Method for reducing mobile distribution-related distribution of

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for reducing motility-related disturbance of an occupant on a vehicle seat (10) in a motor vehicle, in which at least one series of measures for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated at the latest in the event that motility-related disturbance of the occupant is detected, an occupant is placed in a seat position (S) resting on a backrest (12) of a vehicle seat (10), in which the head of the occupant is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10), the occupant is subjected to a partial cooling treatment by a cooling device (16) of the vehicle seat (10), at least one sensory stimulation is performed at at least one stimulation point (P), and simulating the driving of the motor vehicle by means of a stimulation element (18) of the vehicle seat (10) as a function of the detected movement-related disturbance. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for reducing movement sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle seat according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat.

[0002] When driving, the receptors in the muscles do not report any movements to the brain, because the body is basically sitting still in the vehicle seat. On the other hand, the eyes report the rapid movements while driving to the brain. In this case, the balance organs in the inner ear provide information about curves or about acceleration and / or slope, which contradicts the first information. This flood of mismatched information leads to an overload, which the brain interprets as a dangerous situation. As a result, stress hormones are released, which lead to symptoms such as dizziness and / or nausea. Psychological factors such as anxious expectations can aggravate the symptoms. The starting point of the countermeasure is therefore to reduce stress and / or avoid stress and / or make the information consistent with the journey. Unusual or unexpected passive movements can also be reduced. Procedures for predicting and preventing characteristics related to movement sickness in secondary activities in vehicles are already known from the prior art.

[0003] In this regard, for example, DE 10 2018 008 629 A1 already discloses a method for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle, wherein at the latest when motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant are detected, at least one measure for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated.

[0004] As an alternative, DE 10 2014 2016 161 A1 discloses a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, which comprises at least one vibration element which is formed by a structure-borne sound generator. In this case, as an auxiliary and / or massage device, a plurality of vibration elements, each configured as a structure-borne sound generator, are arranged in a predetermined matrix in the seat part and / or in the backrest part of the seat.

[0005] Likewise, programs for preventing nausea, such as the (English) "motion sickness prevention program", are known in the prior art. In this case, the customer will be aware of and feel the movement of the vehicle in terms of acceleration, steering and slope through tactile and proprioceptive active elements.

[0006] The seat system acts as a haptic information system to reduce sensory conflict. The customer can feel the seat system, acceleration, steering and slope. The driver's head position is displayed on a display device (MBUX display) in a simplified schematic manner and information and feedback are provided, targeting slight movements. The purpose of the invention is to serve the driver in highly automated vehicles by a mode by which, in the event of nausea, the driver or a passenger of the vehicle or another occupant is supported in turn by this mode.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method by means of which the driver of a motor vehicle is supported in the event of a motion sickness-related disturbance.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method and a vehicle seat having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, wherein advantageous embodiments of the method can be adopted as advantageous embodiments of the vehicle seat and vice versa.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing mobility sickness-related disturbances of an occupant on a vehicle seat in a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, in particular an at least partially autonomous motor vehicle, wherein in particular at the latest in the case of detection of a mobility sickness-related disturbance of an occupant, at least one series of measures for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated. In other words, when a mobility sickness-related disturbance is detected, a signal is provided to support the occupant and is sent to the corresponding entity. For example, the health status of the occupant can be recorded by sensor devices as well as cameras, recording devices, thermometers, pulse measuring devices and other components. In particular, for example, heartbeat, facial sweating state and / or other characteristics indicating such mobility sickness-related disturbances should be recordable and / or recorded. For example, in the case that the occupant may feel nauseous, at least one measure should be taken to help the occupant regain health. For this purpose, by means of a corresponding sensor device or component detecting the occupant's state, at least one signal is sent to, for example, an electronic computing device for controlling the method, as a result of which, for example, an evaluation can first be performed or carried out, and then other components for preventing or supporting the occupant can be at least partially controlled. In particular, this can be provided at least partially automatically, in particular, according to the invention, the occupant can receive the assistance he needs in the shortest possible time, in the seconds range, in particular in the milliseconds range, to prevent, in particular completely avoid, nausea, dizziness etc.

[0010] In order to achieve the object of the present invention, it is provided that firstly an occupant is placed in a seat position against the backrest of a vehicle seat, wherein the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest of the vehicle seat. In this case, it is provided that the vehicle seat is adjustable, in particular the backrest should be tilted, inclined or retreated in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by a predetermined angle in order to adjust the occupant to a lying position or an inclined seat position, in particular the calf support should be folded forward, tilted or moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by a predetermined angle, in particular similar to the movement or adjustment of the backrest, whereby the inclined seat position of the vehicle seat is adjustable for the entire body of the occupant. In addition, the headrest fixedly connected or held on the vehicle seat, in particular on the backrest, is configured to hold the occupant's head in a position, in particular a holding position. In this case, the holding is achieved, for example, by pillow-shaped side claws of the headrest, for example by folding over each other or in the direction of the occupant's head, whereby the head is held to move to the left and / or right in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, the headrest is designed to avoid movements to the left and right, or to hold the head against shaking or rotation, and in particular, the headrest is also designed to damp vibrations or counteract accelerations only in prescribed cases. In this context, however, it should be noted that accelerations can also be beneficial if measures to reduce the disturbances associated with movement sickness provide for this. This means that the occupant can lie flat, or can lean their back against the backrest and keep their head still, or can lean their head against the headrest and keep their head still. In particular, in this context, it is also possible to keep the head still by means of cushions or by means of automatic cushions or other mechanically assisted positions, and it is also possible to press the back as close to the backrest as possible.

[0011] Subsequently, the occupant is subjected to a cooling treatment by means of a cooling device as a further measure to reduce the disturbances associated with mobility sickness. This means that heat must be taken away and the occupant is at least partially cooled. Specifically, the heat dissipation cooling is intended to help the vasoconstriction in order to counteract symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. In other words, the vehicle seat is provided with a cooling device and / or a coolant and / or a cooling line and / or other components for cooling or temperature-controlling the vehicle seat, in particular for temperature-controlling and / or cooling the surface of the vehicle seat. In other words, the coolant or the cooling device is arranged at a predetermined position, point or surface on the vehicle seat, which can perform corresponding cooling or temperature-control according to regulations and the stature of the occupant or other settings. In particular, not only cooling is possible, but also heating is possible, as a result of which heat can also be conducted to the body of the occupant, in particular to his upper body. In addition, for example, a thermometer and / or other sensor device is provided in order to control, in particular to regulate the at least partially automatic cooling treatment, wherein other devices can also be used here, such as an air conditioning device of the motor vehicle, which is coupled to the vehicle seat in a way that can also cool the front side of the occupant. Alternatively, further air ducts or cooling devices can be used which enable cooling of the occupant, in particular also of the legs, torso and neck.

[0012] Likewise, as a further measure to reduce the disturbances associated with mobility sickness, it is provided according to the invention that at least one sensory stimulation is performed at at least one stimulation point. The sensory stimulation will now be performed by means of a stimulation element arranged on the vehicle seat, which at least partially stimulates the body of the occupant at this stimulation point. In this case, massage or vibration is provided in particular by stimulation sensors, wherein, for example, massage airbags in the back or pillow can be filled individually, so that the body is massaged. These can be filled here in a prescribed order so that the corresponding stimulation points perform the corresponding massage. Optionally, vibration motors can also be connected to the stimulation points so that the sensory stimulation is represented by vibrations, which in turn can be individually manipulated. In this case, for example, all stimulation elements are electrically or electronically connected to an electronic computing device or control device, which is configured to stimulate the corresponding stimulation points according to a preset. Thus, the body of the occupant can be stimulated at predetermined stimulation points, thereby counteracting nausea and dizziness.

[0013] Finally, as a further measure, it is provided that, depending on the detected movement sickness-related disturbances, the movement of a motor vehicle is simulated by means of a stimulation element of the vehicle seat. In particular, the stimulation element should be constructed such that it simulates a movement, in particular an accelerated movement of the motor vehicle, in a plurality of corresponding stimulation elements, in particular, depending on the movement of the motor vehicle, an automatic simulation of an increased acceleration should be simulated, as a result of which the difference between the movement sequence seen through the eyes of the occupant and the lack of movement sensation is offset. In other words, the vision of the occupant is supported by simulating the movement by the stimulation element, which can also be a massage airbag, which is inflated accordingly depending on the setting. In particular, the surface of the backrest can, for example, be provided with massage airbags, which cover the surface or only a part of the surface in an orderly manner, in other words, the backrest is covered by massage airbags, wherein, when the massage airbags are inflated, a movement to the left and / or to the right can or is being simulated. In this case, the outermost massage airbags are inflated larger, in particular the largest, along the surface compared to the opposite massage airbags, so as to provide a linear decrease in the size of the massage airbags. In other words, the outermost massage airbags on one side of the surface should be fully inflated, while the massage airbags on the other side of the backrest should be rarely or not at all inflated. This results in an inclined surface, which leads to a slight rotation of the occupant's upper body, or, alternatively, it is also possible to move only half of the surface of the backrest with the massage airbags so that only one side of the occupant's upper body feels the rotation. This inflation of the massage airbags leads to a slight acceleration of the upper body to the left and / or to the right. Optionally, the seat area of ​​the vehicle seat can also be provided with massage airbags similar to the backrest and assume its function, wherein a slight axial twisting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is possible. In other words, the occupant can be at least partially rotated and / or moved so that accelerations or movements of the motor vehicle can be perceived or simulated. In particular, all models and / or options offered by the vehicle seat are to be controlled and / or adjusted by the arranged electronic computing device.

[0014] Ultimately, the invention focuses on minimizing sensory conflicts that can cause nausea or dizziness, respectively. This prevention must be designed in such a way that this (in English) "motion sickness" does not even occur. Here, a massage system consisting of inflatable airbags can be inserted into the backrest and / or pillow and / or hand, arm, foot or warning pad. In addition, pumps, control devices and valve blocks can be arranged. A possible supplementation can be provided by vibration motors in the pillow and / or backrest. In addition, it is also possible to supplement the individual vibrations by sound transducers (for example in the back). A processing unit, which pre-calculates which driving maneuvers will be performed next or in which direction to turn based on navigation information or the driver's steering behavior or other parameters, this information can be used for the previous control of the components. This information, such as "turn right", is translated into the backrest or seat cushion or foot surface in a series of filling massage airbags, which act on the body, such as the back or upper body and / or legs or pelvis, so that the body moves in the direction that the steering behavior also brings the body into. In this way, sensory conflicts are reduced or, in the best case, do not occur at all. For example, if the vehicle turns right, the massage airbags in the left back area are filled so that the upper body is facing to the right instead of the direction of travel. The more pronounced the curve, the more airbags there are and the more intensely they are filled. Similarly, the massage airbags on the right side of the seat back can be filled to support the feeling of turning to the left. A vibration motor in the pillow can be added to this logic to clarify the information.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an optical fixing point is provided for the occupant in the reclined seat position. This means that the occupant is provided with an optical fixing point or is informed of the occupant's fixation of the optical fixing point so that he can concentrate on this fixing point. Optionally, a scenery on which the passenger can concentrate can also be displayed on the windshield of the motor vehicle, and ideally with such a fixing point. In other words, a point, a position, an object, in particular a fixing point that is as obvious as possible, is displayed to the occupant, for example on the windshield or on another surface, which requires the occupant's concentration as an observer and at least partially makes them still or counteracts motion sickness-related disturbances.

[0016] Also advantageous is a design of the invention in which at least one message for stillness is displayed to the occupant. To this end, for example, the display device of the motor vehicle can be used to inform the occupant to lean back, keep the head still, relax, etc. In particular, assistance is provided not only by simulation, but also by psychological type support, by showing the occupant that support is actively taking place via the display device. In particular, the display device has a display surface on which a warning signal, a stillness prompt or a relaxation animation or video is displayed, which counteracts the disturbances related to movement sickness. Optionally, functions can be shown which the occupant can select and execute in order to counteract its values ​​measured by the sensor device.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the occupant is subjected to at least a second cooling treatment by the cooling device, which, according to the invention, is carried out after a simulated driving through a motor vehicle seat. As a result, the cooling is continued or restarted, thereby counteracting dizziness and nausea of ​​the occupant. In particular, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves should be stimulated in favor of the occupant, thereby particularly influencing and thus strengthening the parasympathetic part of the nervous system.

[0018] Finally, in another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided to adjust the acoustic and visual settings of the interior of the motor vehicle. In this case, light effects and light isolation can be implemented, and the settings of the acoustic environment can be changed, for example by turning on soothing music. Thus, it is possible to provide the occupants with an interior space in which they can relax particularly well.

[0019] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, which vehicle seat has all the features for carrying out the method for reducing movement sickness-related disturbances of an occupant on the vehicle seat.

[0020] In other words, with the help of the present invention, it is possible to help passengers in the event of nausea and dizziness. In this case, information about slope, direction change and acceleration is detected in the processing unit by an electronic computing device. These are detected, for example, by information about changes in the steering angle, navigation information from route planning, activity on the accelerator pedal and information from an altimeter. On this basis, a sequence and mode of the functions of the components in the vehicle seat are created, which limit the corresponding vehicle movement of the vehicle body. Information about vehicle movement, such as steering to the right or left, acceleration in three stages and slope in three stages are detected and processed. On this basis, a mode for controlling the components is created and transmitted to the components. These components can be a fan, a vehicle dynamic function, a sequence of dynamic comfort systems, such as massage and vibration motors. Depending on the mode, these are controlled in a way that reduces dizziness and nausea for the occupants. The more extreme, faster or steeper the driving, the more components need to receive the mode and be controlled according to it. This dynamic activation of the mode can be performed according to the size of the vehicle movement from the beginning of the program to the end of the program. For example, the occupant can optionally set the duration. For example, by default, 10 minutes can be set here. Parallel information for stabilizing the head position and the body position can be displayed on a display device, wherein the display device has previously been detected by a camera system for driver observation.

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are given in the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The above features and combinations of features mentioned in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned in the description of the drawings and / or shown alone in a single drawing, can be used not only in the respective combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] In this case, a single figure shows a vehicle seat 10 for a motor vehicle according to the invention, which has all features for carrying out the method for reducing mobility-related disturbances of an occupant.

[0023] The figure shows a vehicle seat 10 for a motor vehicle, in which, in the event of a detected motion sickness-related disturbance of an occupant (not shown in the figure), at least one series of measures for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated. In this case, the occupant is moved into a seat position S against a backrest 12 of the vehicle seat, wherein the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest 14 of the vehicle seat. Subsequently, the occupant is subjected to a partial cooling treatment, wherein at least one cooling device 16 is arranged in the backrest 12 and the headrest 14, which cooling device 16 is configured to at least partially cool a region of the occupant's body. Optionally, a heating device 20 is also provided for a heat treatment. A plurality of stimulation elements 18 are arranged on the vehicle seat 10, in particular on the backrest 12 and the seat part 13, by means of which a sensory stimulation is performed at at least one stimulation point P. In particular, the stimulation element 18 is configured as an air bubble, which is at least partially inflated and deflated according to a preset by a control device (not shown in the figure). By means of the stimulation element 18, a travel of the motor vehicle can be simulated according to the detected motion sickness-related disturbance.

[0024] At least one fixed point (not shown in the figure) can be shown in the interior of the motor vehicle so that the occupant can focus on it in the process. It is also possible to display at least one message for the occupant to be still using his display device (also not shown), the result of which is, for example, stillness. Finally, acoustic and visual settings can also be designed in the interior so that the occupant can relax in the interior 24.

[0025] Depending on the detected disturbances related to the movement sickness, a movement of a motor vehicle is simulated by means of the stimulation elements 18 of the vehicle seat 10. In particular, the stimulation elements 18 are configured as massage airbags, wherein a movement of the motor vehicle is simulated in a plurality of corresponding stimulation elements 18, in particular an accelerated movement, in particular an automatic simulation of an increased acceleration according to the movement of the motor vehicle is simulated, as a result of which the difference between the movement sequence seen by the eyes of the occupant and the lack of movement sensation is offset. In other words, the vision of the occupant is supported by the movement simulation of the stimulation elements 18, wherein the stimulation elements 18 are massage airbags, which are inflated accordingly according to the setting. In particular, the surface of the backrest 12 can, for example, be provided with massage airbags, which cover the surface in an orderly manner or only a part of the surface, in other words, the backrest 12 is covered by massage airbags, wherein when the massage airbags are inflated, a movement to the left and / or to the right can be or is being simulated. In this case, the outermost massage airbags are inflated larger, in particular the largest, along the surface compared to the opposite massage airbags, so as to provide a linear decrease in the size of the massage airbags. In other words, the outermost massage airbags on one side of the surface should be fully inflated, while the massage airbags on the other side of the backrest 12 should be inflated little or not at all. This results in a tilted surface, which results in a slight rotation of the upper body of the occupant, optionally, it is also possible to move only half of the surface of the backrest 12 with the massage airbags so that only one side of the upper body of the occupant feels the rotation. This inflation of the massage airbags results in a slight leftward and / or rightward acceleration of the upper body, wherein the massage airbags are configured to move the upper body with a predetermined force F at a predetermined acceleration. Optionally, the seat area of ​​the vehicle seat 10 can also be provided with massage airbags similar to the backrest 12 and assume the function, wherein a slight axial twisting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is possible. In other words, the occupant can be at least partially rotated and / or moved so that the acceleration or movement of the motor vehicle can be perceived or simulated. In particular, all models and / or options provided by the vehicle seat 10 will be controlled and / or adjusted by the arranged electronic computing device.

[0026] In order to help the occupant in the event of nausea and dizziness, in addition to the backrest 12, the seat part 13 can also be used. In the processing unit, instructions about slope, direction change and acceleration are detected by electronic computing devices. For example, these are detected by information about steering angle changes, navigation information from route planning, activity on the accelerator pedal and information from the altimeter. On this basis, sequences and modes are created for the functions of the backrest 12 and the seat part 13 in the vehicle seat, which limit the corresponding vehicle movement of the body. Information about vehicle movement, such as turning to the right or left, acceleration in three stages and slope in three stages are detected and processed. On this basis, modes for controlling the backrest 12 and the seat part 13 are created and forwarded. For example, sequences of dynamic comfort systems, such as massage and vibration 22, are performed by vibration motors. Depending on the mode, these are controlled in a way that reduces the dizziness and nausea of ​​the occupant.

Claims

1. A method for reducing movement-related disturbances of an occupant on a vehicle seat (10) in an interior space (24) of a motor vehicle, in, In the event of a motion sickness-related disturbance of an occupant, at least one series of measures for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated, It is characterized in that - an occupant is placed in a seat position (S) against a backrest (12) of the vehicle seat (10), wherein the occupant's head is held in a predetermined holding position by a headrest (14) of the vehicle seat (10), - the occupant is partially cooled by the cooling device (16) of the vehicle seat (10), - performing at least one sensory stimulation at at least one stimulation point (P), and - simulating the movement of the motor vehicle by means of a stimulation element (18) of the vehicle seat (10) as a function of the detected motion sickness-related disturbances.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Provides an optical anchor point for the occupant in the reclined seating position(S).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one message is displayed to the occupant, in particular in order to make the occupant still.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The occupant is subjected to at least a second cooling process by the cooling device (16).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The acoustic and visual settings of the interior space (24) of the motor vehicle are altered.

6. A vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle having all the features for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images