U.S. patent application number 14/443460 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for vehicle seat with integrated sensors.
The applicant listed for this patent is FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SEATING, LLC. Invention is credited to Samuel BAUDU, Matthew K. BENSON, Jeffery T. BONK, Radouane BOUSSETTA, David L. CUMMINGS, Anne-Isabelle DACOSTA-MALLET, Brian R. DEXTER, Pioter DRUBETSKOY, Alexander S. HAASE, Dana R. LOWELL, Sean M. MONTGOMERY.
Application Number | 20150313475 14/443460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50828386 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150313475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BENSON; Matthew K. ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
VEHICLE SEAT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS
Abstract
A vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure
includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to
the seat bottom and arranged to extend in an upward direction away
from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes an
electronics system.
Inventors: |
BENSON; Matthew K.;
(Holland, MI) ; LOWELL; Dana R.; (Holland, MI)
; MONTGOMERY; Sean M.; (Astoria, NY) ; DEXTER;
Brian R.; (Grand Haven, MI) ; BONK; Jeffery T.;
(Chesterfield, MI) ; CUMMINGS; David L.; (Jackson
Heights, NY) ; HAASE; Alexander S.; (Ypsilanti,
MI) ; BAUDU; Samuel; (Boulogne Billancourt, FR)
; BOUSSETTA; Radouane; (Issy les Moulineaux, FR) ;
DRUBETSKOY; Pioter; (Bronx New York, NY) ;
DACOSTA-MALLET; Anne-Isabelle; (Etrechy, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SEATING, LLC |
Troy |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50828386 |
Appl. No.: |
14/443460 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 25, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US13/71620 |
371 Date: |
May 18, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61730349 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
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|
61730374 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
|
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|
61846871 |
Jul 16, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 ;
600/323; 600/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0245 20130101;
A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B 5/18 20130101; A61B 5/14552 20130101;
A61B 5/021 20130101; B60H 1/00742 20130101; A61B 5/0402 20130101;
A61B 5/14551 20130101; A61B 5/6893 20130101; A61B 5/7278 20130101;
A61B 5/0816 20130101; B60N 2/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; A61B 5/08 20060101 A61B005/08; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/1455 20060101 A61B005/1455; A61B 5/021 20060101
A61B005/021; B60H 1/00 20060101 B60H001/00; A61B 5/0245 20060101
A61B005/0245 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seat sensor system for detecting and processing
physiological parameters, comprising a vehicle seat, configured to
accommodate an occupant, at least one oxymetry sensor integrated
into a first portion of said seat, wherein the oxymetry sensor is
configured to switch between, or select from, multiple wavelengths
of light for transmission to an occupant area above a surface of
the vehicle seat, and a control system operatively coupled to the
oxymetry sensor, wherein the control system processes signals
produced by the at least one oxymetry sensor to determine a level
of oxygen saturation for the occupant.
2. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the
level of oxygen saturation is processed to determine at least one
of a pulse transit time, blood pressure, respiration, respiration
rate and respiration depth of the occupant.
3. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the
oxymetry sensor comprises a photodetector stage configured to
detect reflected amounts of light from the occupant, a processing
stage, operatively coupled to the photodetector stage, for
processing signals detected by the photodetector stage, wherein at
least a portion of the processed signals are used to switch or
select one or more of the multiple wavelengths of light for
transmission, and a light emission stage, operatively coupled to
the processing stage, configured to emit light for transmission to
the occupant area.
4. (canceled)
5. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the
light emission stage comprises at least one LED bank operable in
the 850 nm to 950 nm light range.
6. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 5, wherein the
light emission stage further comprises at least one LED bank
operable in the 600 nm to 1100 nm light range.
7. (canceled)
8. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor integrated
into a second portion of said seat, wherein the ECG sensor is
operatively coupled to the control system.
9. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 8, wherein the
control system processes signals produced by the ECG sensor to
determine at least one of a heart rate, heart rate variability,
stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure of the
occupant.
10. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 9, wherein
the control system is configured to determine heart beats via
threshold and peak detection of the signals produced by the ECG
sensor.
11. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 10, wherein
the control system is configured to determine the reliability of
signals produced by the ECG sensor by performing at least one of
peak analysis to the outputs, root mean square of outputs to
determine stronger signals, and signal to noise ratio analysis on
the outputs to determine more reliable signals.
12. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 8, wherein
the control system is configured to determine heart-rate
variability by transforming signals produced by the ECG sensor to
form a heart rate variability spectrum and determining a ratio of
high frequencies to lower frequencies in the spectrum.
13. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 12, wherein
the ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies is expressed by
LF ( LF + HF ) . ##EQU00004##
14. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 13, wherein
the control system is configured to determine a stress level based
on a second ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies in the
spectrum.
15. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 14, wherein
the second ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies is
expressed by LF ( LF + HF ) . ##EQU00005##
16. The vehicle seat sensor system according to claim 15, wherein
the control system is configured to combine the signals produced by
the ECG sensor and oximetry sensor to determine a pulse-transit
time and blood pressure.
17. A method for detecting and processing physiological parameters
from a vehicle seat sensor system, said method comprising the steps
of configuring at least one oxymetry sensor, integrated into a
first portion of a vehicle seat to switch between, or select from,
multiple wavelengths of light for transmission to an occupant area
above a surface of the vehicle seat, receiving signals from said at
least one oxymetry sensor, and detecting a level of oxygen
saturation in a control system for the occupant in the vehicle seat
based on the received signals.
18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step
of processing the detected levels of oxygen saturation in a control
system to determine at least one of a pulse transit time, blood
pressure, respiration, respiration rate and respiration depth of
the occupant.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps
of configuring at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor
integrated into a second portion of said vehicle seat to receive
electrical signals from said occupant and receiving signals from
said at least one ECG sensor.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps
of processing the received signals from the ECG sensor in a control
system to determine at least one of a heart rate, heart rate
variability, stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure
of the occupant.
21. (canceled)
22. A vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom, a seat back coupled to
the seat bottom and arranged to extend in an upward direction away
from the seat bottom, and an electronics system configured to
provide means for sensing a physiological attribute of an occupant
sitting on the vehicle seat through clothing worn by the occupant
so that a predetermined action may be taken in response to the
physiological attribute detected by the electronics system.
23. The vehicle seat of claim 22, wherein the electronics system
includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) system coupled to the vehicle
seat to sense electrical signals in the occupant through the
occupant's clothing and covert the electrical signals to a heart
rate of the occupant.
24. The vehicle seat of claim 23, wherein the ECG system is coupled
to the seat back and configured to sense electrical signals through
a torso included in the occupant.
25. The vehicle seat of claim 23, wherein the electronics system
further includes an oximetry system coupled to the vehicle seat to
sense oxygen in the occupant's blood through the occupant's
clothing and convert the sensed oxygen content into a respiration
rate.
26. The vehicles seat of claim 25, wherein the oximetry system is
coupled to the seat bottom and configured to sense oxygen in the
occupant's blood through legs included in the occupant.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application incorporates by reference and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/846,871
filed Jul. 16, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/730,349 filed Nov. 27, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/730,374 filed Nov. 27, 2012, all of which
are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, and
particular to a vehicle seat including a sensor. More particularly,
the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including one or
more sensors configured to sense a physiological attribute,
condition and/or state of an occupant sitting on the vehicle
seat.
SUMMARY
[0003] A vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure
includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to
the seat bottom and arranged to extend in an upward direction away
from the seat bottom. In one illustrative embodiment, the vehicle
seat further includes an electronics system.
[0004] In illustrative embodiments, the electronics system is
configured to provide means for sensing a physiological attribute
of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat through clothing worn by
the occupant so that a predetermined action may be taken in
response to the physiological attribute detected by the electronics
system.
[0005] In other illustrative embodiments, the electronics system
includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) system. The ECG system is
coupled to the vehicle seat to sense electrical signals in the
occupant through the occupant's clothing and covert the electrical
signals to a heart rate of the occupant. In other illustrative
embodiments, the electronics system includes an oximetry system.
The oximetry system is coupled to the seat bottom to sense oxygen
in the occupant's blood through the occupant's clothing and convert
the sensed oxygen content into a respiration rate.
[0006] In illustrative embodiments, a vehicle seat sensor system
for detecting and processing physiological parameters is disclosed,
where the system comprises a vehicle seat, configured to
accommodate an occupant, at least one oxymetry sensor integrated
into a first portion of the seat, wherein the oxymetry sensor is
configured to switch between, or select from, multiple wavelengths
of light for transmission to an occupant area above a surface of
the vehicle seat. The system also comprises a control system
operatively coupled to the oxymetry sensor, wherein the control
system processes signals produced by the at least one oxymetry
sensor to determine a level of oxygen saturation for the occupant.
The system may be configured such that the level of oxygen
saturation is processed to determine at least one of a pulse
transit time, blood pressure, respiration, respiration rate and
respiration depth of the occupant. The vehicle sensor system may
further include at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor
integrated into a second portion of the vehicle seat, wherein the
ECG sensor is operatively coupled to the control system. The
control system may be configured to processes signals produced by
the ECG sensor to determine at least one of heart rate, heart rate
variability, stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure
of the occupant.
[0007] In illustrative embodiments, a method is disclosed for
detecting and processing physiological parameters from a vehicle
seat sensor system, where the method includes the steps of
configuring at least one oxymetry sensor, integrated into a first
portion of a vehicle seat to switch between, or select from,
multiple wavelengths of light for transmission to an occupant area
above a surface of the vehicle seat. After receiving signals from
the at least one oxymetry sensor, a level of oxygen saturation is
detected in a control system for the occupant in the vehicle seat.
The method may further include the steps of processing the detected
levels of oxygen saturation in a control system to determine at
least one of a pulse transit time, blood pressure, respiration,
respiration rate and respiration depth of the occupant. At least
one electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor may also be integrated into a
second portion of the vehicle seat to receive electrical signals
from the occupant, wherein the control system processes the ECG
signals to determine at least one of a heart rate, heart rate
variability, stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure
of the occupant.
[0008] In illustrative embodiments, a vehicle seat sensor system
for detecting and processing physiological parameters, comprises a
vehicle seat, configured to accommodate an occupant, at least one
oxymetry sensor integrated into a first portion of said seat,
wherein the oxymetry sensor is configured to switch between, or
select from, multiple wavelengths of light for transmission to an
occupant area above a surface of the vehicle seat, and a control
system operatively coupled to the oxymetry sensor, wherein the
control system processes signals produced by the at least one
oxymetry sensor to determine a level of oxygen saturation for the
occupant.
[0009] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the level of oxygen saturation is processed to determine at least
one of a pulse transit time, blood pressure, respiration,
respiration rate and respiration depth of the occupant.
[0010] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the oxymetry sensor comprises a photodetector stage configured to
detect reflected amounts of light from the occupant, a processing
stage, operatively coupled to the photodetector stage, for
processing signals detected by the photodetector stage, wherein at
least a portion of the processed signals are used to switch or
select one or more of the multiple wavelengths of light for
transmission, and a light emission stage, operatively coupled to
the processing stage, configured to emit light for transmission to
the occupant area.
[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the processing stage is configured to cycle and perform spectral
analysis on at least some of the multiple wavelengths of light to
determine at least one optimal wavelength for determining the level
of oxygen saturation.
[0012] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the light emission stage comprises at least one LED bank operable
in the 850 nm to 950 nm light range.
[0013] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the light emission stage further comprises at least one LED bank
operable in the 600 nm to 1100 nm light range.
[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to process signals by transforming
and filtering electrical signals received from the occupant.
[0015] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the vehicle seat sensor system further comprises at least one
electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor integrated into a second portion of
said seat, wherein the ECG sensor is operatively coupled to the
control system.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system processes signals produced by the ECG sensor to
determine at least one of a heart rate, heart rate variability,
stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure of the
occupant.
[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to determine heart beats via
threshold and peak detection of the signals produced by the ECG
sensor.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to determine the reliability of
signals produced by the ECG sensor by performing at least one of
peak analysis to the outputs, root mean square of outputs to
determine stronger signals, and signal to noise ratio analysis on
the outputs to determine more reliable signals.
[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to determine heart-rate
variability by transforming signals produced by the ECG sensor to
form a heart rate variability spectrum and determining a ratio of
high frequencies to lower frequencies in the spectrum.
[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies is expressed
by
LF ( LF + HF ) . ##EQU00001##
[0021] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to determine a stress level based
on a second ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies in the
spectrum.
[0022] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the second ratio of high frequencies to lower frequencies is
expressed by
LF ( LF + HF ) . ##EQU00002##
[0023] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the control system is configured to combine the signals produced by
the ECG sensor and oximetry sensor to determine a pulse-transit
time and blood pressure.
[0024] In illustrative embodiments, a method for detecting and
processing physiological parameters from a vehicle seat sensor
system comprises the steps of configuring at least one oxymetry
sensor, integrated into a first portion of a vehicle seat to switch
between, or select from, multiple wavelengths of light for
transmission to an occupant area above a surface of the vehicle
seat, receiving signals from said at least one oxymetry sensor, and
detecting a level of oxygen saturation in a control system for the
occupant in the vehicle seat based on the received signals.
[0025] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the step of processing the detected levels of oxygen saturation in
a control system to determine at least one of a pulse transit time,
blood pressure, respiration, respiration rate and respiration depth
of the occupant.
[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the method further comprises the steps of configuring at least one
electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor integrated into a second portion of
said vehicle seat to receive electrical signals from said occupant
and receiving signals from said at least one ECG sensor.
[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the method further comprises the step of processing the received
signals from the ECG sensor in a control system to determine at
least one of a heart rate, heart rate variability, stress level, a
pulse-transit time and blood pressure of the occupant.
[0028] In illustrative embodiments, a method for detecting and
processing physiological parameters, from a vehicle seat sensor
system, comprises the steps of configuring at least one oxymetry
sensor, integrated into a first portion of a vehicle seat to switch
between, or select from, multiple wavelengths of light for
transmission to an occupant area above a surface of a vehicle seat,
receiving signals from said at least one oxymetry sensor,
configuring at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor integrated
into a second portion of said vehicle seat to receive electrical
signals from said occupant, receiving signals from said at least
one ECG sensor, and processing the received signals from the at
least one oxymetry sensor and at least one ECG sensor in a control
system to determine (i) a level of oxygen saturation for the
occupant, and/or (ii) at least one of a heart rate, heart rate
variability, stress level, a pulse-transit time and blood pressure
of the occupant.
[0029] In illustrative embodiments, a vehicle seat comprises a seat
bottom, a seat back coupled to the seat bottom and arranged to
extend in an upward direction away from the seat bottom, and an
electronics system configured to provide means for sensing a
physiological attribute of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat
through clothing worn by the occupant so that a predetermined
action may be taken in response to the physiological attribute
detected by the electronics system.
[0030] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the electronics system includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) system
coupled to the vehicle seat to sense electrical signals in the
occupant through the occupant's clothing and covert the electrical
signals to a heart rate of the occupant.
[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the ECG system is coupled to the seat back and configured to sense
electrical signals through a torso included in the occupant.
[0032] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the electronics system further includes an oximetry system coupled
to the vehicle seat to sense oxygen in the occupant's blood through
the occupant's clothing and convert the sensed oxygen content into
a respiration rate.
[0033] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure,
the oximetry system is coupled to the seat bottom and configured to
sense oxygen in the occupant's blood through legs included in the
occupant.
[0034] Additional features of the present disclosure will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out
the disclosure as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The present disclosure will be better understood and other
features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the
following detailed description, including embodiments as
non-limiting particular examples with reference to the attached
drawings, can be used to complete the understanding of the present
disclosure, its implementation and, where appropriate, contribute
to its definition, in which
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of a vehicle
seat in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating an
exemplary vehicle seat that includes a seat bottom supporting two
oximetry sensors that sense an amount of oxygen in an occupant's
blood through the occupant's clothing to provide an oximetry
signal, a seat back supporting a plurality of electrocardiogram
(ECG) receivers that cooperate with an ECG mat included in the seat
bottom to sense electrical signals in the occupant through the
occupant's clothing to provide an ECG signal, and a computer that
receives the signals and processes the signals to provide a
measured heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and stress
information;
[0037] FIG. 1A is an illustration of another embodiment of a
vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that
a first oximetry sensor is spaced apart a first distance from a
front edge of a seat bottom included in the vehicle seat and that a
second oximetry is spaced apart from the front edge relatively
smaller second distance so that contact by the occupant with the
oximetry sensors is maximized;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the seat back of FIG. 1
showing that the seat back includes a seat cushion and trim
surrounding the seat cushion and that the ECG sensor is coupled to
the seat back to lie in confronting relation with an occupant
wearing multiple layers of clothing and suggesting that the ECG
sensor is capable of sensing the occupant's electrical signals
through the multiple layers of clothing;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the seat
bottom of FIG. 1 showing that the seat bottom includes a seat
cushion and trim surrounding the seat cushion and that the oximetry
sensor is coupled to the seat bottom to lie in confronting relation
with the occupant wearing multiple layers of clothing and
suggesting that the oximetry sensor is capable of sensing the
oxygen content of the occupant's blood through the multiple layers
of clothing;
[0040] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the ECG
sensor of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the sensor
mat of FIG. 1 with the trim removed from the seat bottom to reveal
the sensor mat;
[0042] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the
oximetry sensor of FIG. 1 showing that the oximetry sensor includes
eight LED emitters positioned to lie around a central light
receiver;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the oximetry sensor of FIG. 1
separated from a sensor mount and a sensor shield removed to expose
underlying circuitry included in the oximetry sensor;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an electronics system
included in the vehicle seat of FIG. 1 showing that the electronics
system includes an ECG sensor system including a first ECG
receiver, a second ECG receiver, an ECG unit, and a ECG mat, an
oximetry sensor system including a first oximetry sensor and a
second oximetry sensor, and a control system including an analog to
digital converter, a computer, and an output;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an ECG signal-acquisition
process showing that the ECG signal is acquired by obtaining
electrical signals from the occupant, transforming the electrical
signals through a driven right leg circuit, passing the transformed
signals through the ECG-sensor mat to remove noise, passing the
signals through the occupant to remove noise, converting the signal
from analog to digital, and filtering the signal to remove noise
and suggesting that the ECG signal may be used to determine heart
rate, heart-rate variability, and stress level and combined with
the oximetry signal to determine pulse-transit time and blood
pressure;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an oximetry
signal-acquisition process showing that the oximetry signal is
acquired by obtaining oximetry signals, converting the oximetry
signals from analog to digital, filtering the signals to remove
noise, and determining the best oximetry signal from the two
available signals and suggesting that the oximetry signal may be
used to determine respiration, respiration rate, and respiration
depth and that the oximetry signal may be combined with the ECG
signal to determine pulse-transit time and blood pressure;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a heart-rate determination
process including the steps of detecting heart beats from the ECG
signal, differentiating the signal, determining a raw heart rate,
determining reliability of each signal, weighing more reliable
signals, and calculating an average heart rate;
[0048] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a heart rate variability
determination process including the steps of taking the derivative
of the average heart rate, determine the Heart Rate Variability
(HRV) spectrum, determining a ratio of high frequencies to low
frequencies, and determining the impact of adrenaline and other
neurotransmitters on heart rate and suggesting that understanding
which neurotransmitters are affecting heart rate may be used to
determine a stress level of the occupant;
[0049] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a pulse-transit time
acquisition process and a blood-pressure acquisition process
showing that the pulse-transit time acquisition process includes
the steps of detecting peaks in the ECG signal, detecting peaks in
the oximetry signal, determining time between peaks in the oximetry
signal, and calculating pulse-transit time and showing that the
blood-pressure acquisition process includes the steps of
transforming the pulse-transit time signal and estimating systolic
blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a respiration-rate
determination process including the steps of detecting peaks in the
oximetry signal, detecting valleys in the oximetry signal,
determining time difference between peaks, calculating a
respiration rate, and determining a difference in amplitude between
the peaks and valleys to calculate a respiration depth;
[0051] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of the control system of FIG.
8 showing that the computer includes inputs coupled to the analog
to digital converter to receive the ECG and oximetry signals, a
processor configured to execute instructions stored in memory, and
a power supply coupled to the processor to provide power;
[0052] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a
seat back in accordance with the present disclosure showing that
the seat back includes a seat cushion and trim surrounding the seat
cushion and that an ECG sensor may be coupled to the seat cushion
to lie below the trim to sense an occupant's electrical signals
through the trim and multiple layers of clothing;
[0053] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a
seat bottom in accordance with the present disclosure showing that
the seat bottom includes a seat cushion and trim surrounding the
seat cushion and that the oximetry sensor may be coupled to the
seat cushion to lie below the trim to sense oxygen content of the
occupant's blood through the trim and multiple layers of
clothing;
[0054] FIG. 18. is an exemplary schematic diagram showing
electronic components included in an oximetry sensor assembly
provided in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0055] FIG. 19 provides a table that includes additional
information regarding the electronic components shown in FIG.
18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various features illustrative of the basic
principles of the present disclosure. The specific design features
of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for
example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes
will be determined in part by the particular intended application
and use environment.
[0057] In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or
equivalent parts of the present disclosure throughout the several
figures of the drawings. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such
elements have similar or identical structural, dimensional, and
material properties.
[0058] A vehicle seat 10, in accordance with the present
disclosure, includes a seat bottom 12, a seat back 14, and an
electronics system 16 as shown FIG. 1 and suggested in FIG. 8. Seat
back 14 is preferably coupled to seat bottom 12 to extend in an
upward direction away from seat bottom 12. Electronics system 16 is
configured to sense one or more physiological attributes of an
occupant (not shown) sitting on vehicle seat 10 through clothing
worn by the occupant, so that a predetermined action may be taken
in response to the physiological attribute detected by electronics
system 16. In one illustrative example, the predetermined action
may be audio, visual, or tactile feedback provided by vehicle seat
10 to the occupant.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, electronics system 16 comprises an
electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor system 18, an oximetry sensor system
20, and a control system 22. ECG sensor system 18 is preferably
coupled to seat back 14 and seat bottom 12 to sense electrical
signals provided by the occupant. Oximetry sensor system 20 is
preferably coupled to seat bottom 12 to sense oxygen content in the
occupant's blood. Control system 22 is coupled to the ECG sensor
system 18 and oximetry sensor system 20 to receive signals provided
by each system, process the signals, make calculations using the
signals, and determine physiological attributes of the occupant.
Control system 22 may perform one or more predetermined actions
based on the physiological attributes of the occupant.
[0060] ECG sensor system 18 of FIG. 8 includes, for example, a
first ECG receiver 24, a second ECG receiver 26, an ECG mat 28, and
an ECG unit 30 as suggested in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8. First and
second ECG receivers 24, 26 are coupled to seat back 14 to lie in
spaced-apart relation to one another and lie in spaced-apart
relation above seat bottom 12. ECG mat 28 is coupled to seat bottom
12 and preferably arranged to lie under the thighs of an occupant
50. In one example, ECG receivers 24, 26 are aligned with an
occupant's chest and arranged to sense electrical signals provided
by the occupant's body. The sensed electrical signals are then
transformed by a driven right leg circuit included in ECG unit 30,
and passed through ECG mat 28 located in seat bottom 12 as
suggested in FIG. 8. ECG mat 28 then sends the signals back through
occupant 50 where the signals are detected again by ECG receivers
24, 26, passed through ECG unit 30 and sent to control system 22.
As a result, ECG sensor system 18 minimizes noise so that the
remaining signal is associated more closely with an occupant's
heart rate.
[0061] First and second ECG receivers 24, 26 and ECG mat 28
cooperate to provide an ECG sensor 34. ECG sensor 34 is coupled to
a seat cushion 36 and surrounded by trim 38 as shown in FIG. 2. ECG
sensor 34 is configured to provide means for detecting electrical
signals in occupant 50 through first, second, and N.sup.th clothing
layers 41, 42, and 43N as shown in FIG. 2. In one example, first
clothing layer 41 is a shirt made of cotton. Second clothing layer
42 is an undershirt made from cotton. Nth clothing layer 43N may be
yet another undershirt made from polyester. N.sup.th clothing layer
43N may be one layer or may be additional layers.
[0062] Oximetry sensor system 20 includes a first oximetry sensor
31 and a second oximetry sensor 32 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8.
Oximetry sensors 31, 32 are preferably coupled to seat bottom 12 as
shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6. Oximetry sensors 31, 32 are spaced
apart from one another and spaced apart from ECG mat 28 as shown in
FIG. 1. Each oximetry sensor 31, 32 is arranged to underlie an
associated leg of the occupant and is arranged to sense oxygen
content in the occupant's blood. Each oximetry sensor 31, 32 emits
light at a wavelength which passes through clothing layers 41, 42,
43N and enters occupant's skin 40 where a portion of the light is
absorbed by the occupant's blood. The remaining portion of the
light is reflected by the occupant's blood back through clothing
layers 41, 42, 43N and is detected by each oximetry sensor 31, 32.
The detected light is converted to an oximetry signal and sent to
control system 22.
[0063] With regard to oximetry sensors 31, 32, and for purposes of
background, oxygen saturation refers to oxygenation, or when oxygen
molecules (02) enter the tissues of the human body. In the human
body, blood is oxygenated in the lungs, where oxygen molecules
travel from the air and into the blood. Oxygen saturation, also
called O.sub.2 sats, is a measure of the percentage of hemoglobin
binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen. Measurement of
a subject's oxygen saturation provides one indication of the
subject's overall health and, more particularly, the subject's
pulmonary and cardiovascular health as both the pulmonary and
cardio-vascular systems cooperate with each other and other systems
of the human body to perform oxygenation. Arterial oxygenation is
measured typically using pulse oximetry, which is a non-invasive
technology for monitoring the saturation of a subject's
hemoglobin.
[0064] In transmissive pulse oximetry techniques, a sensor is
placed on a thin part of a subject's body, for example, a fingertip
or earlobe, or in the case of an infant, across a foot. Light of
two different wavelengths is passed through the subject's tissue to
a photodetector. The changing absorbance at each of the wavelengths
is measured, allowing determination of the absorbances due to the
pulsing arterial blood alone, excluding venous blood, skin, bone,
muscle, and fat. Another type of pulse oximetry is reflectance
pulse oximetry. Reflectance pulse oximetry may be used as an
alternative to transmissive pulse oximetry described above.
Reflectance pulse oximetry does not require a thin section of a
subject's body. Therefore, reflectance pulse oximetry is better
suited to more universal application such as measurement of blood
oxygen concentration in the feet, forehead, and chest. However,
reflectance pulse oximetry also has some limitations.
[0065] Pulse oximetry is based on the principal that oxy- and
deoxy-hemoglobin have different light absorption spectra.
Reflective pulse oximetry measures the light absorption of light of
two different wavelengths via reflectivity; that is, by knowing the
amount of light transmitted and detecting the amount of light
reflected using a photodector or similar sensor, one is able to
determine the amount of light absorbed by the subject's body, i.e.,
the light absorption. However, the efficacy of non-contact pulse
oximetry through intervening materials is subject to the absorption
spectra of those materials.
[0066] In one embodiment, oximetry sensors 31, 32 are oximetry
sensors, also called PulseOx sensors, which are configured to
determine blood oxygenation through a variable makeup of
intervening materials, and are configured with the ability to
switch between or select from multiple wavelengths of light to be
transmitted at the subject's body. Based on the reflected amount of
light resulting from the various wavelengths, the sensor assembly
is able to select one or more optimum wavelengths of light to be
transmitted at the subject's body to determine the oxygen
saturation for the subject via reflective pulse oximetry. One
exemplary oximetry sensor is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/730,374 filed Nov. 27, 2012, the contents
of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
[0067] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating electronic
components of a sensor assembly provided in accordance with
disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 18, at least one disclosed
embodiment of the sensor assembly 400 includes three exemplary
stages: a photodetector stage 405, an input/output and processing
stage 415 and a light emission stage 430. Photodetector stage 405
includes a photodetector or photodiode 410 that is used to detect
reflected amounts of light from a subject's body. Photodetector
stage 405 also includes various circuitry elements that enable
buffering and filtering of the detected signal including
operational amplifiers for establishing a virtual ground and
buffering and filtering of the signal output from the photodetector
410.
[0068] The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,004, entitled
"Electronic Processor for Pulse Oximeter" and U.S. Pat. No.
6,839,580, entitled "Adaptive Calibration for Pulse Oximetry" are
both hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Each of those patents disclose various equipment, components, and
methodology that may be used to implement the disclosed embodiments
for sensing and monitoring blood oxygen in a seating
environment.
[0069] The output of photodetector stage 405 is coupled to the
input/output and processing stage 415 so as to enable analysis of
the signal detected by the photodetector to perform calibration of
the sensor assembly and detection and monitoring of the subject's
blood oxygen content. The input/output and processing stage 415
includes a communication bus 420 that couples the sensor assembly
components of stages 405 and 430 with the processor 425. This
coupling and associated bidirectional communication enables the
processor 425 to control emission of light via the light emission
stage 430 and receive reflected signals from the photodetector
stage 405 to perform processing for calibration, detection, and
monitoring of the subject's blood oxygen content.
[0070] Light emission stage 430 includes one or two banks of LEDs,
435, 440. The LED banks may be optimized to use off-the-shelf LEDs
at, for example, 850 nm and 950 nm light that penetrate a wide
range of materials well. The light emission stage 430 may use
additional or alternative banks of LEDs, for example, at additional
wavelengths between 600 nm and 1100 nm for greater robustness of
signal to noise determination. In implementation, the stages
illustrated in FIG. 18 and the incorporated components are selected
from commercially available electronics components listed in the
table of FIG. 19. Further, it should be noted that the photodiode
410, i.e. the receptor, and the LEDs of the LED banks 435, 440,
i.e., the emitter, may be approximately 7.5 mm to avoid spill over
from the LEDs to the photodiode.
[0071] Embodiments disclosed herein provide the ability to perform
noninvasive, non-distracting monitoring of blood oxygen contact
through multiple layers of material. A calibration sub-routine for
sensor and sensor assembly learns the best light components for a
particular subject being monitored. This is because the light
components used for reflective monitoring change depending on the
amount, type, and number of clothing layers for a particular
subject. Thus, disclosed embodiments may use custom designed
circuitry developed to read PulseOx (also known as
photoplesythmography, or PPG) signals through variable layers of
intervening clothing worn by a subject. Thus, disclosed embodiments
enable sensor assembly calibration cycling through multiple
wavelengths of light to enable a spectral analysis of materials and
oxy/deoxy-hemoglobin absorption to ascertain optimal wavelengths
for material penetration and determination of oxygen saturation
curves while maximally identifying movement and other
artifacts.
[0072] Disclosed embodiments of the sensor assembly may also be
configured to perform auto-calibration, which enables the ability
to penetrate an unknown makeup of intervening material to read
changes in reflected light that accompany fluctuations in oxy- and
deoxy-hemoglobin accompanying each heartbeat. Because some of the
relevant aspects of PulseOx signals change at very slow time-scales
(e.g., respiration changes 10+ seconds), simply using high-pass
filtering of the signal merely creates substantial distortions and
delays. To avoid the problems of high-pass filters, custom
circuitry and algorithms were developed, and are disclosed in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/730,374, referenced
above.
[0073] Referring back to FIG. 8, control system 22 is configured to
communicate with each oximetry sensor 31, 32 to command each
oximetry sensor 31, 32 to execute an auto-calibration process each
time an occupant sits on vehicle seat 10. The auto-calibration
process causes the amount of light emitted from oximetry sensors
31, 32 to be varied. In on example, high-frequency pulse width
modulation is used to vary the light being emitted. However, a
digitally controlled potentiometer may also be used. Light levels
are increased in a stepped manner until sufficient light is
reflected back from occupant's skin through multiple layers of
clothing. Each time an occupant sits on vehicle seat 10, the number
of layers and type of layer may change. As a result, the amount of
light required to pass through the clothing layers, be reflected
from the occupant's skin, and pass back through the clothing layers
to provide an indication of oxygen content in the occupant's blood
also may change. The auto-calibration process causes the light
output to gradually increase until a sufficiently strong signal is
returned without causing the oxygen content to be drowned out by
excess light.
[0074] Oximetry sensors 31, 32 are coupled to a seat cushion 44
included in seat bottom 12 and surrounded by trim 46 as shown in
FIG. 3. Oximetry sensors 31, 32 are configured to detect oxygen
content in an occupant's blood through first, second, and Nth
clothing layers 51, 52, and 53N as shown in FIG. 3. In one example,
first clothing layer 51 is a pair of pants made from denim. Second
clothing layer 52 is a pair of underpants made from cotton. Nth
clothing layer 53N may be a pocket included in the pair of pants or
any other suitable alternative. Nth clothing layer 53N may be one
layer or multiple layers.
[0075] Control system 22 includes an analog to digital converter
48, a computer 54, and an output 56 as shown in FIG. 8. Once the
oximetry signals and the ECG signal are obtained, the analog
signals are then converted to digital signals by analog to digital
converter 48. The digital signals are then processed by computer
54. The signals may be processed by computer 54 to determine a
heart rate 61, blood pressure 62, respiration rate 63, and stress
level 64 as shown in FIG. 1. Processes for determining heart rate
61, blood pressure 62, respiration rate 63, and stress level 64 are
shown in FIGS. 9-14.
[0076] An ECG-signal acquisition process 70 is shown, for example,
in FIG. 9. ECG-signal acquisition process 70 includes the steps of
obtaining 71 electrical signals from occupant 50, transforming 72
the electrical signals in ECG unit 30, passing 73 signals through
ECG mat 28, passing 74 the signal through occupant 50, coverting 75
the analog signal to a digital signal, and filtering 76 the signal
to provide an ECG signal for use by computer 54. Computer 54 uses
the ECG signal to determine heart rate 61, heart-rate variability
65, stress level 64, a pulse-transit time 66, and blood pressure 62
as shown in FIG. 9. ECG signal 58 is obtained when first and second
ECG receivers 24, 26 sense electrical signals in occupant 50. Based
on the output of the processing, computer 54 may perform a
predetermined action. The predetermined action may be storing the
calculated values in memory 542 of computer 54. The predetermined
action may be activating output 56 to communicate the output to the
occupant.
[0077] Obtaining step 71 obtains electrical signals from occupant
50 as shown in FIG. 8. ECG receivers 24, 26 sense electrical
signals from occupant 50. Those sensed electrical signals are then
passed (1) to ECG unit 30 which are then passed (2) through ECG mat
28 which communicates (3) the signals back to occupant 50. First
and second ECG receivers 24, 26 then sense (4) the signal a second
time which has been cleaned and amplified. The signal is once again
communicated (1) to ECG unit 30 which then communicates (5) the
signal to analog to digital converter 48 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0078] An oximetry signal acquisition process 80 is shown, for
example, in FIG. 10. Oximetry signal acquisition process 80
includes the steps of obtaining 81 oximetry signals from occupant
50, converting 82 the analog signals to digital signals, filtering
83 the digital signals to remove noise, and determining 84 the best
oximetry signal from the two oximetry sensors 31, 32. Computer 54
uses the oximetry signal to calculate pulse-transit time 66, blood
pressure 62, respiration 67, a respiration rate 68, and respiration
depth 69 as shown in FIG. 10. Oximetry signal 60 is obtained when
first and second oximetry sensors 31, 32 sense oxygen content in
occupant's blood. Based on the output of the processing, computer
54 may activate output 56.
[0079] Obtaining step 81 obtains oximetry signals from occupant 50
as shown in FIG. 8. In a first sub-step, each oximetry sensor 31,
32 emits (1) light which passes through the occupant's clothing and
passes into occupant 50. A portion of the light is then reflected
(2) back from occupant 50 and captured by each associated oximetry
sensor 31, 32. Each oximetry sensor 31, 32 then takes the captured
light and coverts (3) it to a signal which is then communicated to
analog to digital converter 48 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0080] Heart rate 61 is calculated by computer 54 using heart-rate
determination process 90 as shown in FIG. 11. Heart-rate
determination process 90 includes the steps of detecting 91 heart
beats from the ECG signal, differentiating 92 the heart-beat
signal, determining 93 a raw heart rate, determining 94 reliability
of each signal, weighing 95 more reliable signals, and calculating
96 an average heart rate (FIG. 10, ref. 61). Detecting step 91
detects heart beats preferably uses threshold and peak detection of
ECG signal 58. Determining step 94 determines the reliability of
each signal. In one example, determining step 94 uses peak analysis
to remove erroneous data, the root mean square of the signal to
determine stronger signals, and signal to noise ratio to determine
more reliable signals. Once heart rate data is determined from 90,
further determinations may be made regarding heart-rate variability
100 and stress level 110, discussed below.
[0081] Once heart rate 61 is determined by computer 54 in
heart-rate determination process 90, computer 54 may then proceed
to a heart-rate variability determination process 100 as shown in
FIG. 12. Heart-rate variability determination process 100 includes
taking 101 a derivative of the heart rate, determining 102 heart
rate variability spectrum by taking a Fourier transform of the
signal, determining 103 a ratio of high frequencies to all
frequencies, and determining 104 the impact of adrenaline on the
occupant. Adrenaline affects the lower frequencies of heart rate
variability. As a result, if the lower frequencies are driving
heart rate variability, computer 54 may proceed to
stress-determination step 110 as shown in FIG. 12. In
stress-determination step 110, computer 54 identifies that the
occupant is under stress when adrenaline is increasing.
[0082] Determining step 103 includes calculating a ratio of high
frequencies to all frequencies. As an example, LF is the power
contained in low frequencies (0.05-0.125 Hz) and HF is the power
contained in high frequencies (0.2-0.3 Hz).
LH 2 HF ratio = LF ( LF + HF ) ##EQU00003## Emotional Stress = LF (
LF + HF ) ##EQU00003.2##
In this example, as the value approaches zero percent, an
occupant's stress level is the lowest. As the value approaches 100
percent, the occupant's stress level is the highest.
[0083] Computer (54) may combine ECG signal 58 and oximetry signal
60 to obtain pulse-transit time 66 and blood pressure 62 as shown
in FIG. 13. Computer (54) performs a pulse-transit time
determination process 120. Pulse-transit time determination process
120 includes the steps of detecting 121 peaks in ECG signal 58,
detecting 122 peaks in oximetry signal 60, determining 123 time
between peaks in oximetry signal 60, and calculating 124
pulse-transit time 66. Once pulse-transit time 66 is determined by
computer 54, computer 54 proceeds to a blood-pressure determination
process 130 as shown in FIG. 13. Blood-pressure determination
process 130 includes the steps of transforming 131 pulse-transit
time 66, estimating 132 systolic blood pressure, and estimating 133
diastolic blood pressure as shown in FIG. 13.
[0084] Blood-pressure determination process 130 may be further
improved by adding an occupant's anthropomorphic data into the
calculation. Specifically, knowledge about a distance between an
occupant's heart and the location on the occupant's leg where one
of the oximetry sensors is taking a measurement could improve
accuracy. Faurecia's SMARTFIT.RTM. technology may be used to
provide such anthropomorphic data to computer 54.
[0085] Computer 54 may use only oximetry signal 60 to determine
respiration rate 68 and respiration depth 69 as shown, for example,
in FIG. 14. Computer 54 performs a respiration-rate determination
process 140 that includes the steps of detecting 141 valleys in
oximetry signal 60, detecting 142 peaks in oximetry signal 60,
determining 143 time between the peaks, calculating 144 respiration
rate 68, and determining 145 amplitude difference between peaks and
valleys as shown in FIG. 14. Once the amplitude difference is
determined, computer 54 may proceed to calculating 146 respiration
depth 69. Respiration rate 68 and respiration depth 69 may be
useful in determine an emotional state of occupant 50, awareness of
occupant 50, alertness of occupant 50, and other suitable health
and/or physiological indicators.
[0086] Computer 54 executes the various processes described above
using a processor 541 included in computer 54 as shown in FIG. 15.
The processes 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 are stored,
for example, in memory 542 of computer 54 which is coupled to
processor 541. Computer 54 further includes inputs 543 and power
supply 544. Inputs 543 are arranged to interconnect processor 541
and analog to digital converter 48 so that ECG signal 58 and
oximetry signal 60 may be communicated to processor 541 for
processing. Processor 541 is further coupled to output 56 as shown
in FIGS. 8 and 15. Power supply 544 is coupled to processor 541 and
configured to provide power to processor 541 and memory 542.
[0087] In one example, computer 54 is located in vehicle seat 10
and coupled to a controller area network included in the vehicle.
In another example, computer 54 is located in spaced-apart relation
to vehicle seat 10 and may be a computer which controls other
equipment in the vehicle. In either example, output 56 may be used
to provide audio, visual, or tactile feedback.
[0088] In one example, output 56 may be a video screen located in
the vehicle which provides output from computer 54 and receives
input from the occupant. Such input may be captured through one of
inputs 543 and communicated to processor 541 for further
processing. In another example, output 56 may also be an instrument
panel included in the vehicle. In another example, output 56 may be
a personal computer, a mobile device or smart phone, or
communication device which sends data provided by processors 541
remotely. Data may be sent remotely to a doctor, a vehicle
manufacturer, or any other suitable alternative. In the example of
a doctor, the data may be used to prescribe treatments which may be
performed with or without the vehicle seat. In another example,
output 56 may be an actuator included in vehicle seat 10 which
moves portions of vehicle seat 10. In this example, the actuator
may be use to adjust an angle at which seat back 14 extends
upwardly away from seat bottom 12.
[0089] Electronics system 16 obtains sensor data from signals
obtained and computer 54 processes the signals to obtain
information related to occupant 50. Electronics system 16 may
cooperate with seat bottom 12, seat back 14, other vehicle systems,
and systems separate from the vehicle to maximize occupant comfort,
maximize occupant capacity to control the vehicle, maximize
occupant health, and maximize the emotional well being of the
occupant.
[0090] Occupant comfort may be maximized according to several
exemplary modes such as an auto-fit mode, a smart-memory mode, a
pro-active comfort mode, a pro-active thermal-adjustment mode, a
next-position mode, a comfort-validator mode, a smart-massage mode,
a targeted heating and cooling treatment mode, a recommended
break-activity mode, a better circulation mode, a tension relief
mode, an energize mode, and an arrival coach mode.
[0091] An auto-fit mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 and other data communicated to computer 54
via input 543 to change the position and orientation of vehicle
seat 10 and other components in the vehicle automatically. As a
result, the occupant's comfort is maximized according their
physiological data.
[0092] A smart-memory mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine an identity of the occupant and
save settings of vehicle seat 10 according to the identity of the
occupant. As a result, the electronics system 16 may position
vehicle seat 10 and vehicle equipment according to the stored
profile of the occupant associated with the identified
identity.
[0093] A pro-active comfort mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to predict physical or thermal discomfort and
make changes in response. Changes may occur before the occupant
recognizes physical or thermal discomfort. The sensor data may be
processed by computer 54 and compared with known or learned trends
to predict physical or thermal discomfort. Computer 54 may learn
that when certain sensor data occurs, an occupant manually performs
an action such as turn down a blower included in the vehicle's HVAC
system.
[0094] The pro-active thermal-adjustment mode may use sensor data
collected by electronics system 16 to predict thermal discomfort
and make changes in response. In one example, electronics system 16
may sense of thermal discomfort on an occupant's face and command
via output 56 the vehicle's Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) system to provide reduced heating or cooling
only to the occupant's face.
[0095] A next-position mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to calculate a new arrangement of the vehicle
seat based on known physiological data such as the dimensions of an
occupant's body parts. As a result, computer 54 through output 56
commands vehicle seat 10 to make adjustments in position and
orientation to further maximize patient comfort according to
real-time sensor data.
[0096] A comfort-validator mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine if changes made by computer 54
via output 56 have resulted in objective measures of improved
comfort. As a result, an occupant may determine if their comfort
has actually improved as compared to whether they think it has
improved.
[0097] A smart-massage mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 and output 56 to provide constantly improving
treatments to a specific occupant's stress and fatigue. In one
example, a first massage algorithm may be established to treat an
occupant. During the trip, the electronics system 16 may determine
that a second different massage algorithm should be established to
further mitigate the occupant's stress and fatigue.
[0098] A targeted heating and cooling treatment mode may use sensor
data collected by electronics system 16 and output 56 to command
the vehicle's Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
system to provide localized heating or cooling to the occupant. As
a result, energy used to provide thermal comfort to the occupant is
minimized while occupant comfort is maximized.
[0099] A recommended break-activity mode may use sensor data
collected by electronics system 16 before a break from travel is
taken by the occupant and after a break is taken from travel by the
occupant to determine the most effective break activities for use
by the occupant. As an example, computer 54 may learn over time
that when the occupant drives for at least two hours, the most
effective break activity for the occupant is a specific stretching
routing by comparing sensor data obtained before and after other
break activities. In addition, computer 54 may determine that the
previously performed break activities were insufficient and
prescribe new break activities by monitoring post-break sensor
data.
[0100] A better circulation mode may use sensor data collected by
the electronics system 16 to determine that blood flow in one or
more locations of an occupant is or may soon be poor. In one
example, the oximetry sensors in the seat may be used by computer
54 to determine trends relating to blood flow. As a result,
computer 54 may command through outputs 56 various features of the
vehicle and vehicle seat to engage and maximize circulation in the
occupant. In one example, computer 54 may command massage to be
provided by the vehicle seat. In another example, computer 54 may
command the vehicle seat to actuate changing and orientation of the
vehicle seat to promote increased circulation. In yet another
example, computer 54 may command heat to be applied to the occupant
by the vehicle seat. In yet another example, computer 54 may
suggest that a break be taken by the occupant and one or more break
activities (e.g., stretching, walking, etc.) by the occupant.
[0101] A tension relief mode may use sensor data collected by the
electronics system 16 to determine a tension level of an occupant.
In one example, tension may be characterized as a measure of muscle
tension of the occupant. Muscle tension may be determined from
inputs such as stress, posture, and pressure exerted on the
occupant. In one illustrative scenario, computer 54 may determine
that an occupant is experiencing high tension. As a result,
computer 54 may ask the occupant if the occupant wants to decrease
sensed tension through use of one or more features. In another
example, computer 54 may detect increased tension and automatically
engage one or more features to minimize the occupant's tension.
[0102] In one example, computer 54, via output 56, may command
massage to be provided by the vehicle seat. Various characteristics
of massage may be varied by computer 54 to minimize tension such as
frequency, intensity, location, and patterns of application to the
occupant.
[0103] In another example, computer 54 may command application of
heat or cooling to the occupant using the vehicle seat and or the
vehicle heating and cooling systems to minimize tension. Various
characteristics of heating and cooling include location of
application, temperatures applied, duration, and patterns of
application to the occupant. Patterns of application may include
alternating hot and cold or slowly increasing hot or cold
intensity.
[0104] In yet another example, computer 54 may command air flow in
the cabin of the vehicle to be altered to minimize tension. In one
example, cabin windows may be lowered to permit air from outside
the vehicle to blow into the cabin. In another example, computer 54
may command pressurized air to be blown onto specific locations of
the occupant with varying amounts of pressure, volume, and
temperature.
[0105] In yet another example, computer 54 may command one or more
characteristics of lighting in the vehicle to change to minimize
tension. Various characteristics of lighting including location,
color, wavelength, intensity, and duration of lighting.
[0106] In still yet another example, computer 54 may use music to
minimize tension. Specifically, computer 54 may over time monitor
how various music types influence tension in the occupant. As a
result, computer 54 may determine that various music types minimize
tension and play those types of music when tension is found to be
high in the occupant.
[0107] In another example, computer 54 may engage various scents to
be deployed to the cabin of the vehicle. The scents may be tied to
known aroma therapies which are believed to minimize tension when
applied to an occupant.
[0108] In still yet another example, computer 54 may provide
commands to the occupant regarding suggested movements to minimize
tension. In one illustrative example, computer 54 may detect
increased tension and provide commands to the occupant to perform
one or more stretching routines to minimize tension.
[0109] An energize mode may use sensor data collected by the
electronics system 16 to determine an energy level of an occupant.
In one example, computer 54 may use several inputs to determine the
occupant's energy level. These inputs include: vehicle-based
measures, behavioral measures, and physiological measures.
Vehicle-based measures include counting a number of deviations from
desired lane position and monitoring for changes in movement of a
steering wheel and pressure on an accelerator pedal or brake pedal
that deviate significantly from previously monitored normal use.
Behavioral measures may be monitored through a camera in the cabin
and include, for example, yawning, eye closure, eye blinking, and
head position. Physiological measures include correlations between
ECG signal, Electromyogram (EMG), eletrooculogram (EoG), and EEG
may be used to determine drowsiness or low energy level of the
occupant.
[0110] In one illustrative scenario, computer 54 may determine that
an occupant has low energy. As a result, computer 54 may ask the
occupant if the occupant wants to increase sensed energy through
use of one or more features. In another example, computer 54 may
detect decreased energy and automatically engage one or more
features to increase the occupant's energy based on the occupant's
location or schedule.
[0111] In one example, computer 54 via output 56 command massage to
be provided by the vehicle seat. Various characteristics of massage
may be varied by computer 54 to maximize energy of the occupant
such as frequency, intensity, location, and patterns of application
to the occupant.
[0112] In another example, computer 54 may command application of
heat or cooling to the occupant using the vehicle seat and or the
vehicle heating and cooling systems to maximize energy of the
occupant. Various characteristics of heating and cooling include
location of application, temperatures applied, duration, and
patterns of application to the occupant. Patterns of application
may include alternating hot and cold or slowly increasing hot or
cold intensity.
[0113] In yet another example, computer 54 may command air flow in
the cabin of the vehicle to be altered to maximize energy of the
occupant. In one example, cabin windows may be lowered to permit
air from outside the vehicle to blow into the cabin. In another
example, computer 54 may command pressurized air to be blown onto
specific locations of the occupant with varying amounts of
pressure, volume, and temperature.
[0114] In yet another example, computer 54 may command one or more
characteristics of lighting in the vehicle to change to maximize
energy of the occupant. Various characteristics of lighting
including location, color, wavelength, intensity, and duration of
lighting.
[0115] In still yet another example, computer 54 may use music to
maximize energy of the occupant. Specifically, computer 54 may over
time monitor how various music types influence energy level in the
occupant. As a result, computer 54 may determine that various music
types maximize energy of the occupant and play those types of music
when energy level is found to be low in the occupant.
[0116] In another example, computer 54 may engage various scents to
be deployed to the cabin of the vehicle. The scents may be tied to
known aroma therapies which are believed to maximize energy of the
occupant when applied to an occupant.
[0117] In still yet another example, computer 54 may provide
commands to the occupant regarding suggested movements to maximize
energy of the occupant. In one illustrative example, computer 54
may detect decreased energy and provide commands to the occupant to
perform one or more stretching routines to maximize energy.
[0118] An arrival coach mode may use sensor data collected by the
electronics system 16 to determine what state of mind the occupant
should be at for a specific location or time of day. In one
example, electronics system 16 may use Global Positioning System
(GPS) data to determine a location of a vehicle and automatically
engage one or more of the above mentioned modes so that the
occupant is in the appropriate state of mind for the location. In
one scenario, the electronics system 16 may determine the vehicle
is approaching the occupant's home at the end of the day and that
the occupant has high tension. As a result, computer 54 may engage
the tension relief mode to minimize tension of the occupant. In
another example, electronics system 16 may determine from an
occupant's calendar that a work meeting is coming up shortly and
the occupant's energy level is low. As a result, computer 54 may
engage the energize mode to cause the occupant's energy level to
increase in preparation for attending the meeting.
[0119] In one example, specific locations and meeting types may be
programmed by the occupant for use with the arrival coach mode. In
another example, the computer 54 may automatically determine
through various factors that certain locations lead to increase
tension and other locations lead to decreased tension. As a result,
computer 54 may attempt to automatically raise the energy level of
the occupant when entering high tension locations and decrease
tension of the occupant when entering low tension locations.
[0120] Occupant capacity for operating the vehicle may be maximized
according to several exemplary modes. Those modes include a
driver-capability assessment mode, a behavior-coach mode, a
check-in on mode, a time to see doctor mode, an attack alert mode,
an attach-coach mode, and a right responder mode.
[0121] A driver-capability assessment mode may use sensor data
collected by electronics system 16 to determine if the driver's
capability to operate the vehicle is impaired due to overload,
fatigue, drowsiness, stress, and alcohol or drug impairment. As a
result, computer 54 may command via output 56 various equipment in
the vehicle to communicate to the driver that their capability is
impaired. Computer 54 may also take command of the vehicle to slow
the vehicles speed or call for assistance.
[0122] A behavior-coach mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine an impact of the occupant's
behavior of their capacity to operate the vehicle. As an example,
computer 54 may log an incoming phone call followed by a spike in
heart rate because the occupant was distracted by the phone call
and surprised by changing road conditions. Thus, computer 54 may
remind the occupant that various activities have caused distraction
before.
[0123] A check-in on mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that the occupant is operating
at full capacity. In one example, computer 54 may communicate
sensor data via output 56 to a remote person showing the remote
person that the occupant is operating at a sufficient capacity. In
this example, the occupant may be an elderly occupant the remote
person may be a family member.
[0124] A time-to-see-doctor mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that sensed data is indicative
that a visit to the doctor is warranted. As an example, the
computer 54 may determine that the occupant's blood pressure has
been sufficiently high for several days. As a result, computer 54
may via output 56 communicate a suggestion to the occupant to visit
with their doctor.
[0125] An attack alert mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that the occupant is suffering
from a medical attack such as a heart attack. As a result, computer
54 may command via output 56 that medical personnel or a family
member contacted. Computer 54 may also cause the vehicle to be
slowed and stopped and the hazard lights to be turned on.
[0126] An attach-coach mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that the occupant is suffering
from a medical attack such as a heart attack. As a result, computer
54 may communicate instructions via output 56 to the occupant which
causes the occupant to respond to the attack in an optimal way. In
one example, computer 54 may communicate to the occupant the need
to slow down, pull over, and call for assistance.
[0127] A right responder mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that the occupant's biometric
data at the time of and after an accident. The occupant's actual
biometric data may then be communicated by electronics system 16 to
first responders so that the first responders are better prepared
to treat the occupant. In another illustrative example, the
electronics system 16 may store the occupant's biometric data over
time. Once an accident occurs, the electronics system 16 may send
both the historical biometric data and the biometric data from and
after the accident to the first responders. In this example, the
first responders are able to determine what biometric data is
related to the accident rather than typical of the occupant. In yet
another example, electronics system 16 gathers known medical data
about the occupant and sends the known medical data to first
responders along with the biometric data from the crash. In this
example, first responders may be notified of an allergy or other
medical information relevant to the occupant.
[0128] The occupant's emotional well being may be maximized
according to several exemplary modes. Those modes include an
alter-environment mode, a stress-mapper mode, a task-manager mode,
an emotional-geotagging mode, and a mood-optimized playlist
mode.
[0129] An alter-environment mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to change the environment of the occupant to
maximize emotional well being. In one example, computer 54 may
analyze collected sensor data to determine that a change in sound
emitted from the vehicle's sound system would improve the emotional
well being of the occupant.
[0130] A stress-mapper mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 as well as other data collected by the
vehicle to determine whether geographical locations and/or routes
caused increased stress. As a result, computer 54 may be able to
correlate specific locations, traffic patterns, and routes with
increased stress and recommend alternatives to minimize stress.
[0131] A task-manager mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16, other data available from vehicle systems,
and data provided by smart devices to determine an optimal
arrangement of tasks to be completed. As a result, computer 54 may
via output 56 suggest changes to the occupant's schedule, route,
media, and phone to maximize productivity while minimizing
stress.
[0132] An emotional-geotagging mode may use sensor data collected
by electronics system 16 and other data, such as location data,
provided by the vehicle to tie location with emotional state. In
addition, the computer 54 may combine emotional data with
communications received and recorded by the vehicle along with
location. As a result, computer 54 may learn that various factors
which influence the emotional state of the occupant.
[0133] A mood-optimized playlist mode may use sensor data collected
by electronics system 16 to change the music playlist provided by
the sound system of the vehicle. Computer 54 may map emotional
state with songs played to determine a response which organizes
songs to provide a therapy which minimizes stress. Computer 54 may
monitor sensor data to confirm that the mood-optimized playlist is
having the intended function and make changes in response to the
sensor data obtained.
[0134] An occupant's health may be maximized according to several
exemplary modes. Those modes include a health-metric gathering
mode, a health-metric tracking mode, a health-metric sharing mode,
a workout-optimizer mode, a destination-prep mode, and a posture
coach mode.
[0135] A health-metric gathering mode may use sensor data collected
by electronics system 16 to gather and store various health metrics
like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. As a result,
computer 54 may provide upon request stored or real-time health
metrics about the occupant.
[0136] A health-metric tracking mode may use sensor data collected
by electronics system 16 to track changes in health metrics over
time by storing processed sensor data in memory 542 of computer 54
or communicating processed sensor data to a party remote from
vehicle seat. As a result, health metrics may be viewed over a
period of time.
[0137] A health-metric sharing mode may use sensor data collected
by electronics system 16 to provide health metrics which may be
shared intermittently or continuously with a third party. Computer
54 may via output 56 communicate to a doctor, for example, heart
rate information collected over a period of time.
[0138] A workout-optimizer mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine a workout routine which arranges
a workout to accomplish the occupants goals. In one example, the
occupant may wish to maximize muscle gain and computer 54 may
arrange a workout which maximizes muscle gain by sensing which
muscles will benefit most from a workout and providing exercises
which accomplish this result. Computer 54 also may analyze
pre-workout sensor data and post-workout sensor data to determine
if the workout was optimal. Computer 54 may also optimize an
occupant's workout to maximize the occupant's metabolism.
[0139] A destination-prep mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 and other data provided to computer 54 to
prepare the occupant for their arrival at their destination. As a
result, the occupant may be able to take steps which allow them to
be in the best position to arrive at their destination. As an
example, computer 54 may determine from sensor data that the
occupant is drowsy and suggest that coffee or food may be
beneficial prior to arrival so that the occupant is awake.
[0140] A posture coach mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine that the occupant's current
posture while sitting on vehicle seat 10 could be improved.
Computer 54 may provide via output 56 suggestions to the occupant
of how to improve the occupant's posture along with benefits that
may come from changes in posture such as improved mood, increased
blood flow to certain areas of the back, reduced back pain, and
better visibility.
[0141] Usability and value of the vehicle may be maximized
according to several exemplary modes. Those modes include an
identification mode and an insight mode.
[0142] An identification mode may use sensor data collected by
electronics system 16 to determine an occupant's identity. Computer
54 may examine various signals collected by electronics system 16
and use features of those signals to identify an occupant. In one
example, time domain features may be extracted from the ECG signal
and used to identify an occupant. In one example, computer 54 may
collect data such as heart rate and breath rate and associate that
data with a specific occupant based on features of the ECG signal
currently being received by computer 54. As a result, the data
collected by the computer 54 is associated and stored with the
appropriate user. As a result, biometric history stored and
transferred to a healthcare provider or first responder is
confirmed to belong to the occupant.
[0143] In another example, certain vehicle features may be enabled
or disabled based on the identity of the occupant. As an example,
the computer 54 may detect that an owner's son who is sixteen is
driving the vehicle. The computer 54 may also detect that an
occupant other than one of the parents is in the passenger seat. As
a result, the computer 54 may not allow the vehicle to be started
due to pre-programmed restrictions put in place by the owner.
[0144] An insight mode may be used by the occupant to determine
trends and changes in health, comfort, and state of mind over time.
In one example, the electronics system 16 may determine an initial
tension level of the occupant each day as the occupant returns home
after work. Over time, the computer 54 may show that the tension
relief, mode, for example, has reduced a tension level of the
occupant over time so that the occupant is more relaxed when the
occupant arrives at home. The computer 54 may communicate this
information to the occupant via an in-vehicle display, an
application used on a smart phone, tablet, or mobile computing
device, or via a web browser. As a result, the occupant is able to
see the changes over time caused by the electronics system 16.
[0145] Electronics system 16 includes ECG sensor system 18,
oximetry sensor system 20, and control system 22 as shown in FIG.
8. Electronics system 16 may also include another occupancy sensor
system that is configured to sense when an occupant has entered and
existed vehicle seat 10. In one example, the occupancy sensor
system includes a pressure switch which is biased to an open
position and is moved to a closed position when an occupant sits on
the vehicle seat. The pressure switch may be coupled to an input
543 of computer 54 (see FIG. 15) to cause oximetry sensor system 20
to initiate and perform a calibration cycle. While a pressure
switch is discussed, any other suitable alternative may be
used.
[0146] As discussed previously, ECG sensor system 18 includes first
and second ECG sensor 24, 26, ECG mat 28, and ECG unit 30 as shown
in FIG. 8. In one illustrative example, first and second ECG
receivers 24, 26 are Plessey EPIC.TM. Ultra High Impedance Sensors
(PS25102). ECG receivers 24, 26 are capacitance based receivers.
ECG mat 28 is a conductive mat or any other suitable alternative.
ECG unit 30 includes, for example, a Plessey Control and Interface
Box (PS25001A) and a driven right leg circuit coupled to the
Control and Interface Box.
[0147] In another illustrative embodiment, ECG sensor 34 is coupled
to a seat cushion 36 and positioned to lie below trim 38 which
extends around seat cushion 36 as shown in FIG. 16. ECG sensor 34
is configured to provide means for detecting electrical signals in
occupant 50 through trim 38, first, second, and Nth clothing layers
41, 42, and 43N as shown in FIG. 16. In one example, trim 38 is
cloth trim. However trim 38 may also be leather trim or any other
suitable material. In this example, first clothing layer 41 is a
shirt made of cotton. Second clothing layer 42 is an undershirt
made from cotton. Nth clothing layer 43N may be a dress coat made
from wool or any other suitable alternative. Nth clothing layer 43N
may be one layer or may be additional layers.
[0148] In another illustrative embodiment, oximetry sensors 31, 32
are coupled to a seat cushion 44 included in seat bottom 12 and
arranged to lie below trim 46 and extend around seat cushion 44 as
shown in FIG. 17. Oximetry sensors 31, 32 are configured to detect
oxygen content in an occupant's blood through trim 46, first,
second, and Nth clothing layers 51, 52, and 53N as shown in FIG.
17. In one example, trim 46 is cloth. First clothing layer 51 is a
pair of pants made from denim. Second clothing layer 52 is a pair
of underpants made from cotton. Nth clothing layer 53N may be a
pocket included in the pair of pants or any other suitable
alternative. Nth clothing layer 53N may be one layer or multiple
layers.
[0149] In another example, electronics system 16 may further
include a thermal sensor system. The thermal sensor system may be
coupled to control system 22 and be configured to provide
information relating to temperature and humidity distribution
around an occupant, information relating to injured areas of an
occupant, and information relating to temperature gradients around
an occupant.
[0150] In the example where information relating to temperature and
humidity distribution around the occupant is provided, personalized
and automatic adjustments to heating and cooling of the occupant
may be provided by computer 54 using the vehicle's HVAC system to
target portions of the occupant for treatment. As a result of
knowing specific hot and cold spots on the occupant's body,
adjustments to heating and cooling of the occupant may occur in
real time without occupant direction or control.
[0151] In the example where information relating to injured areas
of the occupant is provided, increased blood flow to injured muscle
areas may indicate to computer 54 the need for cooling in the area
to minimize swelling, to decrease support in the are so that
pressure is minimized on the damage area, or provide massage to
promote increased blood flow to the area. In the example where
information relating to temperature gradients around the occupant
are provided, cooperation with other anthropometric data may be
useful to target responses of the vehicle and vehicle seat.
[0152] The thermal sensor system may include a hydrothermal mat
that includes heat-sensitive layers or an array of temperature
sensors. The hydrothermal mat may be positioned to lie below the
trim of the vehicle seat and be configured to sense heat through
the trim whether the trim is cloth or leather. The hydrothermal mat
would obtain heat information about a back side of the occupant.
The thermal sensor system may also include an infrared camera
coupled to the vehicle in such a position as to scan the occupant
while seated in the vehicle seat. In another example, the infrared
camera may be coupled to the vehicle in such a location so as to
scan the occupant prior to being seated on the vehicle seat. An
interface for providing such a scan and orienting the occupant
during the scan may be the Faurecia SMARTFIT.RTM. technology.
[0153] Automobile sensor systems may be used to sense and monitor
vehicle performance, including engine performance and diagnostics,
tire pressure and security. Additional interest has developed in
using other types of automobile sensor systems to monitor and
enhance certain aspects of the end-user automobile driving
experience. For example, automobile seat sensor technology has been
deployed to enable such systems to identify automobile drivers,
provide automobile security, enhance child safety, and the
like.
[0154] With regard to automobile seat sensor systems, many systems
provide limited information regarding (i) environmental and/or
physiological parameters of occupants, and (ii) occupant seating
environment and/or automobile cabin environment. Furthermore,
certain sensors within such systems may be limiting, in that many
sensors are cumbersome to integrate into the seating system, and
awkward to deploy on the person of the occupant in the seat. For
example, certain systems may require that sensors be physically
attached to the skin of the occupant in order to detect
physiological states or conditions. Other systems require occupants
to wear custom-made clothing containing the sensors necessary for
physiological detection. Moreover, the physiological datasets
produced by conventional sensor systems do not adequately take into
consideration the data produced from multiple, and sometimes
different, types of sensors that may be part of a seat sensor
system.
[0155] Accordingly, there is a need in to have a seat sensor system
that is flexible to use and is capable of accommodating different
kinds of occupants. The seat sensor system should be capable of
detecting certain physiological parameters through one or more
layers of clothing. The seat sensor system should also combine data
produced from multiple sensors to provide more robust occupant
physiological measurement.
[0156] While certain exemplary embodiments have been presented in
the foregoing detailed description, a vast number of variations
exist. The example embodiment or embodiments described herein are
not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of
the present disclosure in any way. Various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure and the legal equivalents
thereof.
[0157] Various other embodiments and various changes and
modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent
to those skilled in the art. Particularly, otherwise explicitly
mentioned, all above described features, alternatives and/or
embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each
other as far as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive of
others. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are
intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *