Seat use state recognition device

Abstract

The invention provides a seat use state recognition device which can improve the recognition precision of the use state of a seat. A seat use state recognition device is provided to a moving body (100), and recognizes the use state of a seat (50) having a seat surface (51) and a side support section (52) provided at an end of the seat surface (51) in the width direction and protruding further toward the upper side than the seat surface (51). A seat use state recognition device (1) is provided with: contact sensors (31a, 31b, 32, 33) for detecting the presence or absence of contact with a first detection site of a seat surface (51), a second detection site of a side surface of a side support section (52) on the seat surface (51) side, and a third detection site of the upper end of the side support section (52); and a determination unit (11) that determines the use state of the seat (50) on the basis of the detection state of the contact sensor on the presence or absence of contact with the first detection site, the second detection site, and the third detection site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a seat usage status recognition device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known devices that detect the seat status and the position and physique of the occupant using infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, seat sensors, etc. in the vehicle and control the deployment of the airbag according to the distance between the airbag and the occupant (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-188220 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, when using non-contact sensors such as infrared sensors and ultrasonic sensors, obstacles near the sensors can prevent proper detection of the seat status and occupant position. Furthermore, when determining occupant size, such as whether an occupant is an adult or a child, based on the weight detected by a seat-mounted weight sensor, it can be difficult to determine the occupant's size when a child seat is installed. Therefore, to address these issues, the present application aims to accurately identify the size of a seated occupant and the seat's usage status, such as whether a child seat is in use.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to improve the recognition accuracy of seat usage status and further improve traffic safety to contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] As a structure for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, there can be cited a seat usage status recognition device, which is arranged on a mobile body and recognizes the usage status of a seat, wherein the seat has: a seat surface, and a side support portion arranged at the end portion in the width direction of the seat surface and protruding upward than the seat surface, wherein the seat usage status recognition device includes: a contact sensor, which detects whether there is contact with a first detection portion of the seat surface, a second detection portion on the side surface of the side support portion on the seat surface side, and a third detection portion at the upper end of the side support portion; and a judgment portion, which judges the usage status of the seat based on the detection status of the contact sensor on whether there is contact with the first detection portion, the second detection portion and the third detection portion.

[0011] In the seat usage state recognition device described above, the determination unit may be configured such that, when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion, the determination unit determines that an object is placed on the seat surface.

[0012] In the above-mentioned seat usage status recognition device, it can also be constructed as follows: when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and does not detect contact with the second detection part, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a first size is sitting on the seat; when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part, and the second detection part or the third detection part, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a second size larger than the first size is sitting on the seat.

[0013] In the above-mentioned seat usage status recognition device, it can also be constructed as follows: the contact sensor also detects whether there is contact with a fourth detection part at the front end part of the seat surface and a fifth detection part at the rear end part of the seat surface, the first detection part is located between the fourth detection part and the fifth detection part, and when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and the fourth detection part and does not detect contact with the fifth detection part, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a third size is sitting on the seat, and when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and the fifth detection part, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a fourth size larger than the third size is sitting on the seat.

[0014] In the above-mentioned seat usage status identification device, it can also be constructed as follows: when the contact sensor does not detect contact with the fourth detection part and the fifth detection part, and detects contact with the first detection part, the judgment unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

[0015] In the above-mentioned seat usage status recognition device, it can also be constructed as follows: when the contact sensor does not detect contact with the first detection part and detects contact with the second detection part or the third detection part, the judgment unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the seat usage status recognition device, it is possible to improve the recognition accuracy of the seat usage status. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a seat usage status recognition device.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the seat usage status determination process.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the seat usage status judgment map.

[0021] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of contact sensors in the seat width direction.

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram explains how to distinguish adults from children in the seat width direction.

[0023] Figure 6 This diagram explains how to determine whether a child seat is installed properly.

[0024] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of contact sensors along the seat's length.

[0025] Figure 8 This diagram explains how to distinguish adults from children in the length direction of the seat.

[0026] Description of Reference Numerals

[0027] 1…Seat occupancy status recognition device, 5…ECU, 10…Processor, 11…Judgment unit, 20…Memory, 21…Program, 22…Seat occupancy status judgment map, 31 (31a, 31b)…First contact sensor, 32…Second contact sensor, 33…Third contact sensor, 34…Fourth contact sensor, 35…Fifth contact sensor, 50…Seat, 51…Seat surface, 52…Side support unit, Ua…Adult (passenger), Uc…Child (passenger). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [1. Structure of the Seat Usage Status Recognition Device]

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the seat occupancy status recognition device 1 of the present disclosure will be described. The seat occupancy status recognition device 1 is configured to include: a portion of the functions of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5 included in the vehicle 100; a first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b) mounted on the seat 50 included in the vehicle 100; a second contact sensor 32 provided on the side surface of the seat surface of the side support portion 52, which is provided at an end in the width direction (A-A' direction) of the seat surface 51; a third contact sensor 33 provided at the upper end of the side support portion 52; a fourth contact sensor 34 provided at the front end of the seat surface 51; and a fifth contact sensor 35 provided at the rear end of the seat surface 51. The side support portion 52 protrudes upward from the seat surface 51.

[0030] The first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 switch from an off state (contact non-detection state) to an on state (contact detection state) when a load equal to or greater than a predetermined level is applied to the detection portion (contact portion). The vehicle 100 corresponds to the mobile object of the present disclosure.

[0031] The detection portion of the seat surface 51 based on contact by the first contact sensor 31 corresponds to the first detection portion of the present disclosure. The detection portion of the side surface of the side support portion 52 on the seat surface 51 side based on contact by the second contact sensor 32 corresponds to the second detection portion of the present disclosure. The detection portion of the upper end portion of the side support portion 52 based on contact by the third contact sensor 33 corresponds to the third detection portion of the present disclosure. The detection portion of the front end portion of the seat surface 51 based on contact by the fourth contact sensor 34 corresponds to the fourth detection portion of the present disclosure. The detection portion of the rear end portion of the seat surface 51 based on contact by the fifth contact sensor 35 corresponds to the fifth detection portion of the present disclosure.

[0032] The first contact sensor 31, the second contact sensor 32, the third contact sensor 33, the fourth contact sensor 34, and the fifth contact sensor 35 are connected to the ECU 5. Detection signals SS1a and SS1b of the first contact sensor 31, the detection signal SS2 of the second contact sensor 32, the detection signal SS3 of the third contact sensor 33, the detection signal SS4 of the fourth contact sensor 34, and the detection signal SS5 of the fifth contact sensor 35 are input to the ECU 5.

[0033] The ECU 5 includes a processor 10, a memory 20, an input / output interface circuit, etc., and controls the operation of the vehicle 100. The memory 20 stores a program 21 for controlling the ECU 5, a seat usage state determination map 22 (see FIG. 1 ) that associates the states (on / off) of the detection signals of the first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 with the usage state of the seat 50. Figure 3 ) data, etc.

[0034] By reading and executing program 21, processor 10 functions as determination unit 11 for determining the usage status of seat 50 based on detection signals from first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35. ECU 5, based on the usage status of seat 50 identified by usage status recognition device 1, controls the operation of an airbag corresponding to seat 50 and reports any forgotten cargo on seat 50.

[0035] [2. Determination of seat usage status]

[0036] according to Figure 2The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the sequence of the process of determining the use status of the seat 50 executed by the determination unit 11. Figure 2 In step S1 , when the determination unit 11 recognizes that any one of the contact sensors is in the on state (contact detection state) based on the detection signals of the first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 , the process proceeds to step S2 .

[0037] In step S2, the determination unit 11 determines whether the first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 are in the on state (contact detection state) or the off state (contact non-detection state). In the next step S3, the determination unit 11 applies the combination of the on / off states of the first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 to the Figure 3 The seat use state determination map 22 shown determines whether the use state of the seat 50 is in the first state to the ninth state.

[0038] [3. Determination of usage status in the width direction]

[0039] Reference Figures 4 to 6 , the judgment of the first state to the sixth state of the seat use state judgment map 22 will be described. Figure 1 The first to sixth states are determined by the on / off states of the first contact sensors 31 (31a, 31b), the second contact sensor 32, and the third contact sensor 33 arranged in an array (in the direction AA' of FIG. 1 ).

[0040] Figure 4 is the width direction of the seat 50 ( Figure 1 In the cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' direction (in the figure), the first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b) is provided on the seat surface 51. Furthermore, the second contact sensor 32 is provided on the side surface 52a of the side support portion 52 provided at the end of the seat surface 51, which is on the seat surface 51 side, and the third contact sensor 33 is provided on the upper end portion 52b of the side support portion 52.

[0041] Figure 5 R1 indicates that the adult Ua is seated in seat 50. Figure 5 R2 represents a state where a child Uc is seated on the seat 50. Here, the child Uc corresponds to a passenger of a first size in the present disclosure, and the adult Ua corresponds to a passenger of a second size larger than the first size in the present disclosure.

[0042] As shown in R1, when an adult Ua is seated on the seat 50, the body of the adult Ua is in contact with the first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b) and the second contact sensor 32, and the first contact sensor 31 and the second contact sensor 32 are turned on. On the other hand, as shown in R2, when a child Uc is seated on the seat 50, the body of the child Uc is in contact with the first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b) but not with the second contact sensor 32, so only the first contact sensor 31 is turned on.

[0043] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, when both the first contact sensor 31 and the second contact sensor 32 are in the on state, it can be determined that the second state is that the adult Ua is seated in the seat 50. On the other hand, when the first contact sensor 31 is in the on state and the second contact sensor 32 is in the off state, it can be determined that the first state is that the child Uc is seated in the seat 50.

[0044] Figure 6 The state in which the child seat Cs is mounted on the seat 50 is shown. In this case, the third contact sensor 33 is turned on because the child seat Cs is placed on the side support portion 52. The first contact sensor 31 and the second contact sensor 32 are turned off.

[0045] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, when the first contact sensor 31 and the second contact sensor 32 are both in the off state and the third contact sensor 33 is in the on state, it can be determined that the child seat Cs is in the third state mounted on the seat 50 .

[0046] Furthermore, when the first contact sensor 31 is in the off state and at least one of the second contact sensor 32 and the third contact sensor 33 is in the on state, it is assumed that the occupant is not sitting on the seat surface 51, and that cargo or clothing is placed near the connection between the seat surface 51 and the side support portion 52 or on the side support portion 52. Figure 3 As shown, when the first contact sensor 31 is in the off state and at least one of the second contact sensor 32 and the third contact sensor 33 is in the on state, it can be determined that an object other than a person is placed on the seat 50 .

[0047] In addition, Figure 3 In the third state and the fifth state, the conditions are that the first contact sensor 31 and the second contact sensor 32 are both in the off state and the third contact sensor 33 is in the on state. However, as long as the third contact sensor 33 detects the level of applied pressure and weight, it is also possible to identify the child seat and objects other than the child seat based on the difference in the detected pressure and weight levels.

[0048] [4. Determination of the usage status in the longitudinal direction]

[0049] Reference Figure 7 、 Figure 8 , the judgment of the seventh state to the ninth state of the seat use state judgment map 22 will be described. Figure 1 The seventh to ninth states are determined by the on / off states of the first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b), the fourth contact sensor 34, and the fifth contact sensor 35 arranged in a row (in the direction BB' of FIG. 1 ).

[0050] Figure 7 is the length direction of the seat 50 ( Figure 1 In a cross-sectional view taken along the BB' direction (in the BB' direction), the first contact sensors 31 (31a, 31b) are provided on the seat surface 51. Furthermore, the fourth contact sensor 34 is provided at the front end 51a of the seat surface 51, and the fifth contact sensor 35 is provided at the rear end 51b of the seat surface 51. The front end 51a and the rear end 51b of the seat surface 51 are raised relative to the center portion of the seat surface 51.

[0051] Figure 8 R4 indicates that the adult Ua is seated in seat 50. Figure 8 R5 represents a state where a child Uc is seated on the seat 50. Here, the child Uc corresponds to a third size of passenger in the present disclosure, and the adult Ua corresponds to a fourth size of passenger, which is larger than the third size, in the present disclosure.

[0052] As shown in R4, when an adult Ua is seated on the seat 50, the adult Ua's body is in contact with the first contact sensor 31 (31a, 31b) and the fifth contact sensor 35, turning on the first contact sensor 31 and the fifth contact sensor 35. Furthermore, the adult Ua's feet are in contact with the floor of the vehicle 100, the knees are raised, and the popliteal fossa is away from the seat 50, causing the fourth contact sensor 34 to be off.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown by R5, when the child Uc is seated on the seat 50, the child Uc's body is in contact with the first contact sensor 31, turning on the first contact sensor 31. However, since the child Uc's body is not in contact with the fifth contact sensor 35, the fifth contact sensor 35 is turned off. Furthermore, since the child Uc's feet do not reach the floor of the vehicle 100 and are floating, the child Uc's legs and other parts are in contact with the fourth contact sensor 34, turning on the fourth contact sensor 34.

[0054] Therefore, if Figure 3As shown, when the first contact sensor 31 and the fourth contact sensor 34 are on and the fifth contact sensor 35 is off, it can be determined that a child Uc is seated on the seat 50. Furthermore, when the first contact sensor 31 and the fifth contact sensor 35 are on and the fourth contact sensor 34 is off, it can be determined that an adult Ua is seated on the seat 50.

[0055] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, when the first contact sensor 31 is on and the fourth and fifth contact sensors 34 and 35 are off, contact is detected only at the center of the seat surface 51 , so it can be determined that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat 50 .

[0056] [5. Other Implementation Methods]

[0057] In the above embodiment, the first to fifth contact sensors 31 to 35 are arranged at contact detection locations. In another embodiment, a sheet-type contact sensor that detects pressure distribution may be used to detect contact at multiple locations.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is shown as the movable body of the present disclosure. However, the movable body of the present disclosure may be any movable body having seats for passengers, and may be a ship, an aircraft, or the like.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the seat occupancy state recognition device 1 including the first to fifth touch sensors 31 to 35 is shown. However, the fourth and fifth touch sensors 34 and 35 may be omitted.

[0060] In the above embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the occupants are classified into adults and children for determination, but the occupants may also be classified into sizes (large, medium, small, etc.) for determination.

[0061] also, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the seat occupancy status recognition device 1 according to the main processing contents for easy understanding of the present application. The structure of the seat occupancy status recognition device 1 can also be configured by other divisions. In addition, the processing of each component can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figure 2 The processing of each component shown may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0062] [6. Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0063] The above-mentioned embodiment is a specific example of the following structure.

[0064] (Structure 1) A seat usage status recognition device is provided on a mobile body and recognizes the usage status of a seat, wherein the seat has: a seat surface, and a side support portion provided at an end portion in the width direction of the seat surface and protruding upward from the seat surface, wherein the seat usage status recognition device comprises: a contact sensor which detects whether there is contact with a first detection portion of the seat surface, a second detection portion on the side surface of the side support portion on the seat surface side, and a third detection portion at the upper end of the side support portion; and a judgment portion which judges the usage status of the seat based on the detection status of the contact sensor on whether there is contact with the first detection portion, the second detection portion, and the third detection portion.

[0065] According to the seat usage state recognition device of configuration 1, the seat usage state recognition accuracy can be improved by detecting the state of the seat surface and side supports and the presence or absence of contact with the detection portion on the side surface of the seat surface.

[0066] (Configuration 2) In the seat usage state recognition device according to Configuration 1, the determination unit determines that an object is placed on the seat surface when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion.

[0067] According to the seat occupancy state recognition device of configuration 2, it is possible to recognize that an object is placed on the seat surface by detecting contact with the first detection portion.

[0068] (Structure 3) A seat usage status recognition device according to Structure 1 or Structure 2, wherein, when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion and does not detect contact with the second detection portion, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a first size is seated on the seat, and when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion, and the second detection portion or the third detection portion, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a second size larger than the first size is seated on the seat.

[0069] According to the seat usage status recognition device of structure 3, the width direction size of the seat of the passenger sitting on the seat can be identified by whether there is contact with the first detection part, the second detection part and the second detection part arranged at different positions in the width direction of the seat.

[0070] (Structure 4) A seat usage status recognition device according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the contact sensor further detects whether or not there is contact with a fourth detection portion at the front end portion of the seat surface and a fifth detection portion at the rear end portion of the seat surface, the first detection portion being located between the fourth detection portion and the fifth detection portion, and when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion and the fourth detection portion and does not detect contact with the fifth detection portion, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a third size is seated on the seat, and when the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection portion and the fifth detection portion, the judgment unit judges that a passenger of a fourth size, which is larger than the third size, is seated on the seat.

[0071] According to the seat usage status identification device of structure 4, the size of the seat in the front-to-back direction of the seat of the occupant sitting on the seat can be identified by whether or not there is contact with the first detection part, the fourth detection part and the fifth detection part arranged at different positions in the front-to-back direction (length direction) of the seat.

[0072] (Structure 5) The seat usage status recognition device described in Structure 4, wherein, when the contact sensor does not detect contact with the fourth detection part and the fifth detection part and detects contact with the first detection part, the judgment unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

[0073] According to the seat usage status recognition device of structure 5, based on the situation in which contact with the first detection part between the fourth detection part and the fifth detection part of the seat surface is detected without detecting contact with the fourth detection part at the front end of the seat surface and the fifth detection part at the rear end of the seat surface, it can be recognized that an object other than an occupant is carried on the seat.

[0074] (Structure 6) A seat usage status recognition device according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein, when the contact sensor does not detect contact with the first detection portion and detects contact with the second detection portion or the third detection portion, the judgment unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

[0075] According to the seat occupancy state recognition device of configuration 6, it is possible to recognize that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat based on the situation in which contact with the first detection portion of the seat surface is not detected but contact with the second detection portion or the third detection portion of the side support is detected.

Claims

1. A seat usage status recognition device, which is provided on a mobile body and recognizes the usage status of a seat, wherein the seat comprises: a seat surface; and a side support portion provided at an end portion in a width direction of the seat surface and protruding upward from the seat surface, wherein: The seat usage status recognition device comprises: a contact sensor that detects contact with a first detection portion of the seat surface, a second detection portion of a side surface of the side support portion on the seat surface side, and a third detection portion at an upper end of the side support portion; as well as The determination unit determines a usage state of the seat based on a detection condition of the contact sensor regarding the presence or absence of contact with the first detection portion, the second detection portion, and the third detection portion.

2. The seat usage status recognition device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that an object is placed on the seat surface when contact with the first detection portion is detected by the contact sensor.

3. The seat usage status recognition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and does not detect contact with the second detection part, the judgment unit determines that an occupant of a first size is sitting on the seat. When the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and the second detection part or the third detection part, the judgment unit determines that an occupant of a second size larger than the first size is sitting on the seat.

4. The seat usage status recognition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The contact sensor further detects contact with a fourth detection portion at the front end of the seat surface and a fifth detection portion at the rear end of the seat surface, wherein the first detection portion is located between the fourth detection portion and the fifth detection portion. When the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and the fourth detection part and does not detect contact with the fifth detection part, the judgment unit determines that a passenger of a third size is sitting on the seat. When the contact sensor detects contact with the first detection part and the fifth detection part, the judgment unit determines that a passenger of a fourth size, which is larger than the third size, is sitting on the seat.

5. The seat usage status recognition device according to claim 4, wherein: When the contact sensor does not detect contact with the fourth detection site and the fifth detection site, but detects contact with the first detection site, the determination unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

6. The seat usage status recognition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the contact sensor does not detect contact with the first detection portion but detects contact with the second detection portion or the third detection portion, the determination unit determines that an object other than an occupant is placed on the seat.

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