Seat system, vehicle and software

Abstract

A seat system is provided, and new functions are brought to a seat. A sensor is installed on the seat, and a seated person sitting on the seat can receive proper advertisement information. A seat system (1) is provided with: a seat (seat S) comprising a seat body (S0), sensors (pressure sensors PS1 to PS3) provided in the seat body (S0), the sensors being capable of acquiring information for recognizing the physical state of a seated person on the seat body (S0); a server (SV) in which a plurality of advertisement information is stored; and a terminal (smartphone SP) capable of acquiring information from the sensor and communicating with the server (SV). The terminal or the server selects advertisement information related to the information or an evaluation value from the plurality of advertisement information according to the information or the evaluation value based on the information, and transmits the advertisement information to the seated person.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the international application with the international application number "PCT / JP2019 / 046741" filed with the International Bureau on November 29, 2019, which entered the national phase on May 31, 2021, with the application number "2019800793606" and the invention title "Seat System". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a seat system including a seat having sensors. Background Art

[0003] A vehicle seat is known in which a plurality of pressure sensors are provided on the seat to detect the sitting posture of the occupant (Patent Document 1).

[0004] A system for implementing charging guidance control is also known, which encourages hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles to use external charging as much as possible. If an index measuring the degree of utilization of external charging is lower than a threshold value, it is determined that the utilization degree of external charging is low. Once the vehicle is parked at a charging station where external charging can be performed, such as a home parking lot or a charging station, etc., the use of external charging is encouraged (Patent Document 2).

[0005] A control system for an autonomous vehicle is also known in the art. During autonomous driving, the driver can switch the autonomous driving to a non-autonomous driving state of the vehicle operated by the driver by operating a control button. When it is necessary for the driver to terminate autonomous driving during autonomous driving, first, a notice of a preparation requirement is sent to the driver through a display and / or a speaker provided on the instrument panel, and then a notice of a termination requirement is sent to the driver (Patent Document 3).

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-65504

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-178079

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-027726 Summary of the Invention

[0010] However, the vehicle seat of Patent Document 1 only evaluates and gives a prompt to the sitting posture of the driver, and this function is not fully utilized.

[0011] As one form, the present application proposes a seat system that can push suitable advertisement information to the sitting occupant, giving new added value to the seat equipped with sensors.

[0012] The above-mentioned invention discloses a seat system, which includes: a seat, the seat including a seat main body and a sensor disposed in the seat main body, the sensor obtaining information for identifying the physical state of a sitter sitting on the seat main body; a server storing a plurality of advertisement messages, and a terminal capable of obtaining information from the sensor and communicating with the server.

[0013] Wherein, based on the information or the evaluation value of the information, the terminal or the server selects advertisement information related to the information or the evaluation value from the plurality of advertisement messages, and sends the advertisement information to the sitter.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to select advertisement information based on the information obtained by the sensor disposed in the seat main body and push it to the sitter. Therefore, it is possible to push advertisement information suitable for the physical state to the sitter sitting on the seat with the sensor.

[0015] The terminal may include a location information acquisition unit for acquiring the location information of the seat. Based on the location information and the information or the evaluation value, the terminal or the server selects advertisement information related to the location information and the information or the evaluation value from the plurality of advertisement messages.

[0016] With this configuration, in addition to the information corresponding to the physical state, advertisement is selected with reference to the location information of the seat. Therefore, it is possible to push an advertisement suitable for the physical state of the sitter corresponding to the current location of the sitter.

[0017] The terminal may determine the location of the advertisement publisher of the selected advertisement information, and within a specified area including the location of the advertisement publisher, conditionally send the advertisement information based on the location determined by the location information of the seat.

[0018] With this configuration, a range is delimited from the location where the advertisement publisher is located, and within this range, specific location information is used as a condition to push advertisement information. Therefore, it is possible to push a corresponding advertisement to the current location where the sitter is located. Therefore, the sitter can quickly go to the place providing the goods or services mentioned in the advertisement and immediately receive the provided services, etc.

[0019] In addition, the sensor is a pressure sensor, and the pressure value is used as the information. The terminal calculates an evaluation value related to movement based on the pressure value, and the terminal or the server selects advertisement information based on the evaluation value.

[0020] With this configuration, advertisement information is selected according to the evaluation value related to movement. Therefore, it is possible to recommend facilities corresponding to the movement level of the sitter to the sitter.

[0021] In addition, the terminal can execute an exercise program which, based on the pressure value from the pressure sensor, guides the sitter sitting on the seat to exercise; during the execution of the physical exercise program, when the prescribed exercise is completed, the selected advertisement information is pushed to the sitter. With this configuration, advertisement information corresponding to the execution result of the exercise program can be pushed to the sitter.

[0022] In addition, various other embodiments of the seat system are disclosed in the specific examples described below, and the seat system includes a seat having sensors.

[0023] In an embodiment, the following seat system is disclosed. Seats having sensors are arranged at various different positions. In this scenario, the sitter sitting on the seat can obtain and utilize the information from other seats, thereby endowing the seat with sensors with new added value.

[0024] The seat system includes: a first seat, including a first seat body and a first sensor arranged in the first seat body, which is used to obtain first information to detect the physical state of the sitter sitting on the first seat body; a second seat, including a second seat body and a second sensor arranged in the second seat body, which is used to obtain second information to detect the physical state of the sitter sitting on the second seat body; a mobile terminal, capable of communicating with the first seat and the second seat, calculating a first evaluation value as an evaluation value of the physical state of the sitter based on the first information, and calculating a second evaluation value as an evaluation value of the physical state of the sitter based on the second information; and a data collection unit, which is used to accumulate and store the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

[0025] With this configuration, when the sitter sits on the first seat, the sitter can use the mobile terminal to obtain the first information from the first seat, and the mobile terminal calculates the first evaluation value based on the first information. Also, when there is a sitter sitting on the second seat, this sitter can also use the mobile terminal to obtain the second information from the second seat, and the mobile terminal calculates the second evaluation value based on the second information. The first evaluation value and the second evaluation value calculated in the mobile terminal are accumulated into cumulative data in the data collection unit. Therefore, in the scenario where seats with sensors are arranged at different positions, the sitter sitting on the seat can utilize the information obtained by another seat.

[0026] In addition, the mobile terminal may include a data collection unit.

[0027] According to this configuration, there is no need to use a server with a data collection unit, and the configuration of the seat system can be correspondingly simplified.

[0028] In addition, the seat system may further include a server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal, and the server may include a data collection unit.

[0029] According to this configuration, there is no need to set a data collection unit in the mobile terminal, and the storage capacity of the mobile terminal can be saved accordingly.

[0030] In addition, the mobile terminal can obtain the data accumulated in the server from the server so that the data obtained from the server can be sent to the seated person.

[0031] According to this configuration, the data accumulated in the server is sent to the seated person through the mobile terminal; therefore, the seated person can effectively utilize the data.

[0032] The first sensor and the second sensor may be pressure sensors, and the mobile terminal can be used to calculate the exercise amount of the seated person. That is, a first evaluation value can be calculated according to the first pressure value as the first information, as the exercise amount of the seated person, and a second evaluation value can also be calculated according to the second pressure value as the second information, as the exercise amount of the seated person.

[0033] According to this configuration, since the exercise amount of the seated person is represented by the evaluation value, the seated person can refer to the accumulated exercise amount to understand his or her own physical condition.

[0034] In addition, in the specific example described below, a seat experience system and a vehicle are disclosed.

[0035] The system of Patent Document 2 is used to encourage users to use external charging through visual display on a monitor or sound output from a speaker, thus limiting the motivation of users to charge.

[0036] Therefore, such a seat experience system and a vehicle are expected, that is, to motivate users to take charging actions.

[0037] In addition, the user can be guided to a specific charging station.

[0038] Such a seat experience system and a vehicle are also expected to be able to stimulate users to adopt a driving method with reduced energy consumption.

[0039] As an implementation, the seat experience system includes a seat, an experience indicating device, and a server. The seat is installed in a vehicle, which includes a motor for driving the vehicle and a battery capable of supplying power to the motor. The seat includes a seat body and sensors in the seat body, and the sensors are used to obtain measurement values of the movement of a sitter sitting on the seat body. The experience indicating device provides movement instructions to the sitter sitting on the seat body. The server can communicate with the experience indicating device. The experience indicating device sends the user identification information of the sitter to the server, determines whether the conditions for awarding points are met based on the measurement values of the sensors, and at least sends the determination result to the server when the conditions for awarding points are met. When the server receives the determination result that the conditions for awarding points are met from the experience indicating device, it multiplies the basic points based on the determination result by a specified magnification factor to obtain points, and adds them to the existing points of the user identification information to increase the points. The experience indicating device or the server sets a magnification coefficient such that the magnification coefficient set when the battery is being charged is larger than that when the battery has not been charged.

[0040] According to this configuration, more points can be obtained when charging the battery, so the motivation of the user to charge can be enhanced.

[0041] In the seat experience system, the experience indicating device or the server can change the specified magnification factor according to the type of charging station where the battery is charged.

[0042] According to this configuration, the specified magnification factor can be increased or decreased according to the type of charging station where the battery is charged. Therefore, users can be guided to specific charging stations.

[0043] In the seat experience system as described above, the experience indicating device or the server can be set such that if a charging station other than the user's own charging station of the vehicle is used, the specified magnification factor is larger than that of the user's own charging station.

[0044] According to this configuration, users can be motivated to charge actively even when they are out.

[0045] In the seat experience system as described above, the experience indicating device or the server can be set such that the specified magnification factor when the charging rate of the battery is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold is compared with the specified magnification factor when the charging rate of the battery is less than the first charging rate threshold, and the former specified magnification factor is larger.

[0046] According to this configuration, as long as the battery is maintained in a high charging rate state, users can obtain more points, which can strengthen the motivation of users to charge.

[0047] In the seat experience system described above, the vehicle can switch between the first driving mode and the second driving mode according to the driver's operation. The battery power consumption (electricity consumption) in the second driving mode is smaller than that in the first driving mode. When the second driving mode is implemented, the experience indicating device or the server can make the specified magnification greater than that in the first driving mode.

[0048] According to this configuration, users can be encouraged to drive in a way that reduces battery power consumption.

[0049] In the seat experience system described above, the server can add a specified number of points to the existing points corresponding to the user identification information on the condition that the vehicle reaches a charging station where the battery can be charged.

[0050] According to this configuration, users can get points when they go to the charging station, which can stimulate the motivation of users to charge.

[0051] In the seat experience system described above, the experience indicating device can be configured such that when the charging rate of the battery is less than or equal to the second charging rate threshold, the experience instruction device can prohibit the use of executable applications with a power consumption greater than or equal to the power consumption threshold.

[0052] According to this configuration, when the charging rate of the battery is low, the use of applications that consume a large amount of electrical energy is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the user's awareness of keeping the charging rate high enough to stimulate the motivation of the user to charge.

[0053] In the seat experience system described above, the seat includes a driver's seat on which the driver sits. The driver's seat can be switched between a "driving state" and a "non-driving state". The "driving state" is the state when the sitter is driving the vehicle. After moving at least a part of the seat from the "driving state", it becomes the "non-driving state". The experience indicating device can be configured to, when the vehicle is traveling, at least prohibit the use of applications that require the driver's seat to be in the "non-driving state" from the executable applications, and if the battery is charging, allow the use of applications that require the driver's seat to be in the "non-driving state".

[0054] According to this configuration, even when the vehicle is on the road, if the battery is charging, the driver can use more applications, thereby stimulating the motivation of the user (driver) to charge.

[0055] As another embodiment, a vehicle is provided, which includes: a motor for driving the vehicle; a battery capable of supplying power to the motor; a seat including a seat body and sensors provided in the seat body, the sensors being used to obtain measurement values for detecting the movement of a seated person sitting on the seat body; and an experience indicating device configured to provide movement instructions to the seated person sitting on the seat body. The experience indicating device sends user identification information for identifying the seated person to a server capable of communicating with the experience indicating device, determines whether a condition for awarding points is met based on the measurement values of the sensors, and transmits a determination result to the server at least when the condition for awarding points is met. The server receives the determination result indicating that the condition for awarding points is met sent from the experience indicating device, and based on this determination result, multiplies the basic points by a specified magnification factor to obtain points, and adds them to the existing points of the user identification information to increase the points. When the battery is being charged, the experience indicating device sets a larger specified magnification factor than when the battery is not being charged.

[0056] According to this configuration, more points can be obtained when charging the battery, thus motivating the user (driver) to charge.

[0057] In addition, in the specific examples described below, other embodiments of the seat system and the vehicle, as well as programs, are disclosed.

[0058] In the future, autonomous vehicles will emerge, and during the autonomous driving process, the driver can be freed from driving operations. For such vehicles, during autonomous driving, the driver can operate a terminal such as a smartphone and use an application such as a pre-installed game application. In this case, the currently known systems may not be able to effectively send a request to terminate the operation to the driver using the terminal.

[0059] Therefore, the present application provides a seat system, a vehicle, and a program that can effectively send a request to switch the vehicle from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving to the driver using the terminal.

[0060] Moreover, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for the driver to prepare for switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0061] Moreover, it is possible to effectively send a request to the driver to return the seat body from the non-driving state to the driving state.

[0062] As an implementation manner, the seat system includes a seat and a terminal. The seat is installed in a vehicle that can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving. The seat includes a seat body and sensors in the seat body, and the sensors are used to obtain measurement values of the driver's movement sitting on the seat body. The terminal obtains the measurement values from the sensors. The terminal can execute an application program using the measurement values. During the autonomous driving of the vehicle, when the application program is in an execution state, the terminal obtains the following information from the vehicle's control unit, that is, switching information related to switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving, and based on this information, sends a request to the driver to terminate the operation of the application program.

[0063] Using such a seat system, the driver using the terminal can be effectively notified that it is necessary to switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0064] In the seat system as described above, when there is a termination request, the terminal can be set to notify the driver of a termination request once, and after notifying the driver of the termination request once, subsequently notify the driver of a second termination request.

[0065] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify in stages that it is necessary to switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving, so that it is possible to more effectively notify in stages that it is necessary to switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0066] In the seat system as described above, the terminal can be set to send a termination request to the driver in advance before the moment of switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0067] In the seat system as described above, the terminal can be set to forcibly terminate the operation of the application program if the driver does not perform an operation to terminate the operation of the application program after sending a termination request to the driver.

[0068] According to this configuration, the driver can make preparations in advance for switching to the non-autonomous driving mode.

[0069] In the seat system as described above, the seat body can be switched between a "driving state" for driving the vehicle and a "non-driving state", and the "non-driving state" is a state after moving at least a part of the seat from the "driving state". The terminal can be set to, when sending a termination request to the driver, the seat body is in the non-driving state, and corresponding to the termination request, notify the driver that it is necessary to move the seat body from the non-driving state to the driving state.

[0070] According to this configuration, the driver using the terminal can be effectively notified by the terminal that it is necessary to change the seat body from the "non-driving state" back to the "driving state".

[0071] The seat system described above includes a driver that can move the seat body from the driving state to the non-driving state, and the terminal can be set such that after notifying the driver of the state change, if the driver of the seat body does not perform an operation to switch the seat body from the non-driving state to the driving state, the driver will switch the seat body from the non-driving state to the driving state.

[0072] According to this configuration, the driver can be prepared to switch to the non-autonomous driving mode.

[0073] As an embodiment, a vehicle capable of switching between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving is provided. The vehicle includes a seat, a terminal, and a controller. The seat includes a seat body and a sensor disposed in the seat body, and the sensor is configured to obtain a measurement value for detecting the movement of a driver sitting on the seat body. The terminal obtains the measurement value from the sensor. The controller controls autonomous driving. The terminal can execute an application program using the measurement value, and when the application program is executed during autonomous driving, the terminal obtains information from the controller, that is, information related to switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving, and based on this information, issues a termination request to the driver to terminate the execution of the application program.

[0074] Through the configuration described above, the driver using the terminal can be effectively notified that it is necessary to switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0075] As another embodiment, a program executable on a terminal used in a vehicle is provided, and the vehicle can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving. The program has the following function: if an application program is being executed on the terminal during autonomous driving, it obtains information from the vehicle controller, that is, obtains information related to switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving, and based on this information, notifies the driver to terminate the execution of the application program.

[0076] Through the program described above, the driver using the terminal can be effectively notified that it is necessary to switch the vehicle from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the seat system of the first embodiment;

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the seat system;

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pressure change obtained during the 100-meter sprint game;

[0080] Figure 4 is a table for selecting advertisement information based on the average time.

[0081] Figure 5It is a processing flow chart of a smart phone;

[0082] Figure 6 It is a processing flow chart of a server;

[0083] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the start page of a seat application;

[0084] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the result page of a 100-meter sprint game;

[0085] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of an advertisement information page;

[0086] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of a seat system in the second embodiment;

[0087] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram of the seat system structure;

[0088] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram of the structure module of a mobile terminal;

[0089] Figure 13 It is a processing flow chart in a smart phone;

[0090] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of a page showing the total number of steps;

[0091] Figure 15 It is a seat system diagram of the first modification;

[0092] Figure 16 It is a module explanatory diagram of the structure of the seat system of the first modification;

[0093] Figure 17 It is a processing flow chart of a smart phone in the first modification;

[0094] Figure 18 It is a processing flow chart of a server in the first modification;

[0095] Figure 19 It is a processing flow chart of a smart phone in the second modification;

[0096] Figure 20 It is a schematic diagram of a page prompting the start of a 100-meter sprint game in the second modification;

[0097] Figure 21 It is a schematic diagram of a page prompting the start of a break in the second modification;

[0098] Figure 22 It is a processing flow chart of a smart phone in the third modification;

[0099] Figure 23It is a schematic diagram of a page showing the weight measured this time and the weight record in the third modification example;

[0100] Figure 24 It is a schematic diagram of notifying the measured weight on the main page in the third modification example;

[0101] Figure 25 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the seat - type experience system as the third modification example;

[0102] Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the vehicle in the embodiment;

[0103] Figure 27 It is a structural diagram of the seat composition;

[0104] Figure 28 It is a module diagram for explaining the structure of the seat control unit and the smartphone;

[0105] Figure 29 It is a module diagram for explaining the structure of the server;

[0106] Figure 30 It is a graph of the change in the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensor when the legs are alternately lifted;

[0107] Figure 31 It is a timing diagram of the pressure value, the determination result of the pressure value change, and the determination time;

[0108] Figure 32 It is a processing flow chart of the smartphone and the server;

[0109] Figure 33 It is a processing flow chart for judging whether the application program can be executed;

[0110] Figure 34 It is a processing flow chart of the magnification setting;

[0111] Figure 35 It is a processing flow chart for determining the second condition based on the position information;

[0112] Figure 36 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the seat system as the fourth embodiment;

[0113] Figure 37 It is a seat diagram of the driver's seat in the non - driving state;

[0114] Figure 38 It is a module schematic diagram showing the structure of the vehicle control unit, the seat control unit, and the smartphone;

[0115] Figure 39 It is an operation flow chart of the termination request notification in the smartphone;

[0116] Figure 40 It is a flowchart of the operation of a switching request notification in a smart phone;

[0117] Figure 41 It is a timing diagram of the actions of a smart phone; Detailed implementation manners

[0118]

First Embodiment

[0119] The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0120] As Figure 1 shown, the seat system 1 includes a seat S, a server SV, and a smart phone SP as an example of a terminal.

[0121] The seat S illustrated as an example is a vehicle seat installed in a passenger vehicle such as a car. And, in the following description, the front / rear (forward / backward), left / right (lateral), up / down (upward / downward) directions or positions are based on the seated person P sitting on the seat S.

[0122] As Figure 2 shown, the seat S includes a seat body S0 and a control device 500 etc. The seat body S0 includes a seat cushion S1 and a seat backrest S2. The seat cushion S1 and the seat backrest S2 each include a cushion pad CP and a cover SK covering the cushion pad CP. The cushion pad CP is made of polyurethane foam or a similar material and is supported by a frame (not shown in the figure). The cover SK is made of synthetic leather, fabric, etc.

[0123] In the seat cushion S1 and the seat backrest S2, a plurality of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are provided under the cover SK. The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are examples of sensors for obtaining measurement values, which are information for identifying the physical state of the seated person P sitting on the seat body S0. The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are arranged to be able to detect the state of the seat surface on which the seated person P sitting on the seat body S0 is seated, so as to obtain the pressure value of the seated person P sitting on the seat body S0.

[0124] Each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 is provided in pairs, that is, each is located on the left and right and is symmetric with respect to the left-right center position of the seat S.

[0125] More specifically, pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are installed in the seat cushion S1. Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are located at positions corresponding to the buttocks of the sitter P on the seat cushion S1. Pressure sensors PS1 and pressure sensor PS2 constitute the first seat cushion sensor SC1, which is configured to measure the pressure from the buttocks of the sitter P. Pressure sensor PS2 is located slightly in front of pressure sensor PS1. And the first seat cushion sensor SC1 may include only a pair of pressure sensors PS1 or a pair of pressure sensors PS2.

[0126] Pressure sensor PS3 is located under the thighs of the sitter P. Pressure sensor PS3 constitutes the second seat cushion sensor SC2 for measuring the pressure value from the thighs of the sitter P. Pressure sensor PS3 is located in front of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 and is far from pressure sensors PS1 and PS2.

[0127] Pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are installed in the seat backrest S2. Pressure sensor PS4 is set at a position corresponding to the rear part of the waist of the sitter P. The position of pressure sensor PS5 is slightly higher than the position of pressure sensor PS4. Pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 together constitute the first back sensor SB1, which is configured to measure the pressure from the waist area of the sitter P. Moreover, the first back sensor SB1 may also be constituted only by pressure sensor PS4 or pressure sensor PS5.

[0128] Pressure sensor PS6 is located above and far from pressure sensors PS4 and PS5. Pressure sensor PS6 is located at a position corresponding to the upper back area of the sitter P. Pressure sensor PS6 constitutes the second back sensor SB2 for measuring the pressure value from the scapula of the sitter P.

[0129] Pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are, for example, elements whose resistance value changes with the change of external pressure, where the greater the pressure value, the higher (or lower, depending on the situation) the voltage of the detection signal becomes.

[0130] At the position corresponding to each of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6, a coating 35 as a position marker is applied to the outer surface of the outer cover SK. The coating 35 is exposed outside the outer cover SK because it is applied to the outer surface of the outer cover SK. The coating 35 has a color different from the color of the outer surface of the outer cover SK. More specifically, for example, when the outer surface of the outer cover SK is black, the color of the coating 35 can be yellow or other colors that are prominent in black.

[0131] This coating 35 marking enables the sitter P to visually identify the positions of each of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 from outside the seat body S0 easily before sitting on the seat S.

[0132] The control device 500 is connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 and can obtain pressure values from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. The control device 500 is capable of sending the information detected by each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 to the smartphone SP.

[0133] More specifically, the control device 500 is connected to the short-range communication device 3A, which implements short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the control device 500 is configured to be able to communicate with the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3A. The smartphone SP is configured to be able to communicate with the server SV via the Internet.

[0134] The control device 500, the smartphone SP, and the server SV each include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown in the figure), and can execute prestored programs. The smartphone SP further includes a display screen DSP and a position information acquisition unit PA.

[0135] The smartphone SP has a function of obtaining the pressure values of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 from the control device 500. A seat application program is installed in the smartphone SP, and the seat application program can operate in cooperation with the signal (pressure value) sent from the seat S to provide a game for the sitter P.

[0136] The seat application program in this embodiment can provide a 100-meter dash game for the sitter P. The 100-meter dash game is to make the game character run on the display screen DSP based on the pressure value sent from the seat S. The 100-meter dash game is an example of an exercise program, which guides the sitter P on the seat to exercise according to the pressure values of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3.

[0137] More specifically, to run the 100-meter dash game, the smartphone SP needs to obtain the pressure values P3R and P3L of the pressure sensor PS3 on the left and right sides of the seat S. And the smartphone SP determines the normal pressure P3n and the threshold value P3th, and calculates the normal pace period TSn. The normal pressure P3n is the average pressure of the sitter P currently sitting on the seat, the threshold value P3th is used to detect the peak of the pressure value, and the normal pace period TSn is the average period for the sitter P to move the feet.

[0138] Specifically, for example, when the sitter P alternately raises the legs, the pressure values P3R and P3L will change as Figure 3 shown. In Figure 3Among them, the part where the pressure drops sharply indicates that the seated person P has lifted the leg, and the pressure in the area detected by the pressure sensor PS3 becomes correspondingly smaller. That is, the pressure value that remains near 140 and does not drop will be regarded as the normal pressure P3n, and the average value of the pressure values detected when the leg is not lifted can be taken. For example, when the absolute value of the difference between the previous value and the current value of the pressure values P3R and P3L (the current value P3(n) minus the previous value P3(n - 1)) is below a specified value (i.e., a value with a small enough change), the pressure value is obtained, and multiple such obtained pressure values are statistically averaged to obtain the normal pressure P3n.

[0139] The threshold P3th is used to determine the threshold when the leg is lifted; for example, as Figure 3 In the case of, values in the range of usually 100 to 120 can be used. Therefore, the threshold P3th can be a value obtained by multiplying the normal pressure P3n by a predetermined value. For example, a value obtained by multiplying the normal pressure P3n by a predetermined value usually in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 is used as the threshold P3th.

[0140] The normal walking speed period TSn is the time interval between the peaks of the pressure values P3R and P3L, that is, the average value of the walking speed period TS.

[0141] Under the condition that each of the pressure values P3R and P3L is less than the threshold P3th, when the difference between the previous value and the current value changes from negative to positive, it can be determined that the peaks of the pressure values P3R and P3L are detected (that is, the pressure value has crossed the minimum value from top to bottom), and the previous value P3(n - 1) detected at this time is used as the peak value Pm.

[0142] When the peaks of the pressure values P3R and P3L that change due to the movement of the seated person P are detected, the smartphone SP calculates the peak value Pm, and calculates the leg - lifting intensity F(FR, RL) as the scale of the leg - lifting movement based on the peak value Pm and the normal pressure P3n. The leg - lifting intensity F can be represented by the amplitude of the peak, that is, the value obtained by subtracting the peak value Pm from the normal pressure P3n. In this embodiment, the obtained value is normalized by the normal pressure P3n in order to eliminate the changes caused by the physical size of the seated person P. For example, the leg - lifting intensity F can be given as follows:

[0143] F = (P3n - Pm) / P3n

[0144] In the 100 - meter sprint race, the smartphone SP calculates the leg - lifting intensity F and makes the game character on the display screen DSP run towards the finish line. According to the magnitude of the leg - lifting intensity F in this article, the distance to run is determined. For example, the smartphone SP makes the game character move a corresponding distance towards the finish line corresponding to F[m].

[0145] When completing the 100-meter sprint game, the smartphone SP obtains the recorded time (the time to reach the 100-meter finish line). As an example of the evaluation value, it calculates the average time recorded in a past specified period. The time can be measured by a timer that starts timing at the beginning of the game and stops when the value obtained by multiplying the leg-lifting intensity F by the number of leg-lifts reaches 100 or more. As described above, the leg-lifting intensity F is calculated from the pressure value, so the smartphone SP can calculate the time (an evaluation value related to exercise) based on the pressure value (information). Also, the average time for the past specified period can be the average time for the past month, the average time for the past year, etc.

[0146] After completing the 100-meter sprint game, the smartphone SP displays the time required for this time and the calculated average time on the display screen DSP. In addition, when completing the 100-meter sprint game, if it can communicate with the server SV, the smartphone SP sends the time required for this time and the calculated average time to the server SV.

[0147] The position information acquisition unit PA of the smartphone SP can use satellite positioning, navigation, and timing system positioning to determine the position of the smartphone SP. Therefore, when the sitter P sitting on the seat S operates the smartphone SP, the smartphone SP also obtains the position of the seat S (hereinafter referred to as position information).

[0148] The smartphone SP has the following function. When in a state where it can communicate with the seat S, it obtains the position information from the position information acquisition unit PA and uses it as the position information of the seat S. The smartphone SP sends the position information of the seat S to the server SV.

[0149] Multiple pieces of advertisement information associated with different attributes are stored in the server SV. In this embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, multiple pieces of advertisement information are associated with the average time of the above-mentioned 100-meter sprint game (i.e., the exercise ability of the sitter P).

[0150] There are multiple pieces of advertisement information corresponding to each attribute (for example, advertisements for gyms), and they are associated with the positions of the corresponding advertisement publishers. Here, the position of the advertisement publisher includes the position where the corresponding service is provided in the advertisement information, such as the store location where the service is provided, the store location where the goods are sold in the advertisement information, etc.

[0151] The server SV has a function of selecting advertisement information and position information related to the average time (the exercise ability of the sitter P) from multiple pieces of advertisement information based on the average time and position information sent by the smartphone SP. More specifically, if the average time is less than 11 seconds, the sitter has exercise ability comparable to that of an athlete, and the server SV selects an advertisement for a gym as the advertisement information.

[0152] If the average time is not less than 11 seconds but less than 14 seconds, the sitter has relatively high motor ability, and the server SV selects an advertisement for a yoga class that the sitter P can do moderate exercise as the advertisement information. If the average time is not less than 14 seconds but less than 17 seconds, the sitter P has not very high motor ability, and the server SV selects an advertisement for a hiking guide that has lower exercise requirements than the yoga class and is suitable for the sitter P as the advertisement information. If the average time is not less than 17 seconds, the sitter P may be an elderly person, and the server SV selects an advertisement suitable for the elderly to exercise as the advertisement information.

[0153] From Figure 4 After selecting multiple advertisement information (such as advertisements of a gym) corresponding to the attributes from the table of, the server SV selects a specified number of advertisements from the multiple advertisements based on the position information of the seat S. Specifically, for example, the server SV selects the advertisement information of the advertisement publisher whose position is within the advertisement selection area, and the advertisement selection area is an area that includes the position where the seat S is located.

[0154] The server SV selects advertisement information based on the average time and position information, and sends the selected advertisement information to the smartphone SP. The server SV pushes the advertisement information to the sitter P through the smartphone SP by sending the advertisement information.

[0155] The smartphone SP has the following functions: During the execution of the 100 - meter sprint game, when the specified exercise (one 100 - meter race) is completed, the smartphone SP displays the advertisement information sent from the server SV on the display screen DSP and pushes it to the sitter P. In addition, based on the advertisement information sent by the server SV, the smartphone SP determines the location of the advertisement publisher of the advertisement information, and within the specified area that includes the location of the advertisement publisher, with the condition that the location information, that is, the seat position is within the area, displays the advertisement on the display screen DSP and pushes it to the sitter P.

[0156] More specifically, after completing the game of one 100 - meter sprint, the smartphone SP sends the average time and position information to the server SV. Subsequently, the smartphone SP receives the advertisement information selected based on the average time and position information from the server SV, determines whether the position of the seat S is within the specified area, and if it is within the specified area, displays the advertisement information on the display screen DSP. And here, the specified area, for example, is an area within a specified radius centered on the position of the advertisement publisher, and the area can also be smaller than the above - mentioned advertisement selection area (the area where the server SV selects advertisement information based on the position information).

[0157] Next, the operations of the smartphone SP and the server SV (more specifically, each control unit in the smartphone SP and the server SV) will be described in detail.

[0158] When the seated person P starts the seat application program, the smartphone SP starts Figure 5 the processing flow (START) shown. In this processing flow, first, the smartphone SP determines whether it can communicate with the control device 500 of the seat (S11).

[0159] If it is determined in step S11 that the communication state is not possible (No), the smartphone SP ends the process. If it is determined in step S11 that the communication state is possible (Yes), the smartphone SP displays the start page of the 100-meter dash game on the display screen DSP (S12) (see Figure 7 ).

[0160] After step S12, the smartphone SP determines whether the seated person has selected the 100-meter dash game (S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the 100-meter dash game has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP starts the 100-meter dash game (S14).

[0161] After step S14, more specifically, during the 100-meter dash game, the smartphone SP calculates the time to reach the finish line based on the pressure value sent by the seat S (S15). After step S15, more specifically, after completing the 100-meter dash game, the smartphone SP calculates the time to reach the finish line this time and the average value of the times to reach the finish line in the past specified period (S16). After calculating the average value of the times to reach the finish line, the smartphone SP displays this time and the average value on the display screen DSP (see Figure 8 ).

[0162] After step S16, the smartphone SP determines whether the communication state with the server SV is possible (S17). If it is determined in step S17 that the communication state is possible (Yes), the smartphone SP obtains the position information of the seat S from the position information acquisition unit PA (S18).

[0163] After step S18, the smartphone SP sends the average value of the times to reach the finish line and the position information to the server SV (S19). After step S19, the smartphone SP obtains the advertisement information including the position information of the advertisement publisher sent from the server SV (S20).

[0164] After step S20, the smartphone SP determines the position of the advertisement publisher based on the obtained advertisement information, sets a specified area according to the position of the advertisement publisher (S22). After step S22, the smartphone SP determines whether the position specified by the position information is within the specified area (S23).

[0165] If it is determined in step S23 that it is within the specified area (Yes), the smartphone SP displays advertisement information on the display screen DSP (S24). After step S24, if it is determined in step S13 that the 100-meter dash game has not been selected (No), or if it is determined in step S17 that the communication state with the server SV is non-communication (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the sitter is on the start page ( Figure 7 ) selects "End" (S25).

[0166] If it is determined in step S25 that "End" has not been selected (No), the smartphone SP returns to step S12. If it is determined in step S25 that "End" has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP ends the processing flow.

[0167] The server SV executes at any time Figure 6 the processing shown.

[0168] As Figure 6 shown, the server SV determines whether it has obtained the average value of the finish time and the position information of the seat from the smartphone SP (S41). If it is determined in step S41 that these information have not been obtained (No), the server SV ends the processing.

[0169] If it is determined in step S41 that the average value of the finish time and the position information of the seat have been obtained (Yes), the server SV selects a specified number of advertisement information from multiple advertisement information based on this information (S42). After step S42, the server SV sends the selected specified number of advertisements to the smartphone SP (S43) and ends the current processing.

[0170] Next, a detailed description of an example of the specific operation of the seat system 1 will be given.

[0171] As Figure 1 shown, when each device (S, SV, SP) constituting the seat system 1 is in a communicable state, the sitter P operates the smartphone SP and starts running the seat application program. As Figure 5 shown, steps S11 (Yes) → step S12 are executed in sequence. Thus, the start page shown Figure 7 is displayed on the display screen DSP.

[0172] On the start page, a button B1 for starting the 100-meter dash game and a button B2 for ending the seat application program are displayed. If the sitter P presses the button B1, the judgment result in step S13 is affirmative (Yes), and the 100-meter dash game is executed (S14 - S16).

[0173] When the 100-meter sprint game ends, the smartphone SP calculates the average value of the time to reach the finish line (S16), and displays the measured time and the average value of the time on the display screen DSP (see Figure 8 ). Here, as Figure 8 shows, the average value of the time in this example is 10.2 seconds. After that, the smartphone SP executes the processing step S17, (Yes) → steps S18 to S19 to obtain the position information indicating the position of the seat S, and sends the obtained position information and the average value of the time to reach the finish line to the server SV.

[0174] As Figure 6 shows, the server SV obtains the average value of the time and the position information from the smartphone SP (S41: Yes), and in step S42, based on the average value of the time and the Figure 4 shown in the table, selects multiple advertisement information. More specifically, the server SV selects advertisements of multiple gyms from the table based on the obtained average value of the time to reach the finish line of 10.2 seconds.

[0175] The server SV selects a specified number of gym advertisements related to the position information from the selected multiple advertisements. After that, the server SV sends the selected specified number of gym advertisements to the smartphone SP (S43).

[0176] As Figure 5 shows, the smartphone SP obtains the specified number of gym advertisements from the server SV (S20), determines the positions of the advertisement publishers of each gym advertisement (S21), and sets a specified area for each advertisement publisher (S22).

[0177] When the position of the seat determined by the position information is within the specified area set by the advertisement publisher "XX Sports Gym" (S23: Yes), then as Figure 9 shows, the smartphone SP displays the advertisement of "XX Sports Gym" on the display screen DSP (S24). Therefore, the sitter P can know that there is an "XX Sports Gym" near the current location and can request the driver to drive the vehicle to its location.

[0178] Through the seat system 1 as described above in this embodiment, the following beneficial effects can be achieved.

[0179] Since the advertisement information is selected based on the average value of the time determined by the pressure values obtained by the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 provided in the seat main body S0, it is possible to push advertisement information suitable for the physical state of the sitter P sitting on the seat S with the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3.

[0180] Since the advertisement information is selected by referring not only to the time average value based on the pressure value as the information corresponding to the body state, but also to the position information, it is possible to provide advertisement information suitable for the current position of the seated person P and the body state of the seated person P.

[0181] Under the condition that the position determined by the position information is within the specified area, the corresponding advertisement information is provided. Therefore, the seated person P can quickly reach the place for receiving the goods or services advertised by the advertisement information and can quickly receive the provided services, etc.

[0182] Since the advertisement information is selected based on the time average value as the evaluation value, it is possible to recommend to the seated person P a facility suitable for the exercise ability of the seated person P.

[0183] Since the seated person P receives the selected advertisement information when completing a 100-meter sprint race, that is, the seated person P can receive advertisement information suitable for the 100-meter sprint race result.

[0184] The first embodiment as described above can be appropriately modified in actual applications, such as the other embodiments to be described below.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the advertisement information is selected in the server SV, and the advertisement information can also be selected in the smart phone SP.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the evaluation value of the information is the average value based on time, and the advertisement information is selected according to the average value based on time. However, for example, the advertisement information can also be selected based on the pressure value. Specifically, for example, the pressure values obtained by the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are substantially proportional to the weight of the seated person P. If the pressure value is not less than the specified value, advertisement information such as weight loss foods is selected, and if the pressure value is less than the specified value, advertisement information such as restaurants is selected.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the pressure value is taken as an example of the information. The information can also be, for example, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweating amount, etc. The sensor should be understood as any sensor that can detect such information.

[0188] For example, using blood pressure as the information, advertisement information such as hospitals can be selected under the condition that the blood pressure is higher than the specified value, and advertisement information such as gyms can be selected under the condition that the blood pressure is lower than the specified value. In addition, the sweating amount can also be used as another piece of information. Under the condition that the sweating amount is higher than the first threshold value, advertisement information such as sports drinks suitable for ingesting water and replenishing physiological saline is selected, and under the condition that the sweating amount is lower than the first threshold value, conventional beverages suitable for drinking water such as fruit juice, soda water, and tea are selected as advertisement information.

[0189] In the above embodiments, an example in which the average value of time is used as the evaluation value of exercise is given. As the evaluation value of exercise, it can be, for example, the time of this time, or the number of steps, etc.

[0190] In the above embodiments, the position information acquisition unit PA takes the use of the satellite positioning system as an example. However, the position information acquisition unit PA can not only receive radio waves from positioning satellites, but also use base stations installed on the ground to transmit and receive radio waves to acquire position information. The position information acquisition unit can also acquire position information from the vehicle's ECU or navigation system.

[0191] In the above embodiments, the 100-meter dash game is given as an example of the exercise program. The exercise program can also be, for example, a sitting meditation (sitting posture meditation) game in which the sitter sits cross-legged on the seat S and remains still. The sitting meditation game can be such that the sitter P maintains a posture in which the pressure applied to the left and right sides of the seat cushion S1 is almost equal, and the pressure applied to the front and rear sides of the seat cushion S1 is almost equal. If the result of the sitting meditation game is good, that is, the excellent sitting meditation posture is successfully maintained, then the advertisement information of the sports facility can be selected. For example, for the leisure facility for those who perform well in adjusting the posture to maintain balance. If the result is lower than expected, then the advertisement information such as a balance ball can be selected.

[0192] In the above embodiments, the advertisement information is pushed to the sitter P through the information displayed on the display screen DSP, but the advertisement information can also be pushed to the sitter through voice or the like.

[0193] In the above embodiments, as an example of the seat S, it is a vehicle seat used in a vehicle. The seat can also be a seat used in other means of transportation such as ships, airplanes, etc. The seat is not limited to vehicle seats, and it may also be a legless chair with a backrest (such as a seat used in a Japanese-style room).

[0194] In the above embodiments, the smartphone SP is taken as an example of the terminal. The present invention is not limited thereto. The terminal can be a mobile terminal other than the smartphone SP, such as a tablet computer. The terminal can be a terminal fixed to the seat or an in-built terminal integrated with the seat.

[0195] [Second Embodiment]

[0196] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0197] As Figure 10 shown, the seat system 1 includes a child safety seat 2 as an example of the first seat, a shopping cart seat 3 as an example of the second seat, and a smartphone SP as an example of a mobile terminal.

[0198] The child safety seat 2 is a child seat installed on the seat S in the vehicle CR. The shopping cart seat 3 is a child seat provided in a common shopping cart SHC such as a supermarket or a public facility center. In the following description, the front / rear (forward / backward), left / right (lateral), up / down (upward / downward) directions or positions are specified for the sitter P sitting on the child safety seat 2 or the shopping cart seat 3.

[0199] As Figure 11 shown, the child safety seat 2 includes a first seat body 20 and a first control device 2C. The first seat body 20 includes a seat cushion 2Q and a seat back 2R. The seat cushion 2Q and the seat back 2R each include a cushion pad and a cover that covers the seat bottom 2Q. The cushion pad is made of polyurethane foam or a similar material and is supported by a frame (not shown). The cover is made of fabric or a similar material.

[0200] For the seat cushion 2Q, a plurality of pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are provided under the cover. The pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are examples of the first sensors, which detect the physical state of the sitter P sitting on the first seat body 20, specifically, the movement, and obtain a detection value as the first information. The pressure sensors P1 to P6 are arranged to be able to detect the seat surface state of the sitter P sitting on the first seat body 20, so that the pressure value of the sitter P sitting on the first seat body 20 can be obtained.

[0201] The corresponding pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are provided in pairs, that is, each sensor is located on the left and right sides, symmetrically with respect to the left-right center position of the child safety seat 2.

[0202] More specifically, the pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are located at positions corresponding to the hips of the sitter P on the seat cushion 2Q. The pressure sensors PS1 and the pressure sensor PS2 constitute a first cushion sensor SC1, which is configured to measure the pressure from the hips of the sitter P. The pressure sensor PS2 is located in front of the pressure sensor PS1. And, the first bottom sensor SC1 may only include a pair of pressure sensors PS1 or the pressure sensor PS2.

[0203] The pressure sensor PS3 is located under the thighs of the passenger P. The pressure sensor PS3 constitutes a second cushion sensor SC2 for determining the pressure value from the thighs of the sitter P. The pressure sensor PS3 is located in front of the pressure sensor PS2.

[0204] The pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are configured to be, for example, elements whose resistance changes with an external pressure, where the greater the pressure value, the higher (or lower, depending on the situation) the voltage of the detection signal becomes.

[0205] The first control device 2C is connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3, and can obtain pressure values from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3. The first control device 2C sends the information detected by each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 to the smartphone SP.

[0206] More specifically, the first control device 2C is connected to a short-range communication device 2D capable of performing short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the first control device 2C can communicate with the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 2D.

[0207] The shopping cart seat 3 includes a second seat main body 30 and a second control device 3D. The second seat main body 30 includes a seat cushion 3Q and a seat backrest 3R. The seat cushion 3Q and the seat backrest 3R are made of plastic.

[0208] For the seat cushion 3Q, a plurality of pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are provided. The pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are examples of the second sensors, and can obtain measured values as the second information for detecting the physical state, specifically, the motion state, of the sitter P sitting on the second seat main body 30. The pressure sensors P4 to P6 obtain pressure values from the sitter P on the seat main body 30.

[0209] The corresponding pressure sensors P4 to P6 are provided in pairs, that is, each pressure sensor is located on the left and right, symmetric with respect to the left-right center position of the shopping cart seat 3.

[0210] More specifically, the pressure sensors PS4 to PS5 are located at positions corresponding to the buttocks of the sitter P on the seat cushion 3Q. The pressure sensors PS4 to PS5 constitute a third seat cushion sensor SC3 for measuring the pressure from the buttocks of the sitter P. The pressure sensor PS5 is located in front of the pressure sensor PS4. The third seat cushion sensor SC3 may include only a pair of pressure sensors PS3 or pressure sensors PS4.

[0211] The pressure sensor PS6 is located under the thighs of the passenger P. The pressure sensor PS6 constitutes a fourth seat cushion sensor SC4 for determining the pressure value from the thighs of the sitter P. The pressure sensor PS6 is located in front of the pressure sensor PS5.

[0212] The pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are configured as, for example, elements whose resistance changes with an external pressure, where the greater the pressure value, the higher (or lower, depending on the situation) the voltage of the detection signal becomes.

[0213] The second control device 3D is 3D-connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 and can obtain pressure values from the respective pressure sensors PS4 to PS6. The second control unit 3D can send the information detected by the respective pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 to the smartphone SP.

[0214] More specifically, the second control device 3D is connected to a short-range communication device 3C capable of performing short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the second control device 3D can communicate with the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3C.

[0215] The first control device 2C, the second control device 3D, and the smartphone SP each include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown) and can execute a prestored program. The smartphone SP also includes a display DSP.

[0216] The smartphone SP can communicate with the child safety seat 2 and the shopping cart seat 3. More specifically, the smartphone SP has a function of obtaining pressure values from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 through the first control device 2C and obtaining pressure values from each of the pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 through the second control device 3D. The smartphone SP is installed with a seat application program that provides an executable game based on the signals (pressure values) sent by the child safety seat 2 and the shopping cart seat 3.

[0217] The seat application program in this embodiment can provide a 100-meter dash game to the sitter P. The 100-meter dash game is a game that makes the game character displayed on the display DSP run according to the pressure value sent from the child safety seat 2 or the shopping cart seat 3.

[0218] As Figure 12 shown, the smartphone SP includes a motion detection unit SP1, a game processing unit SP2, a step counting unit SP3, a data collection unit SP4, and a notification unit SP5.

[0219] The motion detection unit SP1 has a function of obtaining pressure values from the child safety seat 2 and the shopping cart seat 3, and the pressure values change with the movement of the sitter P. After the motion detection unit SP1 obtains the pressure values from the child safety seat 2 or the shopping cart seat 3, it outputs the obtained pressure values to the game processing unit SP2 and the step counting unit SP3.

[0220] The game processing unit SP2 has the function of running a 100-meter sprint game based on pressure values. For example, when the sitter P sitting on the child safety seat 2 plays the 100-meter sprint game, the game processing unit SP2 acquires the pressure values P3R and P3L of the left and right pressure sensors PS3 in the child safety seat 2. The 100-meter sprint game here is basically similar to the content described in detail above with reference to Figure 3 the content described in detail, so its detailed description will be omitted.

[0221] When acquiring the pressure value from the shopping cart seat 3, the game processing unit SP2 performs the same processing as above. In the following description, the pressure value acquired from the child safety seat 2 is also referred to as the "first pressure value", and the pressure value acquired from the shopping cart seat 3 is also referred to as the "second pressure value".

[0222] Return Figure 12 , the step counting unit SP3 can calculate the first number of steps as the first evaluation value. The first number of steps is the amount of exercise of the sitter P sitting on the child safety seat 2 calculated based on the first pressure value, and the amount of exercise of the sitter P on the shopping cart seat 3 calculated based on the second pressure value, that is, the second number of steps, as the second evaluation value. More specifically, for example, the step counting unit SP3 counts the number of peaks Pm determined by the game processing unit SP2 and uses it as the acquired number of steps. The step counting unit SP3 outputs the determined number of steps to the data collection unit SP4.

[0223] The data collection unit SP4 has the function of accumulating the first number of steps and the second number of steps output from the step counting unit SP3 to generate cumulative data. More specifically, the step counting unit SP3 adds the first number of steps and the second number of steps. In this embodiment, the accumulation of the number of steps in the data collection unit SP4 is updated daily. That is, in this embodiment, the total number of steps per day is accumulated in the data collection unit SP4.

[0224] The notification unit SP5 has the function of notifying the sitter P of the accumulated data in the data collection unit SP4. More specifically, in this embodiment, the notification unit SP5 displays the total number of steps accumulated in the data collection unit SP4 on the display screen DSP. The notification method of the notification unit SP5 is not limited to this. For example, the notification can be provided by sound, etc.

[0225] Next, the operation of the smartphone SP (specifically, the operation of the control unit in the smartphone SP) will be described in detail.

[0226] When the sitter P starts the seat application, as Figure 13 shown, the smartphone SP starts the (START) process. In this control process, the smartphone SP first determines whether it can communicate with the child safety seat 2 or the shopping cart seat 3 (S1011).

[0227] If it is determined in step S1011 that the state is non - communicable (No), the smartphone SP ends the process. If it is determined in step S1011 that the state is communicable (Yes), the smartphone SP displays the start page of the 100 - meter dash game on the display screen DSP (S1012) (see Figure 7 ).

[0228] After step S1012, the smartphone SP determines whether the 100 - meter dash game has been selected (S1013). If it is determined in step S1013 that the 100 - meter dash game has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP executes the 100 - meter dash game (S1014).

[0229] After step S1014, more specifically, during the 100 - meter dash game, the smartphone SP calculates the number of steps based on the pressure value (S1015). After step S1015, more specifically, after completing the 100 - meter dash game, the smartphone SP adds the number of steps this time (accumulates) to the past number of steps, which is the number of steps accumulated in the data collection unit SP4 (S1016).

[0230] After step S1016, the smartphone SP displays the accumulated number of steps on the display screen DSP (S1017). After step S1017, the smartphone SP determines whether to select to end the seat application (S1018).

[0231] If it is determined in step S1018 that the end of the seat application has not been selected (No), the smartphone SP returns to the process in step S1012. If it is determined in step S1018 that the end of the seat application has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP ends the process.

[0232] Next, a specific example of the operation of the smartphone SP will be described in detail.

[0233] As Figure 10 shown, for example, the occupant P (child) on the child safety seat 2 in the vehicle CR going to the supermarket activates the seat application of the smartphone SP to pass the time, Figure 13 and the processing process in Figure 7 starts. If the smartphone SP is in a state where it can communicate with the child safety seat 2 (S1011: Yes), then as

[0234] On the start page, a button B1 for starting the 100-meter sprint game and a button B2 for ending the seat application are displayed. If the seated person P selects button B1, the judgment result in step S1013 is affirmative (Yes), and the 100-meter sprint game is executed (S1014).

[0235] When the 100-meter sprint race ends, the smartphone SP calculates and accumulates the number of steps of this race in the data collection unit SP4 (S1015, S1016), and displays the total number of steps of the whole day accumulated in the data collection unit SP4 on the display screen DSP (S1017, see Figure 14 ). If the seated person P in the vehicle executes the 100-meter sprint game several times, the number of steps of each game is recorded at the end of each game and accumulated in the data collection unit SP4 in turn.

[0236] When the vehicle CR arrives at the supermarket and the seated person P selects and presses the end button B2 on the Figure 7 shown start screen, the smartphone SP ends the seat application. During supermarket shopping, if the seated person sitting on the shopping cart seat 3 with the shopping cart SHC function starts the seat application of the smartphone SP again to pass the time, the Figure 13 processing process starts again.

[0237] If the smartphone SP is in a communicable state with the shopping cart seat 3 (S1011: Yes), then as Figure 7 shown, the start page of the 100-meter sprint game is displayed on the display screen DSP of the smartphone SP (S1012). Thereafter, as described above, every time the seated person P executes a game, the number of steps of each time is accumulated in the data collection unit SP4 in turn. Therefore, by adding the number of steps counted in the vehicle CR and the number of steps counted on the shopping cart SHC, the total number of determined steps can be notified to the seated person P, so that information on how much exercise the seated person P has done can be obtained. The number of steps (exercise amount) of a day can also be notified to the parents of the seated person P, and based on this, the subsequent exercise plan, food menu, etc. for the child can be determined considering the exercise amount.

[0238] According to this embodiment, through the seat system 1 as described above, the following beneficial effects can be achieved.

[0239] The seats (2, 3) with pressure sensors can be placed in various site environments, and the seated person P sitting on the specified seat can also utilize the information obtained from another seat.

[0240] Since the smartphone SP includes the data collection unit SP4, a server described later is not required, and the configuration of the seat system 1 can be simplified.

[0241] The evaluation value of the step count as an exercise amount index, so the sitter P can refer to the cumulative step count and can grasp the physical condition of the sitter P himself / herself.

[0242] The second embodiment described above can be appropriately modified in the case of actual application, and other embodiments will be described below. In the following description, similar components in the above embodiments are designated by unified symbols, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0243] In the above embodiment, the data collection unit SP4 is provided in the smartphone SP. For example, as Figure 15 、 16 shown, the data collection unit 420 can be provided in the server SV that communicates with the smartphone SP. More specifically, in the Figure 15 shown embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned child safety seat 2, shopping cart seat 3, and smartphone SP, the seat system 1A further includes a server SV.

[0244] As Figure 16 shown, the smartphone SP includes a transmission unit SP6 and a reception unit SP7 to replace the data collection unit SP4 in the above embodiment. The transmission unit SP6 has the function of sending the number of steps in the current game in the step counting unit SP3, together with the identification information of the corresponding sitter P, to the server SV. The reception unit SP7 has the function of receiving the total number of steps sent from the server SV and outputting the received total number of steps to the notification unit SP5. Therefore, the smartphone SP can obtain the data (total number of steps) accumulated in the server SV from the server SV and notify the sitter P of the obtained data.

[0245] The server SV includes a reception unit 410, a data collection unit 420, and a transmission unit 430. The reception unit 410 has the function of receiving the number of steps associated with the user identification information from the smartphone SP. When receiving the number of steps associated with the user identification information, the reception unit 410 outputs the received number of steps and the user identification information to the data collection unit 420.

[0246] For each user identification information, the data collection unit 420 has the function of accumulating the number of steps obtained from the reception unit 410. The transmission unit 430 has the function of sending the cumulative number of steps of the sitter P accumulated by the data collection unit 420 to the smartphone SP.

[0247] In this embodiment, the smartphone SP can run the Figure 17 shown process, and the server SV can run the Figure 18 shown process. Figure 17 The process shown replaces the Figure 13Step S1016 in the processing shown, and other processing is the same as Figure 13 the processing.

[0248] In Figure 17 the processing shown, the smart phone SP calculates the number of steps in step S1015, and then sends the calculated number of steps to the server SV (S1031). After step S1031, the smart phone SP requests from and obtains the accumulated number of steps as the cumulative number of steps from the server SV (S1032), and displays the obtained cumulative number of steps on the display screen DSP (S1017).

[0249] As Figure 18 shown, the server SV continuously determines whether it has obtained the number of steps from the smart phone SP (S1041). If it is determined in step S1041 that no number of steps has been obtained (No), the server SV ends the processing.

[0250] If it is determined in step S1041 that the number of steps has been obtained (Yes), the server SV adds (accumulates) the obtained number of steps to the past number of steps accumulated in the data collection unit 420 (S1042). After step S1042, the server SV determines whether it has received a request for the accumulated data from the smart phone SP, that is, a request for the cumulative number of steps (S1043).

[0251] If it is determined in step S1043 that no request has been received (No), the server SV ends the processing. If it is determined in step S1043 that a request has been received (Yes), the server SV sends the accumulated cumulative number of steps to the smart phone SP (S1044), and ends the processing.

[0252] In the above-described embodiment, the smart phone SP may not need to be provided with a data accumulation unit, so the storage capacity of the smart phone SP can be released accordingly.

[0253] By the smart phone SP notifying the seated person P of the cumulative number of steps in the server SV, the seated person P can effectively utilize the cumulative number of steps.

[0254] In the above embodiment, only the cumulative number of steps obtained by adding the number of steps is displayed on the display screen DSP. However, the cumulative number of steps can be used for various purposes. For example, an exercise plan can be formulated based on the cumulative number of steps.

[0255] Specifically, the smart phone SP can be configured to, for example, adopt Figure 10 the seat system 1 shown, and execute Figure 19 the processing shown. Figure 19 The processing shown uses the new step S1051 to replace Figure 13 step S1017 of the processing, and other processing is the same as Figure 13The processing is the same.

[0256] In Figure 19 In the processing shown, the smartphone SP accumulates the number of steps in the data collection unit SP4 and saves it as the cumulative number of steps (S1016), determines an exercise plan based on the cumulative number of steps, and displays the exercise plan on the display screen DSP (S1051). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is recommended to include the 100-meter sprint game and rest (the application for getting out of the seat) as options for the exercise plan.

[0257] In step S1051, if the cumulative number of steps is less than the specified number of steps (for example, 3000 steps), the amount of exercise of the sitter P is insufficient. Therefore, the smartphone SP displays an exercise plan to promote exercise, that is, the 100-meter sprint game, as the recommended exercise plan. More specifically, as Figure 20 shown, the smartphone SP displays a message encouraging the 100-meter sprint game on the display screen DSP, as well as a button B1 for running the 100-meter sprint game, whose size is larger than that of the button B2 for rest.

[0258] In step S1051, if the cumulative number of steps is greater than or equal to the specified number of steps, the amount of exercise (game) of the sitter P is excessive. Therefore, the smartphone SP displays an exercise plan for rest, that is, to end the application for the seat, as the recommended exercise plan. More specifically, as Figure 21 shown, the smartphone displays a message encouraging rest and a button B2 for rest on the display screen DSP, whose size is larger than that of the button B1 for running the 100-meter sprint game.

[0259] In this embodiment, an exercise plan selected based on the cumulative number of steps (accumulated number of steps) is provided to the sitter P, so that an exercise plan suitable for the physical state of the sitter P can be displayed to the sitter P. In addition, the parents of the sitter P can see the Figure 21 screen shown, notice that the child has done too much exercise (game), and can take the smartphone SP from the child.

[0260] In the above embodiment, the amount of exercise (number of steps) of the sitter P is used as an evaluation value (the first evaluation value, the second evaluation value) of the physical state of the sitter P, and the evaluation value can be body weight, sitting time, etc. For example, if the evaluation value is body weight, the smartphone SP can be configured to run an application for measuring body weight in the Figure 10 seat system 1 shown, specifically, run the Figure 22 processing shown.

[0261] Figure 22 The processing shown includes, Figure 13 in addition to step S1011 of the processing shown, there are also new processing steps S1061 to S1067. InFigure 22 In the process shown, if it is determined in step S1011 that communication is possible (Yes), the smartphone SP can obtain the pressure value from the child safety seat 2 or the shopping cart seat 3 (S1061).

[0262] After step S1061, the smartphone SP calculates the weight of the sitter P based on the pressure value (S1062). After step S1062, the smartphone SP updates the weight record stored in the data collection unit SP4 (S1063). More specifically, in step S1063, the smartphone SP stores the weight data measured this time associated with the recording date and the weight data of the past recording date in the data collection unit SP4. That is, the smartphone SP does not accumulate data by adding up the number of steps as in the above embodiment, but statistically processes data by recording each piece of data of weight and date one by one.

[0263] After step S1063, the smartphone SP determines whether the application is in an active state (S1064). If it is determined in step S1064 that the application is in an active state (Yes), the smartphone SP uses the display screen DSP, as Figure 23 shown (S1065), and the entire screen presents the application page, displaying the weight measured this time and the historical record of the weight in the past (for example, this month).

[0264] If it is determined in step S1064 that the application is in an inactive state (No), the smartphone SP, as Figure 24 shown, displays the situation of the weight calculated this time in a partial display area of the home screen (S1066). After step S1065 or step S1066, the smartphone SP determines whether the sitter has selected to end the application (S1067).

[0265] If it is determined in step S1067 that the end has not been selected (No), the smartphone SP returns to step S1061. If it is determined in step S1067 that the end has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP ends the process.

[0266] According to this embodiment, the historical record (accumulated data) of the weight can be notified to the sitter P, enabling the sitter P to easily achieve weight control.

[0267] If the sitting time is used as the evaluation value, for example, advertisements, relevant applications, health advice, etc. can be pushed to the sitter P based on the sitting time. For example, if the sitting time is greater than the specified time period, it is determined that the sitter is thirsty, and a beverage advertisement is pushed to the sitter P. Moreover, the sitting time is the accumulated time elapsed when the pressure value is greater than the specified threshold.

[0268] In the above embodiments, a pressure value is used as an example of the first information and the second information for detecting the physical state of the seated person. The first information and the second information may be current values corresponding to body temperature and / or sweating amount. The sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting such information. If the first information and the second information are current values corresponding to the sweating amount, the evaluation value may be the sweating amount calculated based on the current value. The past and current sweating amounts correspond to the recording date, and are cumulatively calculated and saved.

[0269] The number of seats constituting the seat system is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The seat may be a seat installed on a ship, an airplane or other vehicle, a chair or seat placed in one's own home or a public facility, and a legless chair with a backrest (such as used in a Japanese-style room), etc.

[0270] In the above embodiments, the sensor is only provided on the seat cushion. The sensor may also be installed on both the seat cushion and the seat back, or only on the seat back.

[0271] In the above embodiments, a pressure sensor is used as the first sensor and the second sensor; the first sensor and the second sensor may also be configured as a light sensor, etc. In this alternative configuration, the information on whether the light sensor detects light may be used as the first information and the second information, and the number of steps, etc. may be calculated based on the obtained first information and second information.

[0272] In the above embodiments, a smartphone SP is used as an example of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be any mobile terminal other than the smartphone SP, such as a tablet computer, etc.

[0273] [Third Embodiment]

[0274] Next, a detailed description of the third embodiment will be made with reference to appropriate drawings.

[0275] As Figure 25 shown, the seat-type experience system of this embodiment includes a seat S, a seat control unit 100, a smartphone SP as an example of an experience indication device, and a server 300.

[0276] The seat S includes a seat main body S0, pressure sensors PS (PS1 to PS6, see Figure 27 ), and a seat control unit 100 connected to the pressure sensors PS, which can obtain measurement values from the pressure sensors PS. The pressure sensors PS are used as an example of sensors provided in the seat main body S0, and obtain measurement values for detecting the movement of the seated person on the seat main body S0.

[0277] The smart phone SP can perform short - range wireless communication with the seat control unit 100 via a near - field communication protocol. This near - field communication protocol can notify the sitter sitting on the seat body S0 of a motion instruction, which is associated with and saved along with the sitter's user identification information. Specifically, the smart phone SP can run an application installed therein (referred to as the "application" in this article). For example, a game of the provided seat body S0, and during the game, send a motion instruction to the sitter by means of an image or / and sound. The smart phone SP is connected to the Internet N and can thus perform Internet communication with other external devices.

[0278] The server 300 is connected to the Internet N and can communicate with the smart phone SP via the Internet N.

[0279] As Figure 26 shown, the seat S of this embodiment is a vehicle seat installed in the vehicle CR. The seat S includes a driver's seat SD for the driver to sit on. In the vehicle CR, a plurality of seat bodies S0 are installed, and each seat body S0 is connected to a single seat control unit 100. The vehicle CR in this embodiment includes a motor M as a drive unit, a battery BT capable of supplying power to the motor M, a seat S, a smart phone SP that can be carried in the vehicle CR and move with the vehicle CR, and a vehicle control unit 10. And the vehicle CR can be an electric vehicle driven only by the motor M as the sole drive unit, or a hybrid vehicle including two or more drive units including the motor M.

[0280] The vehicle control unit 10 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non - volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and can run a preset program to control the vehicle CR. The vehicle control unit 10 needs to input various information for controlling the vehicle CR, such as: information on whether the vehicle CR is in motion, information on the charging history of the battery BT, information on the charging rate of the battery BT, and information on charging the battery BT by the charging station CS (if any), etc. The charging station CS is a facility of a charging device BC capable of charging the battery BT. When the charging device BC is connected to the battery BT, the information of the charging station CS can be obtained from the charging device BC, or can be obtained from the position information of the charging station CS and the vehicle CR. The information input to the vehicle control unit 10 is stored in the vehicle control unit 19 (see Figure 28 ).

[0281] In this embodiment, the vehicle CR can switch between a normal driving mode as an example of a first driving mode and an energy-saving driving mode as an example of a second driving mode according to the driver's driving operation. The energy-saving driving mode is a driving mode when the driver operates in such a way that the power consumption in the battery BT is less than that in the normal driving mode, for example, when stepping on / releasing the accelerator or using / releasing the brake. The vehicle control unit 10 stores information on the currently adopted driving mode in the vehicle control unit 19 (see Figure 28 ).

[0282] As Figure 27 shown, the seat body S0 includes a seat cushion S1 and a seat backrest S2. The seat backrest S2 of each seat body S0 is rotatable forward and backward relative to the seat cushion S1 by a tilting mechanism (not shown). Therefore, the seat body S0 can be switched to a tilted state where the seat backrest S2 is tilted backward, and a state where the seat backrest S2 returns to the upright position where the sitter P is seated. For the driver's seat SD, there are two states: a "driving state" and a "non-driving state". In the "driving state", it is suitable for the driver to sit and adopt a driving posture for the vehicle, while in the "non-driving state", at least a part of the seat body S0 moves and is in a tilted state compared with the driving state. Here, the tilted state (non-driving state) is a state where the driver cannot perform driving operations, for example, the driver cannot hold the steering wheel.

[0283] Pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are provided under the outer cover of the seat cushion S1, and pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are provided under the outer cover of the seat backrest S2. The corresponding pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are provided in pairs, and each sensor is located on the left and right sides, symmetric with respect to the left-right center position of the seat body S0.

[0284] Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are located in the seat cushion S1 at positions corresponding to the sitter's buttocks. More specifically, pressure sensor PS1 is provided at a position corresponding to the lowermost part of the sitter's ischium, and at this position, the sitter's load is the largest. Pressure sensor PS2 is located slightly in front of pressure sensor PS1. Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 can obtain measured values of pressure (hereinafter also referred to as "pressure values") from the sitter's buttocks.

[0285] Pressure sensor PS3 is located in front of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 and away from pressure sensors PS1 and PS2. Specifically, it is located at a position corresponding to the sitter's thighs. Pressure sensor PS3 can obtain pressure measurement values from the sitter's thighs.

[0286] The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are located at the lower part of the seat backrest S2. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS4 corresponds to the position on the back of the waist area of the seated person; the position of the pressure sensor PS5 is slightly higher than that of the pressure sensor PS4. The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 can obtain pressure measurement values from the waist area of the seated person.

[0287] The pressure sensor PS6 is located above the pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 and is far from the pressure sensor PS5. More specifically, it is located at the corresponding position on the upper part of the back of the seated person. The pressure sensor PS6 can obtain pressure measurement values from the corresponding position on the upper part of the back of the seated person.

[0288] Connected to the seat control unit 100 is a short-range communication device 3A, which can implement near-field wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The seat control unit 100 can obtain pressure values from the pressure sensors PS1 - PS6 of each seat body S0 and transmit them to the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3A.

[0289] The pressure sensors PS1 - PS6 are configured as, for example, elements whose resistance changes with the external pressure. The greater the pressure value, the higher (or lower, depending on the situation) the voltage of the detection signal becomes. Therefore, in practical applications, the amplitude of the pressure value is compared with the amplitude of the reference voltage value. For the sake of easy understanding, this specification describes it as a comparison based on the magnitude of the pressure value.

[0290] As Figure 28 As shown, the seat control unit 100 includes a measurement value acquisition unit 110, a vehicle information acquisition unit 130, a processing unit 170, a communication unit 180, and a storage unit 190. The seat control unit 100 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown in the figure. Each functional unit is implemented by running a preset program.

[0291] The measurement value acquisition unit 110 has the function of continuously obtaining pressure measurement values of each fixed control from the respective pressure sensors PS1 - PS6. The measurement values obtained by the measurement value acquisition unit 110 are stored in the storage unit 190 for use by the processing unit 170. The storage unit 190 is used for data storage and processing required for calculations, processing, etc.

[0292] The vehicle information acquisition unit 130 has the function of acquiring information on the vehicle CR from the vehicle control unit 10. In this embodiment, the information on the vehicle CR includes information on whether the vehicle CR is in motion, the charging history of the battery BT, and information on the charging state of the battery BT, information on the charging station CS, information on the driving mode, etc. The information on the vehicle CR acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 is stored in the storage unit 190 and used in the processing unit 170.

[0293] The processing unit 170 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the measurement values acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 110. The digitized measurement values are sent to the smartphone SP via the communication unit 180. In addition, the processing unit 170 sends the information on the vehicle CR acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 130 to the smartphone SP via the communication unit 180.

[0294] The smartphone SP includes an application program running unit 210, a first condition testing unit 220, a second condition testing unit 230, a magnification setting unit 240, and an instruction sending unit 250. The smartphone SP also includes an Internet communication unit 280 and user identification information 290. The smartphone SP includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown in the drawings. Each functional unit is implemented by running a preset program. The smartphone SP has a near-field communication capability (not shown), so it can communicate with the seat control unit 100. In addition, the smartphone SP can be connected to the Internet N via the Internet communication unit 280 and is configured to be able to communicate with the server 300 (see Figure 25 ) based on the preset communication settings.

[0295] The application program running unit 210 runs the applications installed in the smartphone SP. For example, in an application, once a game application is started, the processing of the game is run until it exits. After the game ends, the first condition testing unit 220 and the second condition testing unit 230 judge whether to award points according to the conditions. If the conditions for awarding points are met, the smartphone SP sends an instruction to award points to the server 300.

[0296] When the application program running unit 210 is running, the game application installed in the smartphone SP provides motion instructions via the display screen DSP (see Figure 27 ) of the smartphone SP and a speaker (not shown) to provide a game to the seated person. The motion instructions here are not limited to any specific content and may include, for example, instructions to alternately lift the legs, twist the upper body left and right, etc. The instructions can be provided as guiding information in text characters or sounds at the start of the game, or can be displayed on the display screen DSP at a specific moment during the game with the aid of an image indicating the body part to be moved.

[0297] In this embodiment, the content of the game and the like are not important. As a simple example of the game, an instruction to alternately raise the legs quickly for 10 seconds is given, and the number of steps (leg raising times) in 10 seconds is calculated for the game competition.

[0298] Figure 30 An example of the measured values of the pressure sensor PS3 obtained when the seated person alternately raises the legs in the seat S is shown. P3R represents the pressure value of the right pressure sensor PS3, and P3L represents the pressure value of the left pressure sensor PS3. As shown by the measured values, alternately raising the legs causes P3R and P3L to decrease within a short period of time, so that the peaks of P3R and P3L can be detected, and when the peaks are detected, it can be determined that a step has been taken. The peak detection is performed, for example, in the following manner. The average value P3A of P3R and P3L when the seated person is seated (before the game starts) is calculated, and based on the calculated average value P3A, a value with a small proportion is specified as the threshold value P3th. When P3R or P3L starts to increase upward from below the threshold value P3th, it can be determined that the measured value has reached the peak.

[0299] After the game application is started, the application running unit 210 provides a guide for the preset game through sound or image, and while starting the timing, notifies the seated person of the start of the competition with the sound and image indicating the start. After starting the timing, within 10 seconds, peaks are detected based on the pressure values received from the seat control unit 100. The number of steps, that is, the number of peaks, is displayed on the display screen DSP as the "number of steps" as the game result.

[0300] The first condition testing unit 220 determines whether the first condition for awarding points is satisfied based on the measured values of the pressure sensor PS3. In this embodiment, the first condition is that the number of steps as the game result is greater than or equal to a specified number of steps (for example, 40 steps or more). The first condition testing unit 220 saves the determination result in the storage unit 190 in real time.

[0301] The second condition testing unit 230 determines whether a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the second condition is the case where the duration during which the movement amplitude of the seated person is insufficient as judged based on the measured values of the pressure sensor PS3 is longer than a specified time. More specifically, the specified time is the cumulative time, and the cumulative time during which the change in the measured values of the pressure sensor PS3 is narrower than the specified range is used as the determination time period TJ, and this time is greater than the specified time (threshold value TJth).

[0302] For example, this change is determined in the following manner. Figure 31It is a timing chart showing the changes in the pressures P3R and P3L measured when the seated person is sitting, the determination result of the presence or absence of changes, and the determination time period TJ. The determination of the presence or absence of changes (i.e., for the time frame immediately before the determination time period TP) is to compare the differences between the maximum and minimum values of P3R and P3L and a specified value to determine whether a change is detected. If the difference is greater than or equal to the set value (specified value), it is determined that a change is detected (the result is evaluated as 1 in Figure 31 ), and if the difference is less than the specified value, it is determined that no change is detected (the result is evaluated as 0 in Figure 31 ). In the example shown in Figure 31 , before time t1, the difference between the maximum and minimum values of P3R and P3L in the determination time period TP is greater than or equal to the specified value, and the change detection result is set to 1. Before time t2, the difference between the maximum and minimum values of P3R and P3L in the determination time period TP is less than the specified value, and the change detection result is set to 0.

[0303] The second condition test unit 230 performs this change test. If the change test result shows 0, it starts measuring the interval of the determination time period TJ, and if the change test result shows 1, it stops measuring the interval of the determination time period TJ. When the determination time period TJ reaches the threshold TJth, the second condition test unit 230 makes a determination that the second condition is satisfied. After the server 300 awards points (increases the score), the second condition test unit 230 resets the determination time period TJ (t3).

[0304] The second condition test unit 230 stores the change determination and the determination time in the user identification information 290 in real time.

[0305] The magnification setting unit 240 sets a predetermined magnification factor B. When points are awarded in the server 300, the basic points Pa are multiplied by this magnification factor B. The magnification setting unit 240 sets the magnification factor B when the battery BT is charged to be greater than the magnification factor B when the battery BT is not charged. In this embodiment, the magnification setting unit 240 sets the magnification factor B in the range of 1 to 1.5 times when the battery BT is not charged, and sets the magnification factor B in the range of 2 to 3 times when the battery BT is charged. These specific magnification factors B in this embodiment are only examples.

[0306] The magnification setting unit 240 also changes the magnification coefficient B according to the type of the charging station CS that charges the battery BT. More specifically, if the charging station CS is an external charging station CS2 located outside the home charging station CS1 of the vehicle CR user (including the vehicle owner), that is, a place outside their own home, the magnification coefficient B is greater than that when the charging station CS is the home charging station CS1. In this embodiment, the magnification setting unit 240 is configured exemplarily to set the magnification coefficient B to 2 when the charging station CS is the home charging station CS1, and to set the magnification coefficient B to 2.5 if the charging station CS is the external charging station CS2. In another example, if the charging station CS is the home charging station CS1, the magnification setting unit 240 sets the magnification coefficient B to 2.5, and if the charging station CS is the external charging station CS2, the magnification setting unit 240 sets the magnification coefficient B to 3.

[0307] The magnification setting unit 240 is configured such that if the battery BT is already in a charged state at the start of the game, then if the charging rate of the battery BT at the start of charging is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold (e.g., 80%), the magnification coefficient B is larger than the case where the battery BT is less than the first charging rate threshold. In this embodiment, if the charging rate is less than 80%, the magnification coefficient B is set to 2; if the charging rate is greater than or equal to 80%, the magnification coefficient B is set to 2.5.

[0308] The magnification setting unit 240 is configured such that if the vehicle CR is operating in the energy-saving driving mode when the game application is started, the magnification coefficient B is greater than the magnification coefficient B when operating in the normal driving mode. In this embodiment, the magnification setting unit 240 is configured to set the magnification coefficient B to 1 in the normal driving mode, and to set the magnification coefficient B to 1.5 if in the energy-saving driving mode.

[0309] When the first condition testing unit 220 and the second condition testing unit 230 determine that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the instruction sending unit 250 sends an instruction to the server 300 to grant points as the determination result. When sending an instruction to the server 300 to grant points, the instruction sending unit 250 sends the user identification information stored in the user identification information 290 for identifying the user. The user identification information can be any unique user identification data, but is not limited to, and can be in the form of simple numbers, alphanumerics, strings, email addresses, phone numbers, etc. When sending an instruction to the server 300 to grant points, the instruction sending unit 250 also sends the information of the magnification coefficient B set by the magnification setting unit 240.

[0310] When the vehicle CR has reached the charging station CS, the instruction sending unit 250 sends an instruction to grant points to the server 300. More specifically, if the grant flag F1 is 0 when charging of the battery BT starts at the charging station SC, the instruction sending unit 250 sends an instruction to grant points to the server 300. After sending the instruction to grant points, the instruction sending unit 250 sets the grant flag F1 to 1. The grant flag F1 is reset, for example, at midnight. That is, when the vehicle CR has reached the charging station CS and charging has started, the instruction sending unit 250 sends an instruction to grant points to the server only once a day.

[0311] In this embodiment, before the application running unit 210 executes the selected startup application, it determines whether to run the application. Specifically, when the charging rate of the battery BT is in a charging state less than or equal to the second threshold (for example, 30%), the application running unit 210 prohibits the application with a power consumption PW greater than or equal to the power consumption threshold PWth from running on the smartphone SP. More specifically, when the above game is selected to start, if the battery BT is at a charging rate less than 30% and the power consumption PW of the game application is greater than or equal to the power consumption threshold PWth, the application running unit 210 sets the permission determination flag F2 to 1 and prohibits the game application from running and using it.

[0312] The application running unit 210 is also configured to prohibit the application that requires the driver's seat SD to be in a reclined state from running on the smartphone SP when the vehicle CR is traveling. Such applications that require the driver's seat SD to be in a reclined state include applications that prompt the driver to perform stretching exercises, etc. More specifically, if such an application is selected to start when the vehicle CR is traveling, the application running unit 210 sets the permission determination flag F2 to 1 and prohibits the execution of the application.

[0313] On the contrary, if the vehicle CR is not traveling, for example, when the battery BT is being charged, or in a similar situation when the vehicle CR has stopped for a sufficient length of time, the application running unit 210 allows the use of the application that requires the driver's seat DS to be in a reclined state. When the application is allowed to execute, the application running unit 210 sets the permission determination flag F2 to 0, thereby allowing the application to run.

[0314] As Figure 29As shown, the server 300 includes a point awarding unit 310, an Internet communication unit 380, and a storage unit 390. The server 300 is connected to the Internet N via the Internet communication unit 380 and can communicate with the smartphone SP via the Internet N. The storage unit 390 stores the corresponding required data on the server 300 and stores points associated with user identification (points for each user specified by the corresponding user identification information).

[0315] After receiving an instruction to award points from the smartphone SP, the point awarding unit 310 correspondingly increases the points of the user through the user identification information contained in the instruction.

[0316] When both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the server 300 receives an instruction to award points. When the smartphone SP receives at least the first condition (instruction to award points) (necessary condition), the server 300 multiplies the basic points Pa by the magnification factor B based on the instruction to award points to obtain the increased points, and corresponds to the corresponding user identification information, and accumulates the increased points into the stored points. The basic points Pa can be a fixed value or can vary according to time, season, user type, etc. In addition, the basic points Pa based on the instruction to award points can be a value that varies according to information, for example, the type of game application being run (category of the game being played), its difficulty level, etc. contained in the instruction to award points. The server 300 increases points when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied (that is, when receiving an instruction to award points), but does not increase points if the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied.

[0317] When the vehicle CR arrives at the charging station CS, the server 300 can associate the specified reward points Pb with the corresponding user identification information and accumulate the reward points Pb into the stored points. More specifically, when receiving an instruction to award points, the server 300 associates the reward points Pb with the corresponding user identification information and adds the reward points to the original points. The reward points Pb can be a fixed value or can vary according to time, season, type of the charging station CS, driving distance to the charging station CS, user type, etc.

[0318] When increasing points in association with the corresponding user identification information, the point awarding unit 310 sends information on the increased points to the smartphone SP.

[0319] The above - described operation overview of the seat experience system will be described with reference to Figures 32 - 34 the flowchart of

[0320] As shown in Figure 32As shown, when the time is 12:00 AM (S2101, Yes), the smartphone SP resets the grant flag F1 to 0 (S2102). The smartphone SP determines whether the user has selected the start option of the game application (S2103). If the start option of the game application has not been selected (S2103, No), the process proceeds to step S2112.

[0321] If the start option of the game application has been selected (S2103, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the game application can be executed (S2200). As Figure 33 shown, for the determination of whether the application can run, the smartphone SP determines whether the battery BT has a charge rate less than or equal to 30% (S2201). If the charge rate is less than or equal to 30% (S2201, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the power consumption PW of the game application is greater than or equal to the power consumption threshold PWth (S2202). If the power consumption PW of the game application is greater than or equal to the power consumption threshold PWth (S2202, Yes), the smartphone SP sets the execution determination flag F2 to 1 to prohibit the game application from running, and ends the determination process of whether the application can run.

[0322] If it is determined in step S2201 that the charge state is greater than 30% (S2201, No), or if it is determined in step S2202 that the power consumption PW is less than the power consumption threshold PWth (S2202, No), the smartphone SP determines whether the vehicle CR is in motion (S2203). If the vehicle CR is in motion (S2203, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the game application can be used with the application of the driver's seat SD in the seat reclined state (S2204). If the application can be used with the driver's seat SD in the seat reclined state (S2204, Yes), the smartphone SP sets the execution determination flag F2 to 1 (S2205), and ends the determination process of whether the application can run.

[0323] If it is determined in step S2203 that the vehicle CR is not in motion (S2203, No), or if it is determined in step S2204 that the application does not need to use the driver's seat SD in the reclined state (S2204, No), the smartphone SP sets the execution determination flag F2 to 0 (S2206), and ends the determination process of whether the application can run.

[0324] Return Figure 32The smart phone SP makes a judgment on whether the determination flag F2 is 0 (S2104). If the determination flag F2 is not 0 (i.e., F2 = 1) (S2104, No), the smart phone SP does not start the game application and proceeds to step S2112. If the determination flag F2 is 0 (S2104, Yes), the smart phone SP starts the game application program. The smart phone SP conducts the said leg-lifting movement game in this way.

[0325] When the game ends (S2105, Yes), the smart phone SP determines whether the number of steps is greater than or equal to 40 (whether the first condition is satisfied) (S2106). If the number of steps is less than 40 (S2106, No), the process proceeds to step S2112. If the number of steps is greater than or equal to 40 (S2106, Yes), the smart phone SP determines whether the determination time period TJ is greater than or equal to the threshold value TJth (S2107). If the determination time period TJ is less than the threshold value TJth (S2107, No), the process proceeds to step S2112. If the determination time period TJ is greater than or equal to the threshold value TJth (S2107, Yes), the smart phone SP sets the magnification B (S2300).

[0326] As Figure 34 shown, during the process of setting the magnification, the smart phone SP obtains the charging history of the battery BT from the vehicle control unit 10 through the seat control unit 100, and determines whether the battery BT has been charged when the game application is started (S2301). If it has not been charged (S2301, No), the smart phone SP determines whether the vehicle CR is traveling when the game application program is started (S2302). If the vehicle CR is not traveling (S2302, No), the smart phone SP sets the magnification B to 1 (S2304), and ends the magnification setting process.

[0327] If it is determined in step S2302 that the vehicle CR is traveling (S2302, Yes), the smart phone SP determines whether the energy-saving driving mode is effective (S2302). If the energy-saving driving mode is not effective (i.e., the normal driving mode is effective) (S2302, No), the smart phone SP sets the magnification B to 1, and ends the magnification setting process. If it is determined in step S2302 that the energy-saving driving mode is effective (S2302, Yes), the smart phone SP sets the magnification B to 1.5 (S2305), and ends the magnification setting process.

[0328] If it is determined in step S2301 that the battery BT is already charged when the game application is started (S2301, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the charging rate of the battery BT at the start of charging is greater than or equal to 80% (S2306). If the charging rate is not greater than or equal to 80% (S2306, No), the smartphone SP sets the magnification B to 2 (S2307) and proceeds to step S2309. If it is determined in step S2306 that the charging rate is greater than or equal to 80% (S2306, Yes), the smartphone SP sets the magnification B to 2.5 (S2308) and proceeds to step S2309.

[0329] In step S2309, the smartphone SP determines whether the charging station CS is the home charging station CS1 (S2309). If the charging station CS is the home charging station CS1 (S2309, Yes), the magnification setting process ends. If the charging station CS is not the home charging station CS1 (but an external charging station CS2) (S2309, No), the smartphone SP adds 0.5 to the magnification B (S2310) and ends the magnification setting process. Therefore, if the charging state during charging is less than 80%, the magnification B is set to 2.5 (2 + 0.5), and if the charging state during charging is greater than or equal to 80%, the magnification B is set to 3 (2.5 + 0.5).

[0330] Return Figure 32 , the smartphone SP sends an instruction to grant points to the server 300 (S2108). At the same time, the smartphone SP also sends the user identification information and the set magnification B to the server 300. When receiving the instruction to grant points, the server 300 multiplies the basic points Pa by the magnification B based on the instruction to grant points to obtain the increased points, associates them with the corresponding user identification information, and accumulates the increased points in the stored points (S2109). Then, the server 300 sends a notification of the completion of granting points to the smartphone SP (S2110). When receiving the notification of the completion of granting points, the smartphone SP resets the determination time period TJ (S2111) and proceeds to step S2112.

[0331] In step S2112, the smart phone SP determines whether the grant flag F1 at the start of charging is 0 (S2112). If the grant flag F1 is not 0 (i.e., F1 = 1) (S2112, No), the process ends. If the grant flag F1 is 0 (S2112, Yes), the smart phone SP sends an instruction to grant points to the server 300 (S2113). The server 300 receives the instruction to grant points, associates the reward points Pb with the corresponding user identification information, and accumulates the points (S2114). Then, the server 300 sends a notification of the completion of granting points to the smart phone SP (S2115). When the smart phone SP receives the notification of the completion of granting points, it sets the grant flag F1 to 1 (S2116) and ends the process.

[0332] As described above, in the seat-type experience system according to the present embodiment, the magnification B set when the battery BT has been charged is greater than the magnification set when the battery BT has not been charged. Therefore, if the battery BT has been charged, the rewarded points increase. Thus, an incentive for charging is provided to the user.

[0333] Since the magnification B can be changed according to the type of the charging station CS, the magnification B can be made larger or smaller according to the type of the charging station CS. Thus, the user is guided to enter a specific charging station CS.

[0334] If the charging station CS is an external charging station CS2, the magnification B is larger than that of the home charging station CS2. Therefore, even on the road, the user can be motivated to take a charging action voluntarily.

[0335] Since the magnification B is set larger when the battery BT is in a higher charge state than when the battery BT is in a lower charge state, the points granted are increased by maintaining the high charge state of the battery BT. Thus, the motivation of the user to charge can be greatly enhanced.

[0336] If the energy-saving driving mode is adopted, the magnification B is larger than that in the normal driving mode. Therefore, the user can be motivated to drive in this way to reduce the power consumption of the battery BT.

[0337] When the vehicle CR has reached the charging station CS, the points associated with the corresponding user identification information increase as the reward points Pb increase. Therefore, reward points can be given for going to the charging station CS. Thus, the motivation of the user to charge is enhanced.

[0338] If the charge state in the battery BT is low, the use of an application with a large power consumption PW is prohibited. Therefore, the user can be motivated to charge to keep the charge state of the battery BT high enough.

[0339] Since it is prohibited to use applications that require the driver's seat SD to be in a reclined state when the vehicle CR is in motion, these applications can be used if the battery BT is being charged. During charging, the driver can also use more applications. Therefore, users (drivers) can be incentivized to charge. In addition, since various applications are provided during charging, more fun can be enjoyed.

[0340] The server 300 receives a result that meets the first condition from the smartphone SP. Based on this condition, points are added to the user associated with the user identification information. Thus, the seat S with the pressure sensor PS can be effectively utilized as the seated person voluntarily uses the smartphone SP for the purpose of earning points.

[0341] The incentive of bonus points may encourage the user to continue using the smartphone SP to obtain bonus points, but the overuse of the smartphone SP will be restricted. Therefore, to obtain bonus points, a second condition needs to be met.

[0342] On the contrary, since points can still be obtained after the seated person has been sitting for a while, the seated person may be more willing to play the leg-lifting game to obtain points. Maintaining the same posture in the vehicle for a long time can lead to poor blood circulation, and playing the leg-lifting game can promote health.

[0343] Therefore, by judging the second condition based on the measured value of the pressure sensor PS, it is possible to determine whether to award points based on the state or movement of the seated person on the seat body S0. Indirect control of the movement of the seated person in the vehicle can be achieved by enhancing the motivation of the seated person to obtain points, which is beneficial to promoting health.

[0344] Although the embodiment has been described above, the embodiment can also be implemented by making partial modifications to it.

[0345] For example, as an example of changing the magnification B according to the type of the charging station CS, the above embodiment describes an exemplary configuration. If the charging station CS is an external charging station CS2, the magnification B is greater than when the charging station CS is a home charging station CS1, but it is not limited thereto.

[0346] As another example, a partner company that has a cooperative relationship with the company operating the experience system operates the charging station CS (CS3). The smartphone SP can be set such that when the charging station CS is the charging station CS3 operated by the partner company, the magnification B is greater than that of the charging station CS4 operated by a non-partner company. In this way, users can be guided to the charging station CS3 operated by the partner company.

[0347] When the accessible charging station CS location is at the crowded charging station CS5 and the less crowded charging station CS6, the smartphone SP can be set so that the charging station CS to be visited is the less crowded charging station CS6, and then the magnification B is greater than when the charging station CS to be visited is the crowded charging station CS5. With this setting, the user can be guided to the less crowded charging station CS6, and thus, the charging stations CS can be effectively utilized overall.

[0348] In the above embodiment, when the vehicle CR is running, applications that are used when the driver's seat SD is in a reclined state are prohibited. The regulation prohibiting the use of applications when the vehicle CR is running may include, for example, prohibiting all applications on the smartphone SP from being used by the driver.

[0349] In the above embodiment, taking the reclined state as an example of a non-driving state, at least a part of the seat body has moved from the position in the driving state to the non-driving state. For example, the entire seat body has been rotated backward by 180 degrees.

[0350] In addition, if the battery is charging, applications with a power consumption PW greater than or equal to the second power consumption threshold PWth2 are prohibited from being used.

[0351] In addition, the movement instruction sent to the seated person is based on whether the measurement value of the sensor set in the seat satisfies the condition for awarding points as the judgment condition. The applications used here also consume the vehicle's battery. Therefore, the charging state of the vehicle battery and the power consumption of the applications can be displayed. In this configuration, the distance traveled when using the application and the distance traveled when not using the application can also be displayed.

[0352] In addition, in the above embodiment, if the vehicle CR has reached the charging station CS and charging has started, reward points are awarded. As an alternative method, when the vehicle has reached the charging station, for example, reward points are awarded based on the position information of the vehicle and the charging station. In the above embodiment, under the condition of reaching the charging station, reward points are awarded only once a day; however, for example, when the vehicle drives into multiple charging stations in a day and the charging stations where points can be awarded are different charging stations, additional reward points can be awarded.

[0353] In addition, in the above embodiment, taking the normal driving mode as an example of the first driving mode and the energy-saving driving mode as an example of the second driving mode, the first driving mode can be a mode in which more importance is attached to the acceleration performance of the vehicle, etc. rather than the energy-saving performance, and the second driving mode can be the energy-saving driving mode.

[0354] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the experience indicating device, the user identification information is stored in the smart phone SP, but the user identification information does not necessarily have to be stored in the experience indicating device. For example, the user identification information may be information such as a user ID and a password, which are input into the experience identification device and sent to the server to obtain access to the server point awarding system. With this configuration, even when using a specific experience indicating device, respective points can be awarded to different users.

[0355] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the experience indicating device, the magnification is set by the smart phone SP, and the magnification may also be set by the server 300. The server may set the magnification based on information such as the charging state of the battery received from the experience indicating device or the like.

[0356] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cumulative time during which the measured value of the pressure sensor PS3 varies within a specified range is used as the determination time period TJ. The determination time period TJ is greater than a specified time (threshold value TJth). The above situation satisfies the second condition, that is, the determination time period TJ is a continuous time period during which the change in the measured value of the pressure sensor PS3 is narrower than the specified range. If the determination time period TJ is greater than or equal to the specified time period, it can be determined as satisfying the second condition. Here, when the change detection result is 1, the smart phone SP resets the determination time period TJ, as shown by the determination time period TJ (dashed line) in Figure 31 the figure.

[0357] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, only the pressure sensor PS3 is used to determine whether the first condition (during the game) is satisfied and whether the second condition of the present embodiment is satisfied. Other pressure sensors PS1, PS2, PS4 to PS6 may also be used.

[0358] Although the smart phone SP determines whether the second condition in the present embodiment is satisfied as the experience indicating device, as an alternative, the information required to test the second condition is transmitted from the experience instruction device to the server 300, and the server 300 determines whether the second condition is satisfied. In this case, the determination time period TJ can be set by the server 300.

[0359] Although in the present embodiment, it is determined whether the second condition is satisfied based on the measured value of the sensor, the smart phone SP may also determine whether the second condition is satisfied based on the position information of the seat S.

[0360] For example, for determining the second condition based on the position information, the smart phone SP may calculate the traveling distance of the seat S based on the position information, and if the traveling distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance, it makes a determination that the second condition is satisfied.

[0361] Location information can be obtained from GPS (Global Positioning System), and GPS (Global Positioning System) can be installed in common smartphones. GPS can also be installed in the vehicle CR or the seat body S0, and location information can be obtained from GPS.

[0362] Furthermore, the smartphone SP stores the location information at the time when points were last awarded (this location information is hereinafter referred to as the last location G), and calculates the travel distance D, that is, the distance between the current location at the end of the game and the stored last location G. If the travel distance D is greater than or equal to a specified threshold Dth, the second condition test unit 230 determines that the second condition is satisfied.

[0363] The flowchart of this structure is as Figure 35 shown.

[0364] Figure 35 The flowchart of Figure 32 is an example of modifying steps S2107 and S2111 in the flowchart of

[0365] When the game ends in the smartphone SP (S2105, Yes), the first condition test unit 220 determines that the number of steps is greater than or equal to 40 (S2106, Yes), and then the second condition test unit 230 calculates the travel distance D as the straight-line distance between the last location G and the current location, and determines whether the travel distance D is greater than or equal to the threshold Dth (S2127). If D < Dth (S2127, No), the process proceeds to step S2112, and if D ≥ Dth (S2127, Yes), the magnification B is set (S2300).

[0366] The server 300 sends a notification of the completion of awarding points to the smartphone SP (S2110), and when the smartphone SP receives the notification of the completion of awarding points, it resets the last location G, that is, overwrites it with the current location, and stores the current location in the user identification information 290 (S2129).

[0367] When the distance traveled from the last location G is greater than or equal to the threshold Dth, taking this as the second condition, points can be conditionally awarded when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. Therefore, overuse of the smartphone SP in order to earn more points can be suppressed. In addition, the flow of the population can also be accelerated, promoting economic development.

[0368] Moreover, the calculated travel distance D can be the distance of the traveled road instead of the straight-line distance. In this alternative example, the smartphone SP can be configured to calculate the travel distance at specific time intervals (the straight-line distance between the last location and the current location measured within a specific time interval), and accumulate the calculated travel distances to obtain the travel distance D.

[0369] Moreover, the calculation and determination of the distance may not be performed by the experience indicating device (smartphone SP), but by the server. For example, the server may periodically obtain location information from the experience indicating device to calculate the traveling distance D, and determine whether the traveling distance D is greater than or equal to a threshold Dth (whether the second condition is satisfied).

[0370] Moreover, it is also possible that when the traveling distance D is greater than or equal to a specified distance, it is regarded as satisfying the second condition, and based on the location information (for example, when the seated person (seat S) is located in a specific geographical area), it is regarded as satisfying the second condition. Therefore, by setting the second condition according to the position of the seat, potential customers can be attracted into a specific area, thereby promoting local development.

[0371] Other configurations can be further implemented in actual applications.

[0372] For example, the second condition can be defined based on location information. When the vehicle is stuck on a highway in a traffic jam, the second condition based on location information is also satisfied. With such a configuration, a person stuck in a traffic jam on a highway has a lot of time and can take advantage of this opportunity to exercise, thereby improving health.

[0373] Alternatively, the second condition can be defined as using the seat for a specific purpose, such as as a training device. With this configuration, the health condition can also be improved by using the seat.

[0374] Alternatively, the application of the experience indicating device can instruct the user to exercise the legs, and the second condition can be defined as the number of walking steps set by each user per day. This alternative configuration can encourage the seated person to voluntarily exercise the legs, thereby ultimately achieving an improvement in health.

[0375] The server can be configured to award points even when the second condition is not satisfied. With this configuration, if the first condition is satisfied, it can also encourage the seated person who expects to obtain points to make full use of the seat equipped with sensors.

[0376] Alternatively, in order to award points, other conditions need to be satisfied. For example, having a friend experience on the seat at the same time as a condition. These additional conditions can be used not as conditions for awarding points, but as conditions for rewarding points. Therefore, the association data between the experience indicating device (user identification information) of the user and the experience indicating device (user identification information) of his friend is stored in the server, that is, the partnership data.

[0377] In the above embodiment, the pressure sensor is an example of a sensor, but the sensor can be any other type of sensor, such as a capacitance sensor, etc. And the sensor can be a temperature sensor.

[0378] The seat controller and the smart phone in the above embodiments are connected by wireless communication, but may also be connected by wire.

[0379] In the above embodiments, the smart phone SP is taken as an example of the experience instruction device. The experience instruction device may also be a tablet computer, a notebook computer, etc. Alternatively, the experience instruction device may not be a mobile terminal, but a navigation system fixedly installed in the vehicle. That is, an existing navigation system may be used as a game device for providing motion instructions and used as an experience instruction device. The experience instruction device may include a plurality of devices capable of communicating with each other. The experience instruction device may be partially or entirely integrated with the seat controller in appearance.

[0380] In the above embodiments, a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle such as an automobile is illustrated by way of example. The seat may also be a seat of a means of transportation other than a vehicle, such as a ship, an airplane, etc.

[0381] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0382] Next, a description of the fourth embodiment will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0383] As Figure 36 shown, the seat system 1 includes a seat S and a smart phone SP, as an example of a terminal of a vehicle CR.

[0384] The seat S is a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle CR (such as an automobile). As Figure 27 shown, the seat S includes a seat main body S0, pressure sensors PS1 to PS6, as an example of sensors provided in the seat main body S0 for obtaining measurement values for detecting the motion of a sitter (including a driver) sitting on the seat main body S0, and a seat control unit 100 connected to the pressure sensors PS, which can obtain the measurement values from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6.

[0385] The smart phone SP is connected to the seat control unit 100 via a short-range communication device 3A. The short-range communication device 3A enables short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc., and can obtain measurement values from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. The smart phone SP has a plurality of applications (hereinafter referred to as "applications") installed therein and is capable of executing the installed applications. These applications include, for example, a program for providing a game, a mail program for sending and receiving e-mails, a movie player program for playing movies, a camera program for taking photos or videos, etc. The game application includes an application that uses the measurement values of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. The smart phone SP provides a game using the seat main body S0, etc. by executing the application. In the vehicle CR (see Figure 36)There are multiple seats S installed, and each seat S is connected to a seat control unit 100.

[0386] The seat body S0 includes a seat bottom S1 and a seat backrest S2. Pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 are provided under the outer cover of the seat bottom S1, and pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are provided under the outer cover of the seat backrest S2. The corresponding pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are provided in pairs, and each pressure sensor is symmetrically located left and right with respect to the lateral center position of the seat body S0.

[0387] Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are located at positions corresponding to the buttocks of the occupant in the seat bottom S1. More specifically, pressure sensor PS1 is provided at a position corresponding to the lowermost part of the ischium of the occupant, and the load of the occupant is the largest at this position. Pressure sensor PS2 is located slightly in front of pressure sensor PS1. Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are configured to obtain measurement values (hereinafter also referred to as "pressure values") of pressure from the buttocks of the occupant.

[0388] Pressure sensor PS3 is located in front of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 and away from pressure sensors PS1 and PS2. Specifically, it is located at a position corresponding to the thighs of the occupant. Pressure sensor PS3 is configured to obtain a pressure measurement value from the thighs of the occupant.

[0389] Pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are located at the lower part of the seat backrest S2. More specifically, pressure sensor PS4 is located at a position corresponding to the back of the waist area of the occupant, and the position of pressure sensor PS5 is slightly higher than the position of pressure sensor PS4. Pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are configured to obtain pressure measurement values from the waist area of the occupant.

[0390] Pressure sensor PS6 is located above pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 and away from pressure sensors PS4 and PS5. Specifically, it is located at a position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the occupant. Pressure sensor PS6 obtains a pressure measurement value from a position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the occupant.

[0391] Pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are configured as, for example, elements whose resistance changes with external pressure, and the greater the pressure value, the higher or lower the voltage of the detection signal becomes.

[0392] As Figure 36 shown, the seat S includes a driver's seat SD for the driver to sit on. The seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD can be switched. When the driver performs a driving operation as Figure 36 shown, it can be switched to the driving state, or can be switched to as Figure 37The non-driving state shown. The non-driving state is a state in which at least a part of the seat body S0 has moved away from the position in the drivable state. In this embodiment, the non-driving state is a state in which the seat body S0 rotates 180 degrees backward from the position in the driving state.

[0393] The seat system 1 of this embodiment includes a regulator 31 for adjusting the seat provided in the vehicle CR, so that the seat body S0 can be moved (specifically, rotated) to its position in the driving state and its position in the non-driving state by the seat regulator 31. During autonomous driving, the driver operates the seat direction changeover switch 21 (see Figure 38 ) to activate the seat regulator 31, so that the seat body S0 rotates from the driving state to the non-driving state, or from the non-driving state to the driving state. As will be described in detail later, the seat regulator 31 can cause the seat body S0 to change from the non-driving state to the driving state in response to an instruction from the smartphone SP, and this can be achieved even without the operation of the driver.

[0394] The vehicle CR includes a seat S, a smartphone SP that can be carried in the vehicle CR and moves together with the vehicle CR, and a vehicle control unit 10 as a control unit, which can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving. During autonomous driving, acceleration, braking, and steering can be automatically controlled without driver intervention, and during non-autonomous driving, acceleration, braking, and steering are manually operated by the driver.

[0395] As Figure 38 shown, the vehicle control unit 10 includes an autonomous driving control unit 11 for controlling autonomous driving. When a destination is set by an input received through an input device 22 such as a touch panel, the automatic driving control unit 11 sets a route to reach the destination based on map information stored in the memory 19 and position information obtained from the GPS receiver 23, and obtains road information or local condition information through a network such as the Internet. Then, the autonomous driving control unit 11 sets an autonomous driving section where autonomous driving can be achieved, and a non-autonomous driving section where driver operation is required. The autonomous driving section and the non-autonomous driving section are updated as needed.

[0396] The vehicle control unit 10 responds to a manual operation by the driver through the autonomous driving changeover switch 25 to start an autonomous driving instruction issued in the autonomous driving section, and controls the driving control actuators 32 of the vehicle CR, including an actuator for acceleration control, based on inputs from a detection device 24, such as inputs from various sensors, radars, cameras, etc., a braking control actuator, and a steering control actuator, etc., to make the vehicle CR travel. If the driver issues an instruction to terminate autonomous driving through a manual operation of the autonomous driving changeover switch 25, the vehicle control unit 10 switches from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving at an appropriate time.

[0397] The seat control unit 100 includes a measurement value acquisition unit 110, a switching information acquisition unit 120, a communication unit 180, and a storage unit 190. The seat control unit 100 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown in the drawings, and each functional unit is implemented by executing a preset program.

[0398] The measurement value acquisition unit 110 continuously obtains (for each given cycle) pressure measurement values from the respective pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. The measurement values obtained by the measurement value acquisition unit 110 are converted from analog signals to digital signals, stored in the storage unit 190, and sent to the smartphone SP.

[0399] The switching information acquisition unit 120 obtains information from the vehicle control unit 10 regarding the switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving. More specifically, the switching information acquisition unit 120 obtains the switching time ts of the switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving from the vehicle control unit 10. If an autonomous driving area and a non-autonomous driving area are set, the vehicle control unit 10 calculates the time to end the autonomous driving area or the time to start the non-autonomous driving area as the switching time ts.

[0400] In addition, the switching information acquisition unit 120 obtains information on the state of the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD from the vehicle control unit 10. More specifically, the switching information acquisition unit 120 obtains information on whether the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD is in a driving state or a non-driving state from the control history information of the seat adjuster 31, etc.

[0401] The information obtained by the switching information acquisition unit 120 is stored in the storage unit 190 and sent to the smartphone SP via the communication unit 180.

[0402] The smartphone SP includes an application program running unit 210, a termination request notification unit 260, a switching request notification unit 270, and user identification information 290. The smartphone SP includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown in the drawings, and each functional unit is implemented by executing a preset program.

[0403] In this embodiment, the termination request notification unit 260 and the switching request notification unit 270 are only implemented in the smartphone SP used by the driver. That is, in this embodiment, the smartphone SP used by a passenger other than the driver does not have the functions of the termination request notification unit 260 and the switching request notification unit 270.

[0404] The application program execution unit 210 executes applications installed in the smart phone SP. An example of an application described herein as using the measurement values of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 is a game program for a 100-meter dash game.

[0405] When the game program for the 100-meter dash game is executed in the application program execution unit 210, an animated character is displayed on the display screen DSP of the smart phone SP (see Figure 27 ), and a game is provided to the sitter to alternately lift the legs on the seat body S0 to make the animated character run towards the finish line.

[0406] More specifically, the smart phone SP obtains the pressure values P3R and P3L from the left and right pressure sensors PS3 (see Figure 27 ). Then, the smart phone SP determines the normal pressure P3n of the average pressure of the sitter and the threshold value P3th for detecting the peak of the pressure value, and calculates the average value of each time interval to calculate the normal stride period TSn.

[0407] For example, when the sitter alternately lifts the legs, the pressure values P3R and P3L change as Figure 3 shown. In Figure 3 , a sharp drop in pressure indicates that the sitter has lifted the leg, and the pressure in the area detected by the pressure sensor PS3 becomes correspondingly smaller. In fact, a pressure value that does not drop and remains around 140 will be regarded as the normal pressure P3n, that is, the average value of the pressure values detected when the leg is not lifted. For example, in order to calculate the normal pressure P3n, when the absolute value of the difference (current value minus previous value) between the previous value and the current value of the pressure values P3R and P3L is below a predetermined value, that is, when the change is small enough, the current values are added and averaged to obtain the determined normal pressure P3n. In practical applications, the magnitude of the pressure value is compared with the magnitude of the reference voltage value, and here, the comparison is based on the magnitude of the pressure value.

[0408] The threshold value P3th is a threshold value for determining that the leg has been lifted. For example, it can be a value obtained by multiplying the normal pressure P3n by a specified value.

[0409] The normal stride period TSn is the average value of the stride period TS, which is the time interval between the peaks of the pressure values P3R and P3L.

[0410] When the difference between the last value and the current value changes from negative to positive, at each pressure value P3R and P3L less than the threshold p3 (that is, when the pressure value has crossed the threshold P3 from top to bottom, the last value P3(n - 1) detected at this time is the peak value Pm.

[0411] When it is detected that the peaks of the pressure values P3R and P3L change according to the movement of the seated person, the smartphone SP calculates the peak Pm, and calculates the leg-lifting intensity F (FR, RL) as a leg-lifting movement based on the peak Pm and the normal pressure P3n. The leg-lifting intensity F can be represented by the amplitude of the peak, that is, the value obtained by subtracting the peak Pm from the normal pressure P3n. To eliminate the variation caused by the larger body size of the seated person, the obtained value can be normalized by the normal pressure P3n to obtain the leg-lifting intensity F, for example:

[0412] F = (P3n - Pm) / P3n

[0413] In a 100-meter sprint race, the smartphone SP calculates the leg-lifting intensity F and moves the game character in the display screen DSP towards the finish line. The distance to be traveled is determined according to the magnitude of the leg-lifting intensity F.

[0414] When the game character reaches the finish line, the smartphone SP displays the race time on the display screen. The game for the 100-meter sprint game can display multiple tracks and game characters for multiple seated persons playing the 100-meter sprint game, so that a race towards the finish line can be held.

[0415] When the driver executes an application in his own smartphone SP during autonomous driving, the termination request notification unit 260 notifies the driver of a termination request to terminate the application based on the switching time ts obtained from the vehicle control unit 10. More specifically, during autonomous driving, if the driver is executing an application program, the termination request notification unit 260 obtains the switching time ts from the vehicle control unit 10 and notifies the driver of the termination request within a predetermined period before the obtained switching time ts.

[0416] For example, the notification of the termination request can be provided by displaying a text message such as "Please terminate autonomous driving" on the display screen DSP of the driver's smartphone SP. The notification can also be provided by a voice message or an alarm saying "Please terminate autonomous driving", which is emitted by the speaker of the driver's smartphone SP. The notification can also be provided by vibrating the driver's smartphone SP. The notifications of the termination request can be used in combination.

[0417] As a termination request, the termination request notification unit 260 notifies the driver of the main termination request to be made first and the secondary termination request to be made after the driver is notified of the main termination request. More specifically, the termination request notification provider 260 notifies the main termination request at the first notification time tw1, which is the time of the first period tp1 before the switching time ts, and notifies the driver of the second termination request at the second notification time tw2, which is the time of the second period tp2 before the switching time ts. The second notification time tw2 is after the first notification time tw1. The second period tp2 is a period shorter than the first period tp1. For example, the first period tp1 can be set to 15 minutes, and the second period tp2 can be set to 10 minutes.

[0418] The notification of the main termination request and the notification of the secondary termination request can be provided in the same way or in different ways. For example, different ways can be implemented such that the notification of the main termination request is provided by a text representation on the display screen DSP, and the notification of the secondary termination request is provided by voice. When the notifications are provided in the same way, for example, by issuing an alarm, the secondary termination request can be notified by a sound different from the sound of the main termination request, or by a sound at a higher volume level than the first termination request.

[0419] If, after providing the notification of the termination request to the driving program, the operation of the driving program does not terminate the execution of the application, the termination request notification unit 260 forcibly terminates the execution of the application in the application execution unit 210. If the driving program does not terminate the execution of the application after notifying the second termination request, the termination request notification unit 260 forcibly terminates the execution of the application at the termination time tw3, which is the time of the third period tp3 before the switching time ts. The termination time tw3 is after the second notification time tw2. The third period tp3 is a period shorter than the second period tp2 and can be set to 5 minutes, for example.

[0420] When the execution of the application is forcibly terminated, a corresponding notification can be sent to the driving program before the application is actually terminated. For example, before the application is terminated, words such as "The application will be terminated" can be displayed on the display screen DSP of the driver's smartphone SP. The application can be terminated after a voice message indicating "The application will be terminated" or a similar message is given from the speaker of the driver's smartphone SP. Alternatively, the message "The application will be terminated, please prepare for driving operations" can be provided in text or voice.

[0421] When notifying the main termination request, the termination request notification unit 260 changes the termination request flag FL1 from 0 to 1 and records the notification of the main termination request in the user identification information 290. When notifying the secondary termination request, the termination request notification unit 260 changes the termination request flag FL1 from 1 to 2 and records the notification of the secondary termination request in the user identification information 290. The initial value of the termination request flag FL1 is 0. When the application is terminated by the operation of the driving program or when the application is forcibly terminated, the termination request flag FL1 is reset to 0.

[0422] When the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD is in a non-driving state during autonomous driving (see Figure 37 ), the switching request notification unit 270 notifies the driver that the switching request switches the seat body S0 from the non-driving state to the driving state. More specifically, during autonomous driving, if an application is executed in the driver's smartphone SP and the seat body S0 status information of the driver's seat SD obtained from the vehicle control unit 10 is information indicating a non-driving state, the switching request notification unit 270 obtains the switching time ts from the vehicle control unit 10 and notifies the driver of the switching request during a specified period before the obtained switching time ts.

[0423] The notification of the switching request, like the notification of the termination request, is provided by displaying a text message, for example, on the display screen DSP of the driver's smartphone SP, such as "Please turn the seat backrest to the forward position". The notification can also be provided by voice information "Please turn the seat backrest to the forward position" or an alarm emitted by the speaker of the driver's smartphone SP. The notification can also be provided by vibrating the driver's smartphone SP. The notifications of the switching request can be used in combination.

[0424] In this embodiment, the switching request notification unit 270 issues a main switching request and issues a secondary switching request notification to the driver after notifying the driver of the main switching request. More specifically, the switching request notification unit 270 notifies the driver of the main switching request at the first notification time tw1 and notifies the driver of the secondary switching request at the second notification time tw2.

[0425] Similar to the case of the termination request, the notifications of the main switching request and the secondary switching request can be provided in the same way or in different ways.

[0426] In this embodiment, during autonomous driving, when the driver is notified of a termination request for executing an application in the driver's smartphone SP and the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD is in a non-driving state, a switching request is notified while a termination request is proposed. More specifically, if when the termination request notification unit 260 provides a notification of the main termination request, if the seat body S0 is in a non-driving state, then the switching request notification unit 270 provides a notification of the main switching request while providing the main termination request. Similarly, if when the termination request notification unit 260 provides a notification of the second termination request, the seat body S0 is in a non-driving state, then the switching request notification unit 270 provides a notification of the secondary switching request while providing the secondary termination request.

[0427] If after providing the switching request notification to the driver, the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD does not move from the position in the non-driving state to the position in the driving state by the driver's operation, the switching request notification unit 270 causes the seat adjuster 31 to forcibly move the seat body S0 from the position in the non-driving state to the position in the driving state. Specifically, if the seat body S0 does not move to the position in the driving state after the notification of the secondary switching request, the switching request notification unit 270 causes the seat body S0 to switch to the position in the driving state at the termination time tw3.

[0428] In this embodiment, if when the termination request notification unit 260 forcibly terminates the application, the seat body S0 is in a non-driving state, the switching request notification unit 270 causes the seat body S0 to be switched to the position in the driving state while the application is forcibly terminated.

[0429] If the forced termination time of the application is after the seat body S0 is forcibly switched to the position in the driving state, the actual movement of the seat body S0 to the position in the driving state can be performed after notifying the driver that the seat body S0 will be moved to the position in the driving state. In this case, for example, before moving to the position in the driving state, a text message such as "The seat will be adjusted back to the forward position" can be displayed on the display screen DSP of the driver's smartphone SP. The movement to the position in the driving state can be performed after a voice message such as "The seat will be adjusted back to the forward position" or a similar message is given to the speaker of the driver's smartphone SP. Or, for example, "The seat will be adjusted back to the forward position, please prepare for driving operation" can be provided in text or voice.

[0430] When providing a notification of the main switching request, the switching request notification unit 270 changes the switching request flag FL2 from 0 to 1, and records the notification of the main switching request in the user identification information 290. When providing a notification of the secondary switching request, the switching request notification unit 270 changes the switching request flag FL2 from 1 to 2, and records the notification of the secondary switching request in the user identification information 290. The initial value of the switching request flag FL2 is 0. When the seat body S0 is moved to the driving state position by the driver's operation, or when the seat body S0 is forcibly moved to the driving state position by the seat adjuster 31, the switching request flag FL2 is reset to 0.

[0431] Hereinafter, the operation of the driver's smartphone SP will be described with reference to Figure 39 and Figure 40 the flowcharts shown.

[0432] The smartphone SP executes Figure 39 and Figure 40 the operation procedures shown at a given control cycle.

[0433] As Figure 39 shown, the smartphone SP determines whether autonomous driving is in progress (S3101). If autonomous driving is not in progress (S3101, No), the process ends. If autonomous driving is being operated (S3101, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether an application is being executed (S3102). If the application is not being executed (S3102, No), the process ends. If the application is being executed (S3102, Yes), the smartphone SP acquires the switching time ts from the vehicle control unit 10 (S3103). Then, the smartphone SP calculates the first notification time tw1, the second notification time tw2, and the termination time tw3 (S3104).

[0434] After that, the smartphone SP determines whether the termination request flag FL is 0 (S3105). If the termination request flag FL is 0 (S3105, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the first notification time tw1 has arrived (S3106). If the first notification time tw1 has not arrived (S3106, No), the process ends. If the first notification time tw1 has arrived (S3106, Yes), the smartphone SP provides a notification of the main termination request to the driver (S3107), sets the termination request flag FL1 to 1 (S3108), and proceeds to step S3110.

[0435] In step S3105, if the termination request flag FL1 is not 0 (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the termination flag FL1 is 1 (S3109). If the termination flag FL1 is 1 (S3109, Yes), the process proceeds to step S3110.

[0436] In step S3110, the smartphone SP determines whether the second notification time tw2 has arrived. If the second notification time tw2 has not arrived (S3110, No), the process ends. If the second notification time tw2 has arrived (S3110, Yes), the smartphone SP provides a notification regarding the second termination request to the driver (S3111), sets the termination request flag FL1 to 2 (S3112), and proceeds to step S3113. In step S3109, if the termination request flag FL1 is not 1 (S3109, No), the process also transfers to step S3113.

[0437] In step S3113, the smartphone SP determines whether the termination time tw3 has arrived. If the termination time tw3 has not arrived (S3113, No), the smartphone SP determines whether the execution of the application has been terminated by an operation of the driving program (S3114). If the application has not been terminated (S3114, No), the process ends. If the application has been terminated (S3114, Yes), the process transfers to step S3116.

[0438] In step S3113, if the termination time tw3 has arrived (Yes), then the smartphone SP forcibly terminates the execution of the application (S3115) and continues to execute step S3116. In step S3116, the smartphone SP resets the termination request flag FL1 to 0 and ends the process.

[0439] As Figure 40 shown, during autonomous driving (S3101, Yes), if the driver has moved the seat body S0 to a non-driving state position (turned it to the backward position) (S3202, Yes), and uses the smartphone SP (executes the application) (S3102, Yes), the smartphone SP performs the process of the switching request notification in parallel with the process of the termination request notification of Figure 39 If it is determined in step S3205 that the switching request flag FL2 is 0 (Yes), and it is determined in step S3205 that the first notification time tw1 has arrived (Yes), then the smartphone SP provides a notification regarding the main switching request to the driver (S3207) and sets the switching request flag to 1 (S3208). In this step, if the notification of the main termination request is also to be provided, the smartphone SP provides the notification of the main switching request in addition to the notification of the main termination request to the driver.

[0440] If it is proven in step S3205 that the handover request flag FL2 is not 0 (No), and it is determined in step S3209 that the handover request flag FL2 is 1 (Yes), and the second notification time tw2 has arrived (S3110, Yes), then the smartphone SP provides the driver with a notification of a secondary handover request (S3211), and sets the handover request flag FL2 to 2 (S3212). In this step, if a notification of a secondary termination request is to be provided, then in addition to providing the driver with a notification of the secondary termination request, the smartphone SP also provides a notification of the secondary handover request.

[0441] If it is proven in step S3209 that the handover request flag FL2 is not 1 (No), and the termination time tw3 has arrived (S3113, Yes), then the smartphone SP moves the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD from the non-driving state position to the driving state position by means of the seat adjuster 31 (S3215), and resets the handover request flag FL2 to 0 (S3216). In this step, if the application is to be forcibly terminated, then the smartphone SP forcibly terminates the application while moving the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD to its driving state position.

[0442] If before the termination time tw3 (S3113, No), the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD has not been moved from the non-driving state position to the driving state position by the driver's operation (S3214, No), then the process ends. On the other hand, if it has been moved to the driving state position (S3214, Yes), then the smartphone SP resets the handover request flag FL2 to 0 (S3216), and ends the process.

[0443] Hereinafter, the operation of the driver's smartphone SP will be described with reference to Figure 41 the timing diagram.

[0444] As Figure 41 shown, if autonomous driving is put into operation at time t1, then at time t2 the seat body S0 of the driver's seat SD is moved to the non-driving state position, and at time t3 the application starts to be executed, and the smartphone SP calculates the first notification time tw1, the second notification time tw2, and the termination time tw3 for each given control.

[0445] If the first notification time tw1 has reached time t4, the smartphone SP provides the driver with notifications of the first termination request and the first switching request, and changes the flags FL1 and FL2 from 0 to 1. Thereafter, for example, if the driver actively moves the seat S0 to the position in the driving state, at time t5, the smartphone SP resets the switching request flag FL2 from 1 to 0 as shown by the dashed line, and no longer performs the subsequent steps of the second switching request notification and switching to the driving state. If the driving program actively terminates the application, for example, at time t6, the smartphone SP resets the termination request flag FL1 from 1 to 0 as shown by the dashed line, and no longer performs the steps of the second termination request notification and forcefully terminating the application.

[0446] On the other hand, even after the notification of the first termination request is issued, if the application is still running or the non-driving state continues, and the second notification time tw2 has reached time t7, the smartphone SP provides the driver with notifications of the second termination request and the second switching request, and changes the flags FL1 and FL2 from 1 to 2. Thereafter, if the driver actively moves the seat S0 to the position in the driving state, for example, at time t8, the smartphone SP resets the switching request flag FL2 from 2 to 0 as shown by the dashed line, and does not perform the subsequent steps of switching to the driving state. If the driving program actively terminates the application, for example, at time t9, the smartphone SP resets the termination request flag FL1 from 2 to 0 as shown by the dashed line, and does not perform the steps of forcefully terminating the application.

[0447] If even after the notification of the second termination request, the application or the non-driving state is still being executed, and the termination time tw3 reaches time t10, the smartphone SP forcefully terminates the application, resets the termination request flag FL1 to 0, switches the seat body S0 to the driving state, and resets the switching request flag FL2 to 0.

[0448] Thereafter, if the switching time ts has reached time t11, the vehicle switches from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving, and the driver starts (restarts) the driving operation.

[0449] According to the present embodiment described above, the smartphone SP that executes the application during autonomous driving notifies the driver of the termination request based on the switching time ts obtained from the vehicle control unit 10. Therefore, the smartphone SP can effectively notify the driver of the switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving.

[0450] Since the smartphone SP notifies the driving program of the main termination request and the secondary termination request as the termination request, the switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving can be notified step by step. Thus, the switch from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving can be notified more effectively.

[0451] If the driving program does not terminate the execution of the application after the termination request is notified, the smartphone SP will forcibly terminate the execution of the application, so that it can be prepared for switching to non-automatic driving.

[0452] If the seat body S0 is in a non-driving state at the moment when the driver is notified of the termination request, the smartphone SP notifies the driver of the switching request in addition to the termination request. Thus, the driver using the smartphone SP can be effectively notified that the seat body S0 needs to move back from the position in the non-driving state to the position in the driving state.

[0453] Since the smartphone SP notifies the driver of the main switching request and the secondary switching request as the switching request, the switching of the seat body S0 back to the driving state can be notified step by step. Thus, the switching of the seat body S0 back to the driving state can be notified more effectively.

[0454] Since the smartphone SP causes the seat adjuster 31 to move the seat body S0 to the position in the driving state, if the seat body S0 does not move to the position in the driving state by the operation of the driver after the switching request is notified to the driver, the driver can be prepared for switching to non-automatic driving.

[0455] The fourth embodiment has been described above. In actual application, this embodiment can be appropriately modified.

[0456] For example, in the above embodiment, the termination request is notified to the driver twice, that is, the main termination request and the secondary termination request. However, the notification of the termination request can be provided once or more than three times. For example, by repeatedly flashing the text characters on the display screen DSP, or continuously generating sounds or alarms, the notification of the termination request can continue until the driving program terminates the application. The same applies to the switching request.

[0457] In the above embodiment, the switching time ts is taken as an example of the information obtained from the vehicle control unit 10 for switching from automatic driving to non-automatic driving. Alternatively, the information for switching from automatic driving to non-automatic driving can be the information of the automatic driving part and / or the non-automatic driving part set by the vehicle controller. In this example, the switching time ts can be calculated by the smartphone SP.

[0458] The information for switching from automatic driving to non-automatic driving can be the first notification time tw1, the second notification time tw2, the termination time tw3, etc. In other words, the smartphone may not calculate the first notification time tw1, the second notification time tw2, or the termination time tw3, but can obtain such information from the vehicle controller.

[0459] In the above-described embodiment, through timing, the notification of the main termination request is consistent with the notification of the main switching request. However, they may have different timing methods. Specifically, to some extent, the main switching request can be notified earlier or later than the time when the main termination request is notified. The same applies to the timing of the notification of the second termination request and the second switching request, and the timing of the forced termination of the application and the switching of the seat body S0 to the driving state.

[0460] The functions of the termination request notification unit 260 and the switching request notification unit 270 can be incorporated into an application executable in the smartphone SP, such as a game program.

[0461] In the above-described embodiment, the non-driving state is explained as a state in which the entire seat body S0 is flipped backward. The non-driving state can also be an inclined state in which the seat back, which is a part of the seat body, is tilted backward.

[0462] Another feasible method may not include a regulator for moving the seat body to the position in the driving state and the position in the non-driving state. That is, the switching between the driving state and the non-driving state can be performed manually. It is possible to determine whether the seat body is in the driving state or the non-driving state based on the detection signal of a sensor (such as a gyro sensor) that can detect the direction, position, etc. of at least a part of the seat body. For example, a gyro sensor can be attached to the frame at the bottom of the seat or the upper part of the seat back frame, and the direction of the seat body, the angle of the seat back, etc. can be determined based on the coordinate values detected by the gyro sensor.

[0463] In the above-described embodiment, the smartphone SP is taken as an example of the terminal used in the vehicle. The terminal can also be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc. The terminal may not be a mobile terminal, but can be a navigation system, etc. fixedly installed in the vehicle.

[0464] In the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are shown as examples of the sensors. The sensors can also be other types of sensors, such as capacitance sensors, temperature sensors, etc.

[0465] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle is taken as an example of the vehicle. As long as it can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving, the vehicle can also be a means of transportation other than a vehicle.

[0466] Any of the elements explained with respect to the above exemplary embodiments and exemplary modification examples can be combined as needed.

Claims

1. A seat system, characterized in that: Comprising a seat (SD) and a terminal (SP), the seat (SD) is installed in a vehicle (CR). It includes a seat body (S0) and sensors (PS1 - PS6) installed in the seat body (S0). The measured values of the sensors (PS1 - PS6) are used to detect the movement of the driver sitting on the seat (SD). The terminal (SP) is capable of executing an application program based on the measured values. The vehicle (CR) can switch between autonomous driving and non - autonomous driving. During the period when the vehicle (CR) is in autonomous driving and the application program is running, the terminal (SP) obtains information related to the vehicle (CR) switching from autonomous driving to non - autonomous driving state from the vehicle control unit (10), and issues a termination request to the driver to terminate the running of the application program based on the obtained information.

2. The seat system according to claim 1, wherein: The termination request issued to the driver includes a primary termination request and a secondary termination request. The terminal (SP) issues the primary termination request to the driver, and after notifying the driver of the primary termination request, notifies the driver of the secondary termination request.

3. The seat system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The terminal (SP) is set to send the termination request to the driver at a specified time before the vehicle (CR) switches from autonomous driving to non - autonomous driving.

4. The seat system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The terminal (SP) is set to forcibly terminate the running of the application program when the driver does not perform an operation to terminate the running of the application program after the terminal (SP) issues the termination request to the driver.

5. The seat system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The seat body (S0) can be switched between a driving state and a non - driving state. The non - driving state is a state after at least a part of the seat body (S0) in the driving state is moved. The terminal (SP) is set to, when issuing the termination request to the driver, if the seat body (S0) is in the non - driving state, while issuing the termination request, notify the driver to switch the seat body (S0) from the non - driving state to the driving state.

6. The seat system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It further includes a seat adjuster (31), which can adjust the seat body (S0) from the driving state to the non - driving state. The terminal (SP) is set to, after notifying the driver to switch the seat body (S0) from the non - driving state to the driving state, if the driver does not switch the seat body (S0) from the non - driving state to the driving state, the seat adjuster (31) adjusts the seat body (S0) from the non - driving state to the driving state.

7. Vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving, and includes a seat (S), a terminal (SP), and a control unit (10). The seat (S) includes a seat body (S0) and sensors (PS1 to PS6) installed in the seat body (S0). The measured values of the sensors (PS1 to PS6) are used to detect the movement of the driver sitting on the seat body (S0). The vehicle (CR) can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving, and the autonomous driving is controlled by the control unit (10). The terminal (SP) can execute an application program that runs based on the measured values. During the autonomous driving of the vehicle (CR), when the application program is running, the terminal (SP) obtains information related to the vehicle (CR) switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving state from the control unit (10), and issues a termination request to the driver to terminate the running of the application program based on this information.

8. Software, characterized in that: It is executed by a terminal (SP) used inside the vehicle. The vehicle can switch between autonomous driving and non-autonomous driving. During the autonomous driving of the vehicle, when the application program is in a running state, the terminal (SP) obtains information related to the vehicle (CR) switching from autonomous driving to non-autonomous driving state from the control unit (10), and issues a termination request to the driver to terminate the running of the application program based on this information.

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