DE102020210325B4 - Device for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease in a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease in a motor vehicle (1), the device (3) comprising - a sensor system (4) which is designed to generate sensor data which represent physical parameters of a user; and - a computing unit (5) which is set up to - check based on the sensor data whether the user is in an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease; - check based on the sensor data whether the user is in one awake phase; and - to initiate a measure to alleviate the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease only if the user is in the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease and the user is in the awake phase.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease in a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle with such a device and a computer program product.

Willis-Ekbom disease, also known as restless legs syndrome, is a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to experience discomfort in their legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms most often occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most severe at night when the person is resting. The affected people therefore often have difficulty falling asleep or falling asleep again after waking up. Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort. Willis-Ekbom disease can cause severe symptoms of fatigue and daytime sleepiness and can therefore have a major impact on the mood, ability to concentrate, memory and overall quality of life and health of those affected.

In addition to drug treatments for Willis-Ekbom disease, it is known that many people suffering from it can benefit from contrast showers, foot baths, cold or warm compresses, massages, leg brushing, gymnastics exercises or stretching exercises. A leg massage and cold treatment can also provide relief.

In externally driven motor vehicles and in fully autonomous motor vehicles, the vehicle occupants can rest or, if necessary, sleep in the vehicle cabin. If the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease occur in such a scenario, there are no options available in known motor vehicles to alleviate them.

In the document US 2004 / 0 044 293 A1 a system for monitoring the alertness of a driver of a vehicle is described. The driver's cardiac, respiratory and movement parameters are monitored using, among other things, pressure sensors located in the seat and pedals of the vehicle, as well as a headband for monitoring EEG, EMG and EOG signals. The signals from the various sensors are processed and analyzed and certain movement patterns are identified and interpreted to obtain information about the driver's alert state.

document US 2005 / 0 080 463 A1 describes procedures and systems for evaluating a pathological condition. Muscle movement signals, such as electromyogram signals or acceleration sensor signals, are recorded to detect the pathological condition. Sleep-related involuntary muscle disorders and non-sleep-related involuntary muscle disorders can be detected based on muscle movement signals. Drug therapy or nerve stimulation therapy can then be carried out to treat an involuntary muscle disorder.

document US 2012 / 0 046 579 A1 describes a system and method for providing vibrational energy to a leg of an animal to provide relief from symptoms of restless legs syndrome. An elastic band can be attached to the leg so that multiple electric motors that vibrate during operation can transmit their vibrations to the leg.

document US 2016 / 0 106 344 A1 describes a platform for diagnosing movement disorders. The platform includes an accelerometer to measure a user's movement. Data derived from the measured movements are compared with a database that contains information about the user's movement characteristics.

document WO 2012/ 156 427 A1 describes a system and method for recognizing sleep, sleep phases or transitions between sleep phases of a person. For this purpose, the person's heart rate and movement are recorded, recorded and classified.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease, which makes it possible to alleviate the symptoms in a motor vehicle.

This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous developments and preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent and subordinate claims.

The improved concept is based on the idea of providing a device in a motor vehicle that can generate sensor data regarding physical parameters of a user in the motor vehicle and thus of a vehicle occupant in order to check, based on this, whether an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present and the user is simultaneously in a waking phase. If both are the case, measures can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.

According to the improved concept, a device for alleviating or assisting in alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease in a motor vehicle is provided. The device has a sensor system that is set up to generate sensor data that represents physical parameters of a user. The device has a computing unit that is set up to check, based on the sensor data, whether the user is in an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease. The computing unit is set up to check, based on the sensor data, whether the user is in a waking phase. The computing unit is set up to only initiate a measure to alleviate the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease if the user is in the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease and the user is, in particular at the same time, in the awake phase.

The physical parameters include two or more different parameters, which may be of different types depending on the embodiment. All measurable or sensor-determinable parameters that affect the user's body can be considered physical parameters. In particular, the physical parameters relate to a cardiovascular system of the user, breathing of the user, a posture and/or movement of the user.

The fact that the generated sensor data represents the physical parameters of the user can be understood in particular in such a way that the physical parameters can be measured directly or indirectly using the sensor system or that the physical parameters can be read or derived from the data generated by the sensor system. A direct measurement can, for example, represent the measurement of a body temperature using a temperature sensor, whereas an indirect measurement can, for example, represent a measurement of a pressure change to determine a heart rate or a movement of the user. If image data is generated using a camera in the sensor system, physical parameters such as the user's posture or movement can be read or derived from the image data. The situation is similar with electroencephalography data, EEG data, from which parameters relating to the user's brain waves can be read or derived as physical parameters. This list is to be understood purely as an example and does not limit either the usable physical parameters or the corresponding sensors of the sensor system.

The waking state can be understood in particular as the state of the user in which the user is not sleeping or is just falling asleep. Different sleep phases as well as the waking phase can be identified, for example, based on the user's brain waves, in that the EEG data, which can also be referred to as a brain wave image, is determined using an EEG system of the sensor system and evaluated using the computing unit. For example, the waking state may correspond to a state of the user in which beta waves dominate the brain wave image. Alternatively or in addition to the EEG data, other physical parameters can also be used, such as parameters relating to the heart rhythm, ECG data, oxygen content, body temperature, respiratory flow, respiratory movement, muscle tension, leg movement, eye movement, EOG data, body position, body noises, heart rate variability, Heart rate and/or breathing rate can be used. In particular, according to known studies, a high level of accuracy in detecting the sleep state or the waking state is possible solely by evaluating the user's heart rate and breathing rate. By using or analyzing one or more of the physical parameters mentioned, the reliability of determining the waking state can be increased.

The acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease corresponds in particular to a phase in which the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease occur, for example with a certain minimum intensity and/or for a certain minimum duration. In order to determine the acute phase, typical symptoms that occur during an acute phase can be identified. This allows the presence of the acute phase to be determined with a corresponding probability. If this probability is above a predetermined limit value, for example, it can be assumed that the acute phase is present.

According to a device according to the improved concept, the measure to alleviate the symptoms can therefore be initiated when the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present and the user is at the same time in a waking phase and can thus benefit from the measure to alleviate the symptoms. The improved concept therefore provides a possibility of automatically initiating measures to alleviate the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease when the user is in the motor vehicle and is, for example, in a sleeping cabin or the like of the motor vehicle. This allows, for example, users to be transported fully autonomously by the motor vehicle from a starting point to a destination, allowing them to sleep comfortably overnight and, if necessary, through Willis-Ekbom disease any inconveniences that may arise can be avoided or alleviated. This significantly increases the level of comfort for the user while driving.

According to at least one embodiment of the device, the computing unit is set up to initiate the measure to alleviate the symptoms when the user is in the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease and the user is in the awake phase. In alternative embodiments, the computing unit is set up to check the existence of further conditions and to initiate the measure depending on a result of the check when the acute phase is present and the user is in the awake phase in the awake phase.

This allows a more individual approach to be implemented. For example, if there are saved user profiles, the user profiles can be used to check whether the additional conditions are met. If there are no user profiles, the measures can, for example, be initiated without a corresponding check.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to check, based on the sensor data, whether an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present if it was determined from the check of the sensor data that the user is in the awake phase. Alternatively, the computing unit can be set up to only check based on the sensor data whether the user is in the awake phase if it has been determined based on the sensor data that the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present.

This can avoid unnecessary checks and reduce the computational effort.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to determine, based on the sensor data, a period of time during which the user is already in the awake phase and to initiate the measure depending on the period of time. For example, the computing unit can be set up to compare the time period with a predetermined minimum time period and only initiate the measure if the time period is greater than or equal to the minimum time period.

This makes it possible to improve the reliability of the described procedure by avoiding that the measures are initiated during very short awake phases in which the user might not benefit significantly from them. The minimum time period can, for example, be less than or equal to ten minutes, preferably less than or equal to five minutes, for example in the range between one and three minutes.

According to at least one embodiment, the sensor system includes an electroencephalography system, EEG system, one or more pressure sensors, a pulse oximeter, one or more temperature sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or more cameras, an electromyography system, EMG system, one or more microphones and / or an electrooculography system, EOG system.

Through the sensors and systems mentioned, the sensor system can allow a detailed evaluation of the current state of the user and, in particular, determine the presence of the acute phase and/or the awake phase with a high degree of reliability.

In particular, a brain wave image can be generated using the EEG system. Using the one or more microphones, body noises of the user can be recorded; leg movements or other movements of the user, a blink of an eyelid, a body position and/or a breathing movement of the user can be determined using the cameras. The user's movements, in particular leg movements and breathing movements, can also be determined using the acceleration sensors. The pressure sensors can be used to determine the user's heart rate, breathing rate, breathing movements and/or body position. The EMG system can be used to determine the user's muscle tension data or a muscle tension state of the user. The EOG system can be used to determine the user's eye movements. The ECG system can also be used to determine the heart rate or other parameters of the user's heart rhythm.

The user's state of tiredness and a sleep phase or the user's waking phase can be determined with high reliability using individual and in particular combinations of the physical parameters mentioned. In addition, the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease can be determined based on the physical parameters mentioned, in particular based on the user's leg movements and/or a fatigue level.

For example, the sensor system can have one or more bands, for example headbands, so-called wearables, smartwatches or have other devices which include and/or can partially include the EEG system, the EMG system, the EOG system, the pulse oximeter, the pressure sensors, the acceleration sensors and/or the temperature sensors.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to determine a fatigue index of the user based on the sensor data and to carry out the check as to whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on the fatigue index.

In particular, the computing unit is set up to compare the fatigue characteristic value with a fatigue limit value and to carry out the check depending on a result of the comparison. For example, acute Willis-Ekbom disease only occurs when the fatigue index exceeds the fatigue limit.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to determine a characteristic value for an intensity of the leg movement of the user based on the sensor data and to check whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on the characteristic value for the intensity of the leg movement to carry out. In particular, the computing unit is set up to compare the characteristic value for the intensity of the leg movement with a predetermined intensity limit value and to carry out the check as to whether the acute phase is present depending on a result of the comparison.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to determine a frequency of the user's leg movement based on the sensor data and to carry out the check as to whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on the frequency of the leg movement. In particular, the computing unit is set up to compare the frequency of the leg movement with a predetermined frequency limit and to carry out the check as to whether the acute phase is present depending on a result of the comparison.

In particular, the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease only occurs when the frequency is greater than or equal to the frequency limit and/or the characteristic value for the intensity of the leg movement is greater than or equal to the intensity limit.

For example, the computing unit can be set up to determine that the acute phase is present when the fatigue characteristic value is greater than or equal to the fatigue limit value and the characteristic value for the intensity of the leg movement is greater than or equal to the movement limit value. Alternatively, the computing unit can be set up to determine that the acute phase is present when the fatigue characteristic value is greater than or equal to the fatigue limit value and the characteristic value for the intensity of the leg movement is greater than or equal to the intensity limit value and the frequency is greater than or equal to the frequency limit value.

Fatigue and the intensity and frequency of leg movement are reliable indicators of the presence of Willis-Ekbom disease. Since the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease, in addition to the presence of leg movement itself, are largely psychological in nature, i.e. accompanied by the user's discomfort and urge to move, the user's fatigue and leg movement can be used as reliable indicators of the presence of the acute phase. In particular, the combination of a high fatigue index and a high intensity of leg movement, possibly with a high frequency, suggests with high probability that the acute phase is present in those affected.

According to at least one embodiment, the computing unit is set up to determine a heart rate and a breathing rate of the user based on the sensor data and to carry out the check as to whether the user is in the awake phase based on the heart rate and the breathing rate.

The heart rate in combination with the breathing rate has proven to be a reliable indicator for recognizing sleep phases or the waking phase. Therefore, in such embodiments, a reliable check regarding the waking phase can be carried out with little effort, namely for example by using only pressure sensors to determine the heart rate and the breathing rate.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a user interface, and the computing unit is set up to output at least one suggestion for initiating the measure via the user interface, to detect a user input in response to the at least one suggestion via the user interface and to carry out the measure depending on the Initiate user input.

The user interface can contain a display device and a corresponding input device for entering the user input. The input can be done manually, for example Operating actions can be carried out using voice commands or gestures.

In such embodiments, the user can be specifically asked whether the measure should be initiated if the check determines that the awake phase is present and the acute phase is also present. This allows the individuality of the procedure and thus the level of user comfort to be further increased. The user can then decide for himself whether he would like to take advantage of the measure or whether he would rather forego it. In addition, the reliability of the procedure can be improved, since incorrect interpretations of the sensor data cannot be completely ruled out and it may therefore be possible to incorrectly conclude that the acute phase or the waking state is present. This can be clarified by user input.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a memory element on which an instruction regarding the initiation of the measure is stored. The computing unit is set up to read the instruction from the storage element and to initiate the measure depending on the instruction read out when the acute phase is present and the user is in the awake phase.
The instruction can, for example, be stored in the form of a user profile. In particular, the instruction may include that in certain situations certain procedures should be carried out automatically to alleviate the symptoms. The measure can therefore be initiated without asking the user. If necessary, it can also be stored which measure of potentially possible measures should be initiated with preference, or situations can be defined depending on which different measures should be initiated.

In particular, when the device is equipped with a large number of sensors that allow a high reliability of the prediction regarding the waking phase and the presence of the acute phase, such embodiments can increase user comfort by avoiding unnecessary queries or unnecessary user input.

According to at least one embodiment, the device contains an electronic vehicle guidance system for autonomous guidance of the motor vehicle, which is set up to park the motor vehicle in a safe position, controlled by the computing unit, in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit has initiated the measure.

In such embodiments, the initiation of the measure corresponds in particular to the activation of the electronic vehicle guidance system by the computing unit. The computing unit and/or the sensor system can also be part of the electronic vehicle guidance system. To park the motor vehicle in the safe position, the vehicle guidance system can, for example, navigate and guide the motor vehicle to a predetermined parking space or parking space for the motor vehicle.

If the motor vehicle is parked in the safe position, the user can get out of the motor vehicle and move outside the motor vehicle, which experience has shown can lead to relief of symptoms.

An electronic vehicle guidance system for the autonomous guidance of the communication system can be understood here and hereinafter to mean an electronic system that is set up to guide or control the motor vehicle fully automatically or fully autonomously, in particular without the user having to intervene in a control system or by another driver. The motor vehicle or the vehicle guidance system carries out all the necessary functions, such as any necessary steering, braking and/or acceleration maneuvers, the observation and recording of road traffic and the associated necessary reactions, automatically and fully automatically. In particular, the vehicle guidance system can be used to implement a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode of the motor vehicle according to level 5 of the classification according to SAE J3016 in the June 2018 version. A fully autonomous motor vehicle can be understood as a motor vehicle with such an electronic vehicle guidance system for autonomously driving the motor vehicle.

According to at least one embodiment, the device includes a massage device which is set up and arranged to carry out a massage of the user's legs, controlled by the computing unit, in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit has initiated the measure.

The initiation of the measure corresponds in particular to the activation of the massage device by the computing unit. Experience has shown that massaging the legs leads to relief of the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a movement device which is set up and arranged to automatically move the user's legs, controlled by the computing unit, in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit has initiated the measure.

Here, the initiation of the measure corresponds in particular to the control of the movement device by the computing unit. The movement device may, for example, include a rest for the user's legs or feet, which can be automatically driven and thereby moved to automatically move the user's legs. This measure also leads to relief of symptoms.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has the display device, and the computing unit is set up to control the display device to visually display instructions for carrying out leg movements in order to carry out the measure.

Here too, the initiation of the measure corresponds to the control of the display device by the computing unit. By providing instructions on how to perform the leg movement, the user can be offered concrete help or the user can be supported in order to help alleviate their symptoms.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a cooling device which, controlled by the computing unit, is designed to cool an area of the motor vehicle for the user's legs in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit has initiated the measure.

Initiating the measure corresponds to the control of the cooling device by the computing unit. The cooling device can, for example, be designed as an air conditioning system, and the cooling can take place in the form of an air flow directed towards the area for the legs. Cooling the legs is also an effective measure to relieve symptoms.

According to at least one embodiment, the device has a ventilation device which, controlled by the computing unit, is designed to ventilate the area of the motor vehicle for the user's legs in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit has initiated the measure.

The initiation of the measure corresponds to the activation of the ventilation device by the computing unit. Supplying fresh air has also been found to be a suitable measure to relieve symptoms.

It should be noted that several of the measures mentioned can be combined, carried out one after the other or optionally in order to achieve particularly effective relief of the symptoms.

According to the improved concept, a motor vehicle with a device according to the improved concept is also specified. In particular, the motor vehicle can be designed as a fully autonomous motor vehicle.

According to at least one embodiment of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle has a sleeping cabin, and the sensor system is at least partially arranged in the sleeping cabin.

According to the improved concept, a computer program with commands is also given. When the instructions or the computer program are executed by a device according to the improved concept, in particular by the computing unit of the device, the instructions cause the device to carry out a method for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease. The method includes generating sensor data, in particular by means of the sensor system, which represent physical parameters of the user, checking, in particular by means of the computing unit, based on the sensor data, whether the user is in an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease. The method also includes checking, in particular by means of the computing unit, based on the sensor data, whether the user is in a waking phase and initiating, in particular by means of the computing unit, a measure to alleviate the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease, only then, when the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present and the user is awake.

Further embodiments of the computer program according to the improved concept follow directly from the various embodiments of the device according to the improved concept and vice versa.

According to the improved concept, a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program according to the improved concept is also provided.

The computer program and the computer-readable storage medium can each be used as Com computer program product with the commands can be understood.

The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines Kraftfahrzeugs nach dem verbesserten Konzept;
• 2A bis 2D schematische Darstellungen von Gehirnwellen; und
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Verlaufs von Schlafphasen.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Show in the figures:

• 1 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the improved concept;
• 2A until 2D schematic representations of brain waves; and
• 3 a schematic representation of a progression of sleep phases.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the components described each represent individual features of the invention that can be viewed independently of one another, which also develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore to be viewed as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 1 is shown, which can in particular be designed as a fully autonomous motor vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 contains an exemplary embodiment of a device 3 for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease. For example, the motor vehicle 1 can have a sleeping cabin 2 into which a user of the motor vehicle 1 can go if necessary or during the entire journey in order to lie down, rest or sleep.

The device 3 has a sensor system 4 and a computing unit 5 connected or coupled to the sensor system 4. The sensor system 4 is set up to generate sensor data which represent physical parameters of a user in order to transmit these to the computing unit 5.

Depending on the embodiment of the device 3, the sensor system 4 can contain different sensors and systems. Schematically is in 1 a variety of sensors and systems 4a to 4i are shown. In a specific embodiment of the device 3, the sensor system 4 can contain a selection of the systems and sensors 4a to 4i mentioned or all of the systems and sensors 4a to 4i mentioned. In 1 an EEG system 4a, pressure sensors 4b, a pulse oximeter 4c, temperature sensors 4d, acceleration sensors 4e, cameras 4f, an EMG system 4g, microphones 4h and an EOG system 4i are shown schematically.

Optionally, the device 3 can have a massage device 6, a movement device 7, a display device 8, a cooling device 9 and/or a ventilation device 10. The sensor system 4 is set up to generate sensor data which represents the user's physical parameters. The computing unit 5 can then check, in particular based on the sensor data, whether a fatigue characteristic value of the user exceeds a fatigue limit value and at the same time an intensity limit value is exceeded by the intensity of a leg movement of the user. If both conditions are met, it can be assumed with high probability that an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present. If this is the case, the computing unit 5 can check whether the user is in a waking phase, in particular based on the sensor data. If the user is not in the awake phase but in a sleep phase, the computing unit does not initiate any measures to alleviate the symptoms. However, if the user is in the awake phase, for example at least for a predetermined minimum period of time, for example for at least two minutes, the computing unit 5 can initiate a measure to alleviate the symptoms.

In various embodiments, the sleep phases or the waking phase can be identified, for example, based on brain waves that can be recorded using the EEG system 4a. are exemplary 2A until 2D schematic representations of different types of brain waves are shown. In 2A Beta waves are shown that have frequencies from 12 to 30 Hz. If beta waves dominate, this can indicate increased concentration and alertness on the part of the user, i.e. the presence of the awake phase.

In 2 B Alpha waves with frequencies from 8 to 12 Hz are shown. These can indicate a relaxed state of the user. In 2C Theta waves with frequencies from 4 to 7 Hz are shown. These indicate, for example, a dream sleep phase or a REM sleep phase (English: “Rapid Eye Movement”). In 2D Delta waves with frequencies below 4 Hz are shown. These can indicate that the user is in a deep sleep phase.

In 3 is a schematic example of the course of a man's dominant brain waves during sleep are shown as a function of time in hours. The ordinate represents schematically the dominant types of brain waves that occur. Beta waves dominate in the S0 area. This can be interpreted as a waking phase. Alpha waves dominate in area S1. This can be interpreted, for example, as a phase of falling asleep or as a dream or waking phase. Theta waves dominate in area S2. This area corresponds, for example, to a superficial sleep. Area S3 is characterized by an alternation of theta waves and delta waves and can be interpreted as medium-deep sleep. Area S4 is dominated by delta waves and can be interpreted as a deep sleep phase. Again 3 As can be seen, a person goes through various stages S0 to S4 over time.

According to the device 3 or the motor vehicle according to the improved concept, an environment is realized in the sleeping cabin 2 that can recognize the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease and help to alleviate them. Based on the sensor system 4, in particular through measurements using motion sensors, the pressure sensors 4b, measurements of the microphones 4h and/or recordings of the cameras 4f, it is possible to draw conclusions about the user's movement patterns. This makes it possible, in particular, to determine the characteristic value for the intensity and, if applicable, a frequency of the leg movement, which can be used to check the presence of the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease.

Falling asleep or sleeping or the tiredness of the user in the sleeping cabin 2 can be detected, for example, by directly measuring the brain waves using the EEG system 4a. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of data from the microphones 4h, the cameras 4f, the acceleration sensors 4e, the pressure sensors 4b, the pulse oximeter 4c and the temperature sensors 4d can be used in order to be able to detect falling asleep, the state of tiredness and the waking phase. For this purpose, the brain wave image, the heart rhythm, the oxygen content of the blood, the body temperature, the respiratory flow, a respiratory movement, the muscle tension, the leg movement, an eye movement, the body position, body noises and/or a heart rate variability of the user can be determined from the sensor data.

The motor vehicle 1, in particular if it is designed as a fully autonomous motor vehicle, can plan appropriate driving routes in advance, so that stops can be made as quickly as possible during the journey in order to enable the user to take walks or move outside the motor vehicle to alleviate the symptoms. This can be provided, for example, in particular for a sleep phase. For this purpose, in various embodiments, the user's usual falling asleep times can be stored in a stored user profile.

If, as described above, it has been determined that the user is in the awake phase and the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present, the user can be asked, for example via a user interface of the motor vehicle 1 or the device 3, whether he would like to have the opportunity to move outside of motor vehicle 1 in a timely manner. Depending on a user input with which the user can answer the question positively or negatively, the device 3 can cause the motor vehicle 1 to go to a safe place to park the motor vehicle 1.
The user can also be asked whether special programs to alleviate symptoms should be carried out in the motor vehicle 1. For this purpose, for example, a massage of the legs by the massage device 6, an automated active movement of the legs by means of the movement device 7, ventilation of an area of the sleeping cabin 2 intended for the user's legs by means of the ventilation device 10 or cooling of the area by means of the cooling device 9 can be carried out become. Alternatively or additionally, 8 animations of leg movements can be displayed to the user on the display device so that the user can be instructed in carrying out the leg movements.

In various embodiments, it can be stored in the user profile that a specific procedure to alleviate the symptoms should take place automatically. Thus, when the user is in the awake phase and the acute phase is present, a nearest intermediate destination can be approached automatically so that the user can leave the motor vehicle without necessarily being asked. The intermediate destination can, if necessary, be restricted by certain specifications, which are stored, for example, in the user profile. This can reduce the likelihood of rain, street noise, robberies or violent crimes. Likewise, the other measures mentioned above, for example massage, cooling and/or ventilation, can be carried out automatically without necessarily asking the user about them.

Reference symbol list

1

motor vehicle

2

Sleeping cabin

3

contraption

4

Sensor system

4a

EEG system

4b

Pressure sensors

4c

Pulse oximeter

4d

Temperature sensors

4e

Accelerometers

4f

Cameras

4g

EMG system

4h

Microphones

4i

EOG system

5

Computing unit

6

Massage facility

7

Movement facility

8th

Display device

9

Cooling device

10

Ventilation device

Claims (15)

Device for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease in a motor vehicle (1), comprising the device (3). - a sensor system (4) which is set up to generate sensor data which represent physical parameters of a user; and - a computing unit (5) which is set up to do this - based on the sensor data, check whether the user is in an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease; - based on the sensor data, check whether the user is in a waking phase; and - only take action to alleviate the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease if the user is in the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease and the user is in the awake phase. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor system (4) has an electroencephalography system (4a), one or more pressure sensors (4b), a pulse oximeter (4c), one or more temperature sensors (4d), one or more acceleration sensors (4e), one or more cameras (4f), an electromyography system (4g), one or more microphones (4h) and / or electrooculography system (4i). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the computing unit (5) is set up to determine a fatigue characteristic of the user based on the sensor data and to check whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on this to carry out fatigue measurements; and/or - the computing unit (5) is set up to determine a characteristic value for an intensity of a leg movement of the user based on the sensor data and to check whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on the characteristic value for the intensity of leg movement to be carried out; and/or - the computing unit (5) is set up to determine a frequency of the user's leg movement based on the sensor data and to carry out the check as to whether the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present based on the frequency. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computing unit (5) is set up to determine a heart rate and a breathing rate of the user based on the sensor data and to check whether the user is in the awake phase based on the heart rate and the breathing rate. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a user interface and the computing unit (5) is set up to - output at least one suggestion for initiating the measure via the user interface; - capture user input via the user interface in response to the at least one suggestion; and - initiate the action depending on the user input. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that - the device (3) has a memory element on which an instruction regarding the initiation of the measure is stored; - The computing unit (5) is set up to read the instruction from the storage element and to initiate the measure depending on the instruction read out. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has an electronic vehicle guidance system for autonomous guidance of the motor vehicle (1), which is set up to park the motor vehicle (1) in a safe position in order to carry out the measure, when the computing unit (5) has initiated the measure. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a massage device (6) which is designed to carry out a massage of the user's legs in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit (5) initiates the measure has. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a movement device (7) which is set up to automatically move the user's legs in order to carry out the measure when the computing unit (5) initiates the measure has. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a display device (8) and the computing unit (5) is set up to control the display device (8) for visually displaying instructions for carrying out leg movements in order to to carry out the measure. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a cooling device (9) which is designed to cool an area of the motor vehicle (1) for the legs of the user in order to carry out the measure when the Computing unit (5) has initiated the measure. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (3) has a ventilation device (10) which is designed to ventilate the area of the motor vehicle (1) for the user's legs in order to carry out the measure when the Computing unit (5) has initiated the measure. Motor vehicle with a device (3) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 . motor vehicle Claim 13 , characterized in that the motor vehicle (1) has a sleeping cabin (2) and the sensor system (4) is at least partially arranged in the sleeping cabin (2). Computer program product with instructions that when executed by a device (3) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 cause the device (3) to perform a method for alleviating symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease, comprising the following steps: - generating sensor data representing physical parameters of a user; - Verify, based on the sensor data, whether the user is experiencing an acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease; - Check whether the user is in an awake phase based on the sensor data; and - initiate an action to relieve the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease only when the acute phase of Willis-Ekbom disease is present and the user is in the awake phase.

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