Individually adapted operation of seat actuators

Abstract

The operation of a seat actuator can be customized to provide an enhanced user experience. Specifically, a seat operation profile can be modified or a new one created based on user, vehicle, and / or environmental data. The modified or new seat operation profile is then implemented. Consequently, one or more actuators operationally linked to a seat can be selectively activated or deactivated according to the modified or new seat operation profile. Furthermore, aspects from one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences can be identified. A seat operation profile can then be presented to a user based on the identified aspect.

Description

Area

[0001] The subject matter described herein concerns seats in general, and in particular seats that provide a haptic effect. background

[0002] A vehicle typically includes multiple seats. There are numerous vehicle seat designs. Vehicle seats can be contoured and / or include features that provide support and comfort to a vehicle occupant. Some vehicle seats may include various ergonomic features to enhance user comfort. Some vehicle seats are equipped with a power mechanism, allowing the user to adjust one or more aspects of the seat. Some vehicle seats may provide a haptic feedback effect. Summary

[0003] In one respect, the present disclosure relates to a method for seat operation. The method may include receiving user data related to a seat operation profile. The method may also include modifying a seat operation profile or creating a new seat operation profile based on the user data. The method may include arranging for the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to be presented or submitted to a user.

[0004] In another respect, the present disclosure relates to a seat actuation system. The system may comprise a seat and an actuator operationally or functionally connected to the seat. The system may comprise one or more processors functionally connected to the actuator. The one or more processors may be programmed to initiate executable operations. The executable operations may include receiving user data related to a seat actuation profile. The executable operations may include modifying a seat actuation profile or creating a new seat actuation profile based on the user data. The executable operations may include causing the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile to be presented to a user.

[0005] In yet another respect, the present disclosure relates to a seat actuation method. The method may involve receiving one or more seat actuation profiles and / or one or more seat actuation preferences from one or more users. The method may involve identifying an aspect of the one or more seat actuation profiles and / or the one or more seat actuation preferences. The method may involve causing a seat actuation profile to be presented to a user based on that aspect.

[0006] In a further respect, the present disclosure relates to a seat actuation system. The system may comprise one or more processors operationally connected to one or more connected units. The one or more processors may be programmed to initiate executable operations. The executable operations may include receiving one or more seat actuation profiles and / or one or more seat actuation preferences from one or more users. The executable operations may include identifying an aspect of the one or more seat actuation profiles and / or the one or more seat actuation preferences. The executable operations may include causing a seat actuation profile to be presented to a user based on that aspect.

[0007] In a further respect, the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a seat in a vehicle. The method may include receiving vehicle data and / or environmental data. The method may include modifying an existing seat operation profile or creating a new one based on the vehicle and / or environmental data. The method may include arranging for the modified or new seat operation profile to be presented to a user.

[0008] In another respect, the present disclosure relates to a seat actuation system. The system may comprise a seat and an actuator functionally connected to the seat. The system may comprise one or more processors functionally connected to the actuator. The one or more processors may be programmed to initiate executable operations. The executable operations may include receiving vehicle data and / or environmental data. The executable operations may include modifying a seat actuation profile or creating a new seat actuation profile based on the vehicle data and / or environmental data. The executable operations may include causing the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile to be presented to a user. Brief description of the illustrations Fig. 1 is an example of a seat. Fig. 2 is an example of a system for operating a seat. Fig. 3 is an example of a seat actuation system for connected vehicles. Fig. 4A is an example of a first seat actuation method. Fig. 4B is an example of a second seat actuation method. Fig. 5 is an example of a user interface for seat actuators. Fig. 6A-6C are a first example of a seat actuator. Fig. 7A-7B are a second example of a seat actuator. Fig. 8A-8B are a third example of a seat actuator. Fig. 9 is a fourth example of a seat actuator. Detailed description

[0009] Vehicle seats that offer a haptic effect, such as a massage, typically do not provide much flexibility in terms of haptic output. Consequently, the experience is not tailored to the user. According to the arrangements described herein, seat operation profiles can be customized, thereby providing an improved user experience. There are several ways in which such customization can be provided. For example, customization can be performed locally (e.g., on board a vehicle) based on user data from a specific user or based on vehicle data. An existing seat operation profile can be modified, or a new seat operation profile can be created based on user or vehicle data. The modified or new seat operation profile can then be presented to the user.Alternatively, individual customization can be performed remotely, for example, via a remote server or other remote computing system, with reference to a group of users. For instance, an aspect of one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences of one or more users can be identified. A seat operation profile can then be presented to a user based on the identified aspect.

[0010] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to apply the aspects disclosed herein in various ways in virtually any suitable detailed structure. Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows various embodiments, but these embodiments are not limited to the structure or application shown.

[0011] It is recognized that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, reference numerals have been repeated in the various figures where appropriate to denote corresponding or analogous elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can also be realized without these specific details.

[0012] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 is an example of a Seat 100. In one or more arrangements, the Seat 100 can be a vehicle seat. The Seat 100 can be any type of vehicle seat currently known or subsequently developed. The Seat 100 can be intended for any vehicle occupants, for example, a driver and / or a passenger. The seat is described herein with reference to a vehicle seat, but it is recognized that the arrangements are not limited to vehicle seats. In fact, the Seat 100 can be an office chair, a chair, a massage chair, a gaming chair, a recliner, or any other seating structure currently known or subsequently developed.

[0013] The seat 100 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the seat 100 can include a back section 112 and a seat section 114. The back section 112 and / or the seat section 114 can include cushions. In some arrangements, the seat 100 can include a headrest 116 and / or armrests.

[0014] The seat 100 can comprise one or more seat actuators 120. The one or more seat actuators 120 can be operatively or functionally positioned with respect to one or more surfaces or sections of the seat 100. The one or more surfaces can correspond to a surface of the back section 112, the seat section 114, a padding of the back section 112, a padding of the seat section 114, the headrest 116, an armrest, or any combination or subset thereof.

[0015] In some arrangements, a single seat actuator 120 may be connected to the seat 100. In some arrangements, there may be multiple seat actuators 120 connected to the seat 100. The seat actuator(s) 120 may be operationally connected to the seat 100. In one or more arrangements, the seat actuator(s) 120 may be located within a section of the seat 100. For example, the seat actuator(s) 120 may be located within the backrest section 112, the seat section 114, the upholstery of the backrest section 112, the upholstery of the seat section 114, the headrest 116, one or more armrests, or any combination or subset thereof.When actuated, the seat actuators 120 can cause the surfaces or sections of the seat 100 to transform into a different configuration, and / or the seat actuators 120 can provide a physical sensation to an occupant of the seat 100.

[0016] In arrangements where a plurality of seat actuators 120 are present, the plurality of seat actuators 120 may be substantially identical to one another. Alternatively, one or more of the seat actuators 120 may differ from the other seat actuators 120 in one or more respects, such as size, shape, configuration, actuation effect, etc. The plurality of seat actuators 120 may be distributed in any suitable manner with respect to the relevant section of the seat 100. In some cases, the plurality of seat actuators 120 may be arranged in one or more rows and / or one or more columns. In some cases, the plurality of seat actuators 120 may be arranged in several discrete areas, which may or may not be spaced apart from one another.

[0017] The seat actuator(s) 120 can be any element or combination of elements that can be actuated to modify, adapt, and / or change one or more surfaces or sections of the seat 100. Fig. 1. The seat actuators 120 are generally represented by a rectangular feature. It is understood that the seat actuators 120 can be any suitable type of actuator currently known or subsequently developed.

[0018] In some arrangements, the seat actuators 120 may include a contraction element. When an activation input is provided to the contraction element, the contraction element may contract, causing the seat actuator(s) 120 to transition to an activated configuration in which the actuator height increases. In some arrangements, the contraction element may be a shape memory material element, which may include shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers. As an example, the contraction element may be a shape memory alloy wire. Various non-restrictive examples of suitable actuators are given in the Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 are shown and are described in more detail below.

[0019] The term "shape memory material" encompasses materials that change their shape when an activation input is provided to the shape memory material, and when the activation input is interrupted, the material essentially returns to its original shape. Examples of shape memory materials include shape memory alloys (SMAs) and shape memory polymers (SMPs).

[0020] In one or more arrangements, the shape memory material elements can be shape memory wire(s). For example, the shape memory material elements can be shape memory alloy wires. When an activation input (i.e., heat) is provided to the shape memory alloy wire(s), the wire(s) can contract. The shape memory alloy wire(s) can be heated in any suitable manner currently known or subsequently developed. For example, the shape memory alloy wire(s) can be heated by the Joule effect by passing an electric current through the wires. In some cases, arrangements can be provided to cool the shape memory alloy wire(s) when necessary to facilitate the return of the wire(s) to a non-activated configuration.

[0021] The wire(s) can have any suitable properties. For example, the wire(s) can be high-temperature wires with austenitic terminal temperatures of approximately 80°C to approximately 110°C. The wire(s) can have any suitable diameter. For example, the wire(s) can have a diameter of approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, or approximately 0.375 mm to approximately 0.5 mm. In some configurations, the wire(s) can have a stiffness of up to approximately 70 gigapascals. The tensile strength of SMA wire(s) can range from approximately 150 MPa to approximately 400 MPa. The wire(s) can be configured to provide an initial torque of approximately 300 to approximately 600 N·mm, or more than approximately 500 N·mm, where the unit Newton millimeter (N·mm) is a unit of torque (also called moment) in the SI system.One newton-meter corresponds to the torque produced by a force of one newton acting perpendicularly on the end of a lever arm one meter long. In various aspects, the wire(s) can be configured to undergo phase transitions, causing the shape memory material elements to move from the inactive position to an activated position in approximately 3 seconds or less, approximately 2 seconds or less, approximately 1 second or less, or approximately 0.5 seconds or less.

[0022] The wire(s) can be made from any suitable shape memory material currently known or subsequently developed. Different materials can be used to achieve varying balances, properties, characteristics, and / or qualities. For example, an SMA wire can be nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti or Nitinol). One example of a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is FLEXINOL, available from Dynaolloy, Inc., Irvine, California. As another example, the SMA wires can be made from Cu-Al-Ni, Fe-Mn-Si, or Cu-Zn-Al.

[0023] The SMA wire can be configured in such a way that it can withstand a phase change, for example by heating to a phase transition temperature T. SMAThe intrinsic property of SMA wires can be utilized by applying heat, for example, by passing an electric current through the SMA wire. The heat generated by the electrical resistance induces a phase or crystal structure transformation (i.e., twinned martensite, untwinned martensite, and austenite), resulting in an elongation or shortening of the SMA wire. In some implementations, the SMA wire may experience a reduction in length of approximately 2 to 8 percent, or from approximately 3 to 6 percent, and in certain aspects, approximately 3.5 percent, during the phase change when heated from a temperature below T SMA to a temperature above T SMA is heated.

[0024] Other active materials can also be used in conjunction with the arrangements described herein. For example, other shape memory materials can also be used. Shape memory materials, a class of active materials sometimes referred to as smart materials, comprise materials or compositions that have the ability to remember their original shape, which can then be restored by applying an external stimulus, such as an activation signal.

[0025] Although the shape memory material elements are described as wires in some implementations, it is understood that the shape memory material elements are not limited to wires. In fact, suitable shape memory materials are intended to be used in a variety of other forms, such as films, sheets, panels, strips, cables, tubes, or combinations thereof. In some arrangements, the shape memory material elements may include an insulating coating.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a system 200 for actuating the seat 100. In some arrangements, the system 200 can be used in conjunction with a vehicle. As used herein, "vehicle" means any form of transportation, including motorized or powered transportation. In one or more implementations, the vehicle may be an automobile. Although arrangements relating to automobiles are described herein, it is understood that the embodiments are not limited to automobiles. In some implementations, the vehicle may be a watercraft, an aircraft, a spacecraft, or any other form of transportation.

[0027] System 200 can comprise various elements. Some of the possible elements of System 200 are: Fig. 2 are shown and will now be described. It is understood that System 200 does not include all of them. Fig. must have 2 elements shown or described herein. System 200 can be any combination of the different elements shown in Fig. The system can include 200 additional elements beyond those shown. Fig. exhibit the elements shown in 2. In some arrangements, the system 200 may contain one or more of the elements shown. Fig. The elements shown in Figure 2 do not include the vehicle. While the various elements may be located on or inside a vehicle, it is further understood that one or more of these elements may be located outside the vehicle. Such elements are therefore not located on or inside the vehicle, nor are they otherwise carried by the vehicle. Furthermore, the depicted elements may be physically far apart. In fact, one or more of the elements may be located remotely from the vehicle, for example, on a remote server or a cloud-based server.

[0028] In addition to the seat 100 and the seat actuator(s) 120, the system 200 may include one or more processors 210, one or more data storage devices 220, one or more sensors 230, one or more power sources 240, one or more input interfaces 250, one or more output interfaces 255, one or more transceivers 260, one or more personal devices 270, one or more vehicle systems, and / or one or more control modules 280. Each of these elements is described in turn below.

[0029] As stated above, the System 200 may include one or more Processors 210. "Processor" means any component or group of components configured to execute any of the processes described herein or any form of instruction to execute or cause such processes to be executed. The Processor(s) 210 may be implemented with one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more specialized processors. Examples of suitable processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, DSP processors, and other circuits capable of executing software.Other examples of suitable processors include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an array processor, a vector processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic circuits, and a controller. The processor(s) 210 may include at least one hardware circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit) configured to execute instructions contained in program code. In arrangements containing multiple processors 210, these processors may operate independently, or one or more processors may operate in combination.

[0030] The system 200 may include one or more data storage devices 220 for storing one or more types of data. The data storage device(s) 220 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Examples of suitable data storage devices 220 include RAM (random access memory), flash memory, ROM (read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), registers, magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, or any other suitable storage medium or combination thereof. The data storage device(s) 220 may be a component of the processor(s) 210, or the data storage device(s) 220 may be operationally connected to the processor(s) 210 for use by the processor(s). The term "operational" or "operational" means“Functionally connected”, as used in this description, can include direct or indirect connections, including connections without direct physical contact.

[0031] In some configurations, the data storage device(s) 220 can store one or more actuation profiles 222. The actuation profile(s) 222 can include instructions for activating one or more seat actuators 120 in a specified manner. The actuation profile(s) 222 can include activation patterns, activation sequences, activation zones, activation ranges, activation times, activation of individual actuators or groups of actuators, etc. The actuation profile(s) 222 can be created by an end user, a seat manufacturer, a vehicle manufacturer, or another entity (e.g., a wellness or medical provider, a service provider, or a company). In some cases, one or more actuation profiles 222 can be received from a remote source.In some arrangements, one or more activity profiles 222 may be associated with a particular health condition or state or context of a seat occupant.

[0032] In one or more configurations, the data storage device(s) can store user data. The user data may include user preferences relating to the seat actuators. Such preferences may include likes and / or dislikes relating to a particular operating profile or part of an operating profile. Such preferences may include preferred intensity, duration, areas, times, patterns, and / or other factors relating to the seat actuators. The preferences may include areas to be avoided. The user data may include a history of a user's operating profile usage or a history of a massage profile. The user data may include user context data.

[0033] In one or more configurations, the data store(s) 220 may store user health data 226. The user health data 226 may include conditions, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, etc. The user health data 226 may be general health-related data and / or data relating to a specific user. In one or more configurations, the data store(s) 220 may store health thresholds, profiles, and / or preferences. In one or more configurations, the data store(s) 220 may store user biodata or user health data obtained from one or more elements of the system 200.

[0034] System 200 can include one or more sensors 230. "Sensor" means any device, component, and / or system capable of detecting, determining, evaluating, monitoring, measuring, quantifying, acquiring, and / or perceiving. The one or more sensors can detect, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, acquire, and / or perceive in real time. As used herein, the term "real time" refers to a degree of responsiveness of processing that a user or system perceives as sufficiently immediate for a particular process or determination to be made, or that enables the processor to keep pace with an external process.

[0035] In configurations where the system 200 comprises a plurality of sensors 230, the sensors can operate independently of one another. Alternatively, two or more of the sensors can operate in combination. In such a case, the two or more sensors can form a sensor network. The sensor(s) 230 can operatively interact with the processor(s) 210, the data storage(s) 220, and / or other elements of the system 200 (including all elements that are in Fig. 1 are shown) are connected.

[0036] The sensor(s) 230 may comprise any suitable sensor type currently known or subsequently developed. The sensor(s) 230 may comprise one or more seat occupant sensors 232. The seat occupant sensor(s) 232 may comprise one or more biosensors, which may be configured to acquire biodata of a user (i.e., a human being). Biodata includes all biological data, biomarkers, physiological data, and / or psychological data that can be analyzed to determine a user's condition or state, such as a level of comfort or health. Non-limiting examples of biodata may include, for example, sweat glucose (for monitoring blood sugar), blood pressure, galvanic skin response (for measuring arousal level), and sodium and potassium (for measuring dehydration).In some arrangements, the biosensor(s) can be configured to obtain biodata through direct contact with a part of a person's body, for example, a section of a person's hand, finger, or thumb.

[0037] The sensor(s) 230 can comprise one or more vehicle sensors 234. The vehicle sensor(s) 234 can be configured to acquire, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, and / or detect information about a vehicle itself (e.g., position, orientation, speed, direction of travel, etc.). In one or more arrangements, the vehicle sensors 234 can comprise one or more vehicle speed sensors, one or more steering angle sensors, and / or one or more accelerometers. The vehicle speed sensors can be any currently known or subsequently developed sensors configured to acquire, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, and / or detect the speed of a vehicle.The steering angle sensors can be any currently known or subsequently developed sensors configured to detect, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, and / or detect the steering wheel position angle and / or the rotational speed of a vehicle. The accelerometers can include any currently known or subsequently developed sensors configured to detect, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, and / or detect any information or data concerning acceleration forces to which a vehicle or vehicle occupants are subjected, including lateral acceleration forces.

[0038] The sensor(s) 230 may include one or more environmental sensors 236 configured to capture, determine, evaluate, monitor, measure, quantify, obtain, and / or detect environmental data. Environmental data may include external environmental data and / or internal environmental data. “External environmental data” includes data or information about the external environment in which a vehicle or one or more sections thereof are located. Some non-limiting examples of the environmental sensor(s) 236 configured to obtain external environmental data may include one or more cameras, one or more radar sensors, one or more lidar sensors, one or more sonar sensors, and / or one or more distance sensors.

[0039] Other non-restrictive examples of the environmental sensor(s) 236, configured to obtain external environmental data, may include one or more weather sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more air particle sensors, one or more air quality sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more wind speed sensors, one or more wind angle sensors, one or more wind direction sensors, one or more rain sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more light sensors, one or more anemometers, one or more hygrometers, one or more barometers, one or more fog sensors, one or more visibility sensors, one or more motion sensors and / or one or more cameras, to name just a few examples.

[0040] “Internal environmental data” includes data or information about the environment within a vehicle (e.g., the cabin) or one or more sections thereof. In one or more arrangements, non-limiting examples of the environmental sensor(s) 236, configured to obtain internal environmental data, may include one or more ambient noise sensors, one or more microphones, one or more temperature sensors, one or more air particle sensors, one or more air quality sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or more moisture sensors, one or more light sensors, and / or one or more cameras, to name only a few examples.

[0041] As stated above, the system 200 can include one or more power sources 240. The power source(s) 240 can be any power source capable of and / or configured to supply power to the seat actuator(s) 120, as described below. For example, the power source(s) 240 can include one or more batteries, one or more fuel cells, one or more generators, one or more AC generators, one or more solar cells, and combinations thereof. The power source(s) 240 can be any suitable source of electrical energy.

[0042] The system 200 can include one or more input interfaces 250. An "input interface" comprises any device, component, system, element, or arrangement or group thereof that enables the input of information / data into a machine. The input interface(s) 250 can receive input from a vehicle occupant (e.g., a driver or a passenger). Any suitable input interface 250 can be used, including, for example, a keyboard, a gesture recognition interface, a speech recognition interface, a display, a touchscreen, a multi-touchscreen, a button, a joystick, a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] The System 200 may include one or more output interfaces 255. An "output interface" comprises any device, component, system, element, or arrangement, or groups thereof, that enable information / data to be presented or displayed to a vehicle occupant (e.g., a person, a vehicle occupant, etc.). The output interface(s) 255 may present information / data to a vehicle occupant. The output interface(s) 255 may include a display. Alternatively or additionally, the output interface(s) 255 may include headphones and / or a speaker. Some components of the System 200 may function as both an input interface 250 component and an output interface 255 component.

[0044] The System 200 can include one or more Transceivers 260. As used herein, "transceiver" is defined as a component or group of components that transmits signals, receives signals, or transmits and receives signals, whether wirelessly or via a hard-wired connection. The Transceiver(s) 260 can enable communication between the System 200 (and / or vehicle), a personal device, a vehicle, and / or other elements of a larger system. The Transceiver(s) 260 can be any suitable transceiver(s) used to access a network, access point, node, or other device for sending and receiving data. The Transceiver(s) 260 can be wireless transceiver(s) using any of the numerous wireless technologies currently known or hereafter developed.

[0045] System 200 may include one or more personal devices 270. The personal device(s) 270 may include any currently known or subsequently developed portable device worn or carried by a person. Examples of personal device(s) 270 may include a telephone (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, etc.), a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a computer (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, a phablet, etc.), a fitness tracker, a sleep monitor, an activity tracker, a handheld device with wireless connectivity capability, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, a sleep quality monitor, a wellness monitor, a stair-climbing monitor, a step counter, an entertainment device (e.g., an audio or video device), and / or any other portable computing device.In one or more configurations, the personal device(s) 270 can be configured to be worn by a user. For example, the personal device(s) 270 can be a smartwatch, smart glasses, smart jewelry (e.g., necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.), smart contact lenses, and / or smart clothing (e.g., a shirt, hat, or other garment suitable for wireless communication). Any suitable application software or computer program can run on the personal device(s) 270. The personal device(s) 270 can be configured to communicate with the vehicle via a wireless medium.

[0046] The Personal Device(s) 270 may include one or more currently known or subsequently developed sensors to collect data about a person associated with the Personal Device(s) 270. In one or more configurations, the Personal Device(s) 270 (or a program running on it) may be configured to monitor a user's sleep. In some cases, the Personal Device(s) 270 may be configured to assign a sleep rating or score to the user based on an analysis of the user's sleep. The Personal Device(s) 270 may be configured to monitor a user's lifestyle and / or activities. For example, the Personal Device(s) 270 may be configured to track a user's location and / or movement.For example, the personal device(s) 270 can detect that a user has been on a flight or is suffering from jet lag. The personal device(s) 270 can be configured to monitor a user's activities, such as gym visits, workouts, etc. In some cases, the personal device(s) 270 can use a map application or calendar entry to determine a user's current or past location. This and other data can be considered user context data, which may include any information about a user that could be useful for tailoring an activity profile to that user.

[0047] System 200 may comprise one or more vehicle systems 275. Examples of the one or more vehicle systems 275 include, for example, a powertrain system, a braking system, a steering system, a throttle system, a transmission system, a signaling system, an infotainment system, a safety system, a communication system, and / or a navigation system, to name only a few. The safety system may include a lane departure warning system, an advanced driver assistance system, a collision avoidance system, an adaptive or autonomous cruise control system, an airbag system, a blind spot warning system, a blind spot monitoring system, a rearview camera system, a lane keeping assist system, and / or any other safety-related system currently known or subsequently developed. The vehicle system(s) 275 may collect data about their usage, performance, and / or other data.This data can be used according to the arrangements described here.

[0048] Each of these systems may comprise one or more mechanisms, devices, elements, components, systems, and / or combinations thereof, whether currently known or subsequently developed. System 200, however, may include more, fewer, and / or different vehicle systems. It should be recognized that, although certain vehicle systems are defined separately, any or all of the systems or sections thereof may be combined or separated in other ways via hardware and / or software within a vehicle.

[0049] System 200 may comprise one or more modules, at least some of which are described herein. The modules may be implemented as computer-readable program code which, when executed by a processor, implements one or more of the various processes described herein. One or more of the modules may be a component of the processor(s) 210, or one or more of the modules may be executed on and / or distributed to other processing systems with which the processor(s) 210 is / are operationally connected. The modules may comprise instructions (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by one or more processors 210. Alternatively or additionally, one or more data stores 220 may contain such instructions. In some arrangements, the module(s) may be located remotely from the other elements of System 200.

[0050] In one or more configurations, the modules described herein may include elements of artificial or computational intelligence, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, or other machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the modules in one or more configurations may be distributed across a plurality of modules. In one or more configurations, two or more of the modules described herein may be combined into a single module.

[0051] The system 200 can comprise one or more control modules 280. The control module(s) 280 can include profiles and logic for controlling the seat actuators 120. The control module(s) 280 can use profiles, parameters, or settings that are loaded into the control module(s) 280 and / or stored in the data memory(s) 220, such as the actuation profiles 222. In some configurations, the control module(s) 280 can be located remotely from the other elements of the system 200, for example, on a remote server, a cloud-based server, or an edge server.

[0052] The control module(s) 280 can be configured to cause one or more of the seat actuators 120 to be activated or deactivated. As used herein, "causes" or "causes" means to bring about, force, compel, order, command, instruct, and / or enable an event or action to occur, either directly or indirectly, or at least to bring about a state in which such an event or action may occur.

[0053] For example, the control module(s) 280 can cause the seat actuators 120 to be selectively activated or deactivated in some suitable manner. If the seat actuators 120 include a shape memory material element, for instance, the shape memory material element can be heated by the Joule effect by passing an electric current through the shape memory material element. For this purpose, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to selectively allow, restrict, adjust, modify, and / or prevent the flow of electrical energy or power from the power source(s) 240 (or any other form of energy from any other suitable source) to the one or more shape memory material elements of the seat actuators 120.The control module(s) 280 can be configured to send control signals or commands via the communication network 290 to the shape memory material elements or to other elements of the system 200.

[0054] The control module(s) 280 can be configured to activate or deactivate the seat actuators 120 based on various events, conditions, inputs, or other factors. For example, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to activate or deactivate the seat actuators 120 based on user input. A user can provide input via the input interface(s) 250. The input can be a command to implement one of the actuation profiles 222. The input can be a command to activate or deactivate the seat actuators 120 based on a previously used actuation profile or a default / standard actuation profile. In some cases, the input can be a newly defined actuation profile.

[0055] In some configurations, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to activate or deactivate the seat actuators 120 based on a suggested actuation profile. The suggested actuation profile can be provided by System 200 or a remote system (e.g., System 300 - see [reference]). Fig. 3) be received. The proposed operating profile can be implemented automatically by the control module(s) 280. Alternatively, the control module(s) 280 can request the user's consent to implement the proposed operating profile. In some cases, the user can provide feedback on the proposed operating profile by entering input via the input interface(s) 250. The feedback can include the user's evaluation or opinion of the proposed operating profile as a whole or of one or more parts of the proposed operating profile. In some cases, the user can provide feedback in the form of "like" or "dislike" or in another suitable form based on the current sensation provided by the seat actuators 120. Such input can be stored in the user data 224 in the data storage device(s) 220.

[0056] In some configurations, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to determine a suitable action for the seat actuators 120. The control module(s) 280 may be configured to do this in any suitable way. For example, the control module(s) 280 may analyze a user's activity profile history, user preferences, user context data, or other user data. Based on these and / or other sources, the control module(s) 280 may select, create, or predict an activity profile that might be suitable for the user.

[0057] In other configurations, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to determine a suitable action for the seat actuators 120 based on the user's health status, constitution, user context data, or other data. For example, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to analyze data or information obtained from the sensor(s) 130 (e.g., the seat occupant sensor(s) 232) to select, create, or predict an actuation profile that might be suitable for the user. In this way, the configurations described herein can support a user's well-being.

[0058] The control module(s) 280 may include profiles and logic for determining a user's health status or condition. In particular, the control module(s) 280 may include profiles and logic for determining a user's health status or condition with respect to things that can be treated, alleviated, or supported in some way by the effect of the seat actuators 120 (e.g., a massage effect). The control module(s) 280 may be configured to do this in any suitable way. For example, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to analyze user data obtained from the seat occupant sensor(s) 232 and / or the personal device(s) 270. In some cases, the control module(s) 280 may consider other inputs, such as...User inputs provided via the input interface(s) 250. The control module(s) 280 can retrieve raw data from the seat occupant sensor(s) 232 and / or from the data storage device(s) 220. The control module(s) 280 can also retrieve medical data from any suitable data source, for example, from the data storage device(s) 220 (e.g., the user health data 226) and / or from one or more remote sources of medical data or information.

[0059] The control module(s) 280 can analyze the user data acquired by the sensor(s) 230 to determine a health status or condition. For example, the control module(s) 280 can compare the acquired user data with a library of health statuses or conditions (e.g., user health data 226) to determine which health status(s) the user may have and / or to rule out which health status(s) the user does not have or is not in. Furthermore, the control module(s) 280 can compare the acquired user data with symptoms of various health statuses or conditions. The control module(s) 280 can be configured to use big data to determine a health status.

[0060] In some configurations, user data may include weight, glucose level, blood pressure, alertness, drowsiness, etc. If no health condition is detected, the control module(s) 280 cannot take any action. Furthermore, if a health condition is detected but cannot be corrected, alleviated, or improved by the seat actuators 120, the control module(s) 280 cannot take any action. In such a case, however, the control module(s) 280 can alert the user to the detected health condition.If a health condition or state is detected, especially if it is one that can be remedied, alleviated or improved by the seat actuators 120, the control module(s) 280 can determine a suitable operating profile to facilitate or improve the detected health condition or state.

[0061] In some configurations, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to analyze user context data obtained from the personal device(s) 270. For example, the control module(s) 280 may determine that the user has recently been to the gym and may be able to determine which body parts the user has exercised. In such a case, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to apply a massage effect to the exercised areas and / or provide a reduced-intensity massage effect to these areas. As another example, the control module(s) 280 may determine that the user has recently taken a long flight (e.g., an international flight or a flight of a predetermined duration).In such a case, the control module(s) 280 can determine an actuation profile to provide the user with a massage effect in areas of the body that are likely to be sore or tense due to a long flight.

[0062] In one or more configurations, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to display a warning to the user based on the detected health condition or status, if warranted. In one or more configurations described herein, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to activate the output interface(s) 255 and / or another component of the system 200 to provide a warning. The warning may be of any type, including, for example, a visual, audible, or haptic warning. The content of the warning and / or the manner in which it is displayed to the user may vary depending on the urgency of a detected health condition.

[0063] In some configurations, the control module(s) 280 can be configured to control the seat actuators 120 based on vehicle data received from the vehicle sensor(s) 234, environmental data received from the environmental sensor(s) 236, and / or data received from the vehicle system(s) 275. The control module(s) 280 can be configured to implement this in any suitable way. For example, the control module(s) 280 can analyze the vehicle data, the environmental data, and / or the data from the vehicle system(s) 275 to select, create, or predict an actuation profile that may be suitable for the user.In some arrangements, the control module(s) 280 may be configured to select, create, or predict an operating profile that may be suitable for the user, using user data and one or more data from the vehicle data, the environment data, and / or the data from the vehicle system(s) 275.

[0064] The various elements of System 200 may be communicatively connected to one or more communication networks 290 or to one or more other elements. As used herein, the term “communicatively connected” may include direct or indirect connections via a communication channel, bus, path, or other component or system. A “communication network” means one or more components designed to transmit and / or receive information from one source to another. The data storage device(s) 220 and / or one or more other elements of System 200 may include and / or execute suitable communication software that enables the various elements to communicate with one another via the communication network and to perform the functions disclosed herein.

[0065] The one or more communication networks 290 can be implemented without restriction as a Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), wireless network, mobile network, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Internet, hardwired communication bus and / or one or more intranets. The communication network may also be implemented as or comprise one or more wireless networks, regardless of whether it is short-range (e.g., a local wireless network using Bluetooth or one of the IEEE 802 wireless communication protocols, e.g., 802.11a / b / g / i, 802.15, 802.16, 802.20, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), or WPA2) or long-range (e.g., a mobile, cellular, and / or satellite-based wireless network; GSM, TDMA, CDMA, WCDMA networks, or the like).The communication network can include wired communication links and / or wireless communication links. The communication network can include any combination of the aforementioned networks and / or other types of networks.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 is an example of a seat actuation system 300. Some of the possible elements of the seat actuation system 300 are shown in Fig. 3 are shown and will now be described. It is understood that the 300 seat actuation system does not include all of the above. Fig. The seat actuation system 300 must include the elements shown or described herein. It may comprise one or more servers 310, one or more connected vehicles 320, one or more connected personal devices 325, one or more processors 330, one or more data storage devices 340, and one or more actuation modules 350.

[0067] The various elements of the 300 seat actuation system can be interconnected via one or more 360 ​​communication networks. The 360 ​​communication network(s) can include, but are not limited to, a wide-area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, a cellular network, a virtual private network (VPN), the internet, and / or one or more internal networks. Furthermore, the 360 ​​communication network(s) can be implemented as or include one or more wireless networks, whether short-range or long-range. For example, with regard to short-range wireless networks, the 360 ​​communication network(s) can include a local wireless network using Bluetooth or one of the IEEE 802 wireless communication protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g / i, 802.15, 802.16, or 802.11c.20, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2. With regard to wireless wide-area networks, the Communications Network(s) 360 may include a mobile, cellular, and / or satellite-based wireless network and support voice, video, text, and / or any combination thereof. Examples of wireless wide-area networks may include GSM, TDMA, CDMA, WCDMA networks, or the like. The Communications Network(s) 360 may include wired communication links and / or wireless communication links. The Communications Network(s) 360 may include any combination of the aforementioned networks and / or other types of networks. The Communications Network(s) 360 may include one or more routers, switches, access points, wireless access points, and / or the like.In one or more configurations, the communication network(s) 360 may include a Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Cloud (V2C) or Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology that enables communication between the connected vehicle(s) 320 and / or the server(s) 310.

[0068] One or more elements of the seat actuation system 300 comprise and / or can execute suitable communication software that enables two or more of the elements to communicate with each other via the communication network(s) 360 and to perform the functions disclosed herein.

[0069] As stated above, the seat actuation system 300 can comprise one or more servers 310. The server(s) 310 can be located remotely from the connected vehicle(s) 320 and / or the connected units 140. The server(s) 310 can be any currently known or subsequently developed server type. In some configurations, the server(s) 310 can be one or more cloud-based servers or edge servers. The server(s) 310 can communicate with the connected vehicles 320 via the communication network(s) 360.

[0070] The connected vehicle(s) 320 will now be described in more detail. The term “vehicle” means any form of motorized transport currently known or subsequently developed. Non-restrictive examples of vehicles include automobiles, motorcycles, flying cars, or any other form of motorized transport. While arrangements are described herein in connection with land-based vehicles, it should be noted that the arrangements are not limited to land-based vehicles. In fact, some arrangements may involve water-, air-, or space-based vehicles.The connected vehicle(s) 320 can be operated manually by a human driver, semi-autonomously by a combination of manual input from a human driver and autonomous input from one or more vehicle computers, fully autonomously by one or more vehicle computers, or by any combination thereof. The connected vehicle(s) 320 is / are "connected" in that it is communicatively coupled to the server(s) 310, the processor(s) 330, and / or the actuation module(s) 350. Each of the connected vehicles 320 can perform the various functions described in... Fig. comprise 2 of the elements shown, or any subset thereof.

[0071] The associated personal device(s) 325 can be used by anyone in connection with Fig. The personal devices 270 described in section 2 are "connected" in that they are communicatively coupled with the server(s) 310, the processor(s) 330 and / or the actuation module(s) 350.

[0072] As stated above, the seat actuation system 300 can comprise one or more processors 330 and one or more data storage devices 340. The preceding discussion of the processor(s) 210 and the data storage device(s) 220 in conjunction with Fig. 2 applies equally to the processor(s) 330 and the data storage device(s) 340. In some configurations, the processor(s) 330 and / or the data storage device(s) 340 may be part of the server(s) 310.

[0073] The seat actuation system 300 can comprise one or more actuation modules 350. The actuation module(s) 350 can be implemented as computer-readable program code which, when executed by a processor, implements one or more of the various processes described herein. The actuation module(s) 350 and / or the data storage device(s) 340 can be components of the processor(s) 330 and / or the server(s) 310. In one or more arrangements, the actuation module(s) 350 and / or the data storage device(s) 340 can be stored on, retrieved from, and / or executed on the processor(s) 330 and / or the server(s) 310.In one or more configurations, the actuation module(s) 350 and / or the data storage device(s) 340 can be executed on and / or distributed across other processing systems with which the processor(s) 330 and / or the server(s) 310 are communicatively connected. In one or more configurations, the actuation module(s) 350 can include elements of artificial or computational intelligence, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, or other machine learning algorithms.

[0074] The actuation module(s) 350 can contain instructions (e.g., program logic) that can be executed by a processor. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the data stores 340 can contain such instructions. Such instructions can include instructions for performing various functions and / or for sending data to, receiving data from, interacting with, and / or controlling one or more elements of the seat actuation system 300. Such instructions can enable the various elements of the seat actuation system 300 to communicate via the communication network(s) 360.

[0075] The actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to receive an actuation profile 322, user preferences 324, other data relating to the use of the seat actuators, or any combination thereof, from the connected vehicle(s) 320. These elements can be automatically sent from the connected vehicle(s) 320 to the actuation module(s) 350 in response to a user command, in response to a request sent by the actuation module(s), or at any other time.

[0076] The actuation profile(s) 322, user preferences 324, and other data relating to the use of the seat actuators received from the connected vehicle(s) 320 may be used for any appropriate purpose. In some cases, the actuation profile(s) 322, the user preference(s) 324, the user context data 327, and / or other data relevant to the use of the seat actuators may be stored in the data storage device(s) 340 for later review and / or analysis.

[0077] The actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to analyze the actuation profile(s) 322, the user preference(s) 324, the user context data 327, and / or other data related to the use of the seat actuators. In some cases, the actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to analyze the received data to capture and / or identify aspects within it. These aspects may include patterns, popularity, trends, averages, or other statistical measures or noteworthy features. The actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to perform statistical analyses of the data.

[0078] The actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to link information about the connected vehicle(s) 320 and / or the occupant(s) of the connected vehicle(s) 320 and to link such information with the received actuation profile(s) 322, the user preferences 324, and other data relating to the use of the seat actuators. For example, the actuation module(s) 350 can be configured to track which actuation profiles and / or user preferences are used in connection with a specific make, model, year of manufacture, and / or manufacturer of the connected vehicle(s) 320.As another example, the Activity Module(s) 350 may be configured to track which activity profile(s) and / or user preferences are used in connection with a particular user, comprehensively based on age, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, health status, and / or other factors. In some configurations, the Activity Module(s) 350 may be configured to capture, identify, and / or tag an activity profile of celebrities or famous people.

[0079] Based on the data received by the actuation module(s) 350, the actuation module(s) 350 can send an actuation message 315 and / or a suggested actuation profile 317 to one or more of the connected vehicles 320. For example, the actuation message 315 can indicate that a certain famous person uses and / or has created a particular actuation profile. The actuation message 315 can include the actuation profile (e.g., the suggested actuation profile 317) so that the occupant(s) of the connected vehicle(s) 320 can decide whether to try the profile. In some cases, the actuation module(s) 350 can send the suggested actuation profile 317 to one or more connected vehicles (e.g., all connected vehicles or any subset thereof) for implementation, either automatically or in response to user permission.

[0080] As another example, the activation message 315 and / or the suggested activation profile 317 can present an activation profile that is trending among a group of users, or they can present the most popular profile in a population of users. These messages can refer to a general population or to a specific segment or part of the general population. For example, the activation message 315 and / or the suggested activation profile 317 can be sent to connected vehicles 320 that are Toyota Prius vehicles, and the activation message 315 and / or the suggested activation profile 317 can present popular and / or trending activation profiles among Toyota Prius users.As another example, the activation message 315 and / or the suggested activity profile 317 can be sent to users within a specific age group or age range. For example, the activation message 315 and / or the suggested activity profile 317 can be sent to users in the 40-49 age group or another age group, indicating popular and / or trending activity profiles of users in the relevant age group.

[0081] In some arrangements, the actuation message 315 and / or the proposed actuation profile 317 may be an average actuation profile from the population of connected vehicles 320 or any subset thereof. In some arrangements, the actuation message 315 may be health-related. For example, the actuation message 315 and / or the proposed actuation profile 317 may present an actuation profile that is popular or trending among users with a particular health condition or status. In each of the above examples, the actuation message 315 and / or the proposed actuation profile 317 may be sent to relevant users based on information provided to the actuation module(s) 350 by the connected vehicle(s) 320, individual users, and / or individual users' personal devices.

[0082] In some cases, if a user creates a new operating profile that has not been created before, the system 300 can send an operating message 315 or the new operating profile to the connected vehicle(s) 320 to inform the occupant(s) about the new operating profile.

[0083] In some configurations, the activation message 315 and / or the proposed activation profile 317 can be presented to a user to decide whether or not to implement the profile. In other configurations, the activation message 315 and / or the proposed activation profile 317 can correspond to a command to the connected vehicle(s) 320 to automatically implement the activation profile. Any feedback from the user(s) can be sent to the activation module(s) 350.

[0084] The 350 activity module(s) can be configured to predict an activity profile for a user. This prediction can be made using user input, preferences, history, likes, dislikes, health information, biometric data, user context data, other information, and / or any combination thereof.

[0085] In some configurations, the Actuator Module(s) 350 can be configured to support user well-being. For example, the Actuator Module(s) 350 can cause an actuating profile to be created, modified, and / or implemented to support a user's well-being. For example, the Actuator Module(s) 350 can index an existing massage seat actuating profile based on the user's health, wellness, or well-being information, such as that obtained from the Personal Devices 270. For example, the Actuator Module(s) 350 can provide a sleep score for the user. Based on a user's sleep quality, the Actuator Module(s) 350 can modify an existing actuating profile and / or create a new actuating profile.

[0086] As another example, the Activity Module(s) 350 can understand a user's daily activities, for example, based on information received from the Personal Device(s) 270. For instance, if the Activity Module(s) 350 can detect that the user has just completed a long flight, it can recognize that the user is suffering from jet lag and modify an existing Activity Profile and / or create a new one to suit the user. Alternatively or additionally, the Activity Module(s) 350 can detect that certain areas of the body may be tense or painful as a result of such a long flight and modify an existing Activity Profile and / or create a new one to suit the user.

[0087] As another example, the Activity Module(s) 350 can recognize that a user has recently been to the gym. The Activity Module(s) 350 can even understand the type of activities the user performed at the gym. For example, the Activity Module(s) 350 can understand that the user lifted weights or focused on a specific area of ​​the body. The Activity Module(s) 350 can modify an existing activity profile by making it gentler for those areas of the body.

[0088] Having now described the various possible systems, devices, elements, and / or components of System 200, we will now describe various procedures. Several possible steps of such procedures will now be described. The described procedures may be applicable to the arrangements described above; however, it is understood that the procedures can also be carried out with other suitable systems and arrangements. Furthermore, the procedures may include additional steps not shown here, and indeed, the procedures are not limited to including every step shown. The blocks presented herein as part of the procedures are not restricted to a specific chronological order. In fact, some of the blocks may be executed in a different order than shown, and / or at least some of the blocks shown may occur simultaneously.

[0089] In Fig. Figure 4A is a first example of a method 400 for individual seat actuation. Block 410 can receive user data relating to a seat actuation profile. The user data can be received by the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280. The user data can also be received by the sensor(s) 230, the personal device(s) 270, and / or the input interface(s) 250. The method 400 can be continued with block 420.

[0090] In block 420, an existing seat operation profile can be modified or a new seat operation profile can be created based on user data. Such modification or creation can be performed by the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280. Procedure 400 can then be continued with block 430.

[0091] Block 430 can be configured to present the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to a user. This can be done by the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280. Presenting the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile can include displaying a message on the output interface(s) 255. The message can be presented visually on a display and / or via a speaker, for example. Alternatively or additionally, presenting the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile can include automatically implementing the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile.For example, the processor(s) and / or control module(s) 280 can selectively activate or deactivate one or more seat actuators according to the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. In some cases, the processor(s) and / or control module(s) 280 may request permission from a user to implement the modified existing seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile.

[0092] Procedure 400 can be terminated. Alternatively, procedure 400 can return to block 410 or to another block. Procedure 400 can be repeated at any suitable point, for example, at an appropriate time or upon the occurrence of a suitable event or condition. In some configurations, a user can provide feedback on the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile. For example, a user can indicate whether they like the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile in its entirety or with regard to one or more sections thereof. Such feedback can be provided via input interface(s) 250.

[0093] In Fig. Figure 4B shows a second example of a Method 450 for individual seat actuation. In Block 460, one or more seat actuation profiles and / or one or more seat actuation preferences can be received from one or more users. The seat actuation profile(s) and / or seat actuation preference(s) can be received by the processor(s) 330 and / or the actuation module(s) 350. The seat actuation profile(s) and / or seat actuation preference(s) can be received by the connected vehicle(s) 320 and / or the connected personal device(s) 325. Method 450 can be continued with Block 470.

[0094] Block 470 can identify an aspect of the seat actuation profile(s) and / or seat actuation preference(s). This identification can be performed by the server(s) 310, the processor(s) 330, and / or the actuation module(s) 350. The aspect can be identified with respect to all users or any subset thereof. For example, the aspect can be identified with respect to one or more users of a particular make, model, and / or vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, the aspect can be identified with respect to a specific user, such as a celebrity. The aspect can be a trending actuation profile or preference, a trending part of an actuation profile, a popular actuation profile or preference, an average actuation profile, or any other aspect.Procedure 450 can be continued with block 480.

[0095] Block 480 can be configured to present a seat actuation profile to a user based on the identified aspect. This can be initiated by the server(s) 310, the processor(s) 330, and / or the actuator module(s) 350. Presenting the seat actuation profile can include displaying a visual and / or audible message to the user. Alternatively or additionally, presenting the seat actuation profile can include automatically initiating its implementation. For example, the server(s) 310, the processor(s) 330, and / or the actuator module(s) 350 can selectively activate or deactivate one or more seat actuators according to the modified or new seat actuation profile.In some cases, the processor(s) and / or control module(s) 280 may request permission from a user to initiate the implementation of the modified existing seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile.

[0096] Procedure 400 can be terminated. Alternatively, procedure 400 can return to block 410 or to another block. Procedure 400 can be repeated at any suitable point, such as at an appropriate time or upon the occurrence of a suitable event or condition. In some configurations, a user can provide feedback on the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile. For example, a user can indicate whether they like the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile in its entirety or with regard to one or more parts of it. Such feedback can be provided via input interface(s) 250.

[0097] Procedure 450 can be terminated. Alternatively, procedure 450 can return to block 460 or to another block. Procedure 450 can be repeated at any suitable point, for example, at a suitable time or upon the occurrence of a suitable event or condition.

[0098] A third example of a method for individual seat actuation can be shown. Vehicle data and / or environmental data can be received from one or more sources. For example, the vehicle data can be received from the vehicle system(s) 275. As another example, the vehicle data can be received from the vehicle sensor(s) 234. Furthermore, the environmental data can be received from the environmental sensor(s) 236. The vehicle data and / or environmental data can be received from the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280.

[0099] An existing seat operation profile can be modified, or a new seat operation profile can be created based on vehicle and / or environmental data. Such modification or creation can be performed by the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280.

[0100] The modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile can be presented to a user. Such presentation can be initiated by the processor(s) and / or the control module(s) 280. Presenting the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile can include displaying a message on the output interface(s) 255. The message can be displayed, for example, visually on a screen and / or via a speaker. Alternatively or additionally, presenting the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile can include initiating an automatic implementation of the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile.For example, the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280 can selectively activate or deactivate one or more seat actuators 120 according to the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. In some cases, the processor(s) 210 and / or the control module(s) 280 can request permission from a user to implement the modified existing seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile.

[0101] The procedure can be terminated. Alternatively, the procedure can return to any point within the procedure. The procedure can be repeated at any suitable point, for example, at a suitable time or upon the occurrence of a suitable event or condition. In some configurations, a user can provide feedback on the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile. For example, a user can indicate whether they like the modified existing seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile in its entirety or with regard to one or more parts thereof. Such feedback can be provided via input interface(s) 250.

[0102] As stated above, the arrangements described herein can be customized by a user. For example, a user can define a new actuation profile or modify an existing one. A user can adjust a currently implemented actuation profile in real time. The arrangements described herein allow a user to program individual seat actuators 120 and / or multiple seat actuators 120. The arrangements described herein allow a user to define one or more programs, attributes, properties, and / or settings for individual seat actuators 120 or any grouping of multiple seat actuators 120. Such customization can be performed in various ways.

[0103] Fig. Figure 5 shows an example where a user interface is presented or displayed on a display 500. The display 500 can be part of the output interface(s) 255 and / or the input interface(s) 250 of the system 200. In one or more arrangements, the display 500 can be part of a vehicle infotainment system or head unit. In some arrangements, the display 500 can be part of another vehicle system, such as a navigation system, a vehicle radio or audio system, a reversing camera display, and / or another vehicle monitor. In one or more arrangements, the display 500 can be located in an interior front section of the vehicle. For example, the display 500 can be enclosed in a dashboard or instrument panel of the vehicle.It is obvious that the arrangements described herein can be individually adapted using other user interfaces, such as on the personal device(s) 270, a voice interface, a gesture interface, a multimedia system or device, etc. Thus, it is evident that there are numerous ways in which a user can interact with the various arrangements described herein.

[0104] The Display 500 can be any suitable type of display currently known or subsequently developed. In one or more configurations, the Display 500 can be a touchscreen display that allows a user to access or interact with one or more displayed elements, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) 510, and / or other applications running on any vehicle system, including those described herein, by touching the front display. For example, a user can make selections and / or move a cursor simply by tapping the Display 500 with a finger or stylus.

[0105] In the Fig. In the example shown, the GUI 510 can present a representation of at least part of the seat 520. A representation of a plurality of seat actuators 530 can be presented on the representation of the seat 520. The representation of the plurality of seat actuators 530 can correspond to the position of the seat actuators (e.g., seat actuators 120) that are linked to the seat (e.g., seat 100) of the vehicle. The GUI 510 can be presented automatically whenever the seat actuators are in use, when requested by a user, or when another condition or event occurs.

[0106] In some configurations, the GUI 510 can be configured to display the currently used actuation profile. The GUI can indicate which actuators are activated, for example, by highlighting them. The GUI 510 can be updated in real time to reflect changes to the actuators. Additional or alternative effects can be used to represent the status or state of the actuators.

[0107] In some configurations, the GUI 510 allows a user to define a new actuation profile and / or modify an existing one. The GUI 510 allows a user to select all seat actuators, individual seat actuators, multiple seat actuators, one or more rows of seat actuators, one or more columns of seat actuators, one or more ranges of seat actuators, any other subset of seat actuators, or any combination thereof. When selecting one or more seat actuators, a user can associate the selected actuators with one or more settings, conditions, parameters, or attributes. Settings can include an activation time, an activation duration, an activation pattern (e.g.,These settings include impulses, activation strength, activation speed, activation level, activation sequence, other activation settings, and any combination thereof. The settings can include coordination and / or choreography between two or more of the selected actuators. User input can be saved as an actuation profile.

[0108] In some cases, the GUI 510 can present a suggested operating profile to a user. The user can try out the operating profile, reject it, or modify it. The operating profile can be saved in data storage location 220 and / or data storage location 340.

[0109] In this example, the seat actuators are shown in the rear portion of the seat. However, it should be understood that the arrangements described herein are not limited in this respect. In fact, the GUI 510 can display actuators in other areas of the seat representation, such as the headrest, seat section, side bolster(s), armrest(s), or any other section of the seat. The GUI 510 can allow a user to select other sections of the seat. In this case, the seat representation can change as needed to show the majority of the actuators associated with the selected section. For example, if the user selects the seat section, a top view of the seat section can be presented so that the user can see the various actuators associated with that section.It is understood that an actuation profile can cover one or more areas of the seat. In some cases, an actuation profile can cover all areas of the seat.

[0110] As stated above, there can be multiple seat actuators. The seat actuators can be essentially identical to each other. Alternatively, one or more of the seat actuators can differ from the other seat actuators in one or more respects. Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 shows some non-restrictive examples of suitable seat actuators.

[0111] The Fig. Figures 6A-6C show an example of a seat actuator 600 suitable for use in conjunction with the arrangements described herein. The basic details of the seat actuator 600 are now described. Further details of the actuator 600 are described in U.S. Patent 10,960,793 B2, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] The actuator 600 is shown here with an outer skin 610, joint arrangements 620, and an input-responsive element 630. The actuator 600 can have a first dimension 640 and a second dimension 650.

[0113] The input-responsive element 630 can comprise one or more elements capable of transitioning from a first configuration to a second configuration. The transition of the input-responsive element 630 from the first configuration to the second configuration displaces the joint arrangements 620 with respect to the outer skin 610 and causes a change in the configuration of the outer skin 610. In some implementations, the input-responsive element 630 can comprise an SMM wire 632. The SMM wire 632 can be a shape memory alloy.

[0114] Fig. Figure 6A shows an example of the actuator 600 in a non-activated configuration. Upon heating, the SMM wire 632 can contract, causing the joint assemblies 620 to move towards each other. As a result, the actuator 600 can transform from a non-activated configuration to an activated configuration, or change its shape, as shown in Fig. Figure 6C is shown. In the activated configuration, the second dimension 650 of the actuator can increase and the first dimension 640 of the actuator 600 can decrease.

[0115] The Fig. Figures 7A-7B show another example of an actuator 700 suitable for use in conjunction with the arrangements described herein. The basic details of the actuator 700 are now described. Further details of the actuator 700 are described in U.S. patent application no. 17 / 729,522, which is incorporated herein by reference. Fig. Figure 7A shows an example of the actuator 700 in a non-activated state, and Fig. Figure 7B shows an example of the actuator 700 in an activated state.

[0116] The actuator 700 can comprise a first end cap 710 and a second end cap 720. The first end cap 710 and the second end cap 720 can be spaced apart from each other. The actuator 700 can comprise a first outer element 740 and a second outer element 750. The first outer element 740 and the second outer element 750 can have an arc-shaped form.

[0117] The actuator 700 can comprise one or more shape memory material elements 780. The shape memory material elements 780 can be operationally connected to the first end cap 710 and the second end cap 720. The term "shape memory material" encompasses materials that change shape when an activation input is provided to the shape memory material, and when the activation input is interrupted, the material essentially returns to its original shape. Examples of shape memory materials include shape memory alloys (SMA) and shape memory polymers (SMP).

[0118] In one or more arrangements, the shape memory material elements can be 780 shape memory wire(s). For example, the shape memory material elements can be 780 shape memory alloy wires. Thus, when an activation input (that is, heat) is provided to the shape memory alloy wire(s), the wire(s) can contract. A shape memory alloy wire(s) can be heated in any suitable way currently known or subsequently developed. For example, a shape memory alloy wire(s) can be heated by the Joule effect by passing an electric current through the wires. In some cases, arrangements can, if desired, provide cooling of the shape memory alloy wire(s) to facilitate the return of the wire(s) to an unactivated configuration.

[0119] As stated above, Fig. Figure 7B shows an example of the actuator 700 in an activated state. When an activation input (e.g., electrical energy) is supplied to the shape memory material element(s) 780, the shape memory material element(s) 780 can contract. This contraction causes the shape memory material element(s) 780 to pull the first end cap 710 and the second end cap 720 towards each other in a direction corresponding to the first dimension 790.

[0120] Consequently, the ends of the first outer element 740 can be drawn towards each other in a direction corresponding to the first dimension 790, and the ends of the second outer element 750 can be drawn towards each other in a direction corresponding to the first dimension 790. This allows the first outer element 740 and the second outer element 750 to bulge outwards and away from each other in a direction corresponding to the second dimension 795. It can be seen that the first dimension 790 (i.e., the width) of the actuator 700 can decrease, and the second dimension 795 (i.e., the height) of the actuator 700 can increase.

[0121] The Fig. Figures 8A-8B show an example of an actuator 800 suitable for use in the arrangements described herein. The basic details of the actuator 800 are now described. Further details of the actuator 800 are described in U.S. patent application no. 18 / 329,217, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] The actuator 800 can comprise a first outer body element 810, a second outer body element 830, a first end cap 860, a second end cap 870, and a shape memory material element 880. The first outer body element 810 can comprise a first section 812 and a second section 814. The first section 812 and the second section 814 can be operatively connected to each other, allowing them to move relative to one another. In one or more arrangements, the first section 812 and the second section 814 can be pivotally connected to each other. For example, the first section 812 and the second section 814 can be pivotally connected to each other by one or more joints. The first section 812 and the second section 814 can be angled relative to each other. As a result, the first outer body element 810 can generally have a V-shaped form.

[0123] The second outer body element 830 can comprise a first section 832, a second section 834, and a base 836. In one or more arrangements, both the first section 832 and the second section 834 can be pivotally connected to the base 836. For example, the first section 832 can be pivotally connected to the base 836 by one or more joints, and the second section 834 can be pivotally connected to the base 836 by one or more joints. The first section 832 and the second section 834 can be located on opposite sides of the base 836.

[0124] The actuator 800 can comprise a first end cap 860 and a second end cap 870. The first end cap 860 and the second end cap 870 can be spaced apart from each other. The actuator 800 can comprise one or more shape memory material elements 880. The shape memory material element(s) 880 can extend between the first end cap 860 and the second end cap 870 in any suitable manner. The shape memory material element(s) 880 can be operationally connected to the first end cap 860 and the second end cap 870.

[0125] Fig. Figure 8A shows an example of actuator 800 in a deactivated configuration. Here, the shape memory element(s) 880 are not activated. Fig. Figure 8B shows an example of the actuator 800 in an activated configuration. When an activation input (e.g., electrical energy) is supplied to the shape memory element(s) 880, the shape memory element(s) 880 can contract. This contraction causes the shape memory element(s) 880 to pull the first end cap 860 and the second end cap 870 toward each other in a direction corresponding to a first dimension 890. As a result, the first outer body element 810 and the second outer body element 830 can extend outward and away from each other in a direction corresponding to a second dimension 895. It can be seen that during the transition from the non-activated state to the activated state, the first dimension 890 (i.e. the width) of the actuator 800 can decrease and / or the second dimension 895 (i.e. the height) of the actuator 800 can increase.Furthermore, it is recognized that the actuator 800 can exert a force in a direction that lies outside a plane or otherwise differs from the contraction direction of the shape memory material element(s) 880.

[0126] Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of an actuator 900 suitable for use in the arrangements described herein. The basic details of the actuator 900 are now described. Further details of the actuator 900 are described in U.S. patent application no. 18 / 329,217, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] The actuator 900 can comprise a first outer body element 910, a second outer body element 930, and one or more shape memory material elements 980. The actuator 900 comprises a first end cap 960 and a second end cap 970. The in Fig. The first end cap 960 and the second end cap 970 shown differ from the one in the Fig. 8A-8B shown first end cap 860 and second end cap 870.

[0128] Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of the actuator 900 in a non-activated configuration. Here, the shape memory material element(s) 980 are not activated. When an activation input (e.g., electrical energy) is supplied to the shape memory material element(s) 980, the shape memory material element(s) 980 can contract. This contraction causes the shape memory material element(s) 980 to pull the first end cap 960 and the second end cap 970 toward each other in a direction corresponding to the first dimension 990. As a result, the first outer body element 910 and the second outer body element 930 can extend outward and away from each other in a direction corresponding to the second dimension 995.It can be seen that during the transition from the non-activated state to the activated state, the first dimension 990 (i.e. the width) of the actuator 900 may decrease and / or the second dimension 995 (i.e. the height) of the actuator 900 may increase.

[0129] The various in the Fig. The examples of actuators shown in Figures 6-9 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Further actuators are described in US patents US 2023 / 0191953 A1 and US 2023 / 0136197 A1, as well as in US patents US 11,370,330 B2, US 11,285,844 B2, and US 11,091,060 B2, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] It is understood that the arrangements described herein can provide numerous advantages, including one or more of those mentioned herein. For example, the arrangements described herein can provide a personalized experience for a seat occupant. The arrangements described herein can incorporate user feedback to enhance the user experience. The arrangements described herein can support user well-being. The arrangements described herein can provide a user with suggestions for seat operation profiles based on usage by others. The arrangements described herein can offer an enhanced haptic effect. The arrangements described herein can enable a high degree of individual customization and / or programmability for a user.The arrangements described herein can provide flexibility and granularity in the individual adjustment of the seat actuators. The arrangements described herein can facilitate user interaction with the seat controls.

[0131] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures represent the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, procedures, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this respect, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or section of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions specified in the block may occur in a different order than shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually execute essentially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes execute in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.

[0132] The systems, components, and / or processes described above can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, and can be implemented centrally in a processing system or in a distributed manner, where different elements are distributed across several interconnected processing systems. Any type of processing system or other device suitable for carrying out the procedures described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software might be a processing system with computer-usable program code that, when loaded and executed, controls the processing system to perform the procedures described herein.The systems, components, and / or processes may also be embedded in computer-readable memory, such as a computer program product or other data program storage device, which can be read by a machine and tangibly executes a program with instructions that can be carried out by the machine to perform the procedures and processes described herein. These elements may also be embedded in an application product that has all the functions necessary to implement the procedures described herein and that, when loaded into a processing system, is capable of executing these procedures.

[0133] Furthermore, the arrangements described herein can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media on which computer-readable program code is embodied, i.e., stored. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signaling medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The term "computer-readable storage medium" means a non-transient storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may, for example, be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared medium or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, without limitation.More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. For the purposes of this publication, a computer-readable storage medium can be any physical medium capable of containing or storing a program for use by or in conjunction with a command-execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0134] The terms "one," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plural," as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least one second or more. The terms "including" and / or "with," as used herein, are defined as inclusive (that is, an open-ended formulation). The term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." The expression "and / or," as used herein, refers to and includes all possible combinations of one or more of the listed elements. As an example, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes only A, only B, only C, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC). As used herein, the term "essentially" or "about" includes precisely the term it modifies, as well as minor variations thereof.Thus, the term "essentially parallel" means exactly parallel and minor deviations therefrom. “Minor deviations from this” may include within 15 degrees / percent / units or less, within 14 degrees / percent / units or less, within 13 degrees / percent / units or less, within 12 degrees / percent / units or less, within 11 degrees / percent / units or less, within 10 degrees / percent / units or less, within 9 degrees / percent / units or less, within 8 degrees / percent / units or less, within 7 degrees / percent / units or less, within 6 degrees / percent / units or less, within 5 degrees / percent / units or less, within 4 degrees / percent / units or less, within 3 degrees / percent / units or less, within 2 degrees / percent / units or less, or within 1 degree / percent / unit or less.In some cases, "essentially" may also include within normal manufacturing tolerances.

[0135] The aspects herein may be implemented in other embodiments without deviating from the basic concept or the essential attributes. Accordingly, to specify the scope of protection of the present invention, reference should be made to the following claims rather than to the preceding specification. 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] US 10,960,793 B2

[0111] US 2023 / 0191953 A1

[0129] US 2023 / 0136197 A1

[0129] US 11.370.330 B2

[0129] US 11.285.844 B2

[0129] US 11.091.060 B2

[0129]

Claims

[1] Method for operating the seat, comprising: Receiving user data relating to a seat usage profile; and Modifying a seat operation profile or creating a new seat operation profile based on user data; and To arrange for the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to be presented to a user. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the user data comprises a user input. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the user input corresponds to an acceptance or rejection of a seat operation profile or a part of a seat operation profile. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the user data is received by a personal device. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the user data includes user health information. [6] Method according to claim 4, wherein the user data includes user context data. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the user data is received from a seat occupant sensor. [8] Method according to claim 1, wherein causing the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile to be implemented comprises automatically causing the implementation of the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile, thereby selectively activating and / or deactivating one or more actuators operationally connected to a seat according to the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. [9] The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving user feedback from a user about the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile or a part thereof. [10] Seat actuation system comprising: a seat; an actuator operatively connected to the seat; and one or more processors operationally connected to the actuator, wherein the one or more processors are programmed to initiate executable operations which exhibit: Receiving user data relating to a seat usage profile; and Modifying a seat operation profile or creating a new seat operation profile based on user data; and To arrange for the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to be presented to a user. [11] System according to claim 10, wherein one or more processors are located on board a vehicle. [12] System according to claim 10, further comprising a user interface, wherein the user data comprises a user input provided on the user interface. [13] System according to claim 12, wherein the user input corresponds to an acceptance or rejection of a seat operation profile or a part of a seat operation profile. [14] System according to claim 10, wherein the user data is received by a personal device which is operationally connected to the one or more processors. [15] System according to claim 14, wherein the user data includes user health information. [16] System according to claim 14, wherein the user data includes user context data. [17] System according to claim 10, further comprising a seat occupant sensor configured to obtain user data from a seat occupant, wherein the seat occupant sensor is operationally connected to the one or more processors and wherein the user data is received by the seat occupant sensor. [18] System according to claim 10, wherein initiating the implementation of the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile comprises automatically initiating the implementation of the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile, thereby selectively activating or deactivating the actuator according to the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. [19] System according to claim 10, wherein the executable operations further comprise: Receiving user feedback from a user about the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile or a part thereof. [20] Seat actuation method comprising: Receiving one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences from one or more users; Identifying one aspect of one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences; and To cause a user to be presented with a seat usage profile based on the aspect. [21] Seat actuation method according to claim 20, wherein the aspect corresponds to a seat actuation profile or seat actuation preference of a famous person. [22] Seat actuation method according to claim 20, wherein the aspect corresponds to a trend among a plurality of users. [23] Seat actuation method according to claim 20, wherein the aspect corresponds to a seat actuation profile that is most popular among a plurality of users. [24] Seat actuation method according to claim 23, wherein causing a user to be presented with a seat actuation profile based on the aspect comprises automatically causing the implementation of the seat actuation profile. [25] Seat actuation method according to claim 20, further comprising: Receiving user feedback from a user about the seat usage profile. [26] Seat actuation system comprising: one or more processors which are operationally connected to one or more connected units, wherein the one or more processors are programmed to initiate executable operations which exhibit: Receiving one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences from one or more users; Identifying one aspect of one or more seat operation profiles and / or one or more seat operation preferences; and To cause a user to be presented with a seat usage profile based on the aspect. [27] System according to claim 26, wherein the connected units comprise vehicles and / or personal devices. [28] System according to claim 26, wherein the one or more processors are located remotely from the one or more connected units. [29] System according to claim 26, wherein causing a user to be presented with a seat operation profile based on the aspect includes causing a notification to be sent to a connected unit. [30] System according to claim 26, wherein causing a user to be presented with a seat actuation profile based on the aspect comprises automatically causing the implementation of the seat actuation profile. [31] System according to claim 26, wherein the aspect corresponds to a seat operation profile or seat operation preference of a famous person. [32] System according to claim 26, wherein the aspect corresponds to a trend among a plurality of users. [33] System according to claim 26, wherein the aspect corresponds to a most popular seat operation profile among a plurality of users. [34] System according to claim 26, wherein the executable operations further comprise receiving user feedback from a user about the seat actuation profile. [35] Method for operating a seat in a vehicle, wherein the method comprises: Receiving vehicle data and / or environmental data; and Modifying a seat operation profile or creating a new seat operation profile based on vehicle data and / or environmental data; and To arrange for the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to be presented to a user. [36] Method according to claim 35, wherein the environmental data is received from one or more environmental sensors. [37] Method according to claim 36, wherein the environmental data comprise information about the environment of a vehicle cabin. [38] Method according to claim 36, wherein the environmental data includes information about an external environment of a vehicle. [39] Method according to claim 35, wherein the vehicle data is received from one or more vehicle systems. [40] Seat actuation system comprising: a seat; an actuator operatively connected to the seat; and one or more processors operationally connected to the actuator, wherein the one or more processors are programmed to initiate executable operations which exhibit: Receiving vehicle data and / or environmental data; Modifying a seat operation profile or creating a new seat operation profile based on vehicle data and / or environmental data; and To arrange for the modified seat operation profile or the new seat operation profile to be presented to a user. [41] System according to claim 40, further comprising a vehicle system which is operationally connected to the one or more processors, and wherein the vehicle data is received by the vehicle system. [42] System according to claim 40, further comprising a vehicle sensor which is operationally connected to the one or more processors, and wherein the vehicle data is received from the vehicle sensor. [43] System according to claim 40, further comprising an environmental sensor which is operationally connected to the one or more processors, and wherein the environmental data is received from the environmental sensor. [44] System according to claim 40, wherein the environmental data includes information about the environment of a vehicle cabin. [45] System according to claim 40, wherein the environmental data includes information about an external environment of a vehicle.

Images