Method, control device and motor vehicle for providing an individualized sports program in the interior of a motor vehicle for at least one user

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing an individualized exercise program (15) in the interior of a motor vehicle (10) for at least one user (2), wherein the individualized exercise program (15) comprises at least one exercise adapted to the respective user (2). First, user data is received, the user data comprising at least one parameter. Using the user data, at least one predefined exercise is adapted to the at least one user (2). Subsequently, the at least one predefined exercise is adapted to the at least one user (2) according to the received user data, thereby generating at least one adapted exercise. The at least one adapted exercise is then provided as an individualized exercise program (15) for the at least one user (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method, a control device and a motor vehicle for providing an individualized sports program in the interior of a motor vehicle for at least one user.

[0002] Technological advancements are making car journeys increasingly comfortable. A wide range of entertainment options and, in the future, automated or autonomous driving could allow users to spend significantly more time in a vehicle. Currently, opportunities for physical activity in a car are limited – mostly restricted to breaks during the journey.

[0003] Long car journeys promote a lack of exercise, which can negatively impact health in the long run. The rigid seating position often causes limbs to become uncomfortably numb, thus increasing the risk of accidents. Additional breaks for physical activity extend the journey time, and leisure activities are usually limited to passive audiovisual consumption, which is neither mentally nor physically stimulating and quickly leads to fatigue.

[0004] CN 116 392 781 A discloses a method, a device and a vehicle for motivating passengers to stay fit.

[0005] DE 10 2016 013 829 A1 discloses a fitness facility with at least one piece of fitness equipment for the physical training of a driver of a motor vehicle.

[0006] DE 10 2018 103 259 A1 discloses a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel, a brake and a clutch pedal, which serves as a fitness device.

[0007] The aforementioned state of the art may prove to be disadvantageous, as the described methods have a rigid orientation with regard to the provision of a sports program or fitness facility, and adherence to them may depend heavily on the user's current motivation and mood.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a method for supplying a sports program individually adapted to at least one user in a motor vehicle.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figure(s).

[0010] The invention relates to a method for providing or designing an individualized exercise program in the interior of a motor vehicle for at least one user, wherein the individualized (or individually adapted) exercise program comprises at least one exercise adapted to the respective user. The method comprises the following steps, wherein the method is initiated in particular by means of a control device configured to carry out the method: - Receiving user data from at least one user or vehicle occupant, e.g. by means of at least one sensor or sensor device, comprising user data including at least one (personal) parameter for adapting or individualizing at least one predefined (fitness-related) exercise to the at least one user, - Adapting the at least one predefined exercise to the at least one user according to the received user data, thereby generating at least one adapted exercise, and providing the at least one adapted exercise as an individualized sports program for the at least one user.

[0011] "Predetermined exercise" can refer to, for example, a movement or sequence, in particular a stretching and / or strengthening and / or endurance training, which is predetermined in its form (e.g. a specific type of squat and / or push-up and / or yoga pose), and / or can be modified using user data.

[0012] At least one sensor can be designed, for example, as a camera and / or motion sensor and / or force sensor.

[0013] Customization allows for the creation of an individualized version of at least one exercise. This means that at least one user receives a training solution specifically tailored to their needs.

[0014] The invention also includes further developments that result in additional advantages.

[0015] A training program envisions capturing the movement data of at least one user while they perform at least one customized exercise using an interior camera integrated into the vehicle and / or AI-based image processing software. This data is then analyzed to provide feedback on the user's performance in the customized exercise program. "AI" refers to artificial intelligence. For example, the interior camera and / or the AI-based image processing software might detect if the user is not fully extending their arm and alert them accordingly. This feedback could take the form of vibration feedback, a text message, and / or a voice message. This allows for personalized feedback on the user's exercise performance.

[0016] One training program involves generating an assessment by identifying deviations of movement data from predefined target movements. In other words, the (current) movement of at least one user is compared to a target movement for at least one exercise. The target movements thus represent the ideal form of a given (adapted) exercise. For example, a deviation is defined as occurring when the movement data deviates from the target movements by a predefined threshold, e.g., within a range of 5 to 25 percent in percentage points. This can be achieved, for example, using AI-based image processing software trained to calculate the Euclidean distance between the user's joint positions. This results in the detection of movement errors, particularly for correcting and / or improving the movement execution of at least one user.The assessment can include, in particular, assigning a score or point value to at least one exercise that has already been performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 to 10), and storing the assessments and / or exercise results individually for each user in the vehicle and / or in a backend or cloud, and / or accessing them independently of the vehicle. The backend and / or cloud can be connected to the vehicle. The user is therefore not tied to their vehicle to complete the personalized exercise program. Furthermore, storing the score can allow for tracking of progress.

[0017] A training program stipulates that feedback includes corrective instructions to improve the posture, speed, and / or range of motion of at least one user. For example, AI-based image processing software can detect that at least one user is tensing their shoulders and issue the corrective instruction: "Lean back and slowly raise your arms to relieve your shoulders." This feedback can improve the movement execution of at least one user and / or reduce the risk of injury.

[0018] A training program stipulates that feedback is provided as speech output. This can be implemented using a suitable text-to-speech system and / or a voice dialogue system. This allows at least one user to focus solely on the provided sports program, particularly the specific adapted exercise. In particular, this eliminates the need for visual cues. Additionally or alternatively, feedback can be provided by displaying a generic figure with the prescribed target movements and / or by overlaying the user's movement data with visual cues. These visual cues could include, for example, colored markings, directional arrows, and / or shadows of the target movements. The generic figure could, for instance, be overlaid with the user's recorded movement data.It may be possible to provide correction instructions through color coding (e.g., red for deviations in movement data from the target movements and / or green for correct execution). This makes the individualized exercise program more accessible.

[0019] A further training program envisions that at least one adapted exercise is provided to at least one user on a screen inside the vehicle. This screen incorporates the interior camera and displays the motion data it captures in real time, parallel to the exercise. The user, or at least one user, can simultaneously follow their adapted exercise and their own motion data on the screen, for example, in the form of a predefined body movement and their own body movement. The screen can be positioned or implemented, particularly on the dashboard, and be divided into two halves. For example, the left side of the screen can display an animated figure representing the ideal execution of the exercise, while the right side shows a real-time recording of the user's own movements in the form of motion data.This provides him with immediate visual feedback, especially for improving exercise execution.

[0020] Further training stipulates that at least one assistive device, in particular a multi-sport expander, be provided indoors to support the user in performing the individualized exercise program. With the help of this at least one assistive device, the individualized exercise program and / or at least one adapted exercise can be designed (effectively).

[0021] A further development provides that the at least one auxiliary object includes at least one sensor to determine deviations of the motion data from the (previously mentioned) predetermined target movements. The at least one sensor can comprise a motion and / or pressure sensor. The motion data can be transmitted, for example, via Bluetooth and / or a wireless local area network to a system corresponding to the method according to the invention and / or to the control device and / or the AI-based image processing software. This allows deviations from the at least one sensor in the auxiliary object to be determined. Furthermore, this allows the execution of the at least one user to be precisely recorded, which in particular can improve the feedback and / or the execution of the at least one user.

[0022] Further training stipulates that the user data must describe at least one vital signal or indicator of at least one user. This can be achieved, in particular, using a smartwatch worn by the user. The smartwatch can, for example, determine or record the heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and / or blood pressure of the user. Predefined rules can be implemented that, based on the recorded vital signal of the user, instruct the control device, particularly through appropriate data-driven control, to adapt the exercise to the user's health status.By determining at least one vital signal, at least one exercise can be adapted (better or more advantageously) to the physical condition of at least one user, which can particularly increase the efficiency of at least one exercise.

[0023] A training program stipulates that at least one parameter describes personal preferences and / or a motivation level and / or a desired exercise duration and / or a difficulty level and / or an age and / or a fitness level of the at least one user. Personal preferences can relate to the types of activities or training methods preferred by the at least one user. The motivation level can describe the user's current level of readiness or energy for physical activity, which determines how intense or challenging the at least one adaptable (predefined) exercise should be. The exercise duration can describe a time frame, e.g., 5 to 60 minutes, that the user has available for a training session of the individual sports program. The difficulty level can describe the desired or appropriate level of physical challenge that challenges the at least one user without overwhelming them, e.g.,"Easy," "moderate," or "difficult." By entering their age, users can receive information about their physical capacity and suitable forms of exercise. Their fitness level can describe their current physical performance or the experience level of at least one user in physical activity, which influences the type and intensity of the exercises to be adapted. This allows for a personalized exercise program that is motivating and / or tailored to the needs of at least one user.

[0024] Further training stipulates that the individualized or customized exercise program is made available to at least one passenger, regardless of the vehicle's condition, particularly when the vehicle is in manual, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous driving mode. The individualized exercise program may allow the passenger to perform it while seated, with or without a seatbelt, standing, or lying down. The passenger can thus complete their individualized exercise program at any time. Furthermore, the individualized exercise program can be implemented flexibly.

[0025] A training course provides for joint training with at least one user and at least one external participant by transmitting at least one predefined exercise, or at least one adapted exercise within the framework of the individualized sports program, via video transmission to at least one other vehicle and / or to the at least one external participant outside the vehicle. In other words, predefined exercises and / or the individualized sports program can be performed by at least one user together with at least one external participant who is not in the same vehicle as the at least one user, i.e., regardless of their physical location.

[0026] Further training stipulates that the individualized exercise program can also be used by the user when they are driving and the vehicle is in assisted or fully autonomous mode. In assisted mode, the driver can largely control the vehicle themselves but is supported by at least one driver assistance system. This system can include, for example, lane keeping assist, cruise control, and / or adaptive cruise control. In fully autonomous mode, the vehicle takes over complete control. In particular, the driver assumes a passive role during this time and can concentrate on other tasks. Thus, the user (as the driver) or the driver themselves can perform their individual exercise program while driving.This can help reduce fatigue and / or improve concentration and / or enhance overall well-being.

[0027] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0028] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0029] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0030] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code, assembly code, source code in a programming language (e.g., C), or a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, such as a time-varying voltage signal or a radio signal.

[0031] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0032] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0033] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0034] In the figure, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0035] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment according to the idea. A motor vehicle 10 is shown, operating in a fully autonomous mode 22 and thus driving independently, i.e., without an active driver 4. The motor vehicle 10 contains a driver 4, who is relieved of driving duties, and a passenger 6. The driver 4 and the passenger 6 are both users 2 of an individually provided sports program 15 or fitness plan. Two screens 11, each with an interior camera 13, are also shown. At least one auxiliary device 8, e.g., in the form of a multi-expander, is also provided in the motor vehicle 10. The at least one auxiliary device 8 can be equipped with at least one sensor 7, in particular for detecting the movement of the at least one user 2 and / or their body part, especially their arm. The individualized sports program 15 can include at least one customized exercise.The plan is to initially receive user data, which must include at least one parameter. Using this user data, at least one predefined exercise can be adapted to at least one user, thereby generating at least one adapted exercise. This adapted exercise can then be provided as an individualized sports program for at least one user.

[0036] The opportunity to perform physical activity (or sports) should be available to every user or vehicle occupant. This should also be independent of the vehicle's operating mode (e.g., whether the vehicle is being driven manually or in assisted / autonomous mode). According to the concept, the sports program 15 could be purchased, for example, via the vehicle's app store. The sports program 15, which might include at least one predefined and / or customizable exercise, could allow at least one user or vehicle occupant to adapt and / or perform individual exercises designed for the vehicle interior. The exercise could be displayed on a separate screen 11, for example, for the driver 4 and / or front passenger 6. This could be achieved by displaying the exercise via a rear-seat infotainment system for the respective vehicle occupant.Each user, or at least one user, can perform a different exercise, specifically one tailored to their needs. Furthermore, it can be provided that (direct) feedback or a response to each (executed) exercise, and / or occupant-specific feedback, is generated using the vehicle's interior camera (e.g., configured for image / motion recognition). To expand the activity options or the individualized exercise program, an aid (e.g., an expander or multi-expander) can be used, which can be attached or provided at various locations within the vehicle's interior.

[0037] The aforementioned idea can offer significant advantages for the vehicle: It can represent a unique selling point, for example, generating additional revenue, as it can be integrated into a basic version of the vehicle's features without additional hardware. The idea can improve the well-being and health of all users or occupants – not just the driver. It can also be used during autonomous driving. Particularly for users who drive frequently and / or long distances, i.e., frequent drivers, the idea or function can increase the activity options within the vehicle and thus enhance the overall appeal of the offering.

[0038] The idea can be implemented as a function within the vehicle's infotainment system. Specifically for the vehicle interior, at least one movement exercise (or at least one predefined exercise) can be bundled into the function (e.g., an app). At least one user (2), driver (4), or vehicle occupant can individually select or combine the at least one predefined exercise, depending on their motivation, length, difficulty, age, and / or personal fitness level. The at least one exercise can be displayed individually on the respective screen (11) in front of the occupant for participation.

[0039] The at least one user 2 can be recorded via the vehicle's interior camera 13 (if required and / or depending on the vehicle's equipment). Using AI-based image processing, the movements of the at least one user 2 can be compared with (predefined) target movements (in particular, e.g., with the help of artificial intelligence). The at least one user 2 can receive feedback on whether adjustments to the movements are needed, especially to optimize them. In a possible further development stage, at least one assistive device 8, in particular designed as a (universal) multi-sport expander for intensifying activities or at least one exercise, can be used. This at least one assistive device 8 can be attached to various designated points in the vehicle's interior or the interior of the motor vehicle 10. For example,The other end can therefore be used by hand or foot to stretch the expander, thus intensifying at least one exercise.

[0040] Overall, the examples show how a procedure for physical activity in the vehicle or motor vehicle 10 can be provided. Reference symbol list 2 users 4 drivers 6 passengers 7 Sensor 8 Auxiliary item 11 screen 13 Interior camera 15 Sports program 10 motor vehicle 20 movement data 22 fully autonomous QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 116 392 781 A

[0004] DE 10 2016 013 829 A1

[0005] DE 10 2018 103 259 A1

[0006]

Claims

Method for providing an individualized exercise program (15) in the interior of a motor vehicle (10) for at least one user (2), wherein the individualized exercise program (15) comprises at least one exercise adapted to the respective user (2), the method comprising the following steps: - Receiving user data of at least one user (2), comprising at least one parameter for adapting at least one predefined exercise to the at least one user (2), - Adapting the at least one predefined exercise to the at least one user (2) according to the received user data, thereby generating at least one adapted exercise, and providing the at least one adapted exercise as an individualized exercise program (15) for the at least one user (2). Method according to claim 1, wherein movement data (20) of the at least one user (2) are captured by means of an interior camera (13) integrated in the motor vehicle (10) and / or AI-based image processing software during the execution of the at least one adapted exercise and an evaluation of this movement data (20) is carried out in order to provide feedback on the at least one adapted exercise performed by the user (2) in the individualized sports program (15). Method according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation is generated by determining deviations of the movement data (20) with predetermined target movements, wherein the evaluation in particular comprises that at least one exercise already performed for a predetermined number of times is assigned a score and the evaluations and / or exercise results are stored user-specifically in the motor vehicle (10) and / or in a backend or a cloud and / or are retrieved independently of the vehicle. Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the feedback comprises a corrective instruction to improve the posture and / or speed and / or range of motion of the at least one user (2). Method according to claim 4, wherein the feedback is provided as speech output and / or by displaying a generic figure with the specified target movements and / or by overlaying the movement data of the at least one user (2) with visual cues. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one adapted exercise for the at least one user (2) is provided on a screen (11) in the interior, wherein the screen (11) comprises the interior camera (13) and provides the motion data (20) captured by it in real time in parallel with the at least one exercise. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one auxiliary item (8), in particular a multi-sport expander, is provided indoors to assist the user (2) in performing the individualized sports program (15). Method according to claim 7, wherein the at least one auxiliary object (8) comprises at least one sensor (7) to determine the deviations of the motion data (20) from the specified target movements according to claim 3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user data describes at least one vital signal of the at least one user (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter describes personal preferences and / or a level of motivation and / or a desired exercise duration and / or a level of difficulty and / or an age and / or a fitness level of the at least one user (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individualized sports program (15) is provided to the at least one user (2) as passenger (6) regardless of the vehicle condition of the motor vehicle (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individualized sports program (15) is also used by the user (2) when the user is the driver (4) and the motor vehicle (10) is provided in an assisted or fully autonomous (22) mode, wherein the individualized sports program (15) enables the at least one user in particular to perform it while sitting and / or with or without a seat belt and / or while standing and / or lying down. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein joint training with the at least one user (2) and at least one external participant is enabled by transmitting at least one predetermined exercise or, within the framework of the individualized sports program (15), at least one adapted exercise to at least one other vehicle and / or to the at least one external participant outside the motor vehicle (10) via video transmission. Control device, wherein the control device comprises a processor unit comprising program instructions which, when executed by the processor unit, cause it to perform a method according to one of the preceding method claims. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a control device according to claim 14.

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