Method, device, and computer program product for operating a motor vehicle

US9517775B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Frank Gensler · Neubiberg, DE
• Ulrich Langenkamp · Ottobrunn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 16, 2015
• Grant date: Dec 13, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 16, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06V10/141
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In order to operate a motor vehicle, a position sensor and a radiation source as well as at least one vital sensor having a detector are provided. The position sensor delivers a measurement signal having information regarding a predetermined area of the vehicle interior of the motor vehicle. The radiation source emits a predetermined radiation after activation. The vital sensor detects a reflected portion of the radiation that is emitted by the radiation source. The measurement signal of the vital sensor is representative of at least one vital parameter of a given vehicle occupant. As a function of the measurement signal of the position sensor, a position is determined of at least one predetermined reference body part of the vehicle occupant in question. The orientation of the radiation source is controlled as a function of the detected position of the predetermined reference body part of the vehicle occupant in question.