Device and method for a massage function for a vehicle seat of a vehicle

Abstract

A method for operating a massage function of a vehicle (14), the method comprising the following steps: Providing a user interface (40) having a plurality of massage element symbols (50); Creating a plurality of massage subroutines (62) by selecting patterns of massage element characters (50) from the plurality of massage element characters (50), wherein the selection of massage element characters (50) corresponds to a massage instruction (60) for a specific massage subroutine; Storing the plurality of massage subroutines (62) in a portable memory (80) that communicates with the user interface (40); Selecting a vehicle (14) to be occupied, the vehicle (14) to be occupied including a seat having a plurality of massage elements (16) arranged in a massage element configuration (30); Placing the portable memory (80) in communication with the vehicle (14) to be occupied, wherein the plurality of massage subroutines (62) are in selective communication with the plurality of massage elements (16); Selecting a pattern of massage subroutines (82) to be executed from the plurality of massage subroutines (62); adapting the pattern of massage subroutines (82) to be compatible with the massage element configuration (30), wherein each massage instruction (60) from each specific massage subroutine is placed in correspondence with at least one massage element of the plurality of massage elements (16); and Activating the plurality of massage elements (16) to execute the pattern of massage subroutines (82).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle seating and, more particularly, to vehicle seating having various massage functions incorporated therein. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In various automobiles, seats within the passenger compartment may include various massage elements that can be turned on and off based on the user's needs. These massage elements can provide various massage functions for the user while occupant of the vehicle.

[0003] DE 10 2013 012 768 A1 is known from the prior art. This document describes a vehicle and a method for adjusting a massage function in a vehicle seat, wherein individual, pressurizable elements of the seat are controlled according to a massage program.

[0004] DE 10 2013 226 902 A1 describes a method for operating a vehicle using a mobile device, in particular a smartphone. The vehicle includes a controllable component, for example, a massage device in a seat of the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a massage function of a vehicle includes providing a user interface having a plurality of massage element characters and creating a plurality of massage subroutines by selecting patterns of massage element characters from the plurality of massage element characters. The selection of massage element characters corresponds to a massage instruction for a specific massage subroutine. The plurality of massage subroutines are stored in a portable memory that communicates with the user interface. The method also includes selecting a vehicle to be occupied, wherein the vehicle to be occupied includes a seat having a plurality of massage elements arranged in a massage element configuration.The portable memory is arranged in communication with the vehicle to be occupied, wherein the plurality of massage subroutines are in selective communication with the plurality of massage elements. A pattern of massage subroutines from the plurality of massage subroutines is selected for execution. The pattern of massage subroutines is adapted to be compatible with the massage element configuration, wherein each massage instruction from each specific massage subroutine is placed in correspondence with at least one massage element from the plurality of massage elements. The plurality of massage elements is then activated to execute the pattern of massage subroutines.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a massage function of a vehicle includes using a user interface having a plurality of massage element symbols and selecting patterns of massage element symbols from the plurality of massage element symbols to define a plurality of massage subroutines. Each pattern of massage element symbols corresponds to a specific massage subroutine. The plurality of massage subroutines is stored in a portable memory that communicates with the user interface. A vehicle to be occupied is selected, the vehicle to be occupied including a seat having a plurality of massage elements.The method also includes placing the portable memory in communication with the vehicle to be occupied such that each massage element character from the plurality of massage element characters corresponds to a massage element from the plurality of massage elements, selecting a pattern of massage subroutines from the plurality of subroutines to be executed by the plurality of massage elements, and energizing the plurality of massage elements to execute the pattern of massage subroutines.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for customizing a massage function of a vehicle includes providing massage element indicia, creating massage subroutines using the massage element indicia, selecting a vehicle including a seat with a massage element configuration, placing the massage subroutines in communication with the vehicle, adapting the massage subroutines to be compatible with the massage element configuration, and activating the seat to execute at least one massage subroutine.

[0008] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after reading the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a vehicle incorporating a plurality of massage elements within one or more seating positions within the passenger compartment; Fig. 2 is a perspective interior view of the vehicle from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a user interface for operating a massage function of the vehicle seat; Fig. 4 is an alternative elevation view of the user interface from Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an alternative elevation view of the user interface from Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is an elevational view of an alternative aspect of a user interface for operating a massage function of a vehicle seat; Fig. 7 is an exemplary perspective view showing positions of various massage elements within the vehicle seat; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle seat incorporating a plurality of massage elements in a particular configuration; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle seat illustrating a plurality of massage elements set in a predetermined configuration; Fig. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a massage function in a vehicle seat; Fig. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a massage function of a vehicle seat; and Fig. 12 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for customizing a massage function of a vehicle within a vehicle seat to be occupied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof refer to the invention as oriented in Fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is capable of various alternative forms unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0011] As in the Fig. 1-3, the reference numeral 10 generally refers to a vehicle seat disposed within a passenger compartment 12 of the vehicle 14. According to various embodiments, the vehicle seat 10 may include a plurality of massage elements 16 that provide various massage functions to the occupant of a particular vehicle seat 10. It is contemplated that the vehicle seat 10 disclosed herein may be any of a plurality of vehicle seats 10 disposed within the passenger compartment 12 of the vehicle 14, wherein each vehicle seat 10 may correspond to a particular seating position 18 within the passenger compartment 12.The vehicle seat 10 including the massage elements 16 may be, for example and not limited to, the driver's seat 20, the front passenger seat 22, any of the rear seating positions 24, third row seating positions, and other various seating positions 18 within one of different vehicles 14.

[0012] Again with regard to the Fig. 1-3 and 7-9, the various massage elements 16 within the vehicle seat 10 may be arranged in various massage element configurations 30 depending on the particular vehicle 14 being occupied, the seating position 18 within the passenger compartment 12, and other similar design aspects within the vehicle 14. It is further contemplated that the various massage elements 16 may also be operable within the vehicle seat 10 to accommodate users of different sizes by adjusting the massage element configuration 30.

[0013] According to the various embodiments as shown in the Fig. 3-7, the apparatus disclosed herein includes a user interface 40 for operating a massage function for an occupant vehicle seat 10. In particular, the occupant vehicle seat 10 may be any of several vehicles 14, such as those within a fleet of vehicles 14 owned by a particular company or other entity. These fleet vehicles 14 may include rental cars, taxi services, a fleet of company-owned cars, a plurality of cars owned by a single family or used by a particular group of individuals, combinations thereof, or other similar fleet-like vehicles 14 that may be used by numerous individuals.It is further contemplated that the vehicle seat 10 disclosed herein, which is operated by the controller to operate various massage functions, may include vehicles 14 operating under various ridesharing programs. These ridesharing programs may include, but are not limited to, Uber®, Lyft®, Carma, BlaBlaCar, and other similar ridesharing programs. In any of these cases, a fleet vehicle or rideshare vehicle may be temporarily occupied by a particular individual, who may or may not occupy the vehicle 14 at any time in the future. If a particular fleet vehicle or rideshare vehicle includes a massage function, the apparatus disclosed herein provides a mode of operation that allows a particular user of the vehicle 14 to individualize the massage function of the vehicle seat 10 and / or the seat position 18 to be occupied, independent of the massage element configuration 30.

[0014] Now, with reference to the Fig. 1-5 and 10, a method 400 for operating this device for controlling a massage function for a vehicle seat 10 is disclosed (step 402). This method 400 includes manipulating a user interface 40 that includes a plurality of massage element indicia 50. The user interface 40 may include a touchscreen 52, such as used for a smartphone, a tablet, other portable computing device, a laptop, a computer, or other similar user device 40. By manipulating the user interface 40, the user may use the plurality of massage element indicia 50. It is contemplated that the massage element indicia 50 within the user interface 40 generally correspond to an exemplary vehicle seat 10, which may or may not correspond to the positions of the various massage elements 16 within a vehicle seat 10 or the massage element configuration 30 to be occupied.It is also contemplated that the user interface 40 may be a touchscreen or other control integrated within the vehicle 14. This control within the vehicle 14 may be located near each of the seating positions 18 within the passenger compartment 12.

[0015] Regarding the Fig. 3-6 and 10, a user may utilize the user interface 40 by touching one or more of the massage element icons 50 to define various massage instructions 60 for defining the type of massage the user wishes to receive while occupying the vehicle seat 10 to be occupied. In this manner, the user may generate various massage subroutines 62 by selecting individual massage element icons 50 or by selecting patterns of massage element icons 50 from the plurality of massage element icons 50 arranged within the user interface 40 (step 404). It is contemplated that the selection of massage element icons 50 corresponds to one or more massage instructions 60 for a specific massage subroutine 62.Accordingly, when the user uses a particular massage element icon 50, the user can use and select various selection functions to define the type of massage to be provided within that massage subroutine 62. For example, and not by way of limitation, a user can use a particular massage element icon 50 to open an operation menu 64 to select various massage instructions 60, which may include, but are not limited to, massage length, massage intensity, massage pattern, idle time, various heating or cooling functions used in conjunction with the massage function of the vehicle seat 10, massage style, movements of the massage elements 16 within the vehicle seat 10, combinations thereof, and other similar massage instructions 60 that may be implemented by components of the vehicle seat 10.The components of the vehicle seat 10 that can perform the various massage instructions 60 may include, but are not limited to, air bladders, heating elements, cooling elements, massage elements 16, cushions, motors, combinations thereof, and other similar components. Additionally, as shown in FIG. Fig. 5, the various massage subroutines 62 may be selected by a sliding motion 70 along the user interface 40 to link two or more massage element icons 50. This linking of massage element icons 50 may provide a directional element of the massage subroutine 62, as well as provide a hierarchy or order of the massage elements 16 to be performed during occupancy of the particular vehicle seat 10 to be occupied.

[0016] According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that a user may create the various massage subroutines 62 while located within the vehicle 14, within another vehicle 14, or entirely outside the vehicle 14. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the various massage subroutines 62 may be stored within a portable memory 80 in communication with the user interface 40 (step 406). It is further contemplated that the portable memory 80 may be the internal memory of the particular portable device or of any computing device that includes or is capable of accessing the user interface 40.The portable storage 80 may also be defined as a cloud-like computer storage that can be remotely accessed via various networks, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, alternative wireless networks, combinations thereof, or other similar wired or wireless networks.

[0017] Now a user can refer to the Fig. 1-6, after at least some of the massage subprograms 62 have been created, select a vehicle 14 to be occupied (step 408). Within the vehicle 14, the user may also select a particular seating position 18 within the vehicle 14 to be occupied. Accordingly, a particular rideshare program or fleet vehicle program may include a selection within the computer program or application for selecting a particular seating position 18 within the vehicle 14 to be occupied. Once the vehicle 14 and / or the seating position 18 is determined, the user may then apply at least one of the massage subprograms 62 to the various massage elements 16 located within the particular seating position 18 of the vehicle 14 to be occupied. Once the vehicle 14 to be occupied is selected, the user places the portable storage 80 in communication with the vehicle 14 to be occupied (step 410).It is contemplated that when the portable memory 80 is in communication with the occupant vehicle 14, the plurality of massage subroutines 62 are in selective communication with the plurality of massage elements 16 of the vehicle seat 10. The user may then select a pattern of massage subroutines 82 to be executed (step 412). Accordingly, if the user desires a particular type of massage on a particular day, the user may group various massage subroutines 62 together to form a massage program defined by the pattern of massage subroutines 82 to be executed during occupancy of the vehicle seat 10.

[0018] Now, with reference to the Fig. 1-9, it is contemplated that the selected pattern of massage subroutines 82 may be adapted to be compatible with the massage element configuration 30 of the vehicle seat 10 to be occupied (step 414). As discussed above, different vehicle seats 10 among vehicle types, as well as different seating positions 18 within the same vehicle 14, may include a wide range of massage element configurations 30. Accordingly, after the pattern of massage subroutines 82 has been selected, the massage subroutines 62, as created by the user, may or may not be compatible with the massage element configuration 30 of the particular seating position 18.It is contemplated that a processor 90 placed in communication with the user interface 40 and / or the portable memory 80 may perform an adaptive function 92 to modify the particular massage instructions 60, the particular massage subroutines 62, and / or the particular pattern of massage subroutines 82 to be executed, as far as possible, by the various massage elements 16 within the massage element configuration 30 of the vehicle seat 10 to be occupied.

[0019] The user interface 40 from Fig. 3 shows, by way of example and not limitation, two vertical columns of massage elements 16 that a user can use to create the plurality of massage subroutines 62. As exemplified in the Fig. 7-9, the configuration of massage elements 16 in a particular vehicle 14 or seating position 18 may differ from this configuration exemplified within user interface 40. The adaptive function 92 of the device defined within processor 90 may evaluate each massage subroutine 62 within the selected plurality of subroutines and place each massage instruction 60 in communication with a particular massage element 16 or massage elements 16 for executing those particular massage instructions 60. Accordingly, each massage instruction 60 from the plurality of massage subroutines 62 is assigned to one or more massage elements 16 for executing the massage subroutines 62 as closely as possible to the selected massage subroutines 62 as a customized series of subroutines 94.

[0020] Now, with reference to Fig. 6, it is contemplated that, instead of a user interface 40 including an exemplary vehicle seat 10, the user interface 40 may exemplify a more anatomical representation of the human body for highlighting specific aspects of the human body to be massaged while occupying the vehicle seat 10. In this user interface 40, the user may use various anatomical portions 100 of the user interface 40, corresponding to portions of the user's back, to define the plurality of massage subroutines 62. The various massage subroutines 62 correspond to a series of massage instructions 60 related to the representation of the user's back within the user interface 40.In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the adaptive manipulation of the various massage instructions 60 from the plurality of massage subroutines 62 will occur independently of the massage element configuration 30 of the plurality of massage elements 16 disposed within the occupant vehicle seat 10. It is also contemplated that various dimensional tolerances 104 may be entered into the user interface 40 such that the manipulation of the user interface 40 corresponds to a particular portion of the user's body. The dimensional tolerances 104 may also provide instructions to the occupant vehicle seat 10 for adjusting the performance of the various massage functions according to the size of the particular individual occupant of the vehicle seat 10.For example, and not by way of limitation, a person of shorter height occupying a particular vehicle seat 10 may have specific massage subroutines 62 affecting the upper portion of the back of that particular user. Due to the shorter height of that particular individual, the uppermost massage elements 110 disposed within the occupied vehicle seat 10 may remain inactive because they do not conform or match the dimensional tolerances 104 of that particular individual. The dimensional tolerances 104, which may be communicated through use of the user interface 40, may include, but are not limited to, width, height, weight, injuries, ailments, amputations, combinations thereof, and other anthropomorphic physical characteristics of a particular individual.After performing the customizing procedures, the user may then turn on a plurality of massage elements 16 to execute the pattern of massage subroutines 82 (step 416).

[0021] Again with reference to the Fig. 1-9 and 11, a method 500 for operating the massage functions of a vehicle seat 10 may include a step 502 of using the user interface 40, wherein the user interface 40 includes the plurality of massage element indicia 50. By using a massage element indicia 50, the user may then select patterns of massage element indicia 50 from the plurality of massage element indicia 50 (step 504). In this manner, the selected patterns of massage element indicia 50 define a plurality of massage subroutines 62. Each pattern of selected massage element indicia 50 corresponds to a specific massage subroutine 62. As discussed above, each massage subroutine 62 includes one or more massage instructions 60 to be executed during that particular massage subroutine 62.After creating the massage subroutines 62, the plurality of massage subroutines 62 are stored within a portable memory 80 in communication with the user interface 40 (step 506). It is contemplated that the portable memory 80 may be one that is physically separate from the vehicle 14. It is also contemplated that the plurality of massage subroutines 62 may be stored within an internal memory of the vehicle 14, particularly if a particular user may frequently occupy that vehicle 14, such as a regular rideshare customer, a frequently used fleet vehicle, or other similar instances of repeated occupancy of a particular vehicle seating position 18 within a particular vehicle 14.

[0022] Again with reference to the Fig. 1-9 and 11, after the plurality of massage subroutines 62 are selected and stored, the user selects a vehicle 14 to be occupied (step 508). As discussed above, the vehicle 14 to be occupied includes a vehicle seat 10 having a plurality of massage elements 16 adjusted within a particular massage element configuration 30. Each vehicle 14 may include a plurality of massage element configurations 30 corresponding to respective seating positions 18 within the vehicle 14. In this manner, the massage element configuration 30 of the driver's seat 20 may be different from the massage element configuration 30 for the front passenger seat 22 or one of the rear seating positions 24.After selecting the vehicle 14 to be occupied, the portable memory 80 is placed in communication with the vehicle 14 to be occupied such that each massage element indicia 50 of the plurality of massage element indicia 50 is customized to correspond to a particular massage element 16 of the plurality of massage elements 16 disposed within the vehicle seat 10 to be occupied (step 510). After placing the portable memory 80 in communication with the vehicle 14, a processor 90 in communication with the user interface 40 performs a verification of the massage element 16 to determine whether the configuration of the plurality of massage element indicia 50 corresponds to the configuration of the plurality of massage elements 16 (step 512). As discussed above, the user interface 40 may include a representation of a vehicle seat 10 or a representation of anatomical portions 100 of a user's back.These massage element indicia 50 may or may not correspond to the massage element configuration 30 within this particular seating position 18 of the vehicle 14. The massage element verification step 512 serves to verify whether these configurations match or not to determine whether any adjustment or adjustment to the massage subroutines 62 needs to be made before the massage subroutines 62 can be properly executed as intended. If the configuration of the plurality of massage element indicia 50 does not correspond to the plurality of massage elements 16 within the vehicle seat 10, the plurality of massage element indicia 50 are adjusted. Accordingly, each massage instruction 60 within a particular massage subroutine 62 can be adjusted to correspond to at least one massage element 16 of the massage element configuration 30 of the particular seating position 18 of the vehicle 14.In this way, each massage element symbol 50 of the plurality of massage element symbols 50 is adapted to correspond to at least one massage element 16 of the plurality of massage elements 16. Then, each massage instruction 60 is executed as accurately as possible by one or more massage elements 16 disposed within the vehicle seat 10 (step 514).

[0023] Again with reference to the Fig. 1-9 and 11, the user then selects from the plurality of massage subroutines 62 a pattern of massage subroutines 82 to be executed by the plurality of massage elements 16 (step 516). It is contemplated that the massage element verification step 512 and the setting step 514 may be performed either before or after the user selects the pattern of massage subroutines 62 to be executed by the plurality of massage elements 16.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the user may store various massage subroutines 62 that are configuration-specific to more closely match a particular vehicle type, such that less of a degree of customization is performed during the customization step 514 of the method 500. It is contemplated that the user may categorize various massage subroutines 62 or copies 54 of massage subroutines 62 that are better suited to particular vehicles 14 and store a particular series of massage subroutines 62 that correspond to each vehicle 14 that may be occupied and / or each vehicle seating position 18 within the various vehicles 14 that may be occupied.In addition, after the verification and adjustment of the massage subprograms 62, the set massage element symbols 50 can be used to generate additional massage subprograms 62 that immediately correspond to the configuration of the specific massage element 16 of the seat position 18 to be occupied.

[0025] It is contemplated that the user may develop or configure various massage subprograms 62 depending on the seating position 18 they will occupy. Additionally, the massage subprograms 62 may be configured to provide various massage preferences for a particular user. These preferences may be based on the seating position 18, the user's exercise level, the time of day, various ailments or health problems of the user, combinations thereof, and other similar aspects.For example, and not by way of limitation, if a particular user will be driving, the massage subprograms 62 may be designed and / or selected to assist the user in staying awake, while a user who may occupy the front passenger seat 22 or one of the rear seating positions 24 may design and / or select various massage subprograms 62 to provide a more relaxing massage that may assist the user in relieving stress, relaxing, and / or alleviating various muscular problems experienced by a user, such as during a long trip.

[0026] Again with reference to the Fig. 1-9 and 11, after selecting the pattern of massage subroutines 82 according to step 516, the plurality of massage elements 16 may be turned on to execute the pattern of massage subroutines 82 (step 518).

[0027] Now, with reference to the Fig.1-9 and 12, a method 600 may be implemented that uses the user interface 40 to customize a massage function of a vehicle for an occupied vehicle 14. According to the method 600, various massage element indicia 50 may be provided (step 602). By using the massage element indicia 50, the user may create various massage subroutines 62 to be executed (step 604). After creating the massage subroutines 62 or during the creation of the massage subroutines 62, the user may select a occupied vehicle 14 (step 606). As discussed above, each vehicle 14 includes at least one vehicle seat 10 having a massage element configuration 30. Additionally, each seating position 18 within the passenger compartment 12 may have a position-specific massage element configuration 30.After selecting the vehicle 14, the massage subroutines 62 are placed in communication with the vehicle 14 (step 608). This communication may be established by a processor 90 associating a portable memory 80, in which the massage subroutines 62 are stored, with a portion of the vehicle 14 so that the massage subroutines 62 can be transmitted to the vehicle 14 for execution while the user occupies the particular seating position 18. It is also contemplated that the various massage subroutines 62 may be uploaded to an internal memory of the vehicle 14. It is also contemplated that the massage subroutines 62 may be stored within a cloud-like device so that the portable computing device having the user interface 40 and the vehicle 14 may each access one or more of a plurality of massage subroutines 62.The various massage subroutines 62 can then be adapted to be compatible with the massage element configuration 30 of the particular seat position 18 (step 610). After completing the adapting step 610, the vehicle seat 10 and the massage elements 16 within the vehicle seat 10 can be activated to execute the at least one massage subroutine 62 (step 612).

[0028] According to the various embodiments, the user interface 40 may be manipulated via a series of touches, swipes, gestures, hand gestures, combinations thereof, or other similar gestures or engaging movements that may be used to selectively engage portions of the user interface 40, including one or more of the massage element indicia 50 disposed within the user interface 40.

[0029] Through use of the user interface 40 and the various methods described herein, a user of one or more fleet vehicles and / or ride-sharing vehicles can develop a series of massage subroutines 62, wherein each of the massage subroutines 62 can be combined with other massage subroutines 62 to develop various massage programs to be executed during occupancy of a vehicle 14. It is contemplated that the massage subroutines 62 can be adapted or adjusted to accommodate various massage element configurations 30 present within different vehicles 14 and also present within the same vehicle 14 between the various seating positions 18 of the passenger compartment 12.

[0030] It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the foregoing structure may be made without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

[1] A method for operating a massage function of a vehicle (14), the method comprising the following steps: Providing a user interface (40) having a plurality of massage element symbols (50); Creating a plurality of massage subroutines (62) by selecting patterns of massage element characters (50) from the plurality of massage element characters (50), wherein the selection of massage element characters (50) corresponds to a massage instruction (60) for a specific massage subroutine; Storing the plurality of massage subroutines (62) in a portable memory (80) that communicates with the user interface (40); Selecting a vehicle (14) to be occupied, the vehicle (14) to be occupied including a seat having a plurality of massage elements (16) arranged in a massage element configuration (30); Placing the portable memory (80) in communication with the vehicle (14) to be occupied, wherein the plurality of massage subroutines (62) are in selective communication with the plurality of massage elements (16); Selecting a pattern of massage subroutines (82) to be executed from the plurality of massage subroutines (62); adapting the pattern of massage subroutines (82) to be compatible with the massage element configuration (30), wherein each massage instruction (60) from each specific massage subroutine is placed in correspondence with at least one massage element of the plurality of massage elements (16); and Activating the plurality of massage elements (16) to execute the pattern of massage subroutines (82). [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the massage element character (50) corresponds to a representation of the back of a user exemplified within the user interface (40), and wherein the massage subroutines (62, 82) correspond to the execution of a series of massage instructions (60) with respect to the representation of the user's back. [3] The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle (14) to be occupied is one of a plurality of vehicles (14), each vehicle (14) of the plurality of vehicles (14) including a plurality of seating positions (18) each having the massage element configuration (30), and wherein the step of adjusting the pattern of massage subroutines (82) includes selecting the seating position (18) to be occupied. [4] A method for operating a massage function of a vehicle (14), the method comprising the following steps: Using a user interface (40) having a plurality of massage element characters (50); Selecting patterns of massage element characters (50) from the plurality of massage element characters (50) to define a plurality of massage subroutines (62), each pattern of massage element characters (50) corresponding to a specific massage subroutine; Storing the plurality of massage subroutines (62) in a portable memory (80) that communicates with the user interface (40); Selecting a vehicle (14) to be occupied, the vehicle (14) to be occupied including a seat with a plurality of massage elements (16); Placing the portable memory (80) in communication with the vehicle (14) to be occupied such that each massage element symbol (50) of the plurality of massage element symbols (50) corresponds to a massage element of the plurality of massage elements (16); Selecting a pattern of massage subroutines (82) from the plurality of massage subroutines (62) to be executed by the plurality of massage elements (16); and Activating the plurality of massage elements (16) to execute the pattern of massage subroutines (82). [5] The method of claim 4, wherein the step of selecting the vehicle (14) to be occupied includes selecting the vehicle (14) from a plurality of vehicles (14). [6] The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of: Operating a massage element verification to determine whether a configuration of the plurality of massage element characters (50) corresponds to the configuration of the plurality of massage elements (16); and Setting at least one of the plurality of massage element symbols (50) and the plurality of massage subroutines (62) when the configuration of the plurality of massage element symbols (50) does not correspond to the configuration of the plurality of massage elements (16), such that each massage element symbol (50) of the plurality of massage element symbols (50) corresponds to at least one massage element of the plurality of massage elements (16). [7] The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vehicles (14) includes a plurality of massage element configurations (30), and wherein the plurality of massage subroutines (62) includes configuration-specific massage subroutines (62, 82) corresponding to each massage element configuration (30) of the plurality of vehicles (14). [8] The method of claim 7, wherein each vehicle (14) has at least two separate massage element configurations (30) corresponding to specific seating positions (18) within the vehicle (14). [9] The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of massage subroutines (62) are further stored within an internal memory of the vehicle (14). [10] The method of claim 4, wherein the user interface (40) is a touchscreen (52) for a portable computing device. [11] The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vehicles (14) is a series of fleet vehicles. [12] The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of vehicles (14) are ride-sharing vehicles. [13] The method of claim 4, wherein each massage element character (50) includes a user interface (40) for selecting at least one massage instruction (60) from a plurality of massage instructions (60), and wherein the step of selecting patterns of massage element characters (50) includes selecting the at least one massage characteristic for each massage element character (50). [14] The method of claim 13, wherein the massage properties include massage time, idle time, massage intensity, and massage type. [15] Method for individualizing a massage function of a vehicle (14), comprising the following steps: Providing massage element characters (50); Creating massage subroutines (62, 82) using the massage element characters (50); Selecting a vehicle (14) having a seat with a massage element configuration (30); Placing the massage subprograms (62, 82) in communication with the vehicle (14); Adapting the massage subprograms (62, 82) so that they are compatible with the massage element configuration (30); and Switching on the seat to execute at least one massage sub-program (62, 82). [16] The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one massage subroutine (62, 82) includes a plurality of massage subroutines (62). [17] The method of claim 15, wherein the step of creating massage subroutines (62, 82) includes storing the massage subroutines (62, 82) in a portable memory (80) physically separate from the vehicle (14). [18] The method of claim 15, wherein the vehicle (14) is one of a plurality of vehicles (14). [19] The method of claim 15, wherein the massage element character (50) corresponds to a representation of a user's back exemplified within a user interface (40), and wherein the massage subroutines (62, 82) correspond to the execution of a series of massage instructions (60) with respect to the representation of the user's back. [20] The method of claim 19, wherein the step of adapting the massage subroutines (62, 82) includes selecting massage elements in the massage element configuration (30) of the seat to execute the series of massage instructions (60) with respect to the representation of the user's back.

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