Seat system

Abstract

A seat includes sensors including a first seat cushion sensor (SC1) disposed on a seat cushion (S1) and corresponding to a position of a buttock of a seated person, a second seat cushion sensor (SC2) disposed on the seat cushion (S1) and located further forward than the first seat cushion sensor (SC1), a first seat back sensor (SB1) disposed on a seat back (S2) at a lower position, and a second seat back sensor (SB2) disposed on the seat back (S2) and located above the first seat back sensor (SB1), and a control device (100) connected to the sensors and capable of acquiring pressure values from the respective sensors. The control device (100) is configured to recognize a motion of the seated person based on outputs of at least two sensors among the first seat cushion sensor (SC1), the second seat cushion sensor (SC2), the first seat back sensor (SB1), and the second seat back sensor (SB2).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 2019800174841, filed on February 28, 2019, entitled "Seating". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a seating system. Background Technology

[0003] Devices for assessing the sitting posture of a person by placing a pressure sensor or similar device on the driver's seat have been disclosed in the prior art (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1

[0005] Special Announcement No. 11-064131 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 only assesses and prompts the driver's sitting posture, which means that this function is not being effectively utilized.

[0007] Against this backdrop, there is a need to provide a seating system that enables the operation of the equipment.

[0008] This document discloses a seat, which includes a seat body; sensors that detect measurements for recognizing the movements of a occupant sitting on the seat body; and a control unit connected to the sensors and capable of acquiring the measurements from the sensors. The seat body includes a seat cushion and a seat back; the sensors include a first seat cushion sensor disposed on the seat cushion corresponding to the occupant's buttocks, a second seat cushion sensor disposed on the seat cushion and located further forward of the first seat cushion sensor, a first backrest sensor disposed on the seat back and located below it, and a second backrest sensor disposed on the seat back and located above the first backrest sensor.

[0009] The control unit is configured to identify the occupant's movements based on the outputs of at least two of the following sensors: a first seat cushion sensor, a second seat cushion sensor, a first backrest sensor, and a second backrest sensor. The sensors may be devices capable of acquiring measurements, such as pressure values ​​reflecting the occupant's pressure on the seat body.

[0010] This configuration includes a first seat cushion sensor and a second seat cushion sensor spaced apart front to back on the seat cushion, and a first backrest sensor and a second backrest sensor spaced apart vertically on the seat back. That is, at least four sets of sensors are configured. The occupant's movements can be identified by the combination of the measurement values ​​(pressure values) of at least two of these sensors.

[0011] Specifically, when the measured value is a pressure value, relative to the pressure value generated when sitting in a reference posture, if the pressure value of the first seat cushion sensor is larger and the pressure value of the second seat cushion sensor is smaller, the control unit can determine that the sitter has performed a heel lift action.

[0012] Furthermore, relative to the pressure value generated when sitting in a reference posture, when the pressure values ​​of the first seat cushion sensor and the first backrest sensor are larger than the pressure value of the second seat cushion sensor, the control unit can determine that the occupant has lifted their feet.

[0013] Furthermore, compared to the pressure value generated when sitting in a reference posture, when the pressure value of the first seat cushion sensor is larger and the pressure value of the first backrest sensor is smaller, the control unit can determine that the sitter has straightened their back.

[0014] Furthermore, relative to the pressure value generated when sitting in a reference posture, when the pressure values ​​of the first seat cushion sensor and the second backrest sensor are larger than the pressure value of the first backrest sensor, the control unit can determine that the sitter has made an action of resting their shoulder blades against the chair back.

[0015] Furthermore, the first backrest sensor may include at least one right-side first backrest sensor and at least one left-side first backrest sensor; the first seat cushion sensor may include at least one right-side first seat cushion sensor and at least one left-side first seat cushion sensor; and the second backrest sensor may include at least one right-side second backrest sensor and at least one left-side second backrest sensor. Thus, relative to the pressure values ​​generated when sitting in a reference posture, when the pressure values ​​of the right-side first seat cushion sensor and the right-side first backrest sensor are larger than the pressure values ​​of the left-side first backrest sensor and the left-side second backrest sensor, the control unit can determine that the occupant has performed an upper body rightward turn; when the pressure values ​​of the left-side first seat cushion sensor and the left-side first backrest sensor are larger than the pressure values ​​of the right-side first backrest sensor and the right-side second backrest sensor, the control unit can determine that the occupant has performed an upper body leftward turn.

[0016] The second backrest sensor can preferably be positioned 300 mm upwards from the seat surface of the seat cushion along the seat back surface. This configuration allows the second backrest sensor to detect pressure from the occupant's shoulders.

[0017] The second seat cushion sensor can preferably be positioned 280 mm forward along the seat surface of the seat cushion, starting from the seat surface of the seat back. This configuration allows the second seat cushion sensor to accurately detect the up-and-down movement of the thighs.

[0018] Depending on the various states of the seat, the seat can identify the occupant's movements by combining pressure values ​​from at least two sensors.

[0019] Furthermore, from another perspective, this document discloses a seat comprising a seat body, sensors (measuring values ​​for identifying the actions of a occupant sitting on the seat body), and a control unit (capable of connecting to the sensors to acquire their measurements). The control unit includes an action instruction unit that issues a command to the occupant to perform a predetermined action, and an action determination unit that identifies the occupant's actions based on the sensor measurements. The action determination unit can determine whether the occupant is performing the predetermined action after the action instruction unit issues the command.

[0020] In this configuration, the seat control unit sends motion commands to the occupant via a motion instruction unit, and a motion determination unit determines whether the occupant performs the predetermined action after receiving the motion instruction. Therefore, it encourages the occupant to actively perform actions, and the seat responds to the quality of those actions, thus establishing an interactive relationship between the seat and the occupant.

[0021] Furthermore, the sensor can preferably use the pressure value obtained from the occupant sitting on the seat body as the measurement value. This is because obtaining the occupant's pressure value can accurately identify the occupant's movements.

[0022] In the seat, the motion instruction unit can be configured to issue instructions to the seated person to perform a predetermined action through at least one of the following methods: sound, light, image, video, text characters, vibration, and hot / cold sensation.

[0023] The seat can preferably be configured such that when the motion determination unit determines that the occupant has not performed a predetermined action, the motion instruction unit immediately issues another instruction requiring the occupant to perform the predetermined action. This configuration can encourage the occupant to actively move.

[0024] The seat can preferably be configured such that when the motion determination unit determines that the range of motion of the occupant's intended movement is insufficient, the motion instruction unit immediately issues a command to the occupant to increase the range of motion. This configuration can encourage the occupant to engage in more movement, thereby increasing the enjoyment of riding and providing a healthy lifestyle.

[0025] The seat can preferably be configured such that when the motion determination unit determines that the action being performed by the occupant is different from the action indicated by the motion instruction unit, the motion instruction unit immediately issues a command to the occupant informing them of the correct movement. This configuration can encourage the occupant to engage in healthy exercise. Furthermore, when the occupant's actions require a specific operation, the occupant can be instructed to perform the operation accurately.

[0026] Depending on the various states of the seat, the seat has a control unit including a motion determination unit and a motion instruction unit, enabling an interactive relationship to be established between the seat and the occupant. Furthermore, the seat can encourage the occupant to actively move, thereby increasing the enjoyment of riding and improving health.

[0027] Furthermore, from another perspective, this document discloses a seat comprising a seat body installed inside a vehicle, sensors (whose measurements are used to identify the movements of an occupant sitting on the seat body), and a control unit (capable of connecting to the sensors to acquire their measurements). Here, the control unit is capable of connecting and communicating with onboard equipment located within the vehicle as an object to be operated. The control unit is configured to output signals for operating the onboard equipment based on the measured values.

[0028] In this configuration, the control unit outputs the measured values ​​obtained from the sensors to the in-vehicle equipment as signals to operate the in-vehicle equipment. Therefore, the occupant in the seat can operate the in-vehicle equipment by making movements such as moving the upper body or legs on the seat body.

[0029] Therefore, in the past, when operating in-vehicle equipment, the necessary manual operations on the in-vehicle equipment or its controller could be accomplished through body movements while seated. For example, when one does not want to use their hands, or is unable to use their hands due to physical disability, the in-vehicle equipment can be operated by moving a part of the body or applying force to certain muscles.

[0030] The sensor is preferably configured to detect the state of the seat surface in contact with a person sitting on the seat body.

[0031] This configuration allows occupants to operate in-vehicle equipment by changing the state of the seat surface, making operation easier.

[0032] The in-vehicle equipment may include a display, and the control unit may be configured to output signals for operating a cursor or icon displayed on the display.

[0033] This configuration allows for the operation of in-vehicle devices such as personal computers, navigation systems, or smartphones equipped with displays.

[0034] It should be understood that a cursor is a marker used to point to a location or icon on the monitor. Specifically on a personal computer, this typically includes a pointer operated with a mouse, or a tooltip selected using a mouse or keyboard (often indicated by inverted characters or different colors). It should also be understood that an icon is an image of an object displayed on the monitor, including folders, files, and buttons on a personal computer, characters in game applications, and buttons on navigation systems, etc.

[0035] Preferably, the control unit is configured to take the measured value exceeding a predetermined threshold as a prerequisite and output a signal based on the measured value.

[0036] This configuration can suppress unintentional misoperation of in-vehicle equipment.

[0037] The control unit may have a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, it outputs a signal based on the measured value, while in the second operating mode, it does not output the signal. The control unit only operates in the first operating mode after notifying the occupant of an action instruction via an in-vehicle device or other device.

[0038] In the seat, sensors can be configured to acquire pressure values ​​from the occupant sitting on the seat body.

[0039] The sensor may be a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor may include a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor located at a different position from the first pressure sensor. Here, the control unit operates to perform a first operation on the vehicle equipment based on the measurement value obtained from the first pressure sensor, and performs a second operation on the vehicle equipment based on the measurement value obtained from the second pressure sensor.

[0040] This configuration allows the first and second operations to be performed based on measurements obtained from different sensors (i.e., the first sensor and the second sensor), thereby suppressing erroneous operations.

[0041] The control unit can be configured to output a signal based on changes in measurements detected from the sensors.

[0042] For the aforementioned seat, multiple seat bodies can be installed in the vehicle, and sensors can be installed in each seat body. The control unit is configured to acquire measurement values ​​from each seat body and output signals based on the measurement values.

[0043] Depending on the various states of the seat, the seat control unit outputs signals for operating the onboard equipment in the vehicle based on measurements obtained from sensors, allowing the occupant to operate the onboard equipment via the seat.

[0044] Since the operation of the in-vehicle equipment can be accomplished by the occupant changing the state of the seat surface, it is relatively easy to operate.

[0045] Since the measured value is based on the premise of exceeding a predetermined threshold, the output signal based on the measured value can suppress unintentional misoperation of the vehicle equipment.

[0046] By setting the operation of the on-board equipment based on the measurement value detected by the first pressure sensor as the first operation and the operation of the on-board equipment based on the measurement value detected by the second pressure sensor as the second operation, erroneous operations can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a system using seats in vehicles;

[0048] Figure 2 These are structural diagrams of seats used in various modes of transportation;

[0049] Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of sensor configuration; (a) is a view of the seat back from the front; and (b) is a view of the seat cushion from above.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the seat illustrating the sensor configuration.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the vehicle seat and system structure related to the first embodiment;

[0052] Figure 6 It is a motion judgment benchmark table;

[0053] Figure 7 Here is an example of a full-body exercise list;

[0054] Figure 8 This is the message table used when it is determined that no action has been performed;

[0055] Figure 9 This is the message table used when the action is deemed insufficient;

[0056] Figure 10 This is the message table used when it is determined that a movement different from the indicated action is in progress;

[0057] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a control device processing example;

[0058] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the action determination and processing.

[0059] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the heel lift / leg lift action judgment (right);

[0060] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the upper body rotation motion judgment (right) processing;

[0061] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of the process for determining the action of straightening the back / leaning the shoulder blades;

[0062] Figure 16 This is an example of a menu screen;

[0063] Figure 17 Here is an example of a video showing lower leg movement;

[0064] Figure 18 This is an example of a prompt screen for when the movement range is too small;

[0065] Figure 19 This is an example of a prompt screen when it is determined that an action different from the instruction is in progress;

[0066] Figure 20 This is a functional block diagram of the vehicle seat and system structure related to the second embodiment;

[0067] Figure 21 It is a pressure change graph obtained during calibration;

[0068] Figure 22 This is a table of criteria for determining onomatopoeia;

[0069] Figure 23 This is a table of criteria for determining athletic ability;

[0070] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating a control device processing example, showing the processing involved in the game.

[0071] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating a control device processing example, showing the calibration portion of the process;

[0072] Figure 26 This is a flowchart of a control device processing example, illustrated as part of the "race" processing;

[0073] Figure 27 This is a flowchart of an application processing example;

[0074] Figure 28 This refers to the calibration process during gameplay;

[0075] Figure 29 It refers to the "race" part of the game.

[0076] Figure 30 This is an example of a start screen;

[0077] Figure 31 This is an example of a preparatory activity screen;

[0078] Figure 32 This is an example of the start screen for a 100-meter "race" game;

[0079] Figure 33 This is an example of a 100-meter "race" game in progress;

[0080] Figure 34 This is an example of the screen showing the finish line in a 100-meter "race" game;

[0081] Figure 35 This is an example of the display screen for the 100-meter "race" game results. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Example 1

[0083] The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, as an example of a seat, a vehicle seat S is configured as a car seat installed in a car CR. The vehicle seat S includes a seat body S0 and a control device 100, which is an example of a control unit. In this embodiment, the car CR is equipped with two front seats and two rear seats; each of these four seats is configured as a vehicle seat S. The control device 100 is provided in the car CR to integrate information from the four vehicle seats so that they can coordinate their actions with each other, and can communicate with the terminal (i.e., in-vehicle device) used by the occupant P in the car CR, i.e., the smartphone SP in this example.

[0085] In this way, a system SYS is formed in the car CR, which consists of a control unit 100 and multiple seat bodies S0, forming a vehicle seat S.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat body S0 includes a seat cushion S1 and a seat back S2. Multiple pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are disposed under the surface of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2. Pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are sensors whose measured values ​​are used to identify the actions of the occupant P sitting on the seat body S0. Pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are configured to detect the surface state of the seat relative to the occupant P on the seat body S0, in order to obtain the pressure value of the occupant P sitting on the seat body S0. The control device 100 is connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 and can obtain pressure values ​​from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6.

[0087] Each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 is arranged in pairs symmetrically on the left and right sides relative to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle seat S.

[0088] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown in (b), pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are installed on the seat cushion S1.

[0089] The pressure sensor PS1 is positioned at the location corresponding to the lowest point of the ischium of the occupant P. This position bears the greatest load from the occupant P. For example, the pressure sensor PS1 can be positioned on either side of the longitudinal centerline C of the vehicle seat S, at a distance of 60-70 mm (e.g., 65 mm).

[0090] Pressure sensor PS2 is positioned slightly in front of pressure sensor PS1, for example, it can be positioned 50-60 mm (e.g., 55 mm) in front of pressure sensor PS1 and 65-75 mm (e.g., 70 mm) from the central axis C on either side. Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are examples of the first seat cushion sensor, positioned on the seat cushion S1 corresponding to the buttocks of the occupant P. The first seat cushion sensor includes at least one right-side seat cushion sensor (pressure sensor PS1, PS2) and at least one left-side seat cushion sensor (pressure sensor PS1, PS2).

[0091] Both pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are used to detect the hip pressure of the seated person P. It is also acceptable to use only one of them as a sensor. Therefore, for ease of explanation, pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 will be collectively referred to as the first seat cushion sensor SC1.

[0092] Pressure sensor PS3 is positioned relatively far in front of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2. Pressure sensor PS3 is an example of a second seat cushion sensor, positioned on the seat cushion S1 relatively far in front of the first seat cushion sensor SC1. Hereinafter, pressure sensor PS3 will be referred to as the second seat cushion sensor SC2.

[0093] Pressure sensor PS3 is located below the thigh of the seated person P and can detect the thigh pressure value of the seated person P. Pressure sensor PS3 can be set in front of pressure sensor PS2 at a distance of 110-130mm (e.g., 120mm) and on the left or right sides at a distance of 65-75mm (e.g., 70mm) from the central axis C.

[0094] like Figure 4As shown, preferably, the second seat cushion sensor SC2 is located 280 mm forward of the seat surface SF1 of the seat cushion S1, starting from the seat surface SF2 of the seat back S2, at a position E1 in front of it; the first seat cushion sensor SC1 is located behind E1. The position of E1 is determined by placing one side M11 of an L-shaped right-angle ruler M1 on the seat surface SF1 of the seat cushion S1, and when the other side M12 contacts the seat surface SF2 of the seat back S2, using the scale of M11. When the seat back S2 has an adjustable shape (e.g., with lumbar support), any shape can be measured in the same way as long as the above requirements are met. By positioning the second seat cushion sensor SC2 in such a position, the up / down movement of the occupant P's thighs can be accurately detected by the second seat cushion sensor SC2.

[0095] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (a), pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are installed on the seat back S2. Pressure sensor PS4 is installed at a position corresponding to the back of the occupant P's lumbar region. For example, pressure sensor PS4 may be located on the left or right sides at a distance of 45 to 55 mm (e.g., 50 mm) from the centerline C of the vehicle seat S.

[0096] Pressure sensor PS5 is located slightly above pressure sensor PS4, for example, 70-80 mm (e.g., 75 mm) above pressure sensor PS4, and positioned on either side at a distance of 85-95 mm (e.g., 90 mm) from the central axis C. Pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are examples of the first backrest sensors located at the lower part of the seat back S2. The first backrest sensor includes at least one right-side backrest sensor (pressure sensors PS4 and PS5) and at least one left-side backrest sensor (pressure sensors PS4 and PS5).

[0097] Both pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are used to detect lumbar pressure from the seated person P; either one can be used as a sensor. For ease of explanation, pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 will be collectively referred to as the first backrest sensor SB1.

[0098] Pressure sensor PS6 is positioned relatively far above pressure sensors PS4 and PS5. Pressure sensor PS6 is an example of a second backrest sensor, located on the seat back S2 and positioned relatively far above and away from the first backrest sensor SB1. Hereinafter, pressure sensor PS6 will be referred to as the second backrest sensor SB2.

[0099] Pressure sensor PS6 is installed at a position corresponding to the upper part of the back area of ​​the seated person P, and is used to detect the pressure value from the scapula of the seated person P. Pressure sensor PS6 can be located 190-210 mm (e.g., 200 mm, that is, 275 mm above pressure sensor PS4) above pressure sensor PS5, and is positioned on the left and right sides at a distance of 95-105 mm (e.g., 100 mm) from the central axis C.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the second backrest sensor SB2 is located 300 mm above E2, extending upwards from the seat surface F1 of the seat cushion S1 along the seat surface SF2 of the seat back S2; the first backrest sensor SB1 is located below E2. The position of E2 is determined by placing one side M21 of an L-shaped right-angle ruler M2 on the seat surface SF2 of the seat back S2, and using the scale of M21 when the other side M22 contacts the seat surface SF1 of the seat cushion S1. When the seat back S2 has an adjustable shape (e.g., with lumbar support), any shape can be measured in the same way, as long as the above requirements are met. By positioning the second backrest sensor SB2 in this way, shoulder pressure from the occupant P can be detected.

[0101] In the following description, the pressure values ​​detected by pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are represented by P1 to P6, respectively. The pressure values ​​of the right and left sensors are indicated by the subscripts R and L, respectively, as shown in P1. R and P1 L For example, pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 employ elements whose resistance changes with the applied external pressure. The higher the pressure value, the higher (or lower) the voltage of the detected signal. Therefore, the magnitude of the pressure value can actually be determined by comparing the voltage values. However, for ease of understanding, this specification uses the magnitude of the pressure value for comparison and determination.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the control device 100 includes a measurement value acquisition unit 110, a processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 190. The control device 100 includes components not shown in the figure, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and erasable non-volatile memory, and each part works together by executing a preset program.

[0103] The control device 100 is connected to a short-range communication device 3A, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The control device 100 can communicate with the smartphone SP via the communication unit 130 and the short-range communication device 3A, thereby enabling it to interact with applications installed on the smartphone SP. This allows it to transmit predetermined images and sounds to the smartphone SP, and also to acquire data input from the smartphone SP.

[0104] The measurement acquisition unit 110 acquires pressure measurement values ​​from each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 at specific control cycle intervals. The measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement acquisition unit 110 are stored in the storage unit 190 for use by the processing unit 120. The storage unit 190 stores necessary data for calculations and processing as needed.

[0105] The processing unit 120 is used to provide a gymnastics game to the seated person P via a smartphone SP, and to implement various functions of the game according to a pre-stored program. The processing unit 120 includes an action instruction unit 121 and an action determination unit 122.

[0106] The action instruction unit 121 is used to instruct the seated person P to perform a predetermined action. In this embodiment, the indicated actions are all pre-stored actions corresponding to the gymnastics game menu options. For example, the gymnastics game menu options include full-body events and lower-body events. In the full-body events, such as... Figure 7 As shown, all actions are stored in an action list. In this action list, the action code (MC) is associated with the action duration ("ms") and stored according to the action number ("No."). For example, the action code MC for the first action "No.1" is "1R," and its duration is 1000ms; the action code for the next action "No.2" is "1L," and its duration is also 1000ms. The action codes are as follows... Figure 6 As shown, "1R" and "1L" represent a heel lift; "2R" and "2L" represent a leg lift; "3" represents a torso straightening movement; "4" represents a shoulder blade leaning movement; and "5R" and "5L" represent an upper body rotation movement. In each code, R and L represent movements to the right and left, respectively. For example, "1R" represents a right heel lift, and "5L" represents an upper body rotation (twist) to the left.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In the action list shown, action code "0" for No. 301 indicates that no action is performed, and "EOL" indicates the end of the action list.

[0108] When the action instruction unit 121 instructs an action according to the action list, it reads out the action code MC and its duration in ascending order of the action list numbers and sends them to the application of the smartphone SP. The application of the smartphone SP stores the image data and voice data associated with the action code MC. Text and images (changing images, i.e., including video) are displayed on the screen of the smartphone SP, and the speaker of the smartphone SP emits action commands through music and sound (i.e., sound, light, images, animation, and text).

[0109] The following is an explanation of each action.

[0110] Calf raises are the movement of lifting your heels off the floor. Calf raises include calf raises using the lower leg muscles while keeping the toes on the floor, and leg raises primarily using the gluteal and iliopsoas muscles to further lift the toes off the floor as well. Both types of movements result in heel raises.

[0111] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, as an example, the action instruction unit 121 distinguishes between the two actions of calf movement and foot raising movement and instructs them separately. Therefore, the meaning of heel raising movement is limited to calf movement (narrowly defined heel raise movement). For example, when the application instructs calf movement, it uses the expression "heel raise". However, in other embodiments, when the two actions of calf movement and foot raising movement are not distinguished, heel raise movement includes both calf movement and foot raising movement (broadly defined heel raise movement). The following provides appropriate supplementary explanations regarding heel raise movement, addressing both the narrow and broad meanings.

[0112] Leg-lifting exercises refer to the movements of lifting the feet off the ground.

[0113] The exercise of straightening the back refers to the movement of lifting and extending the back vertically, and moving the back away from the seat back S2.

[0114] The scapular leaning movement refers to the movement of pressing the scapula against the seat back S2.

[0115] Upper body rotation refers to the movement of turning (twisting) the upper body to the right or left while sitting on the seat cushion S1. This action is accomplished by turning the face to the side or back, and the twisting upper body remains in contact with the seat back S2 throughout the movement. For example, when performing an upper body right rotation, the right shoulder remains in contact with the seat back S2 while the left shoulder moves away from the seat back S2.

[0116] When the action determination unit 122 determines that the seated person P has not performed the predetermined action indicated by the action instruction unit 121, the action instruction unit 121 will issue an instruction again to request the execution of the predetermined action.

[0117] As described below, in this embodiment, when the action determination unit 122 does not recognize an action, it sets the action determination code MCJ, which represents the action recognition result, to 0. The action indication unit 121 then issues a command through the smartphone SP to request the performance of a predetermined action (the movement corresponding to the data read from the action list) when MCJ is 0.

[0118] When the seated person P does not perform the predetermined action instructed by the action instruction unit 121, the action instruction unit 121 will output relevant messages stored in the storage unit 190 to the smartphone SP. For example Figure 8 As shown, such messages are associated with corresponding action codes (MC) and are stored in storage unit 190.

[0119] When the action determination unit 122 determines that the predetermined action being performed by the seated person P is not wide enough, the action instruction unit 121 immediately issues an instruction to the seated person P to perform a predetermined action with a larger amplitude.

[0120] As described below, in this embodiment, the action determination unit 122 sets the data item MS representing the degree of action to 2 (when the action is perfect), 1 (when the action is insufficient), and 0 (when no action is detected), respectively. Therefore, the action instruction unit 121 sends an instruction to the seated person P via the smartphone SP to increase the predetermined action range when the data item MS is 1.

[0121] When the predetermined movement being performed by the seated person P is insufficient, the action instruction unit 121 outputs the relevant message stored in the storage unit 190 to the smartphone SP. For example... Figure 9 As shown, such messages are associated with corresponding action codes (MC) and are stored in storage unit 190.

[0122] When the action determination unit 122 determines that the action being performed by the seated person P is different from the action indicated by the action indication unit, the action indication unit 121 then notifies the seated person P of the correct action.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the indicated action code MC and the action judgment code MCJ do not match, the action judgment unit 122 then notifies the seated person P of the correct movement mode via the smartphone SP.

[0124] When the action being performed by the seated person P differs from the action indicated by the action indication unit 121, the action indication unit 121 outputs a relevant message to the smartphone SP, and the output message is stored in the storage unit 190. For example, Figure 10 As shown, these messages correspond to the combinations of each action code MC and each action determination code MCJ, and are stored in storage unit 190 respectively.

[0125] The motion determination unit 122 is configured to identify the motion of the seated person P based on the output of at least two pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 among the first seat cushion sensor SC1, the second seat cushion sensor SC2, the first backrest sensor SB1, and the second backrest sensor SB2.

[0126] When the action instruction unit 121 issues a command to perform a predetermined action, the action determination unit 122 determines whether the seated person P is performing the predetermined action.

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the criteria for judging the action are presented in tabular form. Specifically, the action judgment unit 122 compares the detected pressure value with the pressure value when sitting in the reference posture. If the pressure value P2 of the pressure sensor PS2 of the first seat cushion sensor SC1 on the side of the foot being lifted is larger and the pressure value P3 of the pressure sensor PS3 of the second seat cushion sensor SC2 on the same side is smaller, then it is determined that the heel lifting action has been completed.

[0128] The reference posture here refers to the posture of the occupant P in a normal sitting position, that is, with the upper body leaning against the chair back without lifting the legs or tilting the upper body. In this state, the pressure values ​​detected by each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 are stored in the storage unit 190. The pressure value of the occupant P in the reference posture can be understood as the pressure value from an average adult, or the pressure value corresponding to the weight of the occupant P in the reference posture. For the sake of simplicity, for example, the pressure value of an average adult in a typical reference posture is set to 1 and stored as the reference.

[0129] It should also be understood that, Figure 6 In this context, SC1(PS2) represents one of the two pairs of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 (a total of four sensors on the left and right sides) of the first seat cushion sensor SC1. The measurement value of pressure sensor PS2 is used for motion assessment. In this embodiment, for example, when a heel lift motion is determined, the measurement value of pressure sensor PS2 (the first seat cushion sensor SC1) is used for determination, but the measurement value of pressure sensor PS1 can also be used. The same applies to the determination of other motions. When determining motion based on the measurement value of the first seat cushion sensor SC1, the measurement value of either of the two sets of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 can be used. When determining motion based on the measurement value of the first backrest sensor SB1, the measurement value of either of the two sets of pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 can be used.

[0130] Compared to the pressure value in the reference posture, on the side where the foot is raised, if the pressure values ​​P2 of the pressure sensor PS2 of the first seat cushion sensor SC1 and P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the first backrest sensor SB1 are both relatively large (greater than the pressure value in the reference posture), while the pressure value P3 of the second seat cushion sensor SC2 on the same side (left or right) is relatively small (less than the pressure value in the reference posture), then the action determination unit 122 can determine that a foot-raising action has occurred. In this embodiment, to ensure higher accuracy, the pressure value P6 of the second backrest sensor SB2 on the opposite side of the foot-raising side, i.e., the side opposite to the central axis C, is smaller, is used as a limiting condition for determining a foot-raising action.

[0131] Compared to the pressure value in the reference posture, if the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the first seat cushion sensor SC1 is larger than the pressure value P5 of the pressure sensor PS5 of the first backrest sensor SB1, then the action determination unit 122 can determine that the action of straightening the waist has occurred. In this embodiment, to ensure higher accuracy, the pressure value P6 of the second backrest sensor SB2 is further used as a limiting condition for determining the action of straightening the waist.

[0132] It should be understood that since the action of straightening the waist is not differentiated between left and right, the pressure value used in this invention is the sum of the pressure values ​​on the left and right sides.

[0133] Compared to the pressure value at the reference posture, if the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the first seat cushion sensor SC1 and the pressure value P6 of the pressure sensor SB2 of the second backrest sensor are larger and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the first backrest sensor SB1 is smaller, then the action determination unit 122 can determine that the action of the scapula leaning against the seat back S2 has occurred.

[0134] It should be understood that the scapular leaning action is not differentiated between left and right, therefore the pressure value used in this invention is the sum of the pressure values ​​on the left and right sides.

[0135] Compared to the pressure value in the reference posture, when the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the first seat cushion sensor SC1 on the right side... R The pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 and the pressure sensor SB1 on the right side. R The pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 on the left side of the first backrest sensor SB1 is relatively large. L And the pressure value P6 of the second backrest sensor SB2 on the left. L If the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the left first seat cushion sensor SC1 is relatively small, the motion determination unit 122 can determine that the upper body right turn motion has occurred; L The pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 and the pressure sensor SB1 on the left side of the first backrest. LThe pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 on the right side of the first backrest sensor SB1 is relatively large. R And the pressure value P6 of the second backrest sensor SB2 on the right side. R If the value is small, the action determination unit 122 can determine that the upper body left turn action has occurred.

[0136] The above judgments of various actions are based on the comparison results with the threshold values ​​stored in the pre-stored storage unit 190, relative to the reference posture, i.e., whether the pressure value is large or small.

[0137] For each action, the action determination unit 122 can determine the amplitude of the action by comparing the pressure value with a predetermined threshold. For example, when the action is perfect, the data item representing the amplitude of the action is set to 2; when the amplitude of the action is insufficient, MS is set to 1; when no action is detected, MS is set to 0.

[0138] The following is for reference Figures 11-15 This paper illustrates an example of the processing flow of a control device 100 in a gymnastics game.

[0139] like Figure 11 As shown, the processing unit 120 displays a gymnastics game menu screen on the smartphone SP (S11). On the menu screen, for example... Figure 16 As shown, the in-vehicle gymnastics menu displays buttons B01 for "Full Body Exercises" and B02 for "Lower Body Exercises," for the occupant P to select. The processing unit 120 determines whether the occupant has made a menu selection (i.e., whether a button press signal has been received). If no selection is made, it waits until a selection is made (S12, No).

[0140] If the seated person P presses button B01 or button B02 and makes a selection on the menu (S12, Yes), then the processing unit 120, i.e., the action instruction unit 121, retrieves the action code MC from the action list (S21) and determines whether the action code MC is "EOL" (S22). If the action code MC is not "EOL" (S22, No), then the action instruction unit 121 outputs the retrieved action code MC and its duration as an action command to the smartphone SP (S23).

[0141] The smartphone SP responds to this action command, for example Figure 17 As shown, the text instruction "1. Calf Movement" and the corresponding image (animation, video, etc.) of the action code MC are output to the display DSP. At the same time, sound instructions such as "Use your calf muscles to lift your heels, right leg, left leg, right leg, ..." are emitted through the speaker SPK. At this time, rhythmic music corresponding to the duration of the action can be output to make it easier for the seated person P to move with the rhythm. Figure 17As an example, an image showing the movement of the calf (a narrow definition of heel raise) and the right heel being raised is shown.

[0142] Next, the motion determination unit 122 determines the motion of the seated person P based on the pressure values ​​detected by pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 (S100). The motion determination process is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, first, the motion determination code MCJ and amplitude data item MS are set to 0 (S101) for initialization.

[0143] Next, the heel lift / foot raise determination (right) is performed (step S200).

[0144] In this judgment process, such as Figure 13 As shown, first determine the pressure value P2 of the right-side pressure sensor PS2. R Is the pressure value greater than the threshold P2th1 (S201)? If the pressure value P2 R If the value is greater than the threshold P2th1 (S201, Yes), then determine the pressure value P3 of the right-side pressure sensor PS3. R Is it less than the threshold P3th (S202)? If the pressure value P3th is less than the threshold P3th... R If the value is less than the threshold P3th (S202, Yes), it indicates that the pressure on the right hip is greater and the pressure on the thigh is smaller, thus determining that the person is in a state of right heel raised in a general sense (regardless of whether the foot is lifted off the ground, it is considered heel raised). If the judgment result of step S201 or step S202 is No, it indicates that neither heel raising (in a narrow sense) nor foot lifting action has been performed, so step S200 ends, and at this time the action judgment code MCJ and amplitude data item MS remain at 0.

[0145] When the judgment result of step S202 is "Yes", the action determination unit 122 then determines the pressure value P4 of the right pressure sensor PS4. R Is it greater than the threshold P4th? If it is greater than (S203, Yes), then further determine the pressure value P6 of the left pressure sensor PS6. L Is it less than the threshold P6th (S204)?

[0146] If the pressure value is P6 L If the result is less than the threshold P6th (S204, Yes), it indicates that the foot has left the floor, the right side of the waist is pressed against the seat back S2, and the left shoulder tends to separate from the seat back S2, thus indicating that a foot lifting action has been performed. Therefore, the action determination code MCJ is set to 2R (right foot lifting action) (S212). Otherwise, if the determination result of step S203 or step S204 is No, it indicates that the foot has not left the floor, therefore, the action determination code MCJ is set to 1R (right heel lifting action) (S211).

[0147] After step S211 or step S212, the action determination unit 122 determines the pressure value P2 of the right pressure sensor PS2. R Is it greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220)? Here, it should be understood that the threshold P2th1 is used to determine whether the action meets the minimum limit value for lifting the heel, and the threshold P2th2 is used to determine whether the heel lifting range meets the standard, that is, P2th2 should be greater than P2th1.

[0148] If the pressure value P2 R If the amplitude is greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220, Yes), it indicates that the amplitude of the ongoing action is within the acceptable range; therefore, the amplitude data item MS is set to 2 (S222). Otherwise, if the pressure value P2 R If the value is not greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220, No), it indicates that the amplitude of the action is insufficient. Therefore, the amplitude data item MS is set to 1 (S221).

[0149] This concludes step S200 of the heel lift / step raise determination (right). Return. Figure 12 The process S300 involves determining whether the heel is lifted or the foot is raised (left). Since the only difference between step S300 and step S200 is that the pressure values ​​are reversed, the description is omitted.

[0150] After step S300, the upper body rotation judgment (right) processing step S400 is performed.

[0151] like Figure 14 As shown, first, it is determined whether the value of the action determination code MCJ is 0 (S401). If MCJ is not 0 (S401, No), it indicates that the action determination has been completed, so step S400 ends.

[0152] If MCJ is 0 (S401, Yes), then determine the pressure value P1 of the right-side pressure sensor PS1. R Is the pressure value greater than the threshold P1th1 (S410)? If the pressure value P1 R If the value is greater than the threshold P1th1 (S410, Yes), then further determine the pressure value P4 of the right-side pressure sensor PS4. R Is the pressure value greater than the threshold P4th1 (S411)? If the pressure value P4... R If the value is greater than the threshold P4th1 (S411, Yes), then further determine the pressure value P4 of the left pressure sensor PS4. L Is it less than the threshold P4th2 (S412)? Here, P4th2 is a value less than P4th1. If the pressure value P4... LIf the value is less than the threshold P4th2 (S412, Yes), then the pressure value P6 of the left pressure sensor PS6 is further determined. L Is it less than the threshold P6th (S413)? If the pressure value P6th is less than the threshold P6th... L If the result is less than the threshold P6th (S413, Yes), it indicates that the upper body has turned to the right, so the motion determination code MCJ is set to 5R (S420). Otherwise, if any of the results of steps S410, S411, S412, and S413 is No, it indicates that the upper body has not turned to the right, so the values ​​of the motion determination code MCJ and the amplitude data item MS remain unchanged, and step S400 ends.

[0153] After setting the motion determination code MCJ to 5R, motion determination unit 122 determines the pressure value P1. R Is it greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430)? Here, it should be understood that threshold P1th1 is used to determine whether the movement meets the minimum limit for upper body rotation, and threshold P1th2 is used to determine whether the range of upper body rotation meets the standard. That is, P1th2 should be greater than P1th1.

[0154] If the pressure value P1 R If the amplitude is greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430, Yes), it indicates that the amplitude of the ongoing action is within acceptable limits; therefore, the amplitude data item MS is set to 2 (S432). On the other hand, otherwise, if the pressure value P1... R If the value is not greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430, No), it indicates that the amplitude of the movement is insufficient. Therefore, the amplitude data item MS is set to 1 (S431).

[0155] This concludes step S400 of the upper body rotation judgment (right). Return. Figure 12 Step S500 involves performing the upper body rotation judgment (left). Since the only difference between step S500 and step S400 is that the judged pressure values ​​are reversed, the description is omitted.

[0156] After step S500, the processing step S600, which determines whether the waist is straight or the shoulder blades are leaning, is executed.

[0157] like Figure 15 As shown, the first step is to determine whether the action determination code MCJ is 0 (S601). If MCJ is not 0 (S601, No), it indicates that the action determination has been completed, and therefore step S600 ends.

[0158] If MCJ is 0 (S601, Yes), then determine the pressure value P1 of the right-side pressure sensor PS1. R Pressure value P1 of pressure sensor PS1 on the left LDoes the sum exceed the threshold P1th3 (S610)? If the pressure value P1 R and pressure value P1 L If the sum is not greater than the threshold P1th3 (S610, No), it indicates that neither the waist-straightening movement nor the scapular-leaning movement was performed, therefore step S600 ends. At this time, the motion judgment code MCJ and the amplitude data item MS are both 0, indicating that no movement was performed. If the pressure value P1 R and pressure value P1 L If the sum is greater than the threshold P1th3 (S610, Yes), then further determine the pressure value P6 of the right-side pressure sensor PS6. R And the pressure value P6 of the pressure sensor PS6 on the left. L Is the sum greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611)?

[0159] If the pressure value of the right-side pressure sensor PS6 is P6 R And the pressure value P6 of the pressure sensor PS6 on the left. L If the sum of the values ​​is not greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611, No), it indicates that the scapula is not against the seat back S2. Therefore, to further determine whether a lumbar straightening action has been performed, the determination unit 122 calculates the pressure value P5 of the left and right pressure sensors PS5. R P5 L The pressure value P6 of the left and right pressure sensors PS6 R P6 L The sum of P56 and P56 (S620). Then, it is determined whether P56 is less than the threshold P56th1 (S622). If P56 is not less than the threshold P56th1 (S622, No), then the upper body is disengaged from the seat back S2 but has not yet reached the level that meets the standard of straight waist. Therefore, the action judgment code MCJ and the amplitude data item MS are both 0 and remain unchanged, and step S600 ends.

[0160] In step S622, if P56 is less than the threshold P56th1 (S622, Yes), then the upper body is disengaged from the seat back S2 and has reached the standard of straightening the waist. Therefore, the action judgment code MCJ is set to 3 (S623).

[0161] Then the action determination unit 122 determines whether P56 is less than the threshold P56th2 (S625).

[0162] Here, the threshold P56th2 is less than P56th1. If P56 is not less than the threshold P56th2 (S625, No), it indicates that the upper body is slightly leaning against the seat back S2, therefore the movement amplitude is judged to be insufficient, and the amplitude data item MS is set to 1 (S626). Otherwise, if P56 is less than the threshold P56th2 (S625, Yes), the upper body is fully disengaged from the seat back S2 and hardly leans against it, therefore the movement is judged to meet the standard, and the amplitude data item MS is set to 2 (S627). After steps S626 and S627, the processing of step S600 ends (step 627).

[0163] In step S611, if the pressure value P6 is determined... R and pressure value P6 L If the sum of the values ​​is greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611, Yes), it can be basically determined that the scapula is resting against the seat back S2. Therefore, the motion determination unit 122 further determines the pressure value P4 of the right-side pressure sensor PS4. R And the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 on the left. L Is the sum less than the threshold P4th3 (S630)?

[0164] If the pressure value is P4 R and pressure value P4 L If the sum is not less than the threshold P4th3 (S630, No), it indicates that the entire back, not the scapula, is leaning against the seat back S2. Therefore, the motion judgment code MCJ and the amplitude data item MS remain unchanged at 0, and step S600 ends.

[0165] If the pressure value is P4 R and pressure value P4 L If the sum is less than the threshold P4th3 (S630, Yes), then it is not the entire back but the scapula that is fully pressed against the seat back S2, so the motion judgment code MCJ is set to 4 (S631).

[0166] Then, determine the pressure value P6. R and pressure value P6 L Is the sum greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632)? The threshold P6th4 is a value used to determine whether the scapula is sufficiently against the seat back S2, and it is greater than the threshold P6th3. If the pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 L If the sum is not greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632, No), then it is determined that the force of the scapula against the seat back S2 is insufficient, and the amplitude data item MS is set to 1 (S633); if the pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 LIf the sum is greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632, Yes), it is determined that the force of the scapula against the seat back S2 is sufficient, so the amplitude data item MS is set to 2 (S634), and each step S600 ends. Thus, the motion determination and processing step S100 ends.

[0167] return Figure 11 After the action determination step S100, the action indication unit 121 determines whether the action determination code MCJ is 0 (S30). If MCJ is 0 (S30, Yes), a message is output (S31). For example, taking the lower leg action as an example, ... Figure 17 As shown, if the motion determination code MCJ is 0, then the motion indication unit 121 starts from... Figure 8 The message table is retrieved, and the message associated with action code 1R is output to the smartphone SP. Furthermore, the smartphone SP's speaker SPK emits a prompt tone such as "Your foot isn't moving; use your calf to lift your heel" (e.g., Figure 17 ).

[0168] After the message is output, the action instruction unit 121 returns to step S23 and issues another instruction to perform the predetermined action.

[0169] If the motion determination code MCJ is not 0 in step S30 (S30, No), the motion instruction unit 121 continues to determine whether the motion determination code MCJ matches the motion code MC (S40). If the motion determination code MCJ matches the motion code MC (S40, Yes), the motion determination unit 122 further determines whether the amplitude data item MS is 1 (S41). If the amplitude data item MS is not 1 (S41, No), that is, the amplitude data item MS is 2, it indicates that the seated person P is moving according to the indicated motion, so the process returns to step S21 to give an instruction to execute the next motion.

[0170] If the amplitude data item MS is determined to be 1 in step S41 (S41, Yes), it indicates that the amplitude of the movement is insufficient. Therefore, the motion indication unit 121 outputs a message to the smartphone SP to increase the amplitude of the movement (S42). For example, when the amplitude of the movement in the lower leg is insufficient, it outputs a message to the smartphone SP to increase the amplitude of the movement. Figure 9 The message table is retrieved to identify the message associated with action code 1L and output to the smartphone SP. Thus, as... Figure 18 As shown, the speaker SPK of the smartphone SP emits prompts such as "Heels not raised enough, raise your heels higher, right foot, left foot, right foot,...". Figure 17 As shown, the DSP displays an image of the standard heel-raising movement to make it easier for the seated person P to grasp the key points of the movement. After the message is output, the process returns to step S21 to give the instruction to execute the next movement.

[0171] If, in step S40, the action determination code MCJ is inconsistent with the action code MC (S40, No), it indicates that the seated person P is performing an action different from the instruction, and a message indicating the correct action mode is output to the smartphone SP (S43). For example, when the instruction is to lift a leg but the action is determined to be lifting the heel, i.e., the action code MC is 2R, while the action determination code MCJ is 1R, then... Figure 10 The message table is retrieved, and messages associated with the combination of MC=2R and MCJ=1R are output to the smartphone SP. Therefore, as... Figure 19 As shown, the speaker SPK of the smartphone SP outputs prompts such as "Lift your feet off the floor, right foot, left foot, right foot, ...". After the message is output, the system returns to step S21 to give instructions to perform the next movement.

[0172] After retrieving the action code MC (S21), if the action code MC is "EOL" (S22, Yes), it means that the action list has reached the bottom. Accordingly, the end screen is displayed on the smartphone SP (S45, illustration omitted), and the process ends.

[0173] As described above, in the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment, the movement of the occupant P can be identified by a combination of pressure values ​​from at least two of at least four sensors: a first seat cushion sensor SC1, a second seat cushion sensor SC2, a first backrest sensor SB1, and a second backrest sensor SB2. The first seat cushion sensor SC1 and the second seat cushion sensor SC2 are positioned aft-back on the seat cushion S1; the first backrest sensor SB1 and the second backrest sensor SB2 are positioned vertically on the seat back S2.

[0174] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S, the control device 100 can issue action commands to the occupant P via the action instruction unit 121, and after the action instruction unit 121 issues the command to perform a predetermined action, the action determination unit 122 determines whether the occupant P is performing the predetermined action. This encourages the occupant P to actively participate in movement, and since the vehicle seat S can respond to the quality of movement, an interactive relationship can be established between the seat and the occupant P. In this embodiment, by providing gymnastics games or the like to encourage the occupant P to actively engage in movement, fatigue can be effectively relieved, and a more enjoyable journey can be achieved. In particular, long-distance travel by airplane, long-distance bus, or other vehicle may lead to thrombosis, but thrombosis may be suppressed through enjoyable movement by the passenger on the vehicle.

[0175] Furthermore, the pressure value of the occupant P can be obtained through the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, thereby accurately identifying the actions of the occupant P.

[0176] When the action determination unit 122 determines that the seated person P has not performed the predetermined action, the action instruction unit 121 can issue another instruction to require the predetermined action to be performed, thus prompting the seated person P to actively and proactively move.

[0177] Furthermore, when the motion determination unit 122 determines that the predetermined motion being performed by the passenger P is not up to standard, the motion instruction unit 121 issues an instruction to the passenger P to increase the range of motion, thereby prompting the passenger P to perform a greater range of motion, increasing the enjoyment of riding and improving health.

[0178] Furthermore, when the action determination unit 122 determines that the action being performed by the seated person P is different from the action indicated by the action indication unit 121, the action indication unit 121 will notify the seated person P of the correct action, prompting the seated person P to engage in healthy exercise. Also, while the above embodiment uses a gymnastics game as an example, in embodiments where the actions of the seated person P are used to operate a smartphone SP, navigation system, or other devices, notification of the correct action helps to achieve more precise operation.

[0179] The first embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Specific configurations can be appropriately modified and combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0180] For example, in the above embodiments, the action instruction unit issues commands to the seated person P to perform a predetermined action through sound, light, images, animation, and text characters. However, in practice, commands can also be issued through vibration or temperature sensation. The temperature sensation refers to the temperature stimulation given to the seated person P, for example, by heating the seat surface with a heater or by blowing air onto the seated person P with a blower. It should be understood that the text prompts used in this specification include Braille characters.

[0181] In the described embodiment, although each threshold is considered a constant value, the threshold can actually be non-constant. For example, if the person sitting can be identified by a smartphone ID, a unique threshold can be stored for each person. Furthermore, the proficiency and habits of each person's movements can be determined and stored, and the threshold can even be adjusted based on their proficiency and habits.

[0182] In the described embodiment, although a gymnastics game is used as an example, other types of games may also be provided. For example, an application (similar to a game) could be provided to train good sitting posture.

[0183] In this embodiment, although the control unit uses a device other than a smartphone as an example, in practice, the control unit can also be composed of a device equipped in the seat or vehicle, together with a smartphone. That is, a part or all of the smartphone can be incorporated into the seat.

[0184] In the described embodiment, although the control device and the smartphone are connected wirelessly, they can actually be connected via wired communication.

[0185] In the described embodiment, when determining actions such as straightening the waist regardless of left or right, although the sum of the left and right pressure values ​​is used, the average of the left and right pressure values ​​can also be used. Furthermore, conditions can be applied to the right and left pressure values ​​separately; if at least one condition is met, or if both conditions are met, the action is determined to be in progress.

[0186] To identify the movements of a person sitting down, measurements other than pressure values ​​can be used. For example, measurements can be obtained using capacitive sensors.

[0187] In the embodiment described, the vehicle seat is exemplified by a seat installed in a car, but in practice, the seat can be a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle other than a car, or even a seat installed in a non-vehicle location such as a home or facility.

[0188] Example 2

[0189] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0190] In the second embodiment, as an example of an in-vehicle device, a smartphone SP and a control device 100 together constitute a control unit.

[0191] In a car CR, the system SYS of the vehicle seat S is composed of a control device 100, multiple seat bodies S0, and a smartphone SP. It should be understood that each occupant P's smartphone SP and the corresponding seat body S0 are pre-established through communication with the control device 100.

[0192] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S provides a 100-meter race game for the in-vehicle device smartphone SP. The smartphone SP includes a display DSP (see...). Figure 2 The user moves their left and right legs up and down alternately on the seat body S0 to cause the control device 100 to output an operation signal, so that the game character displayed on the display DSP can participate in the race.

[0193] like Figure 20As shown, the control device 100 includes a measurement acquisition unit 110, a processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 190. The smartphone SP includes a game processing unit 210 and a storage unit 290. Furthermore, the control device 100 and the smartphone SP also include components not shown in the figure, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and erasable non-volatile memory, and each part works together by executing preset programs.

[0194] The control device 100 is connected to a short-range communication device 3A, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The control device 100 can communicate with the smartphone SP via the communication unit 130 and the short-range communication device 3A, thereby enabling it to interact with applications installed on the smartphone SP. This allows it to transmit predetermined images and sounds to the smartphone SP, and also to acquire data input from the smartphone SP.

[0195] The measurement acquisition unit 110 acquires pressure measurement values ​​from each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 at specific control cycle intervals. The measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement acquisition unit 110 are stored in the storage unit 190 for use by the processing unit 120. The storage unit 190 stores necessary data for calculations and processing as needed.

[0196] The processing unit 120 can communicate with a smartphone SP and transmit signals for controlling the 100-meter race game program on the smartphone SP. The processing unit 120 includes a Yes signal output unit 125, a No signal output unit 126, a calibration processing unit 127, and a footstep signal output unit 128.

[0197] The processing unit 120 has a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, it outputs signals based on the measured values ​​of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. In the second operating mode, there is no output signal. Furthermore, it can only operate in the first operating mode after instructing the seated person P to move via a smartphone. Specifically, as described later, when a command to start receiving various signals is received from the smartphone SP, it enters the first operating mode where signals can be output; and when a command to complete receiving signals is received, it enters the second operating mode where no signal is output.

[0198] When the processing unit 120 receives the game entry signal from the smartphone SP, the Yes signal output unit 125 and the No signal output unit 126 output a Yes or No response signal to the smartphone SP according to the action of the seated person P.

[0199] Specifically, when the pressure value P6 of the right-side pressure sensor PS6 (the first pressure sensor) is... RWhen the pressure value of the left pressure sensor PS6 (the second pressure sensor) exceeds the predetermined threshold P6th, the Yes signal output unit 125 outputs a Yes response signal; when the pressure value of the left pressure sensor PS6 (the second pressure sensor) exceeds the predetermined threshold P6th, the Yes signal output unit 125 outputs a Yes response signal. L When the predetermined threshold P6th is exceeded, the No signal output unit 126 outputs a No response signal.

[0200] In the game processing unit 210 of the smartphone SP, a first operation of starting a game is performed on the smartphone SP in response to a Yes response signal, and a second operation of not playing the game is performed in response to a No response signal.

[0201] When the processing unit 120 receives the calibration start signal from the smartphone SP, the calibration processing unit 127 first obtains the pressure value P3 from the pressure sensors PS3 on the left and right sides. R P3 L Then, based on these pressure values, the average pressure of the current seated person P, i.e., the normal pressure P3n, and the threshold P3th used to detect pressure value spikes are determined. At the same time, the average foot movement cycle of the seated person P, i.e., the normal foot cycle TSn, is calculated and output to the smartphone SP.

[0202] Specifically, for example, when the seated person P alternately raises their legs, the pressure value P3 R P3 L Changes such as Figure 21 As shown. In Figure 21 The sharp decrease in pressure is due to the pressure value of pressure sensor PS3 decreasing accordingly when the occupant P raises their leg. The pressure value that remains around 140 without decreasing is the average normal pressure P3n when the leg is not raised. When calculating the normal pressure P3n, for example, only when the pressure value P3... R P3 L The current value is considered as a valid value for statistical calculation and averaging only when the absolute value of the difference between the previous value and the current value (i.e., the current value P3(n) minus the previous value P3(n-1)) does not exceed a predetermined value (i.e., the fluctuation of the measured value is very small).

[0203] P3th is a threshold used to determine when the foot is in a raised position. For example... Figure 21 As shown, for example, a value between 100 and 120 can be selected. Therefore, the threshold P3th can be a value obtained by multiplying the normal pressure P3n by a predetermined value. For example, the normal pressure P3n can be multiplied by a predetermined value between 0.6 and 0.9 as the threshold P3th.

[0204] The standard foot cycle TSn is the average value of the foot cycle TS, where TS represents the pressure value P3. R and P3 L The time interval between adjacent spikes.

[0205] For pressure value P3 R P3 L At each pressure value P3 R P3 L When the pressure value is less than the threshold P3th (i.e., the pressure value trend crosses the threshold from top to bottom), the peak moment occurs when the difference between the current value and the previous value changes from negative to positive. At this time, the previous value P3(n-1) is the peak value Pm.

[0206] After the processing unit 120 receives the start signal from the smartphone SP, the footstep signal output unit 128 begins to detect the pressure value P3 corresponding to the movements of the seated person P. R P3 L The peak moment is detected, and its peak value Pm is calculated. The detection of the peak and the calculation of the peak value Pm can be performed in the same way as the calibration processing unit 127. Then, the foot strength F (F) representing the foot lift amplitude is calculated. R F L Footstep intensity F is represented by the size of the peak, i.e., the difference between the normal pressure P3n and the peak pressure Pm. In this embodiment, to eliminate differences caused by the body shape of the seated person P, normalization is performed using the normal pressure P3n. For example, footstep intensity F can be expressed as follows:

[0207] F = (P3n - Pm) / P3n.

[0208] When pressure value P3 is detected R P3 L At the peak of the pressure, the footstep signal output unit 128 outputs the peak value Pm and footstep intensity F to the smartphone SP. Thus, the footstep signal output unit 128 outputs a signal based on the change in pressure value P3 obtained from the pressure sensor PS3.

[0209] On the other hand, the game processing unit 210 of the smartphone SP performs game processing simultaneously with the launch of the application (app). The game processing unit 210 includes a registration processing unit 211, a calibration instruction unit 212, a character movement processing unit 213, an onomatopoeia determination unit 214, and a result output unit 219. The game processing unit 210 stores the signals received from the control device 100 along with the reception time in the storage unit 290. The storage unit 290 stores data required for calculation and processing in real time, while the game processing unit 210 sends calculated travel distance L, movement results, and other data to the control device 100 in real time, thereby sharing data with smartphone SPs associated with other vehicle seats S. The control device 100 accumulates and stores this data in the storage unit 190.

[0210] The registration processing unit 211 displays the registration start screen on the display DSP, simultaneously sends a registration signal to the control device 100, and waits for a Yes or No response signal from the control device 100 within a predetermined time. For example, Figure 30 As shown, the screen displays messages prompting seated person P to exercise, such as "Would you like to participate? Please lean your shoulder against the seat," and "No—left shoulder, right shoulder—Yes." Additionally, the Yes and No buttons displayed on the screen function as buttons, and the touchscreen DSP can output Yes or No signals to the smartphone SP respectively.

[0211] Upon receiving a Yes signal, the registration processing unit 211 continues to execute the game processing; upon receiving a No signal, it terminates the application and stops executing the game processing; if no Yes or No signal is received after the predetermined waiting time, it sends a registration termination signal to the control device 100 and terminates the application.

[0212] While displaying the calibration screen, the calibration indication unit 212 sends a calibration start signal to the control device 100 and receives calibration-related signals from the control device 100 within a predetermined time period. If the predetermined time period is exceeded, the calibration indication unit 212 outputs a calibration end signal to the control unit 100.

[0213] In a 100-meter race, after receiving a footstep intensity signal F, the character movement processing unit 213 instructs the character on the display DSP to move towards the finish line. The amount of movement in this operation is determined by the magnitude of the footstep intensity F. For example, the character movement processing unit 213 can make the character move a distance corresponding to F (m) towards the finish line.

[0214] During the 100-meter race, the onomatopoeia detection unit 214 identifies onomatopoeic words (such as mimicry words like "swaying") that represent the running state of the seated person P, and outputs them to the display DSP. The determination of onomatopoeia can be, for example, based on the period of the seated person's foot movement, i.e., the footstep period TS. Figure 22 The condition table shown is selected. The footstep period TS is the period of the footstep intensity F received from the control device 100. Since the time interval of receiving the footstep intensity F is irregular, an average time interval of, for example, 20m can be used for calculation.

[0215] In this embodiment, to reduce the impact of individual differences among seated individuals P, onomatopoeia is selected by comparing the value of the footstep cycle TS divided by the normal footstep cycle TSn with a threshold. For example, when TS / TSn is not less than 1.5, it indicates a longer cycle, and is represented by "swaying back and forth"; when TS / TSn is not less than 1.2 and less than 1.5, it is represented by "slowly"; when TS / TSn is not less than 0.7 and less than 1.2, it is represented by "whooshing"; and when TS / TSn is less than 0.7, it is represented by "thumping".

[0216] After the seated person P completes the 100-meter race and reaches the finish line, the result output unit 219 provides suggestions based on the exercise results and outputs them to the display DSP. Additionally, the exercise results are transmitted to the control device 100.

[0217] Specifically, as a result of the exercise, the results output section 219 outputs: exercise level, exercise volume, exercise intensity, and recommendations.

[0218] Athletic performance is based on the number of steps taken during a 100-meter race, with reference to... Figure 23 The determination is based on a table. For example, in the exercise level determination table, a step count of no more than 60 is "strolling", a step count of 61 to 110 is "walking", a step count of 111 to 140 is "jogging", a step count of 141 to 240 is "running", and a step count of more than 240 is "running".

[0219] Regarding exercise volume, it can be calculated, for example, by the cumulative value of the stride intensity F measured in a 100-meter race.

[0220] Exercise intensity can be expressed in terms of metabolic equivalents (METs). For example, the value of exercise intensity can be determined by multiplying the number of steps taken in a 100-meter race by a predetermined coefficient.

[0221] Suggestions can be retrieved from a suggestion table pre-stored in storage unit 290. The list of suggestions can be formulated, for example, by associating parameters such as the number of steps taken, 100-meter sprint time, and average stride length with predetermined suggestions. In this way, these parameters, obtained after completing the 100-meter sprint, can be used to find and determine the appropriate suggestions.

[0222] After determining the exercise level, amount of exercise, exercise intensity, and recommendations, the results output unit 219 outputs these results to the display DSP.

[0223] The following describes the processing procedures of the control device 100 and the application program, using the game processing unit 210 and related processing examples, with the aid of flowcharts.

[0224] First, the processing procedure of the control device 100 will be explained.

[0225] Figures 24-27 The processing is performed repeatedly.

[0226] like Figure 24 As shown, the processing unit 120 first executes the game entry-related steps S51 to S57. Specifically, first, it determines whether a registration signal has been received (S51).

[0227] If it is determined that a registration signal has been received (S51, Yes), the processing unit 120 acquires the pressure value P6. R P6 L (S52), and determine the pressure value P6 on the right side. R Is it greater than the threshold P6th (S53)? If P6th R If the value is greater than P6th (S53, Yes), then send a Yes response signal (S54) and end the relevant processing for entering the game.

[0228] If P6 R If the pressure value is not greater than P6th (No, S53), then processing unit 120 determines the pressure value P6 on the left side. L Is it greater than P6th(S55)? If P6th... L If the value is greater than P6th (S55, Yes), then send a No response signal (S56) and end the relevant processing for entering the game.

[0229] If P6 L If the value is not greater than p6h (S55, No), then the processing unit 120 determines whether it has received a registration end signal (S57). If it has not received (S57, No), it returns to step S52 and repeats the above process. If it has received (S57, Yes), then the relevant processing for entering the game ends.

[0230] After the game-related processing is completed, the calibration processing unit 127 of the processing unit 120 begins to execute calibration processing steps S61 to S66, such as... Figure 25 As shown.

[0231] The processing unit 120 first determines whether a calibration start signal has been received (S61). If it has been received (S61, Yes), it acquires and stores the pressure value P3. R P3 L (S62). Then determine whether a calibration end signal has been received (S63). If the signal is not received (S63, No), repeat steps S62 to S63 until the signal is received (S63, Yes). Then proceed to processing step S64.

[0232] In step S64, the calibration processing unit 127 performs calibration based on the pressure value P3 acquired and stored within a predetermined time period. R P3 L The normal pressure P3n is calculated. Then, a threshold P3th is set based on the normal pressure P3n (S65). Next, the normal step cycle TSn is calculated and output to the smartphone SP (S66).

[0233] In step S61, if no calibration start signal (No) is received, the calibration processing unit 127 will not perform calibration processing and will directly proceed to step S70 (see...). Figure 26 ).

[0234] Next, the processing unit 120 executes steps S70 to S80, which are the processes related to the competition.

[0235] like Figure 26 As shown, firstly, the processing unit 120 determines whether a match start signal has been received from the smartphone SP (S70). If no match start signal is received (S70, No), the processing unit 120 ends the processing flow. If a match start signal is received (S70, Yes), the footstep signal output unit 128 acquires and stores the pressure value P3. R P3 L (S71).

[0236] Then, determine the pressure value P3 on the right side. R Is it less than the threshold P3th(S72)? If it is less than (S72, Yes), then pass the pressure value P3. R The system compares the current value with the most recent value to determine if a peak has been detected (S73). If a peak has been detected (S73, Yes), the foot signal output unit 128 outputs the foot signal using the normal pressure P3n and the pressure value P3. R Calculate foot strength F R (S74), and the foot strength F R The calculation results are transmitted to the smartphone SP (S75).

[0237] Otherwise, if the pressure value on the right is P3 R If the footstep signal output unit 128 does not perform footstep intensity F, the result is not less than the threshold P3th (S72, No), or no peak value is detected (S73, No). R The calculation and transmission process proceeds directly to step S76.

[0238] In steps S76 to S79, the foot signal output unit 128 outputs a foot signal to the left side pressure value P3. L Peak detection and foot strength F were performed. RThe calculation and transmission are as follows. Since these processes are similar to steps S71 to S75, their descriptions are omitted.

[0239] In step S80, the processing unit 120 determines whether a match end signal has been received. If no signal is received (S80, No), the process returns to step S71 and repeats the above process; if a signal is received (S80, Yes), the process ends.

[0240] The following will describe the processing of applications (game processing unit 210) on the smartphone SP.

[0241] After the application is activated and launched, the smartphone SP begins processing the application, such as... Figure 27 As shown, the start screen is first displayed on the DSP display (S710). For example, the start screen is as follows: Figure 30 As shown in the image, the start screen displays the message "Would you like to participate? Please lean your shoulder against the seat," along with instructions indicating "No" for the left shoulder and "Yes" for the right shoulder. It also displays the remaining time before starting the game.

[0242] Then, the registration processing unit 211 sends a registration signal to the control device 100 (S711). The registration processing unit 211 determines whether it receives a Yes response signal (S712). If it receives one (S712, Yes), it sends a registration end signal to the control device 100 (S718) and continues to execute the game process processing (S800) until the processing flow ends. The game process processing will be described later.

[0243] If the registration processing unit 211 does not receive a Yes response signal (S712, No), it determines whether it has received a No response signal (S713). If it receives (S713, Yes), the processing flow ends.

[0244] Otherwise, if no No response signal is received (S713, No), the registration processing unit 211 displays a countdown of the remaining time (S714) and determines whether the count value of the countdown has reached zero (S715). If the count value has not reached zero (S715, No), it returns to step S712 to repeat the above process; if the count has reached zero (S715, Yes), it sends a registration end signal to the control device 100 (S716) and ends the processing flow.

[0245] like Figure 28 As shown, in the game process processing (S800), firstly, the calibration indication unit 212 displays a calibration screen on the display DSP (S811). For example, as... Figure 31As shown, the calibration screen displays the instructions "Prepare for exercise, maintain seated posture and alternately lift your legs" and the remaining calibration time. On the display DSP, an animation of an anthropomorphic character CH1 running around, such as a chair, can be displayed to help the occupant P easily understand how to move.

[0246] Next, the calibration indication unit 212 sends a calibration start signal to the control device 100 (S812). Then, the remaining time count is updated and displayed on the display DSP (S813), and it is determined whether the count value has reached zero (S814). If the count value has not reached zero (S814, No), step S813 is continued to update the count value and display it; if the count value has reached zero (S814, Yes), a calibration end signal is sent to the control device 100 (S815).

[0247] like Figure 29 As shown, if the calibration is complete, the game processing unit 210 then displays the match start screen (S820). For example, as... Figure 32 As shown, the race start screen displays the text message "On your marks! Get set" and a countdown timer. The race screen also shows a 100-meter track, with the anthropomorphic characters CH2 and CH3 on their respective tracks.

[0248] For example, when multiple tracks are displayed, and there are other seated players P participating in the race at the same time, the corresponding track is indicated using text representing the players, such as "you" and "SEAT2".

[0249] On the match start screen, when the match start countdown ends (flowchart omitted) and the match begins, the game processing unit 210 sends a match start signal to the control device 100 (S821). Then, the character movement processing unit 213 determines whether it has received footstep intensity F. R and F L (S822). If (S822, Yes) is received, the character movement processing unit 213 performs character movement processing, that is, according to the footstep intensity F. R and F L The size of the distance L determines the distance the character CH2 moves (S823). Then, the travel distance L is updated and sent to the control device 100. Simultaneously, the character movement processing unit 213 displays the remaining distance of the race on the display DSP (S824).

[0250] Next, the onomatopoeia determination unit 214 determines the onomatopoeia to be displayed based on the footstep cycle TS and the regular footstep cycle TSN, and displays it on the display DSP (S825). For example... Figure 33As shown, during the race, animations of characters CH2 and CH3 running on their respective tracks, remaining distances, and onomatopoeic words such as "whoosh" can be displayed. Furthermore, the game processing unit 210 can also display the elapsed time since the start of the race.

[0251] If foot strength F has not yet been received R F L If (S822, No), then the character movement processing unit 213 will not execute steps S823 to S825 and will directly proceed to step S826.

[0252] Then, the game processing unit 210 obtains the travel distance L of the character CH3 of the other seat P, and moves the character CH3 of the other seat as needed (S826).

[0253] Next, the character movement processing unit 213 determines whether the travel distance L is equal to or greater than 100 (S827). If it is not equal to or greater than 100 (S827, No), it returns to step S822 and repeats the above-described game processing. Otherwise, if the travel distance L is equal to or greater than 100 (S827, Yes), it sends a game end signal to the control device 100 (S828). At the end of the game, for example, a display is shown as follows: Figure 34 The screen shown indicates that the remaining distance is 0 meters, and the time elapsed in the race.

[0254] Then, the result output unit 219 summarizes the motion results, namely, determines the motion level, motion amount, motion intensity, and recommendations, and outputs them to the display DSP (S829). For example, the motion result screen is as follows: Figure 35 As shown. The results screen displays the rankings of all previous players based on data accumulated in the control device 100 to date. Furthermore, if the result is good, character CH5 can be displayed with a happy expression; if the result is bad, character CH5 can be displayed with a regretful expression.

[0255] After the result output unit 219 displays the motion result, the processing of the application app ends.

[0256] As described above, the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment can achieve the following beneficial effects.

[0257] The pressure values ​​detected by pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 can be used as signals to operate the game application on the smartphone SP, and these signals can be output to the smartphone SP via the control device 100. Therefore, the occupant P, sitting on the vehicle seat S, can operate the smartphone SP by moving their legs or shoulders on the seat body S0.

[0258] Therefore, operations on smartphones SP, which previously required manual operation, can now be performed by moving the body while seated on the seat body S0. This allows for moderate body movement and relaxation when feeling fatigued in the vehicle.

[0259] Since pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 can detect the pressure states of the seat surfaces SF1 and SF2 corresponding to the occupant P, the occupant P can more easily use the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. That is, the occupant can operate the in-vehicle equipment by changing the pressure state of the seat surface, thereby making it easier to operate the smartphone SP.

[0260] Since the Yes and No response signals are only output when the pressure value P6 exceeds the threshold P6th, and the foot strength F is only output when the pressure value P3 crosses the threshold P3th during the process of moving from top to bottom, it is possible to suppress the occupant P's erroneous operation of the smartphone SP.

[0261] Since a Yes response signal is output based on the measurement value of the right pressure sensor PS6, and a No response signal is output based on the measurement value of the left pressure sensor PS6, erroneous operation can be suppressed.

[0262] It should be noted that the second embodiment has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Appropriate modifications can be made to create alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0263] For example, in the above embodiments, the present invention discloses the operation of a 100-meter race game as an example, but it is equally applicable to other game operations. Furthermore, the in-vehicle device to which the operation is performed is not limited to a smartphone, but can be a computer, navigation system, etc. Also, the device is not limited to a device with a display as described above, but can also be a telephone, audio system, etc.

[0264] It should be understood that the vehicle-mounted device in this embodiment does not include the vehicle itself (i.e., driving operations of the vehicle are not the target object). However, as long as the operation is not directed at driving the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted device can be a fixed device fixed to the vehicle, and the operation can be operations such as air conditioning adjustment, moving the windows up and down, etc.

[0265] As described above, in-vehicle equipment can be operated by moving one's body while seated in a vehicle. Therefore, in situations where one does not wish to use their hands, or is unable to use their hands due to physical disability, the in-vehicle equipment can be operated by moving a part of the body or applying force to certain muscles.

[0266] In the above embodiments, although a pressure sensor is used as an example, the sensor can be any other type of sensor, such as a capacitive sensor. A distributed pressure sensor can also be used when measuring pressure.

[0267] In the above embodiments, the control unit is jointly constituted by the control device 100 and a portion of the smartphone SP; however, the control unit can be constituted solely by the control device or solely by the smartphone. Furthermore, a so-called cloud computer can communicate with a computer located in another location. This cloud computer can also be part of the control unit or constitute the control unit independently.

[0268] In this embodiment, the operating signal of the vehicle-mounted device may also come from the power signal of the drive motor or the like.

[0269] In the above embodiments, the control device and the smartphone are connected wirelessly, but they can also be connected via wired communication.

[0270] In the above embodiments, only the actions of moving the feet up and down and the shoulders against the seat back are listed as examples of actions to operate the vehicle-mounted equipment. However, other actions such as twisting the upper body, swinging the body forward, backward, left and right, or swaying the hips can also be used to operate the vehicle-mounted equipment.

[0271] In the second embodiment, the vehicle seat can be a seat other than that of a car, such as a seat of a rail vehicle, or a seat other than that of a vehicle, such as a seat of a ship or an airplane.

[0272] The constituent elements disclosed in this specification, described in various embodiments and alternative examples, can be appropriately combined and implemented as needed.

Claims

1. A seating system, characterized in that, include: Seat body; The sensor detects measurements used to identify the actions of the person sitting on the seat body; A control unit, connected to the sensor, is capable of acquiring the measured value from the sensor. The control unit is connected to the device being operated on and is capable of communicating with the device. The sensor is configured to detect the state of the seat surface facing the occupant on the seat body. The device includes a display. The control unit is configured to output a signal for operating a cursor or icon displayed on the display based on the sensor's measurement value, wherein the output of the signal is conditional upon the sensor's measurement value exceeding a threshold. The control unit further includes a calibration processing unit, which sets the threshold based on the measurement value obtained by the sensor.

2. The seating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calibration processing unit sets the threshold based on the average value of the measurements obtained by the sensor when the seated person is not moving.

3. The seating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to acquire the measurement value from the sensor when prompted to perform an action by the seated person. When the changes in the acquired measurement values ​​are very small, the measurement values ​​are added together and the average value is taken. The threshold is then set based on the average value.

4. The seating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calibration processing unit is configured to calculate the average value by adding the current value and the previous value of the measured value, provided that the absolute value does not exceed a predetermined value.

5. The seating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calibration processing unit is configured to acquire the peak value of the measured value, and set the threshold value based on the value between the peak value and the average value.

6. The seating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to calculate the difference between the peak value of the measurement obtained by the sensor and the average value obtained by the calibration processing unit, and divide the difference by the average value obtained by the calibration processing unit to determine the motion intensity of the seated person.

7. The seating system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The calibration processing unit is configured to use the value obtained by multiplying the average value by a predetermined value as the threshold setting.

8. The seating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The sensor is a pressure sensor, used to acquire the pressure value generated by the person sitting on the seat body.

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