Method for operating a lighting device in a motor vehicle during an audio output of a breathing exercise in the motor vehicle

By analyzing breathing exercise audio files to control lighting systems based on speech, music, and quiet segments, the method ensures a synchronized and supportive visual experience during breathing exercises in vehicles.

DE102024122078B3Active Publication Date: 2025-12-18AUDI AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024122078
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-02
Publication Date
2025-12-18
Estimated Expiration
2044-08-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing lighting systems in vehicles do not differentiate between different types of audio outputs, leading to inappropriate visualizations during breathing exercises that alternate between speech and music, which can disrupt the intended experience.

Method used

A method that analyzes an audio file describing a breathing exercise to identify distinct sections, applying segment recognition criteria to control the lighting device accordingly, ensuring synchronized visual support based on speech, music, and quiet segments.

Benefits of technology

The method provides a visually orchestrated experience that effectively supports breathing exercises by adapting lighting intensity and color to the audio segments, enhancing the overall experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device (2) in a motor vehicle (1) during an audio output of a breathing exercise (21) in the motor vehicle (1) and to a motor vehicle (1).The procedure comprises: providing (S2) an audio file (20) intended for audio output in the motor vehicle (1) and describing a breathing exercise (21); recognizing (S3) at least two different subsections (23, 24, 25) of the breathing exercise (21) by applying a subsection recognition criterion (26) to the provided audio file (20); for each of the recognized subsections (23, 24, 25), determining (S4) a control command (27, 28, 29) to control the lighting device (2) during the audio output of the subsection (23, 24, 25); and audio output (S5) of the breathing exercise (21) by means of an audio output device (3) in the motor vehicle (1), while simultaneously operating the lighting device (2) according to the control command (27, 28, 29) for the subsection (23, 24, 25) that is currently being output.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device in a motor vehicle during an audio output of a breathing exercise in the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle for carrying out such a method.

[0002] A motor vehicle may include an audio output device that allows music or other audio content to be played within the vehicle. Furthermore, the control of a lighting device within the vehicle may be adapted to the output of the audio output device, so that, for example, the music played in the vehicle can be visually visualized by the lighting device. In this context, for instance, the color of the light emitted by the lighting device may be adapted to the volume level of the music being played, in order to create an orchestrated musical experience within the vehicle.

[0003] The optical visualization of the output of the output device by means of the lighting device is typically carried out in the same way for different types of output, i.e., it does not take into account whether music or, for example, a breathing exercise is being output.

[0004] German patent DE 10 217 213 998 A1 discloses a method for guiding a motor vehicle user through a physiological exercise. In this method, the user's physiological parameters are recorded, and a first light source in the vehicle is controlled in such a way that the physiological parameter is visualized. Subsequently, a psychological exercise is selected for the user, and a second light source is controlled in such a way that the instructions for the physiological exercise are visualized.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2021 208 986 A1 discloses a wellness arrangement for a vehicle for instructing a breathing exercise. The wellness arrangement includes a functional device for performing an instruction function to guide a breathing rhythm within the framework of the breathing exercise.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2014 219 892 A1 discloses a system for supporting a driver's breathing. This system uses a sensor to detect a condition parameter of the driver. Depending on the detected condition parameter, at least one signal is output that is suitable for directly or indirectly influencing the driver's breathing.

[0007] DE 10 2022 103 448 B3 shows a motor vehicle comprising at least one exercise device intended for carrying out a mindfulness and / or meditation exercise, with at least one concentration element arranged on a support element and which can be visually viewed by an occupant.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a solution by means of which a lighting device in a motor vehicle can be usefully operated during the audio output of a breathing exercise.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a lighting device in a motor vehicle during the audio output of a breathing exercise in the vehicle. The lighting device comprises, for example, at least one lighting element, such as at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The lighting device can, for example, comprise at least one light strip, in particular an LED light strip, a screen, and / or another light source in the motor vehicle. The audio output can, for example, be provided by means of an audio output device in the motor vehicle. The audio output device is, for example, a loudspeaker device comprising at least one loudspeaker.

[0011] A breathing exercise according to the invention is provided in the form of an audio file. The breathing exercise includes, for example, at least one instruction on how a person should breathe. In one example, the breathing exercise can prescribe a breathing rhythm through several instructions. The breathing exercise can, for example, help a listener, such as a vehicle occupant, to improve their concentration, relax, and / or reduce stress. The breathing exercise can, for example, be between 2 and 3 minutes long. Alternatively or additionally, the breathing exercise can be shorter than 2 minutes or longer than 3 minutes, in particular up to 4 or 5 minutes. The breathing exercise can, for example, be selected by a vehicle occupant, and its audio output can be initiated in the vehicle.For this purpose, the audio file of the breathing exercise can be stored in a storage device of the vehicle, which is specifically included in or assigned to the control unit, and / or received from an external device. The external device can be a mobile device, a server, a backend, a cloud, and / or another vehicle. The audio file is transmitted from the external device to the vehicle, for example, wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0012] The invention is based, at least, on the understanding that when operating the lighting device during any audio output in a motor vehicle, the lighting device is typically always controlled depending on the volume curve of the output audio file or another feature of the audio file. Thus, no distinction is made as to what type of audio file is being output. However, this can lead to inappropriate visualizations of breathing exercises that alternate between speech and music, especially since these exercises typically contain a high proportion of speech segments. Therefore, the operation of the lighting device should be specifically adapted to the breathing exercise.

[0013] The procedure involves providing an audio file intended for audio output in a motor vehicle, which describes a breathing exercise. It is therefore assumed that an audio file describing the breathing exercise already exists. The subsequent procedure is only carried out, for example, if the provided audio file describes a breathing exercise.

[0014] The system identifies at least two distinct sections of the breathing exercise by applying a section recognition criterion to the provided audio file. The audio file is analyzed and evaluated, dividing it into at least two parts. For example, a first section and at least a second section, distinct from the first, are identified. In a preferred example, the audio file is divided into more than two sections. These at least two sections could, for example, be an introductory phase of the breathing exercise and the actual breathing exercise, i.e., a practice phase. In another example, several different sub-phases of the practice phase can be distinguished. Sub-phases can arise, for instance, when the breathing rate and / or another aspect of a breathing technique changes during the exercise.

[0015] The segment recognition criterion comprises at least one rule and / or algorithm, the application of which, based on the audio file, allows the individual segments of the breathing exercise to be recognized and distinguished from one another. For example, when applying the segment recognition criterion, a waveform analysis can be performed, which can be used to identify speech segments and / or music segments and / or quiet segments without speech and / or music and / or noise. The waveform analysis can utilize a representation of the audio file's content in waveform form.In this type of visualization, for example, a waveform of an audio signal, as described by the audio file, is plotted against the time course of the audio signal. This is achieved, for instance, by scanning an oscilloscope's electron beam at a specific frequency across a display area, thus revealing the audio signal's waveform. Alternatively or additionally to the waveform, another type of audio visualization can be used. Audio visualization refers to a dynamic representation of, for example, graphics and / or animations based on the audio file. For instance, the audio file, or in particular individual sections of it, can be graphically displayed broken down by frequency. With this type of audio visualization, a fast Fourier transform can be performed, and amplitudes can be detected and plotted, for example, logarithmically.Alternative or additional types of audio visualization are possible, for example, a panoramic display or correlation display between multiple audio channels and / or a volume display in the form of a bar graph (level meter or peak meter). After the content of the audio file, and thus the breathing exercise, has been displayed according to one of the aforementioned types of audio visualization, the speech segments and / or music segments and / or quiet segments without speech and / or music and / or noise can be identified and evaluated as such. Based on characteristic features of the speech segments and / or music segments and / or quiet segments without speech and / or music and / or noise, the sub-segments of the breathing exercise can be recognized. The sub-segment recognition criterion thus identifies when the audio file contains pure speech, when music is playing, and / or when a quiet phase, i.e., a quiet segment, is present.In a preferred example, the waveform representation is chosen for audiovisualization.

[0016] A speech section is a part of the breathing exercise in which spoken language is played. The spoken language may be accompanied by music and / or other sounds. The speech section can alternatively be called a speech phase. A quiet section is a part of the breathing exercise in which neither speech nor music or sounds are played. In the quiet section, the listener is thus confronted with peace or silence. The quiet section can alternatively be called a rest phase. A music section is a part of the breathing exercise in which music is played. The music section can alternatively be called a music phase. A sound can be understood, for example, as part of a music section or as a separate type of content within the audio file. A sound is, for example, an auditory sensation that cannot be described as a sound, tone, mixture of tones, consonance, or blend of sounds. Therefore, a sound does not have a precisely definable pitch.The sound could be, for example, a rushing noise, especially the sound of the sea or the sound of wind. If the audio file describes a sound, it may contain a noise segment. This can alternatively be referred to as a noise phase.

[0017] The procedure involves determining a control command for each identified audio segment to activate the lighting device during the audio output of that segment. Thus, a separate control command is generated for each segment. For this purpose, a control command determination criterion can be applied to the portion of the audio file that describes the respective segment of the breathing exercise. This criterion can, for example, include at least one algorithm and / or rule, the execution of which determines a suitable control command for the lighting device for the segment. With exactly two segments, exactly two control commands can be determined, which must be distinct from each other.

[0018] The procedure involves an audio output of the breathing exercise via the vehicle's audio output device, while simultaneously operating the lighting device according to the control command for the currently being output segment. The control commands are therefore always determined prior to the audio output of the breathing exercise. The audio output and control of the lighting device are coordinated, with the control command for the lighting device always being precisely assigned to the segment currently being output within the audio of the breathing exercise. For example, if the induction phase and the exercise phase are distinguished, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting device can be progressively reduced during the induction phase according to a control command specifically designated for the induction phase.During the exercise phase, light can be emitted continuously at a reduced intensity according to a control command specifically designated for this phase. Alternatively or additionally, the color of the emitted light can be predefined differently in the two sections. This ensures that the breathing exercise is visually supported by the lighting device. This results in a particularly advantageous visual orchestration using the lighting device. The method thus allows a lighting device in a motor vehicle to be used effectively while an audio playback of a breathing exercise is playing.

[0019] The procedure can be carried out, for example, using a control device of the motor vehicle. The control device can be configured to control the lighting device and the audio output device.

[0020] The invention provides that, before an audio file is made available, it is checked whether the audio file describes a breathing exercise. This is done by applying a breathing exercise recognition criterion to the audio file. Only if it is determined that the audio file describes the breathing exercise is the audio file actually made available, so that at least two different sections of the breathing exercise can then be recognized. The breathing exercise recognition criterion comprises, for example, at least one algorithm and / or a rule, the application of which to the audio file determines whether it is a breathing exercise or not. By checking whether a breathing exercise is present at all, it can be ensured that sections of audio files that do not describe any breathing exercises are not recognized.This makes the process particularly efficient, as, for example, any audio file selected by a vehicle user is first checked, and only if it relates to a breathing exercise are the other process steps described above carried out. This is especially energy-efficient, as the process is only carried out when it makes sense.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, it is intended that exactly three different sections are identified. These are assigned to the introductory phase, the practice phase, and a concluding phase of the breathing exercise. The concluding phase serves, for example, to end the breathing exercise and includes, for instance, a continuous, longer spoken section compared to the practice phase, as well as louder and / or longer musical sections compared to the practice phase. The introductory phase can alternatively be called the intro of the breathing exercise. The concluding phase can alternatively be called the outro of the breathing exercise. The practice phase refers here to the part of the breathing exercise in which the breathing instructions are given and which thus constitutes the actual breathing exercise.The division into three sections is a preferred subdivision of the breathing exercise and allows for a meaningful division into several control phases of the lighting device, which enables a particularly advantageous visual orchestration in the motor vehicle.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the invention comprises performing a speech analysis of speech segments within the respective subsection. It is checked whether at least one predefined signal word and / or a predefined combination of signal words is included in the subsection. The signal word can be, for example, "breathe," "inhale," and / or "exhale." The signal word combination can comprise several words or at least an entire sentence. If this is the case, that is, if the respective subsection includes the at least one predefined signal word and / or the at least one predefined combination of signal words, the determined control command includes a control of the lighting device associated with the signal word and / or the combination of signal words. This control occurs, in particular, simultaneously with the output of the signal word and / or the combination of signal words within the audio output of the breathing exercise.The lighting device can therefore be controlled according to the signal word simultaneously with the output of the signal word during audio. Similarly, the lighting device can be controlled according to the signal word combination simultaneously with the output of the signal word combination during audio. For example, the signal word "inhale" could be assigned a first color in which light should be emitted by the lighting device. Furthermore, in the same example, the signal word "exhale" could be assigned a second color different from the first. This would mean, for instance, that the lighting device would always emit light of the first color when inhaling is instructed and light of the second color when exhaling is instructed.Furthermore, a different control pattern for the lighting system can be provided for the quiet section, music section, and / or sound section between the inhalation and exhalation instructions, for example, by emitting light of a third color or no light at all. In this way, the control commands for the subsections can be specified based on the content, since a corresponding speech analysis has been performed. This results in an even more detailed and pleasant visual orchestration in the vehicle.

[0023] Speech analysis can alternatively be understood as applying a speech analysis criterion to speech segments of the audio file that correspond to the respective subsection of the breathing exercise. The speech analysis criterion, or the speech analysis itself, is based on performing or applying at least one algorithm and / or rule that can recognize signal words and / or combinations of signal words. The at least one signal word and / or combination of signal words is, for example, stored in the vehicle, particularly in the storage device, and / or can be received by the vehicle, especially upon request.

[0024] One embodiment involves checking whether the audio file exhibits a characteristic ratio of speech segments to quiet segments, music segments, and / or noise segments when applying the breathing exercise recognition criterion. For example, it is typical for breathing exercises to include short speech segments during the exercise phase, prompting the listener to inhale or exhale. These speech segments may be followed by a quiet segment, a music segment, and / or a noise segment. Therefore, a typical ratio of speech to quiet, music, and / or noise for a breathing exercise can be predefined and taken into account, for example, when performing the procedure.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, when applying the breathing exercise detection criterion, it can be checked whether the audio file has a total duration characteristic of a breathing exercise. For example, a breathing exercise is typically between 2 and 3 minutes long. Alternatively, it could be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes or between 3 and 5 minutes. Total durations between these limits are possible. If an audio file is significantly longer and thus has a total duration of, for example, more than 5 minutes, this may indicate that it is a different type of audio file and not a breathing exercise. For example, the longer audio file could be an audiobook or a radio play. The characteristic total duration can therefore be used, for example, to distinguish it from other audio files that contain speech segments.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, when applying the breathing exercise recognition criterion, it can be checked whether the audio file exhibits a repetition of speech segments characteristic of a breathing exercise. Especially during the practice phase of a breathing exercise, there is typically a repetition of consistent breathing instructions, particularly at a predetermined rhythm. These breathing instructions are thus repeatedly described by the audio file at a predetermined repetition rate. Based on these repetitive segments in the audio file, it can therefore be concluded that the audio file contains a breathing exercise and not, for example, another type of spoken word, such as an audiobook or radio play, where such repetitive segments are not expected.

[0027] Thus, various characteristic pieces of information are known that can be used to identify a breathing exercise. Alternatively or additionally, the breathing exercise recognition criterion can include further suitable specifications that allow it to be determined whether the audio file describes a breathing exercise or not. It therefore becomes clear that the method can reliably identify a breathing exercise as such and subsequently, for example, break it down into its constituent parts.

[0028] Furthermore, one embodiment provides that the at least two sub-sections are identifiable by their differences in the ratio of speech segments, quiet sections, music sections, and / or noise sections. For example, one of the sub-sections can be the practice phase and contain repetitive speech segments that include breathing instructions, with a quiet section, music section, and / or noise section potentially occurring between any two speech segments. The introductory phase can be characterized by a speech segment that is longer and has fewer, particularly no, repetitions compared to the speech segments of the practice phase. Furthermore, the introductory phase can contain louder music sections and / or noise sections. In particular, one example shows that the introductory phase contains no quiet sections.The identified subsections can therefore be recognized by the relationship between speech sections, quiet sections, music sections and / or noise sections.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the two subsections can be identified by the fact that they differ from each other, at least in the length of individual speech segments. Typically, the practice phase has shorter speech segments than, for example, the introductory phase. Alternatively or additionally, the two subsections can be identified by the fact that they differ from each other, at least in the repetition of speech segments. The practice phase often features the same or at least similar speech segments repeatedly, which dictate breathing movements and thus the breathing rhythm. In contrast, the introductory phase is characterized by a non-repeating speech segment. It thus becomes clear how the different subsections can be unambiguously identified by applying the subsection identification criterion, as each exhibits distinct characteristics.

[0030] Another embodiment includes the fact that the respective control command determined specifies at least a brightness and / or a color with which light is emitted when the lighting device is operated. The brightness can alternatively be described as the intensity of the emitted light. A distinction is made at least between bright and dark. In particular, the determined control command can specify a brightness profile and / or a color profile, whereby the brightness profile or the color profile relates to the light emitted when the lighting device is operated. The brightness profile and / or the color profile can alternatively be understood as an animation in which, for example, different sections of the lighting device are controlled differently. The brightness profile and / or the color profile can provide for different control of the lighting device in terms of location and / or time.This demonstrates the diverse and visually appealing modifications that can be made to the operation of the lighting system to support audio output.

[0031] In another embodiment, for each of the detected sub-sections, a further control command is determined to activate at least one vehicle seat during the audio output of that sub-section. During the audio output of the breathing exercise, the at least one vehicle seat can then be operated simultaneously according to the further control command for the currently output sub-section. Alternatively or additionally, for each of the detected sub-sections, a further control command to activate an air conditioning system in the vehicle can be determined during the audio output of that sub-section. During the audio output of the breathing exercise, the air conditioning system can then be operated simultaneously according to the further control command for the currently output sub-section.

[0032] The subsequent control command for activating at least one vehicle seat can, for example, activate a massage function of the vehicle seat, allowing the massage movements performed by the vehicle seat to be adapted to the breathing rhythm specified during the exercise phase. However, during the introductory and / or concluding phases, and thus during other sections, the vehicle seat may not be controlled, or it may be moved to a predetermined starting position that is maintained throughout the exercise phase. This results in different control commands for the vehicle seat depending on the specific section.

[0033] The climate control system can, for example, be controlled by an additional command such that, when inhaling is instructed, it directs air towards at least one vehicle seat, but pauses or omits this airflow when exhaling is instructed. Furthermore, an increase or decrease in the vehicle's temperature during, for example, the practice phase compared to the introductory and / or concluding phases can be specified using this additional command. Thus, not only can the lighting system support the breathing exercises, but the vehicle seat and / or climate control system can also be used to create an overall beneficial experience during the breathing exercise.

[0034] Furthermore, it can first be determined which vehicle seat a person is occupying, particularly when performing the breathing exercise. For this purpose, data from an interior camera of the vehicle and / or a vehicle seat occupancy sensor and / or a seatbelt buckle sensor and / or a door opening device assigned to a vehicle door can be used, for example. The vehicle seat and / or climate control system is then controlled specifically for the vehicle seat in which the person is sitting.

[0035] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has an audio output device and a lighting device, such as those described above. The motor vehicle is configured to perform the method described above. The motor vehicle performs the method described above.

[0037] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0038] One embodiment of the motor vehicle provides that the lighting system includes ambient lighting. This is arranged, for example, as a lighting strip or light bar in the interior of the motor vehicle. It can be located, for example, in the front area and / or in the area of ​​the rear seats of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the ambient lighting can extend into the footwell of the motor vehicle and / or along at least one door of the motor vehicle. In a preferred example, the ambient lighting comprises numerous individually controllable lighting elements, in particular individual LEDs.

[0039] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to perform the method according to the invention or an embodiment thereof. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to perform the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0040] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0041] As a further solution, the invention comprises a computer-readable storage medium, including program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute the method according to the invention or an embodiment thereof. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0042] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes implementations that each have a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0043] The following are examples of the invention's embodiments. This includes: Fig. 1. A schematic representation of a section of the interior of a motor vehicle; and Fig. Figure 2 schematically represents a signal flow graph of a method for operating a lighting device in a motor vehicle during an audio output of a breathing exercise in the motor vehicle.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments or exemplary embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0045] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1, which has a lighting device 2. The lighting device 2 is shown here as an example of ambient lighting for the motor vehicle 1. It has, for example, several individual lighting elements which together form at least one light strip arranged in the motor vehicle 1. The individual lighting elements are, for example, light-emitting diodes.

[0047] The motor vehicle 1 has an audio output device 3, which includes, for example, at least one loudspeaker. The at least one loudspeaker is, for example, arranged in a door panel of a door 8 of the motor vehicle 1. The audio output device 3 outlined here is not limited to its Fig. 1. The position sketched in the motor vehicle 1 is to be understood. The motor vehicle 1 may also have a control device 4 which is designed to control the position within the scope of Fig. to carry out the 2 described procedures.

[0048] Here, the lighting device 2 extends at least partially into an area of ​​a center console 5 of the motor vehicle, and the lighting device 2 may include a display device 6 arranged in the center console 5. Furthermore, the lighting device 2 extends, by way of example, over at least partial areas of the doors 8 of the motor vehicle 1. Other configurations of the lighting device 2 are possible.

[0049] At least in the area of ​​the center console 5, the motor vehicle 1 may have an air conditioning device 7, that is, for example, an air conditioning system or part of an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle 1. The air conditioning device 7 may, for example, be arranged above the display unit 6. The air conditioning device 7 sketched here is not limited to its Fig. 1. To understand the outlined position in the motor vehicle 1.

[0050] The motor vehicle 1 can include one vehicle seat 10, on which, for example, a driver 9 sits. No other occupants are arranged in the motor vehicle 1. Alternatively, it is possible that the motor vehicle 1 also or only has a passenger and / or other occupants.

[0051] A mobile terminal 11 may be arranged in the motor vehicle 1, which may, for example, contain at least one audio file 20 (see reference 20 in Fig. 2) can provide the audio file 20, which is to be output in the motor vehicle 1. The motor vehicle 1 can output this audio file 20 using the audio output device 3. Alternatively or additionally, the audio file 20 can be stored in a multimedia system of the motor vehicle 1, in particular, it can be saved there. The motor vehicle 1 and / or the mobile device 11 can receive the audio file 20 from an external device.

[0052] Fig.Figure 2 shows the procedural steps of a method for operating the lighting device 2 in the motor vehicle 1 during an audio output of a breathing exercise 21 in the motor vehicle 1. In a procedural step S1, it can be checked whether the audio file 20 being considered describes a breathing exercise 21. For this purpose, a breathing exercise recognition criterion 22 can be applied to the audio file 20. If it is determined that the audio file 20 describes the breathing exercises 21, the audio file 20 can be provided in a procedural step S2. Thus, the provided audio file 20 is an audio file 20 that is intended for audio output in the motor vehicle 1 and also describes the breathing exercise 21.When applying the breathing exercise recognition criterion 22 in procedure step S1, it can be checked, for example, whether the audio file 20 has a ratio of speech segments to quiet segments, music segments and / or noise segments characteristic of a breathing exercise 21, a total duration characteristic of a breathing exercise 21 and / or a repetition of speech segments characteristic of a breathing exercise 21.

[0053] If, for example, it is determined in procedure step S1 that audio file 20 does not describe breathing exercise 21, procedure step S1 can be repeated for another audio file 20. In this case, the subsequent procedure steps S2 to S5 are not performed. Procedure steps S2 to S5 are only performed, for example, if it is determined in procedure step S1 that audio file 20 describes breathing exercise 21.

[0054] In a process step S3, for example, at least two different subsections 23, 24, 25 of the breathing exercise 21 are recognized by applying a subsection recognition criterion 26 to the provided audio file 20. The at least two subsections 23, 24, 25 can be recognized, for example, by the fact that they differ from each other, for example, at least in the ratio between speech sections, quiet sections, music sections, and / or noise sections, in the length of individual speech sections, and / or in the repetition of speech sections. In a preferred example, it may be provided that exactly three different subsections 23, 24, 25 are recognized, as outlined here. These are, for example, assigned to an introductory phase of the breathing exercise 21, a practice phase of the breathing exercise 21, and a concluding phase of the breathing exercise 21.The introductory phase can alternatively be called the intro and / or the concluding phase can alternatively be called the outro of breathing exercise 21.

[0055] In a process step S4, a control command 27, 28, 29 for activating the lighting device 2 can be determined for each of the identified subsections 23, 24, 25. This activation of the lighting device 2 is to take place during the audio output of the respective subsection 23, 24, 25. It may be provided that a control command determination criterion 30 is applied to the part of the audio file 20 assigned to the respective subsection 23, 24, 25 to determine the control command 27, 28, 29. The respective determined control command 27, 28, 29 can, for example, specify at least a brightness and / or a color with which light is emitted when the lighting device 2 is operated. In particular, a brightness gradient and / or a color gradient of the light emitted when the lighting device 2 is operated can be specified by the control command 27.

[0056] In an example, it may be provided that in a further procedural step not outlined here, or in procedural step S4, for each of the identified subsections 23, 24, 25, a further control command is determined to control at least one vehicle seat 10 and / or the air conditioning device 7 during the audio output of subsection 23, 24, 25.

[0057] In process step S5, the audio output of breathing exercise 21 can be provided by the audio output device 3 in the motor vehicle 1, while simultaneously the lighting device 2 is operated according to the control command 27, 28, 29 of the subsection 23, 24, 25 that is currently being issued. If the further control command for controlling at least one vehicle seat 10 and / or the air conditioning device 7 has been determined, the vehicle seat 10 and / or the air conditioning device 7 can be operated simultaneously during the audio output of breathing exercise 21 according to the respective further control command for the subsection 23, 24, 25 that is currently being issued.

[0058] In one example, it may be provided that a speech analysis of speech segments of the respective subsection 23, 24, 25 is performed. It can be checked whether at least one predefined signal word and / or at least one predefined signal word combination is included in subsection 23, 24, 25. If so, the determined control command 27, 28, 29 can include a control of the lighting device 2 associated with the signal word and / or signal word combination. This can, in particular, occur simultaneously with the audio output of the signal word and / or signal word combination; that is, the control of the lighting device 2 can occur simultaneously with the output of the signal word and / or signal word combination. For example, a different color and / or brightness of the emitted light can then be selected for a speech segment that prompts the listener to inhale than for a speech segment that prompts the listener to exhale.Furthermore, for example, in quiet sections, music sections and / or noise sections between the two breathing instructions, a different control of the light device 2 can be selected, for example in a different color and / or with a different brightness compared to the speech sections with the signal word and / or the signal word combination.

[0059] Overall, the examples demonstrate a method for visualizing breathing exercises 21. By analyzing the waveform of the audio file 20 prior to its playback, patterns and / or events can be extracted, allowing the interior, in this case the lighting device 2, to be adjusted to the orchestration of the breathing exercise 21. These patterns and / or events include, for example, the relationships between speech segments, quiet segments, music segments, and / or noise segments, the length of individual speech segments, and / or the repetition of speech segments. Technically, this is implemented, for example, by analyzing the waveform of the audio file, particularly information about the volume, before the audio file 20 is played, after a user has selected the breathing exercise 21 for playback.

[0060] In breathing exercise 21, three characteristic components are identified, namely the three subsections 23, 24, and 25. These are the intro (introductory phase), the outro (concluding phase), and the section containing the actual breathing exercise 21 (practice phase). The latter subsection, 23, 24, and 25, i.e., the practice phase, is characterized by a recurring pattern with regard to, for example, alternating sections of speech and periods of silence or music. Based on the described analysis, an intense experience for the listener can be orchestrated for breathing exercise 21 by, for example, triggering the ambient lighting and thus the lighting device 2 depending on the respective component, that is, depending on the control command 27, 28, and 29 for the respective subsection 23, 24, and 25.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a lighting device (2) in a motor vehicle (1) during an audio output of a breathing exercise (21) in the motor vehicle (1), comprising: - Providing (S2) an audio file (20) intended for audio output in the motor vehicle (1) and describing a breathing exercise (21); - Identifying (S3) at least two different subsections (23, 24, 25) of the breathing exercise (21) by applying a subsection recognition criterion (26) to the provided audio file (20); - for each of the detected subsections (23, 24, 25), determine (S4) a control command (27, 28, 29) to control the lighting device (2) during the audio output of the subsection (23, 24, 25); - Audio output (S5) of the breathing exercise (21) by means of an audio output device (3) in the motor vehicle (1), wherein at the same time the lighting device (2) is operated in accordance with the control command (27, 28, 29) for the subsection (23, 24, 25) that is currently being output; wherein (a) before providing the audio file (20), it is checked (S1) whether this audio file (20) describes a breathing exercise (21) by applying a breathing exercise recognition criterion (22) to the audio file (20), and only if it is determined that the audio file (20) describes the breathing exercise (21), is the audio file (20) provided; and / or (b) three different sub-sections (23, 24, 25) can be identified, which are assigned to an introductory phase, a practice phase and a concluding phase of the breathing exercise (21); and / or (c) a language analysis of language segments of the respective subsection (23, 24, 25) is carried out and it is checked whether at least one predefined signal word and / or a predefined signal word combination is included in the subsection (23, 24, 25), wherein if this is the case, the determined control command (27, 28, 29) includes a control of the lighting device (2) associated with the signal word and / or the signal word combination. [2] Method according to feature (a) of claim 1, wherein when applying the breathing exercise recognition criterion (22) it is checked whether the audio file (20) has a ratio of speech segments to quiet segments and / or music segments and / or noise segments characteristic of a breathing exercise (21), a total duration characteristic of a breathing exercise (21) and / or a repetition of speech segments characteristic of a breathing exercise (21). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two subsections (23, 24, 25) are recognized by the fact that they differ from each other at least in a ratio between speech sections, quiet sections, music sections and / or noise sections, in a length of individual speech sections and / or in a repetition of speech sections. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein if the determined control command (27, 28, 29) includes the control of the lighting device (2) associated with the signal word and / or the signal word combination, this control is carried out simultaneously with the output of the signal word and / or the signal word combination. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective determined control command (27, 28, 29) specifies at least a brightness and / or a color with which light is emitted when the lighting device (2) is operated, wherein it specifies in particular a brightness gradient and / or a color gradient of the light emitted when the lighting device (2) is operated. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein for each of the identified subsections (23, 24, 25) a further control command (27, 28, 29) for controlling at least one vehicle seat (10) in the motor vehicle (1) and / or an air conditioning device (7) of the motor vehicle (1) is determined during the audio output of the subsection (23, 24, 25), wherein during the audio output of the breathing exercise (21) the vehicle seat (10) and / or the air conditioning device (7) is operated simultaneously according to the further control command (27, 28, 29) for the subsection (23, 24, 25) that is currently being output. [7] Motor vehicle (1) with an audio output device (3) and a lighting device (2), wherein the motor vehicle (1) is configured to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lighting device (2) comprises ambient lighting of the motor vehicle (1).

Citation Information

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