WO2023036415A1

WO2023036415A1 - Method, apparatus and computer program for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023036415A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/074788
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Deharde; Jens Kampermann; Matthias Priebe; Jithin Reju; Constantin Sfirnaciuc
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2021-09-09
Filing date: 2021-09-09
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a method, an apparatus, and a computer program for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle. A method (10) for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle (200) comprises monitoring (12) the cabin of the vehicle (200) for one or more passengers, determining (14) a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers, and adapting (16) the environment of the cabin based on the parameter.

Description

Method, Apparatus and Computer Program for Adapting an Environment in a Cabin of a Parked Vehicle

The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus, and a computer program for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle, more particularly but not exclusively, to a concept for monitoring a well-being of a passenger, e.g. a child or a pet, in a parked vehicle.

In daily life situations occur in which children or pets are left in vehicles for mostly only short amounts of time. Parents or owners, especially when they are a single parent or owner, sometimes follow their daily business and prefer leaving their child or pet in the vehicle, e.g. when they fell asleep. In most situations this is not a problem. However, when the environment changes inconveniences inside the cabin may occur and sometimes the pet or child may be left in the vehicle longer than it was initially planned or foreseen.

Document US 7,389,650 B2 describes a glovebox assembly for a vehicle. The glovebox assembly includes a storage bin and a dedicated climate controlled bin. The climate controlled bin is arranged to receive cooled air from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit for cooling the climate controlled bin independent of the storage bin. The glove box assembly further includes a cooled air inlet. The cooled air inlet is arranged to draw cooled air from the HVAC unit upstream of a blend door when air conditioning is operating so as to provide cooled air to the climate controlled bin independent of a vehicle cabin temperature setting.

Document US 6,693,535 B2 discloses a passenger compartment monitoring and control system for remote control of an undesirable condition inside a vehicle. The passenger compartment monitoring and control system includes an undesirable condition sensor disposed in the interior of the car that detects the undesirable condition. In response to a signal from the sensor, a controller contained within the vehicle and operably coupled to the sensor generates at least one control signal based on the comparison. A wireless communication device operably coupled to the controller then transmits a wireless signal in response to the at least one control signal. The transmitted wireless signal may be received by a vehicle operator's mobile station or by a call center, which are each capable of then engaging in remedial actions to remotely ameliorate the undesirable condition. Document US 9,615,540 B1 details a dispensing system for dispensing water and/or food to a pet that is confined in an automobile. A backboard is attached to the rear of a vehicle's seat using suspension elements. At least one storage container is mounted to the backboard. A tray is positioned under the storage containers The tray holds a bowl for each storage container. The tray is also attached to the backboard. The bowls receive the dispensed water and/or food dispensed from the storage containers. The bowls are specially formed to minimize spillage in an automobile. Each bowl is annular in shape. As such, each bowl has a central opening. When water or food fills a bowl, any overflow or spillage flows into the central opening. Under the bowls, the spillage is captured by receptacles in the underlying tray.

Document DE 10 2005 009 353 A1 discloses a concept for keeping a container warm or cold in a glovebox of a vehicle. The glove box is improved so that it keeps a canned or bottled beverage or the like warm or cold.

Document US 10,196,036 B2 describes a safety alert system for a specific vehicle, which includes an internet-connected server executing software, a digital data repository, a profile associated with the specific vehicle and identifying the specific vehicle and comprising contact information for a person, a computerized monitoring apparatus located in the specific vehicle with a two-way internet connection to the internet-connected server, global positioning system (GPS) circuitry coupled, a plurality of sensors, sensing both environmental conditions and status of apparatus of the specific vehicle, and reporting to the monitoring apparatus, and at least one set of variable values stored in the digital data repository indicating an alert status. The server keeps a log of reported variable values for the specific vehicle, periodically compares the variable values reported with the at least one set of variable values indicating an alert status, and issues an alert accordingly.

Document US 7,380,518 B2 relates to a computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer”, a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system. Document US10,528,053 B2 provides a vehicle control device, which includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to store, in the memory, driving information that is based on driving of a vehicle in a manual driving mode, and cause the vehicle to drive in an autonomous driving mode based on the stored driving information.

Document US 10,757,912 B2 describes implementations of a mobile pet feeder. In some implementations, the mobile pet feeder comprises a water container, a holder, an upper strap , and a lower strap. In some implementations, a method of using the mobile pet feeder comprises positioning and attaching the mobile pet feeder to the back side of a seat of a vehicle.

The known concepts are not well suited when there are changes in the environment, which are not planned or unforeseen. If a pet or child is left in a vehicle and the environment changes a situation may become uncomfortable for the child or pet.

There is a demand for an improved concept for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle. The demand is addressed according to the appended independent claims.

Embodiments are based on the finding that vehicles are well equipped with sensors, monitoring devices and communication devices. Therefore, it is a finding that a vehicle can use its sensors to monitor the cabin for passengers, such as children or pets. Moreover, sensor data from inside or outside the cabin may be used to determine a parameter indicative of the well-being of a passenger. The environment in the cabin can then be adapted based on the parameter.

Embodiments provide a method for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle. The method comprises monitoring the cabin of the vehicle for one or more passengers, determining a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers, and adapting the environment of the cabin based on the parameter. Embodiments may provide automatic adaptation of the environment of the cabin of a vehicle based on a well-being of the passengers.

For example, the parameter is indicative of a temperature and/or a humidity in the cabin of the vehicle. Embodiments may monitor and adapt temperature and/or humidity settings in the cabin.

In some embodiments the adapting may comprise opening one or more windows of the vehicle.

In embodiments, when the cabin of the vehicle becomes too warm or humid, one or more windows may be opened. The windows may only be opened to an extent that would prevent a passenger, e.g. a child or a pet, from leaving the vehicle through the window.

The adapting may comprise regulating the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle. For example, an owner may define a temperature range in which the cabin temperature should be. Thereby, user specific configurations or settings are enabled.

The regulating may comprise operating a heating or air-conditioning system of the vehicle. Embodiments may enable automated heating and cooling of the cabin of a parked vehicle.

The monitoring of the one or more passengers may comprise monitoring for one or more children or one or more pets. In case no passengers are detected, no adaptation may be carried out. Embodiments may further allow distinguishing whether a child or a pet is inside the cabin and allow accordingly adapted settings.

For example, the parameter may be indicative whether the one more passenger is upset or agitated. Embodiments may allow adapting the environment based on an emotional state of the passenger.

At least in some embodiments the adapting may comprise adapting an acoustic environment of the cabin of the vehicle. Therewith, the emotional state of the passenger may be influenced not only via temperature or humidity settings but also via a sound environment.

For example, the adapting of the acoustic environment of the vehicle may comprise cancelling noise and/or generating a calming sound environment. Embodiments may automatically generate a comfortable or pleasant sound environment.

Moreover, the parameter may be indicative on whether the one or more passengers are hungry or thirsty. For example, an acoustic analysis may be carried out, which could be indicative on whether a child or pet is hungry or thirsty. The adapting may then comprise allowing access to beverages or food for the one or more passengers. Thereby, help may automatically be provided in embodiments.

In further embodiments the method may further comprise adapting the environment of the cabin using a visual projection. Visual projections may contribute to calming a passenger down or entertaining a passenger. Furthermore, at least in some embodiments the method further comprises communicating information on a cabin status and/or a status of the one or more passengers to a registered user of the vehicle. Embodiments may enable a user to monitor the status in the cabin via a communication device such as a smart phone. Moreover, the user may not only be informed but also enabled to grant or activate certain activities in the cabin, e.g. select an audio or video program to be played or projected.

Another embodiment is an apparatus for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle. The apparatus comprises one or more interfaces configured to communicate with components of the vehicle and a control module configured to control the one or more interfaces. The control module is further configured to monitor the cabin of the vehicle for one or more passengers, to determine a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers, and to adapt the environment of the cabin based on the parameter.

Embodiments further provide a computer program having a program code for performing one or more of the above described methods, when the computer program is executed on a computer, processor, or programmable hardware component. A further embodiment is a computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a computer, processor, or programmable hardware component, cause the computer to implement one of the methods described herein.

Some other features or aspects will be described using the following non-limiting embodiments of apparatuses or methods or computer programs or computer program products by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle;

Fig. 2 illustrates block diagrams of an embodiment of an apparatus for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle and an embodiment of a vehicle;

Fig. 3 illustrates the use of visual projections in an embodiment;

Fig. 4 illustrates the use of a pet feeder in an embodiment; and Fig. 5 illustrates the use of an automated glove box or compartment for maintaining temperature in an embodiment.

Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thicknesses of lines, layers or regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Optional components may be illustrated using broken, dashed or dotted lines.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. Like numbers refer to like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures.

As used herein, the term "or" refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated (e.g., “or else” or “or in the alternative”). Furthermore, as used herein, words used to describe a relationship between elements should be broadly construed to include a direct relationship or the presence of intervening elements unless otherwise indicated. For example, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Similarly, words such as “between”, “adjacent”, and the like should be interpreted in a like fashion.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a method 10 for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle. The method 10 comprises monitoring 12 the cabin of the vehicle for one or more passengers. Such monitoring 12 may include analyzing sensor data, such as from motion sensors, audio sensors/microphones, visual sensors/cameras, etc. It is also conceivable that information on whether there are passengers in the vehicle or not is entered by a user, e.g. on an according interface in the vehicle or on another device, such as a smart phone or computer. The method 10 further comprises determining 14 a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers. Such a parameter can, for example, be derived from motions of a passenger, from noises or sounds from a passenger, but also from the environment, e.g. temperature, humidity, vibrations, external noises and sounds, etc. The method 10 further comprises adapting 16 the environment of the cabin based on the parameter. Such adaptation can comprise a variety of settings or actions as will be laid out in further details subsequently. Some examples are, temperature changes, humidity changes, ventilation or ventilation changes, changes on the entertainment system, changes of the visual or sound environment, noise cancellation, opening or closing of windows, compartments or glove box, granting access to food or beverages, etc.

Fig. 2 illustrates block diagrams of an embodiment of an apparatus 20 for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle and an embodiment of a vehicle 200. The apparatus 20 for adapting the environment in the cabin of the parked vehicle 200 comprises one or more interfaces 22, which are configured to communicate with components of the vehicle 200. The apparatus 20 further comprises a control module 24, which configured to control the one or more interfaces 22 and which is coupled to the one or more interfaces 22. The control module 24 is further configured to monitor the cabin of the vehicle 200 for one or more passengers and to determine a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers. The control module 14 is further configured to adapt the environment of the cabin based on the parameter. Another embodiment is a vehicle 200 (shown in broken lines as being optional from the perspective of the apparatus 20) comprising the apparatus 20.

In embodiments the one or more interfaces 22 may correspond to any means for obtaining, receiving, transmitting or providing analog or digital signals or information, e.g. any connector, contact, pin, register, input port, output port, conductor, lane, etc. which allows providing or obtaining a signal or information. An interface 22 may be wireless or wireline and it may be configured to communicate, i.e. transmit or receive signals, information with further internal or external components. The one or more interfaces 22 may comprise further components to enable according communication in a (mobile) communication system, such components may include transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) components, such as one or more Low-Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), one or more Power-Amplifiers (PAs), one or more duplexers, one or more diplexers, one or more filters or filter circuitry, one or more converters, one or more mixers, accordingly adapted radio frequency components, etc. The one or more interfaces 22 may be coupled to one or more antennas, which may correspond to any transmit and/or receive antennas, such as horn antennas, dipole antennas, patch antennas, sector antennas etc. In some examples, the one or more interfaces 22 may serve the purpose of transmitting or receiving or both, transmitting and receiving, information, such as information, input data, control information, further information messages, etc.

As shown in Fig. 1 the respective one or more interfaces 22 are coupled to the respective control module 24 at the apparatus 20. In embodiments the control module 24 may be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any means for processing, such as a processor, a computer or a programmable hardware component being operable with accordingly adapted software. In other words, the described functions of the control module 24 may as well be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may comprise a general-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a micro-controller, etc.

In embodiments the vehicle may be any vehicle, e.g. a car, a truck, a van, a bus, a boat and it may comprise an electric or a combustion engine.

Everyday life may sometimes bring up situations, in which children/pets are left in a car during hot or cold weather. Furthermore frozen/cold goods may be left in the car after/during shopping. In embodiments, instead of using static settings (window open, park heating on) for such a situation and adaptation may occur.

For example, a car may monitor passengers and/or load and adapt to circumstances. In some embodiments the parameter is indicative of a temperature and/or a humidity in the cabin of the vehicle 200. The adapting 16 may then comprise opening one or more windows of the vehicle 200 if the temperature inside exceeds a certain threshold. In principle, the adapting 16 may comprise regulating the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle 200. The regulating may comprise operating a heating or air-conditioning (AC) system of the vehicle 200. Hence, the car or vehicle 200 may open windows/start AC in summer if temperature inside is high in presence of children/pets, starts park heating if temperature drops below threshold during winter, etc. If the temperature falls below dangerous levels the car owner may be informed through an app, a short message (SMS, short message service) or an emergency call. The method 20 may further comprise communicating information on a cabin status and/or a status of the one or more passengers to a registered user of the vehicle 200. This may be implemented by means mobile communication through a mobile communication system. Such communication may also be used to let a user decide on whether opening a window or switching on the AC is preferred. For example, such communication may allow a user to establish a voice connection to the cabin and talk to a child or a pet. Such communication may allow a user to monitor the cabin using audio and visual monitoring (by pictures or video).

Hence the method 20 may further comprising communicating information on a cabin status and/or a status of the one or more passengers to a registered user of the vehicle. In embodiments the monitoring 12 of the one or more passengers may comprise monitoring for one or more children or one or more pets. Such monitoring 12 may be carried out by the vehicle 200 automatically (e.g. by means of the control mule 24) and/or may be enabled at a user device.

In further embodiments a humidity regulation may be carried out as part of the adapting 16. Additionally or alternatively, goods may be monitored and kept cool in the trunk. Frequent status reports and reports on activities may be provided to an owner.

The parameter may be indicative on whether the one or more passengers are hungry or thirsty in some embodiments. Such a desire may be determined from analyzing voice or sounds and behavior of the passenger. For example, statistics on feeding times or schedule may also be evaluated. The adapting 16 may then comprise allowing access to beverages or food for the one or more passengers. This may be implemented by opening or granting access to a compartment, e.g. the glove box, in the vehicle 200, which has food or beverages inside. Some implementation may make use of a pet feeding device that is controlled by the method 10, the apparatus 20, respectively. The adapting 16 may then be implemented by opening a compartment with pet food automatically or upon remote command from owner.

Embodiments may allow detection/monitoring of passengers, adaption even when parked to avoid climate inconvenience and adaption to load. For example, in car monitoring may be performed to detect presence of children/pets, in case of children or pets are present, automatic climate control may be triggered. If the car detects the presence of children/pets in the car and the temperature falls in dangerous regions, the car owner is informed by the car app or through SMS or emergency call. If the car owner doesn’t react then the police and fire department may automatically be informed.

Moreover, in some embodiments a detection of critical goods may be carried out, e.g. frozen food may be identified using a heat signature when loaded, and a climate may be adapted accordingly (keep frozen food cool, warm food warm). The air conditioning can be used to keep groceries cold.

Embodiments may provide status information to a smart phone of a user (baby phone for children and pets), which can be used as status monitor for goods as well. A camera can be used to monitor the backseat of the car in realtime.

In some embodiments 16 an automated car may change spot, e.g. repark in the shadow as part of the adapting 16. The car/vehicle 200 may change its parking spot to another parking spot with more shadow.

Embodiments may provide a system which detects unattended children/pets in the car and monitors and prevents harm by unfavorable conditions in the car (very low/high temperatures, humidity, noise level). The system may be always on, or self-activated when a driver leaves the car but passengers are still in the side or back seat. The system monitors if the environment (temperature, humidity, noise is in the normal range), and optionally sends the data over the internet to the driver phone (to the car app). The system can send images or videos of the car occupants to the car app periodically.

For example, if the environment becomes unfavorable then the car notifies the driver, the driver will then need to respond on the car app that he is aware of the conditions and is on the way to the car.

If the driver doesn’t respond, because he doesn’t have an internet connection, then he will be notified over SMS, the driver will then need to respond to the SMS (for example with a “yes”), if he doesn’t respond then the car will make an emergency call to the driver, if the driver doesn’t respond to the call, then the authorities (police and firefighters) will informed with the coordinates, vehicle information’s and occupants status (e.g. one or more elements of the group of car brand, car color, registration number, environment status, occupants status). For an autonomous car, the system can intervene and change the parking spot to place that have more favorable conditions, for example under a shadow.

When parents leave the car, they may leave their child for a short amount of time unattended. The child may become agitated in the meantime. In some embodiments the parameter is indicative whether the one more passenger is upset or agitated. For example, crying, yelling, or barking may be determined from sound recorded inside the cabin. The adapting 16 may then comprise adapting an acoustic environment of the cabin of the vehicle 200. The adapting of the acoustic environment of the vehicle 200 comprises cancelling noise and/or generating a calming sound environment. For example, noise cancellation may be carried out by means of speakers installed inside the cabin. Such noise cancellation may be used to cancel disturbing or loud noises from outside the vehicle. In addition music can be played or white noise is generated for calming.

In some embodiments the system will monitor the environment of the car or vehicle 200 and will regulate the temperature and humidity to an optimal level for a child or pet. A noise cancellation will then filter out external noise, then the music station of the car will play white noise or relaxing music. A projector may then project animations on the ceil of the car with the intention of calming the child. The adapting 16 of the environment of the cabin may then use a visual projection.

Fig. 3 illustrates the use of visual projections in an embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the inside of a cabin 300, in which a child 310 is seated on the right seat. There are multiple speakers 320 mounted inside the cabin and a projector 330 is centrally mounted. The projector 330 generates a visual projection on the ceiling of the cabin to attract attention of the child and to calm the child down. Using the speakers noise cancellation is carried out and music can be played. The car will record the behavior of child and will summarize it into statistics on which measures are effective on calming the child and it may also try to predict which measure will be even more effective. Usage of different car systems and analytics may help optimizing the calming down of children.

Fig. 4 illustrates the use of a pet feeder in an embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the inside of a cabin 400. A pet feeder 410 is installed on the left seat via a seat attachment 420. The pet feeder is powered via power chord 430. The car offers a wireless fidelity (WiFi) connection 440. Pets may be left unattended in the car, and the pet may become agitated. Automatically feeding it may help.

A pet feeder 410 may be attached to the seat of the car and can be used to feed pet when left unattended. The adapting 16 may then trigger the pet feeder 410. The car can be extended by a noise cancellation to further calm the pet. The device 410 is attached 420 to the seat so that it is not overturned by the pet. The device 410 may connect to the car via WiFi 440 and will send any data, through the car to the owner car app.

A monitor system on the device may record the pet behavior (with noise, motion sensor, camera) and will then decide if the pet has become agitated. The system will then inform the owner through the car app that the pet is agitated, then the owner can decide if he will open remote the car compartment to calm the pet. The system can also open and close automatically to feed the pet.

Fig. 5 illustrates the use of an automated glove box or cooling compartment 500 for maintaining temperature in an embodiment. In the embodiment of a vehicle 200 shown in Fig. 5 an airflow of the AC unit is redirected by device 510 to a cooling compartment 520 or to the glove box 500.

Embodiments may provide cold beverages in summer. For example, an extra compartment 520 above the glove box is used. Air from the air conditioning can be redirected to this compartment to cool it down. The adapting 16 may the comprise opening the compartment 520, so cold beverages can be accessed. The opening of the compartment 520 and/or the glove box 500 may be part of the adapting 16 in embodiments.

Embodiments may further be or relate to a computer program having a program code for performing one or more of the above methods, when the computer program is executed on a computer or processor. Steps, operations or processes of various above-described methods may be performed by programmed computers or processors. Examples may also cover program storage devices such as digital data storage media, which are machine, processor or computer readable and encode machine-executable, processor-executable or computerexecutable programs of instructions. The instructions perform or cause performing some or all of the acts of the above-described methods. The program storage devices may comprise or be, for instance, digital memories, magnetic storage media such as magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. Further examples may also cover computers, processors or control units programmed to perform the acts of the above- described methods or (field) programmable logic arrays ((F)PLAs) or (field) programmable gate arrays ((F)PGAs), programmed to perform the acts of the above-described methods.

The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for illustrative purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art. All statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

A functional block denoted as “means for ...” performing a certain function may refer to a circuit that is configured to perform a certain function. Hence, a “means for s.th.” may be implemented as a “means configured to or suited for s.th.”, such as a device or a circuit configured to or suited for the respective task.

Functions of various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labeled as “means”, “means for providing a signal”, “means for generating a signal.”, etc., may be implemented in the form of dedicated hardware, such as “a signal provider”, “a signal processing unit”, “a processor”, “a controller”, etc. as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which or all of which may be shared. However, the term “processor” or “controller” is by far not limited to hardware exclusively capable of executing software, but may include digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.

A block diagram may, for instance, illustrate a high-level circuit diagram implementing the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, a flow chart, a flow diagram, a state transition diagram, a pseudo code, and the like may represent various processes, operations or steps, which may, for instance, be substantially represented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown. Methods disclosed in the specification or in the claims may be implemented by a device having means for performing each of the respective acts of these methods.

It is to be understood that the disclosure of multiple acts, processes, operations, steps or functions disclosed in the specification or claims may not be construed as to be within the specific order, unless explicitly or implicitly stated otherwise, for instance for technical reasons. Therefore, the disclosure of multiple acts or functions will not limit these to a particular order unless such acts or functions are not interchangeable for technical reasons. Furthermore, in some examples a single act, function, process, operation or step may include or may be broken into multiple sub-acts, -functions, -processes, -operations or -steps, respectively. Such sub acts may be included and part of the disclosure of this single act unless explicitly excluded.

Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. While each claim may stand on its own as a separate example, it is to be noted that - although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims - other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are explicitly proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended to include also features of a claim to any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.

List of reference signs method for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle monitoring the cabin of the vehicle for one or more passengers determining a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers adapting the environment of the cabin based on the parameter apparatus for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle one or more interfaces control module vehicle cabin child speaker projector cabin pet feeder seat attachment power chord

WiFi glove box airflow redirection device compartment

Claims

1. A method (10) for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle (200), the method (10) comprising monitoring (12) the cabin of the vehicle (200) for one or more passengers; determining (14) a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers; and adapting (16) the environment of the cabin based on the parameter.

2. The method (10) of claim 1 , wherein the parameter is indicative of a temperature and/or a humidity in the cabin of the vehicle (200).

3. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the adapting (16) comprises opening one or more windows of the vehicle (200).

4. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapting (16) comprises regulating the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle (200).

5. The method (10) of claim 4, wherein the regulating comprises operating a heating or air- conditioning system of the vehicle (200).

6. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the monitoring (12) of the one or more passengers comprises monitoring for one or more children or one or more pets.

7. The method (10) of one the claim 1 to 6, wherein the parameter is indicative whether the one more passenger is upset or agitated.

8. The method (10) of claim 7, wherein the adapting (16) comprising adapting an acoustic environment of the cabin of the vehicle (200).

9. The method (10) of claim 8, wherein the adapting (16) of the acoustic environment of the vehicle (200) comprises cancelling noise and/or generating a calming sound environment.

10. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the parameter is indicative on whether the one or more passengers are hungry or thirsty.

11 . The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the adapting (16) comprises allowing access to beverages or food for the one or more passengers.

12. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 11 , further comprising adapting (16) the environment of the cabin using a visual projection.

13. The method (10) of one of the claims 1 to 12, further comprising communicating information on a cabin status and/or a status of the one or more passengers to a registered user of the vehicle (200).

14. A computer program having a program code for performing at least one of the methods (10) of one of the claims 1 to 13, when the computer program is executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.

15. An apparatus (20) for adapting an environment in a cabin of a parked vehicle (200), the apparatus (20) comprising one or more interfaces (22) configured to communicate with components of the vehicle (200); and a control module (24) configured to control the one or more interfaces (22) and to monitor the cabin of the vehicle (200) for one or more passengers; determine a parameter indicative for the well-being of the one or more passengers; and adapt the environment of the cabin based on the parameter.