Vehicular HVAC Control Systems and Methods
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a HVAC system in a vehicle, comprising:
- monitoring temperature of an occupant in a compartment in the vehicle from a location apart from the occupant; and
controlling the HVAC system based on the monitored temperature.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Method for controlling a HVAC system in a vehicular compartment includes monitoring temperature of an occupant in the compartment from a location apart from the occupant, and controlling the HVAC system based on the monitored temperature. Occupant temperature may be monitored by infrared sensors, each arranged in an orientation to receive electromagnetic radiation from one or more seating locations in which occupants are likely to be situated. The temperature in each seating location is independently monitored. The HVAC system is controllable for each seating location based on the monitored temperature in that area. When monitoring of temperature in an area in which a driver of the vehicle is likely to be situated indicates presence of the driver, and no other areas indicate presence of a human occupant, the HVAC system is controllable such that all heat or air-conditioning provided by the HVAC system is directed to the driver.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a HVAC system in a vehicle, comprising:
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monitoring temperature of an occupant in a compartment in the vehicle from a location apart from the occupant; and
controlling the HVAC system based on the monitored temperature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A vehicle, comprising:
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a frame defining a passenger compartment having a plurality of seating locations;
a presence detector associated with each of said seating locations to detect the presence of a human occupant in said seating location;
a temperature monitor associated with each of said seating locations to monitor temperature of an occupant in said seating location;
a HVAC system including a hot or cold air source and a plurality of outlets communicating with said source and leading to one of said seating locations to enable hot or cold air to be directed to said seating locations; and
a processor coupled to said presence detectors, said temperature monitors and said HVAC system and arranged to control said outlets based on the presence of occupants in said seating locations and the temperature of occupants in said seating locations. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for controlling a HVAC system in a vehicle, comprising:
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positioning imaging devices in front of seating locations in the vehicle to obtain images of the seating locations including a face of a human occupant when present;
analyzing the images to determine whether a human occupant is present in each seating location;
when a human occupant is present in a seating location, locating the face of the human occupant in the image and measuring a skin temperature of the face of the occupant; and
controlling the HVAC system based on the measured skin temperature of any occupants. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification