System for assisting a vehicle occupant during aspiration

Abstract

System (10) for assisting vehicle occupants (12) during aspiration in a vehicle (14) comprising: a control and computing unit (16) which is designed to receive information about a breathing and / or a pulse and / or a noise pattern of a vehicle occupant (12) determined by means of at least one system-specific and / or vehicle-specific sensor element (18, 20, 22) continuously during a stay in the vehicle (14) and to evaluate it using a monitoring program (24) executably stored on the control and computing unit (16), wherein upon each determination by means of the monitoring program of at least one first indication of aspiration of the vehicle occupant (12), at least one system-specific and / or vehicle-specific therapeutic measure in the form of a Heimlich maneuver or an adaptation of a Heimlich maneuver is provided to the affected vehicle occupant (12) automatically and / or in a user-defined manner by means of the monitoring program (24), and a knocking plate (26) which can be arranged in a backrest of a seat (28) of the vehicle (14), wherein the knocking plate (26) has a first end face (30) and wherein the first end face (30) is moved by means of a movement mechanism (32) from a first deactivated position to a second activated position in the direction of the back (34) of the vehicle occupant (12), wherein the movement mechanism is activated by the monitoring program (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for assisting vehicle occupants during aspiration in a vehicle, comprising a control and computing unit which is designed to continuously receive information about a breathing and / or a pulse and / or a noise pattern of a vehicle occupant determined by means of at least one system-specific and / or vehicle-specific sensor element during a stay in the vehicle and to evaluate said information using a monitoring program stored executably on the control and computing unit.

[0002] In addition, the invention relates to a method for assisting vehicle occupants during aspiration in a vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with a system for supporting vehicle occupants during aspiration

[0004] With the increasing automation of driving tasks, including autonomous driving, the degree of freedom of vehicle occupants is constantly increasing. Activities with a risk of aspiration, such as eating, may also increase in the vehicle. Aspiration of foreign bodies, i.e., the penetration of foreign bodies into the respiratory tract, for example, through swallowing while eating, represents a significant everyday risk. If the foreign body cannot be immediately removed from the respiratory tract (e.g., by coughing), the oxygen deficiency will lead to the death of the affected person within a very short time.

[0005] The risk of aspiration is particularly increased in the presence of a swallowing disorder. Children are also at increased risk, partly due to their narrow / small airways. In addition, small children may not be able to attract attention or may only be able to do so insufficiently when choking. Another risk in mobility is the dynamic environment. Abrupt braking, acceleration, or cornering potentially increase the risk of aspiration. If the driver is affected, the situation creates the additional risk of a traffic accident.

[0006] Various applications are known in the state of the art to counteract aspiration. These include the manual application of a Heimlich maneuver or Heimlich maneuver by a second person with appropriate training, or the manual application of the Heimlich maneuver with an auxiliary object, such as a chair. A disadvantage of these applications is that a second person or special training is required to perform the life-saving maneuver.

[0007] DE 10 2020 006 032 A1 discloses a method for controlling the breathing rate of a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat with a massage function. The method involves determining the upper body length of the vehicle occupant and, based on this, the position of a tenth thoracic vertebra, based on image data captured by a driver's camera. A predetermined breathing rate is achieved using air-filled seat bladders.

[0008] DE 10 2021 120 347 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a padded seat shell and a padded backrest, at least one of which is equipped with side bolsters, and with a plurality of expansion elements which can be continuously expanded and contracted again in a reversible manner between a maximum volume and a minimum volume.

[0009] DE 10 2023 001 145 A1 discloses a vehicle safety system with a first-aid function. A belt can be tensioned with a preset force and frequency using a belt tensioning device.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of specifying a system and a method for assisting a vehicle occupant during an aspiration as well as a vehicle in which safety can be increased by assisting the vehicle occupants during an aspiration.

[0011] The aforementioned object is initially achieved by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1 in that, upon detection by the monitoring program of at least one first indication of aspiration by the vehicle occupant, at least one system-specific and / or vehicle-specific therapeutic measure in the form of a Heimlich maneuver or an adaptation of a Heimlich maneuver is provided to the affected vehicle occupant automatically and / or in a user-defined manner by the monitoring program. Furthermore, a tapping plate is provided which can be arranged in a backrest of a seat of the vehicle, wherein the tapping plate has a first end face and wherein the first end face is moved by means of a movement mechanism from a first deactivated position to a second activated position in the direction of the back of the vehicle occupant, wherein the movement mechanism is activated by the monitoring program.

[0012] In this way, a vehicle occupant can be actively supported during aspiration. For example, the vehicle occupant themselves can be in the driving position in the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the vehicle occupant could be any passenger in the vehicle. In other words, the system is designed, for example, to monitor a selected person in the vehicle in a user-defined manner. It is also conceivable that the system monitors all people simultaneously and in parallel, whereby, for example, the respective health status of all people can be stored in the system so that the respective information about their breathing can be specifically evaluated using the monitoring program.

[0013] The control and processing unit can, for example, be a self-contained technical device that can be coupled to the vehicle and its components via appropriate interfaces. The system can, for example, comprise only one system-specific sensor element and be coupled with additional vehicle-specific sensor elements. In general, any ratio of sensor elements to system-specific and vehicle-specific elements is conceivable.

[0014] Information collected about a vehicle occupant's breathing can include, for example, breathing movements and / or breathing sounds of the person being monitored. If breathing changes, i.e., breathing movements and / or breathing sounds, this could be a sign of swallowing a foreign body. Using an algorithm executed by the monitoring program, which compares, for example, reference values ​​with the currently measured values, conclusions can be drawn about possible respiratory arrest or labored breathing.

[0015] If such aspiration by the vehicle occupant is detected, the tapping plate is activated. In the activated position, it presses against the back of the vehicle occupant. Repeatedly moving the tapping plate from the deactivated position to the activated position results in a "tapping" effect on the back of the vehicle occupant, which ideally allows the airways to clear again.

[0016] One advantage of the invention is that the sensors can continuously monitor the vehicle occupants with increased attention. In an emergency, no knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver is required. Direct intervention is possible, even if the potential first responders and the affected person are in a state of shock. The vehicle does not need to be brought to a stop and abandoned immediately. If the driver is not affected, they can drive directly to an emergency scene, where first aid can be provided simultaneously.

[0017] Through precisely defined force application and automatic adaptation to the affected person, the risk of rib fractures and resulting lung tears can be reduced

[0018] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the system according to the invention, a lap belt with a belt pretensioner is provided, which can be arranged on a seat of the vehicle, wherein the lap belt can be tightened around the abdomen of a vehicle occupant by means of the belt pretensioner, wherein the belt pretensioner can be activated by the monitoring program. The belt pretensioner is designed to be reversible, i.e., the belt pretensioner can tighten and loosen the lap belt. When the lap belt is placed around the abdomen of a vehicle occupant, pressure can be exerted in the abdominal area by tightening the lap belt. With the additionally activated tapping plate, a compression is generated that corresponds to the Heimlich maneuver or at least an adaptation of the Heimlich maneuver. However, the belt pretensioner can also be deployed in chronological order before or after the tapping plate, depending on the severity of the emergency situation.The lap belt can be a known seat belt arrangement, such as a three-point seat belt. However, it is conceivable and preferred to be designed as a separate element, in addition to the seat belt.

[0020] By adjusting the intensity with which the knock plate or the belt tensioner is activated, an automatic or user-defined transition to automatic resuscitation can also be achieved if the affected vehicle occupant becomes unconscious.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, a sensor element in the form of a radar system and / or an ultrasound system is provided to monitor the breathing and / or pulse of a vehicle occupant. For this purpose, electromagnetic waves are emitted. The electromagnetic waves reflected by the objects are received and evaluated. Ultrasonic sensors are also beam-based sensors. They transmit and receive sound waves whose frequencies are above the range perceptible to the human ear, above 16 kHz. In this way, precise, contactless, continuous monitoring of the breathing and pulse of the vehicle occupants can be achieved.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in a further embodiment of the invention, a sensor element in the form of a microphone system is provided to monitor the noise pattern of the vehicle occupant. In this way, breathing noises can be detected in a recurring sequence. If these noises, i.e., the noise pattern, deviate from the monitored normal, this can be a sign of a breathing problem in the form of aspiration.

[0023] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, a sensor element in the form of a camera system is provided to determine characteristics of the vehicle occupant in question. Using the camera system and a corresponding evaluation of the recorded image data, the characteristics of the affected vehicle occupant can be determined. This includes, for example, data on age, height, weight, gender, and / or bone density. With knowledge of this data, a performed Heimlich maneuver or the adaptation of the Heimlich maneuver can be adapted to the affected person. The measure thus becomes more efficient, and at the same time, the potential risk of injury is minimized.

[0024] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a method for assisting vehicle occupants during aspiration in a vehicle, comprising the following steps: providing a system according to the invention; operating the system such that, upon detection of a critical condition with respect to aspiration of a vehicle occupant, targeted countermeasures are implemented by means of the system in order to counteract the risk of suffocation. The above statements regarding the system according to the invention also apply accordingly to the method according to the invention.

[0025] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, a notification is issued when a critical condition relating to aspiration of a vehicle occupant is detected. The notification is provided in various forms. This includes issuing a notification to the driver and other vehicle occupants. This can be done visually via a display in the vehicle. However, acoustic notifications in the form of alarm signals and / or haptic notifications are also conceivable, for example through vibration of the seats and / or the steering wheel or other vehicle devices. Furthermore, one embodiment provides for the surrounding traffic to be warned. This can be done through visual notifications from the vehicle to traffic, for example by activating the headlights and / or the hazard warning lights.The notification can also be transmitted via a wireless connection to other road users or infrastructure elements, such as traffic lights, screens, etc. Communication is preferably carried out via C2X. Modern vehicles are often equipped with C2X radio modules to exchange standardized messages with each other and with the infrastructure. Examples of this are the CAM (Cooperative Awareness Message) or DENM (Decentralized Environmental Notification Message) of the ETSI standard for C2X communication. The former message contains the position and speed of the transmitting vehicle.

[0026] A further development provides for relatives to be notified via mobile phone alerts. This can be done if a mobile device is paired with the system. Furthermore, an emergency call can be made via an eCall system.

[0027] In addition to notification during an acute hazard, the detection of aspiration of vomit or saliva in children, which increases the risk of resulting pneumonia, can also be provided to issue a warning or notice to the driver or other occupants. This can also be issued upon exiting the vehicle, advising the occupants to remain vigilant after the incident.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the ideal parameters for the Heimlich maneuver are determined or the Heimlich maneuver is adapted based on the characteristics of the affected vehicle occupant. By knowing the constitution and possibly the state of health of the vehicle occupant, the monitoring program can set a minimum required and / or maximum applicable force suitable for the vehicle occupant. By recognizing the severity of the aspiration and the potential risk of suffocation, the sequence of use of the tapping plate and the belt tensioner—i.e., the sequence of tapping and compression—can also be adapted to the needs of the affected vehicle occupant.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that an automatic or user-defined start of the Heimlich maneuver or an adaptation of the Heimlich maneuver for removing the foreign body takes place until the sensors used detect the successful removal of a foreign body. Detection can be performed using the various sensors mentioned above. For example, using image recognition from a camera, the detection of a consistent noise pattern using microphones, or the detection of resuming breathing using radar or ultrasound sensors. The sensor data can be evaluated together, which also allows a plausibility check of the individual data.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the process can be aborted manually. This is preferably done via a human-machine interface, for example, via the vehicle's infotainment system or buttons / switches that are easily accessible in the vehicle.

[0031] The aforementioned object is also achieved by a vehicle comprising a system according to the invention. The above statements regarding the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention also apply accordingly to the vehicle according to the invention. Preferably, each seat of the vehicle is equipped with such a system, so that every occupant of the vehicle can be assisted at any time in an emergency situation.

[0032] Electronic or electrical devices and / or other relevant devices or components according to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of these devices may be packaged on an integrated circuit (IC) or on separate IC chips. Furthermore, the various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit board, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or on a single substrate.Furthermore, the various components of these devices may be a process or thread running on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, executing computer program instructions and interacting with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory, which may be implemented in a computing device using standard memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transferable, computer-readable media, such as a CD-ROM, flash drive, or the like.A person of ordinary skill in the art should also recognize that the functionality of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or that the functionality of a particular computing device may be distributed among one or more other computing devices without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0034] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system for assisting vehicle occupants during aspiration and Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of various steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for assisting vehicle occupants during aspiration.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a system 10 for assisting vehicle occupants 12 during aspiration in a vehicle 14. The system 10 has a control and computing unit 16, which is designed to continuously receive information about the breathing, pulse, and noise pattern of a vehicle occupant 12 during a stay in the vehicle 14, determined by means of system-specific or vehicle-specific sensor elements 18, 20, 22. A monitoring program 24 is stored on the control and computing unit 16, with which the sensor data is evaluated and further actions are executed in response to the results of the sensor data.

[0036] It is provided that upon detection of a first sign of aspiration of the vehicle occupant 12 by means of the monitoring program 24, a system-specific or vehicle-specific therapeutic measure in the form of a Heimlich maneuver or an adaptation of a Heimlich maneuver can be provided to the affected vehicle occupant 12 automatically and / or in a user-defined manner.

[0037] For this purpose, a tapping plate 26 is provided, which is arranged in a backrest of a seat 28 of the vehicle 14. The tapping plate 26 has a first end face 30. The first end face 30 can be moved by means of a movement mechanism 32 from a first deactivated position to a second activated position in the direction of the back 34 of the vehicle occupant 12. The movement mechanism 32 can be activated by the monitoring program 24 in response to the sensor data. Repeatedly moving the tapping plate 26 from the deactivated position to the activated position results in a "tapping" on the back 34 of the vehicle occupant 12, which ideally allows the airways to become clear again.

[0038] Furthermore, a lap belt 36 with a belt tensioner 38 is arranged on the seat 28. The lap belt 36 can be tightened around the abdomen 40 of a vehicle occupant 12 by means of the belt tensioner 38, whereby the lap belt 36 then presses against the abdomen 40 of the vehicle occupant 12. The belt tensioner 38 can be activated by the monitoring program 24 in response to the evaluated sensor data. The belt tensioner 38 is designed to be reversible, i.e., the belt tensioner 38 can tighten and loosen the lap belt 36. When the lap belt 36 is placed around the abdomen 40 of a vehicle occupant 12, pressure can be exerted in the abdominal area by tightening the lap belt 36. With the additionally activated tapping plate 26, a compression is generated that corresponds to the Heimlich maneuver or at least an adaptation of the Heimlich maneuver. However, depending on the severity of the emergency situation, the belt tensioner 38 can also be used in chronological order before or after the knock plate 26.

[0039] The sensor elements 18, 20, 22 comprise a radar system 42, which can be used to monitor the breathing, i.e., breathing movements, of the vehicle occupant 12, and the pulse of the vehicle occupant 12. Furthermore, a microphone system 44 is provided to monitor a noise pattern of the vehicle occupant 12. The noise pattern comprises breathing sounds emitted by the vehicle occupant 12. A change in the breathing sounds can be an indication of labored breathing or respiratory arrest. Additionally, a camera system 46 is provided, which can be used to identify characteristics of the vehicle occupant 12 using image recognition, which is processed by the monitoring program 24. This includes, for example, data on age, height, weight, gender, and / or bone density. With knowledge of this data, a performed Heimlich maneuver or the adaptation of the Heimlich maneuver can be tailored to the affected person.This makes the measure more efficient while simultaneously minimizing the potential risk of injury. Additionally, information from the vehicle occupants' personal wearables can be monitored. This includes, for example, bodily functions.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the sequence of different steps of a method for assisting a vehicle occupant 12 with a system 10 according to Fig. 1. In step 100, the vehicle occupant 12 is monitored using a camera system 46 in the interior of the vehicle 14. In step 102, the vehicle occupant 12 is monitored using a radar system 42, wherein the radar system 42 monitors the pulse and breathing of the vehicle occupant. In step 104, breathing sounds of the vehicle occupant 12 are monitored using a microphone system 44. In step 106, the health status of the vehicle occupant 12 is additionally monitored using wearables 48.

[0041] In step 108, the Fig. 1 known monitoring program 24, an algorithm for detecting swallowing is applied, wherein additionally by evaluating the data of the camera system 46, characteristics of the vehicle occupant 12, such as the approximate age, weight and height, are determined.

[0042] If swallowing is detected, a notification is transmitted in step 110 indicating that an emergency situation has occurred. Various forms of notification are provided. This includes issuing a notification to the driver and other vehicle occupants 12. This can be done visually via a display in the vehicle 14. Also conceivable are acoustic notifications in the form of alarm signals and / or haptic notifications, for example, through vibration of the seats 28 and / or the steering wheel or other devices of the vehicle 14. Furthermore, one embodiment provides for warnings to surrounding traffic.

[0043] In step 112, ideal parameters for applying a Heimlich maneuver are determined by the monitoring program 24, after which the tapping plate 26 is activated in step 114. The vehicle occupant 12 continues to be observed in step 116 during the application of the Heimlich maneuver. In step 118, it is determined whether the danger of swallowing has been averted. If this is not the case, the lap belt 36 is activated in step 120. In accordance with the application of the tapping plate in step 122, the vehicle occupant 12 continues to be observed during the application, while in step 124 it is determined whether the danger of swallowing has been averted.

[0044] If this is still not the case, the application parameters are adjusted in step 126. This can be done, for example, by increasing the applied force. If, however, the danger has been averted, the Heimlich maneuver is terminated in step 128. List of reference symbols 10 systems 12 vehicle occupants 14 vehicles 16 Control and computing unit 18 Sensor element 20 sensor element 22 Sensor element 24 Monitoring Program 26 knocking plate 28 seats 30 front side 32 Movement mechanism 34 back 36 abdominal belt 38 belt tensioners 40 belly 42 radar system 44 microphone system 46 Camera system 48 Wearable 100 Surveillance via camera system 102 Surveillance using radar system 104 Monitoring using a microphone system 106 Monitoring via wearable 108 Algorithm detects swallowing 110 Notification 112 Determination of parameters for Heimlich maneuver 114 Activation knock plate 116 Observation of vehicle occupants during application 118 Check whether danger has been averted 120 Activation abdominal belt 122 Observation of vehicle occupants during application of lap belt 124 Check whether danger has been averted 126 Adjustment parameters for Heimlich maneuver 128 Deactivation Heimlich maneuver

Claims

[1] System (10) for assisting vehicle occupants (12) during aspiration in a vehicle (14) comprising: a control and computing unit (16) designed to continuously receive information about the breathing and / or pulse and / or noise pattern of a vehicle occupant (12) during a stay in the vehicle (14) by means of at least one system-integrated and / or vehicle-integrated sensor element (18, 20, 22) and to evaluate it using a monitoring program (24) stored executably on the control and computing unit (16), wherein, upon detection by the monitoring program of at least one initial indication of aspiration by the vehicle occupant (12), at least one system-integrated and / or vehicle-integrated therapeutic measure in the form of a Heimlich maneuver or an adaptation of a Heimlich maneuver is automatically and / or user-defined to the affected vehicle occupant (12) by means of the monitoring program (24), and a knock plate (26) which can be arranged in a backrest of a seat (28) of the vehicle (14), wherein the knock plate (26) has a first end face (30) and wherein the first end face (30) is moved by means of a movement mechanism (32) from a first deactivated position to a second activated position towards the back (34) of the vehicle occupant (12), wherein the movement mechanism is activated by the monitoring program (24). [2] System (10) according to claim 1, wherein a waist belt (36) with a belt tensioner (38) is provided, which can be arranged on the seat (28) of the vehicle (14), wherein the waist belt (36) can be tightened around the abdomen (40) of a vehicle occupant (12) by means of the belt tensioner (38), wherein the belt tensioner (38) can be activated by the monitoring program (24). [3] System (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sensor element (18) in the form of a radar system (42) is provided to monitor the breathing and / or pulse of a vehicle occupant (12). [4] System (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a sensor element in the form of a microphone system (44) is provided to monitor the noise pattern of the vehicle occupant (12). [5] System (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a sensor element in the form of a camera system (46) is provided to determine characteristics of the vehicle occupant (12) concerned. [6] Vehicle (14) comprising a system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .

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