Wellness system and method for enhancing occupant comfort

Abstract

A wellness system and method for improving comfort of an occupant in a seat, preferably a vehicle seat. The wellness system comprises one or more comfort effectors that are operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

Description

WELLNESS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING OCCUPANT COMFORTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 617,804, filed January 5, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] These teachings relate to a system and method for enhancing occupant comfort in a vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some vehicles include one or more devices for enhancing occupant comfort. For example, some vehicles have seats with heating, cooling, massage, or lumbar support devices. Other vehicles may be equipped with amenities like adjustable lighting and / or entertainment devices.

[0004] However, some limitations exist in current vehicle comfort systems. For example, activating certain comfort devices may require active occupant participation and interaction, which may undesirably distract the occupant during vehicle operation. Furthermore, conventional occupant comfort systems lack automation, cooperative features, and operating mode variations. Some occupants may be unaware of settings, such as cooperative settings of multiple types of comfort devices, that may enhance their comfort level. Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve the current state of the art.

[0005] There is a need for improved vehicle comfort sy stems.

[0006] There is a need for comfort systems with cooperative functioning of multiple types of comfort devices to improve occupant comfort.

[0007] There is a need for comfort systems with a degree of automation, which does not require manual control inputs from occupants.SUMMARY

[0008] Tire present teachings relate to a wellness system, which may address at least some of the needs discussed above.

[0009] The wellness system may comprise one or more comfort effectors selected from: one or more heating effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, one or more cooling effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, and one or more pressure effectors adapted and configured to selectively apply and release a pressure relative to the occupant.

[0010] The wellness system may comprise one or more infomration sources adapted and configured to obtain infonnation of the occupant.

[0011] The wellness system may comprise a human-machine interface.

[0012] The wellness system may comprise a controller configured to regulate the tw o or more comfort effectors. The one or more comfort effectors may be operated in i) a first operating mode where one or more of the comfort effectors are activated, and ii) a second operating mode where one or more of the comfort effectors are activated.

[0013] The controller may operate the two or more comfort effectors based on said infonnation from the one or more information sources or an input received by the human-machine interface.

[0014] At least one of the two or more comfort effectors activated in the first operating mode may be different than at least one of the two or more comfort effectors activated in the second operating mode.

[0015] Tire one or more pressure effectors may operate in the first operating mode. Additionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may operate in tire first operating mode. Tire one or more pressure effectors may include air bladders configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back and a middle back of the occupant. The fragrance emitter may emit a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance. The light or display may: turn on and off in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders, switch between different light intensities in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders, or display an animation in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.

[0016] The one or more heating effectors, the one or more cooling effectors, and the one or more pressure effectors may be activated in the second operating mode. Additionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may operate in the second operating mode.

[0017] Tire one or more heating effectors may be configured in the seat to be co-located with a neck, a lower back, a middle back, a buttocks, legs, and / or feet of the occupant. The one or more cooling effectors may be configured in tire seat to be co-located with a lower back, a middle back, a buttocks, and / or legs of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may include air bladders configured in the seat to be colocated with a lower back and / or a middle back of the occupant, and provide tapotement massage therapy. The one or more thermal effectors and the one or more pressure effectors may operate simultaneously and alternate with operation of the one or more cooling effectors.

[0018] Tire fragrance emitter may emit a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance. The light or display may provide a red light characterized by a lux of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. Hie speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.

[0019] The fragrance emitter may emit a menthol fragrance. The light or display may provide a blue light and a red light respectively alternating with the activation of the one or more cooling effectors and theone or more heating effectors, the blue light and red light characterized by a lux of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.

[0020] The fragrance emitter may emit a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance. The light or display may provide a blue light. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.

[0021] Tire one or more heating effectors and the one or more pressure effectors may be activated in the second operating mode. Additionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may operate in the second operating mode.

[0022] The one or more heating effectors may be configured in the seat to be co-located with a middle back, a lower back, and / or a buttocks of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may be configured in the seat to be co-located with a middle back and / or a lower back of the occupant and provides tapotement massage therapy. The one or more heating effectors and the one or more pressure effectors may be simultaneously active. The fragrance emitter may emit a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance. The light or display may provide a blue light characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.

[0023] The one or more heating effectors may be configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back and / or pelvis of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may be configured to provide kneading massage therapy. The fragrance emitter may emit a lavender fragrance. The light or display may provide a blue light characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.

[0024] The one or more cooling effectors and the one or more pressure effectors may be activated in the second operating mode. Additionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may operate in the second operating mode.

[0025] The one or more cooling effectors may be configured in the seat to be co-located with a neck and / or back of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may be configured in the seat to be colocated with a lower back and / or a pelvis of the occupant and to provide kneading massage therapy. The fragrance emitter may emit a menthol fragrance. The light or display may provide a blue light alternating between different intensities. The speaker may play music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.

[0026] The first operating mode may be activated based on the diagnosis by the control device and the second operating mode is activated by the occupant.

[0027] The one or more pressure effectors may include a first pressure effector configured and adapted to operate at a frequency of greater than about 1 Hz, and a second pressure effector configured and adaptedto operate at a frequency of equal to or less than about 1 Hz. The first and second pressure effectors may be operated simultaneously.

[0028] The present teachings relate to a method for improving occupant comfort in a vehicle, which may address at least some of the needs discussed above.

[0029] The method may comprise: obtaining information about the occupant with one or more information sources, diagnosing one or more symptoms of the occupant with a controller, activating one or more comfort effectors in a first operating mode, and activating one or more comfort effectors in a second operating mode.

[0030] At least one of the one or more comfort effectors activated in the first operating mode may be different from at least one of the one or more comfort effectors activated in the second operating mode

[0031] The first operating mode may be activated based on the diagnosis by the controller and the second operating mode may be activated by the occupant or updates to the information about the occupant obtained during or after the first operating mode.

[0032] The one or more comfort effectors may include: one or more heating effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, one or more cooling effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, and one or more pressure effectors adapted and configured to selectively apply and release a pressure relative to the occupant.

[0033] Tire information source may include one or more sensors.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle according to the present teachings.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a seat and wellness system according to the present teachings.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a seat and wellness system according to the present teachings.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a seat and wellness system according to the present teachings.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a wellness system.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to the present teachings.DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present teachings describe a unique wellness system. Tire wellness system may be located on and / or within a vehicle component, such as a seat. Although tire present teachings discuss examples of vehicle seats, it is contemplated that the wellness system may be employed in conjunction with any type of seat, including office chairs. Similarly, while the present teachings may discuss examples of automobile seats, the vehicle may include any transportation vehicle, including planes and trains.

[0041] The wellness system may improve occupant comfort. In this regard, the wellness system may comprise a plurality of comfort effectors that heat, cool, support, or massage the occupant, or any combination thereof. Preferably the wellness system may comprise at least two different types of comfort effectors described herein.

[0042] As will be described, the occupant may be experiencing any number of symptoms, which may influence whether or not the comfort effectors are activated, as well as the type of comfort effector and location of comfort effector(s) relative to a body region(s) of the occupant.

[0043] The comfort effectors may include one or more heating effectors. The heating effector (otherwise referred to as a heating device) may function to generate heat, thermally influence at least one surface of a vehicle component (e.g., a seat), and ultimately thermally influence at least one body region of the occupant.

[0044] In some aspects, the heating effector may conduct heat through a vehicle component to an occupant. In this regard, the heating effector may be located in a seat, a steering wheel, a gear shifter, a door panel, a center console, or any combination thereof.

[0045] In some aspects, the heating effector may radiate heat to an occupant. In this regard, the heating effector may be located in a vehicle component remote from the occupant. The vehicle component may include a dashboard, a door panel, a center console, a pillar, a roof, a footwell, or any combination thereof.

[0046] Tire heating effector may be a localized heater mat. The localized heater mat may have a uniform power density across the surface area of the localized heater mat. An exemplary, non-limiting, localized heater mat is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,657,963 B2, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0047] The heating effector may be a zonal heater mat. The zonal heater mat may have two or more zones of different power density. The heating effector in a lower section may have a surface power density of about 2,100 W / m2 to 2,500 W / m2. The heating effector in a middle section may have a surface power density of about 1,900 W / m2 to 2.300 W / m2. Tire heating effector in an upper section may have a surface power density of about 900 W / m2 to 1,500 W / m2. An exemplary, non-limiting, zonal heater mat is described in International Publication No. WO 2024 / 072649 Al. incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0048] Tire localized and / or zonal heater mat may be located underneath one or more surfaces of a vehicle component. Tire localized and / or zonal heater mat may transfer heat to an occupant via conduction. The localized and / or zonal heater mat may be located in a back portion and / or a bottom portion of a seat.

[0049] The heating effector may include a blower (e.g.. a radial fan) and a resistive heater (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient heater). Thus, air blowing over the resistive heater may be heated. In this regard, the heating effector may convectively transfer heat to an occupant. Exemplary, non-limiting.combined heating and cooling effectors arc described in International Publication No. WO 2023 / 062488 Al, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0050] The comfort effectors may include one or more cooling effectors. The cooling effector (otherwise referred to as a cooling device) may function to draw heat and / or moisture from the occupant, thermally influence at least one surface of a vehicle component (e.g., a seat), and ultimately thermally influence at least one body region of the occupant.

[0051] Tire one or more cooling effectors may include a blower (e.g., a radial fan) and optionally a distribution bag. Hie blower may be operated in a push mode or a pull mode. In the push mode, air may be directed, optionally through the distribution bag, toward the occupant. In the pull mode, air may be pulled from the surface of a seat where the occupant is situated, optionally drawn through the distribution bag, and expelled from the blower. The air may or may not be conditioned. That is, cooled below ambient cabin temperature. For example, tire air may be cooled by a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). That is, cooled to a temperature below ambient cabin temperature. Tire air may be unconditioned cabin air, which may convectively wick heat and / or moisture from the occupant. An exemplary, non-limiting, distribution bag is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,637,573 B2, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0052] The heating effector and the cooling effector may include a blower (e.g., a radial fan) and a thermoelectric (Peltier) device. The thermoelectric device may pump heat from a first surface (“cool side”) thereof to a second surface (“hot side”) thereof. Thus, air blowing over the cool side may be cooled and air blowing over the hot side may be heated. The heating effector and the cooling effector may comprise a door and an actuator (e.g., stepper motor) configured and adapted to move the door. The door may selectively direct airflow from the blower to the hot and / or cold sides of the thermoelectric device. In this regard, the air may be cooled, heated, or both, and where both cooled and heated, the cooled air and heated air may be mixed downstream of the thermoelectric device. The foregoing may be referred to as a combined heating and cooling effector and may operate in one or both modes. Exemplary, non-limiting, combined heating and cooling effectors are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,603,976 B2, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0053] The comfort effectors may include one or more pressure effectors. The pressure effector may function to apply a pressure upon the occupant and release said pressure from the occupant, provide lumbar support to the occupant, massage the occupant, or any combination thereof.

[0054] The pressure effectors may be actuated pneumatically or mechanically. Pneumatic actuation may involve the inflation and deflation of a plurality of air bladders to displace the pressure effector toward and away from tire occupant. Mechanical actuation may involve a linear, rotary, or rotary -to-linear actuatordriven by a motor to displace the pressure effector toward and away from the occupant. Preferably, the pressure effectors may be pneumatically actuated.

[0055] Pneumatic pressure effectors may comprise a plurality of air bladders, optionally contained on a frame or carrier, an air compressor, and one or more valve assemblies. Pressure may be generated by the air compressor, and the pressure may be selectively delivered to particular air bladders via the valve assembly. That is, valves may be opened and closed in response to signals from a controller described herein.

[0056] In one aspect, pneumatic pressure effectors may be adapted and configured for delivering pulsations. That is, generally high-frequency pulses of air bladder inflation. Tire frequency may be >1 Hz, preferably 3-100 Hz, more preferably 60-80 Hz. Frequency herein may be referred to as one inflation and deflation event. This pneumatic pressure effector may provide for tapotement massage therapy, as described herein. An exemplary, non-limiting pneumatic pressure effector is described in U.S. Patent No. 11,759,382 B2, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0057] In another aspect, pneumatic pressure effectors may be adapted and configured for delivering prolonged inflation, such as at a frequency of about < 1 Hz. Frequency herein may be referred to as one inflation and deflation event. Prolonged inflation may provide for kneading massage therapy, lumbar support, or both, as described herein.

[0058] In some examples, the pneumatic pressure effector may comprise two or more, or even three or more air bladders. The air bladders may be located generally in the lower and middle portions of a seat, generally co-locatable with the lower and middle back regions of an occupant. The air bladders may each extend along the left and right sides of the seat. These air bladders may be configured and adapted for providing kneading massage therapy, lumbar support or both.

[0059] In some examples, the pneumatic pressure effector may comprise six or more, eight or more, ten or more, or even twelve or more air bladders. The air bladders may be located generally in the lower, middle, and upper portions of a seat back, and optionally in a bottom portion of a seat bottom. The air bladders may be arranged as pairs of air bladders with one located on a right side of the seat and the other located on a left side of the seat. These air bladders may be configured and adapted for providing tapotement massage therapy, kneading massage therapy, lumbar support, or any combination thereof.

[0060] Tire comfort effectors may include one or more fragrance emitters. The fragrance emitter may function to a emit an olfactory substance (otherwise referred to as a fragrance). Tire fragrance emitter may comprise a chamber containing the olfactory substance, a diffuser outlet from which the olfactory substance is emitted, and a tube connecting the chamber and diffuser outlet. Hie olfactory substance may be emitted to the cabin of the vehicle, preferably proximate to a seat. The olfactory substance may be emitted into orproximate to a vent, such as an HVAC vent. Such vent may be located in the scat or elsewhere within the cabin of the vehicle.

[0061] In one example, the fragrance emitter may be located in or proximate to a headrest. The fragrance emitter may cooperate with a cooling and / or heating effector located in or proximate to a headrest, which may be adapted for thermally influencing the neck and / or shoulders of an occupant. The fragrance emitter may emit a fragrance into an air stream generated by the cooling and / or heating effector.

[0062] Tire olfactory substances may include jasmine, orange, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, mint, spearmint, frankincense, sage, rosemary, vanilla, rose, coffee, lemon, lime, ginger, citrus, or a combination thereof. The olfactory substances may be selected for their physiological and / or psychological effects upon an occupant. That is, generally imparting and / or enhancing feelings of comfort, alertness, or the like.

[0063] The comfort effectors may include one or more lights or displays. The light or display may be adapted and configured to emit a light and / or display an image. The light or display may include any lighting or display element in a vehicle. Lighting elements may include ambient lights, such as located in door panels, dashboards, footwells, roofs, the like, or any combination thereof. Displays may include control panel displays configured and adapted for entertainment system control, climate system control, etc.; instrument panels; rear headrest displays; or the like. The color of such light sources or displays may be modulated, such as by changing tire current supplied to an LED, or cooperative control of multiple LEDs emitting light of different color. The light sources or displays may emit a hue of blue, red, orange, yellow, etc. Colors and / or images may be selected for physiological and / or psychological effects upon an occupant. The colors and / or images may enhance effects of thermal and / or massage therapies.

[0064] The comfort effectors may include one or more speakers. Tire speakers may include any speakers in the vehicle, and connected to the vehicle’s entertainment system. The speakers may play sounds and / or music that is complementary with thermal and / or massage therapies, as described herein.

[0065] Tire comfort effectors may be located within one or more vehicle components. Tire comfort effectors may be located in a seat, a steering wheel, a footwell, a gear shifter, a door panel, a center console, a pillar, a dashboard, a roof panel, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the comfort effectors may be located at least in a seat and optionally a footwell.

[0066] The comfort effectors may be located in a back portion of a seat, a bottom portion of a seat, or both. The comfort effectors may be located in various regions of the back and bottom portions of the seat. Tire comfort effectors may be configured in a seat to be co-located with a pelvis, a lower back, a middle, back, or an upper back of an occupant, or any combination thereof. The comfort effectors may be configured in a seat to be co-located with a buttocks or legs of an occupant, or any combination thereof. The comfort effectors may be configured in a footwell to thermally influence feet and / or legs of an occupant.

[0067] The wellness system may include one or more controllers. Tire controller (otherwise referred to as a control device) may function to receive information of an occupant, process information, diagnose one or more symptoms of the occupant based on said information, control one or more comfort effectors, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The controller may include controllers local to the vehicle. Exemplary7local controllers may include a body control module, although any other controller in the vehicle is contemplated by the present teachings.

[0069] The controller may include controllers remote from the vehicle. Exemplary remote controllers may include those in computing devices such as mobile phones.

[0070] The controller may signally communicate with one or more comfort effectors. The controller may influence electrical power provided to the one or more comfort effectors.

[0071] Tire wellness system may include one or more information sources. Tire information sources may be adapted and configured to obtain and / or electronically store information of the occupant, signally communicate with the one or more controllers, or both.

[0072] The one or more information sources may be local to the vehicle or remote from the vehicle. The one or more information sources may include sensors. The sensors may include temperature sensors, heart rate monitors, blood sugar monitors, perspiration sensors, image sensors, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more information sources may include computing devices having memory storage media storing information regarding the occupant. Such information may be provided by said sensors and / or input via a human-machine interface.

[0073] Remote information sources may include computing devices. The computing devices may include mobile computing devices, such as smart phones, wearables (e.g., smart watches, pacemakers, glucose meters, or the like), or both.

[0074] Information of the occupant may include identity7, age, gender, body weight, body temperature, clothing being worn, hydration, injuries, medical conditions, blood sugar levels, heart rate, perspiration, drowsiness, sicknesses, sleep patterns, anxiety, hunger, mood, facial expressions, alertness, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0075] The controller may operate the one or more comfort effectors based on information obtained from the one or more information sources. The controller may determine a diagnosis of an occupant and select an operating mode of one or more comfort effectors to address the diagnosis. Said diagnosis and operating mode selection may be perfonned without any input from an occupant. That is, autonomously. Although, the present teachings contemplate that an occupant may provide an input to the wellness system (e.g., via a human-machine interface). The wellness system may autonomously select an operating mode upon start-up of the vehicle and the occupant may select an operating mode after said autonomous selection.

[0076] One or more, or more preferably two or more comfort effectors may be active in an operating mode. Although, three or more or even four or more comfort effectors may be active in an operating mode. The present teachings contemplate various operating modes, which may be adapted and configured to target specific symptoms felt by an occupant.

[0077] When a plurality of effector devices are activated, two or more of the effector devices may be activated or controlled simultaneously or successively. An operating mode may include various intensity levels (e.g., high, medium, low). For example, an operating mode may include high heat, medium heat, low heat; high cooling, medium cooling, low cooling; high massage, medium massage, low massage; high aromatherapy, medium aromatherapy, low aromatherapy: high audio volume, medium audio volume, low audio volume; etc.

[0078] In an operating mode, a heating effector and a pressure effector may be activated at the same time. In an operating mode, a cooling effector and a pressure effector may be activated at the same time. In an operating mode, a heating effector and a cooling effector may be activated successively, and a pressure effector may be activated simultaneously with the heating effector and / or the cooling effector. In an operating mode, a fragrance may be emitted in the vehicle cabin. In an operating mode, a light may be emitted or image may be displayed. In an operating mode, an audio signal (e.g., music or otherwise) may be emitted. In an operating mode, one or a plurality of air bladders may be inflated or deflated to provide a massage sequence to the one or more occupants. An operating mode may be activated by a controller. An operating mode may be activated by an occupant.

[0079] The one or more operating modes may be pre-programmed and stored in a memory storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory memory storage medium) local to and / or remote from the vehicle.

[0080] The operating modes may include a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and optionally any number of additional operating modes. At least one of the comfort effectors activated in a first operating mode may be different from at least one of the comfort effectsors activated in a second operating mode.

[0081] The first operating mode may be autonomously selected by a controller, based on information from one or more information sources and the second operating mode may be autonomously selected by a controller based on information from one or more information sources.

[0082] The first operating mode may activate upon start-up of a vehicle and the second operating mode may activate by an input of an occupant via a human-machine interface.

[0083] In one operating mode, one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more heating effectors may act upon a mid back, a lower back, legs, or buttocks of an occupant, or any combination thereof. The one or more pressure effectors may act upon a mid back and / or a lower back of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide tapotement massage therapy.The one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may or may not be at least partially simultaneously active. Preferably, the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be simultaneously active. The foregoing may be adapted to relieve back pain, tension, stress, or any combination thereof.

[0084] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit vanilla and / or jasmine into the vehicle cabin. Vanilla is a generally favored fragrance. Jasmine may have antidepressant and relaxing effects. The light or display may emit a blue light. The blue light may be characterized by a low lux (e.g.. about 0 lux to about 80 lux). Low lux blue light may influence a relaxed state in occupants. The speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 beats per minute (bpm) to about 80 bpm). Slow tempo music may have an effect on cortisol level, blood pressure, and heart rate.

[0085] In another operating mode, one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling effectors may, and one or more pressure effectors may be active. Tire one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling thermal effectors, one or more pressure effectors, or any combination thereof may act upon a mid back, a lower back, legs, or buttocks of the occupant, or any combination thereof. The one or more pressure effectors may provide kneading and / or tapotement massage therapies. The one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may or may not be at least partially simultaneously active. Preferably, the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be simultaneously active. Hie one or more cooling effectors may operate alternatively with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The foregoing may be adapted to relieve back pain, tension, stress, or any combination thereof.

[0086] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling effectors, one or more pressure effectors, or any combination thereof. The fragrance emitter may emit vanilla and / or jasmine into the vehicle cabin. The light or display may emit a red light. The red light may be characterized by a low lux (e.g., about 0 lux to about 80 lux). Red lighting may enhance the heated massage effect. The speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 bpm to about 80 bpm).

[0087] In another operating mode, one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling effectors, and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more heating effectors may act upon a mid back, a lower back, legs, or buttocks of an occupant. Hie one or more cooling effectors may act upon a mid back, a lower back, legs, or buttocks of an occupant. Hie one or more pressure effectors may act upon a mid back and / or a lower back of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide tapotement massage therapy. The one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may or may not be at leastpartially simultaneously active. Preferably, the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be simultaneously active. The one or more cooling effectors may alternate in operation with the one or more heating effectors and the one or more pressure effectors.

[0088] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling effectors, and one or more pressure effectors. Tire fragrance emitter may emit a menthol fragrance into the vehicle cabin. Menthol may stimulate the cold receptors in the nasal passage of an occupant, which can improve sensation of breathing and evoke emotions of freshness. The light or display may emit a blue and / or red light. Hie blue light may be emitted during operation of the one or more cooling effectors. The red light may be emitted during operation of the one or more heating effectors. Alternating blue and red light, in cooperation with cooling and heating functions, may enhance the feelings of cold and warm. The speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 beats per minute (bpm) to about 80 bpm). The foregoing may be adapted to enhance recovery after a workout. Alternations in skin temperature may influence blood flow, which can reduce muscle spasm and inflammation, improve range of motion, and reduce pain sensation.

[0089] In another operating mode, one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more heating effectors may act upon a lower back and / or pelvis of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may act upon a lower back and / or pelvis of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide kneading massage therapy. Heating in said regions may desensitize pain receptors. The foregoing may be adapted to alleviate symptoms of menstruation, such as menstrual cramps.

[0090] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit lavender into the vehicle cabin. Lavender may be associated with pain reducing properties. Hie light or display may emit a blue light. Hie blue light may be characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. The speaker may play music characterized by an upbeat tempo (e.g., about 81 bpm to about 110 bpm). The upbeat tempo may evoke feelings of happiness and motivation.

[0091] In another operating mode, the one or more cooling effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more cooling effectors may act on the back and / or neck of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may act upon a low back and / or pelvis of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide kneading massage therapy.

[0092] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more cooling effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit menthol into the vehicle cabin. The light or display may emit a blue light. Theblue light may be characterized by a low lux (e.g., about 0 lux to about 80 lux). The speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 beats per minute (bpm) to about 80 bpm). The foregoing may be adapted for alleviating symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

[0093] In another operating mode, one or more heating effectors, one or more cooling effectors, and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more heating and cooling effectors may act upon the neck, back, legs, or feet of the occupant, or any combination thereof. Tire one or more pressure effectors may act upon a back of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide tapotement massage therapy. Tapotement massage therapy may increase alertness and brain activity. The one or more cooling effectors and the one or more pressure effectors may or may not be active simultaneously. Preferably the one or more cooling effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active simultaneously. The one or more heating effectors may be active in alternation with the one or more cooling effectors. In this regard, overcooling of the occupant may be avoided. Cooling may increase alertness and brain wave activity and reduce fatigue.

[0094] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit vanilla fragrance and / or coffee fragrance into the vehicle cabin. Coffee fragrance may evoke memories of stimulant properties of coffee. The light or display may emit a blue light. The blue light may be characterized by a high lux (e.g., about 81 lux to about 400 lux). The speaker may play music characterized by an upbeat tempo (e.g., about 81 bpm to about 110 bpm). The upbeat tempo may improve attention levels of the occupant.

[0095] In another operating mode, the one or more pressure effectors may be active. Optionally, the one or more heating and / or cooling effectors may be active. The one or more pressure effectors may operate at a frequency (i.e., an inflation and a deflation event) of about 6 breaths per minute to about 12 breathes per minute. Preferably, about 8 breaths per minute. The foregoing may be adapted for guiding the breathing of the occupant and reducing stress.

[0096] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit vanilla fragrance and / or jasmine fragrance into the vehicle cabin. The light or display may emit a light with alternating intensity corresponding with inflation and deflation of the one or more pressure effectors. The display may show an animation corresponding with inflation and deflation of the one or more pressure effectors. Tire speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 bpm to about 80 bpm).

[0097] In another operating mode, one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more heating effectors may act upon a lower back and / or pelvis of an occupant.The one or more pressure effectors may act upon a lower back and / or pelvis of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide kneading massage therapy. The foregoing may be adapted to reduce muscle tension.

[0098] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more heating effectors and one or more pressure effectors. The fragrance emitter may emit lavender fragrance into the vehicle cabin. Tire light or display may emit a blue light. The blue light may be characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux. The speaker mayplay music characterized by a high tempo (e.g., about 80 bpm to about 110 bpm).

[0099] In another operating mode, the one or more cooling effectors and one or more pressure effectors may be active. The one or more cooling effectors may act on the back and / or neck of an occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may act upon a low back and / or pelvis of the occupant. The one or more pressure effectors may provide kneading massage therapy.

[0100] Optionally, a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof may be active in cooperation with the one or more cooling effectors and one or more pressure effectors. Hie fragrance emitter may emit menthol fragrance into the vehicle cabin. The light or display may emit a blue light. The blue light may alternate with different intensities. The speaker may play music characterized by a slow tempo (e.g., about 60 bpm to about 80 bpm). The foregoing may provide cooling relief to an occupant, relieving discomfort and facilitating evaporative heat loss.

[0101] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 comprising an interior or cabin 12 that includes seats 14, a dashboard 16, a steering wheel 18, door panels (not shown), a center console (not shown), an audio and / or video or entertainment system (not shown), and interior lighting (not shown). An occupant 20 is seated upon the seat 14.

[0102] Tire seat 14 includes a wellness system 22, described in greater detail below. The present teachings contemplate that the wellness system 22 can be located, at least in part, elsewhere in the vehicle. For example, one or more controllers of tire wellness system may be located off-board of the seat 14. In some aspects, the body control module or other controller of the vehicle may execute at least some of the functions of the wellness system 22 described herein. Moreover, the wellness system 22 is illustrated as in a bottom portion of the seat 14, but the present teachings contemplate that the wellness system 22 may be located in one or both of tire bottom portion or the back portion of the seat 14.

[0103] Tire wellness system 22 further comprises a speaker 17. As shown, the speaker 17 is a speaker located in the dashboard 16. Hie wellness system 22 further comprises a light 19. As shown, the light is in the form of ambient lighting located under the dashboard 16.

[0104] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary wellness system 22 deployed in a scat 14. The scat 14 has a bottom portion 24 and a back portion 26. Hie wellness system 22 comprises a cooling effector 28, a heating effector 30, and a pressure effector 32.

[0105] The cooling effector 28 is in the form of a distribution bag with a bottom portion 34 and back portion 36 that respectively locates in the bottom portion 24 and back portion 26 of the seat 14. Air flows through the distribution bag by pulling or pushing influence of a blower 38.

[0106] The heating effector 30 is configured and adapted to locate in the bottom portion 24 of the seat 14. Although, the present teachings contemplate that the heating effector 30 can be located in one or both of the bottom portion 24 or back portion 26. The heating effector 30 is in the form of a localized heater mat, having a resistive material (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient material) arranged on a carrier material (e.g., fleece) in a manner such that the heating effector 30 has a generally uniform power density across the surface area thereof.

[0107] Tire pressure effector 32 is configured and adapted to locate in the back portion 26 of the seat 14. Although tire present teachings contemplate that the pressure effector 32 can be located in one or both of the bottom portion 24 or the back portion 26 of the seat 14. The pressure effector 32 includes air bladders 40, which are illustrated as three air bladders 40 arranged generally vertically, one atop the other. The air bladders 40 are configured and adapted to extend across the back of the occupant 20, including the spine and the back regions left and right of the spine. The pressure effector 32 further comprises an air compressor 42 configured and adapted to inflate the air bladders 40. Hie pressure effector 32 further comprises a valve assembly 44 that selectively opens and closes connection between the air bladders 40 and the air compressor 42 and / or opens air lines to the atmosphere, for deflation of the air bladders 40.

[0108] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary wellness system 22 deployed in a seat 14. The seat 14 has a bottom portion 24 and a back portion 26. The wellness system 22 comprises a pressure effector 32, as described above; a heating effector 46; and a cooling effector 56.

[0109] The heating effector 46 is configured and adapted to locate in the back portion 26 of the seat 14. Although, the present teachings contemplate that the heating effector 46 can be located in one or both of the bottom portion 24 or back portion 26. The heating effector 46 is in the form of a zonal heater mat, having a resistive material (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient material) arranged on a carrier material (e.g., fleece) in a manner such that the heating effector 46 has multiple sections of different power densities. Tire heating effector 46 shown has a lower section 48, a middle section 50, and an upper section 52, each having a different power density. The heating effector 46 further comprises an opening 54 configured and adapted for passage of an airflow to or from a heating and cooling effector 56. described below.

[0110] The heating and cooling effector 56 comprises a blower 58 that operates in a push or pull mode, preferably in a push mode. The airflow from the blower 58 is heated and / or cooled by a thermoelectricdevice 60. The heating and cooling effector 56 has a door (not shown) disposed between tire blower 58 and the thermoelectric device 60, which directs air to a hot side and / or a cool side of the thermoelectric device 60. Thermally conditioned air exits the heating and cooling effector 56 via a vent 62. Where a first portion of air is directed along the hot side of the thermoelectric device 60 and a second portion of air is directed along the cool side of the thermoelectric device 60, the first and second portions may mix before or upon exiting the vent 62.

[0111] Although the opening 54 in the heating effector 46 is depicted as generally in a middle portion thereof, the present teachings contemplate that the opening 54 may be located anywhere on the heating effector 46. The present teachings further contemplate multiple openings 54 and multiple heating and cooling effectors 56 respectively associated therewith.

[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary wellness system 22 deployed in a seat 14. The seat 14 has a bottom portion 24 and a back portion 26. The wellness system 22 comprises a pressure effector 32, as described above; a heating effector 46, as described above; and a cooling effector 56, as described above. The wellness system 22 further comprises a second pressure effector 64.

[0113] The second pressure effector 64 comprises air bladders 66, an air compressor 68. and a valve assembly 70. The air bladders 66 include twelve air bladders 66, ten of which are located in the back portion 26 of the seat 14 and two of which are located in the bottom portion 24 of tire seat 14. The air bladders 66 are arranged with pairs of air bladders 66 located on left and right sides of the seat 14. The air compressor 68 is configured and adapted to inflate tire air bladders 66. Hie valve assembly 70 selectively opens and closes connection between the air bladders 66 and the air compressor 68 and / or opens air lines to the atmosphere, for deflation of the air bladders 66.

[0114] The pressure effector 32 may be configured and adapted for lower frequency inflation events (e.g., < 1 Hz) and the pressure effector 64 may be configured and adapted for higher frequency inflation events (e.g., > 1 Hz). The pressure effector 32 may provide kneading massage therapy and / or lumbar support functionality. The pressure effector 64 may provide tapotement massage therapy, kneading massage therapy, and / or lumbar support functionality.

[0115] The wellness system 22 further comprises a fragrance emitter 72 located in a headrest of the seat 14. In this regard, a fragrance may be emitted proximate to the nose of the occupant 20. The present teachings contemplate that the fragrance emitter 72 may be located in any suitable location within the cabin.

[0116] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a wellness system 22. Tire wellness system 22 comprises a controller 74 that regulates the operation of comfort effectors, such as heating effectors 76, cooling effectors 78, and pressure effectors 80. Exemplary comfort effectors are shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, but the present teachings are not intended to be limited to these illustrated examples.

[0117] The wellness system 22 comprises sensors 82, 84. The sensor 82 may be a local sensor or onboard information source. A local or onboard infonnation source may be a device, assembly, or source of data or information that may originate from, be generated by, and / or be provided from inside of the vehicle 10. The sensor 84 may be one or more external sensors or information sources. An external sensor or information source may be a device, assembly, or source of data or information that may originate from, be generated by, and / or be provided from outside of the vehicle 10.

[0118] Tire controller 74 may be a controller local to the vehicle 10 or remote from the vehicle 10. The controller 74 may be configured and adapted to receive data from the sensors 82. 84. The controller 74 mayprocess said data and control the operation of the comfort effectors. The controller 74, sensors 82, 84, and comfort effectors 76, 78, 80 are in signal communication with each other. The controller 74, sensor 82, and comfort effectors 76, 78, 80 may be in signal communication via a wired network, such as a CAN bus. The controller 74 and sensor 84 may be in signal communication via a wireless network such as a Bluetooth network.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 90 according to the present teachings. It is understood that while the method 90 is illustrated as having a number of sequential steps, it is within the scope of this disclosure that any of the method steps can be rearranged, duplicated, and / or eliminated. It is within the scope of this disclosure that any single method step illustrated and described herein can be separated or divided into two or more method steps. It is within the scope of this disclosure that any two or more methods steps may be combined into a single method step.

[0120] The method 90 may include a step 92 of obtaining data about the occupant 20. Tire data of step 92 may be obtained from one or both of the sensors 82, 84.

[0121] The method 90 may include a step 94 of processing the data received from the sensors 82, 84. This step 94 may be completed or executed by the controller 74. In or during step 94, the data may be processed by one or more processors, software, algorithms, look up tables.

[0122] The method 90 may include a step 96 of prescribing one or more comfort functions in response to the determination from step 94. In this step, the wellness system 22 may prescribe one or more comfort functions. For example, the wellness system 22 may suggest to the one or more occupants to manually activate one or more comfort effectors to maintain or improve occupant comfort. For example, if controller 74 determines the occupant is uncomfortable, such as being cold, then the wellness system 22 may activate one or more heating effectors. Other exemplary operating modes are described herein.

[0123] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0124] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth arc not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be detennined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0125] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0126] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a motor” does not limit the teachings to a single motor. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a motor” may include “one or more motors.”

[0127] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by tire context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

[0128] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner.” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative tenns may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example tenn “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0129] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and / or modified with any other elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein.

[0130] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possibleas will be gleaned from the following claims, which arc also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0131] 10 Vehicle

[0132] 12 Cabin

[0133] 14 Seat

[0134] 16 Dashboard

[0135] 17 Speaker

[0136] 18 Steering wheel

[0137] 19 Light or display

[0138] 20 Occupant

[0139] 22 Wellness system

[0140] 24 Bottom portion

[0141] 26 Back portion

[0142] 28 Cooling effector

[0143] 30 Heating effector

[0144] 32 Pressure effector

[0145] 34 Bottom portion

[0146] 36 Back portion

[0147] 38 Blower

[0148] 40 Air bladder

[0149] 42 Air compressor

[0150] 44 Valve assembly

[0151] 46 Heating effector

[0152] 48 Lower section

[0153] 50 Middle section

[0154] 52 Upper section

[0155] 54 Opening

[0156] 56 Heating and cooling effector

[0157] 58 Blower

[0158] 60 Thermoelectric device

[0159] 62 Vent

[0160] 64 Second pressure effector

[0161] 66 Air bladder

[0162] 68 Air compressor

[0163] 70 Valve assembly

[0164] 72 Fragrance emitter

[0165] 74 Controller

[0166] 76 Heating effector

[0167] 78 Cooling effector

[0168] 80 Pressure effector

[0169] 82 Sensor

[0170] 84 Sensor

[0171] 90 Method

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1 : A wellness system for improving comfort of an occupant in a seat, preferably a vehicle seat, the wellness system comprising: one or more comfort effectors selected from: one or more heating effectors thennally influencing at least one surface of the seat, one or more cooling effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, and one or more pressure effectors adapted and configured to selectively apply and release a pressure relative to the occupant, one or more information sources adapted and configured to obtain information of the occupant; a human-machine interface; and a controller configured to operate the one or more comfort effectors in: i) a first operating mode where one or more of the comfort effectors are activated, and ii) a second operating mode where one or more of the comfort effectors are activated; wherein the controller operates the one or more comfort effectors based on said information from the one or more information sources or an input received by the human-machine interface; and wherein at least one of the one or more comfort effectors activated in the first operating mode are different than at least one of the one or more comfort effectors that are activated in the second operating mode.Claim 2: Tire wellness system according to Claim 1, wherein the one or more pressure effectors operate in the first operating mode.Claim 3 : The wellness system according to Claim 2, wherein additionally a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof operate in the first operating mode.Claim 4: Tire wellness system according to Claim 3, wherein the one or more pressure effectors include air bladders configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back and a middle back of the occupant; wherein the fragrance emitter emits a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance; wherein the light or display: turns on and off in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders, switches between different light intensities in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders, or displays ananimation in coordination with inflation and deflation of the air bladders; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.Claim 5: The wellness system according to Claim 1, wherein the one or more heating effectors, the one or more cooling effectors, and the one or more pressure effectors are activated in the second operating mode.Claim 6: The wellness system according to Claim 5, wherein additionally a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof operate in the second operating mode.Claim 7 : Tire wellness system according to Claim 6, wherein the one or more heating effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a neck, a lower back, a middle back, a buttocks, legs, and / or feet of the occupant; wherein the one or more cooling effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back, a middle back, a buttocks, and / or legs of the occupant; wherein the one or more pressure effectors include air bladders configured in tire seat to be co-located with a lower back and / or a middle back of the occupant, and provide tapotement massage therapy; wherein the one or more thermal effectors and the one or more pressure effectors operate simultaneously and alternate with operation of the one or more cooling effectors.Claim 8: The wellness system according to Claim 1. wherein the fragrance emitter emits a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance; wherein the light or display provides a red light characterized by a lux of about 0 lux to about 80 lux; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.Claim 9: The wellness system according to Claim 8, wherein the fragrance emitter emits a menthol fragrance; wherein tire light or display provides a blue light and a red light respectively alternating with the activation of the one or more cooling effectors and the one or more heating effectors, the blue light and red light characterized by a lux of about 0 lux to about 80 lux; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.Claim 10: The wellness system according to Claim 9, wherein tire fragrance emitter emits a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance; wherein the light or display provides a blue light; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.Claim 11: The wellness system according to Claim 1, wherein the one or more heating effectors and the one or more pressure effectors are activated in the second operating mode.Claim 12: The wellness system according to Claim 11, wherein additionally a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof operate in the second operating mode.Claim 13: Tire wellness system according to Claim 12, wherein the one or more heating effectors are configured in tire seat to be co-located with a middle back, a lower back, and / or a buttocks of tire occupant; wherein the one or more pressure effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a middle back and / or a lower back of the occupant and provides tapotement massage therapy: wherein the one or more heating effectors and the one or more pressure effectors are simultaneously active; wherein the fragrance emitter emits a vanilla and / or jasmine fragrance; wherein the light or display provides a blue light characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 60 beats per minute to about 80 beats per minute.Claim 14: The wellness system according to Claim 12, wherein the one or more heating effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back and / or pelvis of the occupant; wherein the one or more pressure effectors are configured to provide kneading massage therapy; wherein the fragrance emitter emits a lavender fragrance; wherein the light or display provides a blue light characterized by an intensity of about 0 lux to about 80 lux; and wherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.Claim 15: Tire wellness system according to Claim 1, wherein tire one or more cooling effectors and the one or more pressure effectors are activated in tire second operating mode.Claim 16: The wellness system according to Claim 15, wherein additionally a fragrance emitter, a light or display, a speaker, or any combination thereof operate in the second operating mode.Claim 17: Tire wellness system according to Claim 16, wherein the one or more cooling effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a neck and / or back of the occupant; wherein the one or more pressure effectors are configured in the seat to be co-located with a lower back and / or a pelvis of the occupant and to provide kneading massage therapy; wherein the fragrance emitter emits a menthol fragrance: wherein the light or display provides a blue light alternating between different intensities: andwherein the speaker plays music characterized by a tempo of about 81 beats per minute to about 110 beats per minute.Claim 18: The wellness system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first operating mode is activated based on the diagnosis by the control device and the second operating mode is activated by the occupant.Claim 19 : The wellness s stem according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more pressure effectors include a first pressure effector configured and adapted to operate at a frequency of greater than about 1 Hz, and a second pressure effector configured and adapted to operate at a frequency of equal to or less than about 1 Hz; and optionally wherein the first and second pressure effectors are operated simultaneously.Claim 20: A method for improving occupant comfort of an occupant in a seat, preferably a vehicle seat, the method comprising: obtaining information about the occupant with one or more information sources, diagnosing one or more symptoms of the occupant with a controller, activating one or more comfort effectors in a first operating mode, and activating one or more comfort effectors in a second operating mode; wherein at least one of the one or more comfort effectors that are activated in the first operating mode are different from at least one of the one or more comfort effectors that are activated in the second operating mode; and wherein the first operating mode is activated based on the diagnosis by the controller and the second operating mode is activated by the occupant or updates to tire information about the occupant obtained during or after the first operating mode.Claim 21: The method according to Claim 20. wherein the one or more comfort effectors include: one or more heating effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, one or more cooling effectors thermally influencing at least one surface of the seat, and one or more pressure effectors adapted and configured to selectively apply and release a pressure relative to the occupant.Claim 22: The method according to Claim 20 or Claim 21, wherein the information source includes one or more sensors.Claim 23 : A vehicle seat comprising the wellness system according to any one of Claims 1 through

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