U.S. patent application number 15/873034 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for seat cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffery T. BONK, Chad W. DURKEE, John M. PERRAUT, Todd SIETING.
Application Number | 20190038147 15/873034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65231359 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190038147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PERRAUT; John M. ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
SEAT COVER
Abstract
An occupant support includes a seat and a seat cover. The seat
is adapted to support an occupant resting thereon. The seat cover
is couple to the seat and arranged to lie between the occupant and
the seat.
Inventors: |
PERRAUT; John M.; (Rochester
Hill, MI) ; BONK; Jeffery T.; (Chesterfield, MI)
; DURKEE; Chad W.; (Troy, MI) ; SIETING; Todd;
(Clarkston, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC |
Auburn Hills |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65231359 |
Appl. No.: |
15/873034 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15863129 |
Jan 5, 2018 |
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15873034 |
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62540133 |
Aug 2, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 7/08 20130101; B60N
2/60 20130101; A61B 5/6892 20130101; A61H 2201/5048 20130101; A61B
5/0205 20130101; A61H 2201/5025 20130101; B60N 2/58 20130101; B60N
2/976 20180201; A61H 2201/1207 20130101; A61H 2201/1623 20130101;
A61H 2201/1633 20130101; A61H 9/0078 20130101; A61H 2201/5082
20130101; B60N 2/914 20180201; A61F 7/007 20130101; A61H 2230/425
20130101; B60N 2/665 20150401; A61H 2201/0149 20130101; A61H
2201/1645 20130101; A61H 2230/305 20130101; A61H 2201/0157
20130101; A61H 2201/5071 20130101; A61H 2201/0221 20130101; A61B
5/6893 20130101; A61B 5/742 20130101; A61H 2201/5035 20130101; B60N
2/002 20130101; A61B 5/024 20130101; A61H 2201/1409 20130101; A61H
2203/0425 20130101; A61B 5/4836 20130101; A61H 2230/505 20130101;
B60N 2/5642 20130101; A61H 2201/5043 20130101; A61H 2230/065
20130101; A61H 2201/0207 20130101; A61H 2201/5058 20130101; A61H
2201/5097 20130101; B60N 2/5685 20130101; A61B 5/0816 20130101;
A61B 2503/22 20130101; A61H 2201/0103 20130101; A61B 5/02055
20130101; B60N 2/5678 20130101; A61B 5/021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; B60N 2/00 20060101 B60N002/00 |
Claims
1. A health-monitoring cover adapted for use with an occupant
support, the health-monitoring cover comprising a comfort unit
configured to couple removably to an occupant support adapted for
use in a vehicle, the comfort unit including an inner layer and an
outer layer arranged around the inner layer, a sensor system
integrated with the comfort unit, the sensor system configured to
obtain occupant-body signals associated with physiological
characteristics of an occupant of the occupant support, a plurality
of therapy systems integrated into the comfort unit and configured
to relieve the occupant, the plurality of therapy systems including
pneumatic lumbar bladders, pneumatic bolster bladders, a heat mat,
a ventilation system, and a massage system, and a control system
configured to receive the occupant-body signals from the sensor
system, determine occupant health data indicative of physiological
characteristics of the occupant based on the occupant-body signals,
and activate a first therapy system included in the plurality of
therapy systems to change at least one physiological characteristic
of the occupant based on the occupant health data.
2. The health-monitoring cover of claim 1, wherein the massage
system includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders, the sensor
system and control system are configured to determine a pressure
map indicative of high and low pressure areas applied to the
health-monitoring cover by the occupant, and the control system is
configured to adjust a pressure of the plurality of bladders based
on the pressure map.
3. The health-monitoring cover of claim 2, wherein the comfort unit
includes an upper end and a lower end, the plurality of pneumatic
bladders includes a first pneumatic bladder located adjacent the
lower end and a second pneumatic bladder spaced apart from the
first pneumatic bladder toward the upper end, and the first
pneumatic bladder is larger than the second pneumatic bladder when
both the first pneumatic bladder and the second pneumatic bladder
are fully inflated.
4. The health-monitoring cover of claim 1, wherein the comfort unit
includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side spaced
apart from the first lateral side, the pneumatic bolster bladders
include a first pneumatic bolster bladder located adjacent the
first lateral side and a second pneumatic bolster bladder spaced
apart from the first pneumatic bolster bladder and located on the
second lateral side of the comfort unit.
5. The health-monitoring cover of claim 1, wherein the control
system is further configured to receive supplemental occupant-body
signals after activating the first therapy system and determine
supplemental occupant health data based on the supplemental
occupant-body signals, and compare the occupant health data and the
supplemental occupant health data to determine an effectiveness of
the first therapy system.
6. The health-monitoring cover of claim 5, wherein the control
system is configured to activate a second therapy system included
in the plurality of therapy systems based on the supplemental
occupant health data and input from the occupant.
7. The health-monitoring cover of claim 1, wherein the comfort unit
further includes a 3D mesh in fluid communication with the
ventilation system, the sensor system includes a plurality of
sensors, the 3D mesh is located between the outer layer and the
plurality of sensors, and the pneumatic lumbar bladders are located
between the 3D mesh and the sensory system.
8. The health-monitoring cover of claim 7, wherein the heat mat is
located between the outer layer and the 3D mesh.
9. The health-monitoring cover of claim 8, wherein the massage
system includes at least one pneumatic bladder located between the
heat mat and the outer layer.
10. A health-monitoring cover comprising a comfort unit configured
to couple removably to an occupant support, a sensor system coupled
to the comfort unit, the sensor system configured to obtain
occupant-body signals associated with physiological characteristics
of an occupant of the occupant support, and a control system
configured to receive the occupant-body signals and determine
occupant health data indicative of physiological characteristics of
the occupant based on the occupant-body signals.
11. The health-monitoring cover of claim 10, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems that include a pneumatic lateral side
bolster bladder, a plurality of massage bladders, and a pneumatic
lumber bladder.
12. The health-monitoring cover of claim 11, wherein the sensor
system includes a plurality of sensors and the pneumatic lumber
bladder is located between the plurality of sensors and the
plurality of massage bladders.
13. The health-monitoring cover of claim 11, wherein the control
system is further configured to identify the occupant based on at
least one of input from the occupant and the occupant health data
and to associate the occupant health data with a unique occupant
data profile for the identified occupant.
14. The health-monitoring cover of claim 10, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems and the plurality of therapy systems
include pneumatic lumbar bladders, pneumatic bolster bladders, a
heat mat, a ventilation system, and a massage system.
15. The health-monitoring cover of claim 14, wherein the sensor
system includes a plurality of sensors and the pneumatic lumbar
bladders are located between the heat mat and the plurality of
sensors.
16. The health-monitoring cover of claim 14, wherein the massage
system includes a plurality of massage bladders and the heat mat is
located between the plurality of massage bladders and the pneumatic
lumber bladders.
17. The health-monitoring cover of claim 14, wherein the comfort
unit includes a 3D mesh located between the heat mat and the
pneumatic lumber bladders.
18. A method comprising providing a health-monitoring cover
configured to couple removably to an occupant support, the
health-monitoring cover including a comfort unit configured to
support an occupant of the occupant support, a sensor system, a
control system, and a plurality of pneumatic bladders located in
the comfort unit, measuring occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of the occupant with the sensor
system, determining occupant health data indicative of
physiological characteristics of the occupant based on the
occupant-body signals with the control system, generating
instructions to display the occupant health data on a screen with
the control system, measuring a pressure of the plurality of
pneumatic bladders with the sensor system, and generating
instructions to adjust the pressure in the plurality of pneumatic
bladders with the control system based on the measured pressure of
the plurality of pneumatic bladders.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the health-monitoring cover
further includes a pneumatic lumbar bladder located in the comfort
unit and the method further includes adjusting a pressure in the
pneumatic lumbar bladder with the control system based on the
occupant health data.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the health-monitoring cover
further includes a pneumatic bolster bladder located in the comfort
unit and the method further includes adjusting a pressure in the
pneumatic bolster bladder with the control system based on the
occupant health data.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/863,129, filed Jan. 5, 2018, which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/540,133, filed Aug. 2, 2017, each of which
is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to covers adapted for use
with occupant supports. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to covers configured to couple removably to occupant
supports.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to the present disclosure, an occupant support
includes a seat and a seat cover. The seat is adapted to support an
occupant resting thereon. The seat cover is couple to the seat and
arranged to lie between the occupant and the seat.
[0004] In illustrative embodiments, the seat cover is a
health-monitoring cover. The health monitoring cover is adapted to
couple removably to a seat. The health-monitoring cover includes a
comfort unit configured to support an occupant of the occupant
support. The health-monitoring cover may be obtained separately
from the seat and used with multiple occupant supports.
[0005] In illustrative embodiments, the health-monitoring cover
includes a sensor system and a control system. The sensor system is
configured to obtain occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of the occupant of the occupant
support. The control system is configured to receive and process
the occupant-body signals to determine occupant health data and
occupant state data such as, for example, comfort and stress. The
control system analyzes the data to recommend activating therapy
systems and lifestyle amenities to improve the comfort and
wellbeing of the occupant.
[0006] In illustrative embodiments, the health-monitoring cover
includes a plurality of therapy systems integrated into the comfort
unit and configured to provide relief the occupant. The control
system is configured to monitor the occupant and the therapy
systems to determine the effect of activating the therapy systems
and the lifestyle amenities and to learn the occupant's
preferences.
[0007] In illustrative embodiments, the occupant health data,
occupant state data, and learned occupant behaviors are associated
in a unique occupant data profile associated with a single
occupant. The control system adds information and trends to the
unique occupant data profile over time to improve its occupant
comfort and wellness recommendations.
[0008] 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
[0009] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of a
health-monitoring cover in accordance with the present disclosure
removeably coupled to an occupant support suggesting that the
health-monitoring cover includes a comfort unit for supporting an
occupant, a sensor system including a plurality of sensors
configured to measure physiological data of an occupant positioned
on top of the health-monitoring cover, and a control system
removeably coupled to the back of the occupant support and
configured to communicate with multiple smart devices to receive
health and comfort data of the occupant;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the health-monitoring cover
of FIG. 1 showing that the health-monitoring cover includes the
sensor system and the control system, the sensor system is
configured to detect one or more of occupant physiological signals
and environmental signals and the control system is configured to
analyze the signals to generate occupant health data, occupant
state data, and recommendations to improve a wellness and/or
comfort of the occupant based on the occupant health data and/or
the occupant state data;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the sensor system included
in the occupant support system and a plurality of experience levels
of the occupant that may be determined by the control system based
on the signals received from the sensor system;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of the
health-monitoring cover removeably coupled to the occupant support
showing that the health-monitoring cover includes a bottom cover
removeably coupled to a seat bottom of the occupant support and a
back cover that extends upwardly away from the bottom cover of the
health-monitoring cover, and further showing portions of the
health-monitoring cover broken away to reveal that the bottom cover
and back cover include the comfort unit that includes an inner
layer and an outer layer arranged over the inner layer, the sensor
system located between the inner layer and the outer layer, a
plurality of therapy systems integrated with the comfort unit, and
the control system located on the back of the occupant support;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the health-monitoring
cover shown in FIG. 4 showing that the health-monitoring cover
includes a backpack configured to house the control system and
attachment straps configured to secure the health-monitoring cover
to the occupant support;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the
health-monitoring cover shown in FIGS. 1-5 showing that the
health-monitoring cover includes an outer layer, a pneumatic
bladder, a heat mat, a venting air channel layer, a plurality of
sensors, and the inner layer coupled together and configured to
respond to the control system;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the health-monitoring
cover showing the backpack removeably attached to the occupant
support and configured to house the control system and a fan, the
fan configured to direct air into the comfort unit so that the
occupant experiences a cooling sensation in response to the
activation of the fan;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the back cover included
in the health-monitoring cover showing the configuration of the
plurality of bladders included in the health-monitoring cover;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the bottom cover
included in the health-monitoring cover showing the configuration
of the plurality of bladders included in the health-monitoring
cover;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a display screen included
in a smart device suggesting that the smart device is in
communication with the health-monitoring cover and configured to
display information about the therapy systems included in the
health-monitoring cover such as a temperature system, a ventilation
system, and a massage system;
[0020] FIG. 11A is a diagrammatic view of the display screen shown
on the smart device in communication with the health-monitoring
cover showing occupant health data indicative of physiological
characteristics of the occupant;
[0021] FIG. 11B is a diagrammatic view of the display screen shown
on the smart device in communication with the health-monitoring
cover showing that the health-monitoring cover recommends
activating therapy systems to improve occupant wellness or
comfort;
[0022] FIG. 11C is a diagrammatic view of the display screen shown
on the smart device in communication with the health-monitoring
cover showing that the health-monitoring cover is configured to
communicate a health score of the occupant to the smart device;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of display screen shown on
the smart device in communication with the health-monitoring cover
showing occupant data over time;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of
a health-monitoring cover coupled removeably to the occupant
support showing a soft pack/pocket removeably attached a pocket on
a back side of the occupant support and configured to house the
control system;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a third embodiment of
a health-monitoring cover coupled removeably to the occupant
support showing a front pocket attached removeably to the occupant
support and configured to house the control system;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the back cover and
bottom cover included in the health-monitoring cover showing the
configuration of the plurality of sensors of the sensor system and
showing the wires coupled to each of the sensors and secured around
pins;
[0027] FIG. 16A is a side perspective diagrammatic view of the
health-monitoring cover showing that the health-monitoring cover
includes a plurality of adjustable lumbar bladders to provide
lumber support separate from the occupant support;
[0028] FIG. 16B is an enlarged diagrammatic view of the
health-monitoring cover shown in FIG. 16A;
[0029] FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of the health-monitoring
cover showing that the health-monitoring cover includes a plurality
of adjustable bolsters for providing support separate from the
occupant support, the bolsters being currently deflated;
[0030] FIG. 17B is a top perspective view of the health-monitoring
cover showing the plurality of bolsters have been inflated;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the back cover included in
the health-monitoring cover suggesting that the plurality of
bladders inflate or deflate based on high or low pressure areas
determined with pressure mapping, the sensors with upward facing
arrows indicating an increased pressure and the sensors with
downward facing arrows indicating a decreased pressure;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view of the backpack located on
the rear of the occupant support and configured to house components
of the control system; and
[0033] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view of the health-monitoring
cover showing the components of the health-monitoring cover and the
connections made at each layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] A health-monitoring cover 14 in accordance with the present
disclosure is adapted for use with an occupant support 12 such as,
for example, a seat as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. Occupant support
12 may be included in a vehicle or occupant support 12 may be any
occupant support 12 configured to support an occupant 13.
Health-monitoring cover 14 is configured to couple removably to
occupant support 12 and to monitor health characteristics of
occupant 13 to collect and analyze health data for informing the
occupant and to generate recommendations to improve occupant's
wellness and/or comfort.
[0035] Because health-monitoring cover 14 is removable,
health-monitoring cover 14 may be used with multiple supports 12
and may be obtained as an aftermarket accessory separate from
occupant support 12. As a result, health-monitoring cover 14 may be
coupled to seats 12 for occupants with sedentary occupations such
as commercial drivers or for patient data collection with
healthcare providers.
[0036] Health-monitoring cover 14 may include a plurality of
therapy systems 50 and may recommend activating a therapy system 50
such as a massage system 86 to improve occupant's comfort and blood
flow. Over time, health-monitoring cover 14 obtains more and more
occupant health data and occupant feedback to improve its
recommendations and, thereby, improve occupant wellness and/or
comfort.
[0037] Health-monitoring cover 14 is configured to be secured
removably on occupant support 12 as shown in FIG. 1.
Health-monitoring cover includes a comfort unit 20, a sensor system
22, and a control system 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Comfort unit
20 is configured to support occupant 13 on occupant support 12.
Sensor system 22 is integrated with comfort unit 20 and includes a
plurality of sensors 32 configured to measure occupant physiology
and surrounding environment information as suggested in FIGS. 3 and
4. Control system 18 determines occupant health data indicative of
physiological characteristics of occupant 13 and occupant state
data indicative of a state of occupant 13 based on the signals from
sensor system 22 as suggested in FIG. 11A. Control system 18
analyzes the occupant health data and occupant state data and
determines recommendations for improving the wellness and/or
comfort of occupant 13 as suggested in FIG. 11B.
[0038] In the illustrative embodiment, health-monitoring cover 14
further includes therapy systems 50 as shown in FIG. 4. Therapy
systems 50 are connected to control system 18 and are configured to
activate in response to the instructions generated by control
system 18.
[0039] Illustratively, health-monitoring cover 14 is coupled
removably to occupant support 12 to allow a user to move occupant
support 12 from a first seat 12 to a different seat.
Health-monitoring cover 14 is coupled to an outwardly facing upper
surface of a driver side seat 12 as shown in FIG. 1.
Health-monitoring cover 14 includes a bottom cover 17 and a back
cover 19 that is coupled to and extends upwardly away from bottom
cover 17. Bottom cover 17 is secured on top of a seat bottom 15
included in occupant support 12 and back cover 19 is secured on top
of a seat back 21 included in occupant support 12.
[0040] Comfort unit 20 includes an inner layer 64 and an outer
layer 56 arranged around inner layer 64 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.
Comfort unit 20 further includes a 3D mesh layer 58 located beneath
outer layer 56 as shown in FIG. 6. 3D mesh layer 58 is configured
to allow for a ventilation system 88 included in therapy systems 50
to provide ventilation to occupant 13.
[0041] Comfort unit 20 may include sewn on belt attachment and
toggles, nylon std clip attachments, elastic toggle tie-downs, and
elastic band strap take-ups. Straps may be located relatively high
and low on seat back to avoid interference with side airbag
deployment. Straps may extend around headrest posts.
[0042] Sensor system 22 includes the plurality of sensors 32 as
shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 8-9. Measurements from sensor system 22 are
used to determine occupant health data and occupant state data as
suggested in FIG. 3. Sensor system 22 may be included in,
incorporated in, or otherwise attached to comfort unit 20. Thus, in
some examples, sensor system 22 may be covered with outer layer 56
and accordingly spaced apart from occupant 13 of occupant support
12. Additionally, occupant support 12 may include a different
number and/or arrangement of sensor system 22. Sensor system 22 may
further be configured to provide measurements indicative of
occupant behavior, vehicle conditions, and environmental
conditions.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, sensor system 22 includes a
piezoelectric sensor 28, an electrode 30, a humidity sensor 36, a
thermistor 38, and smart devices 40 such as, for example, a smart
watch 40A, cloud computing 40B, a smart phone 40C, a tablet 40D, a
personal computer 40E and other devices with computer processors.
Thermistor 38 is configured to detect occupant temperature. Smart
devices 40 communicate with occupant support 12 via Bluetooth in
some embodiments and may provide data in real-time when occupant 13
sits in occupant support 12. In some embodiments, sensor system 22
further includes optical cameras may include infrared cameras.
[0044] Sensor system 22 is configured to determine occupant health
data by using the plurality of sensors 32 with the ability to be
arranged in a variety of ways. The sensors 32 are configured to
send information through wires 52 to control system 18. Another
embodiment a health-monitoring cover 414 with a sensor system 422
is shown in FIG. 15. Sensor system 422 includes a plurality of
sensors spaced apart from each other with the ability to be
arranged in a variety of ways. Illustratively, sensors are spaced
apart from one another and located on both a bottom cover 416 and a
back cover 418 as shown in FIG. 15. A wire 454 extends from each
sensor and wraps around a fastener 494, such as a pin, so that wire
454 remains taught and can be lead to a bite line of occupant
support 12. Wire 454 is configured to couple control system 18 so
that sensor system 422 is in communication with control system
18.
[0045] Control system 18 is configured to receive sensor data from
sensor system 22 and determine biometric data relating to occupant
13 based on the sensor data. Thus, control system 18 is configured
to measure occupant biometrics even in a noisy environment such as
the interior of a vehicle when driving. Additionally, control
system 18 may measure occupant biometrics with sensors 32 of sensor
system 22 spaced apart from the occupant's body (e.g., to allow for
seat trim and clothing), without requiring the sensors 32 to be
attached to occupant 13. By measuring the occupant biometrics,
control system 18 may provide biofeedback to occupant 13, trigger
or suggest appropriate therapies, or perform other
applications.
[0046] Control system 18 determines occupant health data and
occupant state data based on the signals generated by sensor system
22 as suggested in FIGS. 3 and 11A. Control system 18 determines
data based on different experience levels as shown in FIG. 3.
Control system 18 is in communication with smart devices 40 in
order to analyze the occupant health data and occupant state data
in relation to cloud data, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] Cloud data includes a database, individual profiles,
analyses, recommendations, and whole-life monitoring capability
specific to an occupant 13 so that control system 18 is able to
personalize therapy system 50 in response to the occupant's
individual physiological needs and preferences. Occupant health
data and occupant state data are provided in real-time to smart
devices 40. FIG. 3 provides one example of the signals and data
used to determine the data of experience levels 1-4 and the machine
learning and profile update level. Other examples of determining
data based on different signals and data are within the scope of
this disclosure and a number of examples are provided herein.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of biometrics and behavioral
data may be collected and determined by sensor system 22 and
control system 18. Reference is hereby made to U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/692,396 filed Aug. 31, 2017 and titled VEHICLE SEAT for
disclosure relating to sensor and therapy systems, which
application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein. Sensor
system 22 and therapy systems 50/outputs of the present disclosure
may include any number and combination of the sensors and output
systems provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/692,396.
[0049] Control system 18 is configured to determine occupant 13
heart rate, occupant 13 sweat level, occupant 13 skin temperature,
occupant 13 blood pressure, and an activity history of occupant 13
in experience level 1 as shown in FIG. 3. BCG or ECG
(electrocardiogram) of occupant 13 may be determined based on
signals from piezoelectric sensor 28 and electrode 30. The occupant
sweat level may be based on signals from humidity sensor 36. The
occupant skin temperature may be based on signals from thermistor
38. The activity history of occupant 13 may be based on signals
from the smart devices 40.
[0050] Control system 18 is further configured to pressure map the
high pressure areas of an occupant's back and legs for occupant
comfort and inflate pneumatic bladders 62 in response to high
pressure areas as shown in FIG. 18. Sensor system 22 and control
system 18 may be configured to determine a pressure map indicative
of high and low pressure areas applied to health-monitoring cover
14 by occupant 13. Control system 18 is configured to adjust a
pressure of the plurality of bladders based on the pressure map.
FIG. 18 shows the inflating pneumatic bladders 62 with arrows
pointing upward and deflating pneumatic bladders 62 with arrows
pointing downward in response to control system 18 pressure mapping
occupant 13. Sensors 32 may determine high pressure areas so that
occupant 13 experiences improved comfort after the inflating or
deflating of the pneumatic bladders 62. Therefore, even with the
variability of occupant body size, pneumatic bladders 62 allow for
occupant 13 to fit comfortably without altering the occupant
support 12 itself.
[0051] Pressure may be determined with fluid pressure sensors,
force pressure sensors, force sensors, etc. As shown in FIGS. 9 and
18, pneumatic bladders 62 near the bite line may be larger than
pneumatic bladders 62 located away from the bite line. For example
pneumatic bladders 62 may be relatively larger at a lower portion
of back cover 19 and an aft portion of bottom cover 17 and
pneumatic bladders 62 may be relatively smaller at an upper end of
back cover 19 and a forward end of bottom cover 17. Comfort unit
includes an upper end and a lower end.
[0052] The plurality of pneumatic bladders 62 includes a first
pneumatic bladder located adjacent the lower end and a second
pneumatic bladder spaced apart from the first pneumatic bladder
toward the upper end. The first pneumatic bladder is larger than
the second pneumatic bladder when both the first pneumatic bladder
and the second pneumatic bladder are fully inflated. A third
pneumatic bladder is located between the first and second pneumatic
bladders. The third pneumatic bladder is larger than the second
pneumatic bladder and smaller than the first pneumatic bladder when
the bladders are fully inflated. In some embodiments, the size of
the bladders is determined by volume. In some embodiments, the size
of the bladders is determined by a surface area of the
bladders.
[0053] In illustrative embodiments using the ACTIVE WELLNESS.TM.
experience, as shown in FIG. 1, a learning protocol may be engaged
to automate determination of the occupant status. The occupant
status may be used to determine probable occupant motion sickness,
stress, comfort level, apparent vigilance, and drowsiness level.
The plurality of sensors provides data collection in order to
determine occupant status in the learning protocol for use in the
improvement protocol. The improvement protocol may comprise one or
more massage programs with adjustable intensities, adjustment of
seat ventilation, and adjustment of seat and/or cabin
temperature.
[0054] Respiration rate of occupant 13, heart rate variation (HRV),
and heart rate 102 of occupant 13 may be based on the ECG data
determined in level 1 as shown in FIG. 3. The thermal comfort of
occupant 13 may be based on occupant sweat level, occupant skin
temperature, and activity history data determined in experience
level 1. Reference is hereby made to U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0313475 filed May 18, 2015 and titled VEHICLE
SEAT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS for disclosure relating to use of
sensors to obtain biometric data about an occupant, which
application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein.
[0055] Control system 18 is configured to determine occupant state
data based on the occupant health data and generate instructions to
display the occupant health data to occupant 13 on smart devices 40
as suggested in FIGS. 1 and 11B. A plurality of states are shown
and described, however other occupant states are contemplated.
Occupant state data includes numerical values indicative of the
severity of the state in some embodiments. In some embodiments,
occupant state data is determined to be normal, low, or high based
on predetermined criteria.
[0056] Drowsiness of occupant 13 and stress of occupant 13 of
occupant 13 may be determined in experience level 3 as shown in
FIG. 3. Drowsiness of occupant 13 may be based on one or more of
respiration rate of occupant 13 and HRV of occupant 13 determined
in experience levels 1 and 2. Stress of occupant 13 may be based on
respiration rate and HRV data determined in experience level 2.
Biometric and/or wearables including smart devices 40 include
activity history with feedback from sweat and skin temperature
experiences.
[0057] Fatigue minimization mode may trigger one or more different
mild therapies, while the machine learns the relationship between
the therapies and beneficial bio-feedback. The methods of therapy
and stimulation to increase the low-fatigue zone may improve over
time and may adjust to each individual's feedback. Fatigue
mitigation mode may trigger more invasive therapies as well as
predict and detect the onset of drowsiness. Under the high-fatigue,
or impairment zone, there may be a stop mechanism available to the
individual in which there is a high-risk warning. Suggestions to
pull over and take a break (or other action) may be engaged.
[0058] In one example, the occupant state data may be indicative of
a vigilance of occupant 13. The vigilance of occupant 13 may be
based on occupant health data that includes information indicative
of the respiration rate of the occupant determined from signals
received from piezoelectric sensor 28 and electrode 30. In another
example, vigilance may be determined based on one or more of recent
activities of occupant 13 and respiration rate 94 of occupant
13.
[0059] In another example, the occupant state data may be
indicative of motion sickness of the occupant as suggested in FIG.
13. The motion sickness may be based on occupant health data that
includes information indicative of a humidity around occupant 13
determined from signals received from humidity sensor 36 and
breathing rate 92 of occupant 13 determined from signals received
from piezoelectric sensor 28 and electrode 30. In another example,
motion sickness may be determined based on one or more of humidity
around occupant 13 and breathing rate 92 of occupant 13. In yet
another example, motion sickness may be determined based on
humidity around occupant 13 and respiration rate of occupant
13.
[0060] In another example, occupant state data is indicative of a
stress of occupant 13. The stress of occupant 13 may be based on
occupant health data that includes information indicative of
humidity 100 around occupant 13 determined from signals received
from humidity sensor 36 and heart rate 102 of occupant 13
determined from signals received from piezoelectric sensor 28 and
electrode 30. In another example, stress of occupant 13 may be
based on one or more of the heart rate variability of occupant 13,
humidity 100 around occupant 13, and heart rate 102 of occupant 13.
In one example, stress of occupant 13 may be based on the heart
rate variability of occupant 13, humidity 100 around occupant 13,
and heart rate 102 of occupant 13.
[0061] In another example, occupant comfort may be based on one or
more of the temperature of occupant 13, a pressure distribution of
occupant 13, and the humidity 100 around occupant 13. In another
example, occupant comfort may be based on the temperature of
occupant 13 and humidity 100 around occupant 13.
[0062] In the illustrative embodiment, control system 18 is
configured to generate instructions to display occupant health
data, for example, on smart devices 40 for occupant information as
suggested in FIG. 11A and configured to receive input from occupant
13 via smart devices 40. The occupant health data is displayed in
geometric patterns and includes indicia of the health data and
numeric values or graphical values associated with the occupant
health data. Breathing rate 92, humidity 100 around occupant 13,
and heart rate 102 of occupant 13 are displayed in FIG. 11A.
[0063] Control system 18 is configured to receive the occupant-body
signals from sensor system 22 and determine occupant health data
indicative of physiological characteristics of occupant 13 based on
the occupant-body signals. Control system 18 further determines
occupant state data indicative of a state of occupant 13 based on
the occupant health data. Based on at least one of the occupant
health data and the occupant state data, control system 18
identifies one or more of the plurality of therapy systems 50
suitable to change at least one physiological characteristic of
occupant 13. For example, control system 18 may determine that a
massage system 86 is suitable for changing a heart rate 102 of
occupant 13. Control system 18 recommends to occupant 13 to
activate therapy system(s) 50 based on the occupant health data and
the occupant state data.
[0064] Therapy system 50 may be activated automatically by control
system 18 or manually by occupant 13 in response to the
recommendation. Alternatively, occupant 13 may activate a different
therapy system 50. Control system 18 monitors which therapy
system(s) 50 is activated and the effect on the occupant health
data and occupant state data. Control system 18 associates the
selected therapy system 50, the occupant health data, and the
occupant state data in a unique occupant data profile to learn
occupant preferences and effective recommendations. Future
recommendations may be based on the occupant's preferences and
effective recommendations such that they are more tailored to
occupant 13 over time.
[0065] Therapy systems 50 provide informational, tactile, and
thermal feedback to occupant 13. Therapy systems 50, alone or in
combination, may be activated to apply a variety of therapies to
occupant 13 to change at least one physiological characteristic or
behavioral characteristic of occupant 13. Therapy systems 50
include a temperature system 82, a massage system 86, a heat mat
60, a ventilation system 88, and smart devices 40 as suggested in
FIGS. 1 and 4. Temperature system 82 includes a heating and/or
cooling system included in health-monitoring cover 14. Therapy
systems 50 may be activated by occupant input via smart devices 40.
Therapy systems 50 may be activated automatically by control system
18.
[0066] The plurality of pneumatic bladders 62 are located beneath
3D mesh layer 58 as shown in FIG. 6. The plurality of pneumatic
bladders 62 are configured to inflate in response to pneumatic pump
70. Illustratively, bladders 62 are spaced apart from each other
and arranged so that at least eight bladders 62 are located on
bottom cover 17 and at least eight bladders 62 are located on back
cover 19 as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
[0067] Massage system 86 is configured to provide massage therapy
to occupant 13. Heat mat 60 is located below pneumatic bladders 62
and configured to heat occupant 13 in response to thermal control
system 68. Comfort unit 20 further comprises of a elastomeric
venting air channel layer 78 located below heat mat 60 and
configured to allow air to flow in response to activation of
ventilation system 88 or other combinations of therapy systems 50,
the plurality of sensors 32 located directed beneath venting air
channel 78, and inner layer 64.
[0068] With some ventilation systems, occupant weight compresses
airways and blocks flow of air. Areas of the body with higher
contact pressure trap heat and moisture. In the present disclosure,
massaging may be performed during ventilation. When massage expands
it provided increase ventilation. Massage sequence distributes
burst of ventilation as it progresses. In some embodiments,
pneumatic bladders 62 are configured to inflate and deflate to
massage occupant 13. Massaging with pneumatic bladders 62 urge
occupant 13 upward and may open closed airways. As a result,
massaging with pneumatic bladders 62 may be performed during
ventilation to increase ventilation to occupant 13. In some
embodiments, air is ventilated in bursts in response to pneumatic
bladders 62 temporarily and periodically urging occupant 13 away
from seat 12.
[0069] Control system 18 activates therapy system(s) 50 based on at
least one of the occupant health data, the occupant state data, and
input from the occupant. Activated therapy system(s) 50 may be the
same or different than the recommended therapy system 50. For
example, control system 18 recommends activating massage system 86,
but activates temperature system 82 based on occupant input. In
another example, control system 18 recommends activating massage
system 86 and activates massage system 86 based on occupant input
or occupant health data. Control system 18 may recommend that
occupant 13 activates therapy system 50 to improve the wellness or
comfort level of occupant 13 as suggested in FIG. 11B. Control
system 18 may activate therapy system automatically.
[0070] Control system 18 is configured to associate activation of
therapy system 50 with the occupant health data and the occupant
state data in a unique occupant data profile. The unique occupant
data profile is specific to one occupant and more information is
added to unique occupant data profile over time to increase the
accuracy and effectiveness of the recommendations made by control
system 18. Control system 18 is configured to identify occupant 13
based on at least one of input from occupant 13 and the occupant
health data.
[0071] Data associated in unique occupant data profile includes
occupant height, weight, sex, and age data. Such data may be
entered manually by occupant 13, by smart devices 40, and/or by an
Internet connection. Unique occupant data profile further includes
a medical history including medical conditions of occupant 13. A
completion level of the unique occupant data profile may be
depicted by shading of silhouette from foot to head. No shading
corresponds to an incomplete profile and full shading corresponds
to a complete profile.
[0072] By associating associate activation of therapy system 50
with the occupant health data and the occupant state data in the
unique occupant data profile, control system 18 learns occupant
preferences and behaviors over time. If the recommended therapy
system 50 is activated, control system 18 learns that occupant 13
agrees with that recommendation while occupant 13 exhibits that
occupant health data and occupant state data. If the recommended
therapy system 50 is not activated and instead, another therapy
system 50 is activated, control system 18 learns that occupant 13
prefers the other therapy system 50 while occupant 13 exhibits that
occupant health data and occupant state data. Control system 18
learns and improves its recommendations as the number of iterations
increase.
[0073] Control system 18 is configured to determine the
effectiveness of activating therapy system 50. Control system 18
monitors and analyzes the physiological data of occupant 13 to
determine the effect of therapy systems 50 on occupant 13. In one
example, control system 18 is configured to receive supplemental
occupant-body signals and supplemental behavioral signals after
activating the therapy system 50. Control system 18 determines
supplemental occupant health data based on the supplemental
occupant-body signals. Control system 18 determines supplemental
occupant state data based on the supplemental occupant health
data.
[0074] Control system 18 identifies therapy system(s) 50 configured
to change at least one physiological characteristic of occupant 13
based on at least one of the supplemental occupant health data, the
supplemental occupant state data, and the unique occupant data
profile. Control system 18 activates therapy system(s) 50 based on
at least one of the supplemental occupant health data, the
supplemental occupant state data, the unique occupant data profile,
and input from occupant 13. The activated therapy system 50 may be
the same or different than the previously activated or recommended
therapy system 50.
[0075] Control system 18 is configured to associate activation of
therapy system(s) 50 with the supplemental occupant health data and
the supplemental occupant state data in the unique occupant data
profile to learn occupant behavior and preferences. Control system
18 compares the occupant health data and the supplemental occupant
health data and associates changes to the occupant health data in
the unique occupant data profile.
[0076] Control system 18 may further include a digital signal
processor, GPS-Fit, Bluetooth to a mobile device, and a wired or
wireless connection to a vehicle on-board diagnostics. Control
system 18 may also include a thermal control system 68 configured
to communicate with heat mat 60 as well as controlling pumps,
massage, bolsters, GPS-Fit and valve blocks 26.
[0077] Control system 18 determines a health score of occupant 13
in some embodiments, as suggested in FIG. 11C. Control system 18 is
configured to receive secondary health data unique to occupant 13
from at least one of an input and an accessory device. For example,
secondary health data includes a height, sex, weight, and/or age of
occupant 13. Secondary health data may include a medical history
and medical conditions of occupant 13 input manually or received
via a smart device or over an internet connection. Control system
18 associates the secondary data with the unique occupant data
profile and determine the health score of occupant 13. Control
system 18 generates instructions to display the health score to
occupant 13 as suggested in FIG. 11C.
[0078] In one example, the health score is based on the occupant
health data, the unique occupant data profile, and predetermined
criteria. In another example, the health score is based on the
occupant health data, the unique occupant data profile, the
secondary health data, and predetermined criteria. In some
embodiments, the health score is based on cloud data of other
vehicle occupants.
[0079] In some embodiments, control system 18 analyzes the occupant
data over a period of time and provides a raw health score. The raw
scores are tallied and compared to predetermined criteria. The raw
scores are normalized for the occupant's particular occupant
profile and history. Control system 18 generates instructions for
outputting the health score.
[0080] In some embodiments, control system 18 anticipates
occupant's 13 use of occupant support 12 amenities and therapies
such as, for example, therapy systems 50. Occupant 13 is connected
with occupant support 12 via smart devices 40.
[0081] In one scenario, occupant support 12 detects that occupant
13 has is experiencing a heightened heart rate. Occupant support 12
suggests comfort rejuvenation, which may include a massage and
activation of ventilation based on sensor measurements. In another
scenario, occupant support 12 prepares occupant 13 for physical
activity by giving a stretching massage.
[0082] In another example, fatigue of an occupant 13 may be
detected and predicted based on a number of factors. An
occupant-driver fatigue curve may be projected to occupant 13 and
may help schedule a trip to minimize fatigue before the trip
starts. Control system 18 may inform or suggest to the driver when
and where to take a break from driving, as well as provide
reminders for a break during the trip. Occupant may 13 provide
inputs and at least portions of the operator profile to the system.
Preference modifications may be provided by the system and
considered in planning for restorative sleep in a multi-day
journey.
[0083] Each occupant health data type is rated as normal, high, or
low in some embodiments. If one or more of the occupant health data
used to determine an occupant state is not normal, control system
18 determines one or more therapy system 50 to recommend to
occupant 13 in order to change the occupant health data toward
normal. Occupant health data and occupant state data is continually
monitored and recommendations are provided until occupant health
data and occupant state data are normal. Occupant medical history
and conditions are taken into account in determining normal
occupant health data and occupant state data.
[0084] Control system 18 is configured to connect to one or more of
smart devices 40 and communicate with occupant 13 via the smart
device such as via a display screen. As such, health-monitoring
cover 14 may interact with occupant 13 and provide the determined
data and recommendations to occupant 13 through a plurality of the
occupant's smart devices. Health-monitoring cover 14 may receive
occupant input via smart devices 40. In other embodiments, control
system 18 includes a display and/or audio output. Control system 18
is configured to generate instructions to display occupant health
data and/or occupant state data in a graphical representation as
shown in FIG. 12. The occupant health data and/or occupant state
data is graphed over a 12-hour period in the illustrative
embodiment.
[0085] Illustratively, control system 18 is located in backpack 54
coupled to a back of occupant support 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4.
Backpack 54 may be connected to health-monitoring cover 14 through
wires 52 extending through the vehicle seat bite or bite line so to
communicate the desired therapy to occupant 13. Air flow may be
provided from backpack 54 to occupant 13 as shown in FIG. 7. The
airflow is illustrated with arrows and shows the flow moving
downward from the top of the seat back of the vehicle seat to the
bottom of the seat back of the vehicle seat. The air flow continues
to flow through the seat bite or bite line while splitting the
airflow in two directions across the occupant side of the vehicle
seat 12. A portion of the airflow goes upward on the occupant side
of the vehicle seat back while a portion of the flow travels along
the occupant side of the seat bottom of the vehicle seat as shown
in FIG. 7. Illustratively, backpack 54 is created using Cover
Carving Technology (CCT) which provides for a form-fitting backpack
54 and additional knee room for rear passengers and allows for a
semi-rigid, resistant, and lightweight backpack 54. CCT may involve
less tooling costs and allows for backpack 54 to be coupled to the
seat cover 14 with no fixation to the occupant support 12.
[0086] In another embodiment of health-monitoring cover 214,
control system 18 and the aforementioned electronic equipment
associated with the health-monitoring cover may be located in a
soft pack/pocket 280 coupled to the back of vehicle seat 12 as
shown in FIG. 13. In additional embodiments, control system 18 and
the aforementioned electronic equipment associated with the
health-monitoring cover 314 may be located in a front pocket 390
coupled to the front edge of the seat bottom of the vehicle seat 12
as shown in FIG. 14.
[0087] Illustratively, health-monitoring cover 14 further includes
pneumatic lumbar bladders 24 located between sensor system 22 and
3D mesh layer 58 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 20. As such,
health-monitoring cover 14 provides adjustable lumbar support for
occupant supports that may not include adjustable lumber support.
Lumbar bladders 24 are arranged so that when occupant 13 sits on
occupant support 12, he/she experiences support in his/her lumbar
region of his/her low back. Lumbar bladders 24 may inflate or
deflate in response to a valve block 26 located in control system
18. Lumbar bladders 24 are in communication with valve block 26 so
that they are configured to inflate or deflate via pump 48 and fans
80. Illustratively, lumbar bladders 24 are inflated simultaneously
in order to create lumbar support. Lumbar bladders 24 inflate and
deflate relative to each other so that lumbar bladders 24 can be
adjusted four ways (up, down, inward, and outward).
[0088] Illustratively, health-monitoring cover 14 further includes
adjustable bolsters 42 located between outer layer 56 and inner
layer 64 of back cover 19 of health-monitoring cover 14 so that the
head of the occupant is flanked by adjustable bolsters 42 as shown
in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The adjustable bolsters 42 are configured to
be inflated or deflated in order to increase the support of an
occupant's head. Comfort unit includes a first lateral side and a
second lateral side spaced apart from the first lateral side.
Adjustable pneumatic bolster bladders 42 include a first pneumatic
bolster bladder located adjacent the first lateral side and a
second pneumatic bolster bladder spaced apart from the first
pneumatic bolster bladder and located on the second lateral side of
the comfort unit.
[0089] In an illustrative embodiment, the health-monitoring cover
14 includes outer layer 56 (sometimes called a cover material) and
a material backing 66 as shown in FIG. 20. Material backing 66 is
located between outer layer 56 and pneumatic bladders 62, pneumatic
bladders 62 being in communication with valve block 26. Pneumatic
bladders 62 are arranged on top of heat mat 60, and heat mat 60 is
in communication with control system 18. Heat mat 60 is located on
top of a layer of 3D mesh 58 so that therapies 50 may be
experienced by occupant 13. 3D mesh 58 may be in fluid
communication with control system 18 and some therapy systems 50
such as ventilation system. Pneumatic lumbar bladders 24 are
located underneath 3D mesh 58 and above sensors 32 and are in
communication with valve block 26 and are only located in the back
cover 19 of the health-monitoring cover 14. Sensors 32 are in
communication with control system 18 and are arranged on top of the
inner layer 64. Inner layer 64 may also be called backing material
64 and B-surface material 64. Any number of components in cover 14
may be omitted in some embodiments. In other embodiments,
components in cover 14 are rearranged.
[0090] A method of using health-monitoring cover 14 may include a
number of steps. The method may include providing a
health-monitoring cover configured to couple removably to an
occupant support, the health-monitoring cover including a comfort
unit configured to support an occupant of the occupant support, a
sensor system, and a control system. The method may further include
measuring, with the sensor system, occupant-body signals associated
with physiological characteristics of the occupant. The method may
further include determining, with the control system, occupant
health data indicative of physiological characteristics of the
occupant based on the occupant-body signals. The method may further
include transmitting, with the control system, the occupant health
data to a smart device.
[0091] The method may further include generating instructions to
activate one of the massage system, ventilation system, and heating
system based on the occupant health data. The method may further
include conducting air flow with the ventilation system through a
bite line defined by a seat bottom and a seat back of the occupant
support.
[0092] The method may further include generating instructions to
display the occupant health data on a screen with the control
system. The method may further include measuring a pressure of the
plurality of pneumatic bladders with the sensor system. The method
may further include generating instructions to adjust the pressure
in the plurality of pneumatic bladders with the control system. The
method may further include adjusting a pressure in the pneumatic
lumbar bladder with the control system based on the occupant health
data. The method may further include adjusting a pressure in the
pneumatic bolster bladder with the control system based on the
occupant health data.
[0093] According to the present disclosure, an occupant wellness
sensor pad system (sometimes called a health-monitoring cover) is
provided for installation in original-equipment seats or as an
aftermarket product. The occupant wellness system may include a
seat mat with back and bottom portions. It may also include a
sensor array, electronic control system, at least one integrated
therapy system, and capability for connection to cloud data using a
wireless connection means and electronic device. The occupant
wellness sensor system pad system may be installed on a vehicle
seat at the seat bottom, seat back, or at a combination thereof. A
map pocket may be used to house electronic equipment associated
with the system. Alternatively, a seat bottom front pocket may be
used to house the electronic equipment.
[0094] In illustrative embodiments, integrated therapies into the
occupant wellness sensor pad system may include a massage therapy
system, thermal therapy system, or a combination thereof. A sensor
array may be included in the system to detect and measure
biometrics of an occupant of a vehicle seat. The massage therapy
system may include pneumatic bladders. The thermal therapy system
may include a heat mat. Each of the therapies may require a
different internal pad structure, for example differently-shaped or
oriented layers, to reliably deliver such therapies.
[0095] The occupant wellness sensor pad system provides a user with
an aftermarket experience of an Active Wellness.RTM. closed-loop
biometric measurement and therapy system. The system may be used by
long-haul truck drivers, agricultural machine operators, bus
drivers, taxi drivers, pilots, or anyone spending significant
amounts of time in a vehicle. General health monitoring such as
heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, etc. may be
addressed. Therapies such as heating or venting, massage, breathing
exercises, music, and situational awareness (via GPS-Fit) may also
be addressed.
[0096] Features that may be integrated or connected to the system
include Smart-Fit, GPS-Fit, personal wearable devices, and other
biometric monitoring and health technologies. Breathing pattern and
level, exercises and intensities, prompting for activity,
step-tracking, and sleep-tracking may be monitored for a whole-life
activity profile. The option for tracking fatigue due to
under-stimulation or drowsiness (e.g. due to circadian rhythm) may
also be provided in a new form factor in the present
disclosure.
[0097] Health-monitoring cover 14 may include a sensor system 22
operatively connected to an electronic control system 18 to provide
instructions on engaging a therapy system 50 in a vehicle seat 12.
The electronic control system 18 may communicate with a smart
device 40 for analyzing the individual occupant data in relation to
cloud data, as suggested in FIG. 1.
[0098] Cloud data may include a database, individual profiles,
analyses, recommendations, and whole-life monitoring capability.
Wireless connection means 22 may be used to connect the mobile
device with the electronic control system, including but not
limited to Wi-Fi 46 and Bluetooth capability. Modes of
physiological improvement may include the occupant simply building
awareness and tracking habits of physical characteristics that are
monitored by the occupant wellness sensor pad system 14.
Biofeedback, psychosomatic, and induced physiological response to
therapies are also introduced in the present invention. Electronic
monitoring of a normally-automatic bodily function (e.g. breathing
rate) may be used to train someone to acquire voluntary control of
such a function, for example. Likewise, a person that becomes aware
of an unfavorable habit (e.g. driving when drowsy) may be likely to
expend effort to overcome the unfavorable habit when notified of it
by the sensor system.
[0099] The electronics equipment may be stored in a location free
from interference with the occupant's use of the vehicle cabin. One
solution provided is to include the equipment in a soft pack/pocket
280 located at the rear portion of a vehicle seat 12 back with
respect to the location of the occupant as shown in FIG. 13. Any
number of wires or harnesses 282 may be routed through the seat
bite or bite line of the vehicle seat 12. Another option may be to
provide the wiring or harness 282 route through the seat bottom to
be stored in the seat bottom front pocket 390 as shown in FIG. 14.
Yet another option may include a seatback equipment backpack 54 as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.
[0100] The seatback equipment backpack 54 may be connected to a
seat cover through the vehicle seat bite or bite line. The
electronic control system 18 may include a digital signal processor
(DSP), GPS-Fit, Bluetooth to a smart device 40, and a wired or
wireless connection to vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD). A
thermal control system 68 may be integrated or included as a
separate component for an integrated heat mat 60.
[0101] Pneumatic functionality may also be included for controlling
pumps, massage, bolsters, GPS-Fit, and valve blocks 26. Air flow
may be provided from the back of the seat back with respect to the
location of the occupant 13 as shown in FIG. 7. The airflow is
illustrated with arrows and shows the flow moving downward from the
top of the seat back to the bottom of the seat back, continuing to
flow through the seat bite or bite line while splitting the flow in
two directions across the occupant side of the vehicle seat 12. A
portion of the flow may go upward on the occupant side of the seat
back 6 while a portion of the flow travels along the occupant side
of the seat bottom as shown in FIG. 7. Control system 18 may be
configured to activate functional pneumatics of the
health-monitoring cover 14. The seat bite or bite line may be
blocked by a toe kick in some vehicles, in which packaging may be
slightly modified to fit the packaging space provided by that
particular space between the seat bottom and the seat back.
[0102] One embodiment may include sensors only with the binding
trim edge made of a laminated cover material. A non-skid closeout
material may be used with a sensor array and separately-fabricated
seat cushion portion and seat back portion. The portions may be
sewn together. Nylon standard clips or other attachment mechanism
may be sewn on the belt attachment and toggles with an elastic
tie-down and elastic band strap take-up. The seat coverlet may
include all of the above-referenced components and the therapy
components may be external to the coverlet. The belt arrangement
will be set up to avoid covering the side airbag at the seat back.
An indicia or logo may be included as part of the
health-monitoring
[0103] Adhesive may be used to secure any wire or harness as shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9. Strain relief is provided by wrapping the paired
wires 454 around a pin or other stabilizing post 494 as shown in
FIG. 15. Excess tape or a second piece of tape may be used to close
the wire harness. Sensor strips of the sensor system 22 on seat
back are shown in FIG. 15. Sensor strips of sensor system 22 on
seat bottom are shown in FIG. 10B. An unshielded wire harness
includes a predetermined length of sensor wire that has individual
grounds for each of the paired wires 454.
[0104] The seat bottom portion of the occupant wellness sensor pad
system 14 is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The occupant side of the
pad cover has a plush or other desired textile finish. The back is
preferably coated or made of a non-slip material and the wire
harness exits at the center portion of the seat bottom of sensor
pad system 14.
[0105] Health-monitoring cover 14 may include multiple connections
to the sensor array within the cover. The electronic control system
18 may include standard or custom connectors that meet
predetermined specifications based on the application of the
health-monitoring cover 14. Illustratively, harnesses and their
corresponding connectors may be used.
[0106] Massage therapy system 86 may include bladders on both the
seat back and seat bottom. Health-monitoring cover 14 includes
pneumatic bladders 62 on the rear of the seat back. A sensory array
may be located on the front of the seat back. The electrical
connection at the center of the seat back. The cover of the seat
back on the occupant side when the sensors are covered. The order
of orientation of the massage components, sensor array, and heating
mat may be adjusted to fit any particular seat's bite line. The
massage therapy system 86 may include pneumatic bladders 62 on the
seat bottom.
[0107] The layers of health-monitoring cover 14 may include a cover
with three-dimensional mesh material, pneumatic bladders, a heat
mat with air flow openings, an elastomeric (or other suitable
material) venting air channel layer, a sensor layer, and a back
material. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of an occupant seated
in a vehicle seat 12 while the pneumatics are engaged to provide
airflow, as shown by arrows. Cover layer may be on the occupant
side of the vehicle seat, with heat mat 60, venting air channel 78,
plurality of sensors 32, and material backing 66 to follow. The air
channels in the elastomeric layer may provide for unobstructed
passage of air. The three-dimensional mesh sewn to the outer layer
56 may provide a plush surface for the occupant while allowing the
passage of air.
[0108] An alternative construction may include a fan 80 to provide
forced ventilation in backpack 54 with ducting or wiring 52 passing
through the seat bite or bite line. The airflow may then split
after the seat bite or bite line to the seat back and seat bottom
as shown in FIG. 7. An equipment backpack 54 may be made of any
suitable material.
[0109] In one embodiment, an occupant wellness sensor pad system
connected to a vehicle seat includes a seat mat with a seat back
portion and seat bottom portion, a sensor array, an electronic
control system, at least one integrated therapy system, and a
wireless connection means through an electronic device. The
occupant wellness pad system is installed on a vehicle seat at the
seat bottom, seat back, or at a combination thereof, electronics
may be housed within at least a portion of the vehicle seat.
[0110] The occupant wellness pad system may include integrated
therapy means comprising optionally one or more of a massage
therapy system and a thermal therapy system. The occupant wellness
pad system may include a sensor array to detect and measure
biometrics of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat. The occupant
wellness pad may include pneumatic bladders. The occupant wellness
pad may include a heat mat. The occupant wellness pad system may
include a closed-loop biometric measurement and therapy system,
with detection and determination of heart rate, respiration rate,
and blood pressure. The occupant wellness sensor pad system may
include a closed-loop biometric measurement and therapy system,
with detection and determination of occupant presence.
[0111] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are
contemplate and non-limiting:
[0112] Clause 1. A health-monitoring cover adapted for use with an
occupant support, the health-monitoring cover comprising
[0113] a comfort unit configured to couple removably to an occupant
support adapted for use in a vehicle, the comfort unit including an
inner layer and an outer layer arranged around the inner layer.
[0114] Clause 2. The health-monitoring cover of clause 1, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a sensor
system integrated with the comfort unit, the sensor system
configured to obtain occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of an occupant of the occupant
support.
[0115] Clause 3. The health-monitoring cover of clause 2, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems integrated into the comfort unit and
configured to relieve the occupant.
[0116] Clause 4. The health-monitoring cover of clause 3, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a control
system configured to receive the occupant-body signals from the
sensor system and determine occupant health data indicative of
physiological characteristics of the occupant based on the
occupant-body signals.
[0117] Clause 5. The health-monitoring cover of clause 4, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control system
is configured to determine occupant state data indicative of a
state of the occupant based on the occupant health data.
[0118] Clause 6. The health-monitoring cover of clause 5, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control system
is configured to activate a first therapy system included in the
plurality of therapy systems configured to change at least one
physiological characteristic of the occupant based on at least one
of the occupant health data and the occupant state data.
[0119] Clause 7. The health-monitoring cover of clause 1, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control system
is configured to activate a second therapy system included in the
plurality of therapy systems based on at least one of the occupant
health data, the occupant state data, and input from the
occupant.
[0120] Clause 8. The health-monitoring cover of clause 6, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control system
is configured to receive supplemental occupant-body signals after
activating the first therapy system and determine a supplemental
occupant health data based on the supplemental occupant-body
signals.
[0121] Clause 9. The health-monitoring cover of clause 8, any other
clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the supplemental
occupant health data includes one or more of an occupant presence,
a heart rate of the occupant, a respiration rate of the occupant,
and a blood pressure of the occupant.
[0122] Clause 10. The health-monitoring cover of clause 6, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the plurality
of therapy systems includes a massage system, a ventilation system,
and a heating system.
[0123] Clause 11. The health-monitoring cover of clause 10, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the massage
system includes at least one pneumatic bladder.
[0124] Clause 12. The health-monitoring cover of clause 11, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the heating
system includes a heat mat.
[0125] Clause 13. The health-monitoring cover of clause 12, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit further includes a venting air channel layer.
[0126] Clause 14. The health-monitoring cover of clause 13, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the at least
one pneumatic bladder is located between the outer layer and the
inner layer of the comfort unit.
[0127] Clause 15. The health-monitoring cover of clause 14, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the heat mat
is located between the at least one pneumatic bladder and the inner
layer.
[0128] Clause 16. The health-monitoring cover of clause 15, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the venting
air channel layer is located between the heat mat and the inner
layer.
[0129] Clause 17. The health-monitoring cover of clause 16, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the sensor
system is located between the venting air channel layer and the
inner layer.
[0130] Clause 18. The health-monitoring cover of clause 12, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the heat mat
is formed to include a plurality of air flow openings configured to
receive the at least one pneumatic bladder.
[0131] Clause 19. The health-monitoring cover of clause 6, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
backpack coupled to the comfort unit and the control system is
located in the backpack.
[0132] Clause 20. The health-monitoring cover of clause 19, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the plurality
of therapy systems include a ventilation system including a fan
located in the backpack and the fan is configured to direct an air
flow from the backpack through a ducting that extends through a
bite line of the occupant support.
[0133] Clause 21. A health-monitoring cover comprising
[0134] a comfort unit configured to couple removably to an occupant
support, and
[0135] a sensor system coupled to the comfort unit, the sensor
system configured to obtain occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of an occupant of the occupant
support.
[0136] Clause 22. The health-monitoring cover of clause 21, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
control system configured to receive the occupant-body signals and
determine occupant health data indicative of physiological
characteristics of the occupant based on the occupant-body
signals.
[0137] Clause 23. The health-monitoring cover of clause 22, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is configured to determine occupant state data indicative of
a state of the occupant based on the occupant health data.
[0138] Clause 24. The health-monitoring cover of clause 23, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising at
least one therapy system and the control system is configured to
activate the at least one therapy system based on at least one of
the occupant health data and the occupant state data.
[0139] Clause 25. The health-monitoring cover of clause 24, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the at least
one therapy system includes a massage system including a pneumatic
bladder, a ventilation system, and a heat mat.
[0140] Clause 26. The health-monitoring cover of clause 25, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit includes an inner layer, a venting air channel layer, and an
outer layer arranged over the inner layer and the venting air
channel layer.
[0141] Clause 27. The health-monitoring cover of clause 1, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pneumatic
bladder is located between the outer layer and the inner layer, the
heat mat is located between the pneumatic bladder and the inner
layer, the venting air channel layer is located between the heat
mat and the inner layer, and the sensor system is located between
the venting air channel layer and the inner layer.
[0142] Clause 28. The health-monitoring cover of clause 22, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is configured to identify the occupant based on at least one
of input from the occupant and the occupant health data and to
associate the occupant health data with a unique occupant data
profile for the identified occupant.
[0143] Clause 29. The health-monitoring cover of clause 28, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
therapy system, the control system is configured to activate the
therapy system based on the occupant health data, and the control
system is configured to associate activation of the therapy system
with the occupant health data in the unique occupant data
profile.
[0144] Clause 30. A method comprising
[0145] providing a health-monitoring cover configured to couple
removably to an occupant support, the health-monitoring cover
including a comfort unit configured to support an occupant of the
occupant support, a sensor system, and a control system,
[0146] measuring, with the sensor system, occupant-body signals
associated with physiological characteristics of the occupant,
and
[0147] determining, with the control system, occupant health data
indicative of physiological characteristics of the occupant based
on the occupant-body signals.
[0148] Clause 31. The method of clause 30, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further comprising transmitting, with the
control system, the occupant health data to a smart device.
[0149] Clause 32. The method of clause 31, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, wherein the health-monitoring cover further
includes a massage system, a ventilation system, and a heating
system and the method further includes generating instructions to
activate one of the massage system, ventilation system, and heating
system based on the occupant health data.
[0150] Clause 33. The method of clause 32, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further comprising conducting air flow with
the ventilation system through a bite line defined by a seat bottom
and a seat back of the occupant support.
[0151] Clause 34. A health-monitoring cover adapted for use with an
occupant support, the health-monitoring cover comprising
[0152] a comfort unit configured to couple removably to an occupant
support adapted for use in a vehicle, the comfort unit including an
inner layer and an outer layer arranged around the inner layer.
[0153] Clause 35. The health-monitoring cover of clause 34, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
sensor system integrated with the comfort unit, the sensor system
configured to obtain occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of an occupant of the occupant
support.
[0154] Clause 36. The health-monitoring cover of clause 35, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems integrated into the comfort unit and
configured to relieve the occupant, the plurality of therapy
systems including pneumatic lumbar bladders, pneumatic bolster
bladders, a heat mat, a ventilation system, and a massage
system.
[0155] Clause 37. The health-monitoring cover of clause 36, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
control system configured to receive the occupant-body signals from
the sensor system, determine occupant health data indicative of
physiological characteristics of the occupant based on the
occupant-body signals, and activate a first therapy system included
in the plurality of therapy systems to change at least one
physiological characteristic of the occupant based on the occupant
health data.
[0156] Clause 38. The health-monitoring cover of clause 37, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the massage
system includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders.
[0157] Clause 39. The health-monitoring cover of clause 38, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the sensor
system and control system are configured to determine a pressure
map indicative of high and low pressure areas applied to the
health-monitoring cover by the occupant, and the control system is
configured to adjust a pressure of the plurality of bladders based
on the pressure map.
[0158] Clause 40. The health-monitoring cover of clause 39, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit includes an upper end and a lower end, the plurality of
pneumatic bladders includes a first pneumatic bladder located
adjacent the lower end and a second pneumatic bladder spaced apart
from the first pneumatic bladder toward the upper end.
[0159] Clause 41. The health-monitoring cover of clause 40, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the first
pneumatic bladder is larger than the second pneumatic bladder when
both the first pneumatic bladder and the second pneumatic bladder
are fully inflated.
[0160] Clause 42. The health-monitoring cover of clause 37, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side spaced
apart from the first lateral side, the pneumatic bolster bladders
include a first pneumatic bolster bladder located adjacent the
first lateral side and a second pneumatic bolster bladder spaced
apart from the first pneumatic bolster bladder and located on the
second lateral side of the comfort unit.
[0161] Clause 43. The health-monitoring cover of clause 37, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is further configured to receive supplemental occupant-body
signals after activating the first therapy system and determine
supplemental occupant health data based on the supplemental
occupant-body signals.
[0162] Clause 44. The health-monitoring cover of clause 43, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is configured to compare the occupant health data and the
supplemental occupant health data to determine an effectiveness of
the first therapy system.
[0163] Clause 45. The health-monitoring cover of clause 44, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is configured to activate a second therapy system included
in the plurality of therapy systems based on the supplemental
occupant health data and input from the occupant.
[0164] Clause 46. The health-monitoring cover of clause 37, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit further includes a 3D mesh in fluid communication with the
ventilation system, the sensor system includes a plurality of
sensors, the 3D mesh is located between the outer layer and the
plurality of sensors.
[0165] Clause 47. The health-monitoring cover of clause 46, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the pneumatic
lumbar bladders are located between the 3D mesh and the sensory
system.
[0166] Clause 48. The health-monitoring cover of clause 47, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the heat mat
is located between the outer layer and the 3D mesh.
[0167] Clause 49. The health-monitoring cover of clause 48, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the massage
system includes at least one pneumatic bladder located between the
heat mat and the outer layer.
[0168] Clause 50. A health-monitoring cover comprising
[0169] a comfort unit configured to couple removably to an occupant
support,
[0170] a sensor system coupled to the comfort unit, the sensor
system configured to obtain occupant-body signals associated with
physiological characteristics of an occupant of the occupant
support, and
[0171] a control system configured to receive the occupant-body
signals and determine occupant health data indicative of
physiological characteristics of the occupant based on the
occupant-body signals.
[0172] Clause 51. The health-monitoring cover of clause 50, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems that include a pneumatic lateral side
bolster bladder, a plurality of massage bladders, and a pneumatic
lumber bladder.
[0173] Clause 52. The health-monitoring cover of clause 51, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the sensor
system includes a plurality of sensors and the pneumatic lumber
bladder is located between the plurality of sensors and the
plurality of massage bladders.
[0174] Clause 53. The health-monitoring cover of clause 51, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the control
system is further configured to identify the occupant based on at
least one of input from the occupant and the occupant health data
and to associate the occupant health data with a unique occupant
data profile for the identified occupant.
[0175] Clause 54. The health-monitoring cover of clause 50, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, further comprising a
plurality of therapy systems and the plurality of therapy systems
include pneumatic lumbar bladders, pneumatic bolster bladders, a
heat mat, a ventilation system, and a massage system.
[0176] Clause 55. The health-monitoring cover of clause 54, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the sensor
system includes a plurality of sensors and the pneumatic lumbar
bladders are located between the heat mat and the plurality of
sensors.
[0177] Clause 56. The health-monitoring cover of clause 54, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the massage
system includes a plurality of massage bladders and the heat mat is
located between the plurality of massage bladders and the pneumatic
lumber bladders.
[0178] Clause 57. The health-monitoring cover of clause 54, any
other clause, or any combination of clauses, wherein the comfort
unit includes a 3D mesh located between the heat mat and the
pneumatic lumber bladders.
[0179] Clause 58. A method comprising
[0180] providing a health-monitoring cover configured to couple
removably to an occupant support, the health-monitoring cover
including a comfort unit configured to support an occupant of the
occupant support, a sensor system, a control system, and a
plurality of pneumatic bladders located in the comfort unit.
[0181] Clause 59. The method of clause 58, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further including measuring occupant-body
signals associated with physiological characteristics of the
occupant with the sensor system.
[0182] Clause 60. The method of clause 59, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, determining occupant health data indicative
of physiological characteristics of the occupant based on the
occupant-body signals with the control system.
[0183] Clause 61. The method of clause 60, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further including generating instructions
to display the occupant health data on a screen with the control
system.
[0184] Clause 62. The method of clause 61, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further including measuring a pressure of
the plurality of pneumatic bladders with the sensor system.
[0185] Clause 63. The method of clause 62, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, further including generating instructions
to adjust the pressure in the plurality of pneumatic bladders with
the control system based on the measured pressure of the plurality
of pneumatic bladders.
[0186] Clause 64. The method of clause 63, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, wherein the health-monitoring cover further
includes a pneumatic lumbar bladder located in the comfort unit and
the method further includes adjusting a pressure in the pneumatic
lumbar bladder with the control system based on the occupant health
data.
[0187] Clause 65. The method of clause 63, any other clause, or any
combination of clauses, wherein the health-monitoring cover further
includes a pneumatic bolster bladder located in the comfort unit
and the method further includes adjusting a pressure in the
pneumatic bolster bladder with the control system based on the
occupant health data.
* * * * *