CN104943582A - System for controlling vehicle seat assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for controlling a vehicle seat assembly. A vehicle seat assembly has a vehicle seat with a seat base and a seat back. The vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to move one of the seat back and the seat base along a path between the first position and the second position. The sensor has a generally planar surface defining a sensing area. A controller communicates with the actuators and sensors. The controller is configured to control the at least one actuator to move the one of the seat back and the seat base along the path in response to receiving the sliding input on the sensing area.

Description

System for controlling a vehicle seat assembly

technical field

Various embodiments relate to a system for controlling a vehicle seat and/or a vehicle head restraint.

Background technique

A vehicle seat assembly may be provided with a movable head restraint. Examples of movable headrests are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4,674,797, 5,699,668, 6,983,995 and 7,267,407.

Contents of the invention

According to an embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a vehicle seat including a seat base and a seat back. The vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to: (i) raise or lower the seat base along a first path, and (ii) move the seat base along a front/rear axis. The head restraint is supported by the vehicle seat. A vehicle seat has a flat sensor array with a first zone. A controller communicates with the actuator and sensor array. The controller is configured to: (i) control the at least one actuator to move the seat along the first path in response to receiving a first slide input in a first zone of the sensor array, and (ii) in response to receiving A second slide input in the first zone controls at least one actuator to move the seat base along the front/rear axis.

According to another embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a vehicle seat including a seat base and a seat back. The assembly has at least one actuator configured to move one of the seat back and the seat base along a path between the first position and the second position. The assembly has a sensor with a generally planar surface defining a sensing area. A controller communicates with the actuators and sensors. The controller is configured to control the at least one actuator to move the one of the seat back and the seat base along a path in response to receiving a sliding input on the sensing area. A sequence of pointers is placed on the sensing area and indicates the direction for the swipe input on the sensing area.

According to yet another embodiment, a vehicle seat assembly is provided with a vehicle seat including a seat base and a seat back. A vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to provide 22-way adjustment of the seat along eleven paths. The planar sensor array has five adjacent zones arranged in at least five columns and at least one row. The flat sensor array is configured to sense at least eleven swipe inputs in five zones. A controller communicates with the actuator and sensor array. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving one of eleven slide inputs in a predetermined zone of the sensor array, control the vehicle seat to move along ten slide inputs corresponding to one of the eleven slide inputs. A path within a path moves.

Description of drawings

1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle seat assembly and a headrest;

Figure 2 is another schematic illustration of a vehicle seat assembly and head restraint;

3 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat assembly in accordance with a disclosed embodiment;

4 is a schematic diagram of the sensor array of FIG. 1 showing various inputs to the array according to various disclosed embodiments;

5 is a schematic diagram of electronics for the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 3;

6 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle seat assembly and head restraint, according to an embodiment;

7A, 7B, 7C and 7D illustrate various adjustments for a vehicle seat for the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 6;

8 is a schematic diagram of a sensor array and various inputs to the array for the vehicle seat assembly of FIGS. 3 or 6; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of electronics for the vehicle assembly of FIGS. 3 or 6 .

Detailed ways

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary descriptions of the invention which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; certain features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat assembly 10 . The vehicle seat assembly 10 may be a front seat, such as a driver's seat assembly or a front passenger seat assembly, or may be a rear seat assembly, such as a second or third row of seats of a vehicle. Seat assembly 10 has a support structure 12, such as a backrest. The support structure 12 supports the head restraint 16 . The head restraint 16 has adjustment features that allow the head restraint 16 to move in multiple directions, for example, by adjusting height, backset, and inclination to provide ergonomic support for different user circumferences and at different times. In use, the headrest can be folded and stowed to improve driver visibility or seat loading volume or similar purposes. The head restraint 16 is shown in the designed position and in phantom in the forward reclined or folded/storage position.

FIG. 2 shows two adjustments and degrees of freedom of the head restraint 16 . The height 13 of the headrest and the amount of backward movement 15 of the headrest 16 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the head restraint 16 includes a power mechanism known in the art to translate or rotate the head restraint 16 . For example, an actuator 18 such as an electric motor, solenoid, or similar device is connected to various rack and pinion systems, lever systems, gears, cams, cranks, linkages, etc. to provide movement of the head restraint 16 . The actuator 18 is connected to a power source 20 such as a vehicle battery or an alternator. The actuator 18 is also connected to a controller 22 , such as a microcontroller or an integrated circuit or similar, which controls the actuator 18 . The controller 22 may turn the actuators on and off, control the direction of motion provided by the actuators 18 , and control the duration of operation of the actuators 18 , which may correspond to the amount of movement of the head restraint 16 .

For example, the head restraint 16 is configured to move in multiple directions, such as to move along a first axis 24 , to move along a second axis 26 and to rotate about a third axis 28 . Of course, translation or rotation about any axis is contemplated, and the headrest may move or translate about any number of axes, including a single axis or more than three axes. The first axis 24 is shown oriented vertically, or aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle seat assembly 10 or backrest 12 . The head restraint 16 moves along the axis 24 to change the height 13 of the head restraint 16 relative to the vehicle seat assembly 10 or relative to the head of an occupant of the seat 10 . The second axis 26 is shown to coincide with the fore-aft direction of the head restraint 16 or vehicle seat assembly 10 , which generally corresponds to the fore/aft direction of the vehicle on which the seat assembly 10 is mounted. The head restraint 16 moves along the axis 26 to adjust the amount of rearward travel 15 of the head restraint 16 relative to the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The third axis 28 is shown in a lateral or transverse direction of the head restraint 16 or vehicle seat assembly 10 . The head restraint 16 rotates or turns about the axis 28 to fold or tilt the head restraint relative to the vehicle seat assembly 10 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the head restraint 16 has angular motion about an axis 28 to rotate between a design position and a reclined or folded position. The head restraint 16 may be placed in the folded position when the vehicle seat assembly 10 is not in use. If the vehicle seat 10 is or will be occupied, the amount of inclination of the head restraint 16 can be adjusted by rotating the head restraint 16 about the axis 28, for example, by forward movement within a range of 30 degrees, 60 degrees, or some other amount. Or tilt the head restraint 16 forward and backward to better fit the passenger's head position.

As shown, the sensor array 34 is supported by the headrest 16, or alternatively, it may be located elsewhere on the vehicle seat assembly 10, such as on the backrest 12, door, armrest, console, or the like. The sensor array 34 is electrically connected to the controller 22 and driven by the power source 20 . Sensor array 34 includes a plurality of capacitive sensors 36 that may be arranged, for example, in columns and rows. Alternatively, sensor array 34 includes any number of other position sensors known in the art.

Each capacitive sensor 36 operates by capacitive touch sensing using the principle of, for example, a variable capacitor. In certain embodiments, printed circuit board (PCB) based capacitors are formed and the electric field is allowed to leak into the region above the capacitor, which includes the outer surface of the sensor array 34 . The user acts on this outer layer. The sensor pad and surrounding ground pour (ground plane below) form a measurable baseline capacitance.

When a conductor, such as a user's finger, approaches or touches the outer surface of sensor array 34 above open capacitor 36, the electric field is disturbed and causes a resulting change in capacitance. The sensitivity of the sensors 36 may be adjusted by the connected detector integrated circuit or the controller 22 such that touching the outer surface of the sensor array 34 is required to activate the sensors 36 . The outer surface may act as an insulating layer and provide isolation between the sensor 36 and the user. The coupling of the conductive finger to the capacitive sensor 36 increases the capacitance of the structure above the baseline capacitance or beyond the capacitance of the sensor 36 when there is no touch.

In certain embodiments, a ground plane beneath the sensor 36 helps shield it from potential interference from other electronics and helps maintain a more constant baseline capacitance.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the head restraint 16 is movable relative to the support structure 12 along one of the axes 24 , 26 , 28 between a first position and a second position. The first and second positions may be the positions for the greatest distance of movement of the head restraint 16 along various axes, such as maximum and minimum height, maximum and minimum recline, and design and reclined or folded positions. The actuator 18 moves the head restraint 16 along or about one or more of the axes 24 , 26 , 28 . The sensor array 34 has a first area 38 and a second area 40 . Regions 38 , 40 are shown in FIG. 4 , although regions of any size or orientation are contemplated. Areas 38 , 40 cause a user to activate at least two sensors 36 in array 34 . The user typically slides a finger along array 34 and activates sensor 36 . If the user activates two sensors 36 , the first sensor 36 that is activated will be in the first area 38 and the second sensor 36 that is activated will be in the second area 40 . The path of the activated sensor 36 defines the movement of the head restraint 16 . On sensor array 34, first region 38 and second region 40 may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other. Each zone 38, 40 includes one or more capacitive sensors 36 or other position sensors. For example, a user acts on the first region 38 by activating a capacitive sensor located within the first region, then slides a finger or otherwise activates a sensor in the second region 40 immediately after acting on the first region 38 . A time limit may be programmed into the controller 22 such that the signal from the sensor 36 in the second zone 40 needs to be received within a predetermined time after the signal from the sensor 36 in the first zone 38 is deemed an input. The controller 22 receives and processes signals from the sensor array 34 and commands the actuators to move the head restraint based on the input.

For example, if the first and second positions of the head restraint are spaced along the longitudinal or vertical axis of the vehicle seat assembly, the first and second regions of the sensor array are similarly oriented on the sensor 34 . When the user activates the first region 38 followed by activation of the second region 40 (bottom-to-top movement 42 in FIG. 4 ), the head restraint 16 moves or translates along the longitudinal axis 24 away from the support structure 12 . Based on the magnitude of the slide, i.e. the number of activated sensors 36, and/or the length of the activated sensor array 34, etc., the head restraint 16 can be translated between the first and second positions according to the increment between the first and second positions. any position for the entire distance between. Similarly, the head restraint 16 may be moved or translated from the second position to the first position by activating the second region 40 of the sensor array 34 followed by activating the first region 38 (top-to-bottom movement 42 on FIG. 4 ).

If the first and second positions of the head restraint 16 are spaced apart along the front/rear axis 26 of the vehicle seat assembly 10, the first and second regions 38, 40 of the sensor array are similarly oriented on the sensor array 34 . When the user activates the first zone 38 followed by activation of the second zone 40 (movement 44 from left to right in FIG. 4 ), the head restraint 16 moves or translates rearwardly along the front/rear axis 26 . Based on the magnitude of the slide, i.e. the number of activated sensors 36, and/or the length of the activated sensor array 34, etc., the head restraint 16 can be translated between the first and second positions according to the increment between the first and second positions. any position for the entire distance between. Similarly, the head restraint 16 may be moved or translated from the second position to the first position by activating the second region 40 of the sensor array 34 and then the first region 38 (right-to-left movement 44 on FIG. 4 ).

If the first and second positions are spaced about the transverse axis 28 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 such that they are at different angular positions about the axis 28, then the first and second regions 38, 40 of the sensor array are Sensor array 34 is similarly oriented. When the user activates the second zone 40 after activating the first zone 38 (clockwise movement 46 in FIG. 4 ), the head restraint 16 moves about the transverse axis 28 toward the design position. As it tilts by rotating about the transverse axis 28, the head restraint 16 will move along an arcuate path. Various degrees of forward and rearward tilt of the head restraint 16 are contemplated, including but not limited to 30 degrees, 60 degrees, to a forward folded position, or any other amount. If the head restraint 16 is capable of tilting forward or backward up to 30 degrees, the head restraint 16 can be placed in any position limited by the 30 degree value, i.e. forward 10 degrees, backward 15 degrees, forward 20 degrees, etc. . Based on the magnitude of the slide, i.e., the number of activated sensors 36, the length of the activated sensor array 34, etc., the head restraint 16 can be moved in increments between the first and second positions for the entire distance between the two positions. any position. Similarly, the head restraint 16 may be moved or moved from the second position to the first position by activating the second region 40 of the sensor array 34 followed by activating the first region 38 (counterclockwise movement 46 on FIG. 4 ).

The headrest 16 may include a substrate (not shown) covered with foam padding or other padding material which in turn is covered by a cover 32 (eg, fabric, leather, or other similar material). In certain embodiments, the sensor array 34 is attached to the substrate, and the shield 32 is placed over the sensor array 34 to cover the sensor array 34 . Shield 32 may have borders (eg, seams, different materials, or the like) to indicate to the user the location of sensor array 34 . In other embodiments, the sensor array 34 is integrated into the shroud 32 and the shroud 32 containing the sensor array 34 is attached to the substrate of the headrest 16 . Sensor 34 may be made of a flexible material to have properties similar to shroud 32 .

For a head restraint 16 with a conventional adjustment system (such as a mechanical button or lever), the system is limited by design constraints that, even if it is desired to have more than one function on the relatively small surface area of the head restraint 16 At the location of the user interface, there is also only one button or lever location. With embodiments of the present disclosure, sensor array 34 can cover more than one of these preferred locations for user access to adjust head restraint 16, or in one location, because the size of array 34 is not as limited as a mechanical device. More than one array 34 may be used for the above locations, ie, with the use of the controller 22, both an array 34 on the headrest 16 and an array 34 on the support structure 12 or the backrest are possible.

In certain embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-4 , the vehicle seat assembly 10 has a head restraint 16 supported by a support structure 12 , wherein the head restraint 16 is movable relative to the support structure to translate along a first axis 24 , along a The second axis 26 translates and rotates about a third axis 28 . Thus, the head restraint 16 has 6 degrees of freedom, however, any number of degrees of freedom less or more than 6 is contemplated, for example.

An actuator 18 is connected to the headrest 16 to move the headrest 16 . Actuator 18 may include one or more motors and/or one or more mechanical systems to provide the desired movement of head restraint 16 . For example, 3 motors could be provided, one for each translational movement and one for the rotational movement of the head restraint 16 . Additionally, a separate rack and pinion, lever, gear, or other mechanical mechanism may be provided for each movement.

Sensor array 34 may include a plurality of capacitive sensors 36 or other position sensors and is electrically coupled to controller 22 . The capacitive sensor 36 is activated by the user, and the pattern or path of the sensor activated during the input determines the corresponding movement of the head restraint 16 . An example path or pattern of motion of the head restraint 16 corresponding to translation along the first axis 24 , translation along the second axis 26 , and rotation about the third axis 28 is shown in FIG. 4 . Inputs to sensor array 36 include the activation of at least two adjacent sensors 36, and for controller 22 to determine an input, it may be necessary to activate adjacent sensors within a predetermined time limit such that between activations of sensors 36 with maximum time delay. When at least two adjacent sensors 36 on sensor array 34 are activated in a direction corresponding to one of axes 24 , 26 , 28 , controller 22 commands actuator 18 to move head restraint 16 along that axis. As the number of activated adjacent sensors 36 for input increases, the head restraint 16 can move a correspondingly longer distance along this axis.

Alternatively, at least one input from the user is required, for example using two fingers, to activate translation or rotation of the head restraint 16 about an axis, in either the first position or the second position of the head restraint 16 . This will activate at least two sensors 36 of the sensor array 34 in either the first area 38 or the second area 40 and may prevent inadvertent activation of the head restraint 16 .

Alternatively, after activating the sensor 36 in the first zone 38 or the second zone 40 and indicating the direction of movement of the head restraint 16, if the finger remains in the same zone 38, 40 and does not enter another zone 40, 38, the head Pillow 16 continues to move in that direction until input from the user to sensor array 34 ends.

The first, second and third axes 24, 26, 28 may not be parallel to each other so that they converge at a point or origin. In certain embodiments, the first, second and third axes 24, 26, 28 are orthogonal to one another.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the electrical components for the head restraint 16 . Capacitive sensors 36 in array 34 are connected to controller 22 . A ground wire may also be connected to the controller 22 . Controller 22 may be an integrated circuit or other microcontroller. Using the power drive circuit 48 , the controller 22 can interface with various motors or actuators 18 for the head restraint 16 . Each actuator 18 controls one type of movement of the head restraint 16 , namely translation along axis 24 , translation along axis 26 or rotation about axis 28 . Alternatively, the controller 22 may command two or more actuators 18 to operate in unison to provide a movement, such as rotation of the head restraint 16 . Selective features such as movable comfortwing, head restraint monitors, anti-sprain protection, etc. may be provided by additional drive circuits and actuators.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 6 . The vehicle seat assembly 10 has a support structure or backrest 12 . Assembly 10 also has a seat base 50 . Seat base 50 and backrest 12 may be connected to each other, or may be separated from each other such that seat base 50 and backrest 12 are independently supported by a base structure (eg, a vehicle). A head restraint 16 (described above) or a conventional head restraint may be supported by the backrest 12 of the vehicle seat assembly.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 has an adjustable seat base 50 and an adjustable seat back 12 . The vehicle assembly 10 has adjustment features that allow the seat back 12, seat base 50, and/or headrest 16 to move in various directions to provide ergonomic support for different user circumferences. By adjusting the position of the seat assembly 10, the user can configure the assembly 10 to a more comfortable or ergonomic position. By adjusting the seat assembly 10, the user can place the seat assembly in an improved position to achieve or use various vehicle inputs (such as a steering wheel, accelerator or brake pedal, etc.) and to reduce fatigue during long journeys, etc. . Because users may vary in size or volume, seat assembly 10 is adjustable for a variety of users.

The vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a power mechanism as known in the art to translate or rotate the components of the vehicle assembly 10 . For example, one or more actuators 18 (eg, motors, solenoids, and the like) are connected to various rack and pinion systems, lever systems, gears, cams, cranks, linkages, etc. to provide seat assembly 10 exercise. The actuator 18 is connected to a power source 20 (eg, a vehicle battery or an alternator). The actuator 18 is also connected to a controller 22 , such as a microcontroller or an integrated circuit or the like, which controls the actuator 18 . Controller 22 may turn the actuator on and off, control the direction of motion provided by actuator 18, and control the duration of operation of actuator 18, which may correspond to the motion of various portions of vehicle seat assembly 10. direction and amount. Sensor array 34 may be used as an input to controller 22 to control movement of vehicle seat assembly 10 .

7A-7D illustrate various degrees of freedom or motion of the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The head restraint 16 can be moved as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 . In FIG. 7A , the seat base 50 can translate along the front/rear axis 26 (as indicated by arrow 54 ). Seat base 50 and/or vehicle seat assembly 10 may be raised or lowered (as indicated by arrow 56 ) along path 58 that includes components along vertical axis 24 and front/rear axis 54 . Seat back 12 may recline (as indicated by arrow 60 ) such that it rotates about transverse axis 28 .

In FIG. 7B , the seat base 50 or the front of the vehicle seat 10 may be tilted up or down (as indicated by arrow 62 ). The seat base 50 or the rear of the vehicle seat 10 may be sloped upward or downward (as indicated by arrow 64 ). The front or rear of the seat base 50 rotates about the transverse axis 24 .

In FIG. 7C , the seat base 50 has a pair of back bolsters 66 located on either side of the central region of the seat back 12 . The back bolster 66 may move in unison either inward or toward the central region of the seat back 12 , or outward or away from the central region of the seat back 12 (as indicated by arrow 68 ). Movement of the back bolster 66 may include a component in the lateral direction 28 . The seat base 50 has a pair of seat bolsters 70 on both sides of a central area of the seat base 50 . The seat bolsters may move in unison either inward or toward the central area of the seat base, or outward and away from the central area of the seat base (as indicated by arrow 72). Movement of the seat bolster 70 may include a component in the lateral direction 28 .

The seat base 50 also has a thigh support pad 74 or pad extender on the forward seating surface of the seat base 50 . Thigh support pad 74 may extend forward along front/rear axis 26 as indicated by arrow 76 . The thigh support pad 74 can also be raised or lowered along the vertical axis 24 to vary the support under the user's thighs, as indicated by arrows 78 .

In FIG. 7D , the seat back 12 has an adjustable lumbar support 80 located in a central region of the seat back 12 . Lumbar support 80 may extend along front/rear axis 26 as indicated by arrow 82 . Lumbar support 80 may be raised or lowered along vertical axis 24 to vary the apex of the lumbar support for the user's back or lumbar region, as indicated by arrow 84 .

Each of the movements or arrows as described above with reference to Figure 7 may have a separate actuator to control the movement. Alternatively, various motions or functions may share an actuator, or multiple actuators may be used to provide a single motion. The seat assembly 10 may have at least all of these adjustable features according to the embodiment. In other embodiments, the seat assembly 10 has at least one of these adjustable features. In other embodiments, additional adjustable features or seat control features as known in the art may be included.

Referring to the present disclosure, a six-way adjustable seat includes moving the seat base forward/backward (arrow 54), moving the seat base up or down (arrow 56), and tilting (arrow 62 or 64) the seat base. An eight-way adjustable seat includes all the adjustable features of a six-way seat plus seat back recline (arrow 60). The 22-way adjustable seat includes all adjustable features as shown by arrows 54, 56, 60, 62, 64, 68, 72, 76, 78, 82 and 84 such that eleven path. In other embodiments, the seat may have less than 22-way or more than 22-way adjustment. The head restraint 16 may also be adjustable in three additional directions as described above.

Figure 8 shows a sensor array 34 according to an embodiment. The sensor array 34 may be generally planar and may be positioned on a side area of the seat base. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor array 34 has five columns 90 and one row 92, although other numbers of columns and rows are also contemplated. Sensor array 34 may be positioned in other ways for use by the user, including on the center console of the vehicle, on the front console of the vehicle, on a vehicle door panel, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, sensor array 34 may be provided or mapped on a remote device, such as a personal mobile device using an app, where the device communicates wirelessly with controller 22 .

The illustrated sensor array 34 is generally contiguous and has five sensor areas or zones 94 directly adjacent to each other, where each zone 94 corresponds to a row and column position. In other embodiments, the sensor regions 94 may be spaced apart from each other or placed in groups of one or more sensor regions 94 . Although sensor array 34 is shown as one generally continuous sensor divided into multiple regions or zones, in other embodiments each region 94 may be a separate sensor in communication with the controller.

Zones 94 may be separated by indicators such as protrusions 96 . The protrusions 96 may be linear ridges or the like, and may be molded into the surface or provided as a covering for the sensor (eg, in a shroud).

One zone 94 is associated with the thigh support pad 74 . To move pad 74 forward and backward (as indicated by arrow 76 ), the user touches or otherwise enters a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 98 to zone 94 (as indicated by arrow 100 ). To move pad 74 up and down, as indicated by arrow 78 , the user touches or otherwise enters a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 102 to zone 94 , as indicated by arrow 104 . Although the arrows 100, 104 representing the inputs to the sensor area 94 are shown in the approximate center of the zone 94, the inputs 100, 104 could be positioned in the zone 94 in other ways, and the inputs described below could be are also set anywhere within their respective zones.

Another zone 106 is associated with forward tilt of the seat base or seat assembly. To tilt the seat base or seat, as indicated by arrow 62 , the user touches or otherwise inputs a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 102 to zone 106 as indicated by arrow 108 .

Another zone 110 is associated with the seat assembly or seat base. To move the seat base or vehicle seat forward or rearward, as indicated by arrow 54, the user touches or otherwise inputs a slide or swipe gesture along axis 98 to zone 110, as indicated by arrow 112. shown. To move the seat base or vehicle seat along path 58, as indicated by arrow 56, the user touches or otherwise inputs a slide or swipe gesture along axis 102 to zone 110, as indicated by arrow 114. Show. To move in or out of cushion bolster 70 , as indicated by arrow 72 , a user touches or otherwise enters a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 102 to zone 110 , as indicated by arrow 116 . Gesture 116 may be a multi-finger gesture, such as a two-finger pinching motion in which the user's two fingers move together or apart (ie, in opposite directions) to differentiate inputs 116 and 114 .

Zone 118 is associated with rear tilt of the seat base or seat assembly. To tilt the seat base or seat, as indicated by arrow 64 , the user touches or otherwise inputs a slide or swipe gesture along axis 102 to zone 118 as indicated by arrow 120 .

Another zone 122 is associated with the seat assembly or seat back. To move the lumbar forward and rearward in the seat back, as indicated by arrow 82, the user touches or otherwise inputs a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 98 to zone 122, as indicated by arrow 124 . To move the lumbar up or down in the seat back, as indicated by arrow 84 , the user touches or otherwise inputs a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 102 to zone 122 as indicated by arrow 126 . To move back bolster 66 in or out, as indicated by arrow 68 , the user touches or otherwise enters a sliding or swiping gesture along axis 102 to zone 122 , as indicated by arrow 128 . Gesture 128 may be a multi-finger gesture, such as a two-finger pinch motion where the user's two fingers move together or apart (ie, in opposite directions) to differentiate input 128 from input 126 . To move the seat back in a reclining manner, as indicated by arrow 60 , the user touches or otherwise inputs a curved slide or swipe gesture to zone 110 , as indicated by arrow 130 . Gesture 130 may be a multi-finger gesture in which two fingers of the user rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner about a substantially common center point.

A zone associated with the headrest may also be provided in the sensor array in another column and function as described above with respect to the headrest.

Of course, other gestures may be provided for the sensor 34, or the various gestures may be interchanged with each other. The zones 94 from left to right in the array 34 as described above may be arranged to coincide with the adjustment features of the seat assembly from the front of the seat assembly to the rear of the seat assembly. In other embodiments, regions 94 may be arranged in other ways. According to a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the sensor 34 and the zone 94 within the sensor 34 are also shown in millimeters in FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, other dimensions may be used as appropriate.

Each zone 94 may have one or more indicator sequences, such as a sequence of protrusions or ribs 132 or other tactile features extending across the surface area of the sensor zone. The protrusions may be a sequence of linear ridges or a sequence of curved ridges, or the like. The sequence of protrusions may be molded into the surface or provided as a covering for the sensor (eg in the form of a shroud). Each sequence of protrusions provides information indicating gestures that may be used for the respective zone 94 . The sequence of protrusions 132 may have a narrower width and lower height than the protrusions 96 separating the zones 94 . Overhangs from one sequence can intersect with overhangs from another sequence in the same zone. This allows a user to differentiate between sensor zones, recognize sensor zones, and determine available gestures for a zone without looking at sensor array 34 . Sequence of protrusions 132 may be aligned with axis 98 and associated with a linear swipe gesture along that axis, as shown by protrusions 134 . Sequence of protrusions 136 may be aligned with axis 102 and associated with a linear swipe gesture along the axis. Additionally, sequence of protrusions 138 may be curved and associated with a curved gesture (eg, gesture 128 ).

Although swipe gestures (e.g., gestures 100, 104, etc.) are described and shown as linear and input along an axis, non-linear gestures or linear gestures that are not parallel to a respective axis may be received by the controller and used to control the vehicle Seat components. For example, an input gesture may be 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, or a degree greater than 30 degrees off its associated axis and the controller may use the input to move the vehicle seat assembly.

In addition, the controller may receive a "swipe and hold" gesture, where a swipe input is followed by a continuous fixed input at the end of the path of a point on the sensing area. The controller can use this input to move the appropriate vehicle seat assembly adjustment part during the swipe gesture, and then continue to move the part in the same direction during the hold portion.

In some examples, the controller may be configured to lock out the sensor when the sensor is not in use, such as after a predetermined time limit of non-use of the sensor 34 , and the like. A user may be able to unlock the sensing area to input gestures to control the seat assembly. Specific gestures (such as multiple finger inputs, etc.) may be provided to unlock the sensor, or a separate unlock input may be provided, such as a proximity sensor 34, a button on the center or front console, a steering wheel, or the like or switch. After the controller receives the unlock input, the controller may control the seat assembly adjustment features in response to receiving a gesture as described with respect to FIG. 8 .

In some examples, a vehicle seat assembly may include a speaker and/or a vibration module to provide an audible or tactile alert. Vibration modules may be positioned in or adjacent to various parts to indicate adjustments to the parts. The controller provides an audible or tactile alert in response to receiving the gesture or when an adjustment feature of the seat assembly is moved.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of electrical components for the vehicle seat assembly 10 and head restraint 16 . Capacitive sensors 36 or other sensors in array 34 are connected to controller 22 . Ground may also be connected to the controller 22 . Controller 22 may be an integrated circuit or other microcontroller. The controller 22 is connected to the respective motors or actuators 18 for the seat assembly 10 and head restraint 16 using a switch simulator 150 and a seat control module 152 . Each gesture as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 may have an associated switch 150 . Each actuator 18 controls one of the movements of the seat assembly 10 or the head restraint 16 . Alternatively, controller 22 may command two or more actuators 18 to act in unison to provide one of the movements. Optional features such as movable comfort wings, head restraint monitors, anti-twist protection, seat heating or cooling, seat massaging modules, and the like may be available through additional drive circuits and actuators.

The sensor 34 can replace conventional seat adjustment buttons and switches. The user may slide a finger over or over the sensor 34 in the desired direction of motion of the seat assembly component to control the direction or amount of adjustment. Sensor 34 may be a capacitive sensor, a resistive technology sensor, or other position-based sensing technology as known in the art. Gestures can be designed to be simple, familiar and intuitive to control seat position. Sensors 34 may be incorporated on hard plastic surfaces or on soft surfaces such as leather or cloth upholstery.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and a seat back, the vehicle seat having at least one actuator configured to: (i) raise or lowering the seat base, and (ii) moving the seat base along the front/rear axis; a head restraint supported by the vehicle seat; a planar sensor array having a first zone; and a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor array, the controller configured to: (i) respond to receiving controlling the at least one actuator to move the seat along the first path, and (ii) in response to receiving a second sliding input in the first zone, The at least one actuator is controlled to move the seat base along the front/rear axis. 2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is further configured to tilt the seat base about a transverse axis of the seat base; wherein the planar sensor array has a second zone arranged in at least two columns and at least one row with the first zone; and Wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one actuator to tilt the seat base about the transverse axis in response to receiving a third sliding input in the second zone. 3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the first zone and the second zone are adjacent to each other; and Wherein the sensor array includes a protrusion positioned between the first zone and the second zone. 4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is further configured to recline the seat back relative to the seat base; wherein said planar sensor array has a third zone disposed in a third column and said at least one row; and Wherein, the controller is further configured to control the at least one actuator to recline the seat in response to receiving a fourth slide input in the third zone of the sensor array . 5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4, wherein the fourth sliding input comprises two opposing curved sliding inputs; and Wherein, the controller is further configured to control the at least one actuator to tilt in response to generally simultaneous receipt of two curved sliding inputs in the third zone of the sensor array the seat. 6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 4, wherein the third zone has a series of ribs extending outwardly from the sensing surface of the zone, the series of ribs being curved of. 7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is further configured to move the head restraint relative to the vehicle seat; wherein said planar sensor array has a third zone disposed in a third column and said at least one row; and Wherein, the controller is further configured to control the at least one actuator to move the head restraint in response to receiving a fourth sliding input in the third zone in the sensor array. 8. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to move in and out of a cushion bolster on the vehicle seat along a second path; and Wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one actuator to move along the second path in response to receiving a pinch input in the first zone of the sensor array the seat. 9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises: a first zone having a first sequence of ribs extending outwardly from and across the sensing surface; and A second sequence of ribs extending outwardly from and across the sensing surface, the second sequence of ribs being generally aligned with the first rib object sequence vertical; Wherein, the first sliding input is aligned with the first rib sequence, and the second sliding input is aligned with the second rib sequence. 10. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises capacitive sensors; and Wherein the sensor array is oriented on an outer surface of the seat base. 11. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and a seat back, the vehicle seat having at least one actuator configured to move along a first position and a second position. a path between the two positions moves one of the seat back and the seat base; a sensor having a generally planar surface defining a sensing area; a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor; the controller being configured to control the at least one actuation in response to receiving a sliding input over the sensing area an actuator to move the one of the seat back and the seat base along the path; and A pointer sequence placed on the sensing area, the pointer sequence indicating a direction for a swipe input on the sensing area. 12. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the sequence of indicators is a sequence of protrusions extending across the sensing area. 13. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to move the seat back and the seat back along a second path between a third position and a fourth position. said one of said seat bases; wherein the sensing region has a second sequence of protrusions extending outwardly from and through the sensing region; Wherein, the controller is further configured to: in response to receiving a second sliding input on the sensing area, control the at least one actuator to move the seat back along the second path and said one of said seat bases; and Wherein, the second sequence of protrusions indicates a second direction for a sliding input on the sensing area. 14. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 13, wherein each protrusion in the first series of protrusions is a ridge and each protrusion in the second series of protrusions The protrusions are ridges, wherein the first sequence of protrusions and the second sequence of protrusions intersect. 15. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to respond to receiving a swipe at a single point on the sensing region immediately after the slide input. A continuous input controls the at least one actuator to continue moving the one of the seat back and the seat base along the path. 16. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to unlock the sensing region to receive the slide input in response to receiving an unlock input from the sensor. 17. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to receiving the sliding input and following movement in the seat back and seat base The one moves along the path, controlling at least one of the speaker and the vibration module to provide an audible or tactile alert. 18. A vehicle seat assembly comprising: A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and a seat back, the vehicle seat having at least one actuator configured to pair The seat can be adjusted in 22 directions; A planar sensor array having five adjacent zones arranged in at least five columns and at least one row, the planar sensor array configured to sense at least eleven swipe inputs; and a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor array; the controller configured to: respond to receiving eleven sliding inputs in a predetermined zone in the sensor array a sliding input for controlling the vehicle seat to move along a path of the eleven paths corresponding to the one of the eleven sliding inputs. 19. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) in response to receiving a first slide input and a second slide input in the first zone, control said at least one actuator to move said seat along a first path and a second path, respectively; (ii) in response to receiving a third sliding input in a second zone, controlling said at least one actuator to move the seat along a third path; (iii) controlling the at least one actuator in response to receiving a fourth slide input, a fifth slide input, and a sixth slide input in a third zone to move the seat along a fourth path, a fifth path, and a sixth path, respectively; (iv) in response to receiving a seventh sliding input in a fourth zone, controlling the at least one actuator to move the seat along moving the seat along an eighth path; and, (v) controlling the seat in response to receiving an eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh slide input in a fifth zone. At least one actuator is configured to move the seat along an eighth path, a ninth path, a tenth path, and an eleventh path. 20. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the sensor array includes protrusions separating adjacent zones; and Wherein each zone in the sensor array has a sequence of protrusions extending across the sensing area of the zone, the sequence of protrusions indicating a direction for a sliding input within the zone.