Method for preventing drowsiness and waist pad

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of drowsiness prevention, in particular to a drowsiness prevention method and a waist pad, and the drowsiness prevention method comprises an operation mode of the waist pad and pushing parameters of a telescopic mechanism; the operation mode comprises a periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism; and when it is detected that the operation mode is a periodic motion mode, a first control instruction is sent to the telescopic mechanism, so that the telescopic mechanism performs periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control instruction. The waist of the driver is pushed by controlling the telescopic mechanism, so that the human body is in a state of stretching the waist, the driver is forced to stretch the waist and relieve the leisure, and the stretching waist can promote yawning, increase the blood oxygen content, keep the brain to be awake and effectively prevent drowsiness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of anti-drowsiness technology, and more particularly to a method for preventing drowsiness and a lumbar support. Background Technology

[0002] With economic development and increased car ownership, automobiles have become an indispensable means of transportation in people's daily lives. However, as driving time increases, drivers often become drowsy, leading to an increased risk of traffic accidents.

[0003] Most lumbar support cushions on the market are static support structures, providing only basic lumbar support. For example, Chinese patent application number 201410472476.5 discloses a car seat lumbar support device to alleviate driver fatigue. This device can be adjusted up and down, has adjustable support force, conforms well to the back curve of the driver and passenger, adapts to drivers and passengers with different physical characteristics, and reduces driver and passenger fatigue. In addition, some lumbar support cushions have simple massage functions. For example, Chinese patent application number 201510267101.X discloses a car seat lumbar support device to alleviate driver fatigue. It adopts a split design, is easy to disassemble, and can massage the driver's waist to relieve driver fatigue.

[0004] However, when drivers are driving for long periods of time, static support structures may cause poor blood circulation or muscle tension, making it difficult to effectively prevent drowsiness; while massaging the lower back may make drivers feel comfortable, it is more likely to make them feel sleepy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies.

[0006] Therefore, this application provides a method to prevent drowsiness by controlling a telescopic mechanism to push the driver's waist, thereby causing the human body to stretch, forcing the driver to stretch, relieving drowsiness, and stretching can promote yawning, increase blood oxygen content, keep the brain awake, and effectively prevent drowsiness.

[0007] This application also provides a lumbar support using the above-described method for preventing drowsiness.

[0008] A method for preventing drowsiness according to a first aspect embodiment of this application includes: reading setting information in a setting mechanism, the setting information including: the operating mode of the lumbar support and the pushing parameters of the telescopic mechanism; the operating mode including: the periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism; When the operating mode is detected to be a periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism so that the telescopic mechanism performs periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command.

[0009] Optionally, when the operating mode is detected to be a periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism to cause the telescopic mechanism to perform periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command, and the method further includes: Acquire the first pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it retracts to its initial position and the second pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it extends to its farthest point; Determine whether the difference between the first pressure data and the second pressure data is greater than a preset threshold; If not, a thrust increase command is sent to the telescopic mechanism. The thrust increase command is used to control the telescopic mechanism to increase thrust.

[0010] Optionally, the operating modes also include: a voice prompt mode for the lumbar support; the methods also include: When the operating mode is detected to be voice prompt mode, a second control command is sent to the voice playback mechanism of the lumbar support. The second control command is used to control the voice playback mechanism to play voice prompts.

[0011] Optionally, the method of preventing drowsiness also includes: Collect the driver's voice commands; Based on voice commands, control instructions carried by the voice commands are sent to the setting mechanism.

[0012] A lumbar support according to a second aspect of this application includes: The setting mechanism is used to set the settings information for controlling the movement of the telescopic mechanism; Telescopic mechanism for supporting the driver's waist; A controller is used to implement one of the methods described above for preventing drowsiness.

[0013] Optionally, the telescopic mechanism includes: an electric lead screw and a push rod, with the push rod located at the output end of the electric lead screw; the end of the push rod away from the electric lead screw contacts the driver's waist, and the electric lead screw is used to drive the push rod to perform telescopic movement.

[0014] Optionally, the telescopic mechanism includes: an airbag and an inflation module, with the airbag connected to the inflation module; the airbag contacts the driver's waist, and the inflation module is used to control the inflation or deflation of the airbag.

[0015] Optionally, the lumbar support may also include a pressure sensor mounted on the lumbar support, which is used to collect the pressure value of the driver pressing on the lumbar support.

[0016] Optionally, the lumbar support also includes a voice playback mechanism mounted on the lumbar support, which is used to play voice prompts.

[0017] Optionally, the lumbar support may also include a voice acquisition mechanism mounted on the lumbar support, which is used to acquire the driver's voice commands.

[0018] One of the above technical solutions has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects: This application provides a method for preventing drowsiness, comprising: reading setting information in a setting mechanism, the setting information including: the operating mode of the lumbar support and the pushing parameters of the telescopic mechanism; the operating mode including: the periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism; when the operating mode is detected to be the periodic motion mode, sending a first control command to the telescopic mechanism, so that the telescopic mechanism performs periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command. By controlling the telescopic mechanism to push the driver's waist, the body is forced to stretch, thus relieving drowsiness. Furthermore, stretching can promote yawning, increase blood oxygen levels, and keep the brain alert, effectively preventing drowsiness.

[0019] The lumbar support provided in this application embodiment uses the above-mentioned method for preventing drowsiness. Since the method for preventing drowsiness has the above-mentioned technical effects, a lumbar support manufactured using the method for preventing drowsiness should also have the corresponding technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This illustration shows one of the structural schematic diagrams of a lumbar support provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a lumbar support provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an electric lead screw and push rod in a lumbar support according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of an airbag and inflation module in a lumbar support cushion provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for preventing drowsiness provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Setting mechanism; 2. Telescopic mechanism; 21. Electric lead screw; 22. Push rod; 23. Airbag; 24. Inflation module; 3. Pressure sensor; 4. Voice playback mechanism; 5. Voice acquisition mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] As mentioned above, research has found that driving continuously for more than 2 hours significantly increases the risk of driver fatigue and drowsiness, leading to impaired mental clarity and decreased attention. Static support structures, which keep drivers in the same posture for extended periods, can cause lumbar support pads to compress the body, potentially hindering blood circulation and resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and muscles, making it difficult to effectively prevent drowsiness. While lumbar massage can improve comfort and help drivers relax, it can actually increase feelings of drowsiness.

[0024] The inventors discovered through long-term driving practice that stretching stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, prompting adrenaline secretion and increasing alertness—similar to how a sudden alarm instantly wakes the body. Simultaneously, stretching naturally relaxes the body, increasing chest expansion and promoting yawning, allowing for the inhalation of more oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. This process directly increases blood oxygen levels, providing a more sufficient oxygen supply to the brain and keeping it alert. Therefore, forcing drivers to stretch can effectively prevent drowsiness; hence, there is an urgent need for a lumbar support pad that can compel drivers to stretch.

[0025] To at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies, this application provides a method for preventing drowsiness and a lumbar support cushion. The method includes: reading setting information from a setting mechanism, the setting information including: the operating mode of the lumbar support cushion and the pushing parameters of the telescopic mechanism; the operating mode including: a periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism; when the operating mode is detected to be a periodic motion mode, sending a first control command to the telescopic mechanism, causing the telescopic mechanism to perform periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command. By controlling the telescopic mechanism to push the driver's waist, the driver is forced to stretch, relieving drowsiness. Furthermore, stretching promotes yawning, increases blood oxygen levels, and keeps the brain alert, effectively preventing drowsiness.

[0026] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of a method for preventing drowsiness and a lumbar support provided in this application.

[0027] See Figures 1 to 5 The first aspect of this application provides a method for preventing drowsiness, applied to a lumbar support cushion. The lumbar support cushion includes a setting mechanism and a telescopic mechanism. The setting mechanism is used to set setting information to control the movement of the telescopic mechanism, and the telescopic mechanism is used to push the driver's waist. The method includes: S100: Read the setting information in the setting mechanism. The setting information includes: the operating mode of the lumbar support and the pushing parameters of the telescopic mechanism; the operating mode includes: the periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism.

[0028] The settings mechanism can be implemented via a control panel, touchscreen, or mobile app, allowing users to adjust parameters such as the lumbar support's operating mode and the telescopic mechanism's pushing parameters. Operating modes can include a periodic motion mode for the telescopic mechanism and a voice prompt mode for the lumbar support. The periodic motion mode involves the telescopic mechanism moving periodically according to preset times and pushing parameters, such as pushing once per hour or once every 10 minutes. Pushing parameters can include the pushing force, pushing distance, and whether vibration is generated. It is understood that the settings mechanism can store preset settings, such as mild periodic motion mode, severe periodic motion mode, mild voice prompt mode, severe voice prompt mode, and custom voice prompt mode, allowing users to directly select or adjust according to their preferences.

[0029] The controller reads the setting information from the setting mechanism to drive the telescopic mechanism to perform precise actions, thereby realizing intelligent and personalized control of the lumbar support.

[0030] S200: When the operating mode is detected to be a periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism so that the telescopic mechanism performs periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command.

[0031] The controller reads the pushing parameters from the setting mechanism and generates a first control command. After receiving the first control command, the telescopic mechanism performs periodic movements according to the pushing parameters. This periodic movement involves the telescopic mechanism extending from its initial position to its farthest point, pausing for a preset time, and then retracting back to its initial position, forcing the driver to stretch and effectively preventing drowsiness. It is understandable that lumbar support cushions are typically placed on the seat and used in conjunction with the seatbelt. The periodic movement of the telescopic mechanism pushes the driver's lower back away from the seat, and the seatbelt secures the driver's body, preventing them from sliding out of the seat, thus forcing the driver to stretch. This differs from traditional lumbar massage. Traditional lumbar massage acts on local muscle groups in the lower back, while the telescopic mechanism of this application acts on the overall biomechanical structure of the spine, specifically the lumbar vertebrae suitable for stretching. Traditional lumbar massage involves kneading, vibration, and rolling, with a stroke generally not exceeding 5mm, while the telescopic mechanism of this application uses periodic pushing motions, with a stroke reaching 10-30mm. Traditional lumbar massages are designed to make drivers feel comfortable, while this application forces drivers to stretch, relieving drowsiness. Stretching promotes yawning, increases blood oxygen levels, keeps the brain alert, and effectively prevents drowsiness. Simultaneously, the periodic pushes on the driver's lower back by the telescopic mechanism are similar to a passenger patting the driver's arm or shoulder, reminding the driver to stay focused.

[0032] In one illustrative embodiment, when the operating mode is detected to be a periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism to cause the telescopic mechanism to perform periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command, and the method further includes: Acquire the first pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it retracts to its initial position and the second pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it extends to its farthest point; Determine whether the difference between the first pressure data and the second pressure data is greater than a preset threshold; If not, a thrust increase command is sent to the telescopic mechanism. The thrust increase command is used to control the telescopic mechanism to increase thrust.

[0033] The pressure data collected by the pressure sensor can represent the driver's position on the lumbar support. When the telescopic mechanism is in its initial position, that is, when the driver is sitting normally in the seat, the driver's waist pressing on the lumbar support will result in a relatively large pressure data. When the telescopic mechanism is extended to its farthest point, that is, when the driver is forced to stretch, the driver's waist will move away from the lumbar support, resulting in a smaller pressure data.

[0034] If the difference between the first pressure data and the second pressure data is greater than the preset threshold, it means that the telescopic mechanism has pushed the driver's waist and the driver has stretched. If the difference between the first pressure data and the second pressure data is not greater than the preset threshold, it means that the telescopic mechanism has not pushed the driver's waist and the driver has not stretched. In this case, the thrust of the telescopic mechanism needs to be increased so that the telescopic mechanism can push the driver's waist.

[0035] S300: When the operating mode is detected to be voice prompt mode, a second control command is sent to the voice playback mechanism of the lumbar support. The second control command is used to control the voice playback mechanism to play voice prompts.

[0036] The operating modes also include: a voice prompt mode for the lumbar support cushion, which can prevent drowsiness when the driver doesn't want to be forced to stretch. For example, a light voice prompt mode can use a gentle female voice at 40dB with natural birdsong as background noise every 40 minutes to say, "You have been driving for 40 minutes. We suggest you move your shoulders and neck." A heavy voice prompt mode can use a loud male voice at 50dB every 2 hours to say, "We have detected that you may be fatigued. We suggest you turn on the periodic exercise mode." A custom voice prompt mode allows users to record custom voices, such as family members' voices, to enhance the friendliness of the prompts.

[0037] In one illustrative embodiment, the method for preventing drowsiness further includes: Collect the driver's voice commands; Based on voice commands, control instructions carried by the voice commands are sent to the setting mechanism.

[0038] The voice acquisition mechanism can collect the driver's voice commands. For example, if the driver says, "Increase the pushing intensity to level 3," the controller will adjust the pushing force in the pushing parameters to level 3 based on the voice command. The driver can also use voice commands to turn the lumbar support on and off, switch operating modes, and control various functions of the lumbar support, making it convenient for users and reducing distraction.

[0039] A second aspect of this application provides a lumbar support cushion, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, including: Setting mechanism 1 is used to set the settings information for controlling the movement of the telescopic mechanism; Telescopic mechanism 2 is used to push the driver's waist; A controller is used to implement one of the methods described above for preventing drowsiness.

[0040] The controller can be a device with storage and computing functions, such as an ARM architecture processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0041] The setting mechanism 1 can be implemented via a control panel, touchscreen, or mobile app. The control panel features physical buttons and knobs, allowing users to directly touch, press, or rotate to adjust parameters, providing immediate and clear feedback. The touchscreen displays complex parameter settings graphically, using menus, icons, progress bars, and other elements to make the interface more aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. Users can simply tap or swipe their fingers on the screen to set parameters, a method that aligns with everyday electronic device usage habits and has a low learning curve. The mobile app connects the phone to the lumbar support via communication modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G / 5G networks, enabling parameter settings and monitoring of the lumbar support through the app.

[0042] In one illustrative embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the telescopic mechanism includes an electric lead screw 21 and a push rod 22. The push rod 22 is located at the output end of the electric lead screw 21. The end of the push rod 22 away from the electric lead screw 21 contacts the driver's waist. The electric lead screw 21 is used to drive the push rod 22 to perform telescopic movement.

[0043] The electric lead screw 21 is a component that converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion, utilizing the helical transmission characteristics of the lead screw to achieve the extension and retraction of the push rod 22. Driven by the rotation of the electric lead screw 21, the push rod 22 extends to contact the driver's waist, with a stroke of 10-30mm. This propels the driver's waist upward, forcing them to stretch and effectively preventing drowsiness. The electric lead screw 21 and push rod 22 form a linear drive structure, which is simple in structure, low in cost, and has good stability.

[0044] In one illustrative embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the telescopic mechanism includes an airbag 23 and an inflation module 24, with the airbag 23 connected to the inflation module 24; the airbag 23 contacts the driver's waist, and the inflation module 24 is used to control the inflation or deflation of the airbag 23.

[0045] The airbag 23 can adopt a multi-layer composite membrane structure, presenting a saddle-shaped three-dimensional configuration that mimics the curve of the lumbar spine, with wave-shaped anti-slip protrusions on the contact surface with the waist. The inflation module 24 can be an air pump connected to the airbag 23 through a pipeline. When the inflation module 24 inflates the airbag 23, the airbag 23 will expand and lift the driver's waist, forcing the driver to stretch. The airbag 23 and the inflation module 24 have a non-linear drive structure, and the shape of the airbag 23 can conform to the waist for better comfort.

[0046] In one illustrative embodiment, the lumbar support also includes a pressure sensor 3 disposed on the lumbar support, the pressure sensor 3 being used to collect the pressure value of the driver pressing on the lumbar support. The pressure sensor 3 can be disposed on the covering material of the lumbar support surface, arranged in an array along the key pressure-bearing areas of the lumbar spine. By comparing the pressure data of the telescopic mechanism 2 in the initial position and the extended position, the driver's stretching state can be monitored, thereby adjusting the pushing force of the telescopic mechanism 2.

[0047] In one illustrative embodiment, the lumbar support also includes a voice playback mechanism 4 mounted on the lumbar support. The voice playback mechanism 4 is used to play voice prompts. The voice playback mechanism 4 can be a speaker located on the side of the lumbar support, or it can be connected to a mobile phone or a speaker in the vehicle via a communication module to play voice prompts through the speaker to remind the driver and thus prevent drowsiness.

[0048] In one illustrative embodiment, the lumbar support also includes a voice acquisition mechanism 5 mounted on the lumbar support. The voice acquisition mechanism 5 is used to acquire the driver's voice commands. The voice acquisition mechanism 5 can be a microphone located on the side of the lumbar support, or it can be connected to a mobile phone microphone via a communication module. The voice acquisition mechanism 5 transmits the acquired voice commands to the controller, which performs in-depth analysis of the driver's voice commands and generates corresponding operation commands.

[0049] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "exemplary model," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0051] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make modifications, alterations, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for preventing drowsiness, applied to a lumbar support cushion, characterized in that, The lumbar support includes a setting mechanism and a telescopic mechanism. The setting mechanism is used to set setting information to control the movement of the telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism is used to push the driver's waist. The method includes: Read the setting information in the setting mechanism, the setting information including: the operating mode of the lumbar cushion and the pushing parameters of the telescopic mechanism; the operating mode includes: the periodic motion mode of the telescopic mechanism; When the operating mode is detected to be the periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism so that the telescopic mechanism performs periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command.

2. The method for preventing drowsiness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the operating mode is detected to be the periodic motion mode, a first control command is sent to the telescopic mechanism to cause the telescopic mechanism to perform periodic motion according to the pushing parameters under the control of the first control command, the method further includes: Acquire the first pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it retracts to its initial position and the second pressure data of the telescopic mechanism when it extends to its farthest point; Determine whether the difference between the first pressure data and the second pressure data is greater than a preset threshold; If not, an increase thrust command is sent to the telescopic mechanism, which is used to control the telescopic mechanism to increase thrust.

3. The method for preventing drowsiness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The operating mode further includes: a voice prompt mode for the lumbar support cushion; the method further includes: When the operating mode is detected to be the voice prompt mode, a second control command is sent to the voice playback mechanism of the lumbar cushion. The second control command is used to control the voice playback mechanism to play voice prompts.

4. The method for preventing drowsiness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Collect the driver's voice commands; Based on the voice command, the control command carried by the voice command is sent to the setting mechanism.

5. A lumbar support cushion, characterized in that, include: Setting mechanism (1) is used to set setting information for controlling the movement of the telescopic mechanism; Telescopic mechanism (2) is used to push the driver's waist; A controller for performing a method for preventing drowsiness as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. A lumbar support cushion as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism includes an electric lead screw (21) and a push rod (22). The push rod (22) is located at the output end of the electric lead screw (21). The end of the push rod (22) away from the electric lead screw (21) contacts the driver's waist. The electric lead screw (21) is used to drive the push rod (22) to perform telescopic movement.

7. A lumbar support as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism includes an airbag (23) and an inflation module (24), wherein the airbag (23) is connected to the inflation module (24); the airbag (23) contacts the driver's waist, and the inflation module (24) is used to control the airbag (23) to inflate or contract.

8. A lumbar support as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A pressure sensor (3) is installed on the lumbar support, which is used to collect the pressure value of the driver pressing on the lumbar support.

9. A lumbar support as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a voice playback mechanism (4) provided on the lumbar pad, which is used to play voice prompts.

10. A lumbar support as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a voice acquisition mechanism (5) installed on the lumbar support, which is used to acquire the driver's voice commands.

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