DE102022203137A1 - Method for setting an initial position of an ergonomic functional unit for an occupant of a motor vehicle and occupant support device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting an initial position (P) of an ergonomic functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) for an occupant (6), with the steps: specifying a body size (K) using an input device (7) of the occupant support device ( 2); Determining an eye point (10) in a sitting position in the motor vehicle (1) on a seat device (5) by means of a detection device (9), the seat device (5) being moved to a zero position (N); Determining a trunk length (11) depending on the specific eye point (10) and the predetermined body size (K) and/or determining a leg length (12) depending on the specific eye point (10) and the predetermined body size (K) by means of an electronic Computing device (8); and adjusting the initial position (P) of the ergonomic functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) depending on the specific trunk length (11) and/or the specific leg length (12). The invention further relates to a computer program product and an occupant support device (2).

Description

The invention relates to a method for setting an initial position of an ergonomic functional unit for an occupant of a motor vehicle by means of an occupant support device of the motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a computer program product and an occupant support device.

Seat adjustment devices are already known from the prior art, which store a seating position previously set by the occupant and assume this position again when the motor vehicle is entered in the future. Furthermore, such support devices are also known for, for example, mirrors or steering wheels.

In this context, the publications JP 2019 055 759 A , US 2021/0039522 A1 and CN 109 455 117 A represents a corresponding state of the art.

The object of the present invention is to create a method, a computer program product and an occupant support device by means of which an initial position of an ergonomic functional unit can be set in an improved manner.

This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product and an occupant support device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for setting an initial position of an ergonomic functional unit for an occupant of a motor vehicle by means of an occupant support device of the motor vehicle. A body size of the occupant is specified using an input device of the occupant support device. An eye point of the occupant in a sitting position of the occupant in the motor vehicle on a seat device of the motor vehicle is determined by means of a detection device of the occupant support device, the seat device being moved to a zero position. A trunk length of the occupant is determined depending on the specific eye point and the predetermined body size and/or a leg length of the occupant is determined as a function of the specific eye point and the predetermined body size by means of an electronic computing device of the occupant support device. The initial position of the ergonomic functional unit is set depending on the specific trunk length and/or specific leg length.

This makes it possible to set an initial position of the ergonomic functional unit in an improved manner. The initial position is to be understood in particular as a position which is adapted to the body size and leg length or trunk length. From the initial position, further individual adjustment is then possible so that the occupant's individual wishes can be taken into account. For example, the seating device can be viewed as an ergonomic functional unit. It can then be adjusted accordingly depending on the trunk length, which is viewed in particular from a hip point to a vertex of the body. Furthermore, the seat device can then be adjusted depending on the leg length. Depending on whether the occupant would like further individual adjustments, further settings, for example manually, are possible. In particular, the invention makes it possible for the initial position to be approached reliably and quickly, meaning that only a few further manual settings are necessary up to an individual setting.

In particular, a method is thus provided for automating functions that the occupant, in particular a driver of the motor vehicle, currently has to operate in the interior, for example as a button, in accordance with the situation, with, among other things, the seat adjustment, the mirror adjustment, the steering wheel adjustment or even a head-up function. Display adjustment can be noted. Through automation, this action can be taken over from the driver.

Particularly in situations in which the occupant frequently changes vehicles, for example in commercial or private car sharing, in a company's pool vehicles, or in vehicles from rental car companies, the occupant must set up his driving position each time before starting the journey. It is also known that the majority of drivers adjust the seat ergonomically incorrectly or forget to adjust the mirrors or steering wheel before driving. This is now solved according to the invention.

It is already known from the prior art that, for example, the seat and steering wheel positioning can only be adjusted based on body size. However, body size alone is not the decisive factor for good sitting positioning, but rather the body proportions, i.e. the trunk length to leg length ratio, for example, is crucial here. Two people with the same height but different Body proportions, sitting in different positions in the motor vehicle. This means that seat positioning based solely on body size is often incorrect.

The automated driver's seat device in the present case takes place via a detection device installed in the motor vehicle, which is designed in particular as an optical detection device, in particular as a multifunctional interior camera. The method provides that the occupant sits down in the motor vehicle, with the seat being positioned in the zero position, which corresponds in particular to a rear/lower end position of the seat. The occupant is asked to indicate their height, for example, if they have not done so in advance using a corresponding application, for example. This is followed by a geometric eye point measurement, in particular a center eye measurement, by means of the detection device, whereby corresponding x, y, z coordinates are output. Using a corresponding algorithm, in particular a computer program product, the trunk length and/or the leg length is calculated and the seat, including the steering wheel, mirror and head-up display, is moved into a specific position. The occupant can then adjust the automated positioning according to their own wishes. The driver's seat position is then saved for the occupant, for example, and can therefore be taken to the next vehicle. In particular, the type of vehicle can also be taken into account, so that, for example, different driving positions can be assumed for SUVs or small cars. It can also be provided that corresponding parameters are provided for the different vehicles and that automated driving position adjustment can also be implemented here.

In particular, a solution is proposed which takes into account the body proportions, in particular the trunk length and the leg length, in order, for example, to adjust the seat, steering wheel, mirror and head-up based on the eye point measurement using an interior camera, which is designed, for example, as an infrared camera can be to determine. The so-called H point of the seat, which corresponds in particular to the zero position, and the algorithm are used here. Based on the calculated body proportions, the seat device and the steering wheel are then moved into a specific position, for example.

Another approach can be that the measured eye point in space is compared with a corresponding database, which in particular corresponds to a so-called Ramsis database, based on the given body size and sitting position, and the corresponding body proportions can then be deduced.

This makes it possible in particular to propose a more precise driver's seat device, which can also be used to set corresponding mirror devices or display devices, such as a head-up display. This is possible in particular without a photo of the occupant in advance, so that the driver's seat can be set up automatically even without a corresponding photo. Of course, this method can also be used for a passenger seat or for a rear area.

In particular, an estimate of the trunk length and the leg length can be carried out.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a seating position of the seat device is set as a functional unit and/or a mirror device in the motor vehicle is set as a functional unit and/or a steering wheel device in the motor vehicle is set as a functional unit and/or a display device in the motor vehicle is set as a functional unit. In particular, it is therefore proposed that the functional unit is, for example, a seat device and/or mirror device and/or steering wheel device and/or a display device. The display device can preferably be designed as a head-up display.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the body size is specified manually by the occupant or that the body size is determined and specified by means of a camera device of the occupant support device when the occupant approaches the motor vehicle. For example, the body size of the occupant can be entered manually via a corresponding display device, in particular a touch-sensitive display device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the body size is recorded via an outward-facing camera. For this purpose, for example, an image of the occupant can be captured and the body size can be determined depending on a corresponding distance and an angle in the image. The electronic computing device can then determine the body size and use it as an input parameter for determining the trunk length. For this purpose, sensors that are already installed in the motor vehicle, such as an ultrasonic sensor, radar sensor and/or lidar sensor, can be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment, when determining the leg length certain trunk length is subtracted from body size. The trunk length corresponds in particular to the distance between the so-called H point, a corresponding personal error value, a forehead dimension and a so-called trunk length delta, due to the non-straight sitting position in the seating device. The leg length is then determined by subtracting the specific trunk length from the body size. This means that the ergonomic functional unit can be adjusted reliably.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the occupant's forehead dimension is taken into account when determining the trunk length. In particular, the forehead dimension describes the distance between the detected eye point and a vertex of the occupant's head. The frontal dimension can be determined, for example, from a corresponding database, or mean values can be used which indicate the frontal dimension. This means that an improved stem length determination can be realized.

It is also advantageous if, when determining the trunk length, a difference value between an upright sitting occupant and the occupant sitting in the zero position is taken into account. In particular, this difference value is the so-called stem length delta. This is particularly due to the fact that a person sitting upright assumes a different body position than, for example, in a seat with an angled back element. It turned out, particularly due to appropriate data aggregation, that this delta value corresponds to up to 124 millimeters. In other words, the body “sags” by 124 millimeters in the zero position compared to the occupant sitting upright. This difference value can be taken into account in order to reliably carry out the adjustment on the ergonomic functional unit.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the frontal dimension or the difference value is provided by a database external to the vehicle. For example, the database external to the vehicle can be a cloud database. The difference value and the frontal dimension can be determined or used, for example, on the basis of a so-called Ramsis database.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the zero position of the seat device is determined and specified for each vehicle. For example, the zero position in an SUV is different than in a small vehicle. Furthermore, the zero position can also be specified for each vehicle, in particular for each type. The zero position can be specified in particular via corresponding x, y, z positions. Depending on this, the adjustment of the ergonomic vehicle equipment can then be carried out reliably.

The method presented is a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device to carry out a method according to the previous aspect when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device. The computer program product can also be referred to as a computer program. A further aspect therefore also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program product.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to an occupant support device for setting an initial position of an ergonomic functional unit for an occupant of a motor vehicle with at least one input device, a detection device and an electronic computing device, wherein the occupant support device is designed to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out using the occupant support device.

For this purpose, the electronic computing device has in particular electronic components, such as processors, circuits, in particular integrated circuits, or other electronic components in order to be able to carry out corresponding method steps.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an occupant support device according to the preceding aspect.

Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be viewed as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the occupant support device and the motor vehicle. The occupant support device and the motor vehicle have specific features in order to be able to carry out corresponding procedural steps.

The invention also includes further developments of the passenger support device of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the computer program according to the invention are pro duct, the occupant support device and the motor vehicle are not described again here.

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

• 1 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Ausführungsform einer Insassenunterstützungsvorrichtung; und
• 2 eine schematische Seitenansicht auf eine Ausführungsform einer ergonomischen Funktionseinheit.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. This shows:

• 1 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of an occupant support device; and
• 2 a schematic side view of an embodiment of an ergonomic functional unit.

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 the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 with an occupant support device 2. In particular, the occupant support device 2 is designed to set an initial position P of an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18, which is provided in particular ergonomically for an occupant 6. The occupant support device 2 has at least one input device 7, an electronic computing device 8 and a detection device 9. The detection device 9 can, for example, be designed as a multifunctional camera and be designed to monitor an interior of the motor vehicle 1. For this purpose, the camera can also be designed as an infrared camera, for example. The 1 further shows that, for example, a mirror device 3 as an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18 and/or a display device 4 as an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18 and/or a seat device 5 as an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18 and/or a steering wheel device 18 can be designed as an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18.

Furthermore, a camera device 19 can be provided, which can detect the occupant 6 before access to the motor vehicle 1 and, for example, thereby determine a body size K ( 2 ) can be determined automatically.

2 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18, in particular a seating device 5.

In particular, in the method for setting an initial position P of the ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18 it is provided that the body size K of the occupant 6 is specified by means of the input device 7. An eye point 10 of the occupant 6 is determined in a sitting position of the occupant 6 in the motor vehicle 1 on the seat device 5 of the motor vehicle 1 by means of the detection device 9, the seat device 5 being moved to a zero position N.

A trunk length 11 of the occupant 6 is determined as a function of the specific eye point 10 and the predetermined body size K and/or a leg length 12 of the occupant 6 is determined as a function of the specific eye point 10 and the predetermined body size K by means of the electronic computing device 7 The initial position P of the ergonomic functional unit 3, 4, 5, 18 is then set depending on the specific trunk length 11 and/or specific leg length 12. In particular, it is provided that when determining the leg length 12, the specific trunk length 11 is taken into account Height K is subtracted. Furthermore, it is provided that a frontal dimension 13 of the occupant 6 is taken into account when determining the trunk length 11. Furthermore, when determining the trunk length 11, a difference value between an upright sitting occupant 6 and the occupant 6 sitting in the zero position N can also be taken into account. Furthermore, an error value of 14 can also be taken into account.

The front dimension 13 and/or the difference value can be provided, for example, by a database 15 external to the vehicle, for example a so-called Ramsis database.

In particular, in the present method, the computer program product can be provided with a corresponding algorithm for determining the leg length 12 and/or the trunk length 11. For this purpose, corresponding vehicle data is required in particular from the motor vehicle 1, this being in particular an H point 17, which is determined at the back/bottom of the seat device 5. This is in particular the zero position N. Furthermore, individual driver data is required, with the eye point measurement being carried out via the detection device 9. The body size K of the occupant 6 can be done, for example, by entering the occupant 6, which can be done, for example, in millimeters. Furthermore, a distance 16 from the zero position N or the so-called H point 17 to the eye point 10 can be measured, and this can also be done in particular by means of the detection device 9. From the so-called database 15, in particular from the so-called Ramsis database, the forehead dimension 13 can be determined on average to be 120 millimeters, for example. A so-called trunk length delta, which corresponds in particular to the difference value, describes the difference between the upright sitting position of the occupant 6 and the position of the occupant 6 in the seat device 5, in particular at an angle, which can be determined in particular from averaged settings as 124 millimeters . Furthermore, an error value 14 can be determined, which corresponds to the trunk length 11 sitting minus the frontal dimension 13 minus the distance 16 from the eye point 10 to the zero position N, and can be specified as 12.4 millimeters, for example. Individual size information can also be taken into account here.

In particular, the requirement is that the seat device 5 is set in the so-called back/down position and also has, for example, an inclination of the backrest of 25 degrees.

The trunk length 11 can then be determined using the sum of the distance 16 between the eye point 10 and the H point 17, the difference value, the front dimension 13 and the error value 14. The leg length 12 corresponds to the body size K minus the trunk length 11.

This makes it possible for the corresponding body proportions, in particular the trunk length 11 and the leg length 12, to be calculated individually and, for example, to adjust the seat device 5, the steering wheel device 18, the mirror device 3, the display device 4 on the basis of an eye point measurement using an infrared Interior camera is carried out. The H point 17 of the seating device 5 and the algorithm are used here. Based on the calculated body proportions, the seat device 5 and the steering wheel device 18 are then moved into a specific position.

Reference symbol list

1

motor vehicle

2

Occupant support device

3

Mirror device

4

Display device

5

Seating facility

6

inmate

7

Input facility

8th

electronic computing device

9

Detection device

10

eye point

11

Trunk length

12

Leg length

13

Forehead measurement

14

Error value

15

Database

16

Distance

17

H point

18

Steering wheel setup

19

Camera setup

K

height

P

Initial position

N

Zero position

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2019055759 A [0003]
• US 2021/0039522 A1 [0003]
• CN 109455117 A [0003]

Claims (10)

Method for setting an initial position (P) of an ergonomic functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) for an occupant (6) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of an occupant support device (2) of the motor vehicle (1), with the steps: - Specifying a body size (K) of the occupant (6) by means of an input device (7) of the occupant support device (2); - Determining an eye point (10) of the occupant (6) in a sitting position of the occupant (6) in the motor vehicle (1) on a seat device (5) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a detection device (9) of the occupant support device (2), wherein the seat device (5) has moved to a zero position (N); - Determining a trunk length (11) of the occupant (6) depending on the specific eye point (10) and the predetermined body size (K) and/or determining a leg length (12) of the occupant (6) depending on the specific eye point (10 ) and the specified body size (K) by means of an electronic computing device (8) of the occupant support device (2); and - Setting the initial position (P) of the ergonomic functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) depending on the specific trunk length (11) and/or the specific leg length (12). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a seating position of the seat device (5) is set as a functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) and / or a mirror device (3) in the motor vehicle (1) as a functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18 ) is set and / or a steering wheel device (18) in the motor vehicle (1) is set as a functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) and / or a display device (4) in the motor vehicle (1) as a functional unit (3, 4, 5 , 18) is set. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the body size (K) is specified manually by the occupant (6) or that the body size (K) is measured by means of a camera device (19) of the occupant support device (2) when the occupant (6) approaches the motor vehicle (1 ) is determined and specified. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when determining the leg length (12), the specific trunk length (11) is subtracted from the body size (K). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a frontal dimension (13) of the occupant (6) is taken into account when determining the trunk length (11). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when determining the trunk length (11), a difference value between an upright sitting occupant (6) and the occupant (6) sitting in the zero position (N) is taken into account. Procedure according to Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the frontal dimension (13) and/or the difference value is provided by a database (15) external to the vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the zero position (N) of the seat device (5) is determined and specified for each vehicle. Computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device (8) to use a method according to one of the following when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device (8). Claims 1 until 8th to carry out. Occupant support device (2) for setting an initial position (P) of an ergonomic functional unit (3, 4, 5, 18) for an occupant (6) of a motor vehicle (1), with at least one input device (7), a detection device (9) and with an electronic computing device (8), wherein the occupant support device (2) is used to carry out a method according to one of Claims 1 until 8th is trained.

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