DE102022105007B4 - Method for operating a seat massage device of a motor vehicle, control device, motor vehicle and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a seat massage device (18) of a motor vehicle (10) for massaging a predetermined body part (32) of a predetermined occupant (30) of the motor vehicle (10), which is located on a motor vehicle seat (22), wherein a control device (12): - an arrangement of at least one massage actuator element (24) of the seat massage device (18) in a cushion (26, 28) of the motor vehicle seat (22) is determined (S1), - a first occupant feature is determined (S2), which is an actual body position of the predetermined occupant ( 30) in the motor vehicle seat (22) describes, - a target sitting position of the occupant (30) on the motor vehicle seat (22) is determined (S6), in which the predetermined body part (32) rests on the user side, so that a positioning of the predetermined body part (32) in the target sitting position for which at least one massage actuator element (24) meets a predetermined massage efficiency criterion, - causes the occupant (30) to move from the actual body position to the determined target sitting position (S7), and - if the predetermined occupant (30) is in the determined target sitting position: provides (S8) a massage control signal and transmits it to the seat massage device (18) (S9) in order to provide a massage function predetermined by at least one massage parameter for massaging the predetermined body part (32) to be carried out (S10).

Description

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

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

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

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

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

The EP 3 251 889 B1 describes an adjustment system for adjusting a sitting position of a user of a seat, wherein the adjustment system comprises a pressure distribution detection system for determining a pressure distribution of the user in the seat and wherein a micro-adjustment system is provided for making micro-adjustments of a seat surface of the seat based on a determined seat pressure distribution.

The known solutions only offer the choice between standard seat massage programs or the variability of seat settings. This only makes massage functions possible that move, stretch, press or similar certain parts of the body in a non-specific manner.

One object underlying the invention is the individualization of a massage through a motor vehicle seat.

The object is achieved by the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous further training is provided by the subclaims.

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

Ideally, the seat massage function can also be individually configured, for example by taking into account a medical history of the occupant to be massaged, for example a herniated disc or chronic tension, and/or for example the occupant's stature, his clothes.

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

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

A control device is designed for electronic data processing, for generating a control signal and for controlling another electronic component. The control device can preferably be designed as a control device or microcontroller, i.e. as a semiconductor chip that contains a processor and also peripheral functions.

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

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

The control device determines a first occupant feature that describes an actual body position of the predetermined occupant in the motor vehicle seat. In other words, the control device determines the actual body position of the predetermined occupant, i.e. their current body position on or on the motor vehicle seat. The actual body position of the predetermined occupant can be, for example, a cross-legged position on the motor vehicle seat, a relaxed posture in which the occupant lies in the motor vehicle seat, or a sitting position with the upper body bent forward, in which his shoulder girdle does not touch the cushion of the backrest .

An occupant feature is understood to mean a feature of the body of the predetermined occupant, which is clothing-specific or body-specific and influences contact between the predetermined body part and the at least one massage actuator element. The contact between the body part and the massage actuator element depends, for example, on how the occupant sits, whether the occupant is muscular, how tall the occupant is, for example whether the occupant has a wide shoulder girdle (i.e. what body measurements the occupant has) and/or For example, whether the body part has a weak point, such as tension. For example, a clothing-specific occupant feature may describe whether the occupant is wearing clothing, how thick a fabric of the clothing is, or whether or not the clothing fits tightly to the body part. These clothing-specific occupant features affect the subsequent seat massage in such a way that, for example, greater pressure must be exerted with thick clothing, or that fewer rubbing movements are carried out when the at least one massage actuator element is moved when clothing is made of slippery material. The actual body position as the first occupant feature has a direct influence on whether the body part to be massaged is in contact with the at least one body feature or not.

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

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

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

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

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

This results in the advantages mentioned above.

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

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

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

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

The control device can optionally additionally determine the target seating position based on the other occupant feature. If the occupant is, for example, very tall, it may make sense, due to the arrangement of the at least one massage actuator element in the cushion, for this user - for example in comparison to a smaller occupant - to assume a target sitting position in which the body of the tall occupant - in contrast to a normal sitting position for this user - is shifted downwards to the front in such a way that the shoulder area is located at the upper edge of the backrest, where the massage actuator element can be arranged. This means the massage is tailored even more individually to the occupant's body.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device can determine a further occupant feature that can describe a property of a piece of clothing of the predetermined occupant that rests on the predetermined body part. Preferably, the property of the garment can be a fit, a type of garment and/or a thickness of the garment. The control device can then determine an occupant-specific setting of the at least one massage parameter based on a further occupant feature, and the massage control signal provided then describes this determined occupant-specific setting. This allows, for example, the pressure of the massage actuator element or elements to be adapted to, for example, the thickness of a sweater. The massage is therefore efficient despite, for example, thick winter clothing.

Optionally, the control device can also determine the target sitting position based on the other occupant feature - i.e. based on the properties of the item of clothing. It can therefore be taken into account that the user is wearing a sweater that is too large, for example, and by adjusting the target sitting position, for example, the slipping movements of the massage actuator element caused by the clothing that is too large can be compensated for.

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

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

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

The occupant can either understand what they need to do to sit down correctly and/or they are automatically brought into the correct desired sitting position. The latter is particularly advantageous if, for example, the occupant is sleeping or has difficulty positioning themselves correctly.

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

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

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

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

Preferably, the control device can adapt the massage parameter to a property of the previously described body part described by the health data based on current and/or historical health data of the predetermined occupant. For example, a herniated disc can be taken into account during the seat massage, and a reduced massage intensity can then be set for this part of the body.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the figure, the same reference numerals designate functionally identical elements.

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

The control device 12 communicates with a seat massage device 18 via a data communication connection 20. This can be either wired or wireless. Accordingly, the data communication connection 20 can, for example, be designed as a data bus or be a Bluetooth connection or WLAN connection.

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

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

A sensor device 34 is also shown schematically in the figure, which can have, for example, pressure sensors and / or strain sensors (both not shown in the figure) in the motor vehicle seat 22, and / or, for example, a camera for filming the facial expression of the occupant 30. The figure also shows an optional receiving device 36, which can be designed, for example, as an output device with a screen. Alternatively or additionally, the optional receiving device 36 can have and/or control a motor system of the motor vehicle seat 22 and/or a seat belt of the motor vehicle seat 22 and/or optionally gripping arms for repositioning the occupant 30.

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

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

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

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

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

Health data that, for example, describes a current herniated disc in a specific position of the body part 32 or a restriction caused by a past herniated disc or, for example, current problems with a calcified shoulder, can be stored and read out in the data memory 16, for example. This can later have the effect on the seat massage that the affected areas are either not massaged or are only massaged very lightly.

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

To cause the occupant 30 to move into the determined target position (S7), the control device 12 can request him to do so, for example using the output device, and/or move the occupant into the target position, for example by means of the seat belt and tilting the motor vehicle seat -Get into sitting position. Optionally, the occupant 30 can be asked to move into the determined target sitting position. As a change in position, the control device 12 can, for example, determine a reset of the buttocks and a leaning of the predetermined body part 32 (S11) and generate a corresponding position change signal (S12), which can, for example, describe a corresponding voice output, a corresponding video film or a corresponding information text.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another preferred exemplary embodiment includes the following process:

1. 1. In a first step (S2), characteristics of the person positioned on one of the vehicle seats 22, i.e. the occupant 30, are identified (S2). These may preferably include, among others:
   • - Body characteristics (e.g. height and width, shoulder height, body weight), and/or
   • - Clothing (for example, comfortable clothing versus a suit), and/or
   • - Current sitting position (e.g. straight, relaxed sitting posture versus cross-legged).
2. 2. In a second step, measures can be initiated to:
   • - to cause the occupant to assume an ideal sitting position for practicing the massage/acupressure (for example via a request via the display unit in the vehicle 10) (S2), respectively
   • - to adapt the massage functions (S14) so that they optimally match the occupant characteristics identified in the first step.
3. 3. In a third step, the individual seat massage can be carried out (S10). In the case of smaller occupants 30, for example, the shoulder area is massaged via a lower segment of the motor vehicle seat 22 than in the case of larger occupants 30. Similarly, the shoulder massage of narrower occupants 30 can take place more in the area of the middle of the seat, and for wider occupants 30 rather in the edge area of the motor vehicle seat 22. For optimal effectiveness of the massage, the occupant 30 can also be kept in stable contact with the seat during the massage period via a tightened belt. In addition, the occupant 30 (co-driver or co-driver) can be asked (S7) to press firmly against the seat in order to achieve maximum massage effect.
4. 4. In a fourth step, the occupant's reactions (e.g. relaxation, pain, restlessness) to the intelligent massage function are observed and the massage function is adjusted accordingly (S14).
   • - If, for example, it is detected that the occupant 30 feels comfortable and relaxed, the ongoing massage function is continued.
   • - If, on the other hand, it is detected, for example, that the occupant 30 becomes restless or contorts his face in pain/surprise, the strength of the massage function is modulated (S14) or even ended (S15).
5. 5. The results determined in steps 1 and 4 can be stored in a type of “user profile”. This means that the body characteristics (step 1) and the reactions to the seat massage (step 4) do not have to be analyzed again every time you drive: the corresponding information can preferably be stored permanently and only collected again intermittently and the data updated. In this way, for example, completed, consecutive massage units can be saved and continued at a later point in time. In addition, the inmate 30 can also create such a user profile independently. Individual preferences (for example only wave-like massages in the lumbar area, preferably activation or relaxation massages) or medical restrictions (for example no massage in the upper seating area due to stiffening of the cervical spine) could be stored.

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

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

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

The controlled sitting position (step 3) increases the range of possible massage functions. Acupressure approaches (a prophylactic healing procedure in which blunt pressure is applied to the body at defined points) are also possible through the controlled sitting posture. Positive effects in the area of well-being and health are therefore possible.

By combining occupant observation (Step 1/S2: Detection of body features, clothing and current sitting position; Step 4: Response to massage function), a massage function suitable for the respective occupant can be offered (Step 2) with the aim of increasing occupant comfort and in In the best case scenario, it even supports occupant health (for example, less tension in the back area). Therefore, the present function is called “intelligent”. Creating a type of “occupant profile” (step 5) also means that the steps mentioned above do not have to be detected on every trip.

Claims (11)

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

Images