WO2025136460A1

WO2025136460A1 - Systems and methods for controlling seat subsystems with central controller

Info

Publication number: WO2025136460A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/039794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam C. HILLIER; Digvijay SINGH BHATI; Gaurav PEDNEKAR; Sumanth Muthyala; John Paul Wright; Raul Ricart; Sajan C. MUSHINI
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2023-12-20
Filing date: 2024-07-26
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-20

Abstract

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling seat subsystems with one or more controllers, such as a central controller of an automobile. In an aspect of this disclosure, the system may include a seat including a plurality of subsystems. The system may further include one or more controllers remote from the seat, and the one or more controllers issues commands to each of the subsystems.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SEAT SUBSYSTEMS WITH CENTRAL CONTROLLER

BACKGROUND

[0001] Automobile seats are known to include one or more subsystems. Possible subsystems include a heating subsystem, a ventilation subsystem, a lumbar support subsystem, a seat position adjustment subsystem, and/or a massage subsystem, among other possible subsystems. These subsystems are known to include mechanical and electrical components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Figure l is a perspective view of a portion of an interior of an automobile, and in particular illustrates a first seat and a second seat.

[0003] Figure 2 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of an example seat.

[0004] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the example seat, which includes a plurality of subsystems, relative to a controller.

[0005] Figure 4 schematically illustrates additional components of an example subsystem of the seat.

[0006] Figure 5 is a flow chart representative of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0008] One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0009] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0010] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0011] As used herein, the term “if’ is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0012] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling seat subsystems with one or more controllers, such as a central controller of an automobile. Among other benefits, which will be appreciated from the below description, this disclosure reduces if not eliminates the need to provide processors in a seat. In turn, this disclosure increases the ease of packaging the seat, while reducing cost and weight of the seat.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a portion of an example interior 10 of an automobile 12, which in this example is a motor vehicle. While an automobile 12 is shown, this disclosure may be applied to another type of vehicle, such as a motorcycle, watercraft, aircraft, and/or locomotive.

[0014] In Figure 1, the interior 10 includes a passenger cabin 14. The passenger cabin 14 includes a first seat 16 and a second seat 18. The first seat 16 is a driver seat, and the second seat 18 is a passenger seat in this example. While only first and second seats 16, 18 are shown, the automobile 12 may include one or more seats.

[0015] In Figure 1, a controller 20 is remote from the first seat 16 and the second seat 18. The controller 20 is electrically coupled to both the first and second seats 16, 18, and any other seats (if present), in parallel, in this example. Solid lines in the drawings schematically represent electrical connections between components. The electrical connections could be formed using wires, buses, cables, wire harnesses, etc.

[0016] The controller 20 includes a processing unit and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit can be a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and/or nonvolatile memory elements. The processing unit can be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. The programs may be stored in the memory as software code, for example. The programs stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. While shown as a single controller, the controller 20 may be comprised of one or more controllers. The controller 20 may also be in communication with, and responsive to instructions from, another controller. The controller 20 may include algorithms, programs, etc., configured to receive inputs and issue commands to the various subsystems of the seats.

[0017] In an embodiment, the controller 20 is provided by a vehicle control module (VCM) of the automobile 12. In another embodiment, the controller 20 is provided by a body control module (BCM) of the automobile 12. The controller 20 is provided by one or more central computers of the automobile in an example.

[0018] In this disclosure, the controller 20 is remote from the first seat 16, the second seat 18, and any other seats of the automobile 12. The term remote refers to the controller 20 not being part of the first seat 16, the second seat 18, or any other seat of the automobile 12. In particular, when the controller 20 is described as being remote from the first seat 16, for example, the controller 20 is not directly attached to the first seat 16.

[0019] The controller 20 is configured to issue commands to each subsystem of each of the seats of the automobile 12, as will be discussed in more detail below. Because the controller 20 can command each subsystem of each seat, the seats themselves can include fewer processors, if not eliminate processors altogether. Again, this has a number of benefits, including reducing the components within the seats, thereby reducing weight and cost, and increasing the ease of packaging the components of the seats.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates additional detail of the first seat 16. It should be understood that the second seat 18, and any additional seats within the automobile 12, can be configured similarly. In this example, the first seat 16 includes a seat back 22 and a seat base 24. The seat back 22 includes a seat frame 26. The seat frame 26 supports a cushion 28, which is covered by trim 30. A headrest 27 is positioned above the seat back 22. The headrest 27 includes a headrest frame 29, which supports a cushion 31, which is covered by trim 33. The seat base 24 likewise includes a seat frame 32, which supports a cushion 34, which in turn is covered by trim 36.

[0021] Figure 3 schematically illustrates some additional aspects of the first seat 16. It should be understood that the second seat 18, and any additional seats within the automobile 12, can be configured similarly. In particular, Figure 3 illustrates a plurality of subsystems of the first seat 16. Each of the subsystems is self-contained within the first seat 16, and each of the subsystems is configured to perform one or more defined tasks.

[0022] In this example, the first seat 16 includes a heating subsystem 38, a ventilation subsystem 40, a lumbar support subsystem 42, a massage subsystem 44, a seat position adjustment subsystem 46, an airbag subsystem 48, a headrest adjustment subsystem 50, and an occupancy detection subsystem 52. The first seat 16 is not limited to these example subsystems. The first seat 16 could include additional or fewer subsystems, each of which is centrally controlled by controller 20. Other possible subsystems include a bolster support subsystem or an audio subsystem.

[0023] The heating subsystem 38 is configured to provide warmth to the first seat 16. In an example, the heating subsystem 38 includes at least one heating mat, heating pad, or heating element, can optionally include a sensor used to monitor seat temperature. The ventilation subsystem 40 is configured to provide ventilated air to the first seat 16. The ventilation subsystem 40 includes, in one example, one or more fans and a sensor used to monitor seat temperature. The lumbar support subsystem 42 is configured to provide adjustable support to the lower back. In an example, the lumbar support subsystem 42 includes one or more inflatable bladders or another type of mechanism. The massage subsystem 44 is configured to massage an occupant of the first seat 16. The massage subsystem 44 includes, in one example, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a plurality of valves, pumps, etc. The seat position adjustment subsystem 46 is configured to allow users, which in the example of the first seat 16 is a driver, to adjust the position and orientation of the first seat 16. The seat position adjustment subsystem 46, in an example, includes seat rails and tracks, a seat height adjustment mechanism, a seat recline mechanism, and one or more of electric motors or manual levers. The airbag subsystem 48 is configured to provide a supplemental restraint. The components of the airbag subsystem 48 include, in one example, a selectively deployable cushion and one or more sensors. The headrest adjustment subsystem 50 is configured to allows the user, which in the example of the first seat 16 is the driver, to adjust the height and tilt of the headrest. In an example, the headrest adjustment subsystem 50 includes one or more mechanisms configured to adjust the position of the headrest and to hold the headrest in a chosen position. The occupancy detection subsystem 52 is configured to detect when an occupant is present on the first seat 16. The information from the occupancy detection subsystem 52 can be used to adjust seatbelt tension and airbag deployment. The occupancy detection subsystem 52 includes, in one example, one or more sensors configured to be used to determine a presence or a weight of an occupant of the first seat 16.

[0024] The controller 20 is configured to issue commands to each of the subsystems of the first seat 16, the second seat 18, and any additional seats of the automobile 12. In this way, the controller 20 can use its own processor(s) to control each subsystem of each seat. The subsystems of the first seat 16, second seat 18, and any additional seats of the automobile 12 therefore are not required to include processors.

[0025] In Figure 3, the controller 20 is electrically coupled to the first seat 16 via a harness 54 including one or more wires 56 and a connector 58. The first seat 16 includes a connector 60 which is configured to couple to connector 58 of the harness 54. The connector 60 is representative of an interface of the first seat 16. The connector 60 could include a plug, socket, or be provided by a part of a harness, as is the case in Figure 3. The connector 60 is directly attached to the first seat 16. Again, in this example, the connector 60 is part of a harness 62 of the first seat 16, which includes one or more wires 64 extending between the connector 60 and a bridge chip 66, in this example. The harnesses 54, 62 are configured to transmit signals and power. Specifically, harness 54 is configured to transmit signals and power between the controller 20 and the first seat 16, while harness 62 is configured to transmit signals and power within the first seat 16, between connector 60 and bridge chip 66. [0026] The bridge chip 66 is electrically coupled to each of the subsystems of the first seat 16. The bridge chip 66 is configured to enable communication between the controller 20 and each subsystem. The bridge chip 66 is, in one embodiment, configured to permit such communication despite differences in interfaces, voltage levels, or communication protocols between the controller 20 and the components of each subsystem.

[0027] In this example, the bridge chip 66 is electrically coupled to each subsystem via an I/O expander 68. There are eight subsystems shown in Figure 3, and there are likewise eight I/O expanders 68 in the embodiment of Figure 3. The VO expanders 68 are configured to provide additional electrical connections between the bridge chip 66 and the respective subsystem. The bridge chips 66 and I/O expanders 68 may be two discrete entities in different packaging or they may be collocated inside a single packaging, based on manufacturer capability or other factors.

[0028] While only a single bridge chip 66 is shown in Figure 3, there could be additional bridge chips within the seat 16. When there are additional bridge chips, one or more of the I/O expanders may not be needed. In this regard, while eight I/O expanders 68 are shown in Figure 3, this disclosure extends to seats with a different quantity of VO expanders, including seats without VO expanders.

[0029] Each subsystem includes one or more drivers. The drivers, in an embodiment, are components that enable communication between controller 20 and a specific hardware device. Specifically, the drivers are electronic circuits or devices that can receive commands from the controller 20 and provide signals necessary to turn on or off a specific hardware device either directly or via an intermediate switch. Example drivers include high-side drivers (HSDs), low-side drivers (LSDs), motor control drivers, H-bridge drivers, among other possibilities. The example drivers may include, be in communication with, or be provided by a MOSFET. The drivers ensure that the hardware devices of the subsystems can be controlled and used by the controller 20. The drivers are not processors, nor do the drivers include processors. Unlike processors, the drivers are not able to perform data processing. While the controller 20 includes one or more processors, the subsystems of the seats do not include processors and instead include drivers.

[0030] Further, the drivers are only responsive to commands originating from the controller 20. The drivers are each unable to generate commands for controlling any of the other seat subsystems. For instance, a driver of the heating subsystem 38 cannot generate a command that is acted upon by the ventilation subsystem 40, or vice versa. Further, the drivers can only perform the functions the drivers are designed to perform. The controller 20, via the bridge chip 66, is configured to send instructions to, and receive information back from, a particular driver of a particular subsystem. The drivers do not have microcontrollers or an operating system. In an example, the drivers exhibit switching hardware and permit communication to and from the bridge chip 66.

[0031] An example arrangement of drivers is shown with respect to Figure 4. In Figure 4, the heating subsystem 38 includes a first heating element 70 within the seat back 22 of the first seat 16, and further includes a second heating element 72 within the seat base 24 of the first seat 16. The heating subsystem 38 further includes a first driver 74 electrically coupled to the first heating element 70, and a second driver 76 electrically coupled to the second heating element 72. Each driver 74, 76 is electrically coupled to the bridge chip 66 via the VO expander 68 associated with the heating subsystem 38. Each driver 74, 76 includes a particular node address. In this example, the node address of each driver 74, 76 corresponds to a particular pin on the I/O expander, and may additionally include the particular pin or pins on the bridge chip 66 corresponding with the entire heating subsystem 38. The controller 20 is programmed with the node addresses of the drivers 74, 76, and is therefore able to issue commands to each of the drivers 74, 76 independently. While only two drivers 74, 76 are shown in Figure 4, it should be understood that the heating subsystem 38 may include one or more drivers.

[0032] In an embodiment, the bridge chip 66 is incorporated into a pump of the first seat 16, such as a pump associated with the ventilation subsystem 40. In another embodiment, the bridge chip 66 is integrated into a connector of the first seat 16, such as connector 60. In still another embodiment, the bridge chip 66 is integrated into a heating element of the first seat 16, such as either heating element 70 or heating element 72.

[0033] Further, while in Figure 3 the bridge chip 66 is electrically coupled to a plurality of subsystems, each of which includes at least one driver, the bridge chip 66 could be collocated with at least one driver in an example. For instance, the first driver 74 and/or the second driver 76 could be provided on the bridge chip 66. Alternatively, the first driver 74 and/or the second driver 76 could be mounted on a common circuit board with the bridge chip 66. In either case, the VO expander 68 associated with the heating subsystem 38 may not be necessary.

[0034] As mentioned above, the bridge chip 66 could be one of a plurality of bridge chips within the first seat 16. In the example where there are multiple bridge chips within the first seat 16, each of the plurality of bridge chips may be electrically coupled to more than one of the subsystems. Alternatively, each of the bridge chips may be electrically coupled to a single one of the subsystems. In the example of Figure 3, there may be eight bridge chips, each coupled to a single one of the subsystems. In either instance, the quantity of VO expanders may be reduced if not eliminated. [0035] The drivers of first seat 16 may have different capabilities. For instance, a driver associated with one of the subsystems of the first seat 16 may have different hardware switching programmed in, a timer preprogrammed in, etc., that is not preprogrammed into a driver associated with another of the subsystems of the first seat 16.

[0036] As a specific example, a driver associated with the massage subsystem 44 is configured to turn on a massage device when a particular input signal is received, and to turn off the massage device when an input signal from the controller 20 is no longer present. This particular driver is referred to herein as a single-function driver. Another subsystem, such as the ventilation subsystem 40, may include a driver configured to operate a fan. The driver associated with the fan may include a timer configured to activate the fan in response to an input signal from the controller 20 and to start a timer when the input signal from the controller 20 is received. The driver is also configured to deactivate the fan when the timer expires. Because the driver performs multiple functions (i.e., activating the fan and starting the timer) in response to a single command from the controller 20, the driver is referred to herein as a multi -function driver. While a timer is mentioned, multi-function drivers may be configured to take one or more other types of actions.

[0037] Other examples of subsystems that can include single-function drivers include the heating subsystem 38. Specifically, drivers 74, 76 are single-function drivers in one embodiment. In particular, in response to signal(s) from the controller 20, the drivers 74, 76 are configured to cause the respective heating element 70, 72 to provide a level of heating corresponding to the signal(s) from the controller 20.

[0038] Another example of a subsystem that can include a multi-function driver is the massage subsystem 44. The massage subsystem 44 includes, in one example, a plurality of independently inflatable bladders. The massage subsystem 44 includes a plurality of drivers, each associated with a valve or pump. In operation, the massage subsystem 44 rapidly inflates or deflates one or more bladders in a particular sequence in order to provide a desired massage effect. Accordingly, the drivers of the massage subsystem may be programmed with timers such that the controller 20 can send signals indicating that a particular massage sequence should be activated, and the drivers can carry out that massage sequence by either opening or closing valves, activating or deactivating pumps, and by using one or more timers corresponding to the massage sequence. The timers corresponding to particular massage sequences may be referred to as sequence timers. The drivers may be configured to apply a plurality of different sequence timers depending on the signal from the controller 20. In this embodiment, providing the drivers with timers reduces the quantity of signals sent between the controller 20 and the massage subsystem 44, which reduces the likelihood of any transmission latency between the controller 20 and the massage subsystem 44.

[0039] In a particular aspect, one or more of the drivers of the first seat 16 is configured to count pulses and send a response to the controller 20 when a condition is present. In a particular example, with respect to the lumbar support subsystem 42, a driver may be configured to count electrical or digital pulses of a particular pressure sensor and the driver may be configured to send a signal to the controller 20 when the output of the pressure sensor indicates a target pressure has been reached. The controller 20 may set the target pressure in a designated section of memory, and the controller 20 may command the driver to count pulses until the output of the pressure sensor matches the pressure in the designated section of memory.

[0040] In a particular aspect of this disclosure, sensors of the subsystems are polled at different rates by the controller 20. In a particular example, the heating subsystem 38 may include a sensor configured to generate an output that indicates a temperature of the first seat 16, while the occupancy detection subsystem 52 includes a sensor configured to generate an output that indicates whether the first seat 16 is occupied. Each sensor is associated with a particular driver, in an example. The controller 20 is configured to issue commands to each driver, and to have each driver provide a signal to the controller 20 corresponding to the output of the associated sensor. The controller 20 is configured to issue these commands at different times. For instance, in an example, the controller 20 issues a command to the driver associated with the sensor of the occupancy detection subsystem 52 every eight seconds, while in that same example the controller 20 issues a command to the driver associated with the sensor of the heating subsystem 38 every fifteen seconds. By using different polling rates for the various sensors of the first seat 16, the likelihood of any transmission latency between the controller 20 and the various subsystems of the first seat 16 is reduced.

[0041] As noted above, each driver of each subsystem includes a unique node address. These node addresses are stored in the controller 20. In this manner, the controller 20 can send instructions to correct subsystem, and the correct driver within that subsystem. In turn, each driver is coupled to a corresponding component of a particular subsystem, such as an actuator or motor of that subsystem. By providing a unique node address for each driver of each subsystem, programming of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements can be translated to appropriate commands for each driver and/or each subsystem. When multiple bridge chips are present, the unique node address specifies the correct bridge chip for a particular subsystem and/or a particular driver.

[0042] In an aspect of this disclosure, the controller 20 is configured to command one or more of the subsystems into a low power mode if the subsystem is inactive for a predefined time period. For instance, if the automobile 12 is off for a predefined time period, such as one hour, the controller 20 can command all subsystems into a low power mode. Further, if a particular seat is unoccupied during operation of the automobile 12, the controller 20 can command all subsystems of the unoccupied seat into a lower power mode. A low power mode refers to a state in which a particular seat and/or subsystem consumes less electrical power than it does when it is fully operational.

[0043] In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller 20 is configured to selectively enable and disable one or more of the subsystems until a predetermined condition is satisfied. As one example, if an ambient temperature is above a particular threshold, the controller 20 can disable the heating subsystem. In a further example, the controller 20 is configured to disable one or more subsystems unless and until a subscription is paid for those subsystems.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flow chart representative of an exemplary method 100 of this disclosure. The method 100 is performed by the hardware of the automobile 12 and the first seat 16, in an example.

[0045] In the example method 100, in step 102, the first seat 16 receives, via the interface including connector 60, a plurality of commands. The commands include one command for a first subsystem of the first seat 16 and at least one command for another subsystem of the first seat 16. The commands may be received simultaneously or in series. The command originated from a location remote from the first seat 16, such as from the controller 20. In step 104, the commands are routed to the corresponding subsystem and driver. In particular, the controller 20 is programmed with node addresses for each subsystem and each driver within each subsystem. The signals from the controller 20 are directed to a particular node address corresponding with the subsystem and driver to be controlled. In step 106, the commands are carried out by the subsystem and driver corresponding to the command from the controller 20. In particular, the drivers are configured to cause a corresponding device to perform a function as indicated by the command from the controller 20.

[0046] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” are not intended to be boundaryless terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

[0047] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0048] One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: one or more seats (16, 18), wherein each of the one or more seats comprises a plurality of subsystems, wherein each of the plurality of subsystems comprises one or more drivers (74, 76) configured to execute one or more tasks; a bridge chip (66), electrically coupled to the one or more drivers and a controller (20), wherein the bridge chip is configured to enable communication between the controller and each of the plurality of subsystems; and the controller electrically coupled to the one or more seats via the bridge chip, wherein the controller is configured to generate one or more commands for at least one driver associated with at least one subsystem from amongst the plurality of subsystems, based on a predefined condition, and send, via the bridge chip, the generated one or more commands to the at least one driver of the at least one subsystem, wherein the at least one subsystem is configured to execute the one or more tasks associated with the generated one or more commands.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of subsystems comprises one or more of a heating subsystem (38), a ventilation subsystem (40), a lumbar support subsystem (42), a massage subsystem (44), a seat position adjustment subsystem (46), an airbag subsystem (48), a headrest adjustment subsystem (50), and an occupancy detection subsystem (52).

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each subsystem further comprises a sensor, and wherein the sensors of the subsystems are polled at different rates by the one or more controllers

(20).

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each subsystem of the plurality of subsystems comprises at least one driver (74, 76) with a capability which is different than at least one driver of another subsystem from amongst the plurality of subsystems.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one driver (74, 76) in the at least one subsystem is selected from at least one of: a single-function driver, a multi -function driver.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the bridge chip (66) is incorporated into at least one of: a pump of the given seat (16, 18), a connector (58) of the seat, a heating mat.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the bridge chip (66) is collocated with one or more drivers.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the bridge chip (66) is configured to enable communication between the controller (20) and each of the plurality of subsystems based on an interface of the one or more seats (16, 18), a voltage level, or a communication protocol between the controller and each of the plurality of subsystems.

9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the interface receives instructions for each of the subsystems from the controller (20).

10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is configured to generate the one or more commands for the at least one driver (74, 76) based on the predefined condition selected from at least one of an external input, a state of the at least one subsystem or a state of a given seat (16, 18).

11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is further configured to receive an external input from an external device; generate one or more commands for the at least one driver based on the external input, and send, via the bridge chip (66), the generated one or more commands to the at least one driver (74, 76).

12. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is further configured to determine a state of the at least one subsystem for a predefined time period; generate one or more commands for the at least one driver (74, 76) based on the state, and send, via the bridge chip (66), the generated one or more commands to the at least one driver to execute the one or more tasks associated with the state.

13. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is further configured to determine a state of the one or more seats (16, 18) for a predefined time period; generate one or more commands for the at least one driver (74, 76) based on the state, and send, via the bridge chip (66), the generated one or more commands to the at least one driver to execute the one or more tasks associated with the state.

14. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is configured to generate the one or more commands selected from at least one of: selectively enabling the one or more subsystems, disabling the one or more subsystems, or a combination thereof.

15. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the controller (20) is a part of a central computer of a motor vehicle (12).

16. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each driver (74, 76) is programmed with a sequence timer.

17. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each driver (74, 76) includes a node address, and the node addresses are stored in the controller (20).

18. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the bridge chip (66) further comprises an I/O expander (68) configured to provide electrical connections between the bridge chip and the at least one subsystem, and wherein the bridge chip is electrically coupled to the at least one subsystem via the I/O expander.

19. A method comprising: monitoring a predefined condition associated with one or more seats (16, 18); generating, by a controller electrically coupled to the one or more seats via a bridge chip (66), one or more commands for a at least one driver (74, 76) associated with a at least one subsystem based on the predefined condition; sending the generated one or more commands to the at least one driver via the bridge chip to enable communication between the controller and the at least one subsystem; and executing, by the at least one driver of the at least one subsystem, the received one or more commands to perform the one or more tasks associated with the at least one subsystem.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, further comprising receiving the one or more commands by the one or more seats (16, 18) in at least one of: a simultaneous manner or a series manner.