Method for controlling an electrified garment, as well as corresponding garment, system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrified garment (3). In this method, a control unit (6) detects that a user (2) of a vehicle (1) wearing the electrified garment (3) is either inside the vehicle (1) and intends to exit, or is outside the vehicle (1) and is approaching it to enter. The control unit (6) then automatically activates an electrical comfort feature (4) of the electrified garment (3) worn by the user (2) to assist the user (2). The invention also relates to a corresponding garment (3), a system comprising such a garment (3) and the separate control unit (6), and a correspondingly equipped vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electrified garment. The invention further relates to a system comprising such a garment and a control device therefor, as well as a vehicle configured to carry out the method or to participate in the method.

[0002] With the advancing developments in various technical fields, such as electronics, battery technology, control technology, communications technology, and the availability and processing of large amounts of data, new possibilities and applications are emerging, for example, to improve comfort and safety in a wide variety of situations. One such application is so-called smart clothing or i-wear, i.e., smart clothing equipped with electrical or electronic devices. For example, US 2021 / 0 287 512 A1 describes a method in which indications regarding the environment of a garment are processed. Based on this, a pulse circuit integrated into the garment is activated to pulsate in a pattern selected from several patterns.

[0003] As a further example, DE 10 2015 000 397 A1 describes a method for interaction between a piece of clothing and a vehicle or building. There, an electrical component of the piece of clothing is wirelessly supplied with electrical energy by means of a power transmission device of the vehicle or building. At least one signal is transmitted from an electrical component of the piece of clothing to the vehicle or building, with at least one function of the vehicle or building being executed depending on the signal. This is intended to enable particularly simple and convenient operation of the vehicle or building.

[0004] WO 2019 / 238 776 A1 describes a system for individually adjusting a system user's comfort level, comprising a control unit, a piece of clothing, and a vehicle structure. The clothing and the vehicle structure each have a connection point that can be connected to the other connection point in a compatible manner, allowing energy and / or data transfer. The system is designed to dynamically adjust the system user's comfort level based on body regions using the clothing and / or the vehicle structure.

[0005] DE 10 2020 211 340 A1 describes a garment with a temperature control device and a temperature controller. The temperature controller is configured to communicate with an air conditioning controller of a means of transportation and to transmit information regarding the functionality of the garment to the air conditioning controller.

[0006] However, this does not exhaust all possibilities and there is room and need for further improvements, for example in terms of comfort and safety.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to enable a particularly comfortable and safe use of a vehicle.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments presented in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded at least analogously as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the subclaims.

[0009] The method according to the invention serves to control an electrified item of clothing. Such an electrified item of clothing is also referred to as smart clothing or i-wear and here refers in particular to a piece of clothing that is equipped with electrical or electronic devices and functions to support a wearer of the clothing. In the method, a control device detects that a user of a vehicle, in particular of the vehicle according to the invention, who is wearing the electrified item of clothing, is either in the vehicle, i.e. is staying and is leaving it, i.e. intends to or is likely to get out of it, or is outside the vehicle, i.e. is staying and is approaching the vehicle to get into it. This can be detected, for example, based on corresponding sensor data and / or a corresponding user input, e.g. on the item of clothing or the vehicle.The control device can therefore continuously monitor and evaluate the corresponding sensor data and / or user inputs via a control element.

[0010] Furthermore, in the method, if a corresponding intention, wish, or behavior of the user has been detected, the control device automatically activates an electrical, in particular electronic, comfort feature of the electrified garment currently worn by the user to assist the user. Depending on the situation, this can make the user's exit from the vehicle or entry into the vehicle, or even the user's stay or movement outside the vehicle, away from it, or towards it, more comfortable and / or safer, for example, compared to the same behavior of the user without using or without corresponding control of the electrified garment.

[0011] To assist the user, for example, a lighting device or one or more light elements of the garment can be activated, in particular each dependent on or adapted to the recognized wish or behavior of the user. An expected exit of the user from the vehicle, i.e. a corresponding exit wish or intention to exit, can be recognized, for example, based on the vehicle being stationary or stopping or a manual activation of a hold function of the vehicle, for example via a corresponding control unit in the vehicle or in the garment, based on the user opening a door lock, based on the vehicle user opening a door and / or based on movements or gestures or statements of the user, for example with regard to or relating to a wish or intention to get out or open a door.For this purpose, for example, corresponding door lock or door status sensors or an occupant observation camera or an interior microphone of the vehicle with corresponding automated image or sound processing or the like can be used.

[0012] In the present invention, at least one lighting device of the item of clothing, or the lighting device mentioned elsewhere, is controlled or activated as the comfort device. Different predefined operating modes of the lighting device are set, i.e. activated or used, during different predefined phases of the user exiting the vehicle and subsequently moving away from the vehicle and / or during different predefined phases of the user approaching the vehicle and getting into the vehicle. For example, with regard to the automatic activation and deactivation of the lighting device or individual lighting or light elements of the item of clothing, the lighting device can be completely switched off during a resting or sleeping phase of the user or generally during a stay of the user in the vehicle, in particular while driving.If the user's desire to stop the vehicle and get out of the vehicle is detected, for example at a service station or restroom facility or the like, the lighting device can be activated or operated in a first operating mode within a predetermined period of time before the vehicle actually stops and / or before the user is expected to get out of the vehicle, while the user is still in the vehicle. This first operating mode can be an ambient operating mode or ambient lighting. A correspondingly low first brightness or illuminance can therefore be provided here. Likewise, the most uniform lighting possible, i.e. no point lighting or spotlighting, can be provided here.

[0013] If the user is detected starting to get out of the vehicle after stopping, i.e. when the vehicle is stationary, a predefined second operating mode of the lighting device can be set for the duration of this exit, i.e. a corresponding exit maneuver by the user. In this second operating mode, at least a second brightness or illuminance can be set that is greater than the first brightness or illuminance. In addition, the brightness and / or the illumination range can be adjusted, for example, according to the ambient conditions in the vicinity of the vehicle or as a function of these. If the ambient brightness is lower, a greater brightness and / or a larger illumination range of the lighting device of the item of clothing can be used.

[0014] Once the user has left the vehicle, a predefined third operating mode can be activated or set, in particular also depending on the respective ambient conditions and / or the surrounding traffic situation or in dependence thereon. In this third operating mode, for example, at least the second brightness or illuminance can be used and / or the ambient brightness and / or the condition of the ground can be taken into account. Shadows cast by the vehicle or other surrounding objects can also be taken into account to control the lighting system. It can also be taken into account whether the user has gotten out onto a footpath or a parking lot or directly onto a busy road or, for example, onto a hard shoulder or the like. In this third operating mode, for example, the coordination with the vehicle's lighting system mentioned elsewhere can be carried out.Likewise, for example, the beginning of a path or trail to an actual or expected destination of the user can be illuminated, in particular in addition to broader or more extensive ambient lighting, in particular all around in all directions.

[0015] A fourth operating mode of the lighting device of the garment can also be specified. This fourth operating mode can be intended for when the user is outside the vehicle and in particular also outside buildings or other enclosed spaces. The fourth operating mode can, for example, be a dynamic operating mode in which the system reacts dynamically to the respective environment or changing environmental conditions. For example, depending on whether the user is following a dedicated footpath or crossing a roadway or the like, different illuminance levels and / or lighting colors and / or lighting areas can be set. This allows the maximum available light output of the lighting device to be adapted to the respective requirements depending on the situation.For example, when walking along a dedicated footpath, the footpath itself can be primarily illuminated, while when crossing the roadway, a larger proportion of the light output can be emitted to the sides to improve the user's visibility to other road users. When walking lengthwise on or along a road, for example, a larger proportion of the light output can be emitted backwards or backwards than when walking on a footpath that is separate from roads or separated by a structure or a grass verge.

[0016] A fifth operating mode can be specified, which can be automatically activated or set when the user enters a building, in particular a lit interior, or is inside a building. In this operating mode, the lighting device can, for example, be switched off or, for example, only project a narrow line, a dot, an arrow, or a symbol as a lighting pattern onto the floor in front of the user to provide directional or navigational information. Likewise, in this fifth operating mode, the lighting device can be used, for example, as spotlighting for punctual illumination of the hands or the user's visual focal point or gaze point.

[0017] The embodiment of the present invention proposed here makes it possible to achieve improved comfort and safety for the user while simultaneously limiting the energy requirements of the garment.

[0018] The present invention takes into account or is based on the knowledge that significantly different conditions and user requirements can exist inside and outside the vehicle. The control of the comfort device, which is tailored to or reacts to changes in this environment, can take this circumstance into account particularly effectively and efficiently. For example, the comfort device may not be required or not required with the same intensity in situations other than those mentioned, since the user may then be in the vehicle or in a building, for example. For example, the method can also automatically deactivate the comfort device previously activated as described, for example with a predetermined time delay or at the earliest after the vehicle's interior lighting has been activated, after the user has entered the vehicle.This means that the user can be relieved of the corresponding operating actions and energy can be saved for operating the comfort device.

[0019] The at least one electrified garment can, for example, be sleepwear that is also tailored to the requirements outside the vehicle, for example with regard to weather protection, robustness, visibility, the transport of small objects or the like.

[0020] In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the control device is part of the vehicle. The control device can therefore be, for example, a control unit and / or a software module of the vehicle. This control device controls or activates the electrified item of clothing by means of a respective control signal that is sent or transmitted wirelessly to the item of clothing. For example, a wireless data connection, such as a Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile phone connection, or the like, can be established or used between the vehicle and the item of clothing. The electrified item of clothing can accordingly have its own electronics at least for receiving or sending data or signals via a wireless data connection. For example, the item of clothing can have an operating element for the user and / or sensors and can receive corresponding user inputs orSensor data is sent via the wireless data connection to the separate, i.e., external control device, in this case, to the vehicle. The embodiment of the present invention proposed here can shift part of the data processing load to the vehicle. This can, for example, extend the battery-supported operating time of the garment accordingly. Likewise, useful sensors and / or data may already be present in the vehicle, which can be used as a basis for controlling the garment within the scope of the method according to the invention. This can eliminate the need for replication, i.e., corresponding redundancy, on the part of the garment. This can, for example, reduce the weight and cost of the garment and increase wearing comfort.

[0021] In a further possible embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the lighting device, a temperature control device and / or a navigation device and / or a warning device of the garment are also controlled or activated as the at least one comfort device of the garment. The lighting device can here also be controlled or activated, for example, to illuminate an area surrounding the user, in particular a floor area, and / or to increase the user's visibility to other road users or persons in the surroundings. For this purpose, it can be useful, for example, if the lighting device, i.e. a corresponding lighting function of the garment, is activated or kept activated, i.e. operated, at least when the user exits the vehicle and / or while the user is outside the vehicle or outside an illuminated area.This can be used, for example, to illuminate an area in front of the user or to emit light all around in all directions. The latter can be done evenly or, for example, with a higher light output in the area in front of the user than in other directions and / or with different colors for different directions, for example white or yellowish to the front and red to the rear. The type or mode or the strength or intensity of the lighting can, for example, be controlled or adjusted automatically depending on the respective brightness in the user's surroundings, i.e. depending on their current location inside or outside the vehicle or, for example, inside or outside a building in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0022] The temperature control device can, in particular, be a heating device for warming the user. Likewise, the temperature control device can be or comprise a cooling device, for example, an air conditioning device and / or a ventilation device. The temperature control device can, if necessary, be automatically controlled depending on the respective ambient temperature with regard to its operating mode and / or its heating or cooling output. The conditions in the user's current environment, such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and / or the like, can be taken into account. Likewise, the conditions in the environment to which the user is expected to enter next or within a predetermined period of time can be taken into account. This allows for a proactive adjustment of the temperature set by the temperature control device.For example, if the user is currently still inside the vehicle and it is warmer inside than outside, or if it is colder outside than a predefined temperature threshold, the heating device can be activated inside the vehicle if the user is or has been detected to be about to exit the vehicle. The temperature control device can, for example, comprise heating wires or a heating mat and / or a phase-change material and / or a Peltier element and / or a fan or ventilator.

[0023] The navigation device can be configured to determine or record a destination of the user. To do so, the navigation device can, for example, record a corresponding user input via a control element of the item of clothing. Likewise, the navigation device can, for example, retrieve corresponding navigation data from an external source, for example the control device or a navigation system of the said vehicle or a mobile electronic device of the user or an external server device or the like. Likewise, the navigation device can be configured to estimate a probable destination of the user in the respective surroundings of the user, in particular one that can be reached on foot. In the latter case, the navigation device can, for example, issue a corresponding query to the user to confirm the estimated destination.The navigation device can, for example, comprise a display device and / or a loudspeaker and / or a mechanical actuator, in particular a plurality of mechanical actuators or vibration elements arranged on different sides of the garment, and / or a projection device, each for outputting navigation instructions to the respective destination to the user. By means of the projection device, for example, navigation instructions, in particular in the form of light signals, can be projected in front of the user, for example onto a floor area in front of the user. By means of the actuators or vibration elements, for example, a vibration or a mechanical impulse can be emitted on the side to which the user should turn. Likewise, the actuators or vibration elements can function, for example, as virtual fences or lateral boundaries.Whenever the user deviates to one side from a path or navigation path to the destination, a vibration or mechanical impulse can be generated on that side of the garment.

[0024] The warning device can be designed to warn the user of at least potential hazards in the respective environment or of situations or locations that require special attention, i.e. to issue corresponding acoustic and / or visual and / or haptic warnings. Such hazards can be, for example, dangerous areas or uneven surfaces or paths in the respective environment or other, in particular approaching road users or the like. The former can be determined, for example, by sensors, for example based on camera data, for example a camera on the item of clothing or the said vehicle, or based on predefined map data. The latter can be detected, for example, by means of environmental sensors, such as a camera or a radar device on the item of clothing and / or the vehicle.If a corresponding hazard is detected, it can be specifically illuminated or marked, for example, to highlight it against its surroundings, or a direction-based vibration and / or voice output can be generated or triggered by the warning device, particularly depending on the position of the detected hazard. Likewise, a warning symbol can be projected onto the floor in the direction of the detected hazard.

[0025] With the help of corresponding sensors in the item of clothing and / or the aforementioned vehicle and / or other data sources, it can be concluded that the user is in a dangerous situation, or that there is a danger zone in the user's surroundings, or that increased attention is required. The corresponding warning functions of the item of clothing can then be automatically activated or controlled. Likewise, a warning signal can be automatically sent from the item of clothing or the control device, in particular the aforementioned vehicle, to an external server. There, this can be logged or evaluated, for example, in order to initiate further measures if necessary.A respective dangerous situation can be detected, for example, by means of sensors on the item of clothing, such as a microphone, a camera, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a fall sensor, or the like, and / or by means of a sensor system on the said vehicle. In particular, a corresponding data processing capacity of the vehicle or of an external server device, to which corresponding sensor data is sent, for example, from the item of clothing, the control device, or the vehicle, can be used to process the sensor data to detect the danger or dangerous situation. The use of corresponding data processing capacities or data processing resources outside the item of clothing can enable particularly fast and effective data processing and reduce the weight, costs, and energy requirements of the item of clothing, thereby possibly also increasing its wearing comfort.

[0026] In a further possible embodiment of the present invention, the control device also activates a lighting device of the vehicle when it has been detected that the user intends to leave the vehicle or is approaching it. As the comfort device, a lighting device of the item of clothing or the lighting device mentioned elsewhere is activated and controlled or aligned in such a way that at least or only areas are illuminated that are not illuminated by the lighting device of the vehicle or are not illuminated with at least a predetermined minimum brightness or minimum illuminance. Such areas can, for example, be shadow areas created by the vehicle itself or opaque obstacles in its surroundings and / or areas outside the illumination range of the vehicle.The lighting system of the vehicle and the lighting system of the item of clothing can therefore interact or be controlled in an optimized or coordinated manner. Such coordinated control of vehicle-side and clothing-side lighting systems or lighting elements can therefore be implemented in such a way that, for example, shadow areas that would arise from the sole use of the vehicle's lighting system are illuminated by the lighting system of the item of clothing. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to achieve the most complete and therefore particularly comfortable and safe illumination of the user's surroundings. On the other hand, it makes it possible to conserve the energy reserves of the item of clothing or to use them particularly efficiently. Corresponding areas or regions not illuminated by the vehicle's lighting system can be illuminated.Corresponding shadow areas can, for example, be specified or predefined in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and / or detected by means of a corresponding brightness sensor, in particular of the item of clothing.

[0027] In a further possible embodiment of the present invention, a probable route or path, i.e. a trajectory of the user outside the vehicle, is automatically determined. This can be determined, for example, depending on or based on position data of the user or the vehicle and / or based on environmental data and / or user statements and / or user inputs and / or learned user behavior and / or navigation inputs and / or entries in a calendar or a to-do list of the user or the like. Environmental data can, for example, be sensor data that indicate the type of the respective environment or depict or characterize the respective environment. Likewise, the environmental data can be, for example, map data of the respective environment. This can include, for example, paths and / or POIs (points of interest) that could be considered as the user's destination.In the embodiment of the present invention proposed here, a lighting device of the garment, or the one mentioned elsewhere, is activated in a controlled manner as the comfort device for the targeted illumination of the respectively determined path or route. The lighting device can therefore, for example, only or primarily illuminate the path or a section of the path in front of the user on the floor, or for example only set the maximum illuminance there - if necessary in addition to active lighting elements on the back and / or sides of the user to ensure the user's visibility to other road users from these directions. A lighting area illuminated by the lighting device of the garment can therefore be set or controlled such that it essentially corresponds to the path or a section of the path immediately in front of the user.For this purpose, for example, a correspondingly selective activation of a corresponding selection of individual light sources of the lighting device and / or a corresponding beam or illumination field shaping, for example, using a so-called matrix light source or a micromirror array or the like, can be used. Such illumination of the environment or path can simultaneously serve as a navigation cue, since the user only needs to follow a corresponding resulting light band.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment of the present invention, current ambient conditions are detected and the control or activation of the comfort device is carried out depending on this or adapted to the detected ambient conditions. Thus, as partly described elsewhere, one or more current or anticipated ambient conditions can be detected. Which ambient condition or conditions are detected and taken into account to control or activate the comfort device can depend on the type of comfort device or the corresponding equipment of the item of clothing with one or more different comfort devices or functions. If the comfort device comprises a lighting device or the aforementioned lighting device, then ambient brightness, for example, can be detected. If the comfort device comprises one or moreThe aforementioned temperature control or heating device can, for example, detect the ambient temperature or even the solar radiation or solar intensity. Appropriate sensors on the garment and / or the vehicle can be used for this purpose. Likewise, corresponding data can be retrieved and taken into account from an external source, such as a server device, a weather station, a time server, or the like. Adapting the operation of the comfort device to the respective ambient conditions can, depending on the situation, increase the comfort and / or safety of the user and / or reduce the energy consumption of the comfort device or the garment.For example, if the ambient brightness is sufficient, i.e. above a predetermined threshold, the lighting device can be deactivated completely or, for example, except for the projection of navigation instructions, i.e. can be or remain deactivated.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment of the present invention, a current, in particular physical and / or mental, state of the user is recorded or determined and the comfort device is then activated or controlled depending on this. Here, for example, a state of tiredness or attention of the user can be determined. If, for example, the state or degree of tiredness of the user is greater than a predetermined tiredness threshold, then lighting and / or warning functions of the comfort device or the item of clothing can be carried out or operated with greater intensity and / or light temperature than usual. Likewise, a higher target temperature can then be set for the heating device, for example. Likewise, values ​​for body or skin temperature and / or perspiration and / or breathing rate and / or pulse or heart rate and / or a movement orThe user's activity level and / or other factors can be determined or monitored and taken into account to control the comfort device. For example, the heating output of a heating device of the garment can be controlled or regulated depending on the body or skin temperature or a measured contact temperature between the garment and the user and / or depending on moisture or perspiration between the garment and the user's skin surface. The embodiment of the present invention proposed here can contribute to a further improvement in the comfort and / or safety of the user.

[0030] The present invention also relates to an electrified item of clothing that has at least one electrical and / or electronic comfort device and is configured for use or participation in the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the item of clothing according to the invention can, for example, have a corresponding control unit and / or a corresponding communication module for receiving, in particular wirelessly, data and / or signals from the control device and / or for bidirectional communication with the control device. The item of clothing according to the invention can thus be configured or set up to carry out the method steps, measures, or sequences mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention.The garment according to the invention can, in particular, be or correspond to the electrified garment mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention. The garment according to the invention can therefore, in particular, be configured for communication and / or cooperation with the vehicle according to the invention to assist the wearer of the garment.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a system comprising at least one electrified item of clothing, in particular the electrified item of clothing according to the invention, which has at least one electrical and / or electronic comfort device for assisting a wearer of the item of clothing, i.e. in particular the user mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention, and a control device separate from the item of clothing for, in particular automatically or semi-automatically, controlling or activating or deactivating the comfort device according to the method according to the invention. The item of clothing mentioned here and the control device mentioned here can in particular correspond to the item of clothing mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention or to the control device mentioned with the method according to the invention. The system can also have one or morecomprise the sensors mentioned therein, which can be wholly or partially part of the garment, i.e. integrated into it, or separate or different from the garment. In the latter case, the sensors or a part of the sensors separate from the garment can, for example, be vehicle sensors of the vehicle equipped with the control device and can be connected or coupled to the control device there. If the garment has integrated sensors, it can be designed to send sensor data from this integrated sensor system to the separate control device. The garment can also have its own control unit, i.e. one integrated therein. This can then control the comfort device depending on sensor data from the integrated sensors and / or an external sensor system and / or control instructions received from the separate control device.The electrified item of clothing can in turn have an integrated or replaceable energy storage device, in particular an accumulator, and / or a communication module, i.e. a transmitter and / or receiver for wirelessly transmitting or receiving data or signals, in particular for exchanging data with the separate control device or the vehicle, and / or the aforementioned sensor system and / or a positioning module, i.e. for example a GPS module, and / or actuators, such as a heating element or a cooling element or a vibration element or an acoustic element or an optical element or an olfactory element for generating or emitting various scents and / or the aforementioned sensor system and / or at least one, in particular touch-sensitive, operating element.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having a communication interface for wirelessly transmitting control signals to an electrified garment and a control device connected to or equipped with this communication interface for controlling the electrified garment according to the method according to the invention. The vehicle according to the invention can, in particular, be a vehicle with a passenger compartment, i.e., a vehicle into which users, such as the driver and / or passengers, can enter and exit. The vehicle according to the invention can, for example, be a motor vehicle, such as a car, a bus, or a rail vehicle, such as a train or tram, a ship, a boat, or an aircraft, such as an airplane, a helicopter, an air taxi, a VTOL aircraft, or a passenger drone, or the like.The vehicle according to the invention can in particular be the vehicle mentioned in connection with the item of clothing according to the invention and / or in connection with the method according to the invention and / or in connection with the system according to the invention or correspond thereto. Accordingly, the vehicle according to the invention can therefore also have, for example, as described there, a sensor system for providing sensor data to the control device as a basis or foundation for controlling the item of clothing depending thereon. This can therefore in particular be a sensor system that can provide sensor data from which it can be determined whether the user of the vehicle is either in the vehicle and intends to leave it or is likely to leave it.Likewise, the sensor system can be configured to provide sensor data from which it can be determined whether the vehicle user is outside the vehicle and is approaching it, at least presumably to enter the vehicle. Likewise, the vehicle can be configured to detect this based on corresponding data indicating this and received by the vehicle or signals sent, for example, by the item of clothing or the external server device.

[0033] Further features of the invention can be derived from the following description of the figures and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0034] The drawing shows in the single figure a schematic overview representation of an environmental area with a motor vehicle, the user of which wears a controllable electrified garment, to illustrate a method for controlling such a garment to assist the user in the environmental area.

[0035] Fig.1 shows a partial schematic overview of an environmental area, for example a rest stop or truck stop or the like. In the environmental area there is a vehicle, which is, for example, a parked motor vehicle 1, in which a user 2 is located. The user 2 is wearing smart electrified clothing 3. This can be, for example, a top, such as a jacket or a vest or a sweater, and / or trousers and / or shoes and / or gloves or the like. The clothing 3 comprises a one-piece or, here for example, multi-piece comfort device 4, for example for lighting and / or temperature control and / or warning and / or navigation purposes. The clothing 3 can also have sensors and / or electronics that cannot be seen in detail here.

[0036] In the present case, it is provided that it can be automatically detected when the user 2 intends to leave the motor vehicle 1. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 1 can, for example, have a corresponding detection device 5, such as a sensor and / or an operating element or user interface, as well as a control device 6 coupled thereto. The control device 6 can have an interface 7, for example, for detecting signals from the detection device 5 and for wirelessly transmitting control signals for or to the clothing 3. To process the detected data and generate corresponding control signals, the control device 6 can have a corresponding data processing device, which is schematically indicated here by a processor 8 and a computer-readable data memory 9 coupled thereto.

[0037] In the situation depicted here, motor vehicle 1 has stopped in the area of ​​a service station 10. Service station 10 may, for example, be or include a rest area, a restroom facility, or the like, which user 2 wishes to use. A footpath 11 leads from the stopping location of motor vehicle 1 to service station 10. However, due to an opaque obstacle 12, only an initial section of footpath 1 was illuminated by a vehicle lighting device 13 of motor vehicle 1. Vehicle lighting device 13 may, for example, include headlights or floor lighting arranged on a door 14 of motor vehicle 1, or the like. Door 14 is open here, which can be used, for example, as an indication that user 2 wishes to exit motor vehicle 1.

[0038] The service station 10 can, for example, be identified as a POI and thus as the expected destination of the user 2 based on corresponding map data for the surrounding area. Based on the current stopping position of the motor vehicle 1, a path or user trajectory 15 for the user 2 from the motor vehicle 1 to the service station 10 can then be automatically determined. Along this user trajectory 15 there is also a shadow area 16 that cannot be illuminated by the vehicle lighting device 13. The comfort device 4, which here can in particular be or comprise a lighting device, can then be used to illuminate the shadow area 16 along the footpath 11 or the user trajectory 15.

[0039] The motor vehicle 1 can, for example, be configured for automated driving. When using such an automated motor vehicle 1, the user 2 can relax during the journey or even sleep at least temporarily. In particular, in a usage scenario in which the user 2 is transported in the automated motor vehicle 1, for example overnight from a starting point to a navigation destination, it can be more comfortable for the user 2 to wear more comfortable pajamas instead of usual everyday clothing. However, it would not be expected that the user 2 would want or would make a stop at the service station 10 in conventional pajamas, for example as shown here, especially since conventional pajamas are usually not robust against weather influences and do not have any safety features, for example to improve the wearer's visibility.In order to meet these requirements or problems, the clothing 3 here can be designed as sleepwear equipped or supplemented with corresponding properties or functions.

[0040] The idea here is that the user 2 can use the smart clothing 3, in particular for longer journeys in the motor vehicle 1, which can automatically or semi-automatically provide or offer various safety and comfort functions, which can in particular be automatically controlled or activated, for example depending on whether the user 2 is in the motor vehicle 1 or is just getting into or out of the motor vehicle 1 or is in an outdoor environment outside the motor vehicle 1 or outside the motor vehicle 1 but in a building, such as the service station 10. For example, vehicle orEnvironmental sensors of the motor vehicle 1, for example as part of or in addition to the detection device 5, such as an environmental camera or the like, can be used to control the corresponding functions, i.e. the at least one comfort device 4 of the clothing 3, using the control device 6. This means that, for example, lighting or heating functions and / or a navigation function and / or a warning function of the clothing 3 or the comfort device 4 can be activated or deactivated as needed, depending on the situation or need. Likewise, the functions in the clothing 3 can be activated or adjusted, i.e. controlled, according to a detected state of the user 2. Vehicle sensors of the motor vehicle 1 and / or the sensors of the clothing 3 can also be used for this purpose.

[0041] Correspondingly controllable, i.e. automatically activatable or adjustable functions or features of the clothing 3 may be of particular interest if the user 2 uses the motor vehicle 1 for automated transport, in particular overnight. In this case, the user 2 will typically not want to make such a journey in everyday clothing such as a business suit, but would rather prefer comfortable sleepwear. However, conventional sleepwear, such as regular pajamas, would be impractical if the user 2 wanted to visit the service station 10, for example, during a stopover. It therefore seems sensible to use the special clothing 3 for such a scenario, which, especially in the context of night transport or a night journey, can have additional useful functions and features, in particular the comfort feature 4, compared to conventional sleepwear.This can apply in particular in combination with the correspondingly configured control device 6 or the correspondingly configured motor vehicle 1. In this way, the current or impending exit of the user 2 from the motor vehicle 1 can be automatically detected and, during this time and while the user 2 is outside the motor vehicle 1, an integrated light or lighting function, in particular for a 360° area of ​​the clothing 3, can be automatically activated so that the user 2 can be seen early and clearly outside the motor vehicle 1, for example, by other road users. It can also be useful for light elements or lighting devices integrated into the clothing 3 to illuminate the footpath 11 orautomatically illuminate or light up a floor area along the user trajectory 15, depending on the situation, for example only in a respective area in front of the user 2 or, as far as possible, up to a respective destination, here for example up to the service station 10.

[0042] The clothing 3, in particular its comfort device 4 or any electronics or control system coupled thereto, or the sensors of the clothing 3, can be in wireless or cable-free data exchange with the motor vehicle 1, in particular its control device 6 or its detection device 5. This can be used, for example, to communicate the user's 2's intention to exit or enter the motor vehicle 1, or, in the event of such a detected intention, to send relevant sensor data and / or control signals.

[0043] The motor vehicle 1 can not only be configured to control or activate the clothing 3 or its comfort device 4 in order to support the user 2. Likewise, the motor vehicle 1 can, for example, be configured to select a parking or stopping position and / or the orientation of the motor vehicle 1 in order to support the user 2, as far as possible, such that the route to the expected destination of the user 2, in this case for example the footpath 11 or the expected user trajectory 15 to the service station 10, can be recorded or surveyed as completely as possible by means of one of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle 1 and / or can be illuminated as completely as possible by means of the vehicle lighting device 13.An overview of the expected route of the user 2 outside the motor vehicle 1 that is as complete as possible can make it possible for the user 2 to be tracked outside the motor vehicle 1 by means of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle 1 and, in the process, comfort and / or safety functions of the clothing 3, i.e. the comfort device 4, to be controlled automatically by the control device 6 in a situation- or need-based manner.

[0044] The automatic activation, for example, of light or lighting functions of the clothing 3 or the comfort device 4 can therefore be carried out automatically based on sensor data from or a sensor system of the motor vehicle 1. Likewise, sensor data from the sensor system of the clothing 3 can be taken into account for this purpose, for example by the control device 6. For example, automated image processing, in particular of image data from an environmental camera of the motor vehicle 1, can be carried out with automatic object recognition in order to recognize a respective traffic situation in the vicinity of the vehicle and / or to activate, for example, light elements or lighting devices of the clothing 3 with specific warning messages, for example when the user 2 wants to leave the motor vehicle 1 or is moving in a corresponding danger zone or the like.Ambient conditions, such as ambient brightness, can be determined and, as a result, the intensity or brightness of the light elements or lighting device of the clothing 3 and / or their orientation or direction of illumination can be automatically adjusted or set. Likewise, it can be determined, for example using sensors, whether there are any uneven surfaces or hazardous areas on the expected route of the user 2, for example on the footpath 11 or along the user trajectory 15. If necessary, a needs-based or highlighted illumination of such areas can then be set or carried out, for example by means of the vehicle lighting device 13 and / or the comfort device 4. Likewise, the comfort device 4 can issue appropriate warnings to the user 2 when or before they reach the respective hazardous area.

[0045] For processing the aforementioned data and / or for recognizing the intention of user 2 and / or for determining the expected destination of user 2 and / or for determining the expected user trajectory 15 and / or for determining the appropriate behavior or appropriate control of comfort device 4 in the respective situation, a suitably trained machine learning device, such as a corresponding artificial neural network or the like, can be used. This can, for example, be implemented or executed in control device 6.

[0046] Depending on whether the user 2 is still or already again in the motor vehicle 1 or outside the motor vehicle 1 but within a detection range of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle 1 and / or within an illumination range of the vehicle lighting device 13 or outside the motor vehicle 1 and outside this detection or illumination range, i.e., for example, within the shadow area 16, or inside a building, such as the service station 10, different sensors or sensor data can be automatically used as the basis for automatically controlling the comfort device 4 and / or automatically activating or setting different functions or operating modes of the comfort device 4. Likewise, to further assist the user 2, devices of the motor vehicle 1, such as its vehicle lighting device 13, can also be controlled in combination and / or in a coordinated manner with the comfort device 4.

[0047] Different operating modes, for example different light or lighting modes of the clothing 3 or the comfort device 4, can be set automatically, for example by the control device 6 using one or more of the aforementioned sensors and / or data processing options. For example, different lighting modes can be set for the user 2 while he or she is in the motor vehicle 1, for the user 2 getting in and out, for the user 2 walking on the footpath 11, for crossing a road, for staying or walking in the area of ​​dangerous areas and / or the like, in particular depending on the ambient conditions there, for example illumination by external light sources such as lampposts or the like. Likewise, it can be automatically detected when or ifthat the user 2 enters a lit building or is moving or located in a lit building, in this case, for example, in the service station 10. A corresponding operating mode of the comfort device 4 can then be automatically set for the stay in illuminated buildings or interiors, in particular those different from the motor vehicle 1.

[0048] In particular, after direct visual contact between the motor vehicle 1 and the user 2 has been lost, i.e. the user 2 has moved out of the detection range of the environmental sensors of the motor vehicle 1, the current position of the user 2 can be tracked using a satellite-supported positioning system, for example, and navigation instructions can be issued to the user 2 by means of the comfort device 4 in order to guide the user back to the motor vehicle 1. This can be carried out automatically, for example, or in response to a corresponding user input, for example the user 2 pressing a corresponding control or function button or control unit on the clothing 3 and / or for example when it is detected that the user 2 is leaving a building that was previously in use, or the like. If it is detected in this way that the user 2 intends to move towards the motor vehicle 1, the motor vehicle 1 or the like can be used to control the navigation instructions.whose control device 6 automatically supports the user 2 by correspondingly automatically controlling the comfort device 4 and / or the devices of the motor vehicle 1. For example, the motor vehicle 1 or its control device 6 can send the position of the motor vehicle 1 and / or - at least as soon as the user 2 is within a corresponding range or in direct line of sight to the motor vehicle 1 - activate the vehicle lighting device 13 and / or activate an interior lighting and / or an interior temperature control of the motor vehicle 1 and / or the like.

[0049] Overall, the examples described show how needs-based and automatic activation and adjustment of functions in smart clothing can be realized and applied for various usage scenarios, especially in combination with automated vehicles. List of reference symbols 1 motor vehicle 2 users 3 Clothing 4 Comfort features 5 Recording device 6 Control device 7 Interface 8 processor 9 Data storage 10 Service Station 11 Footpath 12 Obstacle 13 Vehicle lighting equipment 14 Door 15 User trajectory 16 Shadow area

Claims

[1] Method for controlling an electrified garment (3), wherein - a control device (6) detects that a user (2) of a vehicle (1) wearing the electrified garment (3) is either in the vehicle (1) and intends to leave it or is outside the vehicle (1) and is approaching it to get into the vehicle (1), and - an electrical comfort device (4) of the electrified garment (3) worn by the user (2) is then automatically activated by the control device (6) to assist the user (2), characterized bythat a lighting device of the garment (3) is controlled as the comfort device (4), wherein different predetermined operating modes of the lighting device are set during different predetermined phases of the user (2) getting out of and away from the vehicle (1) and / or the user (2) approaching and getting into the vehicle (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the control device (6) is part of the vehicle (1) and controls the electrified garment (3) by means of a respective wirelessly transmitted control signal. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, in addition to the lighting device, a temperature control device and / or a navigation device and / or a warning device of the garment (3) is also controlled as the comfort device (4). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a lighting device (13) of the vehicle (1) is also activated by the control device (6) and a lighting device of the item of clothing (3) is activated as the comfort device (4) and is aligned in such a way that at least or only areas (16) are illuminated which are not illuminated by the lighting device (13) of the vehicle (1). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an expected path (11, 15) of the user (2) outside the vehicle (1) is determined and a lighting device of the garment (3) is controlled as the comfort device (4) for the targeted illumination of the determined path (11, 15). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat current ambient conditions are recorded and the control of the comfort device (4) is carried out depending on this. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a current state of the user (2) is determined and the comfort device (4) is controlled depending thereon. [8] Electrified garment (3) comprising at least one electrical and / or electronic comfort device (4) for assisting a wearer (2) of the garment (3) and adapted for use in the method according to any one of the preceding claims. [9] System comprising an electrified garment (3) having at least one electrical and / or electronic comfort device (4) for supporting a wearer (2) of the garment (3), and a control device (6) separate from the garment (3) for controlling the comfort device (4) according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Vehicle (1) comprising a communication interface (7) for wirelessly transmitting control signals to an electrified garment (3) and a control device (6) connected thereto for controlling the electrified garment (3) according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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