Method and device for determining a location and orientation of a device in a vehicle
First Claim
1. A method of estimating a location of a device within a vehicle, the method comprising:
- obtaining data from a rotating location determination unit of the device;
developing a vehicle profile based on the data obtained from the rotating location determination unit; and
comparing the vehicle profile to one or more known vehicle profiles to estimate the location of the device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for accurately determining the location and orientation of adevice in a vehicle are disclosed. The ability of a device to automatically determine its location in a vehicle by using images from a camera or distance measurements is provided. The images or distance measurements are compared to previously stored data, and an image recognition algorithm or pattern recognition algorithm is used to determine the closest match and the location of the device. The camera is also configured to rotate itself such that the camera lens is substantially aligned with the user interface of the device. Upon orienting itself in this manner, the camera is configured to capture an image which allows the device to determine which occupants of the vehicle are able to access the device. In other embodiments, the orientation of the device can be determined by determining the offset angle between a reference line and the user interface of the device. The occupants having access to the device can be determined with reference to a look-up table of angles and vehicle areas. The operation of the device can advantageously be modified based upon its location and which occupants are able to access the device.
118 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of estimating a location of a device within a vehicle, the method comprising:
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obtaining data from a rotating location determination unit of the device;
developing a vehicle profile based on the data obtained from the rotating location determination unit; and
comparing the vehicle profile to one or more known vehicle profiles to estimate the location of the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for determining accessibility of a device in a vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle, the method comprising:
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capturing a plurality of images of the vehicle from a vantage point of the device via a rotating camera lens;
comparing the plurality of captured images to one or more stored vehicle images;
substantially aligning the camera lens with a user interface of the device; and
determining which occupant in the vehicle is within view of the user interface of the device. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A self-locating device for use in a vehicle, the device comprising:
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a microprocessor;
a location determination unit operatively coupled to the microprocessor;
wherein the location determination unit is configured to rotate and obtain data used to develop a vehicle profile; and
a memory for storing one or more predetermined vehicle profiles, wherein the memory is operatively coupled to the microprocessor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification