METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A LOCATION AND ORIENTATION OF A DEVICE IN A VEHICLE

摘要

A device automatically determines its location in a vehicle by using images/measurements from a camera. The images are compared to stored data, and a recognition algorithm determines the closest match and the location of the device. The camera rotates itself such that the lens is substantially aligned with the user interface of the device. Upon orienting itself in this manner, the camera captures an image which allows the device to determine which occupants of the vehicle can access the device. In other embodiments, the orientation of the device can be determined by determining the offset angle between a reference line and the user interface of the device. The occupants having access to the device can be determined with reference to a look-up table of angles and vehicle areas. The operation of the device can be advantageously modified based upon its location and which occupants are able to access the device.