Adaptive and predictive climate control system using infrared image-based imaging

A method of operating a climate control system comprising:

• (a) providing a sensor that is adapted to sense or otherwise determine data regarding an occupant of a seat;
• (b) providing an apparatus for generating heating, cooling, and/or ventilating effects in and/or around the seat;
• and
• (c) providing a controller that is responsive to the data from the sensor for controlling the operation of the apparatus for generating heating, cooling, and/or ventilating effects, wherein:
• (1) the controller normally controls the operation of the apparatus for generating heating, cooling, and/or ventilating effects in a standard mode;
• (2) when a first amount of data has been received by the controller from the sensor, the controller controls the operation of the apparatus for generating heating, cooling, and/or ventilating effects in an adaptive mode;
• and
• (3) when a second amount of data has been received by the controller from the sensor, the controller controls the operation of the apparatus for generating heating, cooling, and/or ventilating effects in a predictive mode.