Method for determining the eye and/or head position of a vehicle-user and arrangement for carrying out the method

• US 4,843,892 A
• Filed: 04/18/1988
• Issued: 07/04/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Original Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Inventors: Krist, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Noland, Tom
• Application Number:
  US07/182,431
• Time in Patent Office: 442 Days
• Field of Search: 73/865.9, 73/432.1, 73/866.4, 73/865.4
• US Class Current: 73/865.4
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/02 Rear-view mirror arrangements periscope arrangements B60R1/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/07 by electrically powered actuators

Abstract

In a method for determining the eye and/or head position of a vehicle-user, the position is determined on the basis of the adjusting parameters of a rear view mirror. The position can be determined therewith without difficulties and without special expenditures from the further design or constructive conditions of the vehicle and can be transmitted to a suitable device for the respective application, such as virtual indications or anti-glare protection devices.

Claims

1. A method for determining the eye and/or head position of a vehicle-user, comprising the steps of having the position of a rear view mirror of the vehicle being used characterized by adjusting parameters therefore, having said rear view mirror adjusted to a position of proper adjustment for the vehicle user, and then using the adjusting parameters characterizing the proper adjustment position to determine the eye and/or head position of the vehicle user.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting parameters of an inside rear view mirror are used.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting parameters of an outside rear view mirror are also used.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting parameters of an outside rear view mirror are used.

5. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1, comprising potentiometer means having two degrees of freedom coordinated to the rear view mirror, said potentiometer means being operable to detect the adjusting parameters of the rear view mirror.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising marking means in the rear view mirror which is aligned with an associated marking means in a rear window of the vehicle being used when the rear view mirror is inside the vehicle being used and in proper adjustment.