JP7737037B2 - seat system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seat system having a seat and a control unit.

Conventionally, a seat system has been known that includes a seat, a pressure sensor that detects pressure from a user seated in the seat, and a control unit that controls the movement of an on-screen character based on a signal from the pressure sensor (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-175808

However, with conventional technology, the occupant had to move their body to apply pressure to the seat surface in order to move the character. As a result, even if the occupant moved their body, the pressure might not be transmitted properly to the seat surface, making it impossible to control the character.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a seat system that can improve character operability.

In order to solve the above problem, the seat system of the present invention comprises a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit.
The control unit displays the character on the display unit and moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member.

With this configuration, the character moves by moving the movable member that is movable relative to the seat cushion, improving the operability of the character.

The seat system may also include a sensor that detects the movement of the movable member, and the control unit may move the character based on information obtained from the sensor.

The control unit may also change the speed of the character's movement based on information obtained from the sensor.

The seat system may also include an operation unit for operating the movable member and an electric device for moving the movable member, and the control unit may operate the electric device based on an operation command output from the operation unit, and move the character according to the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric device.

With this configuration, the control unit moves the character in response to operation commands or the amount of movement of the electric device, eliminating the need for sensors to detect the movement of the movable parts and reducing costs.

The control unit may also estimate the fatigue level of the user seated in the seat, display the estimated fatigue level as the character's fatigue status on the display unit, and change the fatigue status in accordance with the movement of the movable member.

In addition, the movable member may be a seat back that rotates relative to the seat cushion, and the control unit may lower the fatigue status when the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

The seat system may also include multiple seats, and the control unit may move the character in accordance with the movement of each movable member of the multiple seats.

With this configuration, when each user seated in multiple seats moves a movable member, the character moves in accordance with the movement of the movable member on each of the multiple seats, allowing each user to enjoy cooperative play, for example.

The movable member may be a rotatable armrest, and the control unit may move the character according to the amount of rotation of the armrest.

The seat system may further include a switch for switching the control unit between the first mode and the second mode, and the control unit may be configured to execute a synchronization process for moving the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member in the first mode, and not execute the synchronization process in the second mode.

The control unit may also be configured not to execute synchronization processing if it predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle.

With this configuration, synchronization processing is not performed when a vehicle is about to collide, allowing the user to, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision.

According to the present invention, the character moves by moving a movable member that is movable relative to the seat cushion, thereby improving the operability of the character.

Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to move the character in response to operation commands or the amount of movement of the electric device, there is no need to provide a sensor to detect the movement of the movable part, thereby reducing costs.

Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to move the character in accordance with the movement of each movable member on multiple seats, users can, for example, enjoy cooperative play.

Furthermore, by configuring the system so that synchronization processing is not executed when the vehicle is about to collide, the user can, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision.

1 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a first embodiment; 10A shows the state of the seat when the reclining angle is less than a predetermined value, and FIG. 10B shows the screen display at that time. 10A shows the state of the seat when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and FIG. 10B shows the screen display at that time. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. 10A is a diagram showing a seat according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a screen display according to the movement of an armrest. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a fifth embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state in which the armrest of the right seat is rotated upward and the screen display at that time. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which the angles of the armrests of the left and right seats are aligned, and the screen display at that time. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fifth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10 on which a user can sit, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, a camera 30 as an example of a collision detection unit, a mode selector switch 63, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the monitor M, the camera 30, and the mode selector switch 63 are interior components arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment.

The seat 10 includes a seat body 10A, a reclining mechanism RC, an operating lever L1, and a sensor SS1.

The seat body 10A is a member having a seating surface that supports the user. The seat body 10A includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12 as an example of a movable member, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the skeleton, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The cover is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like. The upper surface of the seat cushion 11 forms the seating surface. The front surfaces of the seat back 12 and headrest 13 each form the seating surface.

The seat back 12 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 11. Specifically, the seat back 12 is rotatably supported on the seat cushion 11 via a reclining mechanism RC.

The reclining mechanism RC is a mechanism for prohibiting or allowing the rotation of the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 11. The reclining mechanism RC can be switched between a locked state, which prohibits the rotation of the seat back 12, and an unlocked state, which allows the rotation of the seat back 12. The reclining mechanism RC has a spring that biases the seat back 12 forward.

The operating lever L1 is a lever used to switch the state of the reclining mechanism RC. The operating lever L1 can be rotated between the locked position shown in Figure 1 and the unlocked position when rotated upward from the locked position.

When the operating lever L1 is in the locked position, the reclining mechanism RC is locked. When the operating lever L1 is in the released position, the reclining mechanism RC is released.

Sensor SS1 is a sensor that detects the movement of the seat back 12. More specifically, sensor SS1 detects the reclining angle. Here, the reclining angle refers to the angle of the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the reclining angle is the angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion 11 and the seat surface of the seat back 12. The reclining angle decreases as the seat back 12 tilts forward, and increases as the seat back tilts backward. For example, sensor SS1 can be a sensor with a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the reclining angle.

Monitor M has a screen M1 (see Figure 2) that displays an image. The image displayed on monitor M can be changed by control unit 100. Monitor M can be placed on the dashboard, for example, below the rearview mirror. A user seated in seat 10 can view screen M1 of monitor M.

Camera 30 is a camera that captures images of the area ahead of the vehicle. Image information captured by camera 30 is output to control unit 100.

The mode selector switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which a synchronization process described below is executed. Also, the second mode is a mode in which a synchronization process is not executed. The mode selector switch 63 is, for example, a push button switch. The mode selector switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the user presses it.

The mode selector switch 63 is located on the dashboard. However, the mode selector switch 63 may also be located on other interior components, such as the seat 10.

The control unit 100 is configured with, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output circuits, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or in a member other than the seat 10. The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the camera 30, the mode selector switch 63, and the sensor SS1.

The control unit 100 has the function of displaying a cat character on the screen M1 and executing synchronization processing to move the cat in accordance with the movement of the seat back 12. During synchronization processing, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 based on information obtained from the sensor SS1.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), when the reclining angle acquired from sensor SS1 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat walking on screen M1. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), when the reclining angle acquired from sensor SS1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat sleeping.

The control unit 100 performs synchronization processing in the first mode. The control unit 100 does not perform synchronization processing in the second mode.

The control unit 100 has a function to estimate the fatigue level of a user seated in the seat 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 assumes that the user is in a healthy state when the first mode starts, and estimates (sets) the fatigue level (initial value) at the start of the first mode to 0.

The initial value of fatigue level may be set to a larger value, for example, the longer the time that has elapsed since the vehicle's ignition switch was turned on. The initial value of fatigue level may also be estimated based on the user's biometric information obtained from at least one of a heart rate sensor and a breathing sensor installed in the seat.

For example, the control unit 100 measures the user's sympathetic nerve activity level based on heart rate information acquired from a heart rate sensor. Specifically, the control unit 100 obtains the ratio (LF/HF) of low-frequency fluctuation waves (LF) to high-frequency fluctuation waves (HF) in the heart rate fluctuation as the sympathetic nerve activity level. The control unit 100 then sets the sympathetic nerve activity level (LF/HF) as an initial value of the fatigue level.
That is, according to the above index, it is estimated that the more active the sympathetic nervous activity is relative to the parasympathetic nervous activity, the higher the user's fatigue level.

Note that the method for estimating the initial value of the user's fatigue level is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the user's fatigue level based on information acquired from a breathing sensor, such as the interval between breaths or the alertness level determined based on breathing (at least a level indicating whether the user is in an alert or low alert state). Specifically, the shorter the interval between breaths of the user, the higher the fatigue level may be determined to be, or the user's alertness level may be determined to be high if they are in a low alert state.

The control unit 100 displays the estimated fatigue level as the cat's fatigue status on screen M1 and has the function of changing the fatigue status according to the movement of the seat back 12. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), the control unit 100 raises (increases) the fatigue status displayed on screen M1 when the reclining angle acquired from sensor SS1 is less than a predetermined value. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the control unit 100 lowers (decreases) the fatigue status displayed on screen M1 when the reclining angle acquired from sensor SS1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

In this embodiment, the fatigue status is displayed on screen M1 as an increasing/decreasing gauge. In Figure 2 or Figure 3, the gauge showing the fatigue status is shown with hatched dots. The gauge extends to the right as the fatigue level increases, and shrinks to the left as the fatigue level decreases.

In addition, the control unit 100 is configured not to perform synchronization processing if a vehicle collision is predicted based on information from the camera 30.

Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Figure 4.

In the processing of FIG. 4, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode and ends this processing (S11).

If it is determined in step S1 that the mode switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on information from the camera 30 (S2). If it is determined in step S2 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode and ends this processing (S11).

If it is determined in step S2 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S3) and determines whether it is the start of the first mode (S4). In other words, in step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether it is the time when the mode has switched from the second mode to the first mode.

If it is determined in step S4 that the first mode has started (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the initial value of the fatigue level to 0 (S5). After step S5, or if it is determined in step S4 that the first mode has not started (No), the control unit 100 acquires the reclining angle from sensor SS1 (S6).

After step S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S7). If it is determined in step S7 that the reclining angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of a fatigue level status according to the fatigue level and an image of a sleeping cat on screen M1 (S8).

After step S8, the control unit 100 counts down the fatigue level (S9). After step S9, the control unit 100 changes the display of the fatigue level status according to the fatigue level (S10) and ends this process.

If it is determined in step S7 that the reclining angle is not greater than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of a fatigue level status according to the fatigue level and an image of a cat waking up on screen M1 (S12). After step S12, the control unit 100 counts up the fatigue level (S13). After step S13, the control unit 100 changes the display of the fatigue level status according to the fatigue level (S10) and ends this process.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 1, when the reclining angle is less than a predetermined value and the control unit 100 is in the second mode, if the user seated in the seat 10 turns on the mode selector switch 63, an image of a cat waking up is displayed on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 2(b). At the time the user turns on the mode selector switch 63, the gauge indicating the fatigue status is at 0 (no dots are hatched).

If the user leaves the seat 10 in this position for a while, the fatigue status gauge will gradually fill to the right. The time it takes for the gauge to fill from 0 to MAX can be set to a relatively long time, such as one or two hours.

When the gauge approaches MAX, the user can see this display and recognize that fatigue is building up. When a tired user rotates the operating lever L1 upward to tilt the seat back 12 backward, as shown in Figure 3(a), and the reclining angle reaches a predetermined value or greater, the display on screen M1 changes to an image of a sleeping cat, as shown in Figure 3(b), and the fatigue status gauge gradually decreases over time. This allows the user to recognize that their fatigue is improving.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The cat character moves when the user moves the seat back 12, which improves the operability of the character.

If the vehicle is about to collide, synchronization processing will not be performed, allowing the user to take a posture to prepare for a collision, for example.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 5, the seat 210 according to the second embodiment has the same components as the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, and further includes an ottoman 14 as an example of a movable member, a rotation mechanism 15, a second operating lever L2, and a second sensor SS2.

The ottoman 14 is a member that supports the user's calves. The ottoman 14 has a metal frame that forms the skeleton, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The ottoman 14 is rotatably supported at the front end of the seat cushion 11 via a rotation mechanism 15.

The rotation mechanism 15 is a mechanism for prohibiting or allowing the rotation of the ottoman 14 relative to the seat cushion 11. The rotation mechanism 15 can be switched between a locked state, which prohibits the rotation of the ottoman 14, and an unlocked state, which allows the rotation of the ottoman 14. The rotation mechanism 15 has a spring that biases the ottoman 14 upward.

The second operating lever L2 is a lever for switching the state of the rotation mechanism 15. The second operating lever L2 can be rotated between the locked position shown in Figure 5 and the unlocked position when rotated upward from the locked position.

When the second operating lever L2 is in the locked position, the rotation mechanism 15 is locked. When the second operating lever L2 is in the released position, the rotation mechanism 15 is released.

The second sensor SS2 is a sensor that detects the movement of the ottoman 14. More specifically, the second sensor SS2 detects the ottoman angle. Here, the ottoman angle refers to the angle of the ottoman 14 relative to the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the ottoman angle is the angle between the underside of the seat cushion 11 and the underside of the ottoman 14. The ottoman angle increases as the ottoman 14 approaches a horizontal position, and decreases as it tilts downward relative to the horizontal position. The second sensor SS2 can be, for example, a sensor with a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the ottoman angle.

The control unit 100 executes the process shown in Figure 6. The process shown in Figure 6 includes steps S1 to S5 and S7 to S13 from the process shown in Figure 4, as well as new steps S31 to S33.

After step S5, or if the control unit 100 determines No in step S4, it acquires information (recline angle and ottoman angle) from sensor SS1 and second sensor SS2 (S31) and proceeds to processing in step S7. After step S9, the control unit 100 determines whether the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S32).

If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 counts down the fatigue level (S33) and proceeds to step S10. If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is not equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 proceeds directly to step S10.

According to the second embodiment, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the ottoman angle is less than a second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down only in step S9, and the fatigue level status gauge decreases at a predetermined rate. In contrast, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down twice, in steps S9 and S33, and the fatigue level status gauge decreases at a rate faster than the predetermined rate.

This allows the rate at which the fatigue status gauge decreases to correspond to the user's actual degree of recovery from fatigue, which is based on the shape of the seat 210. In other words, the user can stretch out and relax more when the seat back 12 is tilted back and the ottoman 14 is in a horizontal position than when only the seat back 12 is tilted back with the front end of the ottoman 14 facing downwards. Therefore, by increasing the rate at which the gauge decreases in this case, the rate at which the gauge decreases can be matched to the user's actual degree of recovery from fatigue.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), the seat 310 according to the third embodiment further includes an armrest 16 as an example of a movable member and an arm angle sensor 320 as an example of a sensor.

The armrest 16 is rotatably supported on the seat back 12. The armrest 16 can be rotated up and down between a first arm position shown in Figure 7(a), in which the tip faces forward, and a second arm position, in which the tip faces upward.

In this embodiment, the armrest 16 is located on the left side of the seat back 12. Note that the armrest may be provided on at least one of the left and right sides of the seat back.

The arm angle sensor 320 is a sensor that detects the angle of the armrest 16 (hereinafter also referred to as the "arm angle"). For example, the arm angle sensor 320 may be the same as the sensor SS1 in the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 7(b), the control unit 100 has the function of rotating the left front paw of the cat on the screen M1 up and down in accordance with the amount of rotation of the armrest 16. If armrests are provided on the left and right sides of the seat back, the control unit may move the right front paw of the cat on the screen up and down in accordance with the movement of the right armrest, and move the left front paw of the cat on the screen up and down in accordance with the movement of the left armrest.

The control unit 100 executes the process shown in Figure 8. The process shown in Figure 8 includes steps S1 to S3 and S11 from the process shown in Figure 4, as well as new steps S51 and S52.

After step S3, the control unit 100 acquires the arm angle from the arm angle sensor 320 (S51). After step S51, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat on screen M1 with the angle of the cat's front paws aligned with the arm angle (S52), and then ends this process.

According to the third embodiment, when the user rotates the armrest 16 up and down, the front paws of the cat on the screen M1 move up and down, which increases the entertainment value.
Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the control unit 100 displays the image of the cat so that the angle of the cat's front paws matches the arm angle acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, so the cat's front paws can be moved at a speed that corresponds to the speed at which the user moves the armrest 16. In other words, the control unit 100 changes the speed of the cat's movement based on the information acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, which can enhance entertainment value.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 9, the seat 410 according to the fourth embodiment includes an electric reclining mechanism 40 that replaces the reclining mechanism RC of the first embodiment, a reclining switch 61 that replaces the operating lever L1 of the first embodiment, and a reference position sensor 420 that replaces the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment.

The electric reclining mechanism 40 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 40 is equipped with a motor that is activated by electricity.

The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the seat back 12. 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 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

The reference position sensor 420 is a sensor that detects when the seat back 12 is positioned at the reference position shown in Figure 9. An optical sensor, which is less expensive than the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment, can be used as the reference position sensor 420.

The control unit 100 has a function to operate the electric reclining mechanism 40 based on an operation command output from the reclining switch 61. Specifically, if the operation command received from the reclining switch 61 is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 rotates the electric reclining mechanism 40 in one direction to tilt the seat back 12 forward. If the operation command received from the reclining switch 61 is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 rotates the electric reclining mechanism 40 in the other direction to tilt the seat back 12 backward. The control unit 100 has a function to move the cat on the screen M1 according to the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40.

The control unit 100 has the function of activating the electric reclining mechanism 40 and returning the seat back 12 to its initial position when the ignition switch is switched from ON to OFF. The control unit 100 stores the operation history of the reclining switch 61 while the ignition switch is ON. Here, the operation history of the reclining switch 61 may be the history of operation commands output from the reclining switch 61, or the operation history of the electric reclining mechanism 40.

The operation command history can be, for example, the sum of the time during which a forward tilt command is output (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which a successor command is output (e.g., a negative value). The operation history of the electric reclining mechanism 40 can be, for example, the sum of the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in one direction (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction (e.g., a negative value).

The control unit 100 executes the process shown in Figure 10. The process shown in Figure 10 includes steps S1 to S5 and S7 to S13 from the process shown in Figure 4, as well as new steps S71 to S74.

After step S5, or if step S4 returns No, the control unit 100 calculates the initial reclining angle from the reference position and the operation history of the reclining switch 61 (S71). After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether an operation command has been received from the reclining switch 61 (S72).

If it is determined in step S71 that an operation command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 activates the electric reclining mechanism 40 based on the operation command (S73). After step S73, the control unit 100 calculates the reclining angle based on the initial reclining angle calculated in step S71 and the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40 (S74).

For example, in step S74, if the operation command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 calculates the decrease in the reclining angle based on the time the forward tilt command is output (or the operating time of the electric reclining mechanism 40 operated by the forward tilt command), and calculates the current reclining angle by subtracting the calculated decrease from the initial reclining angle. If the operation command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 calculates the increase in the reclining angle based on the time the backward tilt command is output (or the operating time of the electric reclining mechanism 40 operated by the successor command), and calculates the current reclining angle by adding the calculated increase to the initial reclining angle.

After step S74, or if it is determined in step S71 that no operation command has been received (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S7.

In the fourth embodiment, in the first mode, when the user pushes the reclining switch 61 backward for a predetermined period of time, the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction for a predetermined period of time, causing the reclining angle to exceed a predetermined position (S7: Yes), and an image of a sleeping cat is displayed (S8). Also, in the first mode, when the user pushes the reclining switch 61 forward for a predetermined period of time, causing the electric reclining mechanism 40 to rotate in one direction for a predetermined period of time, causing the reclining angle to fall below the predetermined position (S7: No), and an image of a waking cat is displayed (S12).

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 100 moves the cat in response to an operation command or the amount of operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40, eliminating the need to provide a sensor SS1 to detect each position (angle) of the seat back 12 as in the first embodiment, thereby reducing costs.

In the fourth embodiment, the reference position sensor 420 is provided, but the reference position sensor 420 is not necessary. In this case, for example, the control unit 100 stores the angle of the seat back 12 at the time of shipment of the seat 410 as the reference position, and stores the operation history of the reclining switch 61 each time the reclining switch 61 is operated, thereby constantly keeping track of the current reclining angle.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment has a structure including two sheets 510 that are substantially the same as the sheet 310 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

As shown in FIG. 11, a seat system 501 according to the fifth embodiment includes two seats 510 .
Each seat 510 is provided with a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, a headrest 13, and an armrest 16, which are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment. In the seat 510 of the fifth embodiment, the armrest 16 is provided on the right side of the seat back 12. Although not shown, each seat 510 is also provided with an arm angle sensor 320, which is the same as that in the third embodiment.

The two seats 510 are arranged side by side. In the following description, the right seat 510 will also be referred to as the "first seat 510R," and the left seat 510 will also be referred to as the "second seat 510L."

For convenience, Figure 11 shows the screen M1 of the monitor M facing the front of the illustration, but in reality, the screen M1 faces each seat 510. The left-right center of the screen M1 is located between the two seats 510 in the left-right direction.

The control unit 100 has the function of moving the cat on the screen M1 in accordance with the movement of the armrests 16 of the two seats 510. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 100 compares the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the first seat 510R on the right side (hereinafter also referred to as the "first arm angle") with the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the second seat 510L on the left side (hereinafter also referred to as the "second arm angle"), and moves the cat so that it lifts its front paws on the seat 510 with the larger arm angle.

Here, the arm angle is 0° when the armrest 16 is in the first arm position (a position where the tip of the armrest 16 faces forward), and becomes larger as the armrest 16 rotates upward from the first arm position.

Specifically, when the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle, the control unit 100 displays on screen M1 a video of a cat on screen M1 raising its front paw (the front paw on the right side as seen from the user) corresponding to the first right seat 510R. When the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle, the control unit 100 displays on screen M1 a video of a cat on screen M1 raising its front paw (the front paw on the left side as seen from the user) corresponding to the second left seat 510L.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first arm angle and the second arm angle match at an angle greater than 0°, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat clapping on the screen M1. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 14. The process of FIG. 14 includes steps S1 to S3 and S11 in the process of FIG. 4, as well as new steps S91 to S98.

After step S3, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on screen M1 (S91). The home screen displays, for example, an image of a cat sitting with both front paws down.

After step S91, the control unit 100 acquires the first arm angle and the second arm angle from each arm angle sensor 320 on the left and right seats 510 (S92). After step S92, the control unit 100 determines whether the first arm angle and the second arm angle are both 0° (S93).

If it is determined in step S93 that all arm angles are 0° (Yes), the control unit 100 terminates this process. If it is determined in step S93 that all arm angles are not 0° (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle (S94).

If it is determined in step S94 that the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat raising its front paw on the first seat 510R side on screen M1 (S95), and ends this processing. If it is determined in step S94 that the first arm angle is not greater than the second arm angle (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle (S96).

If it is determined in step S96 that the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat raising its front paw on the second seat 510L side on screen M1 (S97), and ends this process. If it is determined in step S96 that the second arm angle is not greater than the first arm angle (No), that is, if the first arm angle and the second arm angle match at an angle greater than 0°, the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat clapping on screen M1 (S98), and ends this process.

According to the fifth embodiment, when each user seated on two seats 510 moves the armrest 16, the cat moves in accordance with the movement of the armrest 16 of each of the two seats 510, allowing each user to enjoy cooperative play.

In the fifth embodiment, the number of sheets is two, but the number of sheets may be three or more.

The movable member is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be, for example, a headrest that is movable relative to the seat cushion. The headrest may be supported by the seat back so that it can move, for example, in the vertical direction.

The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices:
・A slide mechanism that moves the seat forward and backward. ・A height mechanism that moves the seat up and down. ・A movable device that changes the shape of the seat by driving a bag (air cell) or plate member that is operated by the inflow of air (for example, a device that operates the left and right protrusions that protrude from the seating surface of the seat cushion or seat back, or 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 side frame of the seat cushion between an up position where it is raised and a down position where it is lowered - A tilt mechanism that moves the cushion pan of the seat cushion up and down - A center folding mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward - A rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis - A cushion front-rear adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the front end of the seat cushion - A mechanism that rotates the ottoman up and down - A mechanism that rotates the armrest up and down - A mechanism that extends and retracts the armrest - A mechanism that switches the armrest between an extended state and a bent state - Lighting - A headrest speaker (The headrest speaker may rotate or move in at least one of the following directions: forward/backward, left/right, up/down.)
- A heater installed in the seat back or seat cushion - A seat blower, which is a seat air conditioning device that circulates air on the surface of the seat cushion and seat back

The air cell may be connected to an air pump via an air tube, and when air is injected, it may expand and press against the occupant. The air cell may be located in the lower back area like a lumbar support, or multiple air cells may be provided on the seat to allow for more localized changes in shape.

The vibration device may be 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 vibration device may be provided on the seat cushion, headrest, etc. The vibration device may also be provided on the left and right protrusions of the seat cushion or seat back.

The display unit may be located in any position, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, back of the seat, side of the door, or decorative element. 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 movable member may be a member that resembles an animal's body part, such as cat ears. The movable member may be made of a raised material. The movable member may also be an interior member other than a seat, such as a vehicle window. In this case, the control unit may display on the screen a cat's expression or words that show it is cooling off in response to the movement of the vehicle window lowering. In other words, the vehicle interior system may move a character displayed by the display unit in response to the movement of a movable interior member other than a seat.

The character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be an anthropomorphized character of an object, living thing, etc. The character may be set in advance, and may be, for example, an image of a deformed passenger.

Vehicles are not limited to automobiles, but may also be other vehicles, such as motorcycles, trains, etc.

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

The sheet system can be manufactured, for example, by the following method.
A method for manufacturing a seat system comprising a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays a character on the display unit and moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member, the method comprising the steps of attaching the movable member so that it is movable relative to the seat cushion, and connecting the display unit to the control unit.

The control unit may increase the degree to which the cat on the screen rolls over based on the reclining angle. For example, the cat may be displayed as rolling over and holding a ball, and the control unit may be able to execute a game in which the user adjusts the reclining angle to adjust the degree to which the cat rolls over, thereby trying not to drop the ball.

The sensor may be a position sensor that detects the amount of movement of the movable member based on a change in coordinate (change in angle) from a reference position. Position sensors that detect angles may be, for example, rotary sensors or tilt sensors. In the case of a position sensor, it may be embedded inside the seat back or ottoman pad, for example.

The sensor may be a speed sensor that detects whether the moving member is moving at a predetermined threshold speed (for example, determining the speed using a threshold in about four stages). The speed sensor may be, for example, a MEMS acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive sensor, or a capacitance sensor.

The display of the fatigue status is not limited to a gauge, and may be displayed as a numerical value. Furthermore, in a gauge-type display, a bar-shaped gauge corresponding to maximum stamina may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the gauge may shorten as the fatigue level increases. In a numerical display, for example, the number 0 may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the number may increase from 0 as the fatigue level increases. In a numerical display, for example, the maximum number corresponding to maximum stamina may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the number may decrease as the fatigue level increases.
Furthermore, the color or shape of the image displayed by the display unit may be changed depending on the level of fatigue. For example, as the level of fatigue increases, the facial expression of the character may change to become more tired.

The fatigue level may be set, for example, to increase as the vehicle travels a greater distance since the ignition switch was turned on.

In the fifth embodiment, the control unit may move the cat on the screen when the armrest of the right seat and the armrest of the left seat are alternately raised and lowered. In this case, the speed at which the armrests are alternately raised and lowered may increase the speed at which the cat on the screen moves.

The elements described in the above embodiments and variations may be implemented in any combination.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 seat system 11 seat cushion 12 seat back 100 control unit M monitor

Claims (11)

a seat having a seat cushion and a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion ;
A display unit;
a control unit,
The control unit
displaying a character on the display unit;
A seat system that moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member. a sensor for detecting the movement of the movable member;
The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character based on information obtained from the sensor. The seat system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit changes the speed of the character's movement based on information obtained from the sensor. an operating unit for operating the movable member;
an electric device for moving the movable member;
The control unit
activating the electric device based on an operation command output from the operation unit;
2. The seat system according to claim 1, wherein the character is moved in accordance with the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric device. The control unit
Estimating a fatigue level of a user seated in the seat;
displaying the estimated fatigue level as a fatigue status of the character on the display unit;
The seat system of claim 1 , wherein the fatigue status is changed in response to movement of the movable member. the movable member is a seat back that rotates relative to the seat cushion,
The control unit
6. The seat system according to claim 5, wherein the fatigue status is lowered on the condition that an angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A plurality of the sheets are provided,
The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member of each of the plurality of seats. the movable member is a rotatable armrest;
The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character in accordance with the amount of rotation of the armrest. a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode and a second mode;
The control unit
In the first mode, a synchronization process is executed to move the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member;
2. The seat system according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization process is not executed in the second mode. The seat system described in claim 9, characterized in that the control unit does not execute the synchronization process when it predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle. a seat having a seat cushion and a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion;
A display unit;
A control method for a seat system including a control unit,
The control unit
displaying a character on the display unit;
A method for controlling a seat system, comprising: moving the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member.