JP7727232B2 - Layout of brain wave detection sensors in the seat - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the placement structure of brain wave detection sensors in a seat.

In the field of passenger cars and other vehicles, there has been ongoing development of technology that monitors the brain waves of occupants (particularly the driver) to determine whether the occupant is awake or asleep (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-206011 JP 2009-106626 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-307977 JP 2009-213779 A JP 2016-063979 A

Incidentally, an electroencephalogram (EEG) detection sensor is often used to detect the brain waves of the occupants, but the question arises as to where in the vehicle the EEG detection sensor should be appropriately placed.
For example, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 3 and 4 describe placing an EEG detection sensor in the headrest portion of the seat, but when placing an EEG detection sensor on the seat, headrest, etc., the relative placement of these items in relation to the EEG detection sensor can become an issue.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an arrangement structure for an EEG detection sensor in a seat that allows the EEG detection sensor to be positioned in an appropriate positional relationship with the seat.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 provides a layout structure of an electroencephalogram detection sensor in a seat including a seat cushion, a seat back whose lower portion is supported by the seat cushion, and a headrest provided on an upper portion of the seat back,
an electroencephalogram (EEG) detection sensor for detecting an occupant's EEG in the seat is provided inside the headrest,
Left and right headrest pillars are arranged inside the headrest,
the left and right headrest pillars have curved portions formed in a generally crank shape when viewed from the front, and are arranged symmetrically so that the distance above the curved portions is narrower than the distance below the curved portions, and upper end portions of the left and right headrest pillars are connected by a connecting portion,
The brain wave detection sensor is characterized in that it is provided near the curved portion on the outside of the left and right headrest pillars, above the curved portion and below the connecting portion.

The invention described in claim 2 is the arrangement structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in claim 1,
The brain wave detection sensors are provided at left and right positions on the outside of the left and right headrest pillars.

The invention described in claim 3 is the arrangement structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in claim 1 or 2 ,
The brain wave detection sensor is provided inside the headrest and in front of a headrest pillar.

The invention described in claim 4 is the layout structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The brain wave detection sensor is characterized in that a plurality of sensors are provided inside the surface of the headrest.

The invention described in claim 5 is the arrangement structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in any one of claims 1 to 4,
A receiving unit for receiving a signal from a second brain wave detection sensor worn by the passenger is provided in the headrest .

The invention described in claim 6 is the layout structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in claim 5 ,
The brain wave detection sensor and the receiving unit are respectively provided at positions separated from each other within the headrest.

The invention described in claim 7 is the layout structure of the brain wave detection sensor in the seat described in claim 5 or 6 ,
a power transmission unit for wirelessly supplying power to a second brain wave detection sensor worn by the occupant is provided in the headrest ;
the second brain wave detection sensor is provided with a power receiving unit for contactless power supply;
The power receiving unit is provided in a position facing the power transmitting unit when the second brain wave detection sensor is worn by the occupant .

According to the invention of claim 1, by providing the brain wave detection sensor in the seat, the distance between the occupant's head (brain) and the brain wave detection sensor becomes short, enabling the brain wave detection sensor to accurately detect the occupant's brain waves. Furthermore, if the brain wave detection sensor is located outside the seat surface, part of the seat surface is hidden by the brain wave detection sensor, which restricts the design of the seat. However, if the brain wave detection sensor is configured to be located inside the seat surface, the seat surface is not hidden by the brain wave detection sensor, making it possible to design the seat without the restrictions imposed by the brain wave detection sensor and to place the brain wave detection sensor in an appropriate positional relationship with the seat.
Furthermore, by placing the brainwave detection sensor in the headrest of the seat closest to the occupant's head, the brainwave detection sensor can accurately detect the occupant's brainwaves. Also, by placing the brainwave detection sensor inside the headrest's surface, the brainwave detection sensor can be placed without obscuring the headrest's surface, which allows for improved seat and headrest design.
Furthermore, by providing the brain wave detection sensors near the curved portions of the left and right headrest pillars, it is possible to more accurately detect brain waves while compactly arranging the brain wave detection sensors within the headrest.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
Furthermore, by providing the brain wave detection sensors on the left and right sides, it is possible to improve the reliability of brain wave detection.
Furthermore, it becomes possible to detect the brain waves from the left and right brains of the occupant using the respective brain wave detection sensors.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the seat. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a seat frame. 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view showing the configuration of a headrest. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the neck rest and arm rest of the seat. 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a headrest showing a configuration example 1-1. FIG. 10 is a front view of a headrest showing configuration example 1-2. FIG. 10 is a front view of a headrest showing configuration example 1-3. FIG. 10 is a front view of a headrest showing a configuration example in which the width of the brain wave detection sensor is longer than the distance between the left and right headrest pillars. FIG. 10 is a side view of a headrest showing configuration example 1-4. 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a headrest showing a configuration example 1-5. 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view, respectively, showing an example of a configuration in which an electroencephalogram detection sensor is attached to a headrest damper case. FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a configuration in which an electroencephalogram detection sensor is attached to the case of the movable mechanism. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a configuration for moving the brain wave detection sensor in the vertical direction within the headrest. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a configuration for vertically moving a headrest provided with an electroencephalogram detection sensor. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a sheet portion including a neck rest showing a fourth configuration example. FIG. 5 is a front view of a headrest showing configuration example 5-1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seat portion including a headrest and a neck rest, showing configuration example 5-2. 1A and 1B are views showing an example of a headset equipped with an electroencephalogram detection sensor that can be worn by a passenger, respectively, as seen obliquely from the front and from the rear. FIG. 10A is a front view of a headrest showing a configuration example 6-3, and FIG. 10B is a front view of a headrest showing a configuration example 5-4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seat portion including a headrest showing configuration example 6-5. This is an oblique view of the power receiving unit, storage section, power transmitting unit, etc. of the headset showing configuration example 6-6-1. This is a side view of a headset, neck rest, etc. showing configuration example 6-6-2. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat portion including a headrest showing configuration example 6-7.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, while the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a seat according to this embodiment. The seat 10 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile, and is seated by a driver or other passenger. Note that, while the following description will be primarily of the driver's seat, the seat 10 is not limited to this case and may be a seat other than the driver's seat, such as a passenger seat, a rear seat in a two-row seating arrangement, or a seat in the second or third row of a three-row seating arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant, a seat back 12 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 11 and serves as a backrest, and a headrest 13 that is provided on the seat back 12 and supports the head of the occupant.
A cushion pad 14 and the like are arranged inside the seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, the headrest 13, etc., and a cover 15 covers the cushion pad 14 and the like to form the surface of the seat.

2, the seat 10 incorporates a seat frame 16. The seat frame 16 has a cushion frame 16A that constitutes the seat cushion 11 and a seat back frame 16B that constitutes the seat back 12.
The seat 10 is configured by disposing a cushion pad 14 (not shown in FIG. 2) on each of the cushion frame 16A and the seat back frame 16B, and then covering it with a cover 15.

The seat frame 16 (cushion frame 16A, seat back frame 16B) is provided with a pair of left and right side frames 16C. The cushion frame 16A is provided with a plate-shaped pan frame 16D, a connecting pipe 16E, a seat spring 16F as a pressure-receiving member, and the like.
Further, a headrest pillar holding portion 16G for holding a headrest pillar 13A of the inserted headrest 13 is provided on the upper portion of the seat back frame 16B.

As shown in Figures 3(A) and (B) , the headrest 13 is configured to include a pair of left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A, a cushion pad 14 arranged in the upper portion of the headrest pillars 13A, and a cover 15 that covers them.
The headrest 13 is attached to the seat back 14 by inserting the headrest pillars 13A, 13A into the headrest pillar holding portions 16G, 16G of the seat back frame 16B.

Note that a structure other than the headrest pillar 13A (for example, a plate or the like not shown) may be provided inside the cushion pad 14 of the headrest 13, etc.
3A and 3B show a case in which the upper end portions of a pair of left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A are connected by a horizontal shaft portion 13B (the headrest pillars 13A, 13A and the horizontal shaft portion 13B are formed integrally) to form a substantially U-shape, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
Furthermore, in addition to the above, the seat 10 may also be provided with a neck rest 17, arm rests 18, etc., as shown in FIG. 4, and may also be provided with auxiliary support parts such as a foot rest or ottoman, although these are not shown.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, an EEG detection sensor is arranged on the above-described seat 10. Note that, although hereinafter simply referred to as a "brain wave detection sensor," it may be a standalone sensor or may be configured in the form of a sensor module or the like.
In this embodiment, the brain wave detection sensor need not have any special configuration or performance, and any known brain wave detection sensor can be used as long as it can detect the brain waves of an occupant (particularly the driver) seated in the seat 10. In addition, although the brain wave detection sensor is shown to be rectangular in shape in Figures 5(A) and 5(B) and subsequent figures described below, the shape of the brain wave detection sensor is not limited to being rectangular.

In this embodiment, when the brain wave detection sensor is disposed on the seat 10, rather than disposing the brain wave detection sensor between the seat 10 and the occupant (at the back of the occupant's head in Patent Document 3) as described above, i.e., on the outside of the seat 10, as shown in Figures 5(A) and (B) and subsequent figures described below, the brain wave detection sensor 20 is disposed on the inside of the seat 10, i.e., inside the seat skin 15 of the seat 10.

Furthermore, by providing the brain wave detection sensor 20 on the seat 10, the distance between the occupant's head (brain) and the brain wave detection sensor 20 becomes shorter, making it possible for the brain wave detection sensor 20 to accurately detect the occupant's brain waves.
Furthermore, if the brain wave detection sensor 20 is disposed outside the surface 15 of the seat 10, part of the surface 15 of the seat 10 will be hidden by the brain wave detection sensor 20, restricting the design of the seat 10, but if the brain wave detection sensor 20 is configured to be provided inside the surface 15 of the seat 10 as in this embodiment, the surface 15 of the seat 10 will not be hidden by the brain wave detection sensor 20. Therefore, it is possible to design the seat 10 without being restricted by the brain wave detection sensor 20, and the design of the seat 10 can be improved.

In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to arrange the brain wave detection sensor 20 in an appropriate positional relationship with respect to the seat 10.
Below, several configuration examples will be given and specifically explained for cases where the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided inside the skin 15 of the seat 10 as described above. Note that the above-mentioned effects are common to all of the configuration examples described below.

[Configuration Example 1]
First, a case where the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided inside the surface 15 of the headrest 13 of the seat 10 will be described.
In the following, first, a case where only one brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided will be described.

[Configuration Example 1-1]
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be configured to be provided inside the headrest 13, between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A.
With this configuration, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be placed inside the headrest 13, which is the position in the seat 10 closest to the occupant's head, and the brain wave detection sensor 20 can accurately detect the occupant's brain waves.
The brain wave detection sensor 20 may be provided lower than the position shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B).

When the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided in this manner between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A inside the headrest 13, it is preferable to provide the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13 and in a position forward of the headrest pillars 13A, as shown in Figure 5 (B).
With this configuration, even if the presence of headrest pillars 13A on the left, right, or front side of the brain wave detection sensor 20 could affect the reception performance of the brain wave detection sensor 20, such as its sensitivity to receiving brain waves, the headrest pillars 13A are positioned behind the brain wave detection sensor 20 within the headrest 13 (i.e., farther from the occupant's head), so the headrest pillars 13A have no (or almost no) effect on the brain wave detection sensor 20, allowing the brain wave detection sensor 20 to more accurately detect the occupant's brain waves.

As described above, in the case where other structures than the headrest pillar 13A, such as a plate, are provided inside the cushion pad 14 of the headrest 13, it is preferable to provide the brain wave detection sensor 20 in a position forward of those structures, which is also the case in the following configuration examples.
By configuring it in this manner, it becomes possible for the brain wave detection sensor 20 to accurately detect the brain waves of the occupant without these structures affecting (or having little effect on) the brain wave reception performance of the brain wave detection sensor 20.

The brain wave detection sensor 20 can also be disposed so as to be embedded in the cushion pad 14 inside the headrest 13 (i.e., so as to be held by the cushion pad 14), or can be configured to be attached to the headrest pillar 13A or its horizontal shaft portion 13B via an attachment member (not shown).The brain wave detection sensor 20 can also be disposed so as to be attached to the back side of the skin 15, or so as to be attached to another structure inside the headrest 13 other than the headrest pillar 13A.
Furthermore, although the harness and the like of the brain wave detection sensor 20 are not shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), it is possible to configure the harness so that it is routed along the headrest pillar 13A or through the headrest pillar 13A, for example.

[Configuration Example 1-2]
As shown in FIG. 6, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be configured to be provided inside the headrest 13 and at a position outside the headrest pillar 13A.
With this configuration, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be placed inside the headrest 13, which is the position in the seat 10 closest to the occupant's head, and the brain wave detection sensor 20 can accurately detect the occupant's brain waves.
The brain wave detection sensor 20 may be provided above the horizontal shaft portion 13B of the headrest pillar 13A. In the configuration of this embodiment, the upper side of the horizontal shaft portion 13B is also included in the outer position of the headrest pillar 13A.

In this case too, when the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided at a position outside the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A inside the headrest 13 as described above, it is preferable to provide the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13 at a position forward of the headrest pillars 13A and other structures, as in the case of configuration example 1-1 (see Figure 5 (B)).
With this configuration, similar to the above, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can more accurately detect the brain waves of the occupant without being affected (or being affected very little) by the headrest pillar 13A or other structures.
In addition, in each of the figures from FIG. 6 onwards, the side view as shown in FIG. 5B may be omitted.

[Configuration Example 1-3]
7, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be provided inside the headrest 13, in front of the head pillar 13A. Even with this configuration, the same beneficial effects as those of the above-described configuration examples 1-1 and 1-2 can be obtained.
As described above, the brain wave detection sensor 20 may be provided at any position inside the headrest 13, as long as it is provided inside the surface 15 of the headrest 13. The brain wave detection sensor 20 is disposed at a position where, in the actual configuration of the seat 10 including the headrest 13, it is possible to most accurately detect the brain waves of an occupant seated in the seat 10.

In addition, in the above configuration examples 1-1 to 1-3, the explanation was based on the assumption that the brain wave detection sensor 20 is smaller than the distance between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A. However, if, for example, the width of the brain wave detection sensor 20 is longer than the distance between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A, it is also possible to provide the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13, in a position in front of the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A, as shown in FIG. 8. Even with this configuration, the same beneficial effects as those described above can be obtained.

[Configuration Example 1-4]
In the above configuration examples 1-1 to 1-3, it has been explained that it is preferable to provide the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13 and in a position forward of the headrest pillar 13A, as shown in Figure 5 (B).

However, as is the case with each of the following configuration examples, for example, the brain wave detection sensor 20 may be provided at a position to the side of the headrest pillar 13A as shown in FIG. 9 (at a position similar to the headrest pillar 13A in the front-to-rear direction within the headrest 13), as long as brain wave reception performance equivalent to that achieved when the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided at a position further forward than the headrest pillar 13A can be obtained.
Also, although not shown in the figures, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be installed inside the headrest 13 at a position behind the headrest pillar 13A as long as it can obtain brain wave reception performance equivalent to that when the brain wave detection sensor 20 is installed at a position ahead of the headrest pillar 13A.

Note that the above-mentioned "to the side of the headrest pillar 13A" and "rear of the headrest pillar 13A" include not only the case where the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided at a position outside the headrest pillar 13A as in the above-mentioned configuration example 1-2 (see Figure 6), but also the case where the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided at a position between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A as in the above-mentioned configuration example 1-1 (see Figure 5(A)), or the case where the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided at a position above the horizontal shaft portion 13B of the headrest pillar 13A, etc., although not shown.

[Configuration Example 1-5]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, for example, there is a case where a bridge member 13C is provided between left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A in the headrest 13 to connect them.
In such a case, as shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), it is possible to attach the brain wave detection sensor 20 to the front side of the bridge member 13C, and configure the brain wave detection sensor 20 to be located inside the headrest 13.

With this configuration, it is possible to install the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13 by using components already present inside the headrest 13, such as the bridge member 13C, without having to install new components inside the headrest 13 to install or fix the brain wave detection sensor 20 inside the headrest 13.

[Configuration Example 2]
On the other hand, the headrest 13 of the seat 10 may be provided with a headrest damper as an anti-vibration component for suppressing vibration of the headrest 13, or a movable mechanism for moving the headrest 13 back and forth and left and right to adjust its position.

11A and 11B, the headrest damper α includes a weight α1, a case α2 that houses the weight α1, and an elastic member α3 that fills the space between the weight α1 and the inner surface of the case α2. The case α2 is attached to the headrest 13 between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A, etc., so that the headrest damper α is provided inside the headrest 13.
When the vehicle is moving, vibrations of the vehicle are transmitted from the floor through the cushion seat 11, the seat back 12, etc. to the headrest 13, causing the weight α1 to resonate within the case α2, and the elastic member α3 absorbs the vibration energy, thereby suppressing the vibration of the headrest 13.

Furthermore, the movable mechanism β is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, to include a ratchet mechanism, a spring, etc., not shown, inside a case β1 of a headrest frame 13D attached to a horizontal shaft portion 13B of a headrest pillar 13A inside the headrest 13.
The movable mechanism β is configured to allow the headrest frame 13D to swing forward or backward around the horizontal axis portion 13B as the center of rotation when, for example, an occupant presses a button (not shown) and tilts or raises the headrest 13 forward or backward, and to position the headrest frame 13D (i.e., the headrest 13) in that position (i.e., to prevent any further movement in the forward or backward direction) when the occupant stops tilting or raising the headrest 13 forward or backward and releases his/her hand from the button.
The movable mechanism β can be configured to adjust the position of the headrest 13 not only in the front-rear direction but also in the left-right direction.

When the headrest damper α and movable mechanism β provided within the headrest 13 are configured as described above, a brain wave detection sensor 20 can be attached to the front or side of the case α2 of the headrest damper α or the case β1 of the movable mechanism β, or, although not shown, the case α2 of the headrest damper α itself or the case β1 of the movable mechanism β itself can be replaced with the brain wave detection sensor 20 (or configured with the brain wave detection sensor 20).

With this configuration, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be located near or integral with structures such as the case α2 of the headrest damper α and the case β1 of the movable mechanism β, which are located within the headrest 13. This allows the brain wave detection sensor 20 to be positioned more compactly within the headrest 13 than when the brain wave detection sensor 20 and the structures are located separately within the headrest 13.

[Configuration Example 3]
Incidentally, when the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided inside the headrest 13 as described in the above configuration example 1 (configuration example 1-1 to configuration example 1-5) and configuration example 2, when the brain wave detection sensor 20 detects the brain waves of the occupant, it is possible to configure the brain wave detection sensor 20 to automatically move up and down to be positioned in the optimal position.
After the detection of the brain waves, the position of the brain wave detection sensor 20 may be configured to return to the position before the detection of the brain waves, or may be configured to remain in the position when the brain waves were detected.

In order to position the brain wave detection sensor 20 in an appropriate position, it is necessary to recognize the position of the head of the occupant seated in the seat 10 at the time of detecting brain waves. A detection means (e.g., an infrared distance sensor) for detecting the position of the occupant's head may be placed on the seat 10 or on the vehicle body side, such as the roof.
Furthermore, the number of detecting means may be one or more, as long as it is possible to accurately determine the position of the head of an occupant seated in the seat 10 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, a rail 21 for guiding the brain wave detection sensor 20 in the vertical direction and an actuator 22 such as a motor for moving the brain wave detection sensor 20 in the vertical direction are provided inside the headrest 13.
Alternatively, it is possible to configure the headrest 13 to move up and down to move the brain wave detection sensor 20 up and down. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 14, an actuator 22 such as a motor for moving the headrest pillar 13A up and down is provided inside the seat back 12.

The control unit 23 is composed of an ECU (electronic control unit) and is provided inside or below the seat 10. The control unit 23 stores information on the optimal relative positional relationship between the occupant's head and the brain wave detection sensor 20 in advance.
In addition, the control unit 23 determines the position of the head of the occupant seated in the seat 10 (e.g., the distance from the roof, etc.) based on the signal detected by the aforementioned detection means 24 (e.g., a signal including distance information, etc.).

Then, based on the information on the determined position of the occupant's head and the information on the above-mentioned optimal relative positional relationship, the control unit 23 calculates how far the brain wave detection sensor 20 should be moved from its current position in the direction of the rail 21 (see Figure 13) or the headrest pillar 13A (see Figure 14).
Then, the control unit 23 drives the actuator 22 to move the brain wave detection sensor 20 by the calculated distance.

In this way, when the brain wave detection sensor 20 detects the brain waves of the occupant, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be automatically moved up and down to be positioned at an optimum position.
It is possible to configure the system so that the parameters required for the above calculation process are detected by a detection means or obtained from another ECU. The above configuration can be applied not only to the case where only one brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided in the headrest 13 of the seat 10, but also to the following configuration examples.

[Configuration Example 4]
Next, a case will be described in which one brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided in a part of the seat 10 other than the headrest 13. In this case as well, the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided inside the surface 15 of the seat 10.
Specifically, the brain wave detection sensor 20 can be configured to be disposed on, for example, the neck rest 17 (see FIG. 4), the seat back 14, the arm rest 18, the seat cushion 11, or the like.

Furthermore, when the brain wave detection sensor 20 is provided within the seat 10 (for example, within the neck rest 17), it is possible to configure the brain wave detection sensor 20 to be positioned in the center position in the left-right direction of the seat 10 (see Figure 15(A)), as in the case of the above configuration example 1-1 (see Figure 5(A)), or it is also possible to configure it to be positioned in a position shifted to either the left or right side of the seat 10 (see Figure 15(B)), as in the case of the above configuration example 1-2 (see Figure 6).
In this case, too, the position at which the brain wave detection sensor 20 is placed is determined appropriately depending on the reception performance of the brain wave detection sensor 20, etc.

[Configuration Example 5]
Next, a case where a plurality of brain wave sensors 20 are provided inside the surface 15 of the seat 10 will be described.
In this way, by configuring multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 to be installed within the seat 10, it becomes possible to detect the occupant's brain waves more reliably when multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are used than when a single brain wave detection sensor 20 is used, thereby making it possible to further improve the reliability of brain wave detection.

[Configuration Example 5-1]
First, a case where a plurality of brain wave detection sensors 20 are provided inside the headrest 13 of the seat 10 will be described below.
That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to configure the headrest 13 so that a plurality of brain wave detection sensors 20 are provided inside the surface 15 of the headrest 13.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, if the brain wave detection sensors 20 are provided at left and right positions inside the headrest 13, it is possible to improve the reliability of brain wave detection as described above.
Another effect is that it becomes possible to detect the brain waves from the left brain and the right brain of the occupant by each of the brain wave sensors 20, respectively.

Although FIG. 16 shows a case where two brain wave detection sensors 20 are arranged, it is also possible to arrange three or more sensors.
Furthermore, although Figure 16 shows a case where multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are provided inside the headrest 13, at respective positions on the outside of the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A, the multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 do not necessarily have to be arranged in this manner.

Although not shown in the figures, for example, one or more brain wave detection sensors 20 may be arranged on the outside of the headrest pillar 13A, and brain wave detection sensors 20 may also be arranged in a position between the left and right headrest pillars 13A, 13A. It is also possible to arrange multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 at the top and bottom or at the front and back within the headrest 13.

In this way, when multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are provided within the headrest 13, they may be provided at any position within the headrest 13 as long as they are located inside the epidermis 15 of the headrest 13. In this case, too, the multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are arranged at positions that, in the actual configuration of the seat 10 including the headrest 13, allow for the most accurate detection of the brain waves of an occupant seated in the seat 10.

[Configuration Example 5-2]
On the other hand, when multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are configured to be installed on the seat 10, it is not necessarily necessary to install all of the brain wave detection sensors 20 inside the headrest 13 as described above, and if it is possible to improve the reliability of detecting the occupant's brain waves, it is possible to install multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 in each part of the seat 10.
The brain wave detection sensor 20 can be provided in the seat 10 at any position, such as the headrest 13, neck rest 17, seat back 14, armrest 18 (see FIG. 4), or seat cushion 11. The brain wave detection sensor 20 may also be provided at a footrest, ottoman, or the like.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, it is also possible to provide brain wave detection sensors 20 in the headrest 13 and neckrest 17, respectively.
It is also possible to configure the seat 10 so that the brain wave detection sensors 20 are placed in multiple positions other than the headrest 13. However, since the headrest 13 is usually located closest to the occupant's head and placing the brain wave detection sensor 20 there makes it easier to detect the occupant's brain waves, when multiple brain wave detection sensors 20 are placed within the seat 10, it is preferable to place one or more of the brain wave detection sensors 20 within the headrest 13, as shown in Figure 17.

[Configuration Example 6]
Furthermore, as described above, it is also possible to provide one or more brain wave detection sensors 20 inside the seat 10 (i.e., inside the surface 15 of the seat 10), and further configure the brain wave detection sensor to be worn by the occupant and used in combination.
In order to distinguish it from the brain wave detection sensor 20 provided inside the seat 10, the brain wave detection sensor that can be worn by the occupant will be described below as the brain wave detection sensor 30.

By using a brain wave detection sensor 30 that can be worn by occupant A in addition to the brain wave detection sensor 20 provided within the seat 10 in this way, it is possible to detect occupant A's brain waves in a layered manner using multiple brain wave detection sensors 20, 30, compared to detecting occupant A's brain waves using only the brain wave detection sensor 20 provided within the seat 10. This makes it possible to more reliably detect occupant A's brain waves, further improving the reliability of brain wave detection.

The brain wave detection sensor 30 that can be worn by the occupant A may be, for example, a headset type as shown in FIG. 18(A).
In the following, we will explain the case where the brain wave detection sensor 30 is installed in a headset 31, but it does not have to be a headset type and any form that can accurately detect the brain waves of occupant A can be used.

The signal detected by the brain wave detection sensor 30 can be transmitted to an external device via a wired system, for example, by connecting a headset 31 equipped with the brain wave detection sensor 30 to the seat 10 with a cable or the like (not shown).
It is also possible to configure the device so that the signal detected by the brain wave detection sensor 30 is transmitted wirelessly. In this case, as shown in Fig. 18(B) for example, a headset 31 equipped with the brain wave detection sensor 30 is provided with a transmitter 32 that transmits the signal from the brain wave detection sensor 30 wirelessly.

In addition, Figure 18 (B) shows a case in which a GND potential acquisition means 31a is provided in the headset 31, which is attached to the body of occupant A, for example, by clamping the earlobe of occupant A, in order to obtain the GND potential in the signal detection by the brain wave detection sensor 30 (see Figure 18 (A)), but the method of acquiring the GND potential is not limited to this.
Furthermore, the transmitter 32 does not necessarily have to be provided at the back of the head of the occupant A as shown in FIG. 18B, but may be placed at an appropriate position where it can be easily received by the receiver described later.

When the signal from the brain wave detection sensor 30 is transmitted wirelessly, a receiver for receiving the signal is provided inside the vehicle cabin, but the receiver can be provided, for example, on the roof, door, or pillar (front pillar, center pillar, rear pillar), etc. For example, if the receiver is provided on the roof, the transmitter 32 is provided on the upper side (top of the head) of the headset 31, and if the receiver is provided on the door or pillar, the transmitter 32 is provided on the side (temporal side) of the headset 31.

[Configuration Example 6-1]
It is also possible to configure the seat 10 to have a receiving unit that receives signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 .
With this configuration, signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 attached to the occupant A seated in the seat 10 can be received by a receiving unit provided in the seat 10, which is located closer to the occupant A than the roof, pillars, etc., and signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 can be received with high sensitivity and reliability.

[Configuration Example 6-2]
Furthermore, when the receiving unit is provided in the seat 10 as described above, it is desirable to provide the receiving unit in the headrest 13 of the seat 10, which is closest to the transmitting unit 32 shown in Fig. 18(B). The receiving unit may also be provided in the neck rest 17, the upper part of the seat back 12, etc.
With this configuration, signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 (headset 31) worn by occupant A seated in the seat 10 can be received with greater sensitivity at a position closest to the transmitter 32 of the headset 31, making it possible to reliably receive signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30.

[Configuration Example 6-3]
In addition, when the receiving unit is provided in the headrest 13 (or the neck rest 17 or the upper part of the seat back 12, etc.; the same applies below), it is possible to configure the receiving unit 40 to be provided near the brain wave detection sensor 20 provided in the headrest 13, as shown in Figure 19 (A), for example.
The frequency of the brain waves of occupant A received by the brain wave detection sensor 20 is on the order of several Hz to several tens of Hz, whereas the frequency of the radio waves used for wireless communication between the transmitter 32 and receiver 40 of the brain wave detection sensor 30 is usually on the order of GHz. Therefore, if the receiver 40 does not emit noise in the range of several Hz to several tens of Hz and the brain wave detection sensor 20 does not emit noise on the order of GHz, they can be placed close to each other.

Furthermore, when the receiving unit 40 for signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 is located near the brain wave detection sensor 20 within the headrest 13 in this manner, it becomes possible to configure them compactly within the headrest 13 (for example, by combining them into a single unit).
Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the structures inside the headrest 13 including these components is increased.

[Configuration Example 6-4]
Furthermore, for example, if providing the receiver 40 for signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 near the brain wave detection sensor 20 within the headrest 13 causes problems, it is possible to provide the receiver 40 and the brain wave detection sensor 20 at positions separated from each other within the headrest 13, for example, by dividing them into the left and right sides of the headrest 13 as shown in Figure 19(B).Their positions in the vertical direction within the headrest 13 may also be different from each other.
With this configuration, the receiving unit 40 can accurately receive signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 without picking up each other's noise, and the brain wave detection sensor 20 can accurately detect the brain waves of occupant A.

[Configuration Example 6-5]
Furthermore, if it is difficult to install the brain wave detection sensor 20 and the receiving unit 40 for signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 inside the headrest 13, it is also possible to configure the brain wave detection sensor 20 to be installed inside the headrest 13 and the receiving unit 40 to be installed on the neck rest 17 or the upper part of the seat back 12, for example, as shown in Figure 20.

Although not shown in the figures, it is also possible to configure the opposite, for example, by providing the receiving unit 40 inside the headrest 13 and providing the brain wave detection sensor 20 on the neck rest 17 or the upper part of the seat back 12, etc.
By configuring as described above, the receiving unit 40 can accurately receive signals from the brain wave detection sensor 30 without picking up each other's noise, and the brain wave detection sensor 20 can accurately detect the brain waves of occupant A.

[Configuration Example 6-6]
Incidentally, as described above, when the headset 31 equipped with the brain wave detection sensor 30 is connected to the seat 10 or the like by a cable or the like, power can be supplied to the headset 31 and the brain wave detection sensor 30 from an external power source via this cable or the like.
However, when wireless communication is performed between the transmitter 32 of the headset 31 and the receiver 40 provided in the seat 10, etc., it is not possible to supply power to the headset 31 or the brain wave detection sensor 30 via a wired connection from an external power source as described above.

Therefore, a power storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor is provided in advance inside the headset 31. Although not shown in the drawings, it is possible to configure the headset 31 so that the power storage device is charged by connecting a cable or the like to the headset 31 while the headset 31 is not in use, for example, when the vehicle is stopped.
When occupant A sits in the seat 10, he disconnects the cables and the like from the headset 31 and puts on the headset 31. While occupant A is wearing the headset 31, the power storage device is not charged, and power is supplied from the power storage device that has been charged as described above to the brain wave detection sensor 30 and the like, causing the brain wave detection sensor 30 and the like to operate.

However, in the above configuration, the occupant A must connect a cable or the like to the headset 31, which is troublesome and may result in the occupant forgetting to connect (forget to charge) the headset.
Therefore, when wireless communication is configured to be performed between the headset 31 and the receiving unit 40 as described above, it is possible to provide a power transmission unit in the seat 10 for contactless power supply (also referred to as wireless power supply or wireless power transmission) to the brain wave detection sensor 30, the headset 31, etc., and provide a power receiving unit in the headset 31, so that power is transmitted from the power transmission unit to the power receiving unit to charge the power storage device in the headset 31. Note that the power transmission method is not limited to a specific method.

[Configuration Example 6-6-1]
In this case, the power storage device is not charged while occupant A is wearing the headset 31, but when occupant A removes the headset 31 and stores it in a specified storage section 60 of the seat 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 , power can be automatically transmitted from the power transmission unit 50 on the seat 10 to the power receiving unit 33 of the headset 31, thereby charging the power storage device of the headset 31 via contactless power supply.
With this configuration, occupant A does not have to go through the trouble of connecting a cable or the like to the headset 31 for charging, and there is no risk of forgetting to charge. Note that storing the headset 31 in the storage section 60 will be described later in configuration examples 6 and 7.

[Configuration Example 6-6-2]
It is also possible to configure the system so that while occupant A is wearing the headset 31 and sitting in the seat 10, power is transmitted from the power transmission unit on the seat 10 side to charge the power storage device of the headset 31.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, for example, a power transmission unit 50 is provided on the neck rest 17 of the seat 10 (or on the headrest 13 or the upper part of the seat back 12, etc.), and a power receiving unit 33 is provided on the headset 31 so that when occupant A wears the headset 31, the power receiving unit 33 is positioned opposite the power transmission unit 50.

With this configuration, while occupant A is wearing the headset 31 and sitting in the seat 10, the power storage device (not shown) of the headset 31 can be automatically charged by contactless power supply.
In this case, power is not constantly transmitted from the power transmission unit 50 on the seat 10 side, but is configured to transmit power as described above and charge the device when a charging request signal is sent from the headset 31, for example, when the remaining power in the storage device drops to a predetermined value.

[Configuration Example 6-7]
Incidentally, when the configuration is such that occupant A wears the headset 31 (brain wave detection sensor 30) as described above, if occupant A removes the headset 31 when getting off the vehicle and places it, for example, on the seat cushion 11, there is a possibility that the next occupant sitting in the seat 10 may crush the headset 31 with their buttocks, damaging the headset 31.
Therefore, it is possible to configure the headset 31 so that it can be stored in a storage section when not being worn.

In this case, the storage section can be configured to be provided in, for example, the instrument panel, roof, front pillar, rear pillar, door, or the like of the vehicle.
Also, although not shown in the figures, the storage section may be configured as a case with a lid, such as a glove box on an instrument panel, or as a case without a lid, such as a storage pocket in a door, or it may simply be configured as a hook.

On the other hand, it is also possible to configure the seat 10 to have a storage section capable of storing the headset 31 (brain wave detection sensor 30).
In this case, too, although not shown in the drawings, the storage portion may be a hook-shaped portion provided on the side portion of the seat cushion 11 or the side portion or back of the seat back 12, for example.

23 , for example, the front side (or the back side or side portion, etc.) of the headrest 13 can be configured to be openable and closable, and the headset 31 can be stored inside the headrest 13. In other words, the headrest 13 can be configured to have a storage section 60 (the front side, etc. of the headrest 13 becomes a lid section 61) for the headset 31 (brain wave detection sensor 30) formed inside the headrest 13.
Also, although not shown in the figures, it is also possible to form a part of the side portion of the seat cushion 11 or the side portion or back of the seat back 12 so that it can be opened and closed, and to store the headset 31 therein (i.e., to form a storage section 60 in the seat cushion 11, seat back 12, etc.).

In this way, by configuring the seat 10 to have a storage section for the headset 31 (brain wave detection sensor 30), it is possible to reliably prevent the headset 31 from being crushed and damaged or the headrest 31 from scattering, and it becomes possible to properly manage the headset 31.
In addition, the occupant A can easily take out the headset 31 (brain wave detection sensor 30) from the storage section 60 and put it on.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 Seat 13 Headrest 13A Headrest pillar 15 Cover 20 Brain wave detection sensor 30 Brain wave detection sensor (brain wave detection sensor that can be worn by a passenger)
40 Receiving unit 50 Power transmission unit (unit)
60 Storage area A Crew

Claims (7)

A brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure for a seat including a seat cushion, a seat back whose lower portion is supported by the seat cushion, and a headrest provided on an upper portion of the seat back,
an electroencephalogram (EEG) detection sensor for detecting an occupant's EEG in the seat is provided inside the headrest,
Left and right headrest pillars are arranged inside the headrest,
the left and right headrest pillars have curved portions formed in a generally crank shape when viewed from the front, and are arranged symmetrically so that the distance above the curved portions is narrower than the distance below the curved portions, and upper end portions of the left and right headrest pillars are connected by a connecting portion,
The brain wave detection sensor is arranged near the curved portion on the outside of the left and right headrest pillars, above the curved portion and below the connecting portion, in a brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure in the seat. The brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure for a seat described in claim 1, wherein the brain wave detection sensors are provided at left and right positions on the outside of the left and right headrest pillars. The brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure for a seat described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the brain wave detection sensor is provided inside the headrest, in a position forward of the headrest pillar. The brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure for a seat described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein multiple brain wave detection sensors are provided inside the surface of the headrest. A brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure in a seat described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a receiving unit that receives signals from a second brain wave detection sensor worn by the occupant is provided in the headrest. The brain wave detection sensor arrangement structure for a seat described in claim 5, wherein the brain wave detection sensor and the receiving unit are respectively provided at positions spaced apart from each other within the headrest. a power transmission unit for wirelessly supplying power to a second brain wave detection sensor worn by the occupant is provided in the headrest ;
the second brain wave detection sensor is provided with a power receiving unit for contactless power supply;
7. The arrangement structure of a brain wave detection sensor in a seat as described in claim 5 or 6 , wherein the power receiving unit is provided in a position opposite the power transmitting unit when the second brain wave detection sensor is worn by the occupant .