JP7705063B2 - Vehicle Interior Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system that includes interior components and a control unit.

Conventionally, a system has been known in which a movable member such as a seat back moves when the user operates a sensor installed in a power seat (see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5551228

However, in conventional technology, the movable part only moves in response to the user's operation of the sensor, so it lacks entertainment value.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle interior system that can enhance entertainment value.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle interior system of the present invention includes an interior member to be placed inside the vehicle, an electric device that moves a portion of the surface of the interior member back and forth, a first sensor to which information is input by a user, a display unit, and a control unit.
The control unit is capable of displaying a character on the display unit, and moves the character based on information from the first sensor, and operates the electric device in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character.

With this configuration, when the user inputs information into the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and activates the electric device with a movement that corresponds to the character's movement, allowing the user to feel the presence of the character through the interior material, enhancing entertainment value.

The first sensor may also be a pressure sensor, and the control unit may move the character and the electric device based on the pressure value from the pressure sensor.

The first sensor may also be a tactile sensor that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions, and the control unit may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of displacement obtained from the tactile sensor.

The control unit may also calculate the degree of intimacy between the user and the character, and change the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device depending on the degree of intimacy.

This allows the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device to change depending on the level of intimacy between the user and the character, making the game more entertaining.

The control unit may also increase the level of intimacy as the cumulative value of the time that information is input to the first sensor increases.

The control unit may also increase the intimacy level when the time interval between when information is input to the first sensor and when information is next input to the first sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

The control unit may also increase the degree of intimacy when the number of times information is input to the first sensor per predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

The vehicle interior system may further include a second sensor to which information is input by a user and which is disposed at a position different from the first sensor, and the control unit may move the character with a first action when information is input to the first sensor, and move the character with a second action different from the first action when information is input to the second sensor.

This allows the character to act differently depending on which sensor is operated, making the game even more entertaining.

The interior member may be a seat, and the first sensor may be positioned away from the seating surface of the seat.

The vehicle interior system may further include a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the character and the electric device are not linked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated in a manner corresponding to the character's movement.

In addition, if the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle while the second mode is being executed, the control unit may terminate the second mode and execute the first mode.

According to this configuration, if the vehicle is about to collide while the second mode is being executed, the second mode is terminated, so that the user can sense something is wrong and, for example, can take a posture in preparation for a collision.

According to the present invention, when a user inputs information into the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and activates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the character's movement, so that the user can feel the presence of the character through the interior material, enhancing entertainment value.

Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to change the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device depending on the degree of intimacy between the user and the character, further enhancing entertainment value.

Furthermore, entertainment value can be further enhanced by configuring the character or electric device to change its behavior depending on the sensor being operated.

In addition, if the control unit predicts a vehicle collision while the second mode is being executed, the second mode can be terminated, making the user aware of something unusual and allowing the user to, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision.

1 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. FIG. 1A shows an image of a cat relaxing, and FIG. 1B shows the state of the seat at that time. FIG. 1A shows an image of a cat doing a cat punch, and FIG. 1B shows the state of the sheet at that time. FIG. 1A shows an image of a cat hanging from a seat back, and FIG. 1B shows the state of the seat at that time. 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy calculation process performed by a control unit according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy degree calculation process performed by a control unit according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy calculation process performed by a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the seat and the sensor position. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a tactile sensor as a modified example of the sensor. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit when a tactile sensor is used.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 and the monitor M are disposed in a position facing the interior of the vehicle, more specifically, the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is a driver's seat or a passenger seat.

The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and overhanging portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The overhanging portions 11B overhang from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A towards the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center on the left and right, and overhanging portions 12B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The overhanging portions 12B overhang toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A to support the sides of the user's upper body.

The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21 , a plurality of vibration devices 23 , an electric sliding mechanism 30 , two first sensors 41 , two second sensors 42 , and a plurality of speakers 50 .
The electric reclining mechanism 21 is a mechanism for tilting the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is operated when electricity is applied.

The vibration device 23 is an electric device that vibrates when electricity is applied, causing only a portion of the surface of the seat 10 to move back and forth. Multiple vibration devices 23, for example, four, are provided on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are embedded, for example, in a pad.

The electric slide mechanism 30 is a mechanism that slides the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. Here, the seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 is equipped with a motor that is activated by the passage of electricity.

The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are sensors into which information is input by the user. In this embodiment, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are pressure sensors that detect pressure from the user.

The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are provided at positions that avoid the seating surface F, i.e., at positions away from the seating surface F. More specifically, the first sensor 41 is provided on each of the left and right protruding portions 11B of the seat cushion 11.

The second sensor 42 is disposed at a different position from the first sensor 41. More specifically, the second sensor 42 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are each located between the skin and the pad.

The speaker 50 is a device that generates sound when electricity is applied. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper part of the seat back 12. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The speaker 50 is embedded in a pad, for example.

The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61, a slide switch 62, and a mode change switch 63.

The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the forward and backward directions. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 for tilting the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 for tilting the seat back 12 rearward.

The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 can slide, for example, in the forward and backward directions. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward movement command to the control unit 100 for moving the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward movement command to the control unit 100 for moving the seat 10 rearward.

The mode change switch 63 is a switch for changing the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode forbidding the linked processing described below. Also, the second mode is a mode for permitting the linked processing. The mode change switch 63 is, for example, a push button type switch. The mode change switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time it is pressed by the user.

The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input/output circuit, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61-63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, each vibration device 23, the electric sliding mechanism 30, each first sensor 41, each second sensor 42, and each speaker 50. The control unit 100 is capable of individually activating each vibration device 23 and each speaker 50.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a sheet image G1, which is an image of a sheet, and a cat image G2, which is an image of a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. The control unit 100 has a function of executing a linkage process that moves the cat image G2 based on information from the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, specifically, the pressure value, and activates the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the movement of the cat image G2.

In more detail, in the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a first image of a cat relaxing on a seat on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 3(a). The first image may be a still image or a video. In the case of a video, for example, the cat's back may move up and down in time with its breathing.

When the control unit 100 displays the first image on the screen M1, it outputs the sound of a cat making a whining noise or a purring sound from the speaker 50. If the seat 10 is provided with air cells that expand and contract with air, the control unit 100 may expand and contract the air cells in accordance with the cat's breathing to cause a part of the seating surface F to move back and forth.

In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a second image of a cat hitting the seat back with its front paws (hereinafter, also referred to as a "cat punch") as shown in FIG. 4(a). The second image is a video.

When the control unit 100 displays the second image on the screen M1, it vibrates the vibration device 23 in synchronization with the timing when the cat's front paws touch the seat back, and outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50. Note that the number of vibration devices 23 that are vibrated may be one or multiple.

In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the second sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a third image, as shown in FIG. 5(a), in which a cat is hanging from the seat back and the seat back is gradually leaning backward. The third image is a video.

When the control unit 100 displays the third image on the screen M1, the control unit 100 rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1. In other words, the control unit 100 rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the cat that moves with the seat back on the screen M1.

When the mode is the first mode described above, the control unit 100 does not execute the linking process, thereby not linking the cat on the screen M1 with the vibration device 23. When the mode is the second mode described above, the control unit 100 executes the linking process, thereby activating the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the cat punch of the cat on the screen M1.

Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail.
The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 2. In the process shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S2) and ends this process.

If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode (S3) and displays a home screen on the screen M1 (S4). The home screen may be any screen. For example, the home screen may be a screen on which characters indicating the title of an application program in which a cat performs various actions are displayed.

After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

If it is determined in step S5 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first pressure value acquired by the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (S7).

If it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in time with the cat's cat punching motion (S9).

After step S9, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 (S10) and ends this process. Note that step S10 may be performed before step S9 or simultaneously with step S9.

If it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the screen M1 (S11). After step S11, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's whiny voice from the speaker 50 (S12) and ends this process.

If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second pressure value acquired by the second sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is not equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S5.

If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat hanging from the seat back, which gradually rotates backward (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1 to tilt the actual seat back 12 backward (S15), and then ends this process.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described.
When a user sits on the seat 10 shown in FIG. 1 and turns on the mode changeover switch 63, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on the monitor M (S1: Yes→S3, S4).

After that, when the user strokes the first sensor 41 with his/her hand and the first sensor 41 obtains a pressure value equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the monitor M as shown in FIG. 3(a) and outputs the cat's pampering voice from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: No → S11, S12).

When the user presses or hits the first sensor 41 hard during execution of the second mode, and the first sensor 41 obtains a pressure value equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat punch on the monitor M as shown in FIG. 4(a), activates the vibration device 23 in time with the cat punch, and outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: Yes → S8 to S10).

When the second mode is being executed, for example, if a person in the passenger seat or the back seat mischievously presses the second sensor 42, causing the second sensor 42 to obtain a pressure value equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, the control unit 100 will display a video of a cat hanging from the seat back on the monitor M, as shown in FIG. 5(a), and will operate the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the actual seat back 12 backward (S5: No → S6: No → S13: Yes → S14, S15).

After executing the process of step S10, step S12, or step S15, the control unit 100 returns the display on the monitor M to the home screen (S1: Yes → S3 → S4). When the home screen is displayed on the monitor M, if the user turns the mode change switch 63 OFF to end the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the mode to the first mode (S5: No → S1: No → S2). When the mode change switch 63 is switched from ON to OFF, the control unit 100 erases the second mode image displayed on the screen M1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
When the user inputs information into the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 and activates the vibration device 23 with movements corresponding to the cat's movements, allowing the user to feel the presence of the cat through the seat 10, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

When the first sensor 41 is operated and when the second sensor 42 is operated, the cat on the screen M1 behaves differently, which enhances the entertainment value.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the processing of the control unit 100 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structures and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment has a function of executing the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 6. The intimacy calculation process is a process for calculating the intimacy between the user and the cat on the screen M1.

In the intimacy calculation process, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode is the second mode (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is not the second mode (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is the second mode (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (S32). If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (S33).

If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 has not been input to the first sensor 41 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (S36). If it is determined in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (S37).

After step S33 or step S37, the control unit 100 calculates the cumulative value of the time of pressure input to each sensor (41, 42) (S34). After step S34, the control unit 100 calculates the intimacy level so that the greater the cumulative value, the higher the intimacy level (S35), and ends this process.

In the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the behavior of the cat on the screen M1 and the behavior of the vibration device 23 according to the degree of intimacy. In more detail, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 7. The process shown in FIG. 7 replaces steps S8 to S9, S11, and S12 in the process shown in FIG. 2 with new steps S51 to S55.

When the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S51). For example, the control unit 100 reduces the number of cat punches as the intimacy level increases.

After step S51, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S52). For example, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the number of cat punches.

After step S52, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S53), and ends this process. For example, the control unit 100 reduces the volume of the cat's angry voice as the intimacy level increases.

If the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), it displays an image of the cat relaxing on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S54). For example, the control unit 100 displays an image in which the cat appears more relaxed the higher the intimacy level. As an example, when the intimacy level is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat relaxing in a box-like position as shown in FIG. 3(a), and when the intimacy level is higher than the predetermined value, it displays an image of the cat lying down with its belly exposed.

After step S54, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's whiny voice from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S55), and ends this process. For example, the control unit 100 outputs a voice that sounds like the cat is more whiny as the intimacy level increases. In one example, the control unit 100 lengthens the duration of the cat's purring sound as the intimacy level increases.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the behavior of the cat and the vibration device 23 changes depending on the intimacy between the user and the cat, thereby further enhancing entertainment value. In addition, the voice of the cat changes depending on the intimacy between the user and the cat, thereby further enhancing entertainment value.

The more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, i.e., the more the user interacts with the cat on screen M1 through the sheet 10, the greater the degree of intimacy becomes, allowing the user to experience the sensation of the cat on screen M1 becoming attached to the user.

In the second embodiment, the actions of both the cat and the vibration device 23 are changed according to the intimacy level in steps S51 and S52, and only the cat's action is changed according to the intimacy level in step 54, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the action of only the vibration device 23 may be changed according to the intimacy level without changing the cat's action. Also, in step S14, the action of the cat hanging from the seat back may be changed according to the intimacy level, and in step S15, the action of the electric reclining mechanism 21 may be changed according to the intimacy level.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the intimacy calculation process according to the second embodiment, structures and processes that are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 100 according to the third embodiment executes the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 8. The intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 8 has steps S31, S32, and S36 similar to the intimacy calculation process according to the second embodiment, and also has steps S71 to S76 different from the second embodiment.

If the control unit 100 determines in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), it acquires the time at which the pressure was input to the first sensor 41 as the current value of the input time (S71). If the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), it acquires the time at which the pressure was input to the second sensor 42 as the current value of the input time (S71). If the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has not been input to the second sensor 42 (No), it ends this process.

After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a previous value for the input time (S72). If it is determined in step S71 that there is no previous value for the input time (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

If it is determined in step S72 that there is a previous value for the input time (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time interval from the previous value to the current value of the input time (S73). After step S73, the control unit 100 determines whether the time interval is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (S74).

If it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 counts up the intimacy level (S75) and ends this process. Therefore, if pressure is input to the first sensor 41 again after pressure is input to the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval from when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 until the next time pressure is input to the first sensor 41 is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

In addition, when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 and then to the second sensor 42, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval between when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 and when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. When pressure is input to the second sensor 42 and then to the second sensor 42, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval between when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 and when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

In other words, when there are multiple sensors used in the second mode, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval between when information is input to any of the multiple sensors and when information is next input to any of the sensors is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

If it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 counts down the intimacy level (S76) and ends this process. In the third embodiment, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, the higher the intimacy level can be.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the intimacy calculation process according to the third embodiment, structures and processes that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment executes the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 9. The intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 9 has steps S31, S32, S36, and S71 similar to the intimacy calculation process according to the third embodiment, and also has steps S91 to S94 different from the third embodiment.

After step S71, the control unit 100 calculates the number of input times acquired during the predetermined time period from the current input time as the number of inputs (S91). After step S91, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of inputs is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S92).

If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes), the intimacy level is counted up (S93) and the process ends. Therefore, if only the first sensor 41 has been operated during the past predetermined time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the number of times pressure has been input to the first sensor 41 per past predetermined time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

In addition, if both the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 have been operated within the past specified time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the total number of inputs, which is the sum of the number of times pressure has been input to the first sensor 41 and the number of times pressure has been input to the second sensor 42 within the past specified time, is equal to or greater than a specified number. In the case where only the second sensor 42 has been operated within the past specified time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the number of times pressure has been input to the second sensor 42 per past specified time is equal to or greater than a specified number.

If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (No), the control unit 100 counts down the intimacy level (S94) and ends this process. In the fourth embodiment as well, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42 during the past predetermined time period, the higher the intimacy level can be.

The seat is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the seat 200 may have a seat cushion 210, a seat back 220, and a headrest 230, as well as an ottoman 240 and an armrest 250. A console box 300 may also be provided next to the seat 200.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the seat back 220 has a first member 221 that is rotatably supported on the seat cushion 210, and a second member 222 that is rotatably supported on the upper portion of the first member 221 and has a headrest 230 provided on the upper portion.

In this case, the sensor 40 for moving the character on the screen can be disposed in at least one of the following locations:
Left and right overhanging portions 211 of the seat cushion 210
The front end surface of the seat cushion 210 The left and right protruding portions 221A of the first member 221
Left and right protruding portions 222A of the second member 222
The left and right side surfaces or rear surface of the seat back 220 The left and right side surfaces or bottom surface of the head rest 230 The front end surface, top surface, left and right inner side surfaces or left and right outer side surfaces of the arm rest 250 The left and right side surfaces of the ottoman 240 The left and right inner side surfaces or left and right outer side surfaces of the console box 300

The sensor 40 may be the first sensor 41, the second sensor 42, or another sensor for moving the character in a manner different from the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 40 may be provided on the steering wheel ST, as indicated by hatching with dots in the figure. The screen M1 on which the character is displayed may also be provided on the steering wheel ST.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sensor 40 may be provided in a center console box 401 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard 402, an inner panel 403 such as a door or a vehicle side wall, etc., as indicated by hatching with dots in the figure. The sensor 40 may also be provided inside a tubular blower 404. The tubular blower 404 has a cylindrical body with an air outlet for blowing air toward the inside of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 40 may be provided in a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting at least one of the first row seat 411, the second row seat 412, or the third row seat 413, as indicated by hatching with dots in the figure. The sensor 40 may also be provided in the roof 414, the lid 415 for opening and closing the sunroof, the assist grip 416, the upper part of the back of the seat back, the top surface of the dashboard 402, or above the meter hood. The sensor 40 may be integrated into the inside of the interior member, or may be positioned so as to protrude from the interior member.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle may be equipped with a camera 430 as an example of a collision detection unit. In this case, if the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision based on information from the camera 430 while the second mode is being executed, the control unit 100 may end the second mode and execute the first mode.

Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 14. The process shown in FIG. 14 is the process shown in FIG. 2 with the addition of a new step S111.

When the control unit 100 determines in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), it determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on information from the camera 430 (S111). If it determines in step S111 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 switches the mode to the first mode (S2). If it determines in step S111 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), it switches the mode to the second mode (S3).

According to this embodiment, if the vehicle is about to collide while the second mode is being executed, the second mode is terminated, so that the user can sense something is wrong and, for example, can take a posture to prepare for a collision. Note that, if the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision, it may display a message on the monitor M notifying the user of the collision forecast.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first sensor may be a tactile sensor 500 that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions. The tactile sensor 500 has an operating unit 510 made of sponge and a substrate 520 that detects the displacement of the operating unit 510. The tactile sensor 500 can detect displacement in the X direction, displacement in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, and displacement in the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

In this case, the control unit 100 may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of displacement obtained from the tactile sensor 500. Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 16. The process shown in FIG. 16 adds new steps S131 to S133 instead of steps S6, S7, and S13 of the process shown in FIG. 2.

If the control unit 100 determines in step S5 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), it determines whether the direction of the displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the X direction (S131). If the control unit 100 determines in step S131 that the direction of the displacement is the X direction (Yes), it displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 (S8).

If it is determined in step S131 that the direction of displacement is not the X direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the direction of displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Y direction (S132). If it is determined in step 132 that the direction of displacement is the Y direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the monitor M (S11).

If it is determined in step S132 that the direction of displacement is not the Y direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the direction of displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Z direction (S133). If it is determined in step S133 that the direction of displacement is the Z direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat hanging from the seat back on the screen M1 (S14).

If it is determined in step S133 that the direction of displacement is not the Z direction (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S5. Even in this form, the cat on the screen M1 moves when the tactile sensor 500 is operated, and the sheet 10 moves in response to the cat's movements, so that the user can feel the presence of the cat through the sheet 10.

The vehicle interior system may include a communication unit that communicates with the first sensor, the display unit, and the electric device.

The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices:
・Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down ・Slide device that moves the seat back and forth ・Movable device that changes the shape of the seat by driving a bag body (air cell) or plate member that operates by letting air in (for example, a device that operates the left and right overhanging parts of the seat cushion or seat back, a device that operates part of the seating surface of the seat back or seat cushion)
- A side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front end of the seat cushion side frame between a raised up position and a lowered down position (variable cyber angle)
A tilt mechanism that moves the cushion pan of the seat cushion up and down. A seat back tilt mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward (a mechanism that tilts the second member 222 in FIG. 10 relative to the first member 221).
・Rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis ・Mechanism that rotates the ottoman up and down ・Mechanism that rotates the armrest up and down ・Mechanism that expands and contracts the armrest ・Mechanism that switches the armrest between the expanded and bent positions

The movable device may be one that moves the left and right protruding parts of the seat cushion or the seat back, or one that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat back or the seat cushion.

The air cell may be connected to an air pump by an air tube, and when air is injected, it may expand toward the seated occupant and press against the occupant. The air cell may be placed at a position corresponding to the occupant's lower back like a lumbar support, or may be provided at multiple points on the seat.

The vibration device may be provided in the seat cushion, or in a protruding portion of the seat cushion or seat back.

The vibration device may be of any type, such as one that has a motor and harness that emits vibrations, one that has an eccentric motor, or one that has a linear motor.

The display unit may be located in any position, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, back of the seat, or side of the door. The display unit may also be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may also be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet carried by the seat occupant.

The control unit may control the speed of movement of a portion of the surface of the interior component to be slower as the degree of intimacy increases.

The control unit 100 may determine how the sensor is touched based on information from the sensor, and may change the movement of the cat or the movement of the seat depending on how the sensor is touched. For example, when the tactile sensor is operated in a circular motion, the control unit may display an image of the cat rolling its eyes and rotate the seat on a vertical axis.

The sponge-type tactile sensor may also be embedded in a stuffed toy modeled after a character such as a cat. The control unit may recognize the roll, pitch, and yaw directions corresponding to the six axial directions based on information from the tactile sensor. For example, when the control unit detects an input pattern of petting a stuffed toy (holding the stuffed toy in both hands and moving both hands up and down), it may display a cat on the display as if it is being petted by a hand and vibrate the vibration device. Also, for example, the control unit may control multiple air cells so that the action of petting is reproduced on the surface of the seat.

If a sensor is installed on the protruding part of the seat, for example, when the sensor detects the action of pinching the protruding part with a hand, the control unit will display an indication that the cat's back is being pinched on the display unit and tilt the seat back slightly backward.

Also, for example, the more inputs there are to the sensor per second, the angrier the cat on the display will be, and the faster the cat punches and vibration device will operate.

In addition, the number of inputs to the sensor per given time period before the character's display action is started may be measured, and the character's display pattern may be determined according to the number of inputs.

The intimacy level may be calculated in the following manner.
- By photographing the occupant using the imaging unit, the number of times they have ridden is counted, and the more times they have ridden, the higher the level of intimacy is.
- An occupant recognition unit is provided that recognizes seated occupants by linking with an imaging unit or a smartphone, and stores the number of times the occupant has performed sensor input and displayed a character action. The higher this number, the higher the level of intimacy.
- The time that the passenger touches the sensor during the ride is recorded, and the longer the time, the higher the level of intimacy is determined to be.
Intimacy level may be reset each time you ride, or it may continue.

The relationship between the intimacy level and the operation of the electric device may be as follows.
- The higher the level of intimacy, the smoother the operation of the electric device will be (at first, operations such as reclining and vibration will be intermittent. For example, the reclining will not be smooth, but will be tilted in stages, the height will increase in stages, and the massage action by the vibration device will be irregular).
- The higher the intimacy level, the slower the operating speed of electric devices will be.
A coefficient is set for the value of the amount of movement of the electric device, and the amount of movement changes according to the degree of intimacy. The higher the degree of intimacy, the greater the amount of movement.
・The higher the intimacy level, the more variation there is in the character display and the more motorized devices you can choose from. When the intimacy level is low, the display and movement are limited to the vibrator and reclining, but when the intimacy level is high, the lighting, tilt, and air cell movements are added, and the display variations also increase.

The interior components may be doors, door armrests, steering wheels, dashboards, center consoles, air conditioning vents, etc.

The interior member may be a member that imitates a part of an animal's body, such as cat ears. The interior member may be made of a brushed material.

The sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor.
The touch sensors may be provided, for example, on the front end of the seat cushion, the protruding portion of the seat cushion, the protruding portion of the seat back, and the side of the headrest.

In this case, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the front end of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, the action of a cat with its head raised being stroked on its chest, and may cause the tilt-up mechanism to repeatedly tilt the seat cushion up and down. Also, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the protruding part of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, the action of a cat with its belly facing up being stroked on its belly, and may vibrate a vibration device provided on the seat cushion.

When there is an input to the touch sensor on the protruding portion of the seat back, the control unit may display, via the display unit, the cat's back being stroked and the cat stretching its back, and vibrate a vibration device provided on the seat back. When there is an input to the touch sensor on the headrest, the control unit may display, via the display unit, the cat's head being stroked and the cat shaking its head from side to side, and tilt the seat back using the reclining device.

The color tone of the interior lighting, the display on the screen, the sound, etc. may be changed depending on the time the touch sensor is touched.
The operation pattern of the vibrator may be changed according to the pressure value input to the touch sensor.

The control unit may move the vibrator more strongly the harder the touch sensor is pressed. The control unit may move the vibrator faster the faster the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked. The control unit may display a cat with an angry expression on the display unit when the pressure value from the touch sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control unit may display a video of a cat moving around on the display unit when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

The control unit may also increase the temperature of a heater provided on the seat when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the control unit may display a flame on the display unit, and display the flame so that its size increases according to the speed.

The vehicle interior system may include a seat hardness changing device that changes the hardness of the seat. The seat hardness changing device may include, for example, a first pad that supports the user, an air cell, and a second pad that is disposed between the first pad and the air cell. When the air cell is in a first state, the hardness of the first pad is a first hardness, and when the air cell is in a second state that is more inflated than the first state, the hardness of the first pad is a second hardness that is greater than the first hardness.

In this case, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the first state when, for example, a weak force (pressure equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value) is input to the touch sensor for a predetermined period of time. Also, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the second hardness when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the control unit can put the cat displayed by the display unit into a lazy pose.

The characters may be animals other than cats, or may be personified objects or living things.

The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods.
A manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising an interior member to be placed within a vehicle, an electric device that moves a portion of a surface of the interior member back and forth, a first sensor to which information is input by a user, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of displaying a character using the display unit, and moves the character based on information from the first sensor and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character, the manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system having the steps of attaching the electric device to the interior member, and connecting the electric device, the display unit, and the first sensor to the control unit.

The first sensor or the second sensor may be a sensor that detects biological information (at least one of brain waves, facial expressions, gaze, breathing, heart rate, pulse rate, voice, etc.).

The collision detection unit may be a vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

The elements described in the above embodiments and variations may be combined in any manner.

Reference Signs List 1 Vehicle interior system 10 Seat 23 Vibration device 41 First sensor 100 Control unit M Monitor

Claims (8)

An interior member to be placed inside a vehicle;
An electric device that reciprocates a portion of a surface of the interior member;
A first sensor to which information is input by a user;
A display unit;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
The display unit is capable of displaying a character,
Based on information from the first sensor, the character is moved, and the electrically-driven device is actuated in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character ;
the first sensor is a tactile sensor that detects displacement in a three-dimensional direction;
The control unit moves the character and the electric device based on the direction of displacement obtained from the tactile sensor . The control unit is
Calculating the degree of intimacy between the user and the character;
The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation of at least one of the character and the electrically-powered device is changed according to the degree of intimacy. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit sets the degree of intimacy to be higher as an accumulated value of an input time of information to the first sensor increases. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit increases the intimacy level when a time interval between when information is input to the first sensor and when information is next input to the first sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit increases the intimacy level when the number of times information is input to the first sensor per predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Further comprising a second sensor to which information is input by a user, the second sensor being disposed at a position different from the first sensor;
The control unit is
When information is input to the first sensor, the character is moved in a first motion;
2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein, when information is input to the second sensor, the character is moved in a second motion different from the first motion. The interior member is a seat,
2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is disposed at a position that avoids a seating surface of the seat. An interior member to be placed inside a vehicle;
An electric device that reciprocates a portion of a surface of the interior member;
A first sensor to which information is input by a user;
A display unit;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
The display unit is capable of displaying a character,
Based on information from the first sensor, the character is moved, and the electrically-driven device is actuated in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character;
a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the character and the electric device are not linked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character;
The vehicle interior system is characterized in that, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle while the second mode is being executed, the control unit terminates the second mode and executes the first mode.

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