th an orientation signal indicating that the phone is in the second initial orientation. The control device 18th determined from the initial second orientation of the phone 16 that the seat 24th should be set.

The user moves the phone 16 relative to the second initial orientation to provide user input for seat adjustment 24th to create. For example, the user moves as in 2 B shown the phone 16 in a right-to-left lateral direction as indicated by the arrow 30th indicated relative to the second initial orientation. The telephone 16 sends to the control device 18th over the wireless communication link 20th the alignment signal when the orientation of the phone changes. The control device 18th in turn represents the seat 24th according to the orientation of the phone 16 on when the orientation of the phone changes while the user is moving the phone. For example, as in 2 B shown the seat 24th (with the seat 12th ) set to move forward as indicated by the arrow 32 specified to move when the phone 16 moved in the right-to-left lateral direction.

The schematic views of 3A and 3B show with reference to 1 one operation of the phone 16 user to select a physical object for setting and actuating the User to move the phone to an initial orientation for selecting a part or function of the selected object for a setting. As in 3A shown, the user speaks a selection command into the phone 16 to select a physical object for a setting. For example, the user speaks "select driver seat" (or "select passenger seat", "select sunroof", etc.) on the phone 16 . The telephone 16 is preprogrammed to understand the spoken selection commands. In response to the seat selection command 12th generated by the user the phone 16 a selection signal that indicates the user selection of the seat for adjustment and sends it to the control device 18th . As in 3B shown, the user moves the phone 16 to an initial orientation for selecting a part (e.g. the seat 24th ) or a function (e.g. a lumbar support function) of the selected object (ie in this case the seat 12th ) for a setting. For example, the initial orientation of the phone is the same 16 a selection of the seat 24th by the user for a setting. The operations of 3A and 3B in their combination cause the phone 16 and the control device 18th are synchronized so that subsequent movement of the phone by the user and / or by user control input entered by the user on the phone (e.g. as in 4th shown and described below) as an adjustment of the seat 24th is recognized.

To confirm to the user that the phone 16 and the control device 18th for a setting of the seat in this example 24th can be synchronized, the control device 18th Generate acoustic or haptic information for the user. Such acoustic or haptic information can alternatively also by telephone 16 generated in response to the phone receiving a corresponding synchronization signal from the controller over a wireless communication link 20th receives.

The schematic view of 4th shows control buttons 32a and 32b of the phone 16 for the user to enter a user control input. The user can use control buttons 32a and 32b of the phone 16 so that the control device can use the selected part (e.g. the seat 24th ) or the selected function (e.g. the lumbar support function) of the selected object (e.g. the seat 12th ) in accordance with the user control input. In this way, the user can achieve the desired setting of the selected part or the selected function. For example, the user presses the volume up control button 32a to adjust the selected part or function in a manner (e.g. tilt up) and press the volume down control button 32b to set the selected part or the selected function in the opposite way (e.g. tilt down).

The schematic view of 5A shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 shifts between front and rear positions. In this case it is assumed that the user has previously placed the sunroof 14 selected for a setting. The user can use the phone 16 in a first direction along the line 34 move so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 moves to the front position. Accordingly, the user can use the phone 16 in an opposite second direction along the line 34 move so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 moves to the rear position.

The schematic view of 5B shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 tilts between upper and lower positions. Again, it is assumed that the user has previously placed the sun roof 14 selected for a setting. The user can use the phone 16 in a first direction along a curved line 36 tilt so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 tilts upwards. Accordingly, the user can use the phone 16 in an opposite second direction along the curved line 36 tilt so the control device 18th the sunroof 14 tilts down.

The schematic view of 6A shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 relative to a first initial orientation of the phone so that the control device 18th an adjuster up / down function of the seat 12th sets. It is assumed here that the user previously had the seat 12th selected for a setting. The first initial alignment is pre-defined to be a selection of the seat's up / down adjuster 12th by the user for a setting to match. So by starting the phone 16 is moved to the first initial orientation for the controller 18th specified that the user adjusts the seat's up / down function 12th selected for a setting. The user can then move the phone up or down the line of curvature 38 tilt so the control device 18th the seat's up / down adjustment function 12th up or down.

6B , 6C , 6D and 6E have the same format as 6A . Doing so each assumed that the user previously seated 12th selected for a setting.

The schematic view of 6B shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 relative to the second initial orientation of the phone so the controller 18th an adjuster front / rear function of the seat 12th sets. The second initial orientation is pre-defined to be a selection of the seat's up / down adjuster function 12th by the user for a setting to match. So by starting the phone 16 is moved to the second initial orientation for the controller 18th indicated that the user, the adjuster-front / rear function of the seat 12th selected for a setting. The user can then use the phone 16 along the line 40 move so the control device 18th the adjuster function of the seat 12th forwards or backwards.

The schematic view of 6C shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 relative to a third initial orientation of the phone so that the control device 18th a lumbar support front / rear function of the seat 12th sets. The third initial alignment is pre-defined to select the lumbar support front / rear function of the seat 12th by the user for a setting to match. So by starting the phone 16 is moved to the third initial orientation for the controller 18th indicated that the user uses the lumbar support front / rear function of the seat 12th selected for a setting. The user can then use the phone 16 along the curved line 42 turn so the control device 18th the lumbar support front / rear function of the seat 12th forwards or backwards.

The schematic view of 6D shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 relative to a fourth initial orientation of the phone to allow the control device 18th a lumbar support up / down function of the seat 12th sets. The fourth initial orientation is predefined to be a selection of the lumbar support up / down function of the seat 12th by the user for a setting to match. So by starting the phone 16 is moved to the fourth initial orientation for the controller 18th indicated that the user uses the lumbar support up / down function of the seat 12th selected for a setting. The user can then use the phone 16 up or down along a line 44 move so the control device 18th sets the lumbar support up / down function of the seat up or down.

The schematic view of 6E shows an operation of the user to move the phone 16 relative to a fifth initial orientation of the phone so that the control device 18th a cushion cushion in / out function of the seat 12th sets. The fifth initial orientation is pre-defined to allow a selection of the cushion in / out function of the seat 12th by the user for a setting to match. So by starting the phone 16 is moved to the fifth initial orientation for the controller 18th indicated that the user has the cushion-in / out function of the seat 12th selected for a setting. The user can then use the phone 16 forward or backward along the line 46 move so the control device 18th the cushion cushion in / out function of the seat 12th sets in or out.

As described, the methods and systems use the alignment of a telephone to set adjustable physical objects, parts and / or functions of the objects. In embodiments, a specific initial orientation of the phone indicates a selected object (or part or function) and movement of the phone indicates a corresponding setting of the selected object. In other embodiments, a specific initial orientation of the phone also indicates a selected object and an input control of the phone indicates a corresponding setting of the selected object. In other embodiments, proximity sensors in the phone or on the object (e.g., the seat) can be used to communicate with the phone and allow selection of the object. In these embodiments, movement of the phone indicates a corresponding setting of the object and / or input control of the phone indicates a corresponding setting of the object.

As further described, the adjustable physical objects can be physical objects of a vehicle, such as a vehicle seat and a vehicle sunroof. The adjustable physical objects can also be objects that do not belong to a vehicle, such as tiltable seats or windows in a household. The adjustable physical objects can therefore be any physical objects (e.g. a television swivel base, a fan, a thermostat, etc.) that can be synchronized with a hand-held, intelligent device such as the telephone described here.

Regarding 7A , 7B and 7C becomes a tax system below 100 that is configured to enable selection of an adjustable part of an object towards other adjustable parts of the object for a setting when the phone 16 located near the part of the object to be selected. In the other embodiments described herein, an adjustable part of an object is for adjustment against other adjustable parts of the object in correspondence with an initial orientation of the phone 16 selected. For example, in these other embodiments, a first part of an object is selected for adjustment when a user uses the phone 16 moves to a first initial orientation, and a second portion of the object is selected for adjustment when the user moves the phone to a second initial orientation. In contrast, in the control system 100 the first part of the object selected for a setting when the user uses the phone 16 moves near the first part, and the second part of the object is selected for adjustment when the user moves the phone near the second part.

7a is a block diagram of the control system 100 . As stated, the tax system is 100 for use with an object 12th provided that has two or more adjustable parts. For example, as in 7A , 7B and 7C shown the object 12th a vehicle seat with a first adjustable part 22 in the form of a seat back and a second adjustable part 24th be in the shape of a seat.

According to the tax system 100 contains the first part 22 of the object 12th a first label 102 and contains the second part 24th a second label of the object 104 . The first label 102 contains a first identification, the first part 22 indicates. The second label 104 contains a second identification, the second part 24th indicates. For example, the first label 102 and the second label 104 Radio frequency identification (RFID) labels or optical barcode labels.

Furthermore, according to the control system 100 a telephone 16 a first label 102 of a first part 22 of the object 12th Detect when the phone is near the first label (ie when the phone is near the first part). The telephone 16 reads the first identification of the first label 102 as part of the process of capturing the first label. After capturing the first label 102 , sends the phone 16 a first identification signal. The first identification signal can indicate that the phone 16 the first label 102 has detected, or can indicate the first identification of the first label. Accordingly, the phone 16 the second label 104 of the second part 24th of the object when the phone is near the second label (ie when the phone is near the second part). The telephone 16 reads the second identification of the second label 104 as part of the process of capturing the second label. After capturing the second label 104 sends the phone 16 a second identification signal. The second identification signal can indicate that the phone 16 the second label 104 has detected, or can specify the second identification of the second label.

Furthermore stands according to the tax system 100 the control device 18th ready for setting the first part 22 of the object 12th regardless of the second part 24th and from other parts of the object when the first identification signal from the phone 16 Will be received. The control device stands accordingly 18th ready for setting the second part 24th of the object 12th regardless of the first part 22 and from other parts of the object when the second identification signal from the phone 16 Will be received.

7B Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an operation of the control system 100 to select the first part 22 of the object 12th for a setting based on that the phone 16 is near the first part of the object. A user moves the phone for the operation 16 near the first label 102 of the first part 22 of the object 12th (ie the user moves the phone near the first part of the object) as in 7B shown. If the phone 16 near the first label 102 the phone detects the first label and reads the first identification from it. After capturing the first label 102 sends the phone 16 a first identification signal to the control device 18th over the wireless communication line 20th . After receiving the first identification signal from the phone 16 stands the control device 18th for setting the first part 22 of the object 12th ready. This way the first part 22 of the object 12th selected for a setting, the selection being based on the phone 16 is near the first part of the object.

After the first part 22 of the object 12th has been selected for a setting, the control device 18th set the first part of the object in accordance with the setting operations described here. For example, the control device 18th from the phone 16 receive an alignment signal indicating an alignment of the phone when the alignment of the phone changes, and the first part 22 set according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. Alternatively, the control device 18th received a control signal, one on the phone 16 indicates user input entered, and the first part 22 in accordance with the user input.

7C Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an operation of the control system 100 to select the second part 24th of the object 12th for a setting based on that the phone 16 is near the second part of the object. A user moves the phone for the operation 16 near the second label 104 of the second part 24th of the object 12th (ie the user moves the phone near the second part of the object) as in 7C shown. If the phone 16 near the second label 104 the phone detects the second label and reads the second identification from it. After capturing the second label 104 sends the phone 16 a second identification signal to the control device 18th over a wireless communication link 20th . After receiving the second identification signal from the phone 16 stands the control device 18th ready for setting the second part 24th of the object 12th . This way the second part 24th of the object 12th selected for a setting, the selection being based on the phone 16 is near the second part of the object.

After the second part 24th of the object 12th has been selected for a setting, the control device 18th set the second part of the object in accordance with the setting operations described here. For example, the control device 18th from the phone 16 receive an orientation signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, and the second part 24th set according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. Alternatively, the control device 18th received a control signal, one on the phone 16 indicates user input entered, and the second part 24th in accordance with the user input.

Of course, a tax system such as the tax system 10th or the tax system 100 According to embodiments of the present invention, be modified to make a selection for setting an object in accordance with the phone 16 enable near the object. For example, in this case the control system allows selection of an object for a setting corresponding to that of the phone 16 is near the object. The selection of the object corresponding to that of the phone 16 is near the object, selecting the object over other objects may provide.

In this modified control system, therefore, an object is selected for setting when the user uses the phone 16 moved near the object. The object has a label with an identification. The telephone 16 can detect the label when the phone is near the label (ie when the phone is near the object). After reading the label, the phone sends 16 an identification signal. The control device 18th is ready to set the object after receiving the identification signal from the phone 16 . In this way the object is selected for a setting, the selection being based on the phone 16 is near the object. After the object has been selected for a setting, the control device can 18th set the object in accordance with the setting operations described here. For example, the control device 18th from the phone 16 receive an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes and adjust the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. Alternatively, the control device 18th received a control signal, one on the phone 16 Specifies user input entered, and set the object according to the user input.

The object can comprise one or more adjustable parts. The object can be set by the control device 18th corresponding to the setting operations described here, include setting at least one of the one or more adjustable parts of the object.

Exemplary embodiments have been described above, but the invention is not limited to the embodiments described here. The description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and various changes can be made to the embodiments described here without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims (20)

System comprising: a phone configured to send an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, and a controller configured to receive the orientation signal from the phone and to set an object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 1 wherein: the phone is further configured to capture a first label of a first part of the object when the phone is near the first label, and for sending a first identification signal when the first label is detected, the phone is further configured to detect a second label of a second part of the object when the phone is near the second label and to send a second identification signal when that second label is detected, and the controller is further configured to, after receiving the first identification signal from the phone, adjusting the first part of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes and after after receiving the second identification signal from the phone, adjusting the second part of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 2 , wherein: the object is a vehicle seat, the first part is a vehicle seat surface and the second part is a vehicle seat back. System according to Claim 1 wherein: the controller is further configured to select one of a plurality of parts of the object according to the initial orientation of the phone and to set one of the parts of the object selected according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 1 wherein: the controller is further configured to select a first portion of the object when an initial orientation of the phone is a first orientation and to set the first portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone is relative to the first orientation, and the controller is further configured to select a second portion of the object when the initial orientation of the phone is a second orientation and to adjust the second portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation Orientation of the phone changes relative to the second orientation. System according to Claim 1 , wherein: the phone is further configured to send a selection signal indicating a user selection of the object and the controller is further configured to receive the selection signal after receiving the selection signal indicating the user selection of the object from the phone Corresponds to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 1 wherein: the phone is further configured to send a control signal indicative of user input entered on the phone, and the controller is further configured to receive the control signal from the phone and set the object in accordance with the user input. Process comprising: receiving wirelessly from a phone, by a controller, an alignment signal indicating an orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, and Setting, by the controller, an object corresponding to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. Procedure according to Claim 8 , further comprising: detecting, by the phone, a first label of a first part of the object when the phone is near the first label, and sending, by the phone, a first identification signal when the first label is detected, detecting , by the phone, a second label of a second part of the object when the phone is near the second label, and sending, by the phone, a second identification signal when the second label is detected, by the controller receiving the first identification signal from the phone, the first part of the object corresponding to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, and adjusting, by the controller, after receiving the second identification signal from the phone, the second part of the object corresponding to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. Procedure according to Claim 8 , further comprising: selecting, by the controller, one of a plurality of parts of the object in accordance with an initial orientation of the phone, and for setting one of the parts of the object selected in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the Phone changes. Procedure according to Claim 8 , further comprising: selecting, by the controller, a first portion of the object when an initial orientation of the phone is a first orientation, and adjusting, by the controller, the first portion of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when changes the orientation of the phone relative to the first orientation, and Selecting, by the controller, a second part of the object when the initial orientation of the phone is a second orientation and setting, by the controller, the second part of the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone is relative to the second orientation changes. Procedure according to Claim 8 , further comprising: wirelessly receiving from the phone, by the controller, a selection signal indicative of user selection of the object, and adjusting, by the controller, the object in accordance with the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes, upon receiving the selection signal from the telephone indicating the user's selection of the object. Procedure according to Claim 8 , further comprising: wirelessly receiving from the phone, by the controller, a control signal indicative of user input on the phone, and adjusting, by the controller, the object corresponding to the user input. System comprising: an object that has a label a phone configured to detect the label when the phone is near the label and to send an identification signal when the label is detected, and a controller configured to stand by for setting the object when the identification signal is received from the phone. System according to Claim 14 , wherein: the phone is further configured to send an alignment signal indicating an alignment of the phone when the alignment of the phone changes, and the controller is further configured to receive the alignment signal from the phone and after receiving the identification signal from the Received the phone, setting the object according to the orientation of the phone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 14 , wherein: the label is a radio frequency identification (RFID) label or an optical barcode label. System according to Claim 14 where: the object is a vehicle seat. System according to Claim 14 , wherein: the object comprises a first part and a second part, the first part including a first label and the second part containing a second label, the phone is further configured to detect the first label when the phone is near the first Label, and for sending a first identification signal when the first label is detected, the phone is further configured to detect the second label when the phone is near the second label and to send a second identification signal when the second label is detected, and the controller is further configured to standby for setting the first part when it receives the first identification signal from the phone and to standby for setting the second part when it receives the second identification signal from the phone. System according to Claim 18 , wherein: the phone is further configured to send an alignment signal indicating an alignment of the phone when the alignment of the phone changes, and the controller is further configured to receive the alignment signal from the phone and after receiving the first identification signal from received by the phone, adjusting the first part in accordance with the orientation of the telephone when the orientation of the telephone changes and, after receiving the second identification signal from the telephone, adjusting the second part in accordance with the orientation of the telephone when the orientation of the phone changes. System according to Claim 18 , wherein: the phone is further configured to send a control signal indicative of user input entered on the phone, and the controller is further configured to receive the control signal from the phone, to adjust the first part in accordance with the user input after doing so received the first identification signal from the phone, and for setting the second part in accordance with the user input after receiving the second identification signal from the phone.

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