WO2024041791A1

WO2024041791A1 - System and method for controlling vehicle settings

Info

Publication number: WO2024041791A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/068493
Authority: WO
Inventors: HyoungLack Jung
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH
Priority date: 2022-08-25
Filing date: 2023-07-05
Publication date: 2024-02-29
Also published as: GB2621987A; GB202212346D0

Abstract

Aspects concern a system (100) for controlling a vehicle comprising: a UWB radar module (110); and a controller (120) configured to analyse UWB signals (312, 322) reflected from a first object (310) and a second object (320), determine if the first object (310) is a safety seat placed on a seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal (312) reflected from the first object (310), determine if the second object (320) is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320), and where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat and the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, control at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

Description

DESCRIPTION

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE SETTINGS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to a system and a method for controlling a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or is part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the disclosure.

Safety seats are widely used in vehicles for passengers who are required to be protected from injury or death during vehicle collisions. The safety seats, for example, may include a child safety seat which is designed specifically to protect a child. The child safety seat may typically be installed by a driver of a vehicle before the child rides in the vehicle.

Conventionally, the driver may check whether the child sits on the child safety seat, and then control the vehicle according to the driver’s judgements based on the driver’s experiences. However, even though the driver tries to control the vehicle considering the existence of the child, the driver’s habits and/or unconsciousness may lead a risk of an accident or discomfort to the child.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved system and method for controlling the vehicle, that seek to address at least one of the aforementioned issues.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, there is a system for controlling a vehicle. The system comprises: a UWB (ultra-wideband) radar module configured to transmit UWB signals to a first object placed on a seat of the vehicle and a second object placed on the first object, and receive UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object respectively; and a controller configured to analyse the UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object, and determine if the first object is a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the first object, characterised in that: the controller is further configured to determine if the second object is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object, and where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, control at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to, where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, transmit information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to further transmit information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to, where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat, determine if the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to detect the first object placed on the seat of the vehicle based on a time difference between the UWB signal transmitted to the first object and the UWB signal reflected from the first object.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that the detected first object is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle, if the time difference between the UWB signal transmitted to the first object and the UWB signal reflected from the first object is within a first predetermined range. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to detect the second object placed on the first object based on a variation of the UWB signal reflected from the second object.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine that the detected second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, if the variation of the UWB signal reflected from the second object is within a second predetermined range. In some embodiments, the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle seat controller, and the vehicle seat controller is configured to adjust at least one of an angle and a position of at least one seat of the vehicle, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger and the position of the passenger. In some embodiments, the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle suspension controller, and the vehicle suspension controller is configured to adjust a suspension of at least one wheel, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

In some embodiments, the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle speed controller, and the vehicle speed controller is configured to adjust vehicle speed, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

According to various embodiments, there is a method for controlling a vehicle. The method comprises: transmitting UWB signals to a first object placed on a seat of the vehicle and a second object placed on the first object; receiving UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object respectively; analysing the UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object; and determining if the first object is a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the first object, characterised in that the method further comprises: determining if the second object is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object; and where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, controlling at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, transmitting information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object; and further transmitting information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger.

According to various embodiments, a data processing apparatus configured to perform the method of any one of the above embodiments is provided.

According to various embodiments, a computer program element comprising program instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of the above embodiments is provided.

According to various embodiments, a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of the above embodiments is provided. The computer-readable medium may include a non- transitory computer-readable medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for controlling a vehicle according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary diagrams of a system 100 for controlling a vehicle according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 200 for controlling a vehicle according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

Embodiments described in the context of one of a system and a method are analogously valid for the other of the system and method. Similarly, embodiments described in the context of a system are analogously valid for a method, and vice- versa.

Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and/or combinations and/or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

While terms such as “first”, “second” etc., may be used to describe various directions, such directions are not limited by the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one direction from another, and do not define an order and/or significance of the directions.

Throughout the description, the term “module” may be understood as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor which executes code, other suitable hardware components which provide the described functionality, or any combination thereof. The term of “module” may include a memory which stores code executed by a controller.

In the following, embodiments will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 for controlling a vehicle according to various embodiments. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate exemplary diagrams of the system 100 for controlling the vehicle according to various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the vehicle may include three or more wheels capable of transporting people and/or cargo. The vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a car, a truck, and a bus. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be operated by a driver. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include an autonomous vehicle.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 , the system 100 may include a UWB (ultra-wideband) radar module 110, a controller 120, and a memory 130. In some embodiments, the system 100 may further include at least one vehicle controller, including, but not limited to, a vehicle seat controller 140, a vehicle suspension controller 150, and a vehicle speed controller 160.

In some embodiments, the memory 130 (also referred to as a “database”) may store input data and/or output data temporarily or permanently. In some embodiments, the memory 130 may store program code which allows the system 100 to perform a method 200 (as will be described with reference to FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the program code may be embedded in a Software Development Kit (SDK). The memory 130 may include an internal memory of the system 100 and/or an external memory. The external memory may include, but is not limited to, an external storage medium, for example, a memory card, a flash drive, and a web storage.

In some embodiments, the UWB signals may be radio signals that may use a low energy level for short-range and high-bandwidth communications.

In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may generate the UWB signals and transmit the UWB signals to surroundings. The UWB radar module 110 may generate the UWB signals having a predetermined signal property. For example, the signal property may include, but is not limited to, centre frequency and amplitude. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may continuously transmit the UWB signals to the surroundings. In some other embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may transmit the UWB signals to the surroundings at predetermined intervals. In some other embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may transmit the UWB signals to the surroundings when changes to the surroundings are detected. For example, when a door of the vehicle is open and closed, the UWB radar module 110 may transmit the UWB signals to the surroundings.

In some embodiments, the UWB signals transmitted to the surroundings may be reflected from the surroundings. The UWB radar module 110 may receive UWB signals reflected from the surroundings.

In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may include a UWB signal generator (not shown) configured to generate the UWB signals under a control of the controller 120. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may include a UWB signal transmitting antenna (not shown) configured to transmit the generated UWB signals. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may include a UWB signal receiving antenna (not shown) configured to receive the UWB signals reflected from the surroundings. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may include a noise removal filter (not shown) configured to remove noise from the received UWB signals. In some embodiments, the noise may include, but is not limited to external electromagnetic waves. In some embodiments, the noise removal filter may include, but is not limited to, a UWB radar frequency bandpass filter, a clutter filter, and a FIR (finite impulse response) filter.

In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may be installed in a ceiling of the vehicle. In some other embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may be installed in a rear surface of a backrest of a front seat of the vehicle. In some other embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may be installed in a steering wheel of the vehicle. It may be appreciated that a plurality of UWB radar modules 110 may be installed in various positions within the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 (also referred to as a “processor”) may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, an analogue circuit, a digital circuit, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or any combination thereof. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions, which will be described below in further detail, may also be understood as the controller 120.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may be connectable to the UWB radar module 110. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may be arranged in data or signal communication with the UWB radar module 110. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may receive the UWB signals reflected from the surroundings from the UWB radar module 110. In some other embodiments, the controller 120 may receive the UWB signals in which the noise is removed by the noise removal filter, from the UWB radar module 110.

In some embodiments, the surroundings may include one or more objects within the vehicle. In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the one or more objects may include a first object 310 placed on a seat of the vehicle. In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, the one or more objects may further include a second object 320 placed on the first object 310.

In some embodiments, the first object 310 may be a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the safety seat may be a seat designed to protect a certain passenger who is required to be protected from injury or death during vehicle collisions. The safety seat, for example, may include a child safety seat (also referred to as an “infant safety seat”, a “child seat”, a “baby seat”, a “car seat”, a “booster seat”, or a “child restraint seat”) which is designed specifically to protect a child. The child safety seat may typically be installed by a driver of the vehicle before a child rides in the vehicle. As another example, the safety seat may include a car seat for a child and/or an adult with disabilities.

In some embodiments, the second object 320 may be a passenger sitting on the safety seat. For example, the passenger may be the child (also referred to as a “baby”, an “infant”, a “toddler”, or a “kid”) sitting on the child safety seat. As another example, the passenger may be a disabled person sitting on the car seat designed for the disabilities.

In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may generate the UWB signals 311 , 321 and transmit the UWB signals 311 , 321 to the surroundings including the first object 310 and the second object 320. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may transmit the UWB signals 311 , 321 to the first object 310 placed on the seat of the vehicle and the second object 320 placed on the first object 310. In some embodiments, the UWB radar module 110 may receive UWB signals 312, 322 reflected from the first object 310 and the second object 320 respectively.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may analyse the UWB signals 312, 322 reflected from the first object 310 and the second object 320. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may receive the UWB signals 312, 322 reflected from the first object 310 and the second object 320 from the UWB radar module 110 and analyse the received UWB signals 312, 322. In some other embodiments, the controller 120 may receive the UWB signals 312, 322 in which the noise is removed by the noise removal filter from the UWB radar module 110, and analyse the received UWB signals 312, 322 in which the noise is removed.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the controller 120 may determine if the first object 310 is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310. For example, the controller 120 may determine if the first object 310 is the child safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2, the controller 120 may detect the first object 310 placed on the seat of the vehicle based on a time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may then determine that the detected first object 310 is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle, if the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310 is within a first predetermined range. In some embodiments, the first predetermined range may be stored in the memory 130. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may update the first predetermined range stored in the memory 130, for example, based on the driver’s input.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 120 may determine if the second object 320 is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. For example, the controller 120 may determine if the second object 320 is the child sitting on the child safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 120 may detect the second object 320 placed on the first object 310 based on a variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may determine that the detected second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, if the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320 is within a second predetermined range. In some embodiments, a UWB signal reflected from a person may have a variation of centre frequency and/or amplitude according to a change in heart rate of the person. In some embodiments, depending on whether the passenger is an adult and a child, the variation of the centre frequency and/or the amplitude may be different. In some embodiments, the second predetermined range may be stored in the memory 130. In some embodiments, the memory 130 may store a plurality of second predetermined range, for example, a second predetermined range for the adult and a second predetermined range for the child. In this manner, the controller 120 may determine whether the second object 320 is the passenger, and further determine whether the passenger is the adult or the child, based on the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may update the second predetermined range stored in the memory 130, for example, based on the driver’s input.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may detect the first object 310 based on the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310, and then determine that the detected first object 310 is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle, if the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310 is within the first predetermined range. Where it is determined that the first object 310 is the safety seat, the controller 120 may detect the second object 320 placed on the first object 310 based on the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320, and then determine that the detected second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, if the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320 is within the second predetermined range.

In some other embodiments, the controller 120 may detect the first object 310 based on the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310, and detect the second object 320 placed on the first object 310 based on the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. Thereafter, the controller 120 may determine that the detected first object 310 is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle, if the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310 is within the first predetermined range. Where it is determined that the first object 310 is the safety seat, the controller 120 may determine that the detected second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, if the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320 is within the second predetermined range.

In some other embodiments, the controller 120 may detect the first object 310 based on the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310, and detect the second object 320 placed on the first object 310 based on the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. Thereafter, the controller 120 may determine that the detected first object 310 is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the time difference between the UWB signal 311 transmitted to the first object 310 and the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310 is within the first predetermined range, and determine that the detected second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the variation of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 , where it is determined that the first object 310 is the safety seat and the second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, the controller 120 may control at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger. In some embodiments, the mobility requirement associated with the passenger may be stored in the memory 130. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may update the mobility requirement associated with the passenger stored in the memory 130, for example, based on the driver’s input. For example, where it is determined that the first object 310 is the child safety seat and the second object 320 is the child sitting on the child safety seat, the controller 120 may control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the child. As an example, the controller 120 may change to a child mode (also referred to as a “baby mode”) and control the at least one setting of the vehicle according to the child mode.

In some embodiments, where it is determined that the first object 310 is the safety seat and the second object 320 is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, the controller 120 may transmit information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger. In some embodiments, the controller 120 may transmit the information about the existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to a network of the vehicle, and then the information about the existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat may be transmitted to the at least one vehicle controller. For example, where it is determined that the first object 310 is the child safety seat and the second object 320 is the child sitting on the child safety seat, the controller 120 may transmit information about an existence of the child sitting on the child safety seat to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the child.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may determine a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. For example, the controller 120 may determine a position of the child based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. In some embodiments, where it is determined that the first object 310 is the child safety seat and the second object 320 is the child sitting on the child safety seat, the controller 120 may determine the position of the child based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may further transmit information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger. For example, the controller 120 may transmit the information about the existence of the child sitting on the child safety seat and the information about the position of the child to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the child and the position of the child.

In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 1 , the at least one vehicle controller may include, but is not limited to, the vehicle seat controller 140, the vehicle suspension controller 150, and the vehicle speed controller 160.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may transmit the information about the existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat, and the information about the position of the passenger to the vehicle seat controller 140. The vehicle seat controller 140 may adjust at least one of an angle and a position of at least one seat of the vehicle, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger and the position of the passenger. For example, the vehicle seat controller 140 may adjust at least one of an angle and a position of at least one seat of the vehicle, based on the mobility requirement associated with the child and the position of the child. As an example, the vehicle seat controller 140 may adjust an angle and a position of a backrest seat opposing the child safety seat before the driver and/or a fellow passenger (for example, a guardian) ride in the vehicle. In this regard, the driver and/or the fellow passenger may not need to manually adjust the angle and the position of the backrest seat opposing the child safety seat after the driver and/or the fellow passenger ride in the vehicle. Advantageously, comfort to the child and/or stability of the child safety seat may be improved.

In some embodiments, after the driver and/or the fellow passenger get off, the controller 120 may detect if there is the second object 320. If the second object 320, for example, the child that was previously detected, is not detected, the controller 120 may control the vehicle seat controller 140 to adjust the angle and the position of the backrest seat opposing the child safety seat to a default setting.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may transmit the information about the existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to the vehicle suspension controller 150. The vehicle suspension controller 150 may adjust a suspension of at least one wheel, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger. For example, the vehicle suspension controller 150 may adjust a change in the suspension of the at least one wheel, based on the mobility requirement associated with the child. As an example, when the vehicle passes through a speed bump, the vehicle suspension controller 150 may detect a change in the suspension of front wheels and control a change in the suspension of rear wheels to be lower. Advantageously, impact on the child caused by the speed bump may be reduced. In addition, during parking, the vehicle suspension controller 150 may adjust the change in the suspension according to the presence or absence of the child. Advantageously, impact on the child caused by a parking departure prevention bump may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may transmit the information about the existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to the vehicle speed controller 160. The vehicle speed controller 160 may adjust vehicle speed, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger. For example, the vehicle speed controller 160 may adjust the vehicle speed, based on the mobility requirement associated with the child. As an example, the vehicle speed controller 160 may control acceleration or deceleration to be smooth. Advantageously, impact on the child caused by the acceleration or the deceleration may be reduced.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the controller 120 may determine a type of the safe seat, for example, the child safety seat, based on the analysis of the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310. For example, the controller 120 may determine a size of the first object 310 by calculating an area of a waveform of the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310, and a distance between the first object 310 and the UWB radar module 110 by sampling the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310. Thereafter, the controller 120 may determine whether the first object 310 is, for example, an infant car seat for an infant, a convertible car seat for a toddler, or a booster seat for a bigger child. In some embodiments, the memory 130 may store the first predetermined range for each type of the child safety seat, so that the controller 120 may determine the type of the child safety seat based on the UWB signal 312 reflected from the first object 310. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the controller 120 may determine a type of the passenger, for example, an age range or a weight range of the child, based on the analysis of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. For example, the controller 120 may determine the heart rate of the child by amplifying the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320 and counting the heart rate of the child using the variation of the centre frequency and/or the amplitude of the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320. As the heart rate of the child may be different based on the age and/or the weight of the child, the controller 120 may determine whether the second object 320 is, for example, an infant, a toddler, or a bigger child. In some embodiments, the memory 130 may store the second predetermined range for each type of the child, so that the controller 120 may determine the type of the child, for example, the age range or the weight range of the child, based on the UWB signal 322 reflected from the second object 320.

In some embodiments, the controller 120 may control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger. In this manner, the controller 120 may control the at least one setting of the vehicle depending on whether the passenger is the infant, the toddler, or the bigger child. For example, if it is determined that the passenger is the infant, the controller 120 may control the vehicle speed controller 160 to minimise the impact to the infant caused by the acceleration or the deceleration. As another example, if it is determined that the passenger is the bigger child, the controller 120 may control the vehicle seat controller 140 to ensure enough space for the bigger child sitting on the booster seat.

As described above, the system 100 in accordance with various embodiments may automatically control the vehicle depending on whether the passenger sits on the safety seat installed in the vehicle. In addition, the system 100 in accordance with various embodiments may automatically control the vehicle depending on which kind of the passenger sits on which kind of the safety seat. Therefore, a risk of an accident or discomfort to the passenger which may be caused by the driver’s habits and/or unconsciousness may be reduced. Accordingly, stability of the vehicle may be improved.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 200 for controlling a vehicle according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the method 200 for controlling the vehicle is provided. In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 210 of transmitting UWB signals to a first object placed on a seat of the vehicle and a second object placed on the first object.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 220 of receiving UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object respectively.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 230 of analysing the UWB signals reflected from the first object and the second object.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 240 of determining if the first object is a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the first object.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 250 of determining if the second object is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object.

In some embodiments, the method 200 may include a step 260 of, where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, controlling at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the method 200 may further include a step of, where it is determined that the first object is the safety seat and the second object is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, transmitting information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the method 200 may further include a step of determining a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal reflected from the second object. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the method 200 may further include a step of further transmitting information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS

100: Vehicle

110: UWB radar module 120: Controller

130: Memory

140: Vehicle seat controller

150: Vehicle suspension controller

160: Vehicle speed controller 310: First object

320: Second object

311 : UWB signal transmitted to first object

312: UWB signal reflected from first object

321 : UWB signal transmitted to second object 322: UWB signal reflected from second object

Claims

1 . A system (100) for controlling a vehicle, the system (100) comprising: a UWB (ultra-wideband) radar module (110) configured to transmit UWB signals (311 , 321 ) to a first object (310) placed on a seat of the vehicle and a second object (320) placed on the first object (310), and receive UWB signals (312, 322) reflected from the first object (310) and the second object (320) respectively; and a controller (120) configured to analyse the UWB signals (312, 322) reflected from the first object (310) and the second object (320), and determine if the first object (310) is a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal (312) reflected from the first object (310), ch a racte ri se d i n t h at : the controller (120) is further configured to determine if the second object (320) is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320), and where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat and the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, control at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the controller is configured to, where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat and the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, transmit information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that, the controller (120) is configured to determine a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320).

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that, the controller (120) is configured to further transmit information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger.

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the controller (120) is configured to, where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat, determine if the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat.

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the controller (120) is configured to detect the first object (310) placed on the seat of the vehicle based on a time difference between the UWB signal (311 ) transmitted to the first object (310) and the UWB signal (312) reflected from the first object (310).

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, characterised in that the controller (120) is configured to determine that the detected first object (310) is the safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle, if the time difference between the UWB signal (311 ) transmitted to the first object (310) and the UWB signal (312) reflected from the first object (310) is within a first predetermined range.

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the controller (120) is configured to detect the second object (320) placed on the first object (310) based on a variation of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320).

9. The system (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that the controller (120) is configured to determine that the detected second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, if the variation of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320) is within a second predetermined range.

10. The system (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle seat controller (140), and the vehicle seat controller (140) is configured to adjust at least one of an angle and a position of at least one seat of the vehicle, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger and the position of the passenger.

11 . The system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle suspension controller (150), and the vehicle suspension controller (150) is configured to adjust a suspension of at least one wheel, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the at least one vehicle controller comprises a vehicle speed controller (160), and the vehicle speed controller (160) is configured to adjust vehicle speed, based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

13. A method (200) for controlling a vehicle, the method comprising: transmitting (210) UWB signals (311 , 321 ) to a first object (310) placed on a seat of the vehicle and a second object (320) placed on the first object (310); receiving (220) UWB signals (312, 322) reflected from the first object (310) and the second object (320) respectively; analysing (230) the UWB signals (312, 322) reflected from the first object (310) and the second object (320); and determining (240) if the first object (310) is a safety seat placed on the seat of the vehicle based on the analysis of the UWB signal (312) reflected from the first object (310), ch a racte ri s ed i n t h at the method (200) further comprises: determining (250) if the second object (320) is a passenger sitting on the safety seat based on the analysis of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320); and where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat and the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, controlling (260) at least one setting of the vehicle based on a mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

14. The method (200) according to claim 13 further comprising: where it is determined that the first object (310) is the safety seat and the second object (320) is the passenger sitting on the safety seat, transmitting information about an existence of the passenger sitting on the safety seat to at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle based on the mobility requirement associated with the passenger.

15. The method (200) according to claim 14 further comprising: determining a position of the passenger based on the analysis of the UWB signal (322) reflected from the second object (320); and further transmitting information about the position of the passenger to the at least one vehicle controller to control the at least one setting of the vehicle further based on the position of the passenger.