DE102022105007A1 - Method for operating a seat massage device of a motor vehicle, control device, motor vehicle and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a seat massage device (18) of a motor vehicle (10) for massaging a predetermined body part (32) of a predetermined occupant (30), a control device (12) including an arrangement of at least one massage actuator element (24) of the seat massage device (18 ) in an upholstery (26, 28) of the motor vehicle seat (22) determines (S1), a first occupant characteristic determines (S2) which describes an actual body position of the predetermined occupant (30), and a target seating position of the occupant (30) determined (S6) on the motor vehicle seat (22) in which the specified body part (32) rests on the user's side, so that a positioning of the specified body part (32) in the target seat position satisfies a specified massage efficiency criterion. The control device (12) causes the occupant (30) to move into the determined target seat position (S7) and, if the occupant (30) is in the determined target seat position, provides a massage control signal (S8) and transmits it to the seat massage device (18, S9) in order to carry out a massage function specified by at least one massage parameter for massaging the specified body part (32) (S10).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a seat massage device of a motor vehicle for massaging a predetermined part of the body of a predetermined occupant of the motor vehicle.

Seat massage functions are currently available to increase driving comfort and to relax the back muscles of the vehicle occupants (especially on the front seats in the vehicle). In the best case, the occupants can choose from different massage variants and/or vary seat settings in such a way that the occupants are optimally supported when sitting. There are standard functions for choosing between seat massage variants and for setting parameters of the vehicle seats, especially the front seats, such as setting the angle of inclination of the backrest, seat height and hardness, and support for the lumbar spine.

The DE 10 2017 209 705 A1 relates to a method for configuring a massage program of a massage device of a vehicle seat of a vehicle using an electronic control unit.

From the DE 10 2020 006 140 A1 a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle is known, in which a massage program controlled by a computing device is carried out by means of massage elements in the upholstery of the vehicle seat.

The WO 2021/043834 A1 describes a management system for identifying and bio-monitoring at least one user of a motor vehicle.

The known solutions only offer the choice between standard programs for a seat massage or the variability of seat settings. As a result, only massage functions that move, stretch, press or the like in specific parts of the body are possible.

An object on which the invention is based is the individualization of a massage through a motor vehicle seat.

The stated object is achieved by the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention in accordance with the independent claims. Advantageous developments are given by the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea that before starting a massage program for a seat massage device in the motor vehicle, a check is made as to whether the occupant is sitting in an optimal desired seating position. For this purpose, a current body position of the occupant is determined as the first occupant feature. A target seating position is then determined, in which the user should sit in the motor vehicle seat such that massage actuator elements, which are arranged in a cushion of the motor vehicle seat, are optimally aligned with a specific body part to be massaged. Before the massage program is activated, the body position of the occupant is first corrected in such a way that the occupant to be massaged is seated correctly, so that the massage actuator elements are aligned as best as possible with the body part to be massaged.

Ideally, the seat massage function can additionally be configured individually, for example by considering a medical history of the occupant to be massaged, for example a herniated disc or chronic tension, and/or for example a stature of the occupant, his clothes.

By correcting the seating position of the occupant to be massaged, the part of the body to be massaged, for example the shoulder area or the back, is placed in the best possible way on the cushion with the massage actuator elements. Through the individual configuration, the massage can then be fine-tuned for the individual occupant. Massage functions can therefore be aimed specifically and specifically at selected areas of the body (e.g. kidney area).

The method according to the invention for operating a seat massage device of a motor vehicle for massaging a predetermined body part of a predetermined occupant of the motor vehicle, for example the shoulder girdle and/or the back of the occupant, is carried out by a control device. The occupant is in a motor vehicle seat of the motor vehicle. The occupant can be determined, for example, using camera-based driver identification or passenger identification and can thus be predetermined, or for example by manually entering an operating request in a user menu, for example.

A control device is designed for electronic data processing, for generating a control signal and for controlling a further electronic component. The control device can preferably be designed as a control device or microcontroller, ie as a semiconductor chip that contains a processor and at the same time also peripheral functions.

A seat massage device is understood to mean a device, a device component or a device group which has at least one massage actuator element and is designed and set up to carry out a seat massage program. A massage actuator element is a component or a combination of components that is designed to exert pressure and/or a movement on the surface of the body and can be correspondingly controlled, for example, by a mechanism and/or electronics of the seat massage device, so that the massage actuator element can be used for a massage or acupressure appropriate movement is exercised. This can be, for example, applying pressure to the body part, a rubbing movement to rub the skin, a kneading movement or, for example, a rolling movement.

The control device determines an arrangement of at least one massage actuator element of the seat massage device in the upholstery of the motor vehicle seat. The arrangement is that arrangement in which the at least one massage actuator element for contacting the predetermined body part is arranged on a user side of the upholstery designed as a seat and/or leaning surface. In other words, the control device determines how the at least one massage actuator element, preferably a plurality of massage actuator elements or a total of massage actuator elements is/are arranged in the cushion. This also results in those areas of the padding against which the specified body part should rest, so that the at least one massage actuator element can carry out the massage on the body part.

The controller determines a first occupant feature that describes an actual body position of the predetermined occupant in the motor vehicle seat. In other words, the control device determines the actual body position of the predetermined occupant, that is to say their current body position on or at the motor vehicle seat. The actual body position of the predetermined occupant may be, for example, a cross-legged position in the motor vehicle seat, a relaxed body position in which the occupant lies in the motor vehicle seat, or a sitting position with the upper body bent over and in which his shoulder girdle does not touch the cushion of the seat back .

An occupant feature is a feature of the body of the predetermined occupant, which is clothing-specific or body-specific and influences a contact between the predetermined body part and the at least one massage actuator element. The contact between the body part and the massage actuator element depends, for example, on how the occupant sits, whether the occupant is muscular, how tall the occupant is, whether the occupant has a wide shoulder girdle (i.e. what body measurements the occupant has) and/or whether the body part has a weak point, for example a tension. A clothing-specific occupant characteristic can describe, for example, whether the occupant is wearing clothing, how thick a fabric of the clothing is, or whether or not the clothing fits snugly against the body part. These clothing-specific occupant features affect the subsequent seat massage in such a way that, for example, thick clothing requires greater pressure to be exerted, or clothing with a slippery material means that the at least one massage actuator element moves with fewer friction movements. The actual body position as the first occupant feature accordingly has a direct influence on whether the body part to be massaged is in contact with the at least one body feature or not.

The control device determines a target seating position of the occupant on the motor vehicle seat, in which the specified body part rests on the user side, so that positioning of the specified body part in the target seating position relative to the at least one massage actuator element satisfies a specified massage efficiency criterion. The specified massage efficiency criterion specifies that a seat massage can be applied directly or almost directly to the body part to be massaged with a specified minimum probability. In other words, the repositioning is intended to improve the efficiency of the massage. For example, for massaging the shoulder girdle, the best target sitting position may be with the user sitting leaning back against the backrest.

The control device then prompts the occupant to move from the actual body position to the determined desired seating position. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, output a corresponding message via a display. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can, for example, control a safety belt that pulls the occupant back into the target seating position, and/or tilt the backrest and/or seat surface such that the occupant is tilted into the target seating position.

If the predetermined occupant is in the determined desired seating position, the control device provides a massage control signal and transmits this to the seat massage device. For this purpose, the control device can generate the massage control signal, for example. The provided massage control signal thus describes, for example, a massage program to be carried out and the activation of the at least one massage actuator element.

A massage parameter is a control parameter for the at least one massage actuator element and describes, for example, a pressure level, a direction of movement and/or a movement deflection of the at least one massage actuator element, and/or a duration of the massage, and/or the cushion area in which one or more massage actuator elements are activated should be. The massage function can be a function of the seat massage device for performing a massage, for example a direct massage, a brush massage, an acupressure or a full or partial body massage.

Ideally, the massage control signal is only provided and/or transmitted if the predetermined occupant is in the determined desired seating position.

The advantages mentioned above result.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can determine a further occupant feature that describes a body feature of the predetermined occupant, preferably wherein the body feature can describe a body height, a body width, a shoulder height and/or a body weight. The control device can then use a further occupant feature to determine an occupant-specific setting of the at least one massage parameter, and the massage control signal that is provided then describes this determined occupant-specific setting.

For example, if the occupant has broad shoulders, the occupant-specific setting can then specify that massage actuator elements are activated in a correspondingly wide cushion area. In this example, the corresponding massage parameter is the massage area and thus the upholstery area in which massage actuator elements are activated. Alternatively or additionally, the occupant-specific setting (or another occupant-specific setting) can specify a massage strength and/or a massage type. For example, different parts of the body can be massaged differently at the same time.

As a result, the massage is individually tailored to the body feature or features. For example, sensitive areas such as the spine can be individually left out, or, for example, only the kidney area can be massaged without massaging the occupant's back over a large area. The latter can also be more pleasant over a longer period of time than a long, large-scale massage.

In particular, the additional occupant feature can describe the body size, and the control device can specify the body part based on the body size described by the additional occupant feature. For example, the body part can then no longer be the upper shoulder girdle, but the massage can be specialized on an area below the shoulder girdle or on the kidney area. Correspondingly, the control device for determining the massage parameter can specify at least one massage actuator element to be controlled by the massage control signal that is provided, based on the specified body part. In this case, the specified massage actuator element can be arranged in the padding area of the padding, which the specified body part makes contact with in the desired sitting position. Based on body size, it can be controlled in which padding area the massage actuator elements are activated. This makes the massage even more individual and therefore much more efficient.

The control device can optionally also determine the target seat position using the additional occupant feature. If the occupant is very tall, for example, it can be useful because of the arrangement of the at least one massage actuator element in the cushion for this user - for example in comparison to a smaller occupant - to assume a target seating position in which the body of the tall occupant - in contrast to a sitting position that is normal for this user - is shifted downwards and forwards in such a way that the shoulder area is located at the upper edge of the backrest, where the massage actuator element can be arranged. As a result, the massage is even more individually tailored to the body of the occupant.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can determine a further occupant feature which can describe a property of a piece of clothing of the predetermined occupant which is in contact with the predetermined body part. The property of the item of clothing can preferably be a fit, a type of item of clothing and/or a thickness of the item of clothing. The control device can then use a further occupant feature to determine an occupant-specific setting of the at least one massage parameter, and the massage control signal that is provided then describes this determined occupant-specific setting. In this way, for example, the pressure of the massage actuator element or of the massage actuator elements can be adapted to the thickness of a pullover, for example. The massage is therefore efficient despite, for example, thick winter clothing.

Optionally, the control device can also determine the desired seating position based on the additional occupant feature—that is, based on the property of the item of clothing. It can therefore be taken into account that the user is wearing, for example, a sweater that is too large, and by adjusting the target sitting position, the slipping movements of the massage actuator element due to the clothing that is too large can then be compensated for, for example.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device for causing the occupant to move into the determined target seat position can determine a change in position for transferring the actual body position into the target seat position, i.e. it can determine the type of and/or the process determine the repositioning. In other words, the control device can calculate, for example, how the occupant can, for example, change from his current posture in a cross-legged position to a relaxed sitting position with his back leaning against him and his legs stretched out. The control device generates a position change signal that describes the determined change in position.

In a variant, the control device can transmit the position change signal generated to an output device for outputting information and/or for outputting instructions for the position change, for example on a screen. The transmitted position change signal can then cause the output device to output a text message “Please sit relaxed in the motor vehicle!” or a tutorial in a video.

In another variant, which can optionally be combined with the first variant, the control device can transmit the position change signal generated to an actuator device for positioning the predetermined occupant in the desired seat position. Such an actuator device can include, for example, gripping arms and/or a motor system for the motor vehicle seat and/or a motor system for actuating the seat belt. The transmitted position change signal can then be used, for example, to tilt the motor vehicle seat in such a way that the occupant slides into the desired seating position. If the actuator device has gripping arms, these gripping arms can support the change in position, for example by pushing or pulling the body. Optionally, the control device can tighten the seat belt in order to position the user even better in the motor vehicle seat.

The occupant can therefore either record what he has to do in order to sit down correctly and/or he is automatically brought into the correct desired sitting position. The latter is particularly advantageous when the occupant is asleep, for example, or has difficulty positioning themselves correctly.

The control device can optionally receive a reaction signal from a sensor device of the motor vehicle that describes a reaction of the predetermined occupant to the activated massage function. In other words, this means that after the massage function has been activated, the control device receives the reaction signal from the sensor device, which describes how the occupant reacts to the massage function that is already running.

A sensor device is understood to be a device, a device group or a device component that has at least one sensor and is therefore designed to record and optionally recognize, for example, facial expressions, speech reactions or, for example, an increased heart rate to the activated seat massage. For this purpose, the sensor device can have, for example, a camera and/or a heart rate monitor and/or a pressure sensor system in the upholstery of the motor vehicle, or, for example, strain sensors sewn into and/or built into the upholstery.

In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can evaluate the reaction of the occupant based on the received reaction signal and can adjust the massage parameter of the massage function or end the massage function based on the evaluated reaction. For example, the strength of a pressure or a friction can be adjusted as a massage parameter if the occupant reacts to the massage with discomfort, for example. The control device “learns” as a result and can improve the individuality and efficiency of the seat massage even further.

In a further development, the reaction signal can describe a physical or physiological reaction of the predetermined occupant, preferably a muscular reaction in the predetermined part of the body. For example, a muscle reaction can be detected by a pressure sensor or a capacitive sensor, or it is possible for a pulse sensor or a respiratory rate sensor to monitor a pulse, for example, so that the seat massage can be optimally adjusted.

The control device can preferably use current and/or historical health data of the predetermined occupant to adapt the massage parameter to a property of the previously described body part that is described by the health data. It can be used in the seat massage So, for example, a herniated disc can be taken into account, whereby a reduced massage intensity can then be set for this part of the body.

The invention also includes the control device. The control device can have a data processing device or a processor device that is set up to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and/or at least one microcontroller and/or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device can have a program code which is set up to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The control device can preferably be designed as a control device, control chip, control device or user program (“app”).

The invention also includes a motor vehicle that has a seat massage device and an embodiment of the control device according to the invention. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

The object set above is also achieved by a server device for operation on the Internet, for example a data server, a backend and/or a data cloud, the server device having an embodiment of the control device according to the invention.

The invention also includes developments of the control device according to the invention, the motor vehicle according to the invention and the server device according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the control device according to the invention, the motor vehicle according to the invention and the server device according to the invention are not described again here.

The invention also includes the combinations of features of the described embodiments. The invention also includes implementations that each have a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments were not described as mutually exclusive.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this purpose, the only figure (“FIG.”) shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that each also develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is also intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those illustrated. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figure, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

The figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which a motor vehicle 10 , for example a passenger car, has a control device 12 . The control device 12 can preferably have a processor device 14 and/or a data memory 16 .

The controller 12 communicates with a seat massager 18 via a data communications link 20. This may be either wired or wireless. Correspondingly, the data communication connection 20 can be designed as a data bus, for example, or be a Bluetooth connection or WLAN connection.

As shown schematically in the figure, the seat massage device 18 can be partially removed from a motor vehicle seat 22 or completely installed in the motor vehicle seat 22 . Motor vehicle seats with a seat massage device 18 are known to those skilled in the art from the prior art. The figure shows a seat massage device 18 with three massage actuator elements 24, for example, which can be installed in a cushion 26 forming a backrest. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or preferably more massage actuator elements 24 can be arranged in a cushion 28 that forms the seat surface of the motor vehicle seat 22 .

The figure shows an occupant 30 who, in the example of the figure, leans slightly forward with the upper body and sits very far forward on the cushion 28 . In the example shown in the figure, the user can have selected a massage program, for example, which is intended to massage the back area as body part 32 to be massaged. In the example shown in the figure, different seat massage programs can be stored in the data memory 16, for example. The selection of the seat massage program can alternatively be selected by the control device 12, for example, based on a user profile or, for example, as a function of daily updated biometric data of the occupant 30.

A sensor device 34 is also shown schematically in the figure, which can have, for example, pressure sensors and/or strain sensors (neither of which are shown in the figure) in the motor vehicle seat 22, and/or, for example, a camera for filming the facial expression of the occupant 30. The figure also shows an optional receiving device 36, which can be designed, for example, as an output device with a screen. Alternatively or additionally, the optional receiving device 36 can have and/or control a motor system of the motor vehicle seat 22 and/or a safety belt of the motor vehicle seat 22 and/or optionally gripping arms for repositioning the occupant 30 .

The information on the arrangement of the massage actuator elements 24 in the padding 26 can be stored digitally in the data storage device 16 and can thereby be determined (S1). Are the massage actuator elements 24 in the pad 26 adjustable in their position, i.e. movable within the pad 26 (and/or in the pad 28), for example displaceable, so that different pad areas of the pad 26 and/or the pad 28 can be provided as a massage area , The current position of the massage actuator elements 24 can be recorded accordingly and thereby determined (S1).

In the case of determining S2 the current actual body position of occupant 30, at least one occupant feature (S2) can be determined, for example, by means of a camera system of sensor device 34, with the sensor system filming occupant 30 and corresponding software determining the posture. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 34 can measure the load on the motor vehicle seat 22 via, for example, strain sensors in the cushion 26, 28 or in corresponding pressure sensors, and the posture can be additionally or alternatively derived using this data. In the example of the figure, the occupant 30 can first slide forward and sit on the motor vehicle seat 22 with the upper body bent forward.

Optionally, the control device 12 can determine a height and a body weight as a further occupant characteristic (S3). This can also be done, for example, via the camera system and, for example, via weight sensors in motor vehicle seat 22, or the corresponding data can be read from a user profile of occupant 30 if occupant 30 has logged into his user profile. This can later be relevant for the strength of a massage, for example, and/or specify, for example, in which upholstery area the massage actuator elements 24 are to be activated. Optionally, it can be provided that the control device 12 controls the seat massage device 18 in the case of an occupant 30 with very broad shoulders, for example, such that the seat massage device 18 moves one or more of the massage actuator elements 24 within the upholstery 26, so that the massage actuator elements 24 are displaced into that upholstery area be, over the width of which extends the broad shoulder girdle of the occupant 30. With such an adjustment of the massage actuator elements 24, they can be adjusted, for example, via a mechanism known to those skilled in the art within the padding 26, 28.

Optionally, the control device 12 can also use a body size to specify, for example, that the upper shoulder area should be massaged (S4). Since this area is often tense in tall people, the seat massage is then tailored even more individually. Based on the body size, those massage actuator elements 24 can then also be specified and a corresponding massage parameter can be determined as a result (S5), which are then to be activated for the massage.

As a further optional occupant feature, it can be determined (S3), for example, that the occupant 30 is wearing a thick sweater, for example. This can later affect the strength of the massage. The clothing can, for example, be recorded using the optional camera system and evaluated by software. For example, image analysis can be used to derive the type of fabric, the thickness of the item of clothing and/or a fit of the clothing and, for example, to identify a wool structure of the outer clothing. Based on the wool structure, the control device 12 can then conclude, for example, that the outer clothing has a predetermined minimum thickness.

Health data describing, for example, a current herniated disc at a specific position of the body part 32 or a limitation due to a past herniated disc or current problems with a calcified shoulder, for example, can be stored in the data memory 16 and read out. This can later affect the seat size say that the affected areas are either not massaged or only very lightly.

In S6, the control device 12 determines a target seat position. For the shoulder and/or back massage assumed as an example in the figure, it makes sense, for example, for the occupant 30 to slide back in the motor vehicle seat 22 and lean his back against the upholstery 26 . As a massage efficiency criterion, it can be stored in data memory 16, for example, that body part 32 is actually in contact with the user side (i.e. on the side of cushion 26 facing occupant 30), preferably that a predetermined minimum proportion of the surface of predetermined body part 32 is in contact with cushion 26 the massage actuator elements 24 rests, and / or that the back is pressed firmly against the pad 26. This is not the case in the actual body position of the occupant 30 as shown in the figure, but it is in the target body position assumed above as an example.

To cause the occupant 30 to go to the determined target position (S7), the control device 12 can request him to do so, for example using the output device, and/or the occupant, for example using the seat belt and tilting the motor vehicle seat into the target position - Bring sitting position. Optionally, the occupant 30 can be prompted to go into the determined desired seating position. As a change in position, the control device 12 can determine, for example, that the buttocks have been set back and that the specified body part 32 is leaning against it (S11) and can generate a corresponding change in position signal (S12), which can describe a corresponding voice output, a corresponding video film or a corresponding information text, for example.

Alternatively or additionally, if receiving device 36 is designed to transfer occupant 30 to the determined target seating position, control device 12 can, for example, control the motors of the seat belt and motor vehicle seat 22 accordingly.

Ideally, the seat massage can only be performed (S10) once the occupant 30 is in the target body position. This can be checked, for example, via the camera system and/or via the exemplary pressure, strain, and weight sensors.

To activate the massage program, the control device 12 provides a massage control signal (S8), which the control device 12 transmits to the seat massage device 18 (S9) in order to cause this, for example, only the massage actuator elements 24 in the upholstery area on which the body part 32 in the target - Body position applied to activate (S10). Optionally, for example, the areas around the exemplary calcified shoulder or the area with the herniated disc can be omitted, or the corresponding massage actuator elements 24 can be set to a weaker massage intensity than the remaining massage actuator elements 24.

The control device 12 can preferably also monitor the reaction of the occupant 30 to the activated seat massage and adjust the massage parameter or several massage parameters accordingly (S13), or end the massage function (S15). For this purpose, the control device 12 can receive a reaction signal from the sensor device 34 (S16), which, for example, can describe a facial expression that can express joy. Suitable algorithms for recognizing faces and facial expressions are known to those skilled in the art from the prior art. In this case, the adjustment of the massage parameters S14 can be omitted, for example, since the occupant 30 is obviously satisfied. However, if the control device 12 evaluates a negative reaction based on facial expressions, the intensity of the massage can be reduced, for example. Other response signals may come, for example, from strain sensors or from a wearable accessory for detecting biometric characteristics, for example a pulse or a heartbeat, and thus provide information about, for example, muscle tension, or whether the occupant 30 is sedated or stressed, or for example is in pain. A body tension can be derived, for example, by detecting whether the body, in particular the body part 32, is moving away from the pad 26 or not.

Preferably, a user profile can then be created so that the next time the occupant 30 uses the seat massage device 18, he can already activate a seat massage program that has already been adapted to his individual needs. A history can then also be created with such a user profile.

Overall, the examples show how a function for an individual and intelligent seat massage (e.g. acupressure) can be provided in the vehicle interior.

An individual and intelligent solution is provided as an extension of the existing functions for a massage of the vehicle occupant(s) 30 .

1. 1. In einem ersten Schritt (S2) werden Merkmale der auf einem der Fahrzeugsitze 22 positionierten Person, also dem Insassen 30, identifiziert (S2). Hierzu können vorzugsweise unter anderem zählen:
   • - Körpermerkmale (zum Beispiel Körpergröße und -breite, Schulterhöhe, Körpergewicht), und/oder
   • - Kleidung (zum Beispiel bequeme Kleidung versus Anzug), und/oder
   • - Aktuelle Sitzposition (zum Beispiel gerade, entspannte Sitzhaltung versus Schneidersitz).
2. 2. In einem zweiten Schritt können Maßnahmen eingeleitet werden, um:
   • - den Insassen zu veranlassen, eine für die Ausübung der Massage/Akupressur ideale Sitzposition einzunehmen (zum Beispiel über Aufforderung über Anzeigeeinheit im Fahrzeug 10) (S2), beziehungsweise
   • - die Massagefunktionen dermaßen anzupassen (S14), dass sie optimal zu den im ersten Schritt identifizierten Insassenmerkmalen passen.
3. 3. In einem dritten Schritt kann die Durchführung der individuellen Sitzmassage erfolgen (S10). Bei kleineren Insassen 30 erfolgt zum Beispiel die Massage des Schulterbereichs über ein niedrigeres Segment des Kraftfahrzeugsitzes 22 als bei größeren Insassen 30. Ähnlich kann die Schultermassage von schmaleren Insassen 30 eher im Bereich der Sitzmitte erfolgen, bei breiteren Insassen 30 eher im Randbereich des Kraftfahrzeugsitzes 22. Für eine optimale Wirksamkeit der Massage kann zudem der Insasse 30 über einen gestrafften Gurt während des Massagezeitraums stabil mit dem Sitz in Kontakt gehalten werden. Zusätzlich kann der Insasse 30 (Bei- oder Mitfahrer) aufgefordert werden (S7), sich fest gegen den Sitz zu drücken, um eine maximale Massagewirkung zu erzielen.
4. 4. In einem vierten Schritt werden die Reaktionen des Insassen (zum Beispiel Entspannung, Schmerzen, Unruhe) auf die intelligente Massagefunktion beobachtet und die Massagefunktion entsprechend angepasst (S14).
   • - Wird zum Beispiel detektiert, dass der Insasse 30 sich wohlfühlt und entspannt, wird die laufende Massagefunktion fortgesetzt.
   • - Wird hingegen zum Beispiel detektiert, dass der Insasse 30 unruhig wird oder das Gesicht schmerzhaft/überrascht verzieht, wird die Massagefunktion in ihrer Stärke moduliert (S14) oder sogar beendet (S15).
5. 5. Die in den Schritten 1 und 4 ermittelten Ergebnisse können in einer Art „Nutzerprofil“ hinterlegt werden. Somit müssen nicht bei jeder Fahrt aufs Neue die Körpermerkmale (Schritt 1) sowie die Reaktionen auf die Sitzmassage (Schritt 4) analysiert werden: Entsprechende Informationen können vorzugsweise dauerhaft gespeichert und lediglich intermittierend erneut erhoben und die Daten aktualisiert werden. Derart können zum Beispiel absolvierte, aufeinander aufbauende Massageeinheiten gespeichert und zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt fortgesetzt werden. Ergänzend kann der Insasse 30 ein solches Nutzerprofil auch selbstständig anlegen. Dabei könnten individuelle Präferenzen (zum Beispiel im Lendenbereich nur wellenartige Massagen, bevorzugt Aktivierungs- oder Entspannungsmassagen) oder medizinische Einschränkungen (zum Beispiel aufgrund Versteifung der Halswirbelsäule keine Massage im oberen Sitzbereich) hinterlegt werden.

Another preferred embodiment includes the following process:

1. 1. In a first step (S2), features are positioned on one of the vehicle seats 22 th person, ie the occupant 30 identified (S2). These may preferably include:
   • - Body characteristics (e.g. height and width, shoulder height, body weight), and/or
   • - clothing (e.g. comfortable clothing versus a suit), and/or
   • - Current sitting position (e.g. straight, relaxed sitting position versus cross-legged).
2. 2. In a second step, measures can be taken to:
   • - to cause the occupant to take an ideal seat position for exercising the massage/acupressure (for example by request via the display unit in the vehicle 10) (S2), or
   • - Adjust the massage functions (S14) in such a way that they optimally match the occupant characteristics identified in the first step.
3. 3. In a third step, the individual seat massage can be carried out (S10). In the case of smaller occupants 30, for example, the massage of the shoulder area takes place over a lower segment of the motor vehicle seat 22 than in the case of larger occupants 30. Similarly, the shoulder massage of narrower occupants 30 can take place more in the area of the center of the seat, with wider occupants 30 more in the edge area of the motor vehicle seat 22. In addition, for an optimal effectiveness of the massage, the occupant 30 can be kept in stable contact with the seat via a tightened belt during the massage period. Additionally, the occupant 30 (passenger or passenger) may be prompted (S7) to press firmly against the seat for maximum massage effect.
4. 4. In a fourth step, the occupant's reactions (for example relaxation, pain, restlessness) to the intelligent massage function are observed and the massage function is adjusted accordingly (S14).
   • - For example, if it is detected that the occupant 30 is comfortable and relaxed, the ongoing massage function is continued.
   • If, on the other hand, it is detected, for example, that the occupant 30 is becoming restless or is making a painful/surprised face, the strength of the massage function is modulated (S14) or even ended (S15).
5. 5. The results determined in steps 1 and 4 can be stored in a kind of "user profile". Thus, the body characteristics (step 1) and the reactions to the seat massage (step 4) do not have to be analyzed anew with every trip: Corresponding information can preferably be stored permanently and only collected again intermittently and the data updated. In this way, for example, completed massage units that build on one another can be saved and continued at a later point in time. In addition, the occupant 30 can also independently create such a user profile. Individual preferences (e.g. only wave-like massages in the lumbar area, preferably activation or relaxation massages) or medical restrictions (e.g. no massage in the upper seat area due to stiffening of the cervical spine) could be stored.

The occupant condition and/or occupant characteristics (step 1/S2) or reactions (step 4/S16) can be detected, for example, via sensors for monitoring the interior (e.g. driver monitoring camera) and/or sensors in the motor vehicle seats 22 (e.g. occupancy, weight - or strain sensors).

This function can be both user-initiated (i.e. the occupant 30 activates a corresponding function, for example via buttons on the motor vehicle seat 22 or via operating units in the vehicle interior), and system-initiated (i.e. the function can be offered or even activated automatically if the occupant 30 sits longer and/or has not changed position and, for example, shows signs of tension pain and stretches) can be triggered.

The function can be implemented when the motor vehicle 10 is stationary or when it is moving. For example, it can be controlled both on the on-board computer of the motor vehicle 10 and in a backend server. The use of data analysis tools is possible both to optimize the individual experience of the function and to generate intelligent suggestions from the user behavior of everyone for individuals (e.g. similar body size, similar context, similar preferences).

The controlled sitting posture (step 3) increases the spectrum of possible massage functions. Acupressure (prophylactically applied healing process in which blunt pressure is applied to defined points on the body) are also possible through controlled sitting posture. Thus, positive effects in the well-being and health area are possible.

• Reaktion auf Massagefunktion) kann eine für den jeweiligen Insassen passende Massagefunktion angeboten werden (Schritt 2) mit einem Ziel der Steigerung des Insassenkomforts und im besten Fall sogar Unterstützung der Insassengesundheit (zum Beispiel weniger Verspannungen im Rückenbereich). Daher wird die vorliegende Funktion als „intelligent“ bezeichnet. Die Anlage einer Art „Insassenprofil“ (Schritt 5) führt zudem dazu, dass nicht bei jeder Fahrt die oben genannten Schritte detektiert werden müssen.

Through the combination of occupant observation (step 1/S2: detection of body features, clothing and current seating position; step 4:

• Response to massage function) a massage function suitable for the respective occupant can be offered (step 2) with the aim of increasing occupant comfort and, in the best case, even supporting occupant health (e.g. less tension in the back area). Therefore, the function at hand is called “intelligent”. The creation of a kind of “occupant profile” (step 5) also means that the steps mentioned above do not have to be detected every time the vehicle is driven.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102017209705 A1 [0003]
• DE 102020006140 A1 [0004]
• WO 2021043834 A1 [0005]

Claims (11)

Method for operating a seat massage device (18) of a motor vehicle (10) for massaging a predetermined body part (32) of a predetermined occupant (30) of the motor vehicle (10) who is located on a motor vehicle seat (22), wherein a control device (12): - an arrangement of at least one massage actuator element (24) of the seat massage device (18) in a cushion (26, 28) of the motor vehicle seat (22) determines (S1), - determines (S2) a first occupant feature which describes an actual body position of the predetermined occupant (30) in the motor vehicle seat (22), - a target seating position of the occupant (30) on the motor vehicle seat (22) is determined (S6), in which the specified body part (32) rests on the user side, so that the specified body part (32) can be positioned in the target seating position relative to the at least one massage actuator element (24) meets a predetermined massage efficiency criterion, - causes the occupant (30) to move from the actual body position to the determined desired seating position (S7), and - if the predetermined occupant (30) is in the determined target seat position: provides (S8) and transmits (S9) a massage control signal to the seat massage device (18) in order to use a massage function predetermined by at least one massage parameter for massaging the predetermined body part (32 ) to be performed (S10). procedure after claim 1 , wherein the control device (12) - establishes (S3) a further occupant feature which describes a body feature of the predetermined occupant (30), preferably wherein the body feature describes a body height, a body width, a shoulder height and/or a body weight; and - using the further occupant feature, an occupant-specific setting of the at least one massage parameter is determined (S5), the massage control signal provided then describing this occupant-specific setting. procedure after claim 2 , wherein the further occupant feature describes a body size, and wherein the control device (12) - specifies the body part (32) on the basis of the body size described by the further occupant feature (S4), and - for determining the massage parameter (S5) at least one by the provided massage control signal massage actuator element (24) to be controlled based on the specified body part (32). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) - Determines (S3) a further occupant characteristic that describes a characteristic of a piece of clothing of the predetermined occupant (30) that rests against the predetermined body part (32), preferably wherein the characteristic of the piece of clothing is a fit, a type of piece of clothing and/or a thickness is; and - A passenger-specific setting of the at least one massage parameter is determined based on the further passenger feature (S5), the provided massage control signal then describing this passenger-specific setting. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) for causing the occupant (30) to go into the determined target seat position (S7): - a change in position for transferring the actual body position into the desired sitting position is determined (S11), and - a position change signal is generated (S12) which describes the determined position change, and the position change signal: a) transmits (S13) to an output device for outputting information and/or instructions on the position change; and/or b) to an actuator device for positioning the predetermined occupant (30) in the target seat position (S13). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) - a reaction signal from a sensor device (34) of the motor vehicle (10) receives (S16), which describes a reaction of the predetermined occupant (30) to the activated massage function, - The reaction of the occupant (30) is evaluated based on the received reaction signal, and the massage parameter of the massage function is adjusted based on the evaluated reaction (S14), or the massage function ends (S15). procedure after claim 6 wherein the response signal describes a physical and/or physiological response of the predetermined occupant (30), preferably a muscular response in the predetermined body part (32). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (12) - on the basis of current and/or historical health data of the predetermined occupant (30), adapts the massage parameter to a property of the predetermined body part (32) described by the health data (S14). Control device (12) which is set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (10) with a motor vehicle seat (22) and a seat massage device (18) which has at least one massage actuator element (24) arranged in an upholstery (26, 28) of the motor vehicle seat (22), the motor vehicle (10) having a control device (12 ) after claim 9 includes. Server device for operating on the Internet, according to a control device claim 9 having.

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