Managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for performing muscle-strengthening exercises on board the vehicle. The invention also relates to a device (100) implementing such a method, as well as to a motor vehicle (1) comprising such a device. Figure for the abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Management of the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of embedded computer systems in motor vehicles for improving vehicle ergonomics. The invention relates in particular to a method for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for performing muscle-strengthening exercises. The invention also relates to a computer device implementing such a method, as well as a motor vehicle comprising such a device. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles such as motor land vehicles, in particular cars. Prior art

[0002] In some modern motor vehicles, the traditional mechanical linkages of the control components—such as the steering wheel, steering column, or pedal assembly—with the steering wheels, powertrain, or brakes have been replaced by electronic components. These electric steering systems are commonly known as "steer-by-wire," while electronically controlled braking systems are commonly known as "brake-by-wire."

[0003] It is also known that engaging in physical activity throughout one's life is important for maintaining good health. However, people often lack the free time to dedicate to regular physical activity. Furthermore, modern lifestyles mean that people spend a significant portion of their free time behind the wheel. And, given the rise of electric and / or autonomous vehicles, periods during which driver intervention is not required will occur with increasing frequency. Thus, to alleviate driver boredom during these periods of inactivity, the infotainment systems of some modern vehicles offer the possibility of relaxing by playing video games or watching videos on the screens installed in the vehicles. But these activities, which allow one to pass the time, do not in any way promote the driver's health.Unfortunately, no known motor vehicle allows for an easy adaptation that would allow a driver to comfortably perform muscle-strengthening exercises on board their vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to overcome this drawback. Its purpose is indeed to provide a A method and device that allow for the easy adaptation of a motor vehicle for performing muscle-strengthening exercises on board the vehicle. Through this, the invention aims to improve the ergonomics of motor vehicles in relation to the performance of muscle-strengthening exercises, and thus contribute to the good health of their drivers.

[0005] In order to achieve these goals, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a method for managing, by means of a computer device embedded in a motor vehicle, the adaptation of the vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises, the method comprising the steps of: i. determine whether a vehicle adaptation command for practicing muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of a vehicle human-machine interface; ii. determine whether the vehicle can be adapted for muscle strengthening exercises at the current time; iii. to cause the operation of a control component and / or a driver's seat in the vehicle to be adapted; and iv. to cause the restoration of nominal operation and a pre-established position of the control unit and / or the driver's seat if it is established that a condition is met.

[0006] According to one variant, step ii) may include a step of determining whether, at the current time, the vehicle is stationary or whether an autonomous driving mode provided by a vehicle driver assistance system is active.

[0007] According to another variant, the condition can be met if a command to end the adaptation of the vehicle for practicing muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface or if the vehicle is moving while the autonomous driving mode is inactive.

[0008] According to yet another variant, step iii) may include a step consisting of determining a particular muscle strengthening exercise specified by the vehicle adaptation control for practicing muscle strengthening exercises.

[0009] According to yet another variant, step iii) may include a step of determining which particular control organ is involved in the particular muscle strengthening exercise and whether the driver's seat is involved in the particular muscle strengthening exercise.

[0010] According to yet another variant, the control element can be the steering wheel, the steering column or the pedal assembly of the vehicle.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of strengthening exercises muscular, the device comprising an information processing unit, with one or more processors, and a data storage medium, which are configured to implement a process as described above.

[0012] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for the execution of the steps of a process as described above when said program is executed by at least one processor.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium on which a program as described above is recorded.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a device as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying figures, in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] is a functional diagram of a device according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.3] is a flowchart of the steps of a process according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0019] Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. This vehicle is equipped with electric steering, i.e., steer-by-wire, an electronically controlled braking system, i.e., brake-by-wire, and an electronically controlled accelerator and / or clutch. Thus, there is no direct mechanical linkage between the steering wheel 2, the steering column 3, and the steering wheels of the vehicle. Similarly, the pedal assembly 4 is not mechanically linked to the powertrain and brakes of the vehicle 1.

[0020] Advantageously, the electric steering is equipped with means configured to render inoperative the control elements, namely the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 3, i.e. to act so that their movement is carried out independently of that of the steering wheels.

[0021] Similarly, the electronically controlled braking system and the electronically controlled accelerator and / or clutch also include means configured to disable the other control element of vehicle 1, namely the pedal assembly 4, i.e., to act so that pedal movements have no effect on the brakes and the powertrain of vehicle 1. Such means are generally provided in vehicles equipped with a driver assistance system that provides an autonomous driving mode. Indeed, during autonomous driving, it is generally desirable to partially or completely disable certain control components to prevent unexpected movements of these components by the driver from disrupting the operation of the driver assistance system.

[0022] Furthermore, the electric power steering, the electronically controlled braking system, and the electronically controlled accelerator and / or clutch each also include means configured to partially limit the movement of the control elements; in other words, means that make the movement of the control elements more or less difficult, more or less stiff, thus requiring the driver to apply more or less force. The electric power steering also includes means for controlling the position of the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 3, for moving either one into a particular position, while the electronically controlled braking system and the electronically controlled accelerator and / or clutch include means configured to move each of the pedals of the pedal assembly 4 into a particular position.

[0023] The vehicle 1 according to the invention also includes a driver assistance system 5 that provides an autonomous driving mode, allowing the driver to be completely relieved of driving management, at least in certain specific driving environments. Typically, the driver assistance system 5 is equipped with means for determining, in particular, the vehicle's motion dynamics (i.e., speed, acceleration, etc.).

[0024] The vehicle 1 according to the invention also includes at least one electric driver's seat 6, i.e., a seat installed in the driver's place, the adjustment of which is carried out by means of one or more electric motors. Advantageously, the driver's seat 6 includes means configured to allow its longitudinal movement and / or that of its backrest to be freed, these means allowing, in particular, the disengagement of a mechanical link between the seat 6 or its backrest and an electric motor that ensures the longitudinal adjustment, i.e., the position along the length of the vehicle 1, and / or the adjustment of the backrest's inclination. In addition, the driver's seat 6 is also equipped with means configured to increase the stiffness of the longitudinal movements of the seat and / or those of its backrest, as well as means configured to move the seat and / or its backrest into a particular position.

[0025] The vehicle 1 according to the invention further comprises a human-machine interface 7, which conventionally provides an information display interface coupled with or integrating a command input interface that allows adjustments to be made to the vehicle 1, for example by means of a graphical interface displayed on a touchscreen arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. Advantageously, the human-machine interface 7 is configured to allow the input of a command to adapt the vehicle for performing muscle-strengthening exercises, a such an order preferably stipulating one or more specific muscle strengthening exercises that the driver wishes to perform.

[0026] The vehicle 1 according to the invention advantageously incorporates a device 100 for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises within the meaning of the present invention, as described below, which implements a method for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises within the meaning of the present invention, as briefly summarized below and described in detail below.

[0027] The device 100 according to the invention initiates the implementation of the method according to the invention as soon as it establishes that a command to adapt the vehicle 1 for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface 7. In this case, the device 100 according to the invention then establishes whether the practice of muscle strengthening exercises can be carried out at the current moment, preferably taking into account the movement dynamics of the vehicle and / or the activation of the autonomous driving mode of the driving assistance system 5. And if the current moment is suitable for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises, the device 100 according to the invention causes the adaptation of the operation of one of the control elements of the vehicle and / or the driver's seat 6, according to one or more muscle strengthening exercises specified in the command.Subsequently, the device 100 according to the invention restores the nominal operation and original position of the control unit and / or the driver's seat 6 as soon as the vehicle is moving while the autonomous driving mode is inactive or if a command to end the adaptation of the vehicle 1 for practicing muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface 7. As will be seen in detail below, this is how the vehicle 1 according to the invention offers better ergonomics with regard to practicing muscle strengthening exercises and contributes to promoting the health of its driver.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates in more detail the device 100 for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises according to the invention. It is essentially a computer device, which includes at least one information processing unit 101, comprising one or more processors, a data storage medium 102, on which is recorded in particular a program which includes program code instructions for the execution of the steps of the method according to the invention described below, and an input and output interface 103 allowing the reception and transmission of data.

[0029] Preferably, the device 100 according to the invention is integrated into an independent computer and interacts via its input and output interface 103 and by means of a wired vehicle communication network (e.g., CAN, Ethernet, MOST) with the steering wheel 2, with steering column 3, with pedal assembly 4, with driver assistance system 5, with driver's seat 6, and with human-machine interface 7. Alternatively, the device 100 according to the invention is partially or fully integrated into a computer of the human-machine interface 7. Thus, the device 100 according to the invention can, in particular, determine whether a command to adapt the vehicle 1 for performing muscle-strengthening exercises is specified. It can also determine whether the vehicle adaptation for performing muscle-strengthening exercises can be carried out at a given time and it can trigger the adaptation of the operation of a control element and / or the seat 6 of the vehicle 1.

[0030] According to the invention, all the elements described above contribute to enabling the implementation of a method for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises, as described below in relation to [Fig.3].

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates by means of a flowchart the steps of the process according to the invention.

[0032] According to a first step 201 of the method according to the invention, the device 100 according to the invention determines whether a command to adapt the vehicle 1 for performing muscle-strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface 7 of the vehicle 1. Thus, to trigger the adaptation of the vehicle 1 for performing muscle-strengthening exercises, the driver conventionally uses the human-machine interface 7 to specify a corresponding command, for example by selecting a "muscle strengthening" or "fitness" mode. Preferably, this specified command allows the driver to identify one or more muscle-strengthening exercises that they wish to perform. And when it determines that such a command to adapt the vehicle 1 for performing muscle-strengthening exercises is specified, the device 100 according to the invention carries out the next step of the method according to the invention described below.

[0033] According to a second step 202 of the method according to the invention, the device 100 according to the invention determines whether the vehicle can be adapted for muscle-strengthening exercises at the current time. Indeed, muscle-strengthening exercises are not compatible with driving, and therefore, the device 100 according to the invention limits this practice to certain situations. In particular, the device 100 according to the invention interacts preferentially with the driver assistance system 5 to determine whether the vehicle 1 is stationary or whether the autonomous driving mode provided by the driver assistance system 5 is active. And when it establishes that one of these two situations is present, which means that muscle-strengthening exercises can be performed at the current time without risking endangering the occupants of vehicle 1 or other road users, the device 100 according to the invention carries out the next step of the process according to the invention described below.

[0034] According to a third step 203 of the process according to the invention, the device 100 according to the invention causes the adaptation of the operation of a control element and / or the driver's seat 6.

[0035] To do this, it first determines the particular muscle strengthening exercise(s) which are identified by the command specified by the driver and determined during the first step 201 of the process.

[0036] Next, knowing at this stage which muscle strengthening exercise(s) are desired, the device 100 according to the invention proceeds by determining which particular control organ(s) is / are involved in the muscle strengthening exercise(s) and whether the driver's seat 6 is also involved. For this purpose, the device 100 according to the invention uses, for example, a table stored on its data storage medium 102 in which correspondences between muscle strengthening exercises and control organs and / or the driver's seat are established.

[0037] Thus, when the command specifies, for example, that the driver wishes to perform a series of abdominal exercises, the device 100 according to the invention determines that the driver's seat 6 and the pedal assembly 4 are involved. Similarly, when the command specifies that the driver wishes to perform an arm muscle strengthening exercise, the device 100 according to the invention determines that the steering wheel 2 and the steering column 3 are involved in the exercise.

[0038] Next, the device 100 according to the invention causes the operation of the particular control element and / or that of the driver's seat 6 to adapt in a particular manner that is determined according to the particular muscle strengthening exercise. For this purpose, the device 100 according to the invention uses, for example, the table mentioned above in which particular ways of operating are identified in relation to muscle strengthening exercises and with respect to control elements and / or the seat.For example, in connection with an arm muscle strengthening exercise, the table identifies a way of operating the steering wheel 2, defining a particular resistance to rotation; a way of operating the driver's seat 6, defining a particular longitudinal position and locking the backrest tilt in a particular position; and a way of operating the steering column 3, defining its locking in a particular position. Similarly, in connection with a rowing machine-type muscle strengthening exercise, the table identifies a way of operating the steering wheel 2, which defines its locking in a particular position, and a way of operating the steering column 3. Direction 3 defines its free movement in depth so that the driver can push and pull, and a method of operation of the pedals of the crankset 4 defines their locking in a particular position. Thus, the device 100 according to the invention can at this stage transmit a command to each relevant control element and / or to the driver's seat 6 so that they adapt to function at this stage in a particular way that corresponds to the muscle-strengthening exercise that the driver wishes to perform.

[0039] Finally, according to a fourth step 204 of the method according to the invention, the device 100 according to the invention restores the nominal operation and a pre-established position of the control element and / or the driver's seat 6 if it determines that a condition is met. Preferably, it considers the condition to be met if a command to end the adaptation of the vehicle 1 for muscle-strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface 7 or if the vehicle is moving while the autonomous driving mode provided by the driver assistance system 5 is inactive. Thus, on the one hand, the device 100 according to the invention restores the nominal operation and a pre-established or memorized home position of each control element whose operation has been adapted and / or of the driver's seat 6 according to a driver command specified by means of the human-machine interface 7.Furthermore, the device 100 according to the invention also advantageously restores the nominal operation and original position of the control organ(s) and / or the driver's seat 6 if the vehicle is moving while the autonomous driving mode provided by the driver assistance system 5 is inactive. This ensures the safety of performing muscle-strengthening exercises on board the vehicle 1 according to the invention, which can only take place during autonomous driving of the vehicle or when stationary.

[0040] Therefore, thanks to the method and device according to the invention described above, a solution is described for enabling a driver of a motor vehicle to easily and comfortably perform muscle-strengthening exercises on board the vehicle. This undeniably improves the ergonomics of motor vehicles with regard to the practice of muscle-strengthening exercises, thereby contributing to the good health of their drivers.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for managing, by a computer device (100) on board a motor vehicle (1), the adaptation of the vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: i. determining whether a command to adapt the vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of a human-machine interface (7) of the vehicle; ii. determining whether the adaptation of the vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises can be carried out at the current time; iii. causing the adaptation of the operation of a control member (2, 3, 4) and / or a driver's seat (6) of the vehicle; and iv. causing the restoration of a nominal operation and a pre-established position of the control member (2, 3, 4) and / or the driver's seat (6) if it is established that a condition is fulfilled.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that step ii) comprises a step of determining whether, at the current time, the vehicle is stationary or whether an autonomous driving mode provided by a driving assistance system (5) of the vehicle is active.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the condition is fulfilled if a command to terminate the adaptation of the vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises is specified by means of the human-machine interface (7) or if the vehicle moves while the autonomous driving mode is inactive.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step iii) comprises a step of determining a particular muscle strengthening exercise specified by the vehicle adaptation control for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that step iii) comprises a step of determining which particular control member (2, 3, 4) is concerned by the strengthening exercise. particular muscle and whether the driver's seat (6) is affected by the particular muscle strengthening exercise.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that step iii) comprises a step of causing the adaptation of the operation of the particular control member (2, 3, 4) and / or that of the driver's seat (6) in a particular manner which is determined as a function of the particular muscle strengthening exercise.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control member is the steering wheel (2), the steering column (3) or the pedal assembly (4) of the vehicle (1).

8. Device (100) for managing the adaptation of a motor vehicle for the practice of muscle strengthening exercises, characterized in that the device comprises at least one information processing unit (101), comprising at least one processor, and a data storage medium (102), which are configured to implement a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A computer program comprising program code instructions for carrying out the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when said program is executed on a computer.

10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a device (100) according to claim 8.

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