Relaxation phase in the vehicle with breathing coach and panoramic images

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for a vehicle for stimulating a relaxation phase of an occupant in the vehicle, comprising a control unit (1), a plurality of display units (3) and a plurality of comfort systems (5), characterized in that the control unit (1) is designed, when the system is activated, to control the display units (3) for the synchronized and harmonized output of a panoramic representation of an image and to control the comfort systems (5) in a synchronized manner in a rhythm that indicates a defined breathing rate.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for a vehicle for stimulating a relaxation phase of a passenger in the vehicle, as well as to a vehicle with such a system.

[0002] Modern luxury vehicles typically feature certain comfort features, such as massage functions in the seats, air ionization, ambient lighting, and many more. These features are often offered as so-called packages, with specific program sequences included. These programs may include programs such as "Breeze," "Ocean Sound," or "Warmth," with correspondingly coordinated sequences of the various comfort features stored within the programs.

[0003] In this context, EP 3 694 749 B1 relates to a method for controlling vehicle functions to increase the sense of well-being and / or to increase the attention of at least one vehicle user in a vehicle, wherein upon selection of at least one specific user menu, a number of vehicle functions are activated, wherein upon selection of a user menu, a control function assigned to the user menu is specified from the number of vehicle functions, and the timing and content-related sequences of the other vehicle functions assigned to the user menu are coordinated with respect to the control function.

[0004] According to EP 3 694 749 B1, vehicle functions include ionization, fragrance, seat ventilation, massage, air conditioning, seat heating, ambient lighting, acoustic output, optical output, and / or sound-dependent movement of at least partial areas of a vehicle seat, all coordinated in terms of time and content. Furthermore, the vehicle functions "moving seating" (where "moving seating" refers to the function in which the seat back and / or seat cushion move cyclically back and forth or up and down with relatively low amplitudes), surface heating, heated neck pillows, or other functions can also be integrated. Depending on the user menu selected by the vehicle user, a majority of the vehicle functions assigned to the corresponding user menu are combined to increase well-being, particularly for the vehicle user.In addition, ambient lighting is controlled based on the background color of an animation running on a display unit. A fan generates a blast of air. Heating of the center console and / or steering wheel may also be available as a vehicle function.

[0005] This state-of-the-art method is designed to reduce stress for vehicle occupants, which has intense, negative long-term effects on their physical and mental health. On a physical level, high levels of stress result in the body regulating itself via the sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This component of the ANS enables the body to respond appropriately to the stressor by enabling it to fight or flight. However, if such stress persists for a longer period of time or is permanent, the body can no longer adequately perform its function, which is geared towards regeneration and recovery. Only when the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is suppressed can the parasympathetic nervous system, which functions for regeneration, take over. The sympathetic and parasympathetic components work in a complementary manner (partly antagonistic, partly synergistic).The sympathetic nervous system mainly sends performance-enhancing (ergotropic) signals, while the parasympathetic nervous system mainly sends recovery-promoting (trophotropic) signals.

[0006] The object of the invention is to improve a system for a vehicle for stimulating a relaxation phase for an occupant.

[0007] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for a vehicle for stimulating a relaxation phase for a vehicle occupant, comprising a control unit, a plurality of display units, and a plurality of comfort systems, preferably together with a selection of audio, visual, or written information, instructions, guidance, educational, or entertaining support, hereinafter referred to as information units. According to the invention, the control unit is designed, upon activation of the system, to control the display units and preferably or optionally the information units for the synchronized and harmonized output of a panoramic representation of an image, as well as to control the comfort systems in a synchronized manner in a rhythm that specifies a defined breathing rate.

[0009] In particular, the combination of synchronized control of the display units to output a panoramic image and the rhythmic control of the vehicle's comfort systems at the same time particularly encourages a relaxation phase for the occupant. Audio or visual information or instructions are preferably also synchronized with the individual breathing phases and the comfort system functions and serve to support the effect. The audio or visual information can preferably be hidden by the customer at any time. The system advantageously dampens the activity of the sympathetic nervous system by means of a panoramic view and by encouraging rhythmic and slow breathing, thus reducing perceived stress and bringing the body into a regeneration phase.

[0010] The system can be activated at the request of a passenger, for example, or fully automatically, for example if a high stress level is detected in the occupant and the occupant is sitting in the driver's seat but the vehicle is being driven in fully automatic mode, or even if the occupant is driving themselves. With fully automatic vehicle control, the occupant is relieved of the burden of manual vehicle control for this moment and can relax and prepare for a later section of the journey, which may be carried out manually. In self-driving mode or with manual vehicle control, the occupant is supported by the system so that their stress level can drop while the occupant drives. The aim is to increasingly bring attention for the journey into the optimal range and, at the same time, to shift the body's regulation towards relaxation regulation and away from stress regulation.

[0011] The way in which content is presented is crucial, less so than the content itself. When controlling the comfort systems and the screens, attention is paid to coordination so that the comfort systems, in particular, stimulate rhythm, movement, shape, color and their other respective corresponding attributes to adopt a breathing rhythm that tends to reduce the breathing rate and is directed towards a specific sequence of time periods for inhalation and exhalation.

[0012] Furthermore, it is crucial that the content output to display units and comfort systems is tailored to the position of the occupant for whom the stimulation of relaxation is intended. AI techniques or algorithms based on sensor information, for example, based on interior camera images or data, such as the detection of the current respiratory rate via sensor data, detection of the current stress load, detection of the current heart rate variability, the current blood pressure, the quality of the ECG or possible cardiac arrhythmias or other health parameters, or even the detection of emotions or AI techniques such as "generated AI text to image", e.g., stable diffusion or 3D engines such as Unity, can support the effect and the synchronized, individualized, visual or even audio implementation and can be supplemented if available.

[0013] All display variants available for the occupant, including VR, AR and mixed reality options or glasses, can be optionally integrated, as well as all options for projecting visual content onto interior surfaces and / or all options for “hidden visualization,” i.e., when display surfaces are only visible when activated, but are otherwise “hidden” under an overlying layer of material.

[0014] To display the panoramic image, the display units—preferably all of the vehicle's display units—are filled with synchronized content optimized not only for a panoramic view but also for slowed and rhythmic breathing. Preferably, all existing screens are filled with synchronized content. The display units can include: decorative images, pillar-to-pillar, passenger, central, cluster, head-up, windshield, and other screens, as well as a hyperscreen as such and additional screens, as well as glasses or other mobile devices, for example, to enable virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to use at least one of the following for the synchronized control of the comfort systems: - Control of climate functions, in particular short-term variation of air speed (preferably as a breeze) or air temperature; - Output of fragrance impulses; - Activation of ionization; - Application of a defined target temperature at a defined rate to heating fields of touchable surfaces; - Filling of air-fillable bladders in a vehicle seat in a defined timing and / or sequence and / or direction and / or intensity; - Activation of vibration motors in a vehicle seat with a defined intensity, timing and sequence; - additional intensification of the impulses of air-fillable bladders by means of additional actuators or control units or other components; - Movement of vehicle seat parts in a defined manner, extent and timing, whereby these vehicle seat parts can be part of a so-called moving seating module; - Movement of parts of the backrest, for example if a joint integrated into the backrest allows the upper part of the backrest to be folded forwards or backwards; - Move the headrest up, down or to further degrees of freedom. - Moving a calf support that complements a seat and, for example, makes a backward leaning sitting position more relaxed by supporting the calves; - Moving a footrest attached to the seat on a rear and / or front seat or attached to the vehicle floor or integrated therein with or without the possibility of adjusting the footrest surface in height or inclination towards or away from the customer; - Activation of elements of an air-fillable massage unit and / or vibration motors and / or exciters and / or heating surfaces and / or cooling surfaces integrated into foot support surfaces or calf support surfaces, - Activation of elements of ambient lighting in a defined sequence, defined color, speed and duration; - Control of seat ventilation; - Control of a heating belt; - Control of a neck heating pad; - Control of massage elements; - Control of static massage bubble elements in the sense of side cheek and / or lordosis bubbles, - Control of a 4D sound exciter; - Controlling a change in seat position; - Control of heated compartments, chambers or storage areas, - Control of coolable compartments, chambers or storage areas, - Control of massage or vibration units on other contact surfaces of the hands or - forearms or feet or legs or head.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the defined breathing cycle comprises an inhalation phase over a first predetermined period of time followed by an exhalation phase over a second predetermined period of time.

[0017] Here, all existing comfort systems can be synchronized in their function, e.g. to a defined breathing rhythm, e.g. six breaths per minute with a defined inhalation phase and a defined exhalation phase; e.g. with lengths of four seconds of inhalation and six seconds of exhalation.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to supplement audio or visual information synchronously with the breathing phases or the activity of the comfort systems.

[0019] For example, during the inhalation phase, during the specified inhalation duration, an audio file from a sound system, for example, supplements the prompt to inhale now. This information is supplemented, for example, with information about the positive effects of this slow and prolonged inhalation on physical relaxation. In addition to or as an alternative to, and synchronized with, the inhalation phase, this information can also be provided as a text banner or other visual information.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to determine which comfort functions are active in detail and to also display these comfort functions visually on at least one display unit or one of the screens or via AR / VR.

[0021] For example, the sequence of activated valves of the massage bubbles being filled at that moment, or the activated vibration motors or the activated exciters can be made visually visible, so that the sensation and vision of the processes are synchronized.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to determine at which point on the seat how much pressure is sensed, or whether the pressure between the customer and the seat changes at defined points. This pressure change can be detected, for example, by measuring the internal pressure of the massage bladders, as is sometimes possible in lordosis bladders, i.e., static multi-contour bladders.

[0023] One of the display units can be used to visualize whether and how the breathing, posture, or movement of the seated occupant reacts to the stimuli from the vehicle. Alternatively, it can be used to show where the occupant could or should move and at what point.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to assign a specific visualization to the signals from the activated valves of the massage bubbles or the activated vibration motors or the activated exciters or the activated warming surfaces or other comfort functions on one of the display units. This means that, for example, the direction and sequence of activation of the massage bubbles during inhalation are visualized on the display unit and thus also support inhalation. This can be implemented schematically or in a playful way. The sequence, for example of the activity of the massage bubbles, can be shown on the display unit in the classic way as a sequence of points or in a playful way, for example as an explosion or any other assigned "action item".

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to generate an image based, for example, on a brief description using a generative AI tool that further supports the body's relaxation response. This animation or image is then displayed on one of the display units.

[0026] In this animation or sequence of images, which was created based on text-to-image generative artificial intelligence, activity can be made visible at defined points depending on the activation of, for example, the massage bubbles, which also supports, for example, inhalation and is synchronized to all other activities.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to determine whether the occupant is the driver in manual vehicle control or is responsible for a highly automated driving mode or has taken a seat in a non-driver position, or the vehicle is in a safe or stationary state (for example, parked), and to derive and release a quantity of information on a central display from the result of the determination.

[0028] This advantageously limits potential distraction of the driver of the vehicle during his manual vehicle control or his responsibility for mechanical vehicle control.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to determine whether the occupant is a manual driver or is responsible for a highly automated driving mode or has taken a seat in a non-driver position, and to determine from the result of the determination whether a change of a seating position beyond the driving position is offered.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to control a system for generating or moving air-fillable bladders and / or a vibration motor and / or a movable seat element synchronously with a change in the seat position.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the driver camera or the interior camera, which detects the respective occupant, is designed to detect the clothing of the occupant for whom the system is to be activated and to adapt the intensity, for example, of the massage or the heat fields, to the "thickness" of the clothing, which can be estimated based on the camera image. For "thicker" clothing, the intensity of the massage is increased; for thinner clothing, the intensity of the massage is reduced. This presetting can be changed by the occupant at any time. The adaptation affects the setting when the function is started.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the system further comprises a sensor unit for detecting a head position of the occupant, wherein the control unit is designed to adjust the control of the display units depending on the head position of the occupant for improved peripheral visual exposure to the occupant's eyes.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed so that, from the head position and possibly further information on the length of the upper body, it can be concluded at which point which part or section of the backrest or seat touches the body, so that preferably the actual overlap from occupant to seat can be displayed on one of the display units.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the information on the overlap between the occupant and the seat can be made available to the control unit in order to also refer to the actual type of overlap via audio or visual instructions. This advantageously indicates in the instruction any insufficient overlap between the occupant and the seat in the case of very tall people, so that the audio information can be stated that, for example, the uppermost massage bubbles on the backrest only act on the middle of the back. In the case of very short people, it can advantageously be deduced from this information and then also stated via audio that the activation of the middle massage bubbles on the backrest is already aiming for a shoulder massage.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit is designed to control all display units of the vehicle for the synchronized and harmonized output of the panoramic display of an image when the system is activated, as well as to control all comfort systems of the vehicle in a synchronized manner according to a rhythm.

[0036] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the display unit comprises an ambient lighting element.

[0037] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a system as described above and below.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the vehicle comprises environmental sensors for measuring, for example, light intensity of external light sources and noise levels, so that the vehicle can adapt the intensity of the impulses (such as sound volume, light intensity and brightness) to the environmental conditions.

[0039] Advantages and preferred developments of the proposed vehicle result from an analogous and analogous transfer of the statements made above in connection with the proposed system.

[0040] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which – where appropriate with reference to the drawings – describes at least one embodiment in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1: A vehicle interior with a system for relaxing an occupant according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2: A vehicle seat in the context of a relaxation program for an occupant according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0042] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a system for a vehicle that can be activated by the occupant to stimulate a relaxation phase for the occupant. A plurality of display units 3 are arranged in the vehicle, of which a side window display is shown as an example. The vehicle also has a plurality of comfort systems 5, of which a seat massage function is shown as an example. The comfort systems 5 and the display units 3 are controlled synchronously by a control unit 1 in the vehicle when the system is activated. In this case, a panoramic display of particles is shown on the display unit 3 on the side window display, which particles are slowly moving along an imaginary streamline to create the impression for the occupant of a particle flow in their peripheral field of vision.Massage motors in the vehicle seat, as part of the comfort systems 5, are rhythmically controlled to stimulate a specific breathing rhythm in the occupant, for example, inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six seconds. Furthermore, the breathing rhythm can be supported by synchronized, rhythmically controlled ambient lighting in the vehicle. Furthermore, the body is brought into a relaxed position by appropriate seat cushion and seat backrest positions. In particular, a reclined backrest and a slight elevation of the legs support body relaxation. A voice output in the vehicle enables a voice to lead to eye relaxation. Furthermore, music and sound design techniques aimed at stimulating relaxation, as well as breath-guided massage, are used.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a vehicle seat. A head position is determined using a camera, and the occupant's current heart rate and breathing rate are also determined using sensors. The control unit 1 starts the system to stimulate a relaxation response in the occupant on the vehicle seat. A "slow breathing" rhythm is specified. For example, according to Loew, four seconds of inhalation, six seconds of exhalation, and this six times per minute. The physiological relaxation response is supported by the synchronous and meaningfully directed activity of additional comfort systems 5, e.g. air-filled massage bubbles, which are perceived haptically or sensorially on the body and are meaningfully filled and emptied, whereby a stroking and / or a movement impulse can be perceived. Alternatively, vibration motors can be used for the same purpose.Alternatively, a slight movement of the backrest and / or seat cushion of the seat occupied by the occupant can trigger the occupant's inhalation or exhalation. The haptically perceptible massage sequences in the example are designed so that, if three rows of massage blowers are available on the back, the two outer rows are filled and emptied in parallel, one after the other, from top to bottom (in . Fig. 2 the dashed arrow on the backrest points downwards), so that the occupant perceives a downward stroke of the successive haptic impulses on his back, which lasts a total of six seconds and thus accompanies the exhalation. This is followed by a sequential filling of the central massage bubbles from bottom to top, so that the occupant perceives a central upward stroke, which accompanies his inhalation or is intended to invite a slow inhalation (in Fig. 2 the arrow with dash-dot pattern on the backrest points upwards). Alternatively, if comfort components are also available in the seat cushion, the exhalation can also be carried out to the end of the comfort system row in the seat cushion. The timing remains: six seconds duration to accompany the exhalation (in Fig. 2 the two outer arrows on the backrest and seat cushion pointing downwards and forwards respectively). Alternatively, a long stroke, e.g., over ten seconds, can invite the occupant to exhale for a long time, whereupon a rapid inhalation by the occupant occurs automatically and reactively.

[0045] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 1 control unit 3 display units 5 comfort systems QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 3 694 749 B1 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] System for a vehicle for stimulating a relaxation phase of an occupant in the vehicle, comprising a control unit (1), a plurality of display units (3) and a plurality of comfort systems (5), characterized by that the control unit (1) is designed, when the system is activated, to control the display units (3) for the synchronized and harmonized output of a panoramic representation of an image and to control the comfort systems (5) in a synchronized manner in a rhythm that indicates a defined breathing rate. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (1) is designed to use at least one of the following for the synchronized control of the comfort systems (5): - Control of climate functions, in particular short-term variation of air speed (preferably as a breeze) or air temperature; - Output of fragrance impulses; - Activation of ionization; - Application of a defined target temperature at a defined rate to heating fields of touchable surfaces; - Filling of air-fillable bladders in a vehicle seat in a defined timing and / or sequence and / or direction and / or intensity; - Activation of vibration motors in a vehicle seat with a defined intensity, timing and sequence; - additional intensification of the impulses of air-fillable bladders by means of additional actuators or control units or other components; - Movement of vehicle seat parts in a defined manner, extent and timing, whereby these vehicle seat parts can be part of a so-called moving seating module; - Movement of parts of the backrest, for example if a joint integrated into the backrest allows the upper part of the backrest to be folded forwards or backwards; - Move the headrest up, down or to further degrees of freedom. - Moving a calf support that complements a seat and, for example, makes a backward leaning sitting position more relaxed by supporting the calves; - Moving a footrest attached to the seat on a rear and / or front seat or attached to the vehicle floor or integrated therein with or without the possibility of adjusting the footrest surface in height or inclination towards or away from the customer; - Activation of elements of an air-fillable massage unit and / or vibration motors and / or exciters and / or heating surfaces and / or cooling surfaces integrated into foot support surfaces or calf support surfaces, - Activation of elements of ambient lighting in a defined sequence, defined color, speed and duration; - Control of seat ventilation; - Control of a heating belt; - Control of a neck heating pad; - Control of massage elements; - Control of static massage bubble elements in the sense of side cheek and / or lordosis bubbles, - Control of a 4D sound exciter; - Controlling a change in seat position; - Control of heated compartments, chambers or storage areas, - Control of coolable compartments, chambers or storage areas, - Control of massage or vibration units on other contact surfaces of the hands or - forearms or feet or legs or head. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the defined breathing cycle comprises an inhalation phase over a first predetermined period of time followed by an exhalation phase over a second predetermined period of time. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (1) is designed to determine whether the occupant is a driver in manual vehicle control or is responsible for a highly automated driving mode or has taken a seat in a non-driver position, or the vehicle is in a safe state, and to derive and release a quantity of information on a central display from the result of the determination. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (1) is designed to determine whether the occupant is a manual driver or is in charge of a highly automated driving mode or has taken a seat in a non-driver position, or the vehicle is in a safe state (for example, parked) and to determine from the result of the determination whether a change of a seating position beyond the driving position is offered. [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (1) is designed to control a system for generating or moving air-fillable bladders and / or a vibration motor and / or a movable seat element synchronously with a change in the seat position. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor unit for detecting a head position of the occupant, wherein the control unit (1) is designed to adjust the control of the display units (3) for improved peripheral visual exposure of the occupant's eyes depending on the head position of the occupant. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (1) is designed, upon activation of the system, to control all display units (3) of the vehicle for the synchronized and harmonized output of the panoramic display of an image and to control all comfort systems (5) of the vehicle in a synchronized manner according to a rhythm. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit (3) comprises an ambient lighting element. [10] Vehicle with a system according to one of the preceding claims.

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