CN105476647B

CN105476647B - Method and device for assisting breathing of vehicle driver and vehicle with device

Info

Publication number: CN105476647B
Application number: CN201510629873.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P-S·D·黄
Original assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Current assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date: 2014-10-01
Filing date: 2015-09-29
Publication date: 2020-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-29
Also published as: CN105476647A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle to breathe and a vehicle with the device. In order to assist the breathing of the vehicle driver, a state variable of the vehicle driver is detected by means of a sensor device. At least one signal is emitted depending on the detected state parameter, which signal is suitable for directly or indirectly influencing the respiration of the vehicle driver. A prompt is given to the driver of the vehicle by means of the signal emitted: he should change his breathing, the indication is sent by the vehicle via a display device, which also sends other driving-relevant information, the display device is actuated by means of the sent signals in order to guide the vehicle driver to adjust his breathing, and the guidance is performed graphically via a screen.

Description

Method and device for assisting breathing of vehicle driver and vehicle with device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle in breathing and a vehicle having such a device.

Background

In order to be able to drive the vehicle safely, it is necessary: the vehicle driver has sufficient physical ability. Physical performance may be reduced, for example, chronically by chronic patients or temporarily by fatigue. In such situations, the vehicle driver is often challenged to make a determination as to whether he has the ability to drive. Particularly when the physical condition of the vehicle driver deteriorates during traveling, it is critical or difficult to make such a judgment. To assist the driver of the vehicle in such a situation, it is proposed, for example, in US2008/0228046 a 1: real-time physical data of the vehicle driver are detected in the vehicle, on the basis of which the state of health of the vehicle driver is evaluated and, if necessary, corresponding recommendations are made as to the behavior of the vehicle driver. The same is also proposed in US 2010/0226871 a 1: during driving, data relating to vital parameters of the vehicle driver are detected, on the basis of which the state of health of the vehicle driver is evaluated and suitable measures are derived therefrom, such as inhibiting the vehicle from operating or carrying out relaxation exercises by means of Biofeedback (Biofeedback).

DE 2007030754 a1 describes a driver assistance system in which fragrances that are suitable for the state of the driver are introduced into the vehicle interior as a function of the state of the driver. In which a relaxing fragrance with an orange fragrance is released periodically, for example in a state of intense concentration by the driver. When there is evidence of driver relaxation, a waking fragrance with a mint scent is released.

The contents of the above publications are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to contribute to safety in vehicle traffic.

To this end, the invention provides a method for assisting the breathing of a driver of a vehicle, wherein: detecting a state variable of the vehicle driver by means of a sensor device, and, depending on the detected state variable, emitting at least one signal which is suitable for indirectly influencing the respiration of the vehicle driver, wherein, by means of the emitted signal, an indication is emitted to the vehicle driver: he should change his breathing, the indication is sent by the vehicle via a display device, which also sends other driving-relevant information, the display device is actuated by means of the sent signals in order to guide the vehicle driver to adjust his breathing, and the guidance is performed graphically via a screen.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for assisting the breathing of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: a sensor device, by means of which at least one state variable of a vehicle driver can be detected; and an output device, by means of which at least one signal for indirectly influencing the breathing of the vehicle driver can be emitted as a function of the detected state variable, wherein a notification can be emitted to the vehicle driver by means of the emitted signal: he should change his breathing, the indication can be sent by the vehicle via a display device which also sends other driving-relevant information, the display device can be actuated by means of the signals sent to guide the driver of the vehicle to adjust his breathing, and the guidance is performed graphically via a screen.

In addition, this application is also entitled to patent protection for a vehicle that includes the above-described apparatus.

The invention and its advantageous embodiments are explained in detail below.

According to the invention, the breathing of the vehicle driver is assisted. In this case, a state variable of the driver of the vehicle is detected by means of a sensor device. Depending on the detected state parameter, at least one signal is emitted, which is suitable for indirectly influencing the respiration of the vehicle driver.

The state variable may be, in particular, a variable which is directly or indirectly dependent on the breathing of the vehicle driver. The status parameter may be a vital parameter such as oxygen content in blood, respiratory rate or respiratory flux. The state variable may also be a variable derived from a plurality of such vital variables and, if appropriate, further variables such as attention variables, driving variables, etc. The state parameter may also comprise or be derived from a parameter by which the respiratory behavior (ateverhalten) of a person is typically influenced, such as stress or fatigue.

The invention is based on the following recognition: the physical, mental and cognitive abilities of a person are related to his real-time breathing. According to the invention it is recognised that: by specifically influencing the breathing of the vehicle driver, his driving ability can be positively influenced. It is also recognized that: for example, when the vehicle driver is tired, in critical and particularly demanding driving situations, the vehicle driver often unintentionally falls into an unfavorable breathing behavior and, for example, only breathes shallowly. In such cases he often does not want to take a smooth deep breath. The following situations may also occur for this: the breathing of the vehicle driver becomes too slow and therefore provides too little oxygen to the body. In other cases, sometimes the vehicle driver unnecessarily accelerates his breathing and thus unnecessarily increases his mental agitation/anxiety. These disadvantages can be overcome with the breathing assistance system of the present invention. In particular, if it is detected that the breathing behavior is in an abnormal or unfavorable range, appropriate measures can be taken to directly or indirectly influence the breathing of the vehicle driver to bring it back into the normal range. This can improve the safety in vehicle traffic. At the same time, positive effects on the health of the vehicle driver can also be achieved. The normal range can be represented, for example, by a value range for the breathing rate and/or the breathing depth, which can be determined and/or predefined, in particular individually, for the respective vehicle driver.

Within the scope of the invention, the breathing of the vehicle driver is influenced directly or indirectly, in particular by means of the emitted signal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the release of the at least one fragrance is controlled by means of the emitted signal. To this end, it is recognized in particular that: breathing can be positively influenced by inhalation of a suitable fragrance. For example, the respiration can be accelerated or the respiration rate can be increased by an refreshing fragrance, for example a mint-flavoured fragrance. By means of a sedating fragrance, such as a lavender fragrance, it is possible, for example, to increase the depth of respiration and/or to reduce the respiration rate.

The fragrance is released in particular into the interior of the vehicle and in particular by means of a ventilation system. Provision can be made here for: the fragrance is directed specifically to the vehicle driver, for example by adjusting the ventilation nozzle of the vehicle with respect to the opening and/or the discharge direction, so that the air containing the fragrance is discharged only or predominantly in the direction of the vehicle driver.

In particular, the release of the fragrance can be carried out in dependence on the presence and in particular the detection by a sensor and the complete or partial automatic recognition of a tired state and/or a state of inattention of the vehicle driver.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made, in the release of at least one fragrance, for: the plurality of fragrances are each released at a predetermined ratio, amount and/or rate.

According to an advantageous, indirectly influencing embodiment of the invention, the vehicle driver is informed by means of the signal emitted: he should change his breathing. The prompt may be implemented visually, graphically, acoustically, and/or tactilely, for example. It can be emitted by the vehicle, for example via a user interface, a meter, such as an instrument cluster, or via a display device, such as an infotainment system or a so-called Head-Unit (audio body/host), which each also emits further driving-relevant information. The influence on the breathing is then effected indirectly via the respective vehicle system and via the perception of the vehicle driver, who can then consciously change his breathing on his part. The emitted signal can be used to control the corresponding user interface in such a way that the driver of the vehicle is guided to adjust his breathing. The guidance can then be carried out graphically, in particular also in the form of video recordings, for example in text form via a loudspeaker or by means of a screen of the infotainment system. In this case, the driver of the vehicle can be guided to perform breathing exercises. The prompt may be issued tactilely, for example, by the steering wheel or by the driver's seat.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal is used to actuate a vehicle component with which the breathing of the vehicle driver can be influenced indirectly or directly. The vehicle component may be, for example, a driver's seat, wherein the driver's seat may be actuated, for example, by changing its longitudinal position or the inclination of the backrest in order to promote breathing. It is also possible to vary the width of the lumbar support and/or the seat, wherein here in particular varying the seat width in the region of the edge cushions can play a role in promoting respiration. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a changeable air cushion present in the seat cushion. These seat cushions can be arranged in particular in a partial region of the seat, for example in the height region of the thorax of the vehicle driver. And thus may result in a direct change to breathing.

The influence on the breathing of the vehicle driver can also be effected indirectly or directly by changing the air properties in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. For this purpose, for example, the flow in the interior fan of the vehicle, the air temperature in the vehicle, in particular the temperature control by means of an air conditioning system, the circulating air control, the position of the height-adjustable pane and/or the position of the sliding roof or the hood, can be varied.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle driver is guided to adjust his breathing, wherein the guidance is selected from a predetermined amount of guidance instructions specific to the vehicle driver as a function of the state parameters and/or as a function of real-time driving conditions, such as traffic jams, highway driving, urban traffic, etc. The guidance of the driver of the vehicle can in particular comprise instructions for adjusting his seat position in the driver's seat and/or one or more breathing cycles for inhaling and exhaling.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor, the at least one rule for determining the state parameter, the prompt to the vehicle driver, the guidance to the vehicle driver, the user interface and/or the control signal for the vehicle component can be selected and/or adjusted by the vehicle driver. For example, adjustments may be made in sensitivity, intensity, combination, signal processing characteristics, and/or manipulation characteristics.

A vehicle in the sense of the invention may be, for example, a road vehicle, a rail vehicle, a ship or also an aircraft. The vehicle may in particular be motor-driven, for example driven by an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor. The term road vehicle is to be understood to mean, in particular, motor vehicles/motor vehicles such as passenger cars, buses, trucks, tractors and motorcycles.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for: if a critical state of health of the vehicle driver is detected by means of the sensor device, an alarm signal is generated. The warning signal may be issued manually or automatically, in whole or in part, via a user interface within the vehicle and/or may be transmitted from the vehicle to a central authority, such as an assistance command center. It may for example comprise an advice that the driver of the vehicle should look at a doctor. It may also comprise detected measured values and/or results of an analytical process on the status parameter. The alarm signal can be transmitted, for example, via a mobile radio data connection (Mobilfunk-Datenverbindung). It may be stored in the vehicle and/or in the assistance command center.

The apparatus for assisting breathing of a driver of a vehicle of the present invention comprises: a sensor device, by means of which at least one state variable of a vehicle driver can be detected; and an output device, by means of which at least one signal for directly or indirectly influencing the breathing of the vehicle driver can be emitted as a function of the detected state variable. The sensor means may comprise at least one sensor. It may also comprise an evaluation device for the sensor signal. In addition, a scent-releasing system is provided, which is arranged to release a scent on the basis of the detected state parameter and/or the emitted signal.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a fragrance delivery system is provided, which has a fragrance delivery control device in which control values for the proportion, amount and/or rate of the respective fragrances that are predefined for each respective fragrance are stored, wherein, by means of these control values, in each case one fragrance unit is activated, which contains and delivers the respective fragrance. The fragrance unit may in particular comprise one or more fragrance reservoirs. For controlling the dispensing, a corresponding electronically controllable closure device may be provided, for example a lid which can be opened or closed in a stepwise or stepless manner and with which the respective storage container can be closed in particular in a gas-tight manner.

Drawings

Further embodiments of the invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to the figures.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a motor vehicle having an infotainment system, and

fig. 2 is a scent delivery system for a motor vehicle.

Detailed Description

In a motor vehicle 1 shown in fig. 1, which is operated by a motor vehicle driver, not shown, an (on-board) infotainment system 2 is provided. The infotainment system has essentially a data memory 4, a loudspeaker system 5, a screen system 6 and an input unit 10.

The infotainment system 2 is connected in terms of control technology to a vehicle control device 11, which is in turn connected to a large number of sensors and actuators of the motor vehicle 1. In addition, the infotainment system 2 is connected to a breath detection device 8, which comprises a breath sensor 3 and an evaluation circuit 12, which evaluates the signals emitted by the breath sensor 3. The respiration sensor 3 can be, for example, a camera which is arranged in the vehicle in such a way that it points in the direction of the front of the vehicle driver and records the chest movement thereof. Using the evaluation circuit 12, breathing data of the driver of the motor vehicle, such as breathing rate and/or breathing depth and/or breathing flux, can be detected or at least estimated using the image signals generated using the camera 3. To this end, the evaluation circuit 12 comprises a corresponding analog or digital image processing component, for example a corresponding software program, a digital memory, a so-called Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and/or a microprocessor. The evaluation circuit 12 can also be used to process sensor signals which are generated by one or more further sensors which detect the breathing-affected body parts and/or body parts of the vehicle driver, for example with respect to the expression and color of his face or with respect to the oxygen content in his blood. In addition, suitable evaluation components can be contained in the evaluation circuit, with which it can be determined whether the vehicle driver is in a critical state of health with regard to breathing by means of the measured breathing data. Known sensors, analytical processes and other measures, as described, for example, in the documents US2008/0228046 a1 and US 2010/222687 a1 already cited above, can be used in this case, for example. The contents of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The infotainment system 2 is also connected to a mobile radio unit 9 with which mobile radio connections can be established with the infrastructure outside the vehicle, for example with the ordinary telephone network, with the internet and in particular with an assistance command center. By means of the mobile radio connection, corresponding data, such as sensor values, warning signals, etc., can be transmitted from the vehicle to the infrastructure, and guidance from the infrastructure, for example for the driver of the motor vehicle, can be received. A voice connection may also be established.

Furthermore, at least one electric drive for the driver's seat 4 is connected to the vehicle control device 11, by means of which drive the seat can be adjusted in terms of its longitudinal position, height position and backrest inclination. In particular, the width of the driver's seat 4 can also be adjusted electrically, for example in the case of an adjustable, relatively close-fitting sport seat in the chest height of the motor vehicle driver. For example, adjustment may be made by side seat cushions whose size is adjustable, which have inflatable and deflatable cushions.

In an exemplary driving situation, the movement of the thorax of the vehicle driver is detected by means of the camera sensor 3 facing the vehicle driver from the front. The sensor signals are processed in an evaluation circuit 12, wherein the breathing frequency is calculated from the movement data and the breathing flux achieved in a breathing cycle is estimated. For the calculation or evaluation, data specific to the vehicle driver can be stored in the evaluation unit or in the breathing recognition device 8. If it is detected during the evaluation that the respiration of the driver of the motor vehicle falls below a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period of time, i.e. the respiratory rate is too low, if the respiration is interrupted for more than a predetermined limit period (Schwellen-Zeitraum) and/or if the estimated respiratory flux falls below a predetermined threshold value, i.e. the respiration becomes too shallow, then a warning signal is output by the evaluation unit or the respiration recognition device 8 to the infotainment system 2. The infotainment system in turn issues a corresponding warning via the loudspeaker system 5 and/or via the screen system 6 to warn the driver of the motor vehicle of his abnormal breathing. It can be provided in the infotainment system 2 whether or not the vehicle control device 11 is simultaneously triggered to emit an alarm signal in order to take vehicle-related measures for improving the breathing of the motor vehicle driver. It is also possible to plan what measures are taken by the settings: for example, whether the driver's seat 7 is widened in order to reduce the possible squeezing of the thorax and/or the side windows of the motor vehicle 1 are opened in order to increase the air supply in the vehicle for a short time. It is also possible to preset in the infotainment system 2: whether sound data and/or image data are read from the data memory 4 and played on the loudspeaker system 5 and the screen system 6 in order to guide the vehicle driver through the breathing exercise. A plurality of guides can be stored in the data memory 4, which are selected individually for the vehicle driver and/or on the basis of evaluation values determined by the evaluation circuit 12 with regard to the real-time respiration state of the vehicle driver. The corresponding storage, selection and control of the infotainment system 2 and/or the evaluation circuit or the breath identification device 8 can also be set manually by the driver of the motor vehicle via the input unit 10 of the infotainment system. The adjustment may relate, for example, to the sensitivity, contrast, etc. of the sensor arrangement 3 and to evaluation parameters of the evaluation circuit 12. They may also relate to reported output parameters, control parameters and data for exercise guidance. The driver of the motor vehicle can in particular configure the breathing exercise and its output parameters.

Fig. 2 shows an aroma delivery system 20 which is arranged in the motor vehicle 1 shown in fig. 1 and interacts with its evaluation unit or breath recognition device 8, infotainment system 2 and/or vehicle control device 11, wherein fig. 2 shows only the vehicle control device 11 by way of example. In addition, the ventilation system 21 of the motor vehicle 1, in particular its air conditioning system components, heating and/or cooling elements, fans, air inlets and/or air outlets, air ducts, switches, control devices and/or sensors, etc., which are not illustrated here, interacts mechanically, electrically and/or in terms of control technology. In the example shown here, the flavour release system 20 has a plurality of

reservoirs

22, 23, 24, each containing a flavour in the form of an essential oil therein. Lavender oil is contained in reservoir 22, and its fragrance is used to achieve a sedative effect on the driver of the vehicle. The storage container 23 contains peppermint oil, and the fragrance of the peppermint oil can be used for refreshing a driver of the motor vehicle. In the reservoir 24, oil is contained which emits a vanilla odor and by means of which a pleasant aromatic atmosphere can be created in the motor vehicle 1. In the scent release system 20, the

reservoirs

22, 23, 24 may be configured to be replaceable and/or refillable, respectively. In the flavor release system 20, a corresponding, in particular openable and closable, holder can be provided for the replaceable supply container.

In addition, the flavour release system 20 has a control device in the form of a flavour release control device 28 with which the amount and/or rate of release or release of flavour from the

reservoirs

22, 23, 24 can be controlled for the

respective reservoir

22, 23, 24. The control is carried out on the basis of the signals emitted as far as described above as a function of the detected state variables of the vehicle driver, in particular on the basis of the already described warning signals emitted by the evaluation unit or the breathing recognition device 8. Furthermore, the scent release control 28 may receive further signals and serve to control the scent release, which signals/controls are generated, for example, on the basis of manual inputs by the driver of the motor vehicle in the navigation system 2.

A large number of per se known fragrances can be used as the fragrance, according to their per se known suitability for the respective purpose. The corresponding action of suitable fragrances and in particular aromatic oils is accordingly well known, for example from the so-called aromatherapy. For the purpose of refreshing or increasing the breathing rate of the driver of the motor vehicle, it is also possible to use orange-smelling fragrances, for example instead of or as a supplement to the aforementioned peppermint oil. For calming or promoting the depth of respiration, it is also possible, for example, to use, instead of or as a supplement to the abovementioned lavender oil, a perfume which emits the scent of nepeta cataria and/or roses and in particular contains the corresponding natural fragrance material or the oils of these plants. In particular, the aroma or oil of pine needles may also promote respiration. During inhalation, the aromatic oils, in particular the corresponding oil droplets, are absorbed.

Preferably, n number of base fragrances can be provided, for example, n is in the range from 1 to 10, in particular from 1 to 5 or from 2 to 5, and is discharged and in particular their fragrances mixed, as required, in a predetermined time interval and/or amount according to predetermined rules. The mixing may be achieved by emitting different fragrances simultaneously or continuously or stepwise over a predetermined period of time. The mixing may also be achieved by emitting different fragrances in predetermined amounts or rates (amounts/time), respectively.

In order to release the fragrance from the

storage containers

22, 23, 24, the

cover

25, 26 or 27, which is attached to the

respective container

22, 23 or 24 and can be moved electrically, for example by means of an electric motor, is actuated by means of the fragrance release control device 28 as a function of the values measured by means of the control technology, in such a way that the storage containers are completely or partially opened and the fragrance can flow out of the

storage containers

22, 23, 24.

The flavour release system 20 may comprise other means by which the flavour may be more strongly released, in particular by releasing the flavour from the

reservoirs

22, 23, 24 at a higher rate. For example, a heating device, which can be controlled in particular electrically, can be provided for this purpose, with which the

storage containers

22, 23, 24 and/or the fragrances or oils located therein can be heated. By heating, the fragrance can then be emitted in greater amounts or at a higher rate when required.

By means of a direct and/or indirect control of the fragrance delivery system 20 by means of the vehicle control device 11, the infotainment system 2 and/or the evaluation unit or the breath recognition device 8, the intensity and/or the composition of the respectively released fragrances can be achieved, in particular in coordination with other functions which are carried out in the vehicle 1 and/or depending on the vehicle conditions. The respective intensity, amount and/or composition of the released fragrance may be controlled, for example, in dependence on the breathing frequency and/or depth of breathing of the vehicle driver as determined by vehicle sensors. They may also be controlled depending on whether the vehicle is parked or moving and/or at what speed the vehicle is moving. For example, a more odorous or concentrated fragrance may be released in a parked state of the vehicle, and/or a more intense or larger dose of fragrance may be released than the vehicle is moving. They may also be released depending on, in particular, which respective breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and/or instructions have been selected by the vehicle driver and/or issued by the infotainment system 2.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It is clear here that: the person skilled in the art can easily derive alternatives to the device components and/or the approach or method of measures described for this purpose. For example, instead of a camera, a suitable and in particular other sensor known per se can be used for the breathing sensor, for example a movement sensor and/or a pressure sensor mounted on a safety belt or in the backrest of the driver's seat. It is also possible to use a combination of various different sensors, in particular breathing sensors, to detect a state parameter of the vehicle driver.

The above-described device means and system components are in particular controlled by means of a computer program and may have other elements known per se, such as microprocessors, volatile and non-volatile memories, interfaces, etc., of a computer and of a digital control device for this purpose.

The present invention may, therefore, be embodied in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product which, when installed and executed on a computer, carries out the processes of the invention in whole or in part. The product may be provided, for example, in the form of a data carrier such as a CD/DVD or in the form of one or more files on a server from which the computer program is downloaded.

Claims

1. Method for assisting the breathing of a driver of a vehicle, wherein:

-detecting a state parameter of the driver of the vehicle by means of a sensor device, and

-emitting at least one signal, which is suitable for indirectly influencing the breathing of the vehicle driver, depending on the detected state parameter, wherein a prompt is emitted to the vehicle driver by means of the emitted signal: he should change his breathing, which is sent via the vehicle via a display device, which also sends other driving-relevant information, which is manipulated by means of the signals sent to guide the vehicle driver to adjust his breathing, and which is graphically guided via a screen,

wherein the width of the driver's seat (4) is adjusted electrically in order to take measures in the vehicle for improving the breathing of the vehicle driver, wherein the vehicle seat has side seat cushions which are adjustable in terms of their size and which have inflatable and deflatable cushions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the display device is an infotainment system.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphically-based guidance is in the form of video footage.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release of at least one fragrance is controlled by means of the emitted signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the fragrance is released into the interior of the vehicle (1) by means of a ventilation system (21).

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of fragrances are each released at a predetermined ratio, amount and/or rate.

7. A method according to claim 6, characterized by storing predetermined control values for the proportioning, amount and/or rate of the plurality of fragrances, by means of which control values the scent release system (20) containing and emitting the respective fragrance is operated.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a vehicle component with which the breathing of the vehicle driver can be influenced indirectly or directly is actuated by means of the signal.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vehicle driver is guided to adjust his breathing, wherein the guidance is selected from a predetermined amount of guidance instructions specific to the vehicle driver as a function of the state parameters and/or as a function of the real-time driving situation.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guidance of the driver of the vehicle comprises:

instructions for adjusting the position of his seat and/or

-at least one breathing cycle for inspiration and expiration.

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor device, the at least one rule for determining the state parameter, the prompt to the vehicle driver, the guidance to the vehicle driver, the user interface and/or the control signals for the vehicle components are selectable and/or adjustable by the vehicle driver.

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an alarm signal is generated if a critical state of health of the vehicle driver is detected by means of the sensor device.

13. Apparatus for assisting the breathing of a driver of a vehicle, comprising:

a sensor device by means of which at least one state variable of a driver of the vehicle can be detected, and

an output device with which at least one signal for indirectly influencing the breathing of the vehicle driver can be emitted as a function of the detected state variable, wherein the vehicle driver can be informed by means of the emitted signal: he should change his breathing, which can be sent by the vehicle via a display device, which also sends other driving-relevant information, which can be manipulated by means of the signals sent to guide the vehicle driver to adjust his breathing, and which is graphically guided via a screen,

wherein the width of the driver's seat (4) can be adjusted electrically in order to take measures in the vehicle for improving the breathing of the vehicle driver, wherein the vehicle seat has side seat cushions which are adjustable in terms of their size and which have inflatable and deflatable air cushions.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the display device is an infotainment system.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the graphically-presented guidance is in the form of a video recording.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a fragrance release system (20) arranged for releasing fragrance on the basis of the detected status parameter and/or the emitted signal.

17. A vehicle comprising an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16.