DE102022121609A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for the automated adjustment of a vehicle component for a motor vehicle, with the following steps: (i) detecting first signals by an electro-optical detection device arranged in the motor vehicle, in particular a camera, the first signals representing a body area represent a vehicle occupant in the motor vehicle, wherein the body area has at least an arm area and a torso area of the vehicle occupant; (ii) determining an arm span of the vehicle occupant using the acquired first signals; (iii) determining a body size of the vehicle occupant using the determined arm span; (iv) determining a setting value of the vehicle component depending on the determined body size; (v) automated setting of the determined setting value for the vehicle component.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for the automated adjustment of a vehicle component for a motor vehicle.

In modern motor vehicles, systems can be used to detect the interior of the motor vehicle. A camera can be used, through which a number of vehicle occupants in the motor vehicle can be determined. Furthermore, a respective state of a vehicle occupant can also be determined, for example whether a driver of the motor vehicle is paying the required level of attention. For this purpose, the driver's head position or eye position can be used for an evaluation. Furthermore, in modern motor vehicles, settings in the motor vehicle are increasingly being personalized, especially for the driver of the motor vehicle. For example, identification of the respective vehicle occupant or driver can occur through identification using a code that is entered in the motor vehicle or through automated coupling of the motor vehicle with a mobile phone. User settings can be linked to corresponding identification. One setting that may be personalized for the driver in the motor vehicle is a seat setting. This can relate to a height adjustment and/or an adjustment regarding a distance to the pedals of the motor vehicle. In this context, semi-automated seat adjustment can be carried out using body height. To do this, it is necessary that the body size of the vehicle occupant is stored in the motor vehicle, for example by manual entry. However, this is only partially comfortable. In addition, a typing error during input can result in a non-ideal seat adjustment due to an incorrectly stored body size, and the vehicle occupant may have to correct the seat adjustment manually or the vehicle occupant uses a seat adjustment that does not correspond to their body size. For example, if the seat is set too low, the view through the windshield can be impaired.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a method and a device through which automated adjustment of a vehicle component is made possible.

A solution to this problem is achieved in accordance with the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

A first aspect of the solution relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for the automated setting of a vehicle component for a motor vehicle, with the following steps: (i) detecting first signals by an electro-optical detection device arranged in the motor vehicle, in particular a camera, the first Signals represent a body area of a vehicle occupant in the motor vehicle, the body area having at least an arm area and a torso area of the vehicle occupant; (ii) determining an arm span of the vehicle occupant using the acquired first signals; (iii) determining a body size of the vehicle occupant using the determined arm span; (iv) determining a setting value of the vehicle component depending on the determined body size; (v) automated setting of the determined setting value for the vehicle component.

The terms “comprises,” “includes,” “includes,” “has,” “has,” “with,” or any other variation thereof, as may be used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or device that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such method or device.

Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive “or”. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

The terms “a” or “an” as used herein are defined to mean “one or more”. The terms “another” and “another” as well as any other variant thereof are to be understood in the sense of “at least one further”.

The term “plural” as used herein is to be understood in the sense of “two or more”.

The term “configured” or “set up” to fulfill a specific function (and respective modifications thereof) as used here is to be understood as meaning that the corresponding device is already in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function or it is at least so adjustable - ie configurable - that that it can carry out the function after the appropriate setting. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by appropriately setting parameters of a process flow or switches or the like to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

The term “electro-optical detection device” or “electro-optical sensor” as used here is to be understood in particular as a sensor that is designed to detect or measure electromagnetic signals and convert them into electrical signals. These sensors can in particular be a charge-coupled sensor, also known as a CCD (charge-coupled device), a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, or another sensor. In addition, such a sensor can also be designed to send out electromagnetic signals to an object and to measure the back-reflected electromagnetic signals from this object, so that in a subsequent evaluation, information about the object can be obtained from the emitted and the back-reflected electromagnetic signals.

The term “3D body points” or “3D body points” as used here refers in particular to points or positions on a human body that can be named by their function or position. In particular, this can mean a so-called hip point, a wrist, an elbow, a shoulder point and/or a head point. The preceding list contains examples and is not intended to be exhaustive.

The method according to the first aspect can ensure that signals from a vehicle occupant can be detected, and an arm span and, from this, a body size can be determined using these signals. The arm span can be determined by adding the two arm lengths and a width of the upper body, whereby the width of the upper body can be determined from the signals relating to the torso area. The arm lengths and the width of the upper body can be determined using an object recognition algorithm. Furthermore, a self-calibration of the electro-optical detection device can be used to determine a position of the electro-optical detection device in the motor vehicle, as well as a position of the vehicle occupant relative to the electro-optical detection device and the arm lengths and width of the upper body. As a simple approximation, it can be assumed that the arm span roughly corresponds to the body height. To determine body size more precisely, scientific studies can be used that examine the connection between arm span and body size. As an example, reference is made to the following publication: SARMA A, BARMAN B, DAS GC, SAIKIA H, MOMIN AD. Correlation between the arm-span and the standing height among males and females of the Khasi tribal population of Meghalaya state of North-Eastern India. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care December 2020, Volume 9, No. 12, pages 6125 to 6129 . The determined body size can be used to determine a setting value for the vehicle component. This setting value can be transmitted to a corresponding actuator of the vehicle component, whereby this setting value can be set automatically. As a result, the setting value can be set automatically while the vehicle occupant is sitting in the motor vehicle, and without the vehicle occupant having to manually enter a body size or another size that is related to his body size in the motor vehicle. This also makes it possible to avoid incorrect input by the vehicle occupant, which can lead to incorrect setting of the vehicle component. The setting value can in particular relate to a horizontal seat adjustment, whereby the distance of the seat from pedals in the motor vehicle can be adjusted.

Preferred embodiments of the method are described below, which can be combined in any way with each other and with the other aspects described, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (i) determining a torso length of the vehicle occupant using the detected first signals; (ii) determining a further setting value of the vehicle component (260) depending on the determined fuselage length; (iii) automated setting of the further determined setting value for the vehicle component (260). Due to the specific fuselage length, a further setting value can be set for the vehicle component. This allows the vehicle component to be adapted even more precisely to the vehicle occupant. The further setting value can in particular relate to a seat height of a vehicle seat. Preferably, both the body size for the setting value and the torso length for the further setting value of the vehicle occupant can be used to adjust the seat.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (i) creating a 2D image from the captured first signals; (ii) estimating relative positions of 3D body points using the 2D image; (iii) determining distances between the estimated body points; (iv) Determine arm span and/or torso length using the determined distances. This allows for a more accurate determination of arm span and/or torso length. By determining the arm span more precisely, a more precise determination of body size can be made possible. This allows a more precise setting value and a more precise further setting value of the vehicle component to be determined. To determine the 3D body points from a 2D image, algorithms from the field of “3D estimation of human posture” can be used. Preferably, the torso length can be determined using the estimated 3D body points. A so-called head point can be determined using a face recognition algorithm. In this case, a position and direction of the camera in the motor vehicle can additionally be determined by means of self-calibration of the camera, whereby a head height of the vehicle occupant in the motor vehicle can be determined. Furthermore, a seat height of the vehicle occupant can be determined by reading out seat height information from the seat on which the vehicle occupant is currently sitting. This also allows a so-called hip point to be determined, whereby the seat height information of the seat can be assumed as the hip point or height of the hip point. A torso length of the vehicle occupant can be determined from the head height and the seat height information, in particular by forming a difference between the variables mentioned.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining lengths of a left-handed and a right-handed limb, in particular a left-handed and a right-handed arm length, of the same type of vehicle occupant using the first signals; Checking the plausibility of the lengths of the determined limbs by comparing the determined length of the left-sided limb with the determined length of the right-sided limb. As a result, the reliability of the determined arm span and thus the determined body size can be improved, and incorrect setting of the setting value in the vehicle component can be avoided.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (i) determining a pointing direction of a limb; (ii) determining an orientation, in particular an orientation parallel to the optical axis, in which the electro-optical detection device is aligned for detecting the first signals; (iii) Determining the arm span only if the pointing direction is essentially perpendicular to the determined orientation. An arrangement and orientation of the electro-optical detection device can be determined by self-calibration of the electro-optical detection device. If the pointing direction is not perpendicular to the plane, a length shortened to the actual length of a limb can be detected. This can be avoided if the pointing direction is aligned essentially perpendicular to the direction of the electro-optical detection device. This allows the arm span to be determined more precisely.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (i) acquiring second signals representing a head region of the vehicle occupant; (ii) classifying the detected second signals; (iii) Adjusting the determined height using the classification. A classification can in particular include a determination of the gender of the vehicle occupant. Using scientific studies in which body size was examined depending on gender, the determined body size can be adjusted. This allows body size to be determined even more precisely.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (i) acquiring a plurality of first signals over a predetermined period of time; (ii) determining arm lengths of an arm from the first signals recorded in each case; (iii) determining an average of the determined arm lengths; (iv) Determine the arm span using the determined mean. This can prevent a first signal from being detected, which determines a significantly incorrect arm span. This can be done if the arm is aligned essentially parallel to the orientation of the electro-optical detection device. This would result in a significantly shortened arm length and thus a shortened arm span, or a larger estimation error. By determining an average value of the arm span based on a plurality of detected first signals over a predetermined period of time, an error-prone determination of an arm span can be at least partially corrected.

In some embodiments, the setting value is set automatically for a vehicle seat, in particular a seat height of the vehicle seat or a distance of the vehicle seat from the pedals, which is designed as a vehicle component. Especially when it comes to the vehicle seat, there is an effect in relation to the body size of the person The driver's corresponding adjustment of the vehicle seat also affects driving safety. A vehicle seat that is set too low can result in the driver having a reduced view of road traffic through the windshield. Likewise, a seat adjustment in which the vehicle seat is too far away from the pedals can result in the brake pedal, for example, not being able to be pressed with full force or not completely. This can be prevented by adjusting the vehicle seat to suit the driver's height.

In some embodiments, the first signals are detected by an electro-optical detection device integrated in an interior mirror of the motor vehicle. This means that there is no need to attach a camera using a holder, which means that components can be saved. In addition, this attachment offers the advantage over attachment to a windshield of allowing a clearer view through the windshield.

A second aspect of the solution relates to a device for the automated adjustment of a vehicle component for a motor vehicle, the device having: (i) an electro-optical detection device for detecting signals that represent a body area of a vehicle occupant, the body area having at least an arm area and a torso area of the vehicle occupants; (ii) an evaluation device which is configured to determine an arm span and from this a body size of the vehicle occupant using the detected signals, and wherein the evaluation device is further configured to determine a setting value of the vehicle component using the determined body size; (iii) cause a controller configured to adjust the setting value at the vehicle component.

A third aspect of the solution relates to a motor vehicle having a device according to the second aspect.

The features and advantages explained in relation to the first aspect of the solution also apply to the other aspects described.

Further advantages, features and possible applications result from the following description of preferred embodiments in connection with the figures.

• 1 schematisch ein Flussdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung einer Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens; und
• 2 schematisch ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

This shows

• 1 schematically a flowchart to illustrate an embodiment of a method; and
• 2 schematically a motor vehicle with a device according to one embodiment.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used throughout for the same or corresponding elements.

In 1 a flowchart 100 is schematically shown to illustrate an embodiment of a method for automatically adjusting a vehicle seat 260 of a motor vehicle 200.

In a first step 110 of the method, signals are detected by a camera 210 arranged in the motor vehicle 200, through which electromagnetic signals can be detected, the signals representing a body area of a driver 250 in the motor vehicle 200, the body area comprising at least arm areas and one The driver's torso area 250 has.

In a further step 120 of the method, a 2D image is created from the captured first signals. Using an object recognition algorithm, individual body parts can be recognized and assigned from the 2D image that represents the body area. Such algorithms are integrated into the software of modern cameras, for example. With such an algorithm, faces and eyes can be recognized and automatically focused during photography. Such an algorithm as well as comparison data, which have different body parts and can be compared with the detected signals, can be stored on a control device 230 in the motor vehicle 200.

In a further step 130 of the method, relative positions of 3D body points are estimated using the 2D image. To determine the 3D body points from a 2D image, algorithms from the field of “3D estimation of human posture” can be used. Furthermore, a self-calibration of the camera 210 can be used to determine a position of the camera 210 in the motor vehicle 200, as well as a position of the driver 250 relative to the camera 210 and the 3D body points.

In a further step 140, distances between the estimated 3D body points are determined.

In a further step 150 of the method, an arm span of the driver 250 is determined using the determined distances.

In a further step 160 of the method, a body size of the driver 250 is determined using the determined arm span. An estimate can be made that the arm span is approximately the same as the height of the driver 250. A more precise estimate can be made using statistics in which, for example, as part of a scientific study, a large number of arm spans of associated people and their respective body sizes were measured.

In a further step 170 of the method, a setting value of the vehicle seat 260 is determined depending on the determined body size. Corresponding setting values, which correspond to body sizes, can be stored as a table in the motor vehicle 200, in particular in the evaluation device 220.

In a further step 180 of the method, the determined setting value for the vehicle seat 260 is set automatically.

In 2 A motor vehicle 200 is shown schematically with a device according to an embodiment.

The device has a camera 210, an evaluation device 220 and a control device 230. The camera 210 is connected to the evaluation device 220 for signaling purposes. The evaluation device 220 is connected to the control device 230 for signaling purposes. Likewise, the evaluation device 220 can be integrated in the control device 230.

The camera 210 has an electro-optical sensor with which electromagnetic signals, particularly in the optical or visible range, can be detected. The camera 210 is aligned so that it can capture at least a head area, a torso area, a torso area and arms of a vehicle occupant 250, in particular a driver, while the latter is sitting in a vehicle seat 260 of the motor vehicle 200. In 2 The vehicle seat 260 is shown as an example for the driver 250, as well as a signaling connection between the vehicle seat 260 and a control device 230. Such a structure can also be provided for a seat of the front passenger or another vehicle occupant 250. The camera 210 is integrated into an interior mirror 240 of the motor vehicle 200. Likewise, the camera 210 can be arranged on a windshield or in the vehicle headliner (not shown here).

As in 1 explained, the arm lengths and the width of an upper body of the driver 250 can first be determined using suitable algorithms, from which an arm span can be determined. A height of the driver 250 can be determined from the arm span. Additional information such as the weight of the driver 250, which can be determined by a sensor in the vehicle seat 260, and the gender of the driver 250 can also be taken into account.

Based on the specific body size of the driver 250, a desired setting value of the vehicle seat 260 can be determined. Corresponding setting values that correspond to corresponding body sizes can be stored as a table in the motor vehicle 200, in particular in the evaluation device 220.

The determined setting value is transmitted from the evaluation device 220 to the control device 230. The control device 230 transmits the setting value to an actuator (not shown here) connected to the vehicle seat 260 for setting the setting value.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a large number of variations exist. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described are only non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, with the understanding that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from that set forth in the appended claims the specified subject matter and its legal equivalents are deviated from.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

100

Flowchart to illustrate a preferred embodiment of a method

110

Acquiring the first signals

120

Creating a 2D image

130

Estimating estimates of relative positions of 3D body points

140

Determining distances between the estimated body points

150

Determining an arm span of the vehicle occupant

160

Determining a body size of the vehicle occupant

170

Determining a setting value of a vehicle component

180

Automated setting of the determined setting value for the vehicle component

200

motor vehicle

210

camera

220

Evaluation device

230

Control device

240

Interior mirror

250

driver

260

Vehicle seat

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Non-patent literature cited

• SARMA A, BARMAN B, DAS GC, SAIKIA H, MOMIN AD. Correlation between the arm-span and the standing height among males and females of the Khasi tribal population of Meghalaya state of North-Eastern India. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care December 2020, Volume 9, No. 12, pages 6125 to 6129 [0013]

Claims (11)

Method for automatically adjusting a vehicle component (260) for a motor vehicle (200), with the following steps: Detecting first signals by an electro-optical detection device arranged in the motor vehicle (200), the first signals representing a body area of a vehicle occupant (250) in the motor vehicle, the body area having at least an arm area and a torso area of the vehicle occupant (250); determining an arm span of the vehicle occupant (250) using the detected first signals; Determining a body size of the vehicle occupant (250) using the determined arm span; Determining a setting value of the vehicle component (260) depending on the determined body size; automated setting of the determined setting value for the vehicle component (260). Procedure according to Claim 1 , further comprising: determining a torso length of the vehicle occupant (250) using the detected first signals; Determining a further setting value of the vehicle component (260) depending on the determined fuselage length; automated setting of the further determined setting value for the vehicle component (260). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , further comprising: creating a 2D image from the captured first signals; Estimating relative positions of 3D body points using the 2D image; determining distances between the estimated body points; Determine arm span and/or torso length using the determined distances. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Determining lengths of a left-hand and a right-hand limb of the same type of the vehicle occupant (250) using the first signals; Check the plausibility of the determined lengths of the limbs by comparing the determined length of the left-sided limb with the determined length of the right-sided limb. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 2 until 4 , further comprising: determining a pointing direction of a limb; Determining an orientation in which the electro-optical detection device (210) is aligned for detecting the first signals; Determining the arm span only if the pointing direction is essentially perpendicular to the determined orientation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: detecting second signals representing a head area of the vehicle occupant (250); classifying the detected second signals; Adjusting the determined height using the classification. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: acquiring a plurality of first signals over a predetermined period of time; Determining arm lengths of an arm from the first signals recorded in each case; determining an average of the determined arm lengths; Determine the arm span using the determined mean. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an automated adjustment of the setting value takes place in a vehicle component designed as a vehicle seat (210). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first signals are detected by an electro-optical detection device (210) integrated in an interior mirror (240) of the motor vehicle. Device for the automated adjustment of a vehicle component (260) for a motor vehicle (200), the device having: an electro-optical detection device (210) for detecting signals representing a body region of a vehicle occupant, the body region comprising at least an arm region and a torso region of the vehicle occupant; an evaluation device (220), which is configured to use the detected signals to determine an arm span and from this a body size of the vehicle occupant, and wherein the evaluation device (220) is further configured to use the determined body size to assign a setting value to the vehicle component (260). determine; to cause a control device (230) configured to adjust the setting value in the vehicle component (260). Motor vehicle (200), having a device according to Claim 10 .

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