Systems and methods for human scanning for interior preference setup are disclosed. An example disclosed vehicle includes a target lamp on a side view mirror of the vehicle. The example vehicle also includes a scanning module. Additionally, the example vehicle includes an active scanning system configured to instruct the target lamp to project a position indicator a known distance from the vehicle, determine a joint structure based on an image of a person standing at the position indicator received from the scanning module, and adjust interior preference settings based on the detected joint structure.

A vehicle occupant information acquisition device includes a microcomputer, an acquisition unit and an alert unit. The microcomputer controls the vehicle to switch between an autonomous driving mode and a manual driving mode. The acquisition unit acquires, from vehicle occupants riding in the vehicle, information relating to driving suitability of the vehicle occupants. In a case in which the microcomputer is switching the vehicle from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode, the microcomputer causes the alert unit to alert one of the vehicle occupants who is determined to be suitable to drive the vehicle based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit that he/she has been selected as the driver of the vehicle.

Equipment and processes generate a seating solution by obtaining occupant data, calculating body dimensions from the occupant data, and calculating a best-fit body arrangement for an occupant. Occupant data may be obtained in various ways using available computational devices and software or by manually measuring the relevant dimensions on the occupant. A user interface for inputting occupant metrics and/or occupant measurements may be provided in a mobile terminal included in the vehicle or separate from the vehicle, thus giving users increased flexibility while maximizing simplicity and usability for the user or other personnel obtaining the data. Once an occupant's best-fit body arrangement is determined, it may be altered by changing the predetermined criteria to achieve optimum comfort, safety, and therapeutic benefit as well as used for providing improved comfort on a continuous basis and/or in response to detected or predicted vehicle, road, or atmospheric conditions.

Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a user interface, a first sensor coupled to a child seat for detecting a child seat belt status; a gear selector for selecting a vehicle gear, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the gear selector, and configured to cause the user interface to present a first notification if a first alarm condition is detected based on the child seat belt status and a selected gear. Embodiments also include a method of providing child seat monitoring in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving a gear position from a vehicle gear selector, receiving a child seat belt status from a first sensor coupled to a vehicle child seat, and presenting a first notification using a vehicle user interface if the gear position is a non-park position and the child seat belt status is unbuckled.

Some embodiments are directed to an indicator assembly for indicating an orientation between a vehicle seat back and a seat bottom. The indicator assembly can include an outer plate assembly that is configured to be supported by the seat bottom, and a movable plate that is movably supported by the outer plate assembly. A biasing device can apply a biasing force to bias the movable plate toward the seat back when the outer plate assembly is supported by the seat bottom to thereby define a projecting portion of the movable plate. The biasing device can enable the movable plate to move upon application of a force to the projecting portion that is greater than the biasing force. An indicator can indicate a relative orientation between the seat back and the seat bottom based on the amount of movement of the movable plate.

A system and method for controlling movement of a seat in a vehicle includes a lower seat assembly and an upper seat assembly adjustable relative to the lower seat assembly. An actuator assembly pivotally attached between the lower seat assembly and upper seat assembly selectively adjusts the upper seat assembly relative to the lower seat assembly between at least one upright position and at least one folded position. A control unit selectively actuates a motor and the actuator assembly to control movement of the upper seat assembly relative to the lower seat assembly. The control unit adjusts the position of the actuator assembly to releasably secure the motor in response to the position value detected by a sensor assembly to place the upper seat assembly in position relative to the lower seat assembly.

Systems and methods for human scanning for interior preference setup are disclosed. An example disclosed vehicle includes a target lamp on a side view mirror of the vehicle. The example vehicle also includes a scanning module. Additionally, the example vehicle includes an active scanning system configured to instruct the target lamp to project a position indicator a known distance from the vehicle, determine a joint structure based on an image of a person standing at the position indicator received from the scanning module, and adjust interior preference settings based on the detected joint structure.

Described herein is a system for setting a component of a vehicle for a driver or passenger, such as a vehicle seat or mirror, to increase driver and/or passenger safety. The system includes a vehicle component having at least one user-adjustable setting, such as a recline angle for a seat back. The system also includes a sensor, such as a camera or force sensor, configured to detect body measurement data corresponding to a physical attribute of a user. For example, the body measurement data may include a height, a weight or the like. The system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the vehicle component and the sensor. The ECU is designed to determine an optimal setting for the vehicle component based on the body measurement data. The ECU can also control the vehicle component to have the optimal setting.

An instrument panel interaction system for an automotive vehicle is provided that includes an alerting device configured to produce an alert. A controller is controllably coupled to the alerting device, the controller being operable to activate the alerting device to produce the alert. An inquiring device is communicatively coupled to the controller. The inquiring device is configured to ask the driver whether a child is present. The controller is configured to activate the alerting device to produce the alert when a predetermined condition is met and an affirmative response has been received that a child is present. A method of reminding a driver of the presence of a child within a motor vehicle is also provided.

A dongle that may be plugged into an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port of a vehicle and provide notification if a human or animal is left within a parked car. The dongle accesses a first sensor from the vehicle's communication system and a second sensor from within the dongle. If data from the first and second sensors exceeds predetermined threshold values programmed into the dongle's memory, then the dongle sends out a response signal. The response signal may be sent to an owner's cellular phone or to a 911 dispatch center. Additional sensors within the vehicle, or placed within the dongle, may also be used to verify the presence of a human or animal left within the parked vehicle.