Method for conditioning the relaxation of an occupant in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for conditioning the relaxation of an occupant on a vehicle seat in a vehicle by means of a comfort function of a controllable comfort system (1). According to the invention - after a predefinable period of time (T) after activation of the comfort function, an instruction (I1, I2) for achieving a state of relaxation is output optically and / or acoustically in a manner synchronized with the comfort function, and - the optical and / or acoustic output of the instruction (I1,I2) is deactivated after a specified number of passes and / or after a specified duration (T1 to T4) of a use of the comfort function, wherein the comfort function remains activated and is executed.

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Method for relaxation conditioning of an occupant in a vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a method for relaxation conditioning of an occupant on a vehicle seat in a vehicle by means of a comfort function of a controllable comfort system.

[0004] From DE 102023 001 651 A1, a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle is known. Depending on the detected breathing of an occupant on the vehicle seat, predetermined actuators of the massage device are used to guide the occupant's breathing, whereby the actuators enable a respiratory therapist to perform an activity on the occupant.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for relaxation conditioning of an occupant on a vehicle seat.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a method for relaxation conditioning of an occupant on a vehicle seat in a vehicle by means of a comfort function of a controllable comfort system provides that

[0009] - after a predetermined period of time following activation of the comfort function, an instruction to achieve a state of relaxation is output visually and / or audibly, synchronized with the comfort function and

[0010] - the visual and / or acoustic output of the instruction is deactivated after a predetermined number of cycles and / or after a predetermined duration of use of the comfort function, while the comfort function remains activated and continues to run.

[0011] By using this method, and especially by using it regularly, it is possible for a vehicle occupant, particularly a driver, to relax during regular journeys, such as to and from work, thereby reducing stress and promoting physical regeneration. Furthermore, using this method can make waiting time in the vehicle more pleasant for the occupant.

[0012] The comfort function is executed, for example, as a program in which an inherently significant stimulus, which triggers a measurable response in a living being, particularly a human, is combined with another stimulus that would not normally elicit this measurable response. The strength of the coupling between the additional stimulus and the measurable response can be maintained through continuous and intermittent reinforcement and enhanced learning. This means that the visual and / or auditory instruction becomes associated with the comfort function during its execution, even though the comfort function would not normally elicit this measurable response. If the visual and / or auditory output of the instruction is deactivated, the instruction is typically internalized and triggers the response in the occupant when the comfort function is activated.

[0013] In one implementation, vital parameters of the occupant, recorded during and / or after the use of the comfort function, are visualized using a vehicle-mounted display unit and / or a display unit of a portable data processing unit that is or can be connected to the vehicle's data network. This allows the occupant, as the user of the comfort function, to be continuously informed about its effect and whether the desired relaxation is occurring. For example, such a state of relaxation can be recognized based on the occupant's recorded respiratory rate and / or heart rate.

[0014] In a further implementation, if, while the comfort function is activated, it is detected that a vital parameter of the occupant using the comfort function exceeds a threshold, the output of the visual and / or acoustic instruction is reactivated. Thus, if it is detected that the measurable reaction does not correspond to a desired state—for example, if a heart rate increases again after deactivation of the visual and / or acoustic instruction—it is reactivated to establish a connection between the executed comfort function and the visually and / or acoustically output instruction, and to ensure that the occupant relaxes in the vehicle seat.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the occupant's respiratory rate and / or heart rate are recorded as vital parameters while seated in the vehicle. These vital parameters can be used to determine whether the occupant is stressed. Based on these recorded vital parameters, it can be determined whether the occupant has internalized the instructions given during the visual and / or audible output, which is tailored to the activated comfort function, and whether, even after the visual and / or audible output is deactivated, the occupant continues to follow these instructions, thus maintaining or increasing a state of relaxation.

[0016] In one implementation, the comfort function is achieved by means of a massage device integrated into the vehicle seat, which is linked to visual and / or acoustic instructions in such a way that the occupant's breathing slows down and the occupant relaxes. For this purpose, actuators of the massage device are activated and controlled accordingly, so that, in conjunction with the acoustic and / or visual output of the instructions, they elicit a measurable reaction in the occupant, in particular a slowing of the occupant's breathing. The actuators of the massage device can be inflatable and deflatable air bubbles and / or vibration elements and / or other massage elements and / or sound couplers and / or adjustment elements for minimal adjustment of a seat cushion, etc.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the procedure, instructions regarding the occupant's inhalation and exhalation are given visually and / or audibly. This means that when certain actuators of the comfort system are activated, the occupant is instructed to inhale, and when certain other actuators are activated, the occupant is instructed to exhale. Thus, the occupant's breathing is guided by the actuators of the comfort system. Once the occupant has internalized this instruction, they will still breathe according to the activated actuators of the comfort system, even when the comfort function is activated and the instruction output is deactivated.

[0018] In a further development of the procedure, seat ventilation and / or fragrance is activated during the execution of the comfort function in order to further increase the well-being of the occupant in their vehicle seat and thus optimize a state of relaxation of the occupant.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the instruction is displayed visually and / or audibly for 20 seconds while the comfort function is activated, specifically to ensure that the occupant associates the activated comfort function with the visually and / or audibly displayed instruction. This allows the occupant to carry out the instruction even when the visual and / or audible output of the instruction is deactivated.

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0021] This shows:

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically shows a process for relaxation conditioning of an occupant in a vehicle seat and

[0023] Fig. 2 schematically shows an overview of components for carrying out the procedure.

[0024] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a time sequence of a method for coordinating the relaxation of an occupant on a vehicle seat, in which a comfort system 1, in particular a massage device with a plurality of actuators, is integrated.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an overview of components for carrying out the method for coordinating the relaxation of an occupant in a vehicle seat with an integrated comfort system 1. The method comprises the comfort system 1, an optical and / or acoustic output unit 2, an image acquisition unit 3, a portable data processing unit 4 in the form of a smartwatch, and a control unit 5. The comfort system 1, the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2, the image acquisition unit 3, and the portable data processing unit 4 are wirelessly or wired connected to the control unit 5. For example, the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2 is part of the vehicle's infotainment system, and the image acquisition unit 3 may be a driver monitoring camera.

[0027] A comfort function, in particular a massage program, can be executed by means of the comfort system 1, which is designed as a massage device, when an occupant is seated in the vehicle. Specifically, the comfort system 1 is controlled by the control unit 5 to execute the comfort function.

[0028] To implement the comfort function in the form of the massage program, actuators integrated into the seat back and / or seat cushion of the vehicle seat can be individually controlled and activated in any combination. These actuators can be, for example, inflatable air bubbles, vibration elements, other massage elements, sound couplers, and / or adjustment elements for minimal adjustment of the seat cushion.

[0029] The procedure described below as an example stipulates that when the comfort function is activated, a function FA1 is executed for an initial duration T1 of, for example, four seconds. During function FA1, certain predefined actuators of the comfort system 1 are activated sequentially, so that the occupant in the vehicle seat perceives a movement initiated by the actuators, starting from the seat cushion and moving along the seat back towards a headrest. After a predefined duration T following the activation of function FA1, an instruction 11 is output visually and / or audibly via the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2. For example, instruction 11 might be output visually and / or audibly instructing the occupant in the vehicle seat to breathe slowly.The optical and / or acoustic output unit 2 is controlled by the control unit 5 to output instructions 11, I2, especially when the comfort program is started.

[0030] After the initial duration T1, a further function FA2 of the comfort function is activated for a second duration T2 of, for example, six seconds. Following this predefined duration T, a further instruction I2 is issued visually and / or audibly via the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2. For example, the further instruction I2 is issued visually and / or audibly, instructing the occupant to exhale slowly. In the subsequent function FA2, the specific actuators are activated, for example, in reverse order, so that a movement initiated by the actuators from the seat back towards the headrest and towards the seat cushion is perceptible to the occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0031] The function FA1 is executed for a third duration T3 and during the function FA1, after the specified duration, the instruction 11 'inhale slowly' is output optically and / or acoustically by means of the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2.

[0032] The further function FA2 is executed for a subsequent fourth duration T4 and during the execution the further instruction I2 'exhale slowly' is issued again.

[0033] An optical and / or acoustic output of instructions 11, I2 is deactivated after the fourth time period T4, i.e. after 20 seconds, while the comfort function remains activated and the function exercises FA1, FA2 continue to be carried out one after the other.

[0034] The occupant in the vehicle seat has now internalized instructions 11, I2, so that even after the visual and / or audible output of instructions 11, I2 is deactivated, the occupant still complies with them during the functions FA1, FA2 of comfort system 1 for the respective durations T5, T6. This means that the executed comfort function, in particular the executed massage program, triggers a corresponding reaction of a slowing of the occupant's breathing A. Thus, through the internalization of instructions 11, I2, a new stimulus is linked to a desired reaction from the occupant.

[0035] In one embodiment of the method, vital parameters determined by the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2, based on signals acquired by the portable data processing unit 4, are displayed optically and / or acoustically, thus further amplifying the response. For this purpose, the acquired signals and / or the evaluated signals of the portable data processing unit 4 are transmitted to the control unit 5, from which they are then transmitted to the optical and / or acoustic output unit 2. This means that the effect of the comfort function on the occupant is made visible.

[0036] Based on the measured vital parameters, such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and / or blood pressure, a trend in these parameters can be determined. If the measured vital parameters fall below a predefined threshold, the visual and / or audible output of instructions 11 and 12 is reactivated to slow the occupant's breathing and thus induce a state of relaxation.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, vital parameters are determined using image signals captured by image acquisition unit 3. Changes in head position and rotation of the occupant can also be detected based on these image signals. The head position, and especially any changes in the occupant's head position, can indicate a change in posture, such as a rounding of the thoracic spine. This can lead to tension in the head, neck, and throughout the body. This change in head position can therefore be used as a "start signal" for reinforcement and / or relaxation conditioning. If head rotation is detected, it can be inferred that the occupant's gaze has shifted, particularly from looking straight ahead in the direction of travel to looking to the left or right.If this change in gaze persists for several seconds, it can lead to tension in the head, eyes, neck, or back. Furthermore, especially if the driver is a passenger, there is a risk of distraction from driving. In both cases, a reminder can be given to initiate or resume relaxation exercises.

[0038] For example, the activation of the comfort function for relaxation conditioning the occupant can be linked to a reward system. The occupant continuously tries to learn how to slow their breathing (A) in order to receive or maximize a reward, particularly in the form of virtual awards, virtual currency, desired items, etc. For instance, relaxation points can be earned by recording the proportion of slow breaths out of a total number of breaths. Furthermore, it is possible to activate other comfort functions of the vehicle to achieve a state of relaxation for the occupant.For example, relaxing sounds and / or music can be played, and a fragrance system can be activated to release a scent preferred by the occupant. Seat heating and / or ventilation can also be activated simultaneously. It is also conceivable to play relaxing words and / or visual effects while the comfort function, particularly the massage program, is running. In this configuration, the other comfort functions are coordinated with the comfort function, especially functions FA1 and FA2.

[0039] For example, to clarify the respective function FA1, FA2 by means of the actuators, it is possible to adjust the pressure exerted on the occupant by the actuators, i.e. to decrease or increase it, in order to optimize a pleasant effect of the applied comfort function on the occupant.

[0040] Other possible comfort systems and / or available additional comfort functions in the vehicle that may be geared towards positive bodily function regulation and the mood of the occupant include, for example:

[0041] - defined massage sequences,

[0042] - defined haptically perceptible impulses via the vehicle seat and contact surfaces, especially in relation to the back and / or the entire back of the occupant, hands, feet, etc.,

[0043] - defined vibration patterns on the vehicle seat and / or on body contact surfaces, such as back, buttocks, thighs, feet, etc.,

[0044] - defined thermal patterns at defined locations, heat and / or cooling pulses,

[0045] - defined fragrance impulses,

[0046] - defined words or tones or sound compositions,

[0047] - defined low-pitched sound and / or noise patterns that, for example via an exciter, have a direct influence on the regulation of bodily functions, for example analogous to a sound bowl massage,

[0048] - defined visual effects, for example in the form of avatar movements and / or icons, which are displayed by means of an optical output unit,

[0049] - orchestrated programs, for example energy-saving comfort programs and / or

[0050] - Comfort system activations, for example in the form of side support bladder activations, lumbar bladder impulses, etc. The comfort system 1 in conjunction with the visual and / or acoustic output of instructions 11, I2 is a system for stress reduction and relaxation in the vehicle, which accompanies the occupants into a slowing of breathing.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. Method for relaxation conditioning of an occupant on a vehicle seat in a vehicle by means of a comfort function of a controllable comfort system (1), characterized in that - after a predefinable time period (T) following activation of the comfort function, an instruction (11 , I2) to achieve a state of relaxation is output visually and / or audibly synchronized with the comfort function and - the optical and / or acoustic output of the instruction (11 , I2) is deactivated after a predetermined number of cycles and / or after a predetermined time period (T1 to T4) of use of the comfort function, while the comfort function remains activated and is executed.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that vital parameters of the occupant recorded during and / or after the use of the comfort function are visualized by means of a vehicle-side display unit and / or a display unit of a portable data processing unit (4) that is or can be coupled to the vehicle in terms of data technology.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the comfort function is activated, it is detected that a vital parameter of the occupant using the comfort function exceeds a threshold value, the output of the optical and / or acoustic instruction (11 , I2) is reactivated.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a respiratory rate and / or a vital parameter is used. The heart rate of the occupant in the vehicle seat is being recorded.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comfort function is performed by means of a massage device integrated into the vehicle seat.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instruction (11 , 12) relating to inhalation and exhalation of the occupant is issued visually and / or acoustically.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that seat ventilation and / or fragrance is activated during the execution of the comfort function.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the instruction (11 , 12) is output visually and / or audibly for 20 seconds during the activated comfort function.

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