WO2008024306A1

WO2008024306A1 - Object detection system and method for moving vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: WO2008024306A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/018390
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric S. Deuel; Robert E. Jensen; William M. Jarocha
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date: 2006-08-23
Filing date: 2007-08-20
Publication date: 2008-02-28

Abstract

A system and method configured to control the movement of a seat (12) comprising a seat base (20), a seat back (18), a drive assembly (34) configured to move the seat back relative to the seat base, an optical sensor (44a) configured to detect an object in a path of movement of at least one of the seat back and seat base and a control circuit (78) configured to control the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to a signal from the optical sensor.

Description

OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOB FOR MOVING

VEHICLE SEAT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Application claims the benefit of priority, as available under 35 U. S. C. § 1 19(e)(l) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/839,502 titled "Object Detection System For Moving Vehicle Seat" filed on August 23, 2006 (which is incorporated by reference in its entirety).

FIELD

|0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicle seats and, more particularly, to an object detection system for a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Some automotive seats have a seat assembly that manually folds flat with store-in- floor functionality. A vehicle seat can have a collapsible assembly that becomes substantially flat. A motorized mechanism can be provided to accomplish either the storing or collapsing function. A blockage detection device, which has amperage or motor speed sensors to detect blockages, can be provided. A typical blockage detection system functions by making actual physical contact with an object. It would be advantageous to provide an obstruction detection device which, preferably, does not require contact with the object. [0004] There are a number of situations in which it is desirable to have an obstruction detection system. These situations are common in everyday life, such as a child's toy slipping down into the storage compartment space. Another example is personal items (e.g., eyeglasses, sports equipment and electronic devices) accidentally placed in the path of the store-in-floor seating system. These items could be damaged-without an obstruction detection system.

[0005] Present technologies do not provide a satisfactory solution to these problems. These present technologies are based on monitoring ampere and motor speed, which require contact with the object to calculate a change in ampere draw or motor speed. This change in ampere or motor speed allows the device to determine that an object is blocking the travel path; however, the damage to personal items could have already occurred from the object physically contacting the moving seat.

[0006] Notwithstanding the known devices, there remains a need to develop a vehicle seat storage system having an indicator to notify a user or a computerized system that an obstruction is impeding the seat movement before physical contact is made between the seat and the obstruction. There is a further need for a system and method to indicate an obstruction in the pathway of seat movement which provides pinchless, easy, and convenient scat movement and/or storage.

[0007] It is desirable to provide a vehicle seat that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present description.

[0008] The teachings herein described below extend to those embodiments, which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to one exemplary embodiment, a seat comprises a seat base and a seat back member. A drive assembly is configured to move the seat back relative to the seat base. The system has an optical sensor configured to detect an object in the path of movement of at least one of the seat back and seat base. A control circuit is configured to control the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to a signal from the optical sensor.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for moving a seat is disclosed. The optical sensor is configured to monitor a path of movement and communicate at least a first obstacle signal to a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to move a scat back relative to a seat base in response to at least the first obstacle signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a partial side sectional view of a vehicle interior, including a seat that is movable, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a seat storage system, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0013] Fig. 3 is a side view of the seat in Fig. 2 located in the upright position, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the seat of Fig. 2 being moved from a storage position, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the seat of Fig. 2 in an upright position, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the seat of Fig. 2 with the seat cushion system inflated, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0017] Figs. 7 A — 7E show a side view of an optical sensor system monitoring movement of the seat to detect an object in the pathway of the seat, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 8 is a side view of the optical sensor system, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the optical sensor system monitoring the vehicle seat, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 10 is an exemplary process flowchart for the seat storage system, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0021] Figs. 1 IA — 1 IB are side views of the optical sensor monitoring various pathways, including a bus seat, a vehicle sliding door, a vehicle power door and a vehicle window, according to exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Before beginning the detailed description of exemplary embodiments, several general comments are warranted about the applicability and the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Although the description below contains many specificities, these specificities are utilized to illustrate some of the preferred embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by the claims, their legal equivalents and the fact that it fully encompasses other embodiments which may become apparent to those skilled in the art. A method or device does not have to address each and every problem to be encompassed by the present disclosure. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the below-described disclosure that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one, unless explicitly so stated, but rather it should be construed to mean at least one. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U. S. C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." Furthermore, no element, component or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element, component or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.

[0024] Referring generally to FIG. 1 through FlG. 6, there is shown a seat 12, according to an exemplary embodiment, including a seat back 18 and a seat base 20. In an exemplary embodiment, seat 12 further includes a headrest 22 which may be attached at the upper end of seat back 18 as is conventional in the art of seats.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, seat back 18 is provided with a seat cushion presenting device (not shown) such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/454,263, filed on March 13, 2003, entitled "Seat Cushion Presenter Device for Folding Seat," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Alternatively, the cushion presenting device may be an inflatable type mechanism (not shown) such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/425,225, filed on November 8, 2002. entitled "Vehicle Seat Structures," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [0026] FIGS. 1-6 disclose seat 12 for use in a vehicle 10 having a recess 14 in a floor 16. In an exemplary embodiment, seat 12 may be folded flat to have a relatively very thin profile such that the required depth of recess 14 for storing seat 12 is minimized. In an exemplary embodiment, seat back 18 is adjustably connected to seat base 20 using any known or appropriate mechanism for providing rotational coupling while still providing the required operations and load transferring capability of seat 12 for use in vehicle 10. [0027] In an exemplary embodiment, seat 12 is designed to be stored in recess 14 such that when seat 12 is in the stow or fold flat position, the back of seat back 18 constitutes a portion of floor 16 of vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, floor 16 includes a flap portion 38 for providing manual access to seat 12 and covering a portion thereof when seat 12 is in the stow position. Further, flap portion 38 is hinged to floor 16 and pivots into recess 14 when seat 12 is pivoted out of recess 14, such that flap portion 38 provides an angled support for the feet of an occupant of seat 12.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, seat 12 includes a seat cushion member 48 including a seat back cushion portion 88 and a seat base cushion portion 50. In an exemplary embodiment, seat cushion member 48 can be designed to include a bladder system 86 capable of being inflated with air or another fluid for providing comfort and support to a seat occupant and raising seat back cushion portion 88 and seat base cushion portion 50. Further, bladder system 86 can provide seat cushion contours by providing bladder portions selectively throughout seat cushion member 48, such as thigh and side bolsters. In an exemplary embodiment, bladder system 86 can include a bladder portion 52 aligned with seat back cushion portion 88 and a bladder portion 54 aligned with seat base cushion portion 50. The operations of bladder system 86 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10/515,160 and 10/515,885, both filed on November 7, 2003, both entitled "Thin Profile Folding Vehicle Seat," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 10029] As shown in FIG. 3, seat 12 is configured to include a drive assembly 34 capable of moving seat back 18 relative to seat base 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, drive assembly 34 is coupled to support members 36 to enable movement of seat back 18 relative to seat base 20. Further, drive assembly 34 is configured to have a release system (not shown) that allows for manual movement of seat back 18 relative to seat base 20.

[0030] FIGS. 3 and 4 show seat 12 can be designed to include ,a track 28, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, track 28 is coupled to a linkage assembly 26. In an exemplary embodiment, linkage assembly 26 is coupled to a seat bracket 90 and seat base 20. In an exemplary embodiment, track 28 is configured to guide seat base 20 and seat back 18 into recess 14.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, seat 12 can be movable between a first stow position and numerous deploy or target positions, according to an exemplary embodiment. The movement of seat 12 can be initiated through a control circuit 78 in response to signals received from an input device 42. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 can comprise an electronic circuit, or any known mechanism for providing system input (e.g. wireless transceiver, touch-screen display, such as an LCD, a vehicle bus or communication gateway, etc.).

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a receiving light pipe 44c incorporating an optical sensor 44a positioned in a center console 164 and a transmitting light pipe 44b positioned at or near a sidewall 94 in vehicle 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. In another embodiment, receiving light pipe 44c incorporating optical sensor 44a is positioned at or near sidewall 94 and transmitting light pipe 44b is positioned in the center console 164 of vehicle 10. In another further embodiment, receiving light pipe 44c, incorporating optical sensor 44a and transmitting light pipe 44b, are positioned in seat 12. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a monitors a seat base area 178 during the process of moving seat back 18 relative to seat base 20. In another embodiment, optical sensor 44a is configured to monitor the process of moving seat base 20 and seat back 18 into recess 14. In another embodiment, optical sensor 44a monitors the area of recess 14.

[0033] In another embodiment, a full bench seat (not shown) would require only one transmitting light pipe 44b and receiving light pipe 44c because there is no center console 164.

[0034) Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9 and more particularly to FIG. 7A, transmitting light pipe 44b is configured to emit a plane of light 60, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, plane of light 60 has an upper profile range 56 and a lower profile range 58. In an exemplary embodiment, plane of light 60 is configured to allow optical sensor 44a to monitor seat base area 178 during the process of moving seat back 18 relative to seat base 20. In another embodiment, plane of light 60 is configured to allow optical sensor 44a to monitor seat base 20, seat back 18 and recess 14. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a may be a High Ambient Light Independent Optical System ("HELIOS") sensor manufactured by ELMOS Semiconductor, Dortmund Germany.

[0035] Alternatively, other sensors may be used, such as, infrared, ultrasonic and radio frequency. In an alternative embodiment, transmitting light pipe 44b is configured to emit a three-dimensional light profile.

[0036] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9 and more particularly to FIG. 7A, seat 12 is shown in an upright position, according to an exemplary embodiment. Once input device 42 receives a movement initiation signal, input device 42 signals control circuit 78 requesting that control circuit 78 command drive assembly 34 to move seat 12. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 requests a signal indicative of whether an obstacle or obstruction is present from optical sensor 44a. Once optical sensor 44a has communicated that the pathway is clear or otherwise within predetermined parameters (e.g., at least a portion of the path of movement is clear), control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to start moving seat back 18 relative to seat base 20.

[0037J Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, and more particularly to FIG. 7B, drive assembly 34 moves seat back 18 towards seat base 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, transmitting light pipe 44b continually emits plane of light 60 to receiving light pipe 44c. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a continually monitors plane of light 60 and communicates this data to control circuit 78. In FIG. 7B, optical sensor 44a communicates that the movement of seat back 18 towards seat base 20 is clear or otherwise within a predetermined parameter, because no obstruction outside of the predetermined parameters have been detected, according to an exemplary embodiment. Since optical sensor 44a communicates that the pathway is within a predetermined parameter, control circuit 78 continues to command drive assembly 34 to reduce the difference between the present position of seat 12 and the target position. [0038] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, and more particularly to FIG. 7C₅ drive assembly 34 continues to move seat back 18 toward seat base 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, transmitting light pipe 44b continually emits plane of light 60 to receiving light pipe 44c. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a continually monitors plane of light 60 and communicates this data to control circuit 78. In FIG. 7C, optical sensor 44a has detected an object 62 in the pathway of seat back 18 toward seat base 20. In this exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a determines that object 62 located in the pathway is outside of a predetermined parameter. In this exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a sends a signal to control circuit 78 which reports that the pathway of seat back 18 towards seat base 20 is obstructed by object 62 which is outside of a predetermined parameter. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to discontinue movement of seat back 18 towards seat base 20. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 communicates this status to input device 42 and requests further instructions.

[0039] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, and more particularly to FIG. 7D₅ an exemplary embodiment shows that input device 42 has not responded in the appropriate timeframe or has communicated that the operator does not want to override control circuit 78. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to move seat back 18 and seat base 20 to seat back 18 and seat base 20 initial positions. [0040] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, and more particularly to FIG. 7E, an exemplary embodiment shows that input device 42 has responded that the operator wants to override control circuit 78. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to move seat back 18 to a target position.

[0041] In alternative embodiments, a combination of limit switches, end of travel switches, positioning devices and motor pulse counts, could be used to aid in performing data fusion which would enhance the performance of the control circuit. [0042] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 8, transmitting light pipe 44b is embedded in the sidewall and receiving light pipe 44c is embedded in center console 164, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a is located at one end of receiving light pipe 44c. A single transmitting light emitting diode (not shown) is applied at one end of transmitting light pipe 44b. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a algorithm can detect object 62 that breaks plane of light 60 created by transmitting light pipe 44b and receiving light pipe 44c. In an exemplary embodiment, a control signal is sent to control circuit 78 indicating object 62 is detected. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to discontinue movement of seat 12 and await further instructions.

[0043] A photoelectric transmitter 166 is configured to project an array of synchronized, parallel infrared light beams from transmitting light pipe 44b to receiving light pipe 44c, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 shows that plane of light 60 can travel in three different routes from transmitting light pipe 44b to receiving light pipe 44c, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, an optical coupling pathway 180 is predetermined by the positioning of transmitting light pipe 44b relative to receiving light pipe 44c. In an exemplary embodiment, a surface pathway 174 is fixed by a surface 182 characteristics of seat 12. In an exemplary embodiment, an object pathway 176 is defined by object 62 reflecting a portion of plane of light 60 to receiving light pipe 44c. [0044] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 8, a photoelectric transmitter 166 is optically coupled to a photodiode 168, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the communications between photodiode 168 and photoelectric transmitter 166 is modified by an emitter compensator 170. In an exemplary embodiment, photoelectric transmitter 166 projects an array of light beams 172 from transmitting light pipe 44b to receiving light pipe 44c. In an exemplary embodiment, when no object 62 is present, the light beams of surface pathway 174 are reflected back to receiving light pipe 44c and processed by optical sensor 44a. In an exemplary embodiment, if there is an object 62, an object light beam 176 is reflected back to receiving light pipe 44c and processed by optical sensor 44a.

[0045] In another embodiment, object 62 directly reflects light to optical sensor 44a. In a further embodiment, optical sensor 44a is configured to directly reflect light off of object 62.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiation characteristic of photoelectric transmitter 166 projections or the receiving characteristic of a photodiode is given by: 2007/018390

Equation 1 L N = [N | |L| Cos^κ(φ) The exponent K is given by the half power angle φθ.5:

Equation 2 K - L N (0.5)/L N (cos(φ₀.s))

Equation 1 is the Lambertian Reflector equation where N is the dot product of the surface's normalized normal vector, L is the normalized vector pointing from the surface to the light source and φ is the angle between the direction of the two vectors. [0047] In an exemplary embodiment, photoelectric transmitter 166 is configured to emit pulses of light which may be sequenced and/or modulated.

[0048) Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 10, a seat moving process 126 provides for monitoring and controlling the movement of seat 12, according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, seat moving process 126 can be initiated through input device 42, which an operator initiates through an input device activation step 100. In an exemplary embodiment, input device 42 is configured to allow the operator to select various target positions for seat 12. In one embodiment, input device 42 has a liquid crystal display (LCD) which allows the operator to select a variety of locations for seat 12. In another embodiment, input device 42 is a portable device that communicates wirelessly with control circuit 78. In a further embodiment, input device 42 is a voice recognition system. There are numerous ways to configure input device 42, which will be recognized by one skilled in the art.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 receives the activation signal from input device 42 and communicates with the drive assembly to determine the location of seat 12 in seat location step 102. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 78 compares the seat location to the target location in step 104. After step 104, control circuit 78 executes step 106 in which control circuit 78 determines whether the seat location and the target location are the same. If the seat location and the target location are the same, then in step 108 control circuit 78 communicates this status to input device 42. If the seat location and the target location are not the same, then in step 110 control circuit 78 requests an obstruct location signal from optical sensor 44a.

[0050] After step 110, control circuit 78 executes step 112, in which control circuit 78 determines whether there is an obstacle or obstruction detected. If the signal from optical sensor 44a determines that the path is obstruction free, control circuit 78 moves seat 12 to reduce the difference between the position of seat 12 and the target position. Once control circuit 78 has executed step 114, it loops back to re-execute steps 104 through 112. (0051] If the signal from optical sensor 44a determines that the path is obstructed, then in step 116 control circuit 78 stops the movement of seat 12. Control circuit 78 communicates this status to input device 42. The operator has the ability to override control circuit 78 to move seat 12 to the target position. In step 120, the operator may override the system through input device 42. Preferably, the operator or the computerized system is required to override the control circuit within a specified timeframe. If the operator or computerized system fails to respond within the specified timeframe, control circuit 78 commands drive assembly 34 to move seat 12 to the initial position.

[0052] After step 118, control circuit 78 executes step 120, in which control circuit 78 determines whether the operator has overridden the system through input device 42. If the operator has overridden the system, then in step 124 control circuit 78 moves seat 12 to the target position. If the operator has not overridden the system, then in step 122 control circuit 78 moves seat 12 to the initial position.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, a portable device could wirelessly communicate with the input device to send a signal to the control circuit to command the drive assembly to move the seat to a predetermined position. This would allow the operator to move the seat prior to actual utilization which would increase the operator's ability to focus on other tasks (e.g., monitoring children, loading/unloading groceries). This embodiment could also allow the user to move the seat to a predetermined position at a predetermined time. There could be different positions for different events or times (e.g., sporting events, shopping, personal workouts). The control circuit is configured to determine the position of the seat which can be accomplished in numerous ways including utilizing a position switch. [0054] In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8 and 1 IA, transmitting light pipe 44b, receiving light pipe 44c and optical sensor 44a can monitor the movement of seat 12 in a bus 150. In an exemplary embodiment, seat 12 could be stored to increase the comfort of the passengers or to provide additional storage space. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a signals control circuit 78 about an obstruction and control circuit 78 stops any seat 12 movement that would cause damage.

[0055] In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 8 and 1 IB, transmitting light pipe 44b, receiving light pipe 44c and optical sensor 44a can be utilized to monitor the movement of a power sliding door 158 in vehicle 10. This embodiment also includes a power door 162 in vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, power sliding door 158 or power door 162 movement could be monitored by optical sensor 44a. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a signals control circuit 78 about an obstruction and control circuit 78 stops the movement of either power sliding door 158 or power door 162. [0056] In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 1 IB, transmitting light pipe 44b, receiving light pipe 44c and optical sensor 44a can be utilized to monitor the movement of a window 160 in vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, optical sensor 44a signals control circuit 78 about an obstruction and control circuit 78 stops the movement of window 160 that would cause damage. It is understood by those skilled in the art that optical sensor 44a can be used in numerous configurations to monitor pathways.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A seat having a seat base and a seat back comprising: a drive assembly configured to move the seat back relative to the seat base; an optical sensor configured to detect an object in a path of movement of at least one of the seat back and the seat base; and a control circuit configured to control the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to an obstacle location signal from the optical sensor.

2. The seat of claim 1 , further comprising: a track configured to guide at least one of the seat base and the seat back into a recess in a vehicle; a linkage assembly coupled to the track; a seat bracket coupled to the linkage assembly and the seat base; and an input device, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate movement of at least one of the seat base and seat back in response to a control signal from the input device.

3. The seat of claim 1, wherein the control circuit stops the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to the obstacle location signal.

4. The seat of claim 1, wherein the control circuit reverses movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to the obstacle location signal.

5. The scat of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor emits a plane of light.

6. The seat of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is configured to emit light in a three dimensional profile.

7. The seat of claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor is configured to utilize spectral regions.

8. The seat of claim 1 , including a locking device to lock the seat in a position.

9. The seat of claim 1, including an override device configured to provide an override signal to the control circuit, wherein, in response to the override signal, the control circuit controls movement of the seat back relative to the seat base regard to the obstacle location signal.

10. The seat of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to: i. receive a plurality of seat location signals from a position sensor configured to indicate a position of the seat; ii. compare the position of the seat to a target position; iii. control the seat so as to reduce a difference between the position of the seat and the target position; iv. receive a plurality of obstacle location signals from the optical sensor; v. compare the position of the seat with an obstacle position; and wherein the control circuit is configured to prevent the seat from impacting the obstacle position.

11. The seat of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is mounted remotely from the optical sensor.

12. The seat of claim 2, wherein the input device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the control circuit.

13. A method for moving a seat, the method comprising: monitoring a path of movement; communicating an obstacle signal from an optical sensor indicative of an obstacle in the path of movement to a control circuit; and moving a seat back relative to a seat base in response to the obstacle signal.

14. The method of claim 13, including the step of moving the seat position to a pre-selected position at a predetermined time.

15. The method of claim 13, including the step of locking the seat in the preselected position.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the control circuit communicates with an external computing device. US2007/018390

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the control circuit communicates with a portable computing device.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to: i. receive a series of seat location signals as input from a track sensor; ii. measure a position of the seat; iii. compare the position of the seat with a target position; iv. control the seat so as to reduce a difference between the position of the seat and the target position; v. receive a series of obstacle location signals as input from the optical sensor; vi. measure a position of the obstacle; vii. compare the position of the seat with the position of the obstacle; and wherein the control circuit is configured to prevent the seat from impacting the position of the obstacle.

19. A seat having a seat base and a seat back comprising: a means for moving the seat back relative to the seat base; a means for detecting an object in a path of movement of at least one of the seat back and the seat base; and a means for controlling the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to an obstacle location signal from the means for detecting an object in the path of movement of at least one of the seat back and the seat base.

20. The seat of claim 19, wherein the means for controlling stops the movement of the seat back relative to the seat base in response to the obstacle location signal from the means for detecting an object in the path of movement of at least one of the seat back and the seat base.