GB2566687A - System for arranging driving-position for driver of vehicle - Google Patents

System for arranging driving-position for driver of vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2566687A
GB2566687A GB1714919.6A GB201714919A GB2566687A GB 2566687 A GB2566687 A GB 2566687A GB 201714919 A GB201714919 A GB 201714919A GB 2566687 A GB2566687 A GB 2566687A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
adjustable
driver
driving element
sensor
positions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1714919.6A
Other versions
GB201714919D0 (en
Inventor
Albert Lam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd
Original Assignee
Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd filed Critical Detroit Electric EV Technologies Zhejiang Ltd
Priority to GB1714919.6A priority Critical patent/GB2566687A/en
Publication of GB201714919D0 publication Critical patent/GB201714919D0/en
Priority to PCT/IB2018/057111 priority patent/WO2019053672A1/en
Publication of GB2566687A publication Critical patent/GB2566687A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
    • B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0248—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits with memory of positions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/0224—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
    • B60N2/0244—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits
    • B60N2/0272—Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation with logic circuits using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/20—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being tiltable, e.g. to permit easy access
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/22—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the back-rest being adjustable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/006—Side-view mirrors, e.g. V-shaped mirrors located at the front or rear part of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/037—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for occupant comfort, e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/16—Steering columns
    • B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
    • B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
    • B62D1/16—Steering columns
    • B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
    • B62D1/181—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with power actuated adjustment, e.g. with position memory

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element e.g. backrest 102, seat 104, central mirror 106, side mirrors 108a, 108b, steering column 110 etc., spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle 100. The system includes at least one sensor operatively coupled to the adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the adjustable driving element. The adjustable positions may be vary between drivers, based on their physical attributes. The system further includes a controller coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling movement of the adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions, and a memory for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the adjustable driving element. The system may store a driver profile for the driver, which allows the driver to select an optimised driving position. The adjustable positions may also be based on a driving preference related to terrain, weather etc.

Description

SYSTEM FOR ARRANGING DRIVING-POSITION FOR DRIVER OF VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to systems for arrangement driving-position for drivers of vehicles, for example for adjustable driving elements of a vehicle that are spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to methods of using a system for arranging adjustable driving elements for attaining a desired driving-position.
BACKGROUND
In recent times, vehicles have become an integral part of everyday human life. Individuals use various types of vehicles, such as electrical or hydride vehicles, to commute and/or transport goods from place to place. Moreover, individuals (such as drivers) use such vehicles for traversing distances of several hundred miles or kilometres in relatively short time-periods (for example, in a period of hours). Therefore, such contemporary vehicles have started including one and more features for providing a comfortable driving experience, for example for journeys in excess of a couple of hours' duration. Common examples of such features include adjustable car seats, adjustable steering wheels and adjustable mirrors and so forth, as employed in contemporary vehicles. Such car seats, steering wheels, and mirrors may be adjusted by a given individual driving according to personal preferences of the given individual. However, the one or more aforementioned features introduced in contemporary vehicles for providing a comfortable driving experience introduce various technical difficulties, as will next be elucidated.
Firstly, the features need to be manually adjusted by the individual who is desirous to use the features. For example, a driver of the vehicle may have to adjust manually a distance of the car seat with respect to the vehicle control components, such as a steering wheel, and an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch pedal. Furthermore, a process of attaining a perfect position of a given vehicle seat is a trial and error procedure. Often, individuals tend to overlook the process to achieve such a position to attend to other obligations. However, such overlooking can lead to an uncomfortable driving experience and in extreme conditions, cause accidents. Additionally, in an event wherein a vehicle is shared by multiple individuals, the car seat may have to be adjusted by multiple individuals, multiple times. Secondly, as the features need to be manually adjusted, it may not enable operation by a physically challenged individual. For example, a physically challenged individual may not be capable of adjusting the back rest of a car seat suitably, for comfortably traveling in the vehicle.
Therefore, in light of foregoing technical problems, there exists a need to address, for example to overcome, the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional known procedures for adjusting driving arrangement elements.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved system for arranging adjustable driving elements of a vehicle for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver.
According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the system includes:
at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and a computing unit having a controller that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling a movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and a memory for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;
wherein a selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a system for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver of a vehicle without a need to perform a cumbersome manual adjustment, namely by automatically arranging adjustable driving elements spatially associated with the driving20 position of a driver.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of using a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the method includes:
(i) arranging for at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element to sense multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and (ii) arranging for a computing unit having a controller to be operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and arranging for a memory to store the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;
wherein the method further includes selecting one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions for allowing the driver to attain a desired driving10 position based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle having adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 2 is block diagram a system for arranging a desired drivingposition for a driver by adjusting adjustable driving elements of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with providing a system for automatically arranging adjustable driving elements of a vehicle for attaining a desired driving-position for a driver.
Referring to FIG. 1, shown is a schematic illustration of a vehicle 100 having adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a drivingposition of a driver (not shown) of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 may be a pure electrical vehicle and/or a hybrid vehicle including a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.
According to an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may include at least one adjustable driving element, which includes at least one of a backrest 102, a seat 104, a central mirror 106, side mirrors 108a, 108b and a steering column 110. It will be appreciated that the vehicle 100 optionally includes other adjustable driving elements, such as windows, open roof panel and the like; however, the present disclosure relates to adjustable driving elements spatially associated with a driving-position of the driver.
According to the present disclosure, the term driving-position used herein primarily relates to a desired driving posture of a driver of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 100, with respect to adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110.
Furthermore, the driving-position is also associated with other functional elements of the vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch (not shown) pedal of the vehicle 100. Therefore, a desired driving-position beneficially allows a driver to attain a driving posture, which allows the driver to sit comfortably and have adjustable driving elements positioned at desired position for suitable access thereof.
It will be appreciated that the desired driving-position may be associated with at least one physical attribute of the driver, for example a height of the driver and/or a girth of the driver. In an example, the physical attribute of the driver may include a height of the driver. For example, it may be evident that a desired driving-position of a taller person (or driver) (for example, 2 metres tall) would be different from a desired driving-position of a comparatively shorter person (for example, 1.3 metres tall). Specifically, the taller person may adjust the adjustable driving elements to their desired positions for suitable access thereof, and similarly the shorter person may adjust the adjustable driving elements accordingly. However, adjustable positions of the adjustable driving elements for the taller person would be different, for example incompatible, from that of the shorter person.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the desired driving-position may not be only associated with the physical attribute of the driver, and may include other factors. According to one embodiment, the at least one physical attribute of the driver may also include driving preferences of the driver, which may be based upon a driving terrain, a distance to be travelled and/or prevailing weather conditions when travelling. For example, in case of a smooth driving terrain, a long distance and/or a pleasant weather condition, a driver's preference may include a slightly backward tilted backrest 102, and the seat 104 may be positioned such that the driver's legs can comfortably reach the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals of the vehicle 100 without a requirement for the driver to bend his/her knees. Similarly, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b may be adjusted accordingly, and the steering column 110 may be tilted slightly backwards towards the driver. However, in case of a rough driving terrain, a short distance to be travelled and/or unpleasant weather conditions, a driver's preference may include a comparatively less tilted (or straight) backrest 102, and the seat 104 may be positioned such that driver's legs reach the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals of the vehicle 100. Similarly, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a,
108b and so forth may be adjusted accordingly, and the steering column 110 may be slightly tilted away from the driver. Therefore, it may be appreciated that the desired driving-position may not be only limited by the physical attribute of the driver and may be also based upon the driver's preference. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that the desired driving-position may be attained by tilting the backrest 102, moving the seat 104 forward and/or backward, and angling the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b and the steering column 110 based on either the physical attributes of the driver and/or the driver's preference.
Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is block diagram of a system 200 for arranging a desired driving-position for a driver by adjusting adjustable driving elements of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 200 is associated with adjusting various adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror
106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b and the steering column 110 of the vehicle, spatially associated with the driving-position of the driver of the vehicle.
The system 200 includes at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based on the at least one physical attribute of the driver. As shown, the system 200 includes sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b and 210 operatively coupled to the adjustable driving elements, namely the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors
108a, 108b, and the steering column 110, respectively. The sensors
202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210 are operable to sense multiple adjustable positions of the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b and the steering column 110, respectively.
In one embodiment, each of the at least one sensor, such as the sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210, includes at least one of an imaging sensor or a tilt sensor. Furthermore, the imaging sensor may be one of an infrared sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. For example, the sensor 202 may be a tilt sensor operable to sense tilting of the backrest 102. Furthermore, the sensor 204 may be an imaging sensor operable to sense forward and/or backward positions of the seat 104, for example with respect to a dashboard of a vehicle. Moreover, the sensors 206, 208a, 208b may be a tilt sensor operable to sense angled position of the central mirror 106, and the side mirrors 108a, 108b, respectively. Furthermore, the sensor 210 may be a tilt sensor operable to sense tilting position of the steering column 110. Moreover, it may be appreciated that each of the sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210 may be combination of an imaging sensor and a tilt sensor.
The system 200 also includes a computing unit 230 having a controller 232 that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, such as the sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210, for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element, namely the backrest
102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a,
108b, and the steering column 110, for attaining the multiple adjustable positions thereof.
According to an embodiment, the controller relates to hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these, configured to control movement of the at least one adjustable driving element. Furthermore, the controller is operable to acquire sensed data from the at least one sensor. Additionally, the controller includes a single and/or a plurality of processors arranged in various architectures for processing the sensed data acquired from the at least one sensor. In an embodiment, the controller includes general electronic components. For example, the general electronic components include an input means, an output means, a processer, a network adapter and so forth.
According to an embodiment, the at least one adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror
106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110, is operatively coupled to at least one actuator arrangement for attaining the multiple adjustable positions thereof. As shown, the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110 are operatively coupled to actuator arrangements 212, 214, 216, 218a, 218b and 220, respectively. According to an embodiment, each of the at least one actuator arrangement, such as the actuator arrangements 212, 214, 216, 218a, 218b and 220, includes at least one motor and motion transfer elements (not shown). In an example, the motion transfer elements may include gears, rods or mechanical links. Therefore, the motion transfer elements, in conjunction with rotary motion provided by the motors, can tilt the backrest 102, move the seat 104 forward and/or backward, and angle (incline or direct) the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b and the steering column 110. It will be appreciated that the controller 232 may send operating signals to the actuator arrangements 212, 214, 216, 218a, 218b and 220 for providing required movement to the adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110.
The system 200 also includes a memory 234 for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110. The selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based on the at least the physical attributes of the driver.
According to an embodiment, the computing unit 230 further includes a display 236 for displaying the stored multiple adjustable positions. The display 236 may be a touch sensitive display for allowing selection of the stored at least one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the stored multiple adjustable positions allowed. This allows a driver of a vehicle to attain a desired driving position, using the system 200, based on either the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference.
According to an embodiment, in use or operation, a driver may sit on the seat 104 and manually adjust the adjustable driving elements, such as the backrest 102, the seat 104, the central mirror 106, the side mirrors 108a, 108b, and the steering column 110, to their desired adjustable positions as per driver's comfort. The sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210 may accordingly sense such desired adjustable positions of the manually adjusted adjustable driving elements. Thereafter, the desired adjustable positions, of the manually adjusted adjustable driving elements, may be sent to the controller 232. The controller 232 may accordingly create a driving-position profile, for the driver, corresponding to the desired adjustable positions of the adjustable driving elements. The desired driving-position profile for the driver may be sent to the memory 234 and stored therein. It will be appreciated that multiple drivers may accordingly have multiple desired driving-position profiles associated therewith, stored in the memory 234. In one embodiment, the desired driving-position profiles may be stored with the driver's name, for easy identification. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that one person (or driver) may have more than one desired driving-position profiles that are based either on the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference. Therefore, selection of at least one adjustable position, associated with a desired drivingposition profile of a driver, from the multiple adjustable positions (i.e. multiple desired driving position profiles) allows the driver to attain a desired driving position based on either the physical attributes of the driver or the driver's preference. In one embodiment, the desired driving-position profile may be displayed to the driver on the touch sensitive display (with the driver's name) allowing the driver to easily select the desired driving-position profile. The selection of desired driving-position profile essentially adjusts all adjustable driving elements to the comfort of the driver, thereby allowing the driver to attain the desired driving-position for driving the vehicle. Therefore, same driver can select different desired driving-position profiles based on the physical attributes or the preference of the driver. Additionally, different drivers of a same vehicle can have stored multiple desired driving-position profiles associated therewith, and selection of such desired driving-positions by the drivers would allow the drivers to attain their desired driving positions.
According to an embodiment, the computing unit 230 further includes a software application. Optionally, the software application is device20 functionality software and/or operating system software configured to execute other application programs and moreover, interface between the application programs and associated hardware, such as the computing unit 230. Furthermore, the software application is a software application management and infotainment (SAMI) arrangement. For example, the software application may be operable to provide an infotainment arrangement and/or system for the driver of the vehicle. Additionally, the software application includes artificial intelligence algorithms hosted therein. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithms relate to software-based algorithms that are executable upon a computing hardware, such as the computing unit 230, and are operable to adapt and adjust the operating parameters of the algorithms in an adaptive manner, depending upon information that is presented thereto, when executed upon the computing hardware. For example, the artificial intelligence algorithms are arranged, using learnt or pre-defined rules, to be able to identify each driver individually, for example from one or more sensor signals and/or from a login code entered of the driver, and also be able to learn a pattern of fatigue that the driver exhibits when driving a long journey. From the pattern of fatigue, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to adjust, using one or more actuators, aforementioned driving elements of the vehicle to improve comfort of the driver, thereby increasing driving safety for example.
Furthermore, as aforementioned, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to process the sensed data acquired from the various sensor, such as sensors 202, 204, 206, 208a, 208b, 210.
Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithms are operable to provide suggestion to the driver of the vehicle. For example, the artificial intelligence algorithms may analyse the sensed data provided by the imaging sensor 204 and the tilt sensor 202. Subsequently, the artificial intelligence algorithms may be operable to determine the amount of fatigue experienced by a driver based on the sensed data provided by the sensors 202 and 204. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence algorithms may suggest the amount of tilt of the backrest 102 for providing a less fatiguing travelling experience for the driver of the vehicle. In another example, the artificial intelligence algorithms may be operable to provide voice output to the driver to create a comfortable driving experience. In such an example, the voice output may include suggesting the driver safety measures for driving.
The present disclosure provides an efficient system for arranging the driving arrangement of vehicle based on user preference. The present system is operable to change the setting for the driving arrangement of the vehicle based on the user preference. Beneficially, the present system is operable to adjust, automatically or semi-automatically, the driving arrangement of the vehicle. Thus, little or no user involvement is required for adjusting the driving arrangement of the vehicle according to the user's preference. Additionally, the adjustment of the driving arrangement causes a lesser amount of fatigue to a user, consequently, providing a comfortable driving and/or traveling experience for the user. Therefore, the system is capable of providing an ergonomic benefit to the user, thus enabling a comfortable and enjoyable traveling experience in the vehicle. Furthermore, such reduction of fatigue in the driving experience for the driver is an important technical solution provided by embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of providing an ergonomic benefit for the driver by providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, consisting of, have, is used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims (9)

1. A system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle,
5 characterised in that the system includes:
at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and
10 a computing unit having a controller that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and
15 a memory for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;
wherein selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon the at
20 least one physical attribute of the driver.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adjustable driving element includes at least one of a backrest, a seat, a central mirror, side mirrors and a steering column.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the desired drivingposition is attained by tilting the backrest, moving forward and/or backward the seat, and angling the central mirror, the side mirrors and the steering column based upon the at least one physical attribute of
30 the driver.
4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one physical attribute of the driver includes a height of the driver.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one physical attribute of the driver further includes driving preferences of the driver based upon a driving terrain, a distance to be travelled and/or weather conditions.
5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of: an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an imaging sensor, a tilt sensor (accelerometer).
15 7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one adjustable driving element is operatively coupled to at least one actuator arrangement for attaining in operation the multiple adjustable positions thereof.
20 8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one actuator arrangement includes at least one motor and associated motion transfer elements for coupling a mechanical output of the at least one motor to make adjustments for attaining in operation the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element.
9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing unit further includes a display for displaying the stored multiple adjustable positions.
30 10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the display is a touch sensitive display for allowing selection of at least one stored adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the stored multiple adjustable positions allowed.
11. A method of using a system for arranging at least one adjustable
5 driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the method includes:
(i) arranging for at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element to sense multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element
10 based upon at least one physical attribute of the driver; and (ii) arranging for a computing unit having a controller to be operatively coupled to the at least one sensor for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at
15 least one adjustable driving element, and arranging for a memory to store the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element;
wherein the method further includes selecting one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple
20 adjustable positions for allowing the driver to attain a desired drivingposition based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.
Amendment to Claims have been filed as follows
APPLICANT'S AMENDED CLAIM SET (clean copy version)
1. A system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the system includes:
at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element for sensing multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element; and a computing unit having a controller that is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and at least one actuator arrangement for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, a memory for storing the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and a software application operable to determine amount of fatigue experienced by the driver based on data provided by the at least one sensor;
wherein selection of one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions allows the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon the amount of fatigue experienced by the driver as determined by the software application.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adjustable driving element includes at least one of a backrest, a seat, a central mirror, side mirrors and a steering column.
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the desired driving-position is attained by tilting the backrest, moving forward and/or backward the seat, and angling the central mirror, the side mirrors and the steering column based upon the at least one physical attribute of the driver.
4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one physical attribute of the driver includes a height of the driver.
5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of: an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an imaging sensor, a tilt sensor.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator arrangement includes at least one motor and associated motion transfer elements for coupling a mechanical output of the at least one motor to make adjustments for attaining in operation the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element.
7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing unit further includes a display for displaying the stored multiple adjustable positions.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the display is a touch sensitive display for allowing selection of at least one stored adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the stored multiple adjustable positions allowed.
9. A method of using a system for arranging at least one adjustable driving element spatially associated with a driving-position of a driver of a vehicle, characterised in that the method includes:
(i) arranging for at least one sensor that is operatively coupled to the at least one adjustable driving element to sense multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element; and (ii) arranging for a computing unit having a controller to be operatively coupled to the at least one sensor and at least one actuator arrangement for controlling movement of the at least one adjustable driving element for attaining the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, arranging for a memory to store the multiple adjustable positions of the at least one adjustable driving element, and arranging for a software application to determine amount of fatigue experienced by the driver based on data provided by the at least one sensor;
wherein the method further includes selecting one adjustable position, of the at least one adjustable driving element, from the multiple adjustable positions for allowing the driver to attain a desired driving-position based upon amount of fatigue experienced by the driver as determined by the software application.
GB1714919.6A 2017-09-15 2017-09-15 System for arranging driving-position for driver of vehicle Withdrawn GB2566687A (en)

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PCT/IB2018/057111 WO2019053672A1 (en) 2017-09-15 2018-09-17 Driving assistance system and method

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