DE102024117856A1 - Method for monitoring the sleep of a user of a motor vehicle in the motor vehicle, control device, and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a user's sleep in a motor vehicle (10), wherein a control device (22): activates a rest program of the motor vehicle (10) (S1) that assists the user while resting in the motor vehicle (10); detects that the user is resting or sleeping in the motor vehicle (10) (S2); and receives an occupant monitoring signal (S3) from a sensor device (14) of the motor vehicle (10), which describes at least one body state parameter that describes a state of one or more body parts and/or one or more body actions of the resting or sleeping user. Based on the occupant monitoring signal, the control device (22) provides a user-specific sleep analysis model (S6) that describes an overall state of the user's body and determines the sleep quality of the user's sleep (S7) based on the provided sleep analysis model. The control device (22) then generates a display signal (S8) that describes the information on the determined sleep quality and transmits this to a display device (30) of the motor vehicle (10) (S9).

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the sleep of a user of a motor vehicle in the motor vehicle, a correspondingly configured control device, and a motor vehicle with the control device.

The "Interior Experience" function is already available in some vehicles. This includes features such as playing sleep music to help the occupant of a vehicle, whether it's a fully autonomous or parked car, fall asleep more easily, and also allows for targeted awakenings. Sleep disturbances can sometimes occur, including breathing pauses.

During sleep, breathing pauses can occur, among other things. People with sleep disorders use a sleep lab or a sleep monitoring device to investigate this.

The DE 10 2019 218 051 A1 This document describes a method for detecting sleep apnea syndrome and a corresponding response to it during a vehicle occupant's stay in a vehicle, as well as a vehicle capable of performing such a method. It is intended that a method for detecting sleep apnea syndrome and a corresponding response to it will be provided during a vehicle occupant's stay in a vehicle.

The DE 10 2019 208 952 A1 relates to a method for the targeted induction of a short sleep by a driver in a vehicle that is at least partially autonomous, wherein during the sleep at least one physiological parameter is measured by means of at least one sensor to determine the depth of sleep of the driver.

From the DE 10 2020 213 654 A1 A method for supporting a designated driver of a means of transport is known. When the means of transport is stationary, at least one parameter for the quality of the designated driver's sleep is determined, and at least one function of the means of transport is activated and/or deactivated depending on this parameter.

Waking a motorist diagnosed with sleep apnea helps them break the unhealthy sleep pattern. However, poor sleep or sleep apnea also affects the driver's physical condition after waking. For example, if the driver is on a long journey and stops at a rest area to sleep and recover for the remainder of the trip, poor sleep or sleep apnea may impair their well-being despite the break. In other words, the driver may believe they have recovered from the rest, but physically, this may not be the case.

One of the problems underlying the invention is to provide improved support for a user of the motor vehicle, in particular a driver, during a rest break with sleep.

The stated problem is solved in each case by the inventive method and the inventive devices according to the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given by the sub-claims.

The invention is based on the idea of analyzing sleep quality and displaying the analysis to the driver. This allows the driver to see whether they have truly recovered during their rest break, or whether they might still be sleep-deprived or experiencing health problems despite the break. This is particularly helpful on longer journeys, as it allows drivers to better assess their fitness and attention span after a rest and thus plan their onward journey more effectively. For example, the driver can be warned that their sleep quality was poor and can prepare for the possibility that they may not be fully rested and should perhaps take a few more breaks before continuing their journey.

The inventive method for monitoring the sleep of a motor vehicle user is carried out by a control device. A control device is understood to be a component or device, or a device component or group of devices, which is configured and designed to receive signals, evaluate them, and generate control signals for controlling other components of the motor vehicle and transmit these signals to another motor vehicle component. For this purpose, the control device preferably comprises a conventional receiver and transmitter module. The control device can, for example, be designed as a control unit or control chip.

The control device activates a vehicle rest program that assists the user while resting in the vehicle. The activated rest program could, for example, be a "power nap" function, i.e., software or user-generated features. program (“app”) for, for example, playing calming music and/or darkening the interior of the vehicle.

The control device detects that the vehicle's occupant is resting or sleeping. For example, the control device can deduce from camera and/or microphone data that the occupant has their eyes closed and is breathing quietly and/or snoring.

The control device receives an occupant monitoring signal from a sensor unit of the vehicle, describing at least one body state parameter. A sensor unit is defined as a device, device component, or device group that includes at least one sensor and is configured to detect, for example, image and/or sound information. For this purpose, the sensor unit preferably includes at least one camera and/or a microphone. Further preferred sensors are discussed below. The body state parameter is a parameter that describes the state of one or more body parts of the resting or sleeping user and/or one or more body actions of the user. For example, the occupant monitoring signal can describe an image or a series of images of the user's eyes, upper body, head, or entire body. If the received occupant monitoring signal describes an image or a series of images of body movements or movements of body parts of the user, the "body action" can then be a movement, for example, if the vehicle user turns over or tosses their head restlessly.

The occupant monitoring signal can additionally or alternatively describe sounds in the motor vehicle recorded by a microphone of the sensor device, preferably sounds of the user, such as breathing sounds or snoring.

Examples of body condition parameters include the degree of opening or closing of the eyelids, the movement frequency of the body and/or head, the respiratory rate and/or the snoring rate, and/or the depth of breathing and/or the volume of snoring.

Based on the received occupant monitoring signal, the control device provides a user-specific sleep analysis model of the user, which describes the overall state of the user's body. The sleep analysis model can, for example, describe a time course of the user's rest period, over which one or more body state parameters can be defined.

Using the provided sleep analysis model, the control device determines the user's sleep quality. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, evaluate all data from the sleep analysis model and describe the sleep quality as a number on a predefined scale of different values describing sleep quality. Alternatively or additionally, the control device's sleep analysis can assign the sleep quality result to an emoticon that describes the determined sleep quality. For example, a smiling smiley face could represent very good sleep quality, a smiley face with a neutral mouth could represent average sleep quality on the predefined scale, and a smiley face with a sad face could represent poor sleep quality. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can assign a predefined color to the sleep analysis result, for example, red for poor sleep quality, yellow for average sleep quality, and green for very good sleep quality. Additionally or alternatively, the information on the determined sleep quality can be presented, for example, as a graph with the values and/or statistics.

To implement the provision of sleep analysis during rest periods, the control unit generates a display signal describing the determined sleep quality. The control unit then transmits this signal to a display unit in the vehicle. A display unit is defined as a device, component, or group of devices designed and configured to output visual information to the vehicle's user. The display unit can be, for example, a screen in the vehicle. This screen could be, for instance, a center console screen or a human-machine interface (HMI) screen.

The advantages described above result. In addition, the user gains another experiential function within the vehicle's interior.

• - Daten aus einem Mikrofon des Kraftfahrzeugs, wobei die Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der Mikrofondaten ein Schnarchen und/oder Atemgeräusche des Benutzers festzustellen; insbesondere eine Lautstärke und/oder einen Schallpegel des Schnarchens und/oder des Atems, eine Frequenz des Schnarchens und/oder des Atems, und/oder eine Pause zwischen Schnarch- und/oder Atemgeräuschen; und/oder
• - Daten einer Kamera, die vorzugsweise ein Bild oder eine Bilderserie beschreiben, vorzugsweise der Augen und/oder Augenlider des Benutzers, und/oder eine Körperhaltung des Benutzers, und/oder eine Bewegung des Benutzers; und/oder
• - Daten aus einer Sitzsensorik oder einer Belegungssensorik des Kraftfahrzeugs, wobei diese Daten vorzugsweise ein den Sitz beaufschlagendes Gewicht beschreiben; wobei die Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der Sitzsensorik- oder Belegungssensorikdaten eine Sitzplatzbelegung festzustellen; und/oder
• - Daten aus einer Kopfstützensensorik, die einen Druck und/oder eine Druckänderung beschreiben können; wobei die Steuervorrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, anhand der Kopfstützensensorikdaten eine Bewegungsserie des Benutzers festzustellen.

Preferably, the occupant monitoring signal can describe:

• - Data from a microphone of the motor vehicle, wherein the control device is configured to detect snoring and/or breathing sounds of the user based on the microphone data; in particular, a volume and/or sound level of the snoring and/or of breathing, a frequency of snoring and/or breathing, and/or a pause between snoring and/or breathing sounds; and/or
• - Data from a camera, preferably describing an image or series of images, preferably of the user's eyes and/or eyelids, and/or a posture of the user, and/or a movement of the user; and/or
• - Data from a seat sensor or occupancy sensor of the motor vehicle, wherein this data preferably describes a weight acting on the seat; wherein the control device is configured to determine seat occupancy based on the seat sensor or occupancy sensor data; and/or
• - Data from a headrest sensor system that can describe pressure and/or pressure changes; wherein the control device is configured to detect a series of user movements based on the headrest sensor data.

This data, especially when combined with a large number of different data points, is particularly well suited to analyzing sleep and making an accurate statement about sleep quality.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device for determining sleep quality can prioritize, i.e., weight, one portion of the data described by the received occupant monitoring signal over another portion. Preferably, microphone data can be included among the prioritized data. In other words, the control device can perform prioritization or weighting during sleep analysis. The sleep analysis model can thus be configured for a specific individual and take into account user characteristics, for example, unusually loud but normal breathing sounds for that user. In particular, prioritizing the microphone data allows for a much more accurate assessment of sleep quality.

According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can, depending on the determined sleep quality, define a predetermined measure to improve the user's well-being. For example, the control device can select the measure from a plurality of predetermined or predefined measures. In addition to displaying the sleep analysis, the user can thus be actively supported in improving their current well-being and/or sustainably improving their future well-being. The control device can then generate a control signal that can describe instructions for the implementation of the defined measure by a vehicle system. The control device can then transmit the generated control signal to the vehicle system.

For example, if the control unit determines that breathing exercises would help the user improve detected irregular breathing during sleep, the control unit can select a breathing exercise training program stored in the vehicle's system as a measure. By generating and transmitting the corresponding control signal, a tutorial on the breathing exercises can be displayed on the screen for the user, for example, while the vehicle is still parked. Alternatively or additionally, an audio recording providing instructions for the breathing exercises can be played through the vehicle's speaker system.

This sustainably improves the user's well-being. If the user is taking a break during a longer journey, this measure can also help them be fitter for the next leg of the journey or sleep better during the next break.

In a training program, the control unit can define a sleep quality training program as a measure to improve the user's well-being, with the generated control signal describing the defined training program. The control unit can then transmit this signal to the vehicle's display. The advantages of an optional training program with breathing exercises were described earlier. Another preferred training program could be, for example, a revitalization program, such as one with stretching exercises to further energize the user.

In a further advanced development step, which can be combined with one or more advanced development steps, the control device can select the output of a wake-up signal via an output device of the vehicle as a measure to improve well-being. An output device is understood to be a device, device component, or device group that is designed to output an audio signal and may preferably include a loudspeaker or be designed as a loudspeaker for this purpose. The control device can then The generated control signal is transmitted to the vehicle's output device. This allows the vehicle to output a wake-up signal, which awakens the user. Optionally, the control device can be linked to a timer in the vehicle, for example, to determine the correct time to wake the user from a clock.

In a further advanced feature, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding features, the control device can select the transmission of an emergency signal to an external receiving device via a transmitting device within the vehicle to improve the user's well-being. This may be particularly relevant if the control device detects very poor sleep quality or even sleep apnea, or sleep apnea in a range where a health risk may exist. A receiving device is understood to be a device or device component for receiving signals. The receiving device could, for example, be a receiver from an external data server, such as one belonging to a medical facility like a hospital. A transmitting device is understood to be a device or device component designed and configured for transmitting messages. The transmitting device, which could, for example, be a conventional transmitter, is preferably a component of the control device. The generated control signal can then also be referred to as an emergency signal. The control device transmits the generated emergency call signal, which can describe the emergency call, to the vehicle's transmitter. This allows the user to receive help more quickly in the event of an imminent health emergency.

Optionally, one embodiment of the method according to the invention can be implemented using a neural network, i.e., artificial intelligence. For example, camera data and/or microdon data, preferably alternatively or additionally, data from other sensors mentioned above, describing body state parameters of a large number of people, can be used as training data for the neural network. Additionally or alternatively, the neural network can use sensor data acquired by the user's sensors as further training data in order to "learn" user-specific value ranges.

Optionally, the function described by the embodiments of the method according to the invention can be used with other or further functions of the motor vehicle.

For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and/or a request for user feedback is issued and/or a default setting and/or a predetermined initial state is set.

The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle, which is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor device (processor circuit) configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can comprise 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). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor device can comprise program code configured 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 processor device can, for example, be based on at least one circuit board and/or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

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

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

As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium The storage medium can be provided at least partially as non-volatile data storage (for example, as flash memory and/or as an SSD - solid state drive) and/or at least partially as volatile data storage (for example, as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated on the internet, for example, as an app store server and/or cloud server. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor. The program code can be provided as binary code and/or assembly code and/or source code of a programming language (for example, C) and/or as a program script (for example, Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal with computer-readable data, for example, a time-varying voltage signal and/or a radio signal.

The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung zu einem Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs, der erfindungsgemäßen Steuervorrichtung, und des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung zu einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung zu einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Anzeige des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 4 eine weitere schematische Darstellung zu einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Anzeige des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens; und
• 5 eine weitere schematische Darstellung zu einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Anzeige des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the control device according to the invention, and the method according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the display of the method according to the invention;
• 4 a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the display of the method according to the invention; and
• 5 a further schematic representation of an embodiment of the display of the method according to the invention.

The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

The 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention, which can, for example, be designed as a passenger car. The motor vehicle 10 is shown in cross-section, so that a motor vehicle seat 12 is visible. The motor vehicle seat 12 can, for example, be the driver's seat, on which a driver (in the 1 (not shown) for example, taking a break in the parking lot of a rest stop.

The exemplary motor vehicle 10 also schematically shows a sensor device 14, which may, for example, comprise one or more vibration sensors 16 in the motor vehicle seat 12 and/or a microphone 18, which may, for example, be arranged in the mirror triangle. The sensors of the 1 Examples of sensors are shown, as well as wireless or wired data communication links 20 for data communication between the sensors and a controller of the sensor device 14. Preferably, the sensor device 14 can additionally or alternatively include one or more sound sensors and/or one or more cameras. For the sake of clarity, these other possible sensors are shown in the 1 not shown. The vibration sensors 16 can also be referred to as seat sensors. The optional seat sensors can be installed additionally or alternatively in the 1 The pressure sensors (not shown) enable a control device 22 of the motor vehicle 10 to determine which of the motor vehicle seats 12 are occupied. This sensor system can also be referred to as occupancy sensors. If there are several passengers in the motor vehicle 10, the control device 22 can preferably provide a sleep analysis for each individual passenger.

Communication between the control device 22 and the sensor device 14 can take place via preferably wired data communication links 24, for example via one or more data buses of the motor vehicle 10. The control device 22 can, for example, be designed as a control unit or control chip, and preferably include a processor device 26 with one or more microprocessors, and/or a data memory 28, which, for example, may be designed as a memory chip or other suitable storage medium.

The 1 The figure further shows a display device 30, which can, for example, be designed as the screen of an instrument cluster of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 can optionally also include an output device, which can be designed as a loudspeaker system or have one or more loudspeakers. The optional output device is shown in the figure for the sake of clarity. 1 not shown. Optionally, such an output device can include the display device 30.

In S1, the control device 22 can activate a sleep program, which may, for example, be stored as a user program in an on-board system of the motor vehicle 10. The sleep program may, for example, be configured as a user program for carrying out the method according to the invention. Optionally, the sleep program may also include functions for playing calming music and/or a wake-up function.

To determine S2 that the user is resting or sleeping in the vehicle 10, the control device 22 can, for example, evaluate data from an occupant monitoring signal received in S3 and determine that the user is reclining in the vehicle seat 12 and has their eyes closed. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 22 can evaluate the user's vital data, such as pulse or heart rate. This data can originate, for example, from appropriate vehicle sensors or from a mobile device belonging to the user, such as a fitness watch. Alternatively, the determination S2 can be made, for example, by the user activating the rest program via, for example, the instrument cluster.

In the example of the 1 The occupant monitoring signal from the sensor device 14 can, for example, describe microphone data, camera data, seat sensor data, or occupancy sensor data with the exemplary vibration sensors 16. Based on the exemplary microphone data, the control device in S4 can detect snoring and/or breathing sounds of the user, preferably also the volume and/or frequency of the breathing and/or snoring. Based on the camera data, the control device 22 in S4 can, for example, determine the user's posture and/or whether the user's eyelids are closed or not. Finally, based on the seat sensor or occupancy sensor data (S4), the control device 22 can determine whether the user frequently tosses and turns during the resting phase or whether the user only turns occasionally, which can be derived, for example, from the pressure force and frequency of the force acting on the vehicle seat 12.

In the example of the 4 The control device 22 can preferably weight or prioritize all these data differently (S5), whereby, for example, the microphone data can be weighted more heavily than the other data when providing the sleep analysis model S6 and/or when determining sleep quality S7. The provided sleep analysis model is a digital model that can describe the individual data and/or statistics, for example, over the course of the rest period.

Using the provided sleep analysis model, the control device 22 in S7 can, for example, determine that the user is having good sleep during the rest period. This can be represented, for example, by a numerical value determined by the control device 22, which may lie in the upper third or, for example, the upper fifth of a predefined sleep quality scale. A classification into categories such as "good sleep," "fair sleep quality," "poor sleep quality," and "sleep apnea" can be pre-programmed in the control device 22. Particularly if the sleep is assessed as potentially posing a health risk, a corresponding exemplary category such as "harmful sleep apnea" and/or "medical emergency" can be provided.

For example, if sleep quality is categorized as good, the control device 22 in S8 can generate a display signal that can describe corresponding information about a positive result. In S9, the control device 22 transmits the generated display signal to the display unit 30.

The 3 This example shows a sample display S10 of the display device 30, for example, on a screen. As a graphical representation of sleep quality, the generated display signal can, for example, show three representations 32, where each of these representations 32 can symbolically represent a sleep quality. Thus, the three representations 32, i.e., the three graphics, can, from left to right: describe good sleep quality, average sleep quality, or poor sleep quality. In the example of the 3 For example, the graphic representations 32 can be used to describe average or poor sleep quality. The graphic representation 32 for good sleep quality, a smiling smiley face, cannot be crossed out and can, for example, be displayed in color or in bright colors. 3 This illustrates the example of a "sleep quality traffic light". In the example of the 3 An optional text field 34 is also shown, which can display the result of the sleep analysis - in this example, for instance, "You had a restful sleep".

The 4 The display shows an alternative or additional representation of a display device 30, for example, a scientific representation with measured values such as volume, sound pressure, vibrations in the vehicle seat 12, and/or loudness in the unit sone. A first text field 34 above a diagram 36 can, for example, display the heading "dBA value comparison," while another text field 38 can display further information about the analysis, for example, text with advice. If the sleep analysis shows that the user slept well, this further text field 38 can, for example, display "You are very rested." In the case of poor or even potentially harmful sleep quality, the text field 38 can also display, for example, the text "Please visit your family doctor!"

Diagram 36 preferably plots a unit of measurement of a sound pressure level (colloquially the "noise level") dB(A) against time t. For example, diagram 36 can represent a curve 40, which can describe the progression of values such as the loudness of snoring, and another curve 42, which can illustrate a reference value of a normal sound pressure level. In other words, diagram 36 of the example shows measured sound pressure levels compared to a normal, healthy sound pressure level in curve 42. Ideally, diagram 36 can also include a legend 44 to explain curves 40 and 42.

The 5 This displays an additional or alternative view, where, for example, the heading "Comparison of several power naps" can be shown in text field 34. The "sleep quality traffic light" can then, for example, display graphical representations of sleep quality for three different measurement periods ("01/24", "03/24", "04/24"). The three different measurement periods could, for example, be different months of the current year. In other words, the 5 a representation of several sleep actions.

In an alternative or additional representation of the “sleep traffic light”, the different graphic representations 32 can, for example, be shown in the traffic light colors green, yellow and red.

Preferably, the prioritization or weighting of the data during sleep analysis can be adjusted. As a sub-function of the rest program, a user of the vehicle 10 can then, for example, adjust the weighting of the sensors, for instance by deselecting the seat sensors. This can be advantageous, for example, if the user generally tosses and turns very frequently and vigorously while sleeping and is woken up by the system each time, but actually wants to continue sleeping.

Preferably, the control device 22 can additionally be configured to define a measure to improve the user's well-being, depending on the sleep quality determined in S11. For example, if the control device 22 determines very good sleep quality in S7, a revitalization program can be defined as the measure (S11). The control signal subsequently generated in S12 can then, for example, describe the playback of the revitalization program after the user wakes up. The generated control signal with the information about the measure can then, for example, specify the instrument cluster or the HMI of the vehicle 10 as the output vehicle system. In S13, the control device 22 then transmits the generated control signal with the defined measure to the vehicle system.

For example, if the control device 22 in S7 detects rather poor sleep quality, and the microphone data indicate that the user has restless breathing or sleep apnea, the measure could be, for example, playing a training program with breathing exercises.

In cases of particularly poor sleep quality, the control device 22 can also select a wake-up of the user as a measure in S11, and a loudspeaker system of the motor vehicle 10 can then emit the wake-up signal.

If the control device 22 detects a medical emergency in S7, the action determined in S11 can be the transmission of an emergency call signal, and a transmitter of the motor vehicle 10 can then transmit the emergency call signal generated in S12 to, for example, an emergency call station of a hospital. If S7 detects poor signal quality, it can preferably be provided that a corresponding message, for example "Please visit your family doctor!", is displayed in a manner similar to that shown in the 4 The text field shown (38) can be displayed.

The 2 The diagram shows a structure diagram and illustrates another embodiment of the method according to the invention. The structure diagram of the 2 Figure 14 schematically shows two microphones 18, a sound sensor 46, and a vibration sensor 48 of the sensor device 14. The corresponding sensor data are received in S3 by the control device 22, for example, the control unit of the motor vehicle 10. In S14, the information is processed, including the provision of the sleep analysis model in S6 and the determination of sleep quality in S7. In S10, the results, for example, after completion of the sleep program, are displayed by the display device 30. If poor or even harmful sleep quality is detected in S7, an emergency call to a doctor, information to a doctor, or a request for rapid medical assistance can be sent in S15.

The process can preferably be initiated by user input S0, for example, in an operator panel of the HMI. Here, the user can, for example, activate a user program called "Powernap".

Overall, the examples demonstrate how a method and device for monitoring sleep activities and a corresponding response can be provided in the vehicle interior, thereby achieving, among other things, a focus on the experience inside the vehicle.

The core idea is that with a power nap function in the vehicle, sleep is monitored using sensors and, for example, corresponding evaluations are automatically made available to the user afterwards.

The user can, for example, activate a "Power Nap" function in vehicle 10 via a function called "Interior Experience". Furthermore, they can also use their vehicle 10 for normal sleeping.

According to a further embodiment, these use cases can preferably be selected in the motor vehicle 10. If a user selects one or more of these use cases, they can be asked whether sleep should be monitored.

The interior can preferably be monitored using sensors. These include, for example, indoor microphones and/or sound sensors. These can record sounds and compare them to predefined values (general or personalized). If these values deviate from the norm, the user can be notified. A positive sleep pattern can also be communicated to the user.

An optional transfer of data to a device is also conceivable. Personalization allows for the evaluation of multiple sleep data points from a single individual. These data points can (if desired) also be shared with, for example, a general practitioner or specialist. In the worst-case scenario (e.g., extreme sleep apnea), an alarm can be triggered inside the vehicle and/or a signal can be emitted outside (e.g., hazard lights/horn) to alert passersby.

Furthermore, it may optionally be provided that the function is linked to an SOS signal (for example, telephone: 112 and/or 110) and that corresponding information can be sent in order to automatically inform and/or request an emergency doctor (for example, including which person, license plate number, vehicle type and/or GPS signal from the vehicle 10).

This function can be configured and selected by the user through various sub-functions.

These warnings/measures can be applied to the entire interior and/or selectively to individual seats. Integration with seat occupancy detection is a preferred option.

One advantage is that this device and this method provides the user with an additional benefit for the “interior experience” function in his motor vehicle 10.

In a preferred technical implementation, the vehicle interior can include appropriate sensors (for example, as described above) and a control unit with corresponding software for evaluating and processing the sensor data; and the data can be processed and the corresponding information transmitted to the vehicle occupants, for example, via voice and/or HMI. Additionally or alternatively, the data can be processed and the corresponding information transmitted outside the vehicle.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10 2019 218 051 A1 [0004]
• DE 10 2019 208 952 A1 [0005]
• DE 10 2020 213 654 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Method for monitoring the sleep of a user of a motor vehicle (10) in the motor vehicle (10), wherein a control device (22): - activates a rest program of the motor vehicle (10) that assists the user in resting in the motor vehicle (10) (S1), - detects that the user is resting or sleeping in the motor vehicle (10) (S2), - receives an occupant monitoring signal (S3) from a sensor device of the motor vehicle (10) that describes at least one body state parameter, wherein the body state parameter is a parameter that describes a state of one or more body parts and/or one or more body actions of the resting or sleeping user, - provides a user-specific sleep analysis model (S6) based on the received occupant monitoring signal, which describes an overall state of the user's body, - determines the sleep quality of the user's sleep based on the provided sleep analysis model (S7), - generates a display signal (S8) that describes the information on the determined sleep quality, and - the The generated display signal is transmitted to a display device (30) of the motor vehicle (10) (S9). Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the received occupant monitoring signal describes: - data from a microphone (18); wherein the control device (22) is configured to detect snoring and/or breathing sounds of the user based on the microphone data (S4); in particular, a volume and/or sound level of the snoring and/or breathing, a frequency of the snoring and/or breathing, and/or a pause between snoring and/or breathing sounds; and/or - data from a camera; wherein the camera data preferably describes an image or a series of images of the eyes and/or eyelids of the user, and/or a posture of the user, and/or a movement of the user; and/or - data from a seat sensor or occupancy sensor of the motor vehicle (10), which preferably describes a weight acting on the seat; wherein the control device (22) is configured to detect seat occupancy based on the seat sensor or occupancy sensor data (S4); and/or - data from a headrest sensor system describing a pressure and/or a pressure change; wherein the control device (22) is configured to detect a series of user movements based on the headrest sensor data (S4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (22) for determining sleep quality prioritizes or weights a proportion of the data described by the received occupant monitoring signal over another proportion of the data described by the received occupant monitoring signal (S5); preferably wherein the microphone data are among the prioritized data. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (22): - determines a predetermined measure to improve the well-being of the user based on the determined sleep quality (S11), - generates a control signal (S12) that describes instructions for implementing the determined measure by a motor vehicle system of the motor vehicle (10), and - transmits the generated control signal to the motor vehicle system (S13). Procedure according to Claim 4 , wherein the control device (22): - as a measure to improve the well-being of the user, establishes a training program to improve sleep quality (S11), wherein the generated control signal describes the established training program, and - transmits the generated control signal to the display device (30) of the motor vehicle (10) (S13). Procedure according to Claim 5 , whereby the prescribed training program describes breathing exercises. Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 until 6 , wherein the control device (22): - selects, as a measure to improve well-being, the output of a wake-up signal by an output device of the motor vehicle (10) (S11); and - transmits the generated control signal to the output device of the motor vehicle (10) (S13). Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 until 7 , wherein the control device (22): - selects, as a measure to improve well-being, the sending of an emergency call signal to a motor vehicle external receiving device by a transmitting device of the motor vehicle (10) (S11), wherein the generated emergency call signal describes an emergency call; and - transmits the generated emergency call signal to the transmitting device of the motor vehicle (10) (S13). Control device (22) configured to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims. motor vehicle (10) which has a control device (22) according to Claim 9 exhibits.