Driver entry detector for a motor vehicle
First Claim
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1. An active infrared (IR) sensor assembly to detect an occupant, comprising:
- a housing and said housing further comprising;
an IR emitter that transmits a signal;
a photo diode to detect a reflection of the signal;
a microcontroller commutatively coupled to said photo diode to receive an indication of the reflected signal from the photo diode, wherein the microcontroller processes the reflected signal to create a notification signal that entry of a vehicle occupant into the motor vehicle has been detected, said microcontroller also having a memory wherein personalized seat occupant information is stored, said information being taken from the group comprising one or more of a seat position, a steering wheel position, illumination settings, audio settings and navigation screen features, said information being applied upon receipt of said reflected signal;
an output converter to convert the notification signal to an automotive-compatible signal protocol; and
a power conditioner to provide an appropriate voltage to said IR emitter said photo diode and said microcontroller.
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Abstract
Driver-detection technology includes various systems, methods, and apparatuses. For example, an active infrared (IR) sensor might be affixed in the driver'"'"'s footwell of a motor vehicle and detect the driver'"'"'s entry into the vehicle. The detection of the driver by the IR sensor is usable to personalize motor-vehicle features, such as seat position, steering-wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angles, and touch-screen configuration, among others.
19 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An active infrared (IR) sensor assembly to detect an occupant, comprising:
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a housing and said housing further comprising;
an IR emitter that transmits a signal;a photo diode to detect a reflection of the signal; a microcontroller commutatively coupled to said photo diode to receive an indication of the reflected signal from the photo diode, wherein the microcontroller processes the reflected signal to create a notification signal that entry of a vehicle occupant into the motor vehicle has been detected, said microcontroller also having a memory wherein personalized seat occupant information is stored, said information being taken from the group comprising one or more of a seat position, a steering wheel position, illumination settings, audio settings and navigation screen features, said information being applied upon receipt of said reflected signal; an output converter to convert the notification signal to an automotive-compatible signal protocol; and a power conditioner to provide an appropriate voltage to said IR emitter said photo diode and said microcontroller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A seat system for a motor vehicle comprising:
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a seat bottom; a seat base that connects the seat bottom to a vehicle floor and that includes an inboard portion and an outboard portion; and an active infrared (IR) sensor assembly that is coupled to the seat bottom and that comprises; an infrared emitter that transmits an infrared signal; a photo diode detector that detects a reflected infrared signal; and a microcontroller commutatively coupled to said photo diode, said microcontroller also having a memory wherein personalized seat occupant information is stored, said information being taken from the group comprising one or more of a seat position, a steering wheel position, illumination settings, audio settings and navigation screen features, said information being applied upon receipt of said reflected infrared signal. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method, comprising:
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forming an active IR sensor assembly having an IR emitter, an IR receiver and a microcontroller, said microcontroller also having a memory wherein personalized seat occupant information is stored, said information being taken from the group comprising one or more of a seat position, a steering wheel position, illumination settings, audio settings and navigation screen features, said information being applied upon receipt of a reflected infrared signal; attaching said sensor assembly to the driver'"'"'s seat base; transmitting an infrared signal into a footwell of a motor vehicle; receiving a reflected infrared signal; generating a notification signal that an occupant entered the motor vehicle in response to receiving a reflected signal; and applying at least one of said personalized features in response to the notification signal. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification