Passive control of vehicle interior features based upon occupant classification

Abstract

The present invention includes a method of monitoring and controlling interior functions of a vehicle, for example, a memory seat position, a vehicle pedal position, a steering column position, a vehicle interior temperature, and/or whether the vehicle is occupied or unoccupied at certain times and under certain conditions. The interior functions are controlled by passively monitoring a characteristic of an occupant, determining an identity of the occupant based on the monitored characteristic, and regulating the interior function based upon the identity of the occupant. The monitored characteristic, for example, may be representative of a weight classification or biomass associated with the occupant, or a signal or input generated based upon a user identification device, for example, a key fob or other personal electronic device carried by the occupant.

1 . A method of controlling an interior function of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
 determining if a vehicle is occupied once the vehicle is parked and locked;   monitoring at least one interior function of the vehicle; and   regulating the at least one interior function when the vehicle remains occupied after the vehicle is parked and locked.   
     
     
         2 . The method of control as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one interior function is an interior temperature. 
     
     
         3 . The method of control as recited in  claim 1 , further including the step of:
 providing notification when the vehicle remains occupied after the vehicle is parked and locked.   
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein notification is provided to a driver. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein notification is provided via an audible alarm. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein notification is provided to a dispatch center. 
     
     
         7 . A method of monitoring an interior of a vehicle comprising the steps of:
 determining if the vehicle is parked;   determining if the vehicle is locked;   determining that the vehicle is unoccupied when parked and locked;   determining if the vehicle becomes occupied while parked; and   notifying a driver if the vehicle becomes occupied while parked.   
     
     
         8 . The method of monitoring as recited in  claim 7 , wherein occupation of the vehicle is determined based upon a sensed weight. 
     
     
         9 . The method of monitoring as recited in  claim 7 , wherein occupation of the vehicle is determined based upon a sensed biomass. 
     
     
         10 . The method of monitoring as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the driver is notified via a key fob. 
     
     
         11 . The method of monitoring as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the driver is notified via an audible alarm. 
     
     
         12 . The method of monitoring as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the driver is notified via a personal electronic device.