Camera in a Vehicle

Abstract

An arrangement is provided having a camera, wherein the camera is arranged in a vehicle. A movement of a user of the vehicle is determined by use of the camera and a processing device, wherein an interactive program is executable dependent on the movement of the user. Such an arrangement can provide signals which, for example, enable an interaction between the user and a system in the vehicle.

Claims

1. An arrangement for use with a vehicle, comprising: a camera arranged in the vehicle; a processing device coupled with the camera, wherein a user's movement is determined in the vehicle via the camera and the processing device; and an interactive program is implemented for the user as a function of the user's movement.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the camera is arranged in the vehicle such that the user is optically captured, and image data of the optically captured user from the camera is analyzed via the processing unit.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor, wherein signals of the at least one pressure sensor are analyzed via the processing unit.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a user's condition is determined via the camera and the processing unit.

5. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein a user's condition is determined via the camera and the processing unit.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the user's movement is compared with a predefined value.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a display unit and a loudspeaker, wherein the at least one of the display unit and the loudspeaker are activated via the processing unit.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting device activated as a function of the user's movement.

9. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the adjusting device is operatively configured for training of the user.

10. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the adjusting device adjusts a seat position of a seat in the vehicle.

11. A motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a view of a seat and of a control unit interacting with a camera in a vehicle.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a flow chart for a process which uses image data of the camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a seat 101, which is mounted in a vehicle. A camera 102 is arranged in front of the seat. The camera 102 is connected to a control unit 103 of the vehicle. The camera 102 is directed at a person sitting in the seat 101, for example, at the person's head or upper body, and supplies corresponding image data to the control unit 103.

[0039] An optional footrest 104 with sensor units 105, 106 is arranged in front of the seat. By means of at least one foot, the person applies pressure to at least one sensor unit 105, 106. The signals of the sensor units 105, 106 are supplied to the control unit 103 of the vehicle.

[0040] The seat 101 has a plurality of optional pressure sensors 107, which detect a pressure that is applied to the pressure sensors 107 by the person sitting in the seat 101. Signals of the pressure sensors 107 are supplied to the control unit 103.

[0041] The signals of the sensor units 105, 106 and of the pressure sensors 107 can provide information concerning the type of actuation (such as duration, intensity, frequency, concerned surface, etc.).

[0042] An optional display unit 109 is connected to the control unit 103, which display unit 109 can be viewed by the person. Thus, as a function of the image data and of the signals of the sensor units 105, 106 and of the pressure sensors 107, a component on the display unit 109 can be influenced, for example, controlled, in order to supply to the person, as the user, with a visual acknowledgment concerning his sitting position, movements and his interaction with the sensor units 105, 106 and the pressure sensors 107.

[0043] A loudspeaker 110 may also be connected to the control unit 103, by way of which loudspeaker 110, for example, audio information can be emitted that was generated by the control unit 103.

[0044] In addition, a memory 108 (for example, in the form of a database or databank) is connected to the control unit 103, in which memory 108 programs can be stored which, for example, support an interaction with the sensor units 105 and the display unit 109.

[0045] The control unit 103 processes the received image data and the received signals and, as required, activates further components of the vehicle. The control unit 103 can, for example, adapt a seat adjustment of the seat 101 or activate an adjusting device (not shown), for example, arranged in the footrest 104.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for a process used as an example, which uses image data of the camera 102.

[0047] After the start 201 of the process, a user is defined in Step 202 in that the image data of the person imaged by way of the camera are analyzed as to whether this person can be assigned to an already known user. If a known user is identified, a profile assigned to this user is downloaded in a Step 203. If no known user can be identified, a general user profile will be used in a Step 204.

[0048] A user's condition can be determined in that a sitting position and vital parameters, such as heart beat, body temperature, breathing, etc., are determined by means of image data. In a Step 205, the determined condition can be matched with the downloaded user profile.

[0049] In a Step 206, it is determined whether the user's sitting position determined by means of the image data deviates from the sitting position stored in the user profile. If this is yes, in a Step 207, the seat is adjusted by means of at least one adjusting device such that the user takes up a predefined sitting position. Subsequently, a branching to a Step 208 takes place, in which a program, for example, a training program is initialized. The training program may, for example, be preset according to the downloaded user profile. Thus, for example, a training or fitness condition, a previously concluded or a not yet concluded and/or a degree of difficulty or an intensity of the training may be preadjusted

[0050] If it is determined in Step 206 that the sitting position corresponds to the sitting position stored in the user profile, a direct branching to Step 208 can take place.

[0051] It is also contemplated that the sitting position is a training position. For example, the user can store a training position for the seat adjustment. If a user profile is active, this training position can automatically be downloaded during the activating of the training program. Optionally, an adjustment in a menu can be provided for this purpose. If no user profile is active (if, for example, a general profile is used), the system can determine by means of the data of the sitting position and of the camera whether a carrying-out of the exercise is conceivable in the adjusted position. If this is not so, the user can be prompted to change the seat adjustment or a notification can be issued that the training program does not optimally function in the adjusted seat position.

[0052] In a Step 209, the program is started according to its presetting (for example, with correspondingly adjusted parameters). For example, the program may be a training program in which the user carries out body training as a function of instructions which are emitted by way of the display unit 109 and/or the loudspeaker 110.

[0053] Subsequent reactions, particularly the user's movements, are captured by the camera 102, the sensor units 105, 106 and pressure sensors 107. Corresponding image data of the camera 102 and additionally corresponding signals of the sensor units 105, 106 and/or pressure sensors 107 can be analyzed in a Step 210 or compared with predefined values. It can basically be determined whether the detected signals and/or values derived therefrom meet predefined requirements. Deviations (for example, from a training objective) can also be determined and be acknowledged to the user.

[0054] In Step 211, it can be examined whether a predefined objective (for example, a training goal or a partial goal of a training) was reached. If not, a branching back to Step 209 can take place, in which case, the training can be implemented again or continued with adapted parameters. If the object was reached, in a Step 212, the user profile can be updated by information concerning the achieved objective and can be stored, before the program is terminated in a Step 213.

[0055] It is also contemplated that it is examined in Step 211 whether the user would like to end the program. If that is so, Step 212 will follow; otherwise, Step 209 will follow, as required, with adapted parameters.

[0056] According to further developments, a portion of the described process steps can be eliminated, for example, the determination of a portion of the parameters when determining the user's condition.

[0057] According to a further development, a determination of the user can take place in that the user is registered by way of an interface, which is provided in addition to the camera.

[0058] According to a further development, the determining and downloading of a user profile can be eliminated and instead, independently of the user and directly, a program can be activated, for example, for adjusting the seat position and/or the training program.

[0059] A desired-actual value adjustment can be implemented with respect to the user's training movement. A desired-actual value adjustment can take place with respect to the pressure-measuring values in the seat, in the footrest or floor mat, in armrests and/or in other body contact surfaces. For example, each sensor system in the vehicle or the control unit or another computer unit can be adjusted by means of the visual image data of the camera 102.

[0060] The acquired data can be processed and/or stored in a computer, (for example, in an electronic control unit) of the vehicle. Likewise, the data can be stored on a data storage device or in a network memory, for example, a so-called Cloud. User profiles can also be established, which are accessible, for example, to a community of users. For example, users can be additionally motivated by way of a competition. In this manner, they also can observe the training sequence.

[0061] An adjustment of the seat or of an adjustable footrest can take place by way of differently designed adjusting devices; for example, mechanically by use of a spring; electrically, hydraulically or electro-mechanically by use of corresponding controllable drives. Controllable adjusting devices can also be further developed for adjusting different positions of the seat or of an adjustable footrest and/or by use of different forces.

[0062] The camera supplies information which can be used for improving sitting comfort, occupant safety or as a component of a system for body training in the vehicle. The sensor units 105, 106 and pressure sensors 107 supply information which can be used for improving sitting comfort, occupant safety or as a component of a system for body training in the vehicle. The camera and the sensor units 105, 106 and pressure sensors 107 therefore permit an improved interaction between the user and the electronic system of the vehicle. Thus, for example, different training exercises can be offered, for example, for the leg muscles or for games.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0063] 101 Seat

[0064] 102 Camera

[0065] 103 Control unit

[0066] 104 Footrest

[0067] 105 Sensor unit

[0068] 106 Sensor unit

[0069] 107 Pressure sensors

[0070] 108 Memory with database (databank)

[0071] 109 Display unit

[0072] 110 Loudspeaker

[0073] 201 to 213 Process steps

[0074] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.