System and method for reducing motion sickness symptoms

Abstract

System for reducing kinetosis symptoms, for a vehicle (1), wherein the system comprises a control unit (2) coupled to a sensor system (3) and / or a navigation system (4), a vehicle seat system (5) for receiving and / or transmitting signals, wherein the sensor system (3) and / or the navigation system (4) are configured to receive environmental data and / or vehicle component data of the vehicle (1), from which movements of the vehicle (1) result, and to transfer them to the control unit (2), wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is configured to receive seat adjustment signals from the control unit (2) and to adjust at least one vehicle seat of the vehicle (1) according to the received seat adjustment signals, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to generate seat adjustment signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data, wherein generating the seat adjustment signals comprises: - using the environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining first acceleration forces acting on a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat due to the movements of the vehicle (1); and - Determining seat adjustment signals which are configured such that, after adjustment of the vehicle seat according to these seat adjustment signals, they cause second acceleration forces in the vehicle occupant, which counteract the first acceleration forces; wherein the system further comprises a monitoring unit (8) which is coupled to the control unit (2) for receiving and / or transmitting signals and is configured to monitor whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle and to transmit a positive monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is able to do so, and to transmit a negative monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is not able to do so; and wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to generate seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting only when a negative monitoring signal is present, and / or wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is further configured to receive seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting and / or to adjust the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting only when a negative monitoring signal is present.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system and method for reducing motion sickness symptoms.

[0002] Methods are already known from the state of the art that are used to prevent kinetosis while driving a car.

[0003] DE 10 2015 011 708 A1 discloses a method in which manual inputs of a passenger (health parameters) are correlated with vehicle and route parameters to determine a discomfort threshold for kinetosis-related disturbances. To counteract the occurrence of kinetosis-related disturbances, the vehicle is then air-conditioned, scented, and / or a seat massage function is activated.

[0004] The methods known from the state of the art assess the risk of kinetosis-related disturbances in a passenger and, for example, recommend countermeasures based on the parameters entered by the passenger in order to prevent the occurrence of kinetosis in the passenger.

[0005] With the additional concentrated activities enabled by autonomous vehicle control, such as working on a monitor, the occupant easily loses spatial awareness of the vehicle's surroundings. The accelerations, rotations, and changes in inclination that nevertheless affect the occupant and are physiologically perceived are therefore no longer congruent and no longer match their actual visual perception. This can cause the occupant to feel unwell and nauseous; in advanced cases, the occupant may experience dizziness and / or nausea (motion blurred vision).

[0006] DE 10 2016 009 137 A1 describes a method for reducing kinetosis-related disturbances of at least one occupant in a vehicle, in which, during autonomous driving of the vehicle, measures relating to a vehicle interior are automatically initiated to reduce kinetosis-related disturbances of at least one occupant in the vehicle.For example, one or more of the following measures can be provided: Automatic locking of a vehicle seat when an angle between a viewing direction of the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat and a direction of travel as well as detected vibrations of the vehicle which are dependent on a road profile are each in a critical range for disturbances caused by kinetosis; Adaptation of a rotation speed when rotating the vehicle seat about a vehicle vertical axis relative to the vehicle interior to the current driving dynamics; Positioning of a display unit in the vehicle at a head height of at least one occupant or of a vehicle seat relative to the display unit; Applying a time delay to a scene change in a sequence of scenes output via the display unit.

[0007] DE 10 2014 221 337 A1 proposes collecting data relating to a movement of a vehicle, determining on the basis of the collected data that a limit associated with motion sickness has been exceeded and making an adjustment for a component in the vehicle, including a video display and / or one or more seats, at least in part based on the collected data.

[0008] WO 2016 / 188 545 A1 describes a vehicle display device for reducing motion sickness in a vehicle occupant. The device comprises a display device and a fastening element for fastening the display device to an interior part of the vehicle, wherein the fastening element is configured to hold the display device in a rest position when the vehicle is not accelerating. Improved motion sickness mitigation is achieved by the fastening element being designed to be transformed upon vehicle acceleration such that the display device is moved into an acceleration position upon vehicle acceleration.

[0009] DE 197 30 366 A1 describes a control device which activates a plurality of signaling devices in order to improve accident safety when an imminent risk of accident is detected.

[0010] Although the current state-of-the-art procedures initiate countermeasures (ventilation, massage, etc.), it is not clear whether these also help every occupant against suddenly occurring kinetosis symptoms.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system or a method for reducing kinetosis symptoms which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the methods known in the prior art.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a patent claim dependent on an independent patent claim, without the features of the independent patent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent patent claim, can form a separate invention independent of the combination of all features of the independent patent claim, which can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

[0013] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for reducing kinetosis symptoms for a vehicle, wherein the system comprises a control unit coupled to a sensor system and / or a navigation system, a vehicle seat system and / or a display unit for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is coupled to a sensor system and / or a navigation system, a vehicle seat system, and optionally also to a display unit for receiving and / or transmitting signals. If the display and vehicle seat are controlled accordingly, the risk of kinetosis symptoms occurring in vehicle occupants can be significantly reduced.

[0015] The term "kinetosis" refers to motion sickness, i.e., an illness caused by the impact of movement on the human body. Motion sickness is also commonly referred to as travel sickness and is usually referred to as seasickness, airsickness, or space sickness, depending on the cause of the movement. Kinetosis is caused by movement, particularly by repeated acceleration processes with changing acceleration values ​​and directions. Symptoms of kinetosis include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pallor, a drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and hyperventilation.

[0016] For the purposes of this document, a vehicle is any type of vehicle used to transport people and / or goods. Possible examples include: motor vehicles, lorries, land vehicles, buses, cabs, cable car cabins, elevator cabins, rail vehicles, watercraft (e.g. ships, boats, submarines, diving bells, hovercraft, hydrofoils), and aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, ground-effect vehicles, airships, and balloons). Preferably, the vehicle is a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle, for this purpose, is a land vehicle that is moved by mechanical power without being tied to railway tracks. A motor vehicle, for this purpose, includes a motor car, a motorcycle, and a tractor.

[0017] The control unit is a unit that receives information, for example in the form of signals and / or data, from one device, processes it and makes it available to another device or causes the other device to perform a specific action. For this purpose, the control unit is communicatively coupled, i.e. for receiving and / or transmitting signals, to one or more devices, such as the sensor system, the navigation system, the vehicle seating system, and / or the display unit. The (communicative) coupling can be wireless (e.g. Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile communications) or wired (e.g. via a USB interface, data cable, etc.). Even if the control unit is described as a single unit, it should also be understood to mean a control unit that has multiple parts.For example, the term "control unit" also encompasses individual control functions distributed among other devices mentioned in this document. This could be the case, for example, if the function of generating the seat adjustment signals is performed in the vehicle seating system itself. In other words, parts of the control unit can be distributed among devices such as the sensor system, the navigation system, the vehicle seating system, and / or the display unit.

[0018] The control unit and / or the sensor system and / or the navigation system, or one or more components thereof, may be a device in the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, it may be an external device, e.g., a stationary device and / or a mobile terminal.

[0019] The sensor system and / or the navigation system are configured to receive environmental data of the vehicle and transmit it to the control unit. Environmental data of the vehicle refers to data relating to the vehicle's surroundings. Such environmental data includes weather data, topology data (in particular topology data of the route to be traveled, such as the occurrence of curves, crests and / or traffic lights, the evenness or unevenness of the road surface), route data, environmental data (in particular environmental data determined by the sensor system with the aid of an environmental model), data on the start and / or destination of a selected route, etc. Environmental data refers in particular to data that affects the vehicle from outside the vehicle. The environmental data is preferably obtained using high-precision maps.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor system and the navigation system are configured to receive vehicle component data from the vehicle, which result in vehicle movements, and to transfer it to the control unit. Such vehicle component data includes data on engine components, chassis components (braking system, springs, damping, steering, wheel suspension, wheels, tires, etc.), body components, and power transmission components (e.g., transmission, shaft, clutch, etc.). The vehicle movements resulting from the movement of the vehicle components include translational and rotational movements in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and vertical axis.

[0021] The sensor system comprises at least one of the following devices: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor (e.g., near-range radar sensor, long-range radar sensor), a lidar sensor, an attitude inertial system (e.g., a piezo system, a longitudinal and rotational acceleration system), a video system, and / or an image sensor (e.g., a camera). The data of the sensor system can originate from one of the aforementioned devices or from a combination of several of the aforementioned devices (sensor data fusion).

[0022] A navigation system within the meaning of this document is a system which enables route creation and guidance to a selected destination by means of position determination (e.g. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, etc.) and / or geoinformation (topology, road, aerial or nautical maps).

[0023] The environmental data can be received by the sensor system and / or the navigation system and transferred to the control unit. The vehicle component data can also be received by the sensor system and / or the navigation system and transferred to the control unit.

[0024] The vehicle seat system is configured to receive seat adjustment signals from the control unit and to adjust at least one vehicle seat of the vehicle in accordance with the received seat adjustment signals.

[0025] A vehicle seating system within the meaning of this document comprises at least one vehicle seat suitable for accommodating a seated vehicle occupant.

[0026] In this document, the term "vehicle occupant" refers to any person in the vehicle. This term includes both the driver and a non-driver, as well as any passenger.

[0027] The vehicle seat system further comprises an adjustment device by means of which the at least one vehicle seat can be adjusted. To adjust the at least one vehicle seat, the vehicle seat system, in particular the adjustment device of the vehicle seat system, receives seat adjustment signals from the control unit. With the aid of the adjustment device of the vehicle seat system, the at least one vehicle seat can be rotated about its transverse, vertical, and longitudinal axes and / or displaced along its transverse, vertical, and longitudinal axes. The vehicle seat system can comprise seat rails for displacing a vehicle seat, an adjustment device for adjusting the seat inclination and / or seat height, and / or a lumbar support.

[0028] The display unit is configured to receive and display display signals from the control unit. The display unit may have one or more display devices. The display signals are displayed acoustically, visually, or haptically.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the display signals comprise perception elements obtained at least partially from the environmental data, wherein the perception elements reflect the external environment around the vehicle as seen by a vehicle occupant. The perception elements can be recordings, in particular real-time recordings, from one or more cameras and / or artificially generated images. The camera recordings, in particular real-time camera recordings, can be generated, for example, by a camera mounted in the interior of the vehicle that looks out of the vehicle in the direction of travel. Alternatively or additionally, environmental data, which is generated, for example, by an environmental sensor system, can be processed into image data (artificially generated images) that can be displayed on the display unit.

[0030] The display signals preferably include image and / or video recordings of the surrounding traffic. In other words, the environment around the vehicle is displayed. For example, the road layout, topology (urban, rural, mountainous), vegetation (desert, forest, beach), weather (sun, rain, snow), time of day (light, dark), etc.

[0031] The display unit may comprise one or more existing display devices and / or one or more separate display devices. Exemplary embodiments of such display devices may include a dashboard display, a display (for example, in the cockpit area and / or on the rear of a vehicle seat and / or on the interior trim of the vehicle), a head-up display (for example, in one or more of the vehicle's windows), an infotainment system, an on-board computer, a communication unit, an instrument cluster, a mobile device, etc.

[0032] In this document, the term "instrument cluster" refers to an operating unit that includes displays and / or functions relating, among others, to the following: speedometer, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, engine coolant temperature gauge, warning lights and direction indicators.

[0033] In this document, the term "infotainment system" refers to a control unit that incorporates multiple functions related to information and / or entertainment. Such functions include the following devices: car radio, navigation system, hands-free system, on-board computer, driving data display, air conditioning, and driver assistance systems.

[0034] The infotainment system and the instrument cluster have various interfaces to one or more of the following: one or more control units, external devices, preferably electronic terminals, storage media, data sources, processing unit.

[0035] One or more display devices can be located on interior elements of the vehicle. Interior elements are defined as all components within a vehicle that are visible to vehicle occupants. Examples of interior elements include: the front seat or the back of the front seat, the rear seat or the back of the rear seat, the door trim, the side trim, the instrument panel, the roof lining, the sun visor, the carpet, the center console, the parcel shelf, the sun blind, the steering wheel, the interior mirror, etc.

[0036] A mobile device is a device that is able to communicate wirelessly in a mobile network via local areas networks (LANs), such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), or via wide areas networks (WANs) such as global systems for mobile communication (GSM), general package radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), high speed downlink / uplink packet access (HSDPA, HSUPA), long-term evolution (LTE), or world wide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX). Communication via other current or future communication technologies is also possible. The term mobile device includes smartphones in particular, but also other mobile telephones.Cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, and all current and future electronic devices equipped with technology for loading and running apps. The mobile device can be linked to the vehicle via a suitable communications interface, e.g., a Bluetooth interface. Alternatively, an app on the mobile device can be linked to the vehicle via a server using a suitable authentication process. All current and future authentication methods can be considered for authentication, such as knowledge (e.g., user name and password, PIN, security question, etc.), possession (e.g., SIM card, certificate, smart card), biometrics (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition), and any combination of the individual authentication methods.

[0037] The control unit is configured to generate seat adjustment signals and / or display signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data.

[0038] Preferably, the control unit is configured to generate seat adjustment signals and display signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data. By generating or applying the seat adjustment signals and display signals, the vehicle occupants can regain spatial reference to the vehicle environment while simultaneously minimizing the acceleration forces acting on them. This can significantly reduce or even prevent the occurrence of kinetosis symptoms.

[0039] Generating the seat adjustment signals comprises the following actions: using the environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining first acceleration forces that act on a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat due to the movements of the vehicle; and determining seat adjustment signals that are configured such that, after adjusting the vehicle seat according to these seat adjustment signals, they cause second acceleration forces in the vehicle occupant that counteract the first acceleration forces.

[0040] The seat adjustment signals are preferably determined automatically and dynamically. Likewise, the adjustment of the at least one vehicle seat according to the seat adjustment signals is preferably carried out automatically and dynamically. This means that as soon as the first acceleration forces have been determined, the seat adjustment signals are continuously generated and / or the vehicle seat(s) are continuously adjusted, essentially without a time delay (phase shift) and / or scaling taking place. This means that the seat adjustment signals are generated in real time and / or the vehicle seat(s) are adjusted in real time. In other words, the seat adjustment signals are generated and / or the vehicle seat(s) are adjusted before the vehicle occupant(s) perceive the first acceleration forces. By adjusting the vehicle seat(s).When the vehicle seats are adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals, the vehicle occupant(s) perceive not the first acceleration forces, but the actually acting acceleration forces. The actually acting acceleration forces are the acceleration forces that remain when the second acceleration forces counteract the first acceleration forces. In the best case, the first acceleration forces cancel out the second acceleration forces, and the actually acting acceleration forces are zero.

[0041] To generate the respective seat adjustment signals (i.e. seat adjustment signals for just one vehicle seat or multiple vehicle seats), the movements of the vehicle caused by the vehicle's surroundings (e.g. a bump in the road) and / or by the movement of vehicle components (e.g. vibration of the passenger compartment) are first determined. The determined movements of the vehicle then determine the acceleration forces acting on the vehicle occupant sitting in the respective vehicle seat (first acceleration forces). Second acceleration forces are then determined which counteract the first acceleration forces. Seat adjustment signals are correspondingly determined through which the second acceleration forces act on a vehicle occupant sitting in the respective vehicle seat.

[0042] For example, during a positive longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle and with a vehicle occupant sitting in the direction of travel, a vehicle seat can be tilted so far forward that the occupant no longer perceives any (disturbing) longitudinal acceleration. According to another example, when initiating a constant right-hand bend, the vehicle seat can be rotated to the left around its vertical axis in such a way that the vehicle occupant is only very slowly and subliminally adjusted to the current rate of rotation. When negotiating the right-hand bend, the vehicle seat can be tilted so far to the right (in the direction of travel) that the vehicle occupant no longer perceives any (disturbing) lateral acceleration. In another example, in the event of an upward vertical impact as a result of driving over a threshold, the vehicle seat can be moved congruently downwards so that the impact load is negligible for the vehicle occupant.

[0043] The generation of the display signals comprises the following actions: determining the acceleration forces actually acting on the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals, and determining display signals which are designed in such a way that they evoke a sensory perception in the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals, which is congruent with the acceleration forces actually acting.

[0044] A sensory warning within the meaning of this document includes at least one of the following: visual perception, auditory perception, sensitivity (in particular tactile perception), olfactory perception and gustatory perception.

[0045] For example, if the vehicle occupant were to experience actual acceleration forces that correspond to the vehicle's acceleration, the display signals are designed in such a way that the vehicle occupant would perceive the vehicle's acceleration. If, for example, the vehicle occupant were to experience actual acceleration forces that are zero, the display signals are designed in such a way that the vehicle occupant would not perceive any change in the vehicle's driving style.

[0046] Using the system and method described in this document for reducing motion sickness symptoms, congruence between sensory stimuli and positional awareness can be achieved for every vehicle occupant. Dynamic adjustment of the vehicle seat(s) mitigates or balances the dynamic positional awareness. This avoids conflicting signals from the eyes, vestibular organs, and joint receptors, and typical symptoms of motion sickness (motion sickness) can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0047] Advantageously, the display signals are only displayed for a certain period of time when the seat adjustment signals change significantly compared to the currently adjusted vehicle seat(s). This is the case, for example, when the vehicle is driving around a curve or over a bump. However, if the vehicle is driving straight ahead over a substantially level stretch of road, the seat adjustment signals generated would not be significantly different from the seat adjustment signals that led to the currently adjusted vehicle seat(s). In other words, the display signals are not displayed in calm driving situations where little or no acceleration forces occur for the vehicle occupants.

[0048] This ensures that vehicle occupants are not disturbed by unnecessary display signals and can concentrate on the tasks they are performing, such as working on a computer.

[0049] Advantageously, the sensor system and the navigation system are further configured to receive environmental data and / or vehicle component data of the vehicle, from which movements of the vehicle result, and / or to transfer said data to the control unit only when the vehicle is at least in a partially automated driving mode, preferably at least in a highly automated driving mode and even more preferably in a fully automated driving mode.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is advantageously further configured to generate seat adjustment signals and / or display signals only when the vehicle is at least in a partially automated driving mode, preferably at least in a highly automated driving mode and even more preferably in a fully automated driving mode.

[0051] The automated driving modes mentioned in this document (partially automated driving mode, highly automated driving mode, and fully automated or autonomous driving mode) correspond to the levels of automation defined by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) (see BASt publication "Research Compact," issue 11 / 2012). In partially automated driving (TAF), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral control for a certain period of time and / or in specific situations, whereby the driver must continuously monitor the system. In highly automated driving (HAF), the system assumes longitudinal and lateral control for a certain period of time without the driver having to continuously monitor the system; however, the driver must be able to assume control of the vehicle within a certain period of time.In fully automated (autonomous) driving (VAF), the system can automatically handle driving in all situations for a specific application; for this application, a driver is no longer required. The above-mentioned levels of automation according to the BASt definition correspond to SAE Levels 2 to 4 of the SAE J3016 standard (SAE - Society of Automotive Engineering). For example, highly automated driving (HAF) according to BASt corresponds to Level 3 of the SAE J3016 standard. Furthermore, SAE J3016 also stipulates SAE Level 5 as the highest level of automation, which is not included in the BASt definition. SAE Level 5 corresponds to driverless driving, in which the system can automatically handle all situations like a human driver throughout the entire journey; a driver is generally no longer required. In this document, the level of automation "fully automated" is intended to include driverless driving.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to generate the seat adjustment signals only for a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle; additionally or alternatively, the vehicle seat system is further configured to receive seat adjustment signals from the control unit only for a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle; additionally or alternatively, the vehicle seat system is further configured to adjust only a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle according to the received seat adjustment signals.

[0053] This means that only vehicle seats that are not facing forward are adjusted. The seat of a passenger who is already facing forward will not be adjusted.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the display signals comprise at least one of the following: an artificial optical environment, wherein the artificial optical environment is preferably displayed in an edge region of a display device; an artificial optical environment, wherein the artificial optical environment is displayed outside the central, sharply focused line of sight of the respective vehicle occupant and within the individual field of vision of the respective vehicle occupant; an artificial acoustic environment; holographic image elements; air currents; and haptic effects on a vehicle occupant, in particular massage effects and / or vibration effects.

[0055] Holographic image elements are visual image elements created using holographic processes. By using holographic image elements, the display signals can be variably configured within the vehicle interior and are not limited to existing display devices such as displays, interior trim, windows, etc.

[0056] The term “artificial optical environment” refers to a non-real, i.e. artificially created, visually perceptible environment.

[0057] The artificial optical environment can alternatively or additionally be displayed as an additive representation in a display of an existing display device, for example as an overlay in a navigation display.

[0058] Advantageously, the artificial optical environment is controlled depending on the current line of sight of a vehicle occupant. This means that the artificial optical environment is displayed depending on the current line of sight of a vehicle occupant outside the central, sharply circulating line of sight of the vehicle occupant and within the individual field of vision of the vehicle occupant. In other words, the artificial optical environment is displayed in the "corner of the eye" of the respective vehicle occupant.

[0059] The line of sight of a vehicle occupant can be detected by a line of sight detection unit, such as a vehicle interior camera.

[0060] By detecting the line of sight of each vehicle occupant, the optical perception of each vehicle occupant can be adapted in a particularly ergonomic manner to the position and acceleration perception of each vehicle occupant, without distracting the vehicle occupant from his or her actual main task.

[0061] The artificial optical environment can be generated by a lighting system comprising at least one lighting element. Examples of lighting elements include: an LED lighting system, a laser lighting system, a vehicle interior lighting system (e.g., ambient lighting), etc. Preferably, the lighting system comprises at least one lighting element and a projection surface onto which the artificial optical environment is projected. The artificial optical environment can be represented visually in a concrete or abstract manner.

[0062] The artificial acoustic environment can be created by a sound system comprising at least one sound element. Examples of sound elements include an entertainment system, a communication system, an infotainment system, loudspeakers, etc.

[0063] By generating or applying the seat adjustment signals and the display signals, the driving dynamic load acting on the vehicle occupant is reduced and the discrepancy in the correlation between position perception and visual position perception is reduced or even compensated.

[0064] For example, during a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle and with a vehicle occupant sitting in the direction of travel, the vehicle seat can be tilted so far forward that the occupant perceives a reduced or no longitudinal acceleration, and at the same time the artificial optical environment is adjusted to such an extent that it exactly corresponds to the change in the viewing direction as a result of the change in the vehicle seat inclination or that it at least partially optically compensates for the acceleration component that is not fully compensated for by the change in the seat inclination.In another example, when entering a constant right-hand bend, the vehicle seat can be rotated to the left around its vertical axis in such a way that the vehicle occupant is only very slowly and subliminally adjusted to the current rotation rate. At the same time, the artificial optical environment is adjusted to such an extent that it exactly corresponds to the change in viewing direction resulting from the change in the vehicle seat orientation or that it at least partially optically compensates for the acceleration component not fully compensated for by the change in the vehicle seat orientation. When negotiating the right-hand bend, the vehicle seat can be tilted far enough to the right (in the direction of travel) that the vehicle occupant no longer perceives any (disturbing) lateral acceleration.In a further example, the vehicle seat can be moved downwards congruently in the event of an upward vertical impact as a result of driving over a threshold, so that the impact load is negligible for the vehicle occupant, and at the same time the artificial optical environment is adjusted to such an extent that it exactly corresponds to the change in viewing height as a result of the dynamic change in the vertical seat position or that it at least partially optically compensates for the acceleration component that is not fully compensated for by the change in the seat position.

[0065] According to a further embodiment, the second acceleration forces are so large that the first acceleration forces and the second acceleration forces cancel each other out. In other words, a vehicle occupant sitting on the respective vehicle seat does not perceive any acceleration.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the display signals vary depending on the vehicle's surroundings and / or the time of day and / or the weather. Examples of the respective surroundings are: city, countryside, forest, desert, body of water, mountains, tunnels, etc. For example, the brightness of optical display signals is reduced when driving through a tunnel and increased again when exiting the tunnel. Examples of the respective time of day are: day, twilight, night. Examples of the respective weather conditions are: sun, snow, rain, fog.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the display unit is designed such that the displayed display signals are not visible to all vehicle occupants at the same time.

[0068] The display unit may comprise a plurality of display devices, with each vehicle occupant being assigned a display device for displaying the display signals. For example, each vehicle occupant is assigned a display.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the display unit is designed such that the displayed display signals are visible only to one vehicle occupant or a specific subset of the vehicle occupants.

[0070] Preferably, the display signals are only visible to the vehicle occupant(s) who are sitting on vehicle seats not facing the direction of travel.

[0071] The display signals are then only shown on the display devices assigned to those vehicle occupants who are not facing the direction of travel in their respective vehicle seats.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, one or more display devices may be equipped with privacy protection devices (e.g. privacy protection film, privacy protection filters, certain display methods, etc.) in order to prevent the displayed display signals from being visible to all vehicle occupants at the same time, only to one vehicle occupant or to a specific subset of the vehicle occupants.

[0073] For example, displays for the rear passengers are arranged in the backs of the front vehicle seats and / or side panels.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the system for reducing motion sickness symptoms further comprises a warning unit coupled to the control unit for receiving and / or transmitting signals. The control unit is further configured to use the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data to determine whether the vehicle will have an unavoidable crash within a predetermined time period and, if the vehicle will have an unavoidable crash within the predetermined time period, to generate warning signals configured to trigger reflexive protective reactions in vehicle occupants.

[0075] The specified time period is 0-30 seconds, preferably 1-20 seconds, particularly preferably 2-10 seconds.

[0076] The term "crash" refers to an event in which the vehicle is placed in a situation that differs significantly from the previous situation and is therefore unexpected for the vehicle occupant(s). This can occur, for example, if the vehicle suddenly decelerates abruptly, either due to a braking maneuver or an impact with an object. Preferably, the term "crash" refers to a collision between the vehicle and an object.

[0077] Because the vehicle occupants experience no or only reduced acceleration forces, or are focused on a task at hand, the protective measures normally triggered by a crash, especially the reflexive ones, are not automatically triggered. To optimally prepare the vehicle occupants for the consequences of a crash, the warning unit emits warning signals.

[0078] The warning unit may include in-vehicle devices suitable for warning vehicle occupants. Such in-vehicle devices include, for example, speakers, seat massage units, ventilation systems, infotainment systems, steering wheels, etc.

[0079] The warning signals include visual signals and / or acoustic signals and / or haptic signals and / or olfactory signals. In other words, the warning signals are designed to address the visual perception and / or auditory perception and / or haptic perception and / or olfactory perception of the vehicle occupant(s). The warning signals are designed to reflexively prompt the vehicle occupant(s) to perform physical protective reactions, for example, adopting a physical protective posture.

[0080] Preferably, the warning unit comprises in-vehicle loudspeakers that emit acoustic warning signals. Additionally or alternatively, the warning unit preferably comprises a steering wheel with a vibration function that emits warning signals through vibrations.

[0081] The warning unit only issues warning signals if a crash is unavoidable within a specified time period. This means that the calculation shows that there is no possible action (e.g., evasive maneuver) that could prevent a crash. The warning signals from the warning unit therefore do not correspond to the signals issued, for example, by a pedestrian protection or collision prevention system to prompt the driver of a vehicle to take a specific action (e.g., braking). The warning signals within the meaning of this document should be viewed as a way to prepare a vehicle occupant for an impending crash in order to minimize the physical consequences (injuries) of the crash.

[0082] The system for reducing motion sickness symptoms further comprises a monitoring unit coupled to the control unit for receiving and / or transmitting signals. The monitoring unit is configured to monitor whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle and to transmit a positive monitoring signal to the control unit if the respective vehicle occupant is able, and to transmit a negative monitoring signal to the control unit if the respective vehicle occupant is unable.

[0083] The control unit is further configured to generate seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting, and optionally display signals for the respective vehicle occupant, only when a negative monitoring signal is present. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle seat system is further configured to receive seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting and / or to adjust the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting only when a negative monitoring signal is present. If present, the display unit can further be configured to receive and / or display display signals for the respective vehicle occupant only when a negative monitoring signal is present.

[0084] The display unit can further be configured so that the displayed display signals can only be viewed by one vehicle occupant at a time.

[0085] To monitor whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation outside the vehicle, the monitoring unit can comprise one or more sensors, in particular a camera (e.g., an interior camera), which evaluates the vehicle occupant's biometric characteristics. Biometric characteristics include, in particular: facial geometry, iris recognition, lip movement, voice recognition, typing behavior (e.g., on a smartphone, keyboard, etc.), and fingerprints. A situation outside the vehicle refers to situations that occur outside the vehicle. A situation can refer to an event, but also to the environment (e.g., an avenue of trees) outside a vehicle.

[0086] For example, if the monitoring unit detects that a vehicle occupant has lowered their head and is looking at a smartphone display, it assumes that the vehicle occupant is unable to perceive any situation outside the vehicle. Therefore, a negative monitoring signal is sent to the control unit.

[0087] According to a further embodiment, the environmental data and vehicle component data comprise only data that result in movements of the vehicle that do not substantially run along the vehicle's vertical axis. In other words, the environmental data and vehicle component data comprise data that result in movements of the vehicle substantially along the vehicle's longitudinal axis and substantially along the vehicle's transverse axis, roll movements (rotational movements about the vehicle's longitudinal axis), pitch movements (rotational movements about the vehicle's transverse axis), and yaw movements (rotational movements about the vehicle's vertical axis).

[0088] If such environmental data and vehicle component data, which relate to all vehicle movements except for those that essentially run along the vehicle's vertical axis, are used to generate the seat adjustment signals, the vehicle seating system will not counteract vehicle movements along the vehicle's vertical axis, and the vehicle occupants will feel the acceleration forces resulting from the movement essentially along the vehicle's vertical axis. Therefore, if a vehicle drives over a bump, the vehicle seating system would not adjust the respective vehicle seat to the extent that the acceleration forces would essentially act along the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0089] According to one embodiment, a vehicle is equipped with an embodiment of the system described above for reducing motion sickness symptoms.

[0090] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing motion sickness symptoms, the method comprising: receiving environmental data and / or vehicle component data of a vehicle from which movements of the vehicle result. Generating seat adjustment signals and, optionally, additional display signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data.

[0091] Adjusting at least one vehicle seat of the vehicle according to the seat adjustment signals and optionally additionally displaying the display signals.

[0092] Generating the seat adjustment signals comprises the following actions: using the environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining first acceleration forces that act on a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat due to the movements of the vehicle; and determining seat adjustment signals that are configured such that, after adjusting the vehicle seat according to these seat adjustment signals, they cause second acceleration forces in the vehicle occupant that counteract the first acceleration forces.

[0093] The optional generation of the display signals comprises the following actions: determining the acceleration forces actually acting on the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals; and determining display signals that are designed such that they evoke a sensory perception in the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals that is congruent with the acceleration forces actually acting.

[0094] The method further comprises: monitoring, by means of a monitoring unit, whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle, and transmitting a positive monitoring signal to the control unit if the respective vehicle occupant is able, and transmitting a negative monitoring signal to the control unit if the respective vehicle occupant is not able. Seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting are only generated if a negative monitoring signal is present, and / or the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting is only adjusted if a negative monitoring signal is present.

[0095] The above statements regarding the system according to the invention for reducing kinetosis symptoms according to the first aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to the method according to the invention for reducing kinetosis symptoms according to the second aspect of the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to the described advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention not explicitly described here correspond to the described advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the method for reducing motion sickness symptoms further comprises the following action: using the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining whether the vehicle will have an unavoidable crash within a predetermined time period and, in the event that the vehicle will have an unavoidable crash within the predetermined time period, generating warning signals configured to warn the vehicle occupant of the crash.

[0097] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following action: monitoring whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle, and generating seat adjustment signals and / or display signals only if it is determined that the vehicle occupant is unable to do so. The displayed display signals are visible only to one vehicle occupant at a time.

[0098] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following action: monitoring whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle, and receiving seat adjustment signals and / or adjusting the vehicle seat, as well as receiving display signals and / or displaying the display signals only if it is determined that the vehicle occupant is unable to do so. The displayed display signals are visible only to one vehicle occupant at a time.

[0099] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for reducing motion sickness symptoms according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 schematically shows a system for reducing motion sickness symptoms according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 schematically shows a system for reducing motion sickness symptoms according to one embodiment.

[0100] Fig. Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention for reducing kinetosis symptoms. The system is provided for a vehicle 1. Even if Fig. 1 the system is shown together with a vehicle 1, this is not intended to mean that the system according to the invention is always connected to a vehicle 1, but merely to illustrate by way of example that the system can be provided for a vehicle 1.

[0101] The system comprises a control unit 2 which is coupled to an environment sensor system 3, a navigation system 4, a vehicle seat system 5 and a display unit 6 for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0102] With the help of the environment sensor system 3 and / or the navigation system 4, environmental data, i.e., data describing the surroundings of the vehicle 1 and / or the surroundings of the route ahead of the vehicle 1, is collected and forwarded to the control unit 2. In this example, the environmental data describes, among other things, the topology of the route ahead, which is taken, for example, from a high-precision map. The environmental data relevant to the vehicle 1 is determined based on the route planned by the navigation system 4.

[0103] Control unit 2 generates seat adjustment signals and display signals based on the environmental data. To generate the seat adjustment signals, the recorded environmental data is used to calculate the vehicle's movements. According to this example, the topology data of the route ahead is evaluated to draw conclusions about the vehicle's movements caused by the topology. Based on the calculated vehicle movements (motion data), acceleration forces (first acceleration forces) are calculated that act on a vehicle occupant sitting in a vehicle seat due to the vehicle's movements. For example, the motion data is calculated that moves the vehicle up and down due to a bump that the vehicle overcomes. The acceleration forces that act on the vehicle occupant along the vehicle's vertical axis are then calculated from this motion data.

[0104] The seat adjustment signals are calculated in such a way that they exert acceleration forces (second acceleration forces) on the vehicle occupant that counteract or cancel out the first acceleration forces. According to the above example, acceleration forces are calculated that also act on the vehicle occupant along the vehicle's vertical axis, but in the opposite direction to the first acceleration forces. The respective vehicle seat is then adjusted according to the calculated seat adjustment signals. The calculation of the seat adjustment signals and the corresponding adjustment of the vehicle seat take place continuously in real time.

[0105] Furthermore, the actual acceleration forces acting on the vehicle occupant after the second acceleration force is applied (due to the vehicle seat adjustment) are calculated. In this example, it is assumed that the actual acceleration forces are lower than the first acceleration forces, but not different from zero. According to the above example, a vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat would feel acceleration forces along the vehicle's vertical axis, but these would be significantly reduced compared to the acceleration forces that would act on the vehicle occupant when overcoming the bump. In accordance with the actual acceleration forces acting, display signals are shown on a display visible to the vehicle occupant (for example, a display in the headrest of the front seat), allowing the vehicle occupant to visually experience driving over a bump.For example, a video is played on the display that simulates the view of the vehicle occupant from the vehicle in the direction of travel. Accordingly, a road with a bump is shown, and when driving over it, the image shown on the display shifts up or down.

[0106] Fig. 2 schematically shows a further embodiment of the system according to the invention for reducing kinetosis symptoms. The system has a warning unit 7, which is coupled to the control unit 2 for the exchange of signals. In this example, the warning unit 7 comprises in-vehicle loudspeakers and the vehicle's internal infotainment system. The control unit 2 calculates, based on the environmental data, in particular based on the environmental data obtained from the environmental sensor system 3, whether the vehicle will have an unavoidable collision, for example with another vehicle, within a predetermined period of time, for example a period of 20 seconds. If the control unit 2 calculates that this will be the case, it causes the loudspeakers of the warning unit 7 to emit collision-like noises. The collision-like noises are intended to prompt the vehicle occupant to reflexively place their hands or arms protectively in front of their face orto raise the head and / or reflexively bend the head forward or downward and / or reflexively tense the body muscles.

[0107] Fig.3 schematically shows another embodiment of the system according to the invention for reducing motion sickness symptoms. The system comprises an interior camera 8 that monitors the vehicle occupants and records and / or evaluates image data. The image data is used to evaluate whether the observed vehicle occupant is capable of perceiving a situation external to the vehicle. If this is the case, a positive monitoring signal is sent to the control unit 2. If this is not the case, a negative monitoring signal is sent to the control unit 2. If a negative monitoring signal is detected, it is assumed that the respective vehicle occupant is unable to perceive the vehicle's surroundings and is therefore susceptible to motion sickness symptoms.Based on the negative monitoring signal, the vehicle seat is then adjusted to counteract the movements of the vehicle and / or the display of the display signals is adjusted to reduce kinetosis symptoms.

Claims

[1] System for reducing kinetosis symptoms, for a vehicle (1), wherein the system comprises a control unit (2) coupled to a sensor system (3) and / or a navigation system (4), a vehicle seat system (5) for receiving and / or transmitting signals, wherein the sensor system (3) and / or the navigation system (4) are configured to receive environmental data and / or vehicle component data of the vehicle (1), from which movements of the vehicle (1) result, and to transfer them to the control unit (2), wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is configured to receive seat adjustment signals from the control unit (2) and to adjust at least one vehicle seat of the vehicle (1) according to the received seat adjustment signals, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to generate seat adjustment signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data, wherein generating the seat adjustment signals comprises: - using the environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining first acceleration forces acting on a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat due to the movements of the vehicle (1); and - Determining seat adjustment signals which are configured such that, after adjustment of the vehicle seat according to these seat adjustment signals, they cause second acceleration forces in the vehicle occupant, which counteract the first acceleration forces; wherein the system further comprises a monitoring unit (8) which is coupled to the control unit (2) for receiving and / or transmitting signals and is configured to monitor whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle and to transmit a positive monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is able to do so, and to transmit a negative monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is not able to do so; and wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to generate seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting only when a negative monitoring signal is present, and / or wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is further configured to receive seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting and / or to adjust the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting only when a negative monitoring signal is present. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (2) is further coupled to a display unit (6) which is configured to receive and display display signals from the control unit (2), and wherein the control unit (2) is configured to generate display signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data, wherein generating the display signals comprises: - Determining the acceleration forces actually acting on the vehicle occupant who is positioned on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals; and - Determining display signals which are designed in such a way that they evoke a sensory perception in the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals, which is congruent with the actually acting acceleration forces. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the display unit (6) is further configured such that the displayed display signals are visible only to one vehicle occupant. [4] System according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the display unit (6) is further configured to receive and / or display display signals for the respective vehicle occupant only when a negative monitoring signal is present, and / or wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to generate display signals for the respective vehicle occupant only when a negative monitoring signal is present. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to generate the seat adjustment signals only for a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle (1), and / or wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is further configured to receive seat adjustment signals from the control unit (2) only for a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle (1), and / or wherein the vehicle seat system (5) is further configured to adjust only a vehicle seat whose orientation deviates from the direction of travel of the vehicle (1) in accordance with the received seat adjustment signals. [6] A system according to claim 2 or any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, wherein the indicator signals comprise at least one of the following: - an artificial optical environment, wherein the artificial optical environment is displayed in particular in an edge region of a display device; - an artificial optical environment, wherein the artificial optical environment is displayed in particular outside the central, sharply focused line of sight of the respective vehicle occupant and within the individual field of vision of the respective vehicle occupant; - an artificial acoustic environment; - holographic image elements; - air currents; and - haptic effects on a vehicle occupant, in particular massage effects and / or vibration effects. [7] System according to claim 2 or according to any one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the display signals are varied depending on the environment of the vehicle (1) and / or the time of day and / or the weather. [8] System according to claim 2 or according to one of the preceding claims, as far as dependent on claim 2, wherein the display unit (6) is designed such that the displayed display signals are not visible to all vehicle occupants at the same time. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second acceleration forces are so large that the first acceleration forces and the second acceleration forces cancel each other out. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a warning unit (7) coupled to the control unit (2) for receiving and / or transmitting signals, and wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to use the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data to determine whether the vehicle (1) will have an unavoidable crash within a predetermined time period and, in the event that the vehicle (1) will have an unavoidable crash within the predetermined time period, to cause the warning unit (7) to output warning signals which are designed to trigger reflex-like protective reactions in vehicle occupants. [11] A method for reducing motion sickness symptoms, the method comprising: Receiving environmental data and / or vehicle component data of a vehicle (1) from which movements of the vehicle (1) result; Generating seat adjustment signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data; Adjusting at least one vehicle seat of the vehicle (1) according to the seat adjustment signals; wherein generating the seat adjustment signals comprises: - using the environmental data and / or vehicle component data, determining first acceleration forces acting on a vehicle occupant sitting on a vehicle seat due to the movements of the vehicle (1); and - Determining seat adjustment signals which are designed such that, after adjusting the vehicle seat according to these seat adjustment signals, they cause second acceleration forces in the vehicle occupant which counteract the first acceleration forces; the method further comprising: Monitoring, by means of a monitoring unit (8), whether a vehicle occupant is able to perceive a situation external to the vehicle, and Sending a positive monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is able, and Sending a negative monitoring signal to the control unit (2) if the respective vehicle occupant is not able to whereby seat adjustment signals for the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting are only generated if a negative monitoring signal is present, and / or whereby the vehicle seat on which the respective vehicle occupant is sitting is only adjusted if a negative monitoring signal is present. [12] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Generating display signals depending on the received environmental data and / or vehicle component data, wherein the generation of the display signals comprises: - Determining the acceleration forces actually acting on the vehicle occupant who is positioned on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals; and - Determining display signals which are designed in such a way that they evoke a sensory perception in the vehicle occupant who is located on the vehicle seat adjusted according to the seat adjustment signals, which is congruent with the actually acting acceleration forces.

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