Vehicle and method for providing at least one installation signal to a person in a vehicle

Abstract

In order to provide a method for avoiding the occurrence of motion sickness and / or for alleviating the symptoms of motion sickness, a method for providing at least one prompt signal (19, 20, 21) to a person (24) in a vehicle (100) is proposed, comprising the following steps: determining a forward driving section, determining at least one driving event along the forward driving section, and determining at least one prompt signal (19, 20, 21). The invention relates to a method for detecting a driving event of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of generating at least one signal (19, 20, 21), generating prompt data relating to the driving event and transmitting the prompt data to a mobile terminal (10a, 10b) and / or an output device (22), generating the at least one prompt signal (19, 20, 21) on the basis of the prompt data, and outputting the prompt signal (19, 20, 21) by means of the mobile terminal (10a, 10b) and / or the output device (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing at least one alert signal to a person in a vehicle, and a vehicle designed to perform this method. Background Technology

[0002] Motion sickness, or kinetosis, affects many people throughout their lives. Sensitivity is expected to increase due to the introduction of autonomous driving capabilities and the associated role change (where the driver becomes a passenger). During autonomous driving (or the use of other modes of transportation), a discrepancy between the sensory information received by the brain and the body's expectations can lead to symptoms of kinetosis. This discrepancy occurs when visual cues and the body's actual movements do not match. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles may sometimes exhibit unpredictable or erratic movements that deviate from what a human driver would do. These unexpected movements reduce the sense of control and predictability, and increase the likelihood of nausea. These may manifest as nausea, headache, or dizziness.

[0003] In order to ensure that vehicle occupants can still make effective use of the time gained by changing roles, such as reading or working, without experiencing travel nausea, effective countermeasures must be developed.

[0004] One possibility is to transmit haptic feedback to the driver or passenger. Such systems are known, for example, from DE 10 20222 112 961 A1 and US 2022 / 0024459 A1.

[0005] Furthermore, motion sickness is known to be counteracted by adjusting vehicle seats to restrict the movement of vehicle occupants, as described, for example, in US 11,685,294 B2.

[0006] Additionally, it is known from US 2021 / 0154430 A1 that nausea symptoms can be reduced through various measures, such as playing visual information or adjusting the temperature and lighting in the vehicle.

[0007] In addition, US 2014 / 0055339 A1 is known to output data related to the environment of the mobile terminal collected via the mobile terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a method for preventing motion sickness and / or for alleviating motion sickness symptoms.

[0009] This task is accomplished by the features described in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] This method advantageously allows for the prevention or reduction of motion sickness or its symptoms by identifying future travel events along the road ahead and pointing them out to the person in the vehicle at an early stage, giving them an opportunity to prepare for or adapt to the upcoming travel events. This helps prevent or at least reduce symptoms such as nausea, headache, or dizziness.

[0011] Driving events, especially those that a person consciously notices in advance and can therefore prepare for when fully in control of the driving task, are driving events. If the driver does not take over the driving task, because it is an autonomously controlled vehicle and / or because the driver is a passenger, the driver is not prepared for impending driving events. Therefore, outputting information signals generated from information data advantageously leads the person to become aware of the aforementioned driving events and, if necessary, can focus their attention on the movement of the vehicle.

[0012] Specifically, the alert signal is output via a mobile terminal or another output device. Specifically, outputting the alert signal via a mobile terminal has the following advantages: when the driver is currently interacting with the mobile terminal, the driver is effectively notified of the impending driving event. This advantageously ensures that the alert signal also reaches the person, whereas, for example, if the person is currently looking at the mobile terminal, the optical signal output via the vehicle's infotainment system display might be easily overlooked.

[0013] The mobile terminal is preferably a smartphone or laptop computer. Therefore, the mobile terminal is advantageously a device that a person typically uses when not in control of the vehicle. Consequently, the person is more likely to perceive the information signal. In principle, any mobile terminal that a vehicle occupant can use while driving can be used, particularly smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, e-readers, wearable devices, and / or handheld consoles.

[0014] Information data can preferably be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth) or wired (e.g., via USB-C) from the vehicle or vehicle controller to the terminal. The terminal can also wirelessly or wiredly transmit data (e.g., data from a detection device) to the vehicle or vehicle controller.

[0015] Preferably, the prompt signal is an optical, acoustic, or tactile prompt signal. In the case of a mobile terminal, for example, an optical signal can be output via the mobile terminal's display, a tactile signal, particularly vibration, can be output via the terminal's vibration generating device, and / or an audio signal can be output via the terminal's speaker. In particular, outputting optical and / or tactile signals via a mobile terminal is advantageous because people typically look at the terminal while driving and can perceive the prompt signal well. Furthermore, this advantageously ensures that the prompt signal is perceived only by the person interacting with the terminal. Therefore, others in the vehicle who do not want to and / or need not receive the information signal, such as the driver who takes over the driving task and does not interact with the terminal, will not be disturbed by the information signal.

[0016] Visual or optical cues may include light effects indicating a change in direction of travel. For example, a light bar or arrow marking that moves along the direction of travel can announce such a change in direction. Audio cues may include changes in driving status in natural language and / or include abstract cues such as tone of voice. Tactile or vibratory cues may have different vibration intensities, durations, and patterns.

[0017] The output device is preferably located within the vehicle. Therefore, the output device is particularly a component of the vehicle. For example, the output device may be a speaker for outputting acoustic cue signals, a display for an infotainment system, one or more light-emitting elements for outputting optical signals, or an actuator or vibration-generating device for outputting tactile signals. The vehicle may preferably have more than one output device that outputs the same or different cue signals.

[0018] Preferably, one or more output devices can be installed in the vehicle, and additionally, a mobile terminal can be installed to output prompt signals. This achieves particularly effective output of prompt signals. It also means that both people interacting with the device and those not interacting with the device can be contacted.

[0019] The mobile device preferably includes a detection device that detects whether a person is interacting with the mobile terminal, wherein at least one optical cue signal is output when interaction with the terminal is detected, and / or at least one acoustic or tactile cue signal is output when no interaction with the terminal is detected. Detecting interaction with the terminal may include detecting that the person is holding the terminal in their hand and / or that the person is looking at the terminal. For this purpose, the terminal may preferably include corresponding sensors.

[0020] In both cases, the prompt signal is output specifically via the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the mobile terminal may only be used to determine the interaction, and then the prompt signal is output via one of the output devices.

[0021] This means that the output of the suggested signal can be advantageously adapted to the person's current activity. If the person interacts with the terminal, for example by viewing the terminal, it can be assumed that visual information signals are perceived particularly well, and thus they are played. If it is recognized that the person is holding the terminal in their hand, it can be assumed that tactile signals are perceived particularly well, and thus tactile signals are played accordingly. If it is determined that there is no interaction, it is preferable to play sound signals, because it can be assumed that the person does not perceive or only insufficiently perceives the visual and / or tactile cue signals played via the terminal. Alternatively, in this case, tactile and / or optical signals can be output via an output device in the vehicle.

[0022] The driving event is preferably a characteristic acceleration curve, a characteristic steering curve, a characteristic speed curve, weather conditions, road conditions, or traffic volume along the driving segment ahead. Preferably, one or more of the above driving events can be determined on the driving segment ahead. The characteristic acceleration curve can be, for example, braking or positive acceleration exceeding a predetermined acceleration value. In addition, the characteristic steering curve can indicate a turn. In particular, the curve radius and / or the expected speed of driving on the curve can also be considered so that different warning signals can be output based on this. Thus, it is advantageous to warn the driver of particularly narrow and / or fast-moving curves. The characteristic speed curve can be a speed below or above a predetermined speed value and / or a predetermined number of speed changes within a predetermined time period. Weather conditions can include the presence of rain, snow, and / or fog. Since these weather conditions may cause sudden braking and / or unstable driving, the driver can be warned in advance. Road conditions can, for example, indicate the surface of the road, such as whether it is cobblestone, sandy, and / or uneven. Traffic volume can be the number of vehicles ahead and / or on the driving segment ahead. When traffic is heavy, vehicles are expected to brake and accelerate more, which can advantageously warn the driver.

[0023] The vehicle's environmental sensors can preferably be used to record driving events. This can in particular record weather conditions, road conditions, and / or traffic volume. Alternatively or additionally, the underlying data volume can be, for example, from the vehicle's map data, conditioning data (e.g., from MPC (Model Predictive Control) conditioning for autonomous driving), or available external information (C2X, cloud data, Internet).

[0024] Preferably, data regarding the expected acceleration curve, expected speed curve, and / or expected steering curve can be received from a vehicle controller and / or an external device that stores and makes available trajectories from past journeys, provided that the preceding road segment has been traversed. Furthermore, this data can be derived from navigation data.

[0025] Based on the data obtained via the aforementioned data source, a driving segment ahead with one or more driving events is preferably identified. Information data is then generated. This step can be performed within the vehicle's control unit. Then, depending on the application or the path to be notified to a person, a prompt signal can be created and output based on the notification data, particularly via an output device or mobile terminal.

[0026] Preferably, the output device is a vibration generating unit for generating a tactile haptic cue signal. In particular, the output device or vibration generating unit is arranged on or inside the vehicle such that the tactile haptic cue signal, as a haptic cue signal, is emitted in the direction of the person, especially in the direction of the person's front.

[0027] The tactile vibration cue signal preferably comprises ultrasonic vibrations, with the vibration generating unit arranged opposite the person's seated position such that the cue signal is emitted in the direction of the person. These ultrasonic vibrations can advantageously penetrate clothing, making them perceptible on the skin. This ensures optimal perception of the cue signal regardless of the nature of the clothing.

[0028] Preferably, the vibration generating unit may have multiple, for example two or three, ultrasonic transmitters that emit ultrasonic waves along a common focal point where the ultrasonic waves meet, located where a person is typically situated in the vehicle. The focal point is the point where a person particularly effectively perceives the ultrasonic waves. Preferably, multiple such focal points may also be provided. In particular, one or more focal points may be positioned in the right and left halves of the person's body to announce the steering process specifically through tactile cues of vibration in the right or left half of the body.

[0029] Preferably, the vibration generating unit for producing tactile alert signals is designed or arranged in the seat and / or seat belt. For this purpose, one or more corresponding actuators may be arranged in the seat and / or seat belt. When arranged in the seat belt, the vibration generating unit or actuator is preferably arranged only in the area where the seat belt rests on the occupant's abdomen, particularly in the lower portion of the seat belt. Driving events can be announced by tactile alert signals, such as impending acceleration, which is announced, for example, one second before it occurs. Furthermore, actuators may be arranged in the area of ​​the seat back. Actuators may preferably be arranged on the side or left and right sides of the backrest, through which a left or right turn ahead can be announced particularly intuitively by outputting vibrations from the right actuator and the left actuator during a right turn. This information can, on the one hand, increase the occupant's sense of security, and on the other hand, allow the posture to adapt to the corresponding vehicle movement, thereby reducing motion sickness.

[0030] Preferably, the method includes the step of adjusting at least one support element of the vehicle seat before a driving event, such that the space for human movement is reduced perpendicular to the direction of vehicle movement. In other words, the aim is to prevent the human body or parts thereof from moving laterally.

[0031] The support element preferably returns to its initial shape and / or initial position after a driving event. This advantageously means that human movement is not permanently restricted.

[0032] The support elements are preferably arranged laterally on the seat to support the person's torso and / or head. In particular, each body area has at least one support element on its side.

[0033] Specifically, the support element can therefore be a headrest or two side headrests. Alternatively or additionally, lateral torso supports can be provided. These can be pre-set for a predetermined time before a driving event occurs, thereby restricting the movement of the person's head or torso.

[0034] Preferably, one or more support elements are movable, particularly rotatable, and / or expandable to reduce the space for human movement. For example, the support element can thus be foldably attached to a seat or vehicle via a joint so that it can rotate to restrict the human's degrees of freedom of movement. Alternatively, the support element can be designed to be inflatable, for example, in the form of a cushion or air chamber that can be variablely filled with air. Similar to the function of an airbag, the support element can be inflated with air to enhance support or to restrict the movement of body parts by changing its size.

[0035] The support elements can preferably be arranged in the first and second rows of seats in the vehicle. Since there is usually no lateral support, especially in the second row of seats, the support elements can be used particularly advantageously here.

[0036] To avoid affecting the movement of people who do not suffer from motion sickness or are focused on travel, it should be possible to activate and deactivate the seat restraints. This can be achieved through mechanical switching, such as by using support elements that can be folded down, or by using air chambers that can be filled or emptied by pressing a button.

[0037] Furthermore, the seats can be designed to have less freedom of movement in the lateral direction compared to traditional seats. In particular, the seats can be bucket seats.

[0038] The objectives of the invention are also achieved by a vehicle (or means of transport) designed to perform the method according to one of the foregoing embodiments. The vehicle may, in particular, include control devices, output devices, and detection devices. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the data connection between the vehicle and the mobile terminal used to provide information signals.

[0041] Figure 2 The diagram shows the component structure of the vehicle and mobile terminal.

[0042] Figure 3 A mobile terminal for providing multiple alert signals is shown, and

[0043] Figure 4 A vehicle is shown, including multiple output devices for outputting different prompt signals.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the same structural elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is shown, which is designed to communicate with mobile terminals 10a and 10b via a wireless data connection 11. The mobile terminals may be a smartphone 10a or a laptop 10b used by a person 100 in the vehicle.

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic structure of components for a vehicle 100 and a mobile terminal, designed as a smartphone 10a, is shown for generating information data and signals. The vehicle 100 includes various sources from which data can be obtained to generate information data about driving events on the road ahead. Sources include a navigation device 13 through which navigation data, particularly planned routes, can be obtained. Furthermore, data can be received from the vehicle's control unit 14 for autonomous control. This control unit 14 can, for example, provide predictive data about the road ahead, such as from an MPC (Model Predictive Control) regulator. Further data can be obtained from an external communication device 15. The vehicle's communication device 15 can receive data, for example, from a server or from other vehicles, particularly wirelessly.

[0047] The communication device 15 can also be designed to send information data generated by the control device 14a of the vehicle 100 based on received data to a mobile terminal 10a, in this case, a smartphone. The smartphone includes a display 16 on which visual information signals can be displayed, a speaker 17 for outputting sound signals, and a vibration generating device 18 for outputting tactile signals. Optical, acoustic, and / or tactile signals can then be generated based on the information data and output via the display 16, speaker 17, and / or vibration generating device 18.

[0048] Figure 3The outputs of acoustic signal 19 and optical signal 20 are shown. Optical signal 20 may include an indication of the direction of a turn. Furthermore, a message, for example in the form of a pop-up message, may be displayed on the edge of the display 16 of the mobile terminal 16. Additionally, the mobile terminal 10a includes a detection device 25, such as a camera, for detecting interactions between the person 24 and the mobile terminal 10a.

[0049] Figure 4 A vehicle 100 is shown, having a human 24 and various output devices 18, 22 for outputting tactile or vibratory tactile information signals 21.

[0050] On one hand, an ultrasonic actuator 22 is arranged in the front region of the vehicle 100, which emits ultrasonic waves 23 in the direction of the person 24 in the vehicle 100. The ultrasonic waves 23 are emitted by the ultrasonic actuator 22 in such a way that the ultrasonic waves interfere at the focal point in the position region of the person 24 and form a tactile or vibratory tactile cue signal 18 there, which the person 24 perceives on the skin.

[0051] Furthermore, a vibration generating device 18 is arranged in the seat 27. Additionally, the seat belt 28, particularly in the area on the hip side, has a vibration generating device 18 for outputting tactile cues or vibrations.

[0052] at last, Figure 4 The support element 26 of seat 27 is shown, which is movable to restrict occupant movement when a driving event is about to occur, especially when turning. The support element 26 is in particular a headrest, which is arranged on the side and can be folded out.

[0053] List of reference numerals

[0054] 100 vehicles

[0055] 10a, b mobile terminals

[0056] 11 Data Connection

[0057] 12 output facilities

[0058] 13 navigation devices

[0059] 14 Control device for MPC adjustment

[0060] 14a Vehicle Control Device

[0061] 15. Communication facilities

[0062] 16 monitors

[0063] 17 speakers

[0064] 18 Vibration Generator

[0065] 19 sound prompt signals

[0066] 20 visual cue signals

[0067] 21 tactile cue signals

[0068] 22 Ultrasonic actuators

[0069] 23 Ultrasound

[0070] 24 people

[0071] 25 detection devices

[0072] 26 support elements

[0073] 27 seats

[0074] 28 seat belts

Claims

1. A method for providing at least one alert signal (19, 20, 21) to a person (24) in a vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of: - Determine the road ahead. - Identify at least one driving event along the preceding driving segment. - Generate prompt data relating to the driving event and transmit the prompt data to the mobile terminal (10a, 10b) and / or output device (22). - Generate the at least one prompt signal (19, 20, 21) based on the prompt data, and - The prompt signal (19, 20, 21) is output by means of the mobile terminal (10a, 10b) and / or the output device (22).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal is a smartphone (10a) or a laptop computer (10b).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cue signal is a visual, auditory, or tactile cue signal (19, 20, 21).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output device (22) is located in the vehicle (100).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile terminal (10a, 10b) has a detection device (25) that detects whether a person (24) interacts with the mobile terminal (10a, 10b), wherein when an interaction between the person (24) and the terminal (10a, 10b) is detected, at least one visual cue signal (20) is output, and / or when no interaction between the person (24) and the terminal (10a, 10b) is detected, at least one auditory or tactile cue signal (19, 21) is output.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile terminal (10a, 10b) outputs the prompt signal (19, 20, 21).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving event is a characteristic acceleration curve, a characteristic steering curve, a characteristic speed curve, weather conditions, road conditions, or traffic volume along the driving section ahead.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output device (22) is a vibration generating unit (18) for generating a tactile cues signal (21).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile vibration cue signal (21) comprises ultrasonic vibration (23), and wherein the vibration generating unit (18) is located opposite the seated person (24) such that the cue signal (21) is emitted toward the person.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a vibration generating unit (18) for generating a tactile cues signal (21) is formed in the seat (27) and / or the seat belt (28).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of adjusting at least one support element (26) of the seat (27) of the vehicle (100) prior to a driving event in order to reduce the space of movement of the person (24) perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle (100).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the support element (26) returns to its original shape and / or position after the driving event.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the support element (26) is laterally disposed on the seat for supporting the torso and / or head of the person (24).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the support element (26) is movable, particularly rotatable, and / or expandable to reduce the movement space of the person (24).

15. A vehicle (100) designed to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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