DE102016219259A1 - Method for adapting a means of transportation to a preference of a user - Google Patents

Abstract

A device, a means of locomotion and a method for adapting a means of locomotion (10) to a preference of a user (1) are proposed. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a signal representing the preference and in dependence on the signal determining a measure for the automatic manipulation of an emotional state of the user (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a device, a means of locomotion and a method for adapting a means of locomotion to a preference of a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a possibility for user-specific initiation of measures for manipulating the user.

In the current state of the art, there are already systems that adapt interior lighting to different circumstances. Such interior lighting is also referred to as "ambient light". In addition, systems are known which provide for a release of olfaktorisch perceptible substances in the vehicle interior. In other words, a fragrance essence for scenting the vehicle interior is atomized. Also, methods that make an adjustment of a parameter to a current driver state are already known. Occasionally, the aforementioned measures are initiated in order to influence the condition of the driver (eg with regard to his mood or with regard to his state of excitation) in a targeted manner.

EP 2011 677 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for scenting a vehicle interior.

DE 10 2014 203 922 A1 discloses an interface for revitalizing a driver of a means of transportation.

WO 13 149 877 A1 discloses an illumination system and method for operating an illumination system of a mass transport device.

The aforementioned, known in the art objects do not exhaust the technical possibilities of modern means of transport from satisfactory.

It is an object of the present invention to meet the need identified above.

To solve the above object, a method for adapting a means of locomotion to a preference of a user is proposed. The means of transportation may be, for example, a car, a van, a truck, an aircraft and / or watercraft. The preference of the user may have different forms, reasons and urgencies. For example, acoustic, olfactory, and visual impressions may be perceived and evaluated differently by different users. Accordingly, the user desires a pleasing appearance of the means of locomotion, if such impressions for manipulating his emotional state are generated by the means of locomotion. In particular, the signal for defining the preference can be made in a configuration step and therefore generated independently of the presence of a need to initiate a measure to automatically manipulate the emotional state of the user. As a result, however, the signal determines the manner in which the vehicle carries out the necessary automatic manipulation of the user's emotional state, if necessary. Examples of measures that can be configured according to the invention will be examined in detail in the further course of the present description. The present invention thus enables a user-friendly manipulation of the emotional user state. In particular, the user can specify such measures or combinations of measures which, as experience shows, have the desired effect on his emotional state.

The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

The measure can be used to influence a valence of the user. By "valence" is meant the mood or mood of the user. The mood can be positive to negative. For example, in terms of valence, the user may be considered depressed, sad, depressed, balanced, positive, optimistic or even euphoric. Alternatively or additionally, the measure can specifically act on the so-called "arousal" of the user. Arousal is the state of excitation of the user. This can be, for example, tired / dull, relaxed, normal, excited, excited, stressed or tense. A suitable combination between valence and arousal can have a positive influence on the driving ability of the user and thus the traffic safety in the guidance of the means of transport. For the determination of valence and arousal usable sensors as well as further considerations on the influence on valence and arousal for optimizing the traffic safety are in the DATUM with the patent application filed with the title "method for the objective, simultaneous and independent identification and influencing of the emotional condition and the cognitive Load ". The disclosure of the applicant's aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present specification. In particular, the measures and combinations of measures specified there according to the invention are defined in a user-specific manner and / or weighted relative to one another.

Examples of measures for influencing the emotional state of the user consist in a scenting, sound (eg an audio system), an air conditioning system (by means of a heating / air conditioning system), an illumination (in particular by means of ambient lighting), an adaptation of a density of information to be output (eg on a display device or by means of acoustic signals) or an adaptation of an automation level for the Driving mode of the means of locomotion. In particular, the degree of driver assistance in guiding the vehicle as a means of manipulating the emotional state may be adjusted depending on the preference of the user. The scenting may use a particular scent or combination of scents / essences according to preference. The user's preference may influence the sonication such that the user selects sound signals, particularly pieces of music, which are audibly presented in response to predefined emotional states for automatic manipulation of the prevailing emotional state. For example, a play order within a respective music category for influencing the sound by the user or signal representing the preference may also be set. With regard to the air conditioning as a measure to influence the emotional state, the user can for example specify whether and which air currents or radiant heat sources should be used to influence and what temperature and / or flow rate the heat source used should have this. For example, the illumination may be predefined according to its preference in terms of intensity, color, timing and spatial distribution by the user. Corresponding considerations apply to the density of the means of transport output information or the degree of automation for guiding the means of transport using different driver assistance systems.

The aforementioned measures for the automatic manipulation of the emotional state can preferably be composed freely by the user. The user can therefore not only determine the ensemble of individual measures, but also their weighting in case of the need to initiate the measure. In other words, the user can determine "how much" each individual measure should contribute to the production of a particular state. Possibly. can also be a temporal sequence of the individual measures understood as a preference of the user and defined by the signal.

The emotional state of the user can be derived, for example, from information from an interior camera, from which the eyelid frequency and / or the pupil diameter of the user can be derived. Alternatively or additionally, electrodes can be used to measure skin conductance or to determine an electrocardiogram (ECG). These may be arranged, for example, in a steering wheel, in a seat, in a backrest, in an armrest or in user-worn end devices (so-called "smart devices"). Alternatively or additionally, the manner of the vehicle guidance by the user, in particular the use of the steering wheel and the pedals for influencing the longitudinal and transverse guidance can be evaluated in order to determine the emotional state of the user. For example, it can be determined whether the user is rough, fast, comfortable or slow on the road. This determination can be evaluated / weighted based on an evaluation of sensory signals from which the current traffic situation emerges.

The preference to be defined according to the invention can take place at different locations, in different situations of the user and in particular in different relationships with the means of transportation. For example, the configuration can already take place during the equipment definition of the means of transportation. In other words, before purchasing the means of transport, the user may define the measure (s) as part of a definition of optional equipment (eg caring car). This can be done, for example, on a home PC, on a laptop, on a wireless communication device or in a branch of the vehicle manufacturer ("dealership"). For example, an essence for scenting can be added to a shopping cart or to the means of transportation to be grown. The same applies to a combination of a variety of essences / bottles. Alternatively or additionally, the user may generate the signal to define his preference while in possession of the means of locomotion. This does not necessarily require a spatial proximity to the means of transportation, since the user can send the signal to the means of locomotion, for example by means of a communication device. This can involve, for example, a wireless user terminal (smartphone, tablet) or a wired information transmission. Alternatively or additionally, the user can already use an operating device (eg, buttons, touchscreen, or the like) of the means of locomotion in the means of locomotion in order to generate the signal. In particular, the invention provides, however, that the user minutes, hours, days or even years before the existence of a requirement to initiate the measure for the automatic manipulation of his emotional state influence on the measure / combination of measures.

In order to produce the advantages of the present invention also in the case that a means of transportation is used by several users with different preferences, the user can be sensed by methods known in the art. In this case, a predefined user profile is assigned to the recognized user. In other words, a parameter set is used by the means of locomotion associated with the profile of the actual current user. If a necessity for manipulating an emotional state of the current user is then subsequently determined, the predefined measure assigned to the user profile can be initiated in order to specifically influence the emotional state of the current user. The predefined measures according to the invention can thus also be initiated when different users have already established mutually contradictory preferences at earlier times. Such a configuration of a means of locomotion is particularly advantageous when the means of transportation is a pool vehicle (car sharing, business vehicle, or the like).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device for adapting a means of locomotion to a preference of a user is proposed. The device can be designed as an electronic control unit. It comprises a signal input and an evaluation unit. The signal input can be configured, for example, as a bus subscriber or have a bus subscriber. Alternatively or additionally, electrical connections for the proprietary connection with sensors can be provided, by means of which the emotional state (preferably structured according to valence and arousal) of the user can be determined. The evaluation unit may comprise a microcontroller, a programmable processor or the like. Optionally, an output unit may be provided, which may have a bus subscriber. Alternatively or additionally, proprietary connections for connection to hardware devices of the means of locomotion can be provided, with which the above-mentioned measures for manipulating the emotional state can be addressed. The signal input is arranged to receive a signal representing the preference. The evaluation unit is set up to define a measure for the automatic manipulation of an emotional state of the user as a function of the signal. In particular, the device is also adapted to determine a need to manipulate an emotional state of the user and, in response, to initiate an appropriate measure to influence the emotional state. In other words, the device is set up to realize the features, combinations of features and advantages of the method according to the invention in a corresponding manner, so that reference is made to avoid repetition of the above statements.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a means of transportation (eg, a car, van, truck, air and / or water vehicle) having a device according to the second aspect of the invention and thus capable of realizing the same features, feature combinations and advantages is.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. Show it:

1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of an inventively designed means of transport in the configuration according to the invention by a user;

2 a schematic detail view of an inventively designed device; and

3 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for adapting a means of transportation to a preference of a user.

1 shows a car 10 as a means of transport, which has the hardware for carrying out a method according to the invention. An interior camera 2 and an electrode assembly 3 as sensors for determining an emotional state are information technology with an electronic control unit 8th connected. The electronic control unit 8th is to influence the emotional state of the user information technology with a speaker 4 for the output of acoustic signals 4a , a nebulizer 5 for dispensing a spray 5a , an ambient light 6 and a massage device 7 connected. Moreover, there is an information technology connection between the electronic control unit 8th and an engine control unit 11 so that the electronic control unit 8th in response to the signals from the interior camera 2 and the electrode assembly 3 Influence on the longitudinal guidance of the car 10 can take. A user 1 has a laptop 12 as well as a smartphone 13 as a wireless communication device. The user 1 can during the configuration of optional extras of the car 10 by means of the laptop 12 Select fragrance essences, which are in separate bottles in the car 10 Be integrated to the atomizer 5 to be vaporized. In a similar way, the user can 1 the available ambient light colors for Distribution via the ambient light 6 configure. About the smartphone 13 the user can 1 define appropriate measures and combinations of measures even after the purchase of his sometimes changed preferences. After boarding the car 10 the user can 1 also a touch screen 9 to define the signal according to the invention, representing its preference, and the electronic control unit 8th to convey.

2 shows a detailed view of a device according to the invention in the form of an electronic control unit 8th , A signal input 14 has four inputs, which signals from an indoor camera 2 and an electrode assembly 3 receive. A microprocessor 16 is set up based on a data store 17 stored tables and instructions suitable signals to influence the emotional state of the user via a signal output 15 and his four wires to a speaker 4 , a nebulizer 5 , an ambient light 6 and a massage device 7 issue. A configuration input 18 is information technology with the microprocessor 16 linked and set up, configuration signals from the touch screen 9 , the laptop 12 and / or the smartphone 13 to receive and forward to adapt the illustrated device to the user preference.

3 shows steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for adapting a means of transport to a preference of a user. In step 100 An emotional state of the user is sensed. For this purpose, the signals of an interior camera and an electrode arrangement are evaluated in a smart device carried on the user's body. In step 200 a signal representative of the preference of the user will be received regarding measures to be initiated at a later time. The signal can be understood as a configuration message, by means of which the user designs the necessary manipulation of his emotional state. In step 300 A measure is defined for the automatic manipulation of the emotional state of the user depending on the signal. This is written in a non-volatile memory of the means of transportation, but can also be kept in a wireless communication device of the user and retrieved from this if necessary. In step 400 a user is recognized in the means of transport. This can be done, for example, by means of a radio key, a wireless communication device, an interior camera, a speech analysis or other methods known in the art. In step 500 a predefined user profile assigned to the recognized user is activated. The user now starts with the vehicle guidance. During the ride, the driver becomes tired and his ability to drive decreases. In step 600 From this, the necessity for manipulating the emotional state of the user is determined. In step 700 finally, a predefined measure assigned to the user profile in accordance with the invention is initiated in order to optimize the emotional state of the user in order to improve his well-being and his ability to drive.

One idea of the present invention is to influence the scenting, exposure, sonication, massage / wellness functions, driver / driver / occupant information systems, air conditioning, and level of automation in the means of locomotion to optimize the driver's emotional and cognitive state. For a detection of the occupant desire in combination with the aforementioned systems for influencing the vehicle appearance can be made. For example, artificial intelligence may be used to make the adjustment without further intervention of the occupant depending on the predefined preference. For example, biometric sensors, a man-machine interface and vehicle operator control devices can enable the acquisition of vital parameters and the environmental situation. A downstream artificial intelligence brings the information obtained in conjunction with appropriate measures. It defines the influence on occupant information systems, the climate system, the lighting system, the degree of automation, the scenting system and the wellness functions of the means of transport. The air conditioning system may include facilities such as air conditioning, seat cooling / heating, seat ventilation, infrared heating, steering wheel cooling / heating, neck fans, roof vents, refrigerated arm rests, etc. The lighting system can influence ambient lighting, ceiling lighting, display colors, control of a panoramic roof / sunroof darkness, as well as the appearance of chameleon material in the vehicle interior. The wellness functions can include a massage function, a lumbar support, tactile stimuli, vibrations and structure-borne noise.

Sound, climate, scents and light colors influence the emotional, cognitive and physiological condition of the driver / driver / inmate. That is, there are soothing or activating scents that make it possible to put a stressed or bored person in a better emotional state. Likewise, different light colors cause different emotional state changes in the driver / driver / occupant. Sound affects both the emotional and the cognitive state. Climate changes have a positive effect on the psycho-physiological condition of the driver / driver / inmate during stress or monotony. Tactile stimuli can also positively affect the psycho-physiological state of a driver / leader / inmate. Various information densities through information systems in the means of transport / transport can also influence the cognitive load on humans. When these systems are combined, the effect of coupled visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory stimuli on the condition of the driver / driver / occupant increases. The connection of different stages of development of assistance systems in the transport / transport require differently demanding interventions / tasks of the driver / driver / occupant and thus also influence the psycho-physiological condition of the driver / driver / occupant.

With appropriate sensing, it is possible to detect emotional states such as emotional stress, fatigue or cognitive stress or attention, or the physiological condition of the driver / guide / occupant by measuring EGK, skin conductance, respiratory rate, temperature, head movements, eye movements, pupil dilatation and eyelid closure times ,

Upon detection of a "sub-optimal" condition, such as Stress or cognitive underload (on boring rides), a system should combine the fragrance / light / sound / climate / wellness / information / automation settings. When emotional stress is detected, e.g. a soothing fragrance, a calming light color, a soothing sound and a pleasant climate can be set. When tiredness or boredom or cognitive underload is detected, an activating scent, an exciting sound, an activating light color should be set, a cool climate created and assistance systems switched off.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

user

2

Interior camera

3

electrode assembly

4

speaker

4a

sound event

5

atomizer

5a

spray

6

ambient lighting

7

massage device

8th

Electronic control unit

9

touchscreen

10

car

11

Engine control unit

12

Laptop

13

Smartphone

14

signal input

15

signal output

16

microprocessor

17

data storage

18

configuration input

100 to 700

steps

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2011677 A1 [0003]
• DE 102014203922 A1 [0004]
• WO 13149877 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Method of adapting a means of locomotion ( 10 ) to a preference of a user ( 1 ) comprising the steps: - receiving ( 200 ) of a signal representing the preference and depending on the signal - setting ( 300 ) a measure for the automatic manipulation of an emotional state of the user ( 1 ). Method according to claim 1, wherein the measure is based on - a valence and / or an arousal of the user ( 1 ) acts. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measure - a scenting and / or - a sound and / or - an air conditioning and / or - an illumination and / or - an adaptation of a density information to be output and / or - an adjustment of an automation level of Means of locomotion ( 10 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting ( 300 ) of the measure - defines a combination of several individual measures and / or - adapts a weighting of several individual measures to one another. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - determining ( 100 ) of the emotional state of the user ( 1 ) by means of a sensor, in particular by means of an interior camera ( 2 ) and / or - a skin conductance measurement and / or - an evaluation of a vehicle operating mode of the user ( 1 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal - for the configuration of a hardware of the means of transportation ( 10 ) and / or - by a wireless user terminal ( 12 . 13 ) and / or - from an operating device ( 9 ) of the means of locomotion ( 10 ) Will be received. Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising - detecting ( 400 ) of a user ( 1 ) of the means of locomotion ( 10 ), - activate ( 500 ) of a predefined user profile assigned to the user ( 1 ), - Determine ( 600 ) a need to manipulate an emotional state of the user ( 1 ) and - initiate ( 700 ) a predefined action associated with the user profile. Apparatus for adapting a means of locomotion ( 10 ) to a preference of a user ( 1 ) comprising: - a signal input ( 14 ) and - an evaluation unit ( 8th ), where - the signal input ( 14 ) is arranged to receive a signal representing the preference and - the evaluation unit ( 8th ) is set up, depending on the signal, a measure for the automatic manipulation of an emotional state of the user ( 1 ).  Apparatus according to claim 8, which is arranged to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7.  Means of transport comprising a device according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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