Systems, devices, and techniques are provided for occupancy assessment of a vehicle. For one or more occupants of the vehicle, the occupancy assessment establishes position and/or identity for some or all of the occupant(s).

A head restraint is provided for a seat for use with a motor vehicle. The head restraint includes a base configured to be attached to the seat, and a main portion configured to be positioned between the base and a head of a seat occupant when the base is attached to the seat and the seat is mounted in the vehicle. The head restraint further includes at least one movement mechanism associated with at least one of the base and the main portion and configured to move at least part of the main portion laterally or upwardly and downwardly relative to the base.

A distraction detection system includes using a first signal, e.g., EDP signals or vehicle speed, and an additional signal to determine whether a person is distracted. The distraction system can be part of a vehicle seating system, A vehicle seating system is described and includes a seat configured to support an occupant and to be mounted in a vehicle and occupant sensing system at least partially integrated into the seat to sense an occupant. The sensing system senses a first criterion with respect to the occupant. A controller is configured to receive the first criterion signal from the sensing system and a second criterion to determine a distraction state of the driver. The controller can also determine a false distraction state using the distraction state and other criterion in a vehicle. The controller outputs a control signal when the distraction state exceeds a distraction threshold and when distraction is confirmed.

One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

A seat adjustment device includes: an authentication unit that is configured to identify plural occupants of a vehicle; an acquisition unit that is configured to acquire information relating to each one of the plural vehicle occupants identified by the authentication unit; a determination unit that is configured to determine relationships between the plural vehicle occupants based on information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that is configured to control at least one of a position or an orientation of seats mounted in the vehicle based on determination results from the determination unit.

It is provided an adjustment system for a vehicle, comprising at least one electronic obstacle-detection device for detecting a potential obstacle in an adjustment path of the at least one interior component to be adjusted by an external force, wherein the at least one obstacle-detection device is configured to generate at least one obstacle signal on detection of a potential obstacle in the adjustment path, and control electronics which are configured to generate at least one control signal for outputting a visually perceptible obstacle indication for a user in response to the at least one obstacle signal, via which the potential obstacle is indicated.

In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for rear seat detection. The apparatus may include: an indoor camera having a field of view for a vehicle interior and configured to provide image data; an indoor radar having a sensing area for the vehicle interior and configured to provide radar data; a controller including a first processor and a second processor. The first processor configured to obtain information on a change in a front passenger seat and a rear seat of a vehicle based on processing the image data The second processor configured to obtain motion information on an object in the rear seat of the vehicle based on processing the radar data. The first controller may identify a change of a detection area in the rear seat based on the information on the change in the front passenger seat and the rear seat of the vehicle, and determine whether a human is seated in the rear seat of the vehicle based on the motion information on the object in the detection area where the change is identified.

A method for storing cargo items includes determining characteristics of a cargo space, where the cargo space includes at least one seat and the at least one seat is capable of being moved between a first position within the cargo space and a second position within the cargo space. A set of cargo items including one or more cargo items to be positioned in the cargo space is determined. A configuration of the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items, where the configuration of the cargo space includes the second position of the at least one seat. A layout of the set of cargo items within the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items and the determined configuration, and the at least one seat is moved from the first position to the second position.

A system includes a first webbing payout sensor and a seatbelt wear condition module. The first webbing payout sensor can detect a first webbing payout of a seatbelt associated with a seat of a vehicle. The first webbing payout is a first length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a first retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module can identify whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout. The system may further include a second webbing payout sensor that detects a second webbing payout of the seatbelt associated with the seat. The second webbing payout is a second length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a second retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module identifies whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout and the second webbing payout.