Seat Position Control Device, Seat Position Control Method, and Vehicle

Abstract

A seat position control device for automatically adjusting the seat position of at least one occupant in a vehicle includes a sensor device configured to detect an action of the occupant for starting a media content on smart glasses and subsequently a seat position intention of the at least one occupant, a control device configured to process the data of the sensor device and to adjust the seat position of the at least one occupant to a predefined seat position based on the processed data. Also disclosed is a seat position control method and a vehicle with the seat position control device.

Claims

1. A seat position control device for automatically adjusting a seat position of at least one occupant in a vehicle, the seat position control device comprising: a sensor device configured to detect an action of the occupant for starting a media content on smart glasses and subsequently detect a seat position intention of the at least one occupant; and a control device configured to process data from the sensor device and adjust the seat position of the at least one occupant to a predefined seat position based on the processed data.

2. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect the seat position intention of the occupant based on specific actions including folding down a sun visor or touching a contact on the sun visor.

3. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect the seat position intention of the occupant based on their movement profile and/or gestures via an interior camera and/or the smart glasses.

4. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect the seat position intention of the occupant based on their movement profile and/or gestures via an interior camera and/or the smart glasses.

5. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the predefined seat position is a relaxed or movie position, which comprises a position of the seat that is optimized for viewing media content.

6. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the predefined seat position is a relaxed or movie position, which comprises a position of the seat that is optimized for viewing media content.

7. The seat position control device according to claim 3, wherein the predefined seat position is a relaxed or movie position, which comprises a position of the seat that is optimized for viewing media content.

8. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is programmable to store and automatically adjust different relaxed and movie positions according to individual preferences of the occupant.

9. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the control device is programmable to store and automatically adjust different relaxed and movie positions according to individual preferences of the occupant.

10. The seat position control device according to claim 3, wherein the control device is programmable to store and automatically adjust different relaxed and movie positions according to individual preferences of the occupant.

11. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the seat position control device is configured to adjust the seat position of the at least one occupant back to a normal seat position by an opposing movement of the sun visor and/or by voice control.

12. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the seat position control device is configured to adjust the seat position of the at least one occupant back to a normal seat position by an opposing movement of the sun visor and/or by voice control.

13. The seat position control device according to claim 3, wherein the seat position control device is configured to adjust the seat position of the at least one occupant back to a normal seat position by an opposing movement of the sun visor and/or by voice control.

14. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the seat position control device is configured to simultaneously display different media content for different occupants and to adjust a respective seat position of each occupant.

15. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the seat position control device is configured to simultaneously display different media content for different occupants and to adjust a respective seat position of each occupant.

16. The seat position control device according to claim 3, wherein the seat position control device is configured to simultaneously display different media content for different occupants and to adjust a respective seat position of each occupant.

17. The seat position control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device provides a user interface on the smart glasses for manually adjusting the seat position and/or for selecting media content.

18. The seat position control device according to claim 2, wherein the control device provides a user interface on the smart glasses for manually adjusting the seat position and/or for selecting media content.

19. A seat position control method for automatically adjusting a seat position of at least one occupant in a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a seat position intention of the at least one occupant, which includes an action of the occupant to start a media content on smart glasses, via a sensor device; processing data from the sensor device by a control device and adjusting the seat position of the at least one occupant to a predefined seat position based on the processed data.

20. A vehicle comprising a seat position control device according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the seat position control device according to the invention

[0107] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a seat position control method according to the invention.

[0108] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow chart of a further example embodiment of a seat position control method according to the invention.

[0109] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] Where appropriate, the embodiments and further developments described can be combined with one another as desired.

[0111] Further possible embodiments, refinements, and implementations of the invention could also comprise combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with respect to the embodiments.

[0112] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in connection with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention.

[0113] Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned may be apparent from the drawings.

[0114] The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Identical reference numbers denote identical or similar components.

[0115] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the seat position control device 1 according to the invention. The seat position control device 1 comprises a sensor device 2 and a control device 9. The sensor device 2 is designed in such a way that it detects an action of the occupant 13 to start a media content on smart glasses 4 and then identifies the seat position intention of this occupant 13. Based on the data recorded, the control device 9 adjusts the seat position of occupant 13 to a predefined position.

[0116] The sensor device 2 can detect the seat position intention of the occupant 13 by specific actions such as folding down a sun visor 7 or touching a contact 8 on this sun visor. Furthermore, the sensor device 2 can detect the seat position intention based on the movement profile and/or gestures of the occupant 13 using an interior camera 3 and/or the smart glasses 4.

[0117] It is also possible for the predefined sitting position to be a relaxed or movie position that is specially optimized for viewing media content. The control device 9 can also be programmable to store and automatically adjust different relaxed and movie positions according to the individual preferences of the occupant 13.

[0118] Furthermore, the seat position control device 1 can be designed in such a way that it can return the seat position of the occupant 13 to a normal seat position by moving the sun visor 7 in the opposite direction or by voice control. The seat position control device 1 can display different media content for different occupants 13 and adjust the respective seat position of each occupant 13.

[0119] Another optional feature is that the control device 9 provides a user interface on the smart glasses 4 that allows the occupant 13 to manually adjust the seat position and/or select media content. These functions increase the flexibility and comfort of the seat position control device 1 by enabling a more individual and interactive user experience.

[0120] FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of a seat position control method according to the invention for automatically adjusting the seat position of at least one occupant 13 in a vehicle 100. The seat position control method comprises the following steps: [0121] S100: Detect a seat position intention of the at least one occupant 13, which comprises an action of the occupant 13 to start a media content on a smart glasses 4, by means of a sensor device 2, [0122] S200: Process the data from the sensor device 2 by means of a control device 9 and adjust of the seat position of the at least one occupant 13 to a predefined seat position based on the processed data.

[0123] FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow chart of a further exemplary embodiment of a seat position control method according to the invention. This embodiment of the seat position control method according to the invention for automatically adjusting the seat position of an occupant 13 in a vehicle 100 could comprise the following five steps. [0124] A100: The sensor device 2 in the vehicle 100 detects the start of media content on smart glasses 4. This signal is used as a trigger for the seat position control method. The smart glasses 4 preferably communicate wirelessly with the sensor device 2 and signal the start of media playback. [0125] A200: After starting the media content, the sensor device 2 can detect additional signals that indicate a desired change in the seat position of the occupant 13. This could be done, for example, by folding down a sun visor, recognizing gestures such as the occupant 13 leaning back and/or touching a specially designed control element on the smart glasses 4, on the seat, and/or on the sun visor. [0126] A300: The recorded data is forwarded to the control device 9, which analyzes the information. The control device 9 takes into account the type of media content startedfor example, a more relaxed, lying position might be ideal for a filmas well as the recognized user gestures. [0127] A400: Based on the analysis of the data, the control device 9 automatically adjusts the seat position of the occupant 13. This includes mechanical adjustments such as changing the tilt angle of the seat, moving the seat surface, and/or adjusting the headrest to ensure maximum comfort for viewing media content. [0128] A500: After the initial adjustment of the seat position, the occupant 13 could provide feedback via the smart glasses 4 as to whether the set position is comfortable or requires further adjustments. The control device 9 can then make fine adjustments to ensure the perfect position. This could be done via a simple user interface on the smart glasses 4, through which the occupant 13 can manually refine settings.

[0129] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a vehicle 100 according to the invention. The vehicle 100 equipped with the seat position control device 1 according to the invention is technologically designed to improve comfort and interactivity for the occupants 13-1; 13-2; 13-3. This is achieved by adjusting the seat position based on individual activities such as the consumption of media content.

[0130] A sensor device 2 is provided in the vehicle 100 which may have various sensors that can detect different actions and states of the occupants 13-1; 13-2; 13-3, including motion sensors, gesture recognition sensors, and touch-sensitive surfaces. The sensor device 2 detects the launching of media content via smart glasses 4; 4-1; 4-2, physical movements, and/or gestures of the occupants 13-1; 13-2; 13-3.

[0131] The control device 9 processes the data collected by the sensor device 2 and controls the mechanical systems to adjust the seat positions according to the detected needs of the occupants 13-1; 13-2; 13-3.

[0132] The occupants 13-2; 13-3 each wear smart glasses 4-1; 4-2, which have, for example, augmented reality functions and/or virtual reality functions. These smart glasses 4-1; 4-2 can display media content, enable interactions, and/or communicate with the seat position control device 1 of the vehicle 100.

[0133] The smart glasses 4-1; 4-2 are connected to the seat position control device 1 of the vehicle 100, for example, via wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, UWB, and/or Wi-Fi. This enables seamless communication and interaction between the occupants 13-1; 13-2; 13-3 and the seat position control device 1 of the vehicle 100.

[0134] Suppose occupant 13-2 wants to watch a movie and puts on his smart glasses 4-1. The smart glasses 4-1 start the movie and send a signal to the sensor device 2 of the vehicle 100. Occupant 13-3 wants to read an e-book at the same time and starts a reading app via his smart glasses 4-2.

[0135] The sensor device 2 detects the intention of the occupant 13-2 to watch a movie. The control device 9 processes this information and automatically adjusts the seat of occupant 13-2 to a relaxed or movie position. This position could include a reclined backrest and possibly a raised leg rest to provide an optimal view of the contents of the smart glasses 4-1 and maximize comfort.

[0136] The sensor device 2 also detects the reading activity of the occupant 13-2. The control device 9 then adjusts the seat of occupant 13-2 to an upright position that makes reading easier. The lighting near the seat could also be adjusted to provide better lighting for reading.

[0137] During media consumption, both occupants 13-2; 13-3 can manually refine settings via their smart glasses 4-1; 4.2. For example, occupant 13-1 could decide to recline the backrest even further and can set this directly via a user interface on the smart glasses 4.

[0138] Occupants 13-2; 13-3 could also change the seat position using voice commands, which is particularly useful if they want to keep their hands free.

[0139] Such a vehicle 100 would be ultra-modern and designed to personalize and enhance the driving experience through technological integration and automation. The individual preferences and activities of each occupant 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 are taken into account to ensure that each occupant 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 enjoys the highest possible level of comfort and support while driving. The integration of smart technology allows occupants 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 to intuitively control and adjust their seat positions and surroundings, making the ride not only more comfortable, but also more entertaining.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

[0140] 1 Seat position control device [0141] 2 Sensor device [0142] 3 Interior camera [0143] 4 Smart glasses [0144] 4-1 Smart glasses [0145] 4-2 Smart glasses [0146] 7 Sun visor [0147] 8 Contact on the sun visor [0148] 9 Control device [0149] 13 Occupant [0150] 13-1 Occupant [0151] 13-2 Occupant [0152] 13-3 Occupant [0153] 100 Vehicle [0154] S100 Process step [0155] S200 Process step [0156] A100 Process step [0157] A200 Process step [0158] A300 Process step [0159] A400 Process step [0160] A500 Process step