Device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant and vehicle

Abstract

Device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein at least one detection unit for detecting motion sickness-related disturbances of the occupant (1) and a control unit for initiating at least one measure for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant (1) are provided, characterized in that a controllable belt tensioner (6), a controllable gas generation device configured for cyclically applying pressure to a controllable inner space of a safety belt (4), at least one controllable vibration motor (7) and / or at least one controllable vibration element (9) for generating pulsating movements are provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a device.

[0002] In general, methods and devices for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle are known.

[0003] US Patent 9,980,680 B2 describes a breathing detection device for recording the breathing patterns of an occupant in a vehicle seat. A seat belt is designed to secure the occupant to the seat. A detection strap is attached at one end to the seat or the vehicle, with the opposite end attached to the seat belt. The detection strap is fastened with the seat belt, and a sensor connected to the detection strap detects the occupant's breathing. By means of the detection strap, the sensor is positioned relative to the occupant's abdomen when the occupant is wearing the seat belt.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method and an improved device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle and a vehicle, compared to the prior art.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved with regard to the method by the features specified in claim 1, with regard to the device by the features specified in claim 8 and with regard to the vehicle by the features specified in claim 10.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. According to the invention, a method for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant in a vehicle provides that, at the latest when motion sickness-related disturbances of the occupant are detected, at least one measure for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant is initiated.

[0007] By applying this method, motion sickness symptoms of the occupant, especially during autonomous driving operation of the vehicle, in which the occupant is not performing a driving task of the vehicle and is engaged in other activities, such as reading, can be significantly reduced.

[0008] Kinetosis, also known as motion sickness, is characterized in particular by symptoms such as fatigue, disinterest, dizziness, paleness, headaches, sweating and / or nausea.

[0009] The aim is to identify potential motion sickness in an individualized and preventative manner and to initiate appropriate measures early on, so that the development of motion sickness can be effectively countered.

[0010] By applying the procedure, the disturbances caused by motion sickness are at least reduced, thus giving the occupant the opportunity to perform other activities during the journey.

[0011] In one embodiment, pulsating movements of a seatbelt are used to influence the occupant's breathing rate, thereby reducing motion sickness-related disturbances. The seatbelt moves every ten seconds to influence the breathing rate. Sympathetic activity associated with motion sickness is deliberately suppressed, and the heart rate is lowered. Appropriate music, acoustic signals, and / or a massage function of the vehicle seat reinforce the optimal breathing rate by stimulating the occupant in the same rhythm. Alternatively, the target breathing rate can be visualized and displayed on the vehicle's screens.

[0012] By influencing the breathing rate through the tactile connection of the occupant via the pulsating seatbelt, the occupant's autonomic nervous system is affected. The breathing rate can be influenced to such an extent that the occupant inhales and exhales six times per minute.

[0013] In a further development project, the pulsating movements of the seatbelt are generated by controlling a belt tensioner, by cyclically pressurizing a gas into a pressurized area within the seatbelt, and / or by controlling at least one vibration motor within the seatbelt. The movement of the seatbelt is intended to influence the occupant's breathing rate, thereby reducing motion sickness-related disturbances. It is conceivable that the seatbelt performs these pulsating movements when it is fastened and the vehicle's autonomous driving mode is activated.

[0014] In a further development of the system, the pulsating movements are generated in the shoulder area of ​​the seat belt. The pulsating movements are thus generated only in a specific area, primarily the occupant's chest, in order to influence the breathing rate in cases of motion sickness. The seat belt provides direct stimulation of the chest, giving the occupant a comparatively high sense of security due to their direct connection to the vehicle seat.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, at least one headrest of the occupant's vehicle seat can be vibrated at a predetermined frequency, particularly a high frequency. This alters the processing of stimuli in the cerebellum and / or directly at the vestibular system, with the aim of desensitizing the occupant to motion sickness. The high-frequency vibration is applied either at a specific point on the temporal bone or across the entire surface of the occupant's head.

[0016] In a possible further training, the vibration is generated by means of at least one vibration motor integrated into the headrest, in order to introduce the vibration into the occupant's head to desensitize the vestibular system and / or cerebellum.

[0017] Another possible measure to reduce motion sickness is the application of a chemical stimulus. The inmate, i.e., their autonomic nervous system, is stimulated by means of scenting, whereby it is necessary that the scent be perceived as positive and actively noticed by the inmate.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances in a vehicle occupant. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one detection unit for detecting motion sickness-related disturbances in the occupant and a control unit for initiating at least one measure which influences the occupant's autonomic nervous system by means of sensory stimuli.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device has a controllable belt tensioner, a controllable gas generation device, at least one controllable vibration motor and / or at least one controllable vibration element for generating the pulsating movements, so that the occupant's breathing rate can be influenced and thus the motion sickness-related disturbances can be at least significantly reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of the occupant.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0022] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically depicts an occupant of a vehicle in a vehicle seat with a fastened seatbelt, Fig. 2 schematically a side view of a section of the occupant on the vehicle seat with a headrest vibrating across its surface, Fig. 3. Schematic side view of a section of the occupant on the vehicle seat with a vibration element for local introduction of the vibration and Fig. 4 schematically a top view of a partially transparent headrest with two vibration elements.

[0023] In Fig. 1 is an inmate 1 a vehicle 2 on a vehicle seat 3 depicted, with the occupant 1 one of the vehicle seats 3 assigned safety belt 4 has created.

[0024] Is the occupant 1 to refer to a vehicle user, i.e., a driver of the vehicle 2 , and the vehicle 2 It has an assistance system for autonomous driving, so the occupant can 1During autonomous driving, the occupant can pursue other activities. For example, the occupant can 1 read a book or watch a movie while the vehicle 2 to his destination.

[0025] Since the occupant 1 , which may also include a passenger or another occupant of the vehicle 2 If the driver is distracted from the driving process and concentrates on the other activity, there is a risk of developing kinetosis, also known as travel or motion sickness.

[0026] Motion sickness can also occur in a passenger or other occupant. 1 in the rear area of ​​the vehicle 2 occur when the vehicle 2 does not have the assistance system for autonomous driving.

[0027] Motion sickness refers to physical reactions such as paleness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by unfamiliar movement, especially in a vehicle. 2 , in the case of an inmate 1 These reactions are triggered. The physical reactions are referred to as motion sickness-related disorders or symptoms.

[0028] In order to at least significantly reduce the risk of the occurrence of kinetosis-related disorders, a procedure described below is provided with a device for carrying out the procedure.

[0029] As described above, the inmate 1 his vehicle seat 3 assigned safety belt 4 fitted, with one sliding on the seat belt 4 arranged belt buckle tongue in a belt buckle 5 is plugged in. With the seatbelt 4 It is a three-point seatbelt, whereby the occupant 1with seatbelt fastened 4 at three attachment points of the vehicle 2 is connected.

[0030] The seatbelt 4 It is designed to reduce motion sickness-related disturbances by performing pulsating movements and thus facilitating the occupant's breathing. 1 This specifically influences the inmate's autonomic nervous system. 1 is influenced.

[0031] This involves the pulsating movements of the seatbelt. 4 in combination with a massage function of the vehicle seat 3 and by playing music with a predetermined tempo in the vehicle 2 feasible.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the pulsating movements are controlled by a belt tensioner shown with a dashed line. 6 , in particular a reversible belt tensioner in the form of an electric motor.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, an interior compartment of the seat belt (not shown in detail) is used to execute the pulsating movements. 4 The belt interior is pressurized with a gas, with the belt interior being fluidically connected to a gas generation device (not shown), for example, a controllable gas generator. Gas is supplied to the belt interior at predetermined time intervals, from which it can escape in order to repressurize, i.e., refill, the belt interior with gas within a very short time.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, at least a vibration motor (shown as a dashed line) can be used to execute the pulsating movements. 7 in the seatbelt 4 or on the seatbelt 4 be arranged to control the occupant's breathing 1 to influence.

[0035] In a training session for the device, the safety belt4 The pulsating movements in the shoulder strap area are designed to influence breathing. This results in stimulation in the occupant's chest area. 1 instead. The seatbelt 4 It therefore vibrates partially, although this requires that the belt interior only vibrates in this area of ​​the seat belt. 4 is subjected to gas and / or that it only affects the shoulder area of ​​the safety belt. 4 at least one vibration motor 7 is arranged.

[0036] A mechanism for tactile stimulation of the occupant 1 by means of the seat belt 4 can also affect the occupant 1 , which occurs during the vehicle's operation 2 cannot see a future trajectory, for example because the occupant 1Whether reading or watching a film, at least preventively obtaining information regarding an impending change in the vehicle's speed. 2 transmit. For this purpose, it is intended that stimulus patterns are different, so that direction-dependent stimulation for right and left turns as well as differentiation of upcoming acceleration maneuvers are possible.

[0037] As an alternative to tactile stimulation of the occupant 1 by means of the seat belt 4 can or can also extend over the upper body of the occupant 1 stretched, flat fabric and / or a corresponding side bolster of the vehicle seat 3 vibrate.

[0038] The relevant component or components are controlled preventively before the start, e.g., of acceleration, in order to demonstrate a directional dependency.

[0039] Another alternative or additional embodiment for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant 1 , to prevent motion sickness-related disturbances in the vehicle's operation 2 To reduce this, a headrest is planned. 8 of the vehicle seat 3 It vibrates at a high frequency. This alters the processing of stimuli in the cerebellum and / or the balance organ, the so-called vestibular apparatus of humans, with the aim of desensitization.

[0040] To achieve the high-frequency vibration of the headrest 8 There is at least one other vibration motor, not shown, integrated into the headrest. 8 integrated, so that the vibration is distributed across the entire head, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, at least one additional vibration motor is used on actuators of the headrest (which are also not shown). 8 arranged superimposed.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the high-frequency vibration can be applied selectively to the petrous bone of the occupant. 1 , as in Fig. As detailed in section 3, the process will be initiated. This requires two extendable or rollable and controllable vibration elements. 9 into the headrest 8 integrated, as in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0042] If necessary, the occupant 1 the vibration elements 9 grasp, pull out, and attach it to the petrous part of his head. The vibration elements can be used for this purpose. 9 for example, it may be coated with a gel film for self-adhesion.

[0043] These two vibration elements 9 are by means of a roll-out mechanism after removal of the vibration elements 9 from the occupant's head 1 automatically in the headrest 8 retractable and rollable within it.

[0044] The headrest 8It can also feature air jets, allowing for localized cooling of areas of the head, particularly the forehead. Furthermore, earphone-like attachments can be used to create a temperature change within the occupant's ear canal. 1 This can occur, affecting the vestibular system and leading to a change in stimulus processing.

[0045] In addition, alternatively or additionally to sensory stimulation of the occupant 1 It should be provided that at least one area in which the occupant can 1 The area is scented. A prerequisite is that the scent is provided by the occupant. 1 It is perceived positively and actively taken advantage of in order to at least reduce the disturbances caused by motion sickness.

[0046] In particular, the measure or measures to reduce motion sickness will be initiated at the latest when a motion sickness disorder is observed in the inmate. 1The occupant's condition is recorded. For this purpose, image data captured by an interior camera, for example, can be analyzed. Alternatively or additionally, the occurrence of any motion sickness-related disturbances can be recorded using another suitable recording method. In particular, the occupant's condition is assessed. 1 detected using non-invasive measurement technology and / or by means of signals recorded from a so-called wearable.

[0047] The respective detection unit is connected to a control unit (not shown in detail) which generates a control signal to control the corresponding unit.

[0048] It is also conceivable to implement at least one of the measures to reduce motion sickness-related disturbances during autonomous driving operation of the vehicle. 2 to initiate automatically at regular intervals, so that motion sickness can be counteracted from the outset.

[0049] To avoid the occurrence of motion sickness-related disorders as much as possible, the inmate can 1 a so-called well-being program in the vehicle 2 activate.

[0050] This takes into account environmental conditions, such as the occupant's wishes. 1 for the performance of other activities, a route and road conditions, vehicle specifications, occupant preferences 1 with regard to comfort features, individual susceptibility to motion sickness and / or daily condition, as well as the well-being of the occupant. 1 recorded and taken into account.

[0051] Depending on the aforementioned environmental conditions, the vehicle's driving dynamics will be affected. 2The system is adjusted accordingly. For example, a driving mode and trajectory planning and / or navigation are adjusted in anti-motion sickness mode, with alternative or additional adjustments made to pitch and / or roll stability to avoid motion sickness-related disturbances.

[0052] Comfort features that can be controlled as part of the Well-Being program include interior lighting, seat position and backrest inclination, climate control strategy, massage function, fragrance and / or active and preventive belt tensioning as described above.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, a display unit can be positioned to reduce motion sickness-related disturbances, the size of the display unit and the displayed content can be adjusted, and / or gesture and voice control can be implemented during activities.

[0054] The headrest can also be adjusted. 8 to avoid kinetosis-related disturbances, they should be controlled accordingly.

[0055] The basis for determining target parameters, especially a situational vehicle configuration, is a [database / database] in the vehicle. 2 stored database of information, the content of which is to identify and evaluate kinetic characteristics of a current driving situation and to make corresponding adjustments to the aforementioned vehicle characteristics.

[0056] The database is based on findings, limit and threshold values ​​from experiments and literature, reflecting aspects of various disciplines and being continuously expanded and, in particular, optimized.

[0057] In addition to vehicle characteristics, such as seat adjustment spring settings and / or display unit positions, the database accesses current technologies and / or modifications, such as enhancements, to vehicle characteristics designed to reduce motion sickness. Taking potential interaction effects into account, occupant-specific parameters of the vehicle's interior, chassis, navigation system, etc., are optimized and adjusted in real time. As described above, relevant environmental conditions, such as lighting, route, and road surface, are incorporated into the target configuration.

[0058] The aim of the procedure and the device is to detect motion sickness in an individualized, preventative manner and to initiate a measure in the well-being program at an early stage, so that the inmate 1 No kinetosis-related disorders occur. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9980680 B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant (1) in a vehicle (2), characterized by , that at the latest when a motion sickness-related disturbance of the occupant (1) is detected, at least one measure for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant (1) is initiated. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that pulsating movements are performed by means of a safety belt (4) to influence the breathing rate of the occupant (1). [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the pulsating movements are generated by controlling a belt tensioner (6), by cyclically applying a gas to an actuated inner space of the safety belt (4) and / or by controlling at least one vibration motor (7) in the safety belt (4). [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the pulsating movements are generated in the shoulder strap area of ​​the safety belt (4). [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one headrest (8) of a vehicle seat (3) of the occupant (1) vibrates at a specified frequency. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the vibration is generated by means of at least one additional vibration motor integrated into the headrest (8). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a chemical stimulus is triggered as a measure. [8] Device for reducing motion sickness-related disturbances of an occupant (1) in a vehicle (2), characterized by at least one detection unit for detecting a motion sickness-related disturbance of the occupant (1) and a control unit for initiating at least one measure for targeted sensory stimulation of the occupant (1). [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by, that a controllable belt tensioner (6), a controllable gas generating device, at least one controllable vibration motor (7) and / or at least one controllable vibration element (9) generates the pulsating movements. [10] Vehicle (2) with a device according to claim 8 or 9.

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