Dynamic sun protection system for a motor vehicle and method for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment

Abstract

Method (M) for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment in a motor vehicle (10), the method (M) comprising: Determining (M1), by a determination unit (2) of the motor vehicle (10), whether an eye area (16) of a vehicle occupant is currently and / or predictably exposed to dazzling light (15) entering through a window of the motor vehicle (10); and Adjusting (M2) a vehicle seat (5) occupied by the vehicle occupant by a seat control (3) of the motor vehicle (10) such that the dazzling light (15) in the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant is at least reduced.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment in a motor vehicle, a dynamic sun protection system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with such a sun protection system. background

[0002] A sun visor is a component of a car that is located in the interior directly above or on the windshield. They are equipped with a hinged flap, which can usually be adjusted manually, to protect the eyes of the driver and front passenger from glare from sunlight. In certain situations, it may be necessary or desirable to change the position and / or orientation of the sun visor relatively frequently in order to achieve satisfactory coverage. For example, the sun may be relatively low on the horizon (in winter, at sunset or sunrise, etc.) and shining directly onto the vehicle. This may require constant movement of the sun visor due to the sun's movement across the horizon and / or due to repeated changes in the vehicle's direction in relation to the sun.

[0003] Robert Bosch GmbH has developed a sophisticated, high-end system called the "Virtual Visor," which comprises a single transparent LCD panel, a driver-facing camera with AI facial recognition, and corresponding analysis and tracking software. The system is designed to completely replace the conventional sun visor in a vehicle by intuitively blocking glare from the sun, using intelligent algorithms to block the road ahead. To this end, only a minimized and dynamically adjusted portion of the LCD panel is dimmed to block the sun, while the rest of the panel remains transparent.

[0004] From DE 10 2018 000 152 A1 a sun visor for a motor vehicle is known, comprising at least one anti-glare element and comprising a holding device by means of which the anti-glare element can be movably held on a component of the motor vehicle that can be arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle, wherein the holding device comprises at least one holding element by means of which the anti-glare element can be held on the component in a three-dimensionally movable manner relative to the component.

[0005] DE 10 2005 045 436 A1 provides for a device in an anti-glare system which, depending on signals from at least two sensors, evaluates both the intensity and the direction of the glare and controls the anti-glare device accordingly.

[0006] DE 10 2011 016 652 A1 discloses a device for a motor vehicle for preventing glare from the sun to one or more vehicle occupants, with an automatic control of a glare-preventing component.

[0007] DE 10 2013 223 991 A1 describes how, in a method for operating an anti-glare system for a vehicle, an image of the head of a vehicle occupant is recorded via a video recording device and compared with a reaction pattern typical for glare.

[0008] DE 10 2017 006 302 A1 provides an anti-glare device for a motor vehicle with at least one anti-glare means which can be transferred from a release position, in which the anti-glare means releases direct incidence of light from a light source, in particular arranged outside the vehicle, in the direction of an eye area of ​​a vehicle occupant, into at least one anti-glare position in which the anti-glare means at least partially shades the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant, with at least one sensor means by which the incidence of light in the direction of the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant can be detected, with at least one drive unit by which the at least one anti-glare means can be transferred from the release position into the at least one anti-glare position and with at least one control device to which the at least one sensor means can be or are functionally assigned and by which the drive unit can be controlled.The anti-glare device can be transferred by the drive unit from a first anti-glare position, in which the anti-glare device is arranged between the vehicle occupant and a windscreen of the motor vehicle, into at least one second anti-glare position, in which the anti-glare device is arranged between the vehicle occupant and a side window of the motor vehicle.

[0009] DE 10 2017 202 496 A1 also shows a method for predicting the probability of the driver of a vehicle being glared by the sun, comprising the following steps: Detecting a vehicle position, in particular by means of at least one position detection device; determining a sun position, in particular based on the vehicle position; determining a first probability of sunlight striking the driver based on the vehicle position and the sun position; estimating at least one future vehicle position; determining at least a second probability of sunlight striking the driver based on a future vehicle position and a sun position; and determining a driver glare probability based at least on the first probability of impact and at least a second probability of impact. The invention also relates to a computer-readable memory with corresponding instructions for implementing the method, as well as a corresponding system and vehicle. Overview of the invention

[0010] The task is therefore to find simpler and more pragmatic solutions to dynamically protect vehicle occupants from dazzling light.

[0011] The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, a dynamic sun protection system having the features of claim 9 and a motor vehicle according to claim 17. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment in a motor vehicle comprises determining, by a determination unit of the motor vehicle, whether an eye area of ​​a vehicle occupant is currently and / or foreseeably exposed to dazzling light which is incident through a window of the motor vehicle; and adjusting a vehicle seat occupied by the vehicle occupant by a seat control of the motor vehicle such that the dazzling light in the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant is at least reduced.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, a dynamic sun protection system for a motor vehicle comprises a determination unit configured to determine whether an eye area of ​​a vehicle occupant is currently and / or foreseeably exposed to dazzling light entering through a window of the motor vehicle; and a seat control configured to adjust a vehicle seat occupied by the vehicle occupant such that the dazzling light in the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant is at least reduced.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a dynamic sun protection system according to the invention.

[0015] One idea of ​​the present invention is to relocate the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant, which is exposed to sunlight or other glaring lights, away from the light beam and into a shaded area of ​​the interior, e.g., behind a sun visor, by adjusting the vehicle occupant's seat accordingly. The seat can, for example, be an electric seat equipped with suitable actuators that can change the seat's height, position, orientation, inclination, etc. For example, the seat can be raised to bring the occupant's eyes into the shade behind the sun visor when the sun sets in front of the vehicle. In this way, any glaring or otherwise disturbing light can be shielded from the vehicle occupant, e.g., at sunset or sunrise, in winter, when driving uphill, when changing direction, etc.The invention thus generally increases driving safety and comfort, as constant adjustment of the sun visor position while driving is no longer necessary. In particular, drivers are less distracted and can concentrate better on driving.

[0016] It is understood that the term "vehicle" or other similar term as used herein encompasses motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). As used herein, a hybrid vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has two or more power sources, for example, both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments and further developments arise from the subclaims.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the seat control can be designed to adjust a seat height, a seat position, a seat inclination and / or a seat orientation of the vehicle seat.

[0019] For example, the shadow cast by a sun visor on a vehicle occupant's face is reduced by raising it. The seat can be moved upwards until the shadow falls at least below the occupant's eyes. Additionally or alternatively, a horizontal seating position can be altered, e.g., the seat can be moved forward. Other variations may include adjusting the angle of a backrest and / or rotating a seat clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, the system may further comprise an interior camera configured to monitor at least the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant. The determination unit may be configured to measure a shadow falling on the eye area of ​​the vehicle occupant using camera data from the interior camera.

[0021] The camera can be provided for this purpose in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. However, the system can also utilize cameras already present in the vehicle, e.g., as part of advanced driver assistance systems and / or autonomous driving applications. The camera can be adapted to monitor the eyes and / or eye area of ​​one or more occupants (a driver, a front passenger, a rear seat passenger, etc.). The camera can also track the occupants' heads. For example, the distance between the eyes and a lower and / or lateral boundary of the shadow cast by a sun visor or other structure in the vehicle can be measured based on the camera data and then fed into a decision-making algorithm of the system, which then decides whether and how the seat of the respective occupant needs to be adjusted.

[0022] However, it goes without saying that not only optical cameras can be used for the above-mentioned purpose, but that other types of cameras (e.g. IR cameras) or sensors (e.g. thermal sensors) can also be used to monitor the eye area and / or head of an occupant and to measure and / or track a shadow in that area.

[0023] According to a further development of the invention, the determination unit can be designed to evaluate vehicle position, vehicle orientation, vehicle inclination, direction of travel, navigation data, environmental data, weather data and / or position of the sun.

[0024] The methodology described here is therefore not limited to measuring light incidence and shadows, but could also use other data in addition or as an alternative. For example, knowledge of the current direction of travel can be used in combination with information about the current position / direction of the sun (e.g., using navigation data, date, time, etc.). In this sense, it is also possible to proactively adjust the seat configuration when the vehicle approaches a potentially dazzling or otherwise unpleasant situation (e.g., at an intersection before turning left / right toward the sun).

[0025] According to a further development of the invention, the determination unit can be configured to continuously monitor a current and / or impending exposure of the vehicle occupant's eye area. The seat control can be configured to adjust the vehicle seat continuously and / or step by step.

[0026] Therefore, seat adjustments can be made continuously and very slowly to avoid any distraction or discomfort to the occupants, especially the driver. Adjustments can also be made in very small increments to approximate a near-continuous adjustment, so that an occupant is essentially unaware of the adjustment or at least does not experience any discomfort or distraction. Seat adjustment can also be initiated before an anticipated driving situation, e.g., before turning at an intersection where the vehicle will be veering toward the setting / rising sun.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, the seat control can be designed to adjust the vehicle seat in such a way that an actuating distance between a selected body part of the vehicle occupant and an operating element of the motor vehicle remains substantially constant during the adjustment.

[0028] The seat adjustment must not result in an uncomfortable or even safety-critical seating position / orientation (e.g., insufficient headroom, inadequate visibility, uncomfortable distance between the occupant and the steering wheel and / or pedals). For example, the seat adjustment should not place the seat in a dangerous position where the driver can no longer see the road due to the increased seat height, etc. To avoid such a situation, the present system and method can limit any seat movement or adjustment to remain below certain thresholds and / or maximum change values. Furthermore, the rate of change can be limited.

[0029] In addition, the algorithm used can adjust multiple seat configuration parameters simultaneously. For example, the system can not only make individual seat height adjustments, but also simultaneously adjust the position, orientation, and / or tilt of the seat in a multi-dimensional approach to ensure the occupant sits comfortably and safely.

[0030] In a specific example, a driver's seat can be moved upward and slightly forward to keep the distance between the driver's hip point (H-point) and the pedals (accelerator, brake, etc.) more or less constant. The hip point is the theoretical relative position of an occupant's hips and is widely used in vehicle design, automobile construction, and vehicle regulation. In particular, the hip point can refer to the pivot point between the torso and the upper part of the leg (it can be measured, for example, using the hip joint of a 50th percentile occupant in side view).

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, the determination unit can be configured to monitor movements of a vehicle occupant's head. The seat control can be configured to at least delay adjustment of the vehicle seat for a predetermined delay time if rapid head movements are detected that meet predetermined criteria.

[0032] This avoids constant or unwanted changes in the seat configuration that could otherwise be triggered by rapid head movements or similar actions, such as when the occupant is listening to music, turning their head to look in the mirror, behind them, or outside, when the occupant sneezes, etc. The system can therefore only react with a certain delay when certain head movements are detected. Suitable criteria can be defined in advance to assess whether such a situation exists. For example, typical movement sequences can be recognized based on recurring movement patterns.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, the system may further comprise a mirror control configured to adjust a rearview and / or side mirror of the motor vehicle depending on the seat setting. The method may accordingly comprise adjusting the rearview and / or side mirror of the motor vehicle depending on the seat setting.

[0034] When the seat is adjusted in position, orientation, and / or tilt, the mirrors may need to be slightly adjusted to achieve optimal viewing conditions. This design automatically adjusts the mirror configuration to the respective seat adjustment to ensure optimal mirror alignment at all times.

[0035] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. Short description of the characters

[0036] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this disclosure. They illustrate embodiments of the invention and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. In the figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements unless otherwise noted. Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a person driving a vehicle and a shadow moving across the person's face due to the movement of the sun. Fig. 2 shows the situation Fig. 1 using a method for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 shows a further driving situation using a method for dynamic sun protection according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle with a dynamic sun protection system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 shows a flow chart of the dynamic sun protection process as described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is used.

[0037] Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. In general, this application covers any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments described herein. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a person driving a vehicle and a shadow 7 moving over the person's head 8 and an eye area 16 due to the movement of the sun 9.

[0039] The driver can drive in the same or a similar direction for a longer time in the evening while the sun sets and slowly approaches the horizon. As in Fig. 1 on the left, the driver's head 8, in particular the eye area 16, may initially be hidden from the glare 15 of the sun 9 by the shadow 7 of the sun visor 11. However, as the sun 9 continues to sink on its way to the horizon, the shadow 7 on the driver's head 8 also slowly moves upwards. Finally, the driver's eye area 16 is exposed to the sunlight 15, as shown on the right in Fig. 1 can be seen. The driver may then have to manually adjust the sun visor 11 to avoid being dazzled by the sun 9. The further the sun 9 shines downwards, the more often the driver has to readjust the sun visor 11. This can be particularly unpleasant if the vehicle is driving on a road with frequent changes in gradient or frequent bends.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 2 to 5, embodiments of the present invention are described which overcome these disadvantages in a very effective and simple manner. Fig. 2 shows the situation Fig. 1 using a method M for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of this procedure M. Fig. 3 shows another driving situation using such a method M, while Fig. 4 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10 with a dynamic sun protection system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The system 1 comprises a determination unit 2, which is configured to determine whether the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant is currently and / or predictably exposed to dazzling light 15 entering through a window of the motor vehicle 10. The determination unit 2 may be part of a computing and processing system of the vehicle 1 and may comprise hardware and software suitable for this purpose.

[0042] In order to be able to assess whether the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant is currently exposed to light or not, the system 1 further comprises an interior camera 12, which is configured to monitor at least the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant. The determination unit 2 is configured to receive corresponding camera data from the interior camera 12 and, using the camera data from the interior camera 12, to measure a shadow 7 falling on the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant.

[0043] The determination unit 2 may not only be able to assess a current position, boundary, and / or areal extent of the shadow 7 on the occupant's eye area 16, but also to determine any movement of the shadow 7. The determination unit 2 may thus be able to estimate, based on the movement of the shadow 7, whether the occupant's eye area 16 will be exposed in the near future.

[0044] In general, the determination unit 2 can be configured to continuously monitor current and / or impending exposure of the vehicle occupant's eye area 16, e.g., based on the camera data. However, the determination unit 2 is not limited to the information captured by the camera 12.

[0045] Furthermore, the determination unit 2 can be configured to evaluate various other aspects that may be relevant to the current and / or upcoming situation with respect to incident light. Among other things, the determination unit 2 can be configured to evaluate vehicle position, vehicle orientation, vehicle inclination, direction of travel, navigation data, environmental data, weather data, and / or the position of the sun, and so on. For this purpose, the determination unit 2 can be communicatively coupled to and / or be part of corresponding vehicle systems such as navigation systems, advanced assisted driving systems, automatic / autonomous driving systems, etc.

[0046] The system 1 further comprises a seat control 3, which is configured to adjust a vehicle seat 5 occupied by the vehicle occupant such that the glare 15 in the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant is at least reduced. The vehicle seat 5 can, in particular, be an electrically operated seat, wherein the actuators (not shown) are controlled by the seat control 3. The seat control 3 is thus capable of adjusting, among other things, a seat height, a seat position, a seat inclination, and a seat orientation of the vehicle seat 5. By appropriately adjusting some or all of these parameters in combination, the seat control 3 can adjust the vehicle seat 5 continuously and / or stepwise in order to keep the occupant's eyes away from the glare 15 as far as possible and with minimal disturbance to the occupant.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 5, the method M accordingly comprises under M1 determining whether the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant is currently and / or predictably exposed to dazzling light 15, under M2 adjusting the vehicle seat 5 occupied by the vehicle occupant such that the dazzling light 15 in the eye area 16 of the vehicle occupant is at least reduced and under M3 adjusting the rearview and / or side mirror 6 of the motor vehicle 10 according to the seat setting.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a simple example in which the vehicle seat 5 is moved slightly upwards to move the eye area 16 of the occupant out of the glare (or to keep the eye area 16 in the shadow 7). In Fig. 3, however, a combination of upward and forward movement is used to keep the distance between a selected body part of the vehicle occupant and a control element 13 essentially constant during adjustment. In the example shown, the distance between the hip point 14 of the vehicle occupant and the control element 13 (in this case, a pedal) is kept constant to avoid an uncomfortable situation for the occupant.

[0049] Again on Fig. Referring to Figure 4, the system 1 further comprises a mirror control 4 configured to adjust a rearview and / or side mirror 6 of the motor vehicle 10 according to the seat setting. Thus, the mirrors 6 can be automatically adjusted slightly when the seat configuration changes.

[0050] In order to avoid undesired movements of the vehicle seat 5 in the event of sudden or rapid movements of the occupant's head 8, the detection unit 2 can be configured to monitor the movement of the head 8 and the seat control 3 can be configured to at least delay the adjustment of the vehicle seat 5 for a predetermined delay time when rapid movements of the head 8 are detected that meet predetermined criteria.

[0051] Based on the above teachings, the described system is capable of increasing the comfort of vehicle occupants on long journeys. The system also increases safety while driving, as the likelihood of the driver being distracted and / or blinded by the sun is significantly reduced. List of reference symbols 1 dynamic sun protection system 2 Determination unit 3 Seat control 4 Mirror control 5 vehicle seat 6 mirrors 7 Shadows 8 heads 9 Sun 10 motor vehicle 11 Sun visor 12 indoor camera 13 Control element 14 hip point 15 light 16 Eye region M procedure M1-M3 process steps

Claims

[1] Method (M) for dynamic sun protection by means of seat adjustment in a motor vehicle (10), the method (M) comprising: Determining (M1), by a determination unit (2) of the motor vehicle (10), whether an eye area (16) of a vehicle occupant is currently and / or predictably exposed to dazzling light (15) entering through a window of the motor vehicle (10); and Adjusting (M2) a vehicle seat (5) occupied by the vehicle occupant by a seat control (3) of the motor vehicle (10) such that the dazzling light (15) in the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant is at least reduced. [2] Method (M) according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting comprises adjusting at least one of a seat height, a seat position, a seat inclination and a seat orientation of the vehicle seat (5). [3] Method (M) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determining comprises measuring a shadow (7) falling on the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant using an interior camera (12) of the motor vehicle (10). [4] Method (M) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determining comprises evaluating at least one of vehicle position, vehicle orientation, vehicle inclination, direction of travel, navigation data, environmental data, weather data and position of the sun. [5] Method (M) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit (2) continuously monitors a current and / or impending exposure of the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant, wherein the seat control (3) continuously and / or stepwise adjusts the vehicle seat (5) accordingly. [6] Method (M) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vehicle seat (5) is adjusted such that an actuating distance between a selected body part of the vehicle occupant and an operating element (13) of the motor vehicle (10) remains substantially constant during the adjustment. [7] Method (M) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit (2) monitors movements of a head (8) of the vehicle occupant, wherein an adjustment of the vehicle seat (5) is delayed at least for a predetermined delay time when rapid movements of the head (8) are detected which meet predetermined criteria. [8] Method (M) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: Adjusting (M3) a rearview and / or side mirror (6) of the motor vehicle (10) as a function of the seat adjustment by a mirror control (4) of the motor vehicle (10). [9] Dynamic sun protection system (1) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: a determination unit (2) which is designed to determine whether an eye area (16) of a vehicle occupant is currently and / or predictably exposed to dazzling light (15) which is incident through a window of the motor vehicle (10); and a seat control (3) which is designed to adjust a vehicle seat (5) occupied by the vehicle occupant in such a way that the dazzling light (15) in the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant is at least reduced. [10] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the seat control (3) is designed to adjust at least one of a seat height, a seat position, a seat inclination and a seat orientation of the vehicle seat (5). [11] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: an interior camera (12) which is designed to monitor at least the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant, wherein the determination unit (2) is designed to measure a shadow (7) falling on the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant using camera data from the interior camera (12). [12] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the determination unit (2) is designed to evaluate at least one of vehicle position, vehicle orientation, vehicle inclination, direction of travel, navigation data, environmental data, weather data and position of the sun. [13] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the determination unit (2) is designed for continuous monitoring of a current and / or impending exposure of the eye area (16) of the vehicle occupant, wherein the seat control (3) is designed for correspondingly continuous and / or step-by-step adjustment of the vehicle seat (5). [14] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the seat control (3) is designed to adjust the vehicle seat (5) such that an actuating distance between a selected body part of the vehicle occupant and an operating element (13) of the motor vehicle (10) remains substantially constant during the adjustment. [15] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the determination unit (2) is designed to monitor movements of a head (8) of the vehicle occupant, wherein the seat control (3) is designed to at least delay an adjustment of the vehicle seat (5) for a predetermined delay time when rapid movements of the head (8) are detected which meet predetermined criteria. [16] Dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising: a mirror control (4) which is designed to adjust a rear and / or side mirror (6) of the motor vehicle (10) depending on the seat setting. [17] Motor vehicle (10) with a dynamic sun protection system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 16.

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