Aspiration control system for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an aspiration control system for a vehicle which makes it possible to perform aspiration control corresponding to each person, in a cabin.SOLUTION: The aspiration control system for the vehicle comprises: a biological information acquisition part (114) provided at each of one or more seats (2A to 2D) in a cabin to acquire biological information of seated persons; and a presentation part (111) for presenting to each seated person an aspiration timing for breathing based on the biological information of the seated persons seated on the seats (2A to 2D).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to respiratory control systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration of a biological information display device in which a camera acquires video data of a detection area including the skin of the face of a subject, and a processing unit acquires biometric information including information on the person's pulse wave from the video data.The processing unit then displays an information display screen including a breathing assistant that assists the subject's breathing in order to perform heart rate variability biofeedback using the biometric information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-163211 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the biological information display device described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose a configuration for controlling breathing for multiple people in a vehicle cabin. Furthermore, since the ideal breathing rhythm differs from person to person, it is necessary to provide a breathing rhythm suited to each person. Furthermore, if the breathing rhythm for controlling breathing is presented to the driver by visual information while driving a vehicle, safety may be compromised.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a breathing control system for a vehicle that enables breathing control suited to each individual within the vehicle cabin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the breathing control system for a vehicle of the present disclosure includes a biometric information acquisition unit provided in each of one or more seats in the vehicle cabin to acquire biometric information of the seat occupant, and a presentation unit that presents each seat occupant with a breathing timing for breathing based on the biometric information of the seat occupant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a breathing control system for a vehicle that enables breathing control (control of breathing timing) suited to each individual in the vehicle cabin. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle breathing control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of four seats arranged in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, a left rear seat, and a right rear seat. [Figure 3] 2 is a functional block diagram of an ECU provided in the vehicle breathing control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first breathing control process executed by an ECU to control the breathing of an occupant seated in a driver's seat and a passenger seat. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first parking process in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual detailed information displayed on a first display unit provided on a meter panel. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual detailed information displayed on a second display unit of a navigation system provided on an instrument panel. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that evaluates breathing accuracy during breathing control and is displayed on a second display unit of a navigation system that is provided on an instrument panel. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first process during travel in FIG. 4. [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual simplified information displayed on a first display section provided on a meter panel. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second parking process in FIG. 4. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a second process during travel in FIG. 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual simplified information displayed on a second display unit of a navigation system provided on an instrument panel. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second breathing control process executed by the ECU to control the breathing of occupants seated in the left rear seat and the right rear seat. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of simplified visual information displayed on a display in front of the occupants of the left rear seat and the right rear seat. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual detailed information displayed on a display in front of the occupants of the left rear seat and the right rear seat. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen that evaluates breathing accuracy during breathing control, displayed on a display in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0010] [Outline of Vehicle Breathing Control System 1] The schematic configuration of a vehicle breathing control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the vehicle breathing control system 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of four seats 2A to 2D arranged at the driver's seat, passenger seat, left rear seat, and right rear seat. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided in the vehicle breathing control system 1. Note that the front-rear, left-right, top-bottom directions in this embodiment correspond to the directions as viewed by an occupant (not shown) seated in one of the seats 2A to 2D, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle breathing control system 1 is provided in the cabin of a vehicle 100. Seats 2A to 2D are arranged in the cabin. As shown in Fig. 2, seat 2A arranged as the driver's seat, seat 2B arranged as the passenger seat, seat 2C arranged as the left rear seat, and seat 2D arranged as the right rear seat are all configured approximately the same. Each of seats 2A to 2D has a seat cushion 21, a seat back 22, and a headrest 23.

[0012] The seat cushion 21 forms the seating surface of the seats 2A to 2D, and the seat back 22 and the headrest 23 form the back surface of the seats 2A to 2D. The seats 2A to 2D are covered with a cover member 24 made of cloth, leather, vinyl leather, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0013] Inside the seat cushion 21 of each of the seats 2A to 2D, one each of the first to fourth heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D and the first to fourth respiration piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D are arranged in parallel along the front-to-rear direction. The first to fourth heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D and the first to fourth respiration piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D are formed as elongated piezoelectric films, and are provided in an area facing the left buttocks around the ischial region of the seated occupant.

[0014] When the first heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25A to the fourth heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D. When the first breathing piezoelectric sheet 26A to the fourth breathing piezoelectric sheet 26D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D. The heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D and the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D sense the ballistocardiogram (BCG) of the seated person. The heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D and the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D are sensors that utilize the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric elements that generate voltage when subjected to pressure.

[0015] Furthermore, inside the seat cushion 21 of each of the seats 2A to 2D, a first seating piezoelectric sheet 27A to a fourth seating piezoelectric sheet 27D are arranged, one by one, inclined diagonally forward right with respect to the front-to-rear direction. The first seating piezoelectric sheet 27A to the fourth seating piezoelectric sheet 27D are piezoelectric films formed in an elongated shape, and are provided in an area facing the right buttocks around the ischial region of the seated person.

[0016] When the first to fourth seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D. Each of the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D senses whether or not a person is seated. Each of the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D is a sensor that utilizes the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage when subjected to pressure.

[0017] Each of the heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A-25D and each of the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A-26D may be provided in a range facing the right buttocks around the ischial region of the seated person, and each of the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A-27D may be provided in a range facing the left buttocks around the ischial region of the seated person.

[0018] Additionally, first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D are disposed inside the seat back 22 of each of the seats 2A to 2D so as to face the back of the seated occupant. Each of the first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D has six air bags (so-called air bladders) 281 to 286. The six air bags 281 to 286 are disposed in two rows of three along the vertical direction and are configured to be inflatable and deflated by the supply and discharge of air. The first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D can generate a pressing force on the back of the seated occupant at predetermined time intervals by repeatedly inflating and deflating the air bags 281 to 286 at predetermined time intervals.

[0019] The number of air bags provided in each of the pressurizers 28A to 28D is not limited, and each of the pressurizers 28A to 28D may have one air bag. Also, one or more air bags may be provided in the seat cushion 21 instead of or in addition to the seat back 22.

[0020] 1, the vehicle breathing control system 1 includes an ECU 11, a first display unit 12, a second display unit 14 of a navigation system 13, a third display unit 15, a fourth display unit 16, a memory unit 17, a shift sensor 18, and an acceleration sensor 19. The vehicle breathing control system 1 further includes piezoelectric sheets for heartbeats 25A to 25D, piezoelectric sheets for breathing 26A to 26D, piezoelectric sheets for seating 27A to 27D, an air pump 31, first supply valves 32A to 32D, first pressurizers 28A to 28D, and first exhaust valves 33A to 33D.

[0021] When the first to fourth supply valves 32A to 32D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the respective supply valves 32A to 32D. When the first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the respective pressurizers 28A to 28D. When the first to fourth exhaust valves 33A to 33D are not distinguished from one another, they are also referred to as the respective exhaust valves 33A to 33D.

[0022] ECU 11, acceleration sensor 19, and air pump 31 are mounted on vehicle 100. First display unit 12 is provided on meter panel 37 shown in Fig. 6, and is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like disposed between the speedometer and tachometer as described below, and functions as an information display.

[0023] The second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is provided on an instrument panel (not shown) between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and displays a map screen for navigation, etc. The third display unit 15 is disposed on the rear surface of the seat back 22 of the driver's seat 2A, and is disposed in front of the occupant seated in the right rear seat 2D. The fourth display unit 16 is disposed on the rear surface of the seat back 22 of the passenger seat 2B, and is disposed in front of the occupant seated in the left rear seat 2C.

[0024] The first display unit 12, the third display unit 15, and the fourth display unit 16 are electrically connected to the ECU 11 and configured to be able to display various information in response to instructions from the ECU 11. The navigation system 13 is electrically connected to the ECU 11 and configured to be able to display various information on the second display unit 14 in response to instructions from the ECU 11.

[0025] The storage unit 17 is configured with an HDD or SSD, and is electrically connected to the ECU 11. The storage unit 17 also stores a biometric information database (biometric information DB) 17A. As will be described later, the biometric information database 17A stores information such as the heart rate and breathing accuracy of each person seated in each of the seats 2A to 2D in chronological order.

[0026] The shift sensor 18 is electrically connected to the ECU 11 and is a sensor that detects the position of the shift lever when not in use and outputs the position to the ECU 11. The acceleration sensor 19 is electrically connected to the ECU 11 and is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100 and outputs the position to the ECU 11.

[0027] Each of the piezoelectric sheets for heartbeat 25A to 25D, each of the piezoelectric sheets for breathing 26A to 26D, and each of the piezoelectric sheets for seating 27A to 27D is electrically connected to the ECU 11. A signal indicating the ballistocardiogram of the seated person sensed by each of the piezoelectric sheets for heartbeat 25A to 25D and each of the piezoelectric sheets for breathing 26A to 26D is output to the ECU 11. A load signal indicating the seating of the seated person sensed by each of the piezoelectric sheets for seating 27A to 27D is output to the ECU 11.

[0028] The air pump 31 is an electric pump that discharges air, and is electrically connected to the ECU 11, so that the discharge of air is controlled to be turned on and off. An air discharge port of the air pump 31 is connected to a respective supply port (not shown) of each of the supply valves 32A to 32D. An air inlet to each of the air bladders 281 to 286 of each of the pressurizers 28A to 28D is connected to a respective discharge port (not shown) of each of the supply valves 32A to 32D. Each of the supply valves 32A to 32D is electrically connected to the ECU 11, so that the supply of air from the discharge port to each of the air bladders 281 to 286 of each of the pressurizers 28A to 28D is controlled to be turned on and off. A solenoid valve can be used as each of the supply valves 32A to 32D.

[0029] Each exhaust valve 33A to 33D has a supply port (not shown) connected to an air outlet port of each air bag 281 to 286 of each pressurizer 28A to 28D. Each exhaust valve 33A to 33D has a discharge port (not shown) connected to the atmosphere. Each exhaust valve 33A to 33D is electrically connected to ECU 11, and the exhaust of air from each air bag 281 to 286 of each pressurizer 28A to 28D through the discharge port is turned on and off. A solenoid valve can be used as each exhaust valve 33A to 33D.

[0030] The ECU 11 includes a CPU, a ROM as a nonvolatile memory, an EEPROM (registered trademark), a RAM, etc. The CPU executes various calculation processes based on various programs and parameters stored in the ROM and EEPROM. The RAM temporarily stores the calculation results of the CPU and data input from the heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A-25D, the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A-26D, and the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A-27D. The ECU 11 is an example of a control device.

[0031] 3, the ECU 11 includes a presented information instruction unit 111, a visual information presenting unit 112, a tactile information presenting unit 113, a biological information acquiring unit 114, a seating information acquiring unit 115, a running state acquiring unit 116, and a gear information acquiring unit 117. The presented information instructing unit 111 receives various detection results from the biological information acquiring unit 114, the seating information acquiring unit 115, the running state acquiring unit 116, and the gear information acquiring unit 117. The presented information instructing unit 111 then outputs display data to be displayed on the first display unit 12 to the fourth display unit 16 to the visual information presenting unit 112. The presented information instructing unit 111 also outputs an instruction to drive each of the pressurizers 28A to 28D to the tactile information presenting unit 113. The presented information instructing unit 111 is an example of a presenting unit.

[0032] The visual information presentation unit 112 displays the detailed visual information or the simplified visual information on the specified first to fourth display units 12 to 16 in accordance with the display instructions input from the presentation information instruction unit 111. The detailed visual information is visual information that displays "paced breathing," which indicates a breathing rhythm synchronized with the seated person's heartbeat, and the seated person's actual breathing state, thereby controlling the seated person's breathing. This allows the seated person to perform heart rate variability biofeedback. The simplified visual information is visual information that displays only "breathing accuracy [%]," which indicates the degree to which the seated person's actual breathing rhythm matches their "paced breathing." This allows the seated person to confirm the degree to which their actual breathing rhythm matches their "paced breathing."

[0033] The tactile information presenting unit 113 drives and stops the air pump 31, controls the on / off of each of the supply valves 32A-32D, and controls the on / off of each of the exhaust valves 33A-33D in accordance with the drive instructions synchronized with "paced breathing" input from the presented information instructing unit 111. This enables the tactile information presenting unit 113 to inflate and deflate the air bladders 281-286 of each of the inflators 28A-28D in synchronization with "paced breathing," which indicates a breathing rhythm synchronized with the heartbeat of the seated person, thereby presenting the breathing rhythm through tactile information. The tactile information presenting unit 113 is an example of a tactile stimulus presenting unit.

[0034] For example, tactile information presenting unit 113 inflates air bladders 281-286 to present the pace and timing of exhalation (breathing out) of "paced breathing" to the seated occupant. Also, tactile information presenting unit 113 deflates air bladders 281-286 to present the pace and timing of inhalation (breathing in) of "paced breathing" to the seated occupant.

[0035] The biological information acquiring unit 114 acquires biological information such as the heart rate and heartbeat interval (RRI: RR Interval) of the seated occupant from the ballistocardiogram signals of the seated occupant input from each of the heartbeat piezoelectric sheets 25A to 25D, and outputs it to the presentation information instruction unit 111. In addition, the biological information acquiring unit 114 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA: Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia) of the seated occupant from the ballistocardiogram signals of the seated occupant input from each of the breathing piezoelectric sheets 26A to 26D, and outputs it to the presentation information instruction unit 111.

[0036] The seating information acquisition unit 115 detects the presence or absence of an occupant on each of the seats 2A to 2D based on signals input from each of the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D, and outputs the detection result to the presentation information instruction unit 111. The seating information acquisition unit 115 is an example of an occupant detection unit.

[0037] The driving state acquisition unit 116 detects the driving state of the vehicle, i.e., whether the vehicle is driving or stopped, from the detection signal of the acceleration of the vehicle 100 input from the acceleration sensor 19, and outputs the detection result to the presentation information instruction unit 111.

[0038] The gear information acquisition unit 117 detects whether the vehicle is running or parked from the detection signal of the shift lever position input from the shift sensor 18, and outputs the detection result to the presentation information instruction unit 111. The gear information acquisition unit 117 is an example of a driving state detection unit.

[0039] For example, when a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [P] range is input from the shift sensor 18, the gear information acquisition unit 117 detects that the vehicle 100 is parked and outputs the detection result to the presentation information instruction unit 111. In addition, when a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [D] range is input from the shift sensor 18, the gear information acquisition unit 117 detects that the vehicle 100 is moving and outputs the detection result to the presentation information instruction unit 111.

[0040] [First Breathing Control Process] Next, a first breathing control process for controlling the breathing of occupants seated in the driver's seat and passenger's seat, which is executed by the ECU 11 of the vehicle breathing control system 1 configured as described above, will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 13. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the first breathing control process for controlling the breathing of occupants seated in the driver's seat and passenger's seat, which is executed by the ECU 11. The ECU 11 executes the program of the first breathing control process shown in Fig. 4, for example, when the occupant in the driver's seat or passenger's seat selects an application for controlling the breathing of occupants seated in the driver's seat and passenger's seat, which is displayed on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13. The program shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is pre-stored in ROM.

[0041] 4, in step S11, the ECU 11 determines whether or not an occupant is present only in the driver's seat 2A from signals input from the first seating piezoelectric seat 27A and the second seating piezoelectric seat 27B via the seating information acquisition unit 115. That is, the ECU 11 determines whether or not there is only the driver present.

[0042] If the ECU 11 determines that only the driver's seat 2A is occupied, that is, that only the driver is present (S11: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S12. In step S12, the ECU 11 determines whether or not a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [P] range has been input from the shift sensor 18 via the gear information acquisition unit 117, that is, whether or not the vehicle 100 is parked.

[0043] If the ECU 11 determines that a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [P] range has been input from the shift sensor 18, that is, if it determines that the vehicle 100 is parked (S12: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to processing in step S13. In step S13, the ECU 11 executes the "first parking processing" and then ends the first breathing control processing.

[0044] On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [D] range has been input from the shift sensor 18, that is, if it determines that the vehicle 100 is moving (S12: NO), the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S14. In step S14, the ECU 11 executes the "first moving process" and then ends the first breathing control process.

[0045] On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines in step S11 that there are occupants in both the driver's seat 2A and the passenger's seat 2B, that is, that there are occupants in both the driver's seat and the passenger's seat (S11: NO), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S15. In step S15, the ECU 11 determines whether or not a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [P] range has been input from the shift sensor 18 via the gear information acquisition unit 117, that is, whether or not the vehicle 100 is parked.

[0046] If the ECU 11 determines that a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [P] range has been input from the shift sensor 18, that is, if it determines that the vehicle 100 is parked (S15: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S16. In step S16, the ECU 11 executes the "second parking process" and then ends the first breathing control process.

[0047] On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that a detection signal indicating that the shift lever is in the [D] range has been input from the shift sensor 18, that is, if it determines that the vehicle 100 is moving (S15: NO), the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S17. In step S17, the ECU 11 executes the "second moving process" and then ends the first breathing control process.

[0048] [1st Parking Processing] Next, a first parking process that is executed when there is an occupant only in the driver's seat and the vehicle 100 is parked will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the first parking process of Figure 4.

[0049] 5, in step S21, the ECU 11 determines whether the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is being used by an application other than the application for the first breathing control process. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether a route search screen that displays map information and searches for a route to a destination is being displayed on the second display unit 14.

[0050] If the ECU 11 determines that the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is being used by another application other than the application for the first breathing control process (S21: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S22. In step S22, the ECU 11 displays detailed visual information for the driver's breathing control on the first display unit 12, which is provided on the meter panel 37 and functions as an information display. The detailed visual information displayed on the first display unit 12 is image information that presents the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the driver's seat. The occupant in the driver's seat breathes according to the presented breathing rhythm. Thereafter, the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S24, which will be described later.

[0051] An example of visual detailed information for controlling the driver's breathing displayed on the first display unit 12 will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the visual detailed information displayed on the first display unit 12 provided on the meter panel 37.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first display unit 12 is disposed between the tachometer 38 and the speedometer 39 of the meter panel 37. The first display unit 12 displays a breathing guide 41 indicating the breathing timing of the occupant seated in the driver's seat, a breathing pacer 42 that moves on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the breathing rhythm of the occupant, and a breathing waveform 43 of the occupant seated in the driver's seat. The breathing pacer 42 moves from bottom to top on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing and pace of inhalation, and moves from top to bottom on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing and pace of exhalation. As a result, the occupant in the driver's seat breathes in accordance with the movement of the breathing pacer 42 while watching the breathing pacer 42 moving on the breathing guide 41.

[0053] Furthermore, the ECU 11 displays, vertically to the right of the breathing guide 41 displayed on the first display unit 12, face marks 45 representing the driver's seat occupant's "heart rate," "respiratory rate," and internal state calculated based on heart rate variability information. Here, the internal state includes fatigue level and stress level calculated based on LF / HF (Low Frequency / High Frequency) calculated from heart rate variability and frequency power. This allows the driver's seat occupant to easily check their internal state, such as their heart rate, respiratory rate, and fatigue level and stress level calculated based on heart rate variability information.

[0054] Here, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the seated person from the ballistocardiogram signal of the seated person input from the first heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25A of the driver's seat 2A via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a breathing guide 41 for the seated person and a breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the seated person. Next, the ECU 11 moves the breathing pacer 42 on the breathing guide 41 at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0055] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the seated person from the ballistocardiogram signal of the seated person input from the first respiration piezoelectric sheet 26A of the driver's seat 2A via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. The ECU 11 then calculates a respiratory waveform 43 of the seated person from the increase and decrease in the heartbeat frequency and displays it superimposed on the breathing guide 41. Therefore, the leading edge of the respiratory waveform 43 is displayed superimposed on the respiratory pacer 42. This allows the seated person to breathe while visually checking the degree of deviation between the seated person's actual breathing and the breathing timing that increases heart rate variability indicated by the respiratory pacer 42, thereby enabling effective heart rate variability biofeedback.

[0056] On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines in step S21 that the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is not being used by another application other than the application for the first breathing control process (S21: NO), the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S23. In step S23, the ECU 11 displays detailed visual information for the driver's breathing control on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 instead of the first display unit 12. The detailed visual information displayed on the second display unit 14 is image information that instructs the occupant in the driver's seat on the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out). The occupant in the driver's seat breathes according to the instructed breathing rhythm. Thereafter, the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S24.

[0057] An example of visual detailed information for controlling the driver's breathing displayed on the second display unit 14 will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the visual detailed information displayed on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 provided on an instrument panel (not shown).

[0058] 7, the second display unit 14 displays a breathing guide 41 that indicates the breathing timing of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat, a breathing pacer 42 that moves on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the breathing rhythm of the occupant, and a breathing waveform 43 of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The breathing pacer 42 moves from bottom to top on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing of inhalation, and moves from top to bottom on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing of exhalation. As a result, the occupant in the driver's seat breathes in accordance with the movement of the breathing pacer 42 while watching the breathing pacer 42 moving on the breathing guide 41.

[0059] Furthermore, the ECU 11 displays face marks 45 representing the driver's seat occupant's "heart rate," "respiratory rate," and internal state calculated based on heart rate variability information, arranged vertically to the right of the breathing guide 41 displayed on the second display unit 14. This allows the driver's seat occupant to easily check their internal state, such as their heart rate, respiratory rate, and level of fatigue and stress calculated based on heart rate variability information.

[0060] 5, in step S24, the ECU 11 associates the biological information of the occupant, such as the heart rate, heartbeat interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, breathing guide 41, and breathing waveform 43, acquired in the process of step S22 or step S23, with an identification ID that identifies the occupant in the driver's seat, and stores the information in the biological information database 17A of the storage unit 17. Then, the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S25. The identification ID that identifies the occupant in the driver's seat is input by the occupant when the occupant selects the application for the first breathing control process.

[0061] In step S25, the ECU 11 determines whether or not the breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has been completed. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 10 to 20 minutes, has elapsed since the execution of the first breathing control process started, or whether or not the application of the first breathing control process has been manually terminated.

[0062] If the ECU 11 determines that the breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has not been completed (S25: NO), it executes the processing from step S21 onwards again. On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that the breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has been completed (S25: YES), it proceeds to the processing of step S26.

[0063] In step S26, the ECU 11 reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat from the biometric information database 17A, displays a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the second display unit 14, and then ends the first parking process and returns to the first breathing control process.

[0064] An example of a summary showing the evaluation results of breathing accuracy during breathing control displayed on the second display unit 14 will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the evaluation of breathing accuracy during breathing control displayed on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 8, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 from the respiratory guide 41, approximately in the center of the screen of the second display unit 14. The ECU 11 also displays the average respiratory accuracy above the transition graph 47. The ECU 11 also displays a face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information before the breathing control, to the right of the transition graph 47, and a face mark 49, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after the breathing control, below the face mark 48. This allows the seated occupant to easily confirm the effectiveness of the breathing control.

[0066] [First running process] Next, the first in-travel process executed when there is only an occupant in the driver's seat and the vehicle 100 is traveling will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the first in-travel process in Figure 4. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of visual simple information displayed on the first display unit 12 provided on the meter panel 37.

[0067] 9, in step S31, the ECU 11 determines whether the vehicle 100 is currently traveling or temporarily stopped due to waiting at a traffic light, congestion, or the like, based on the detection signal of the acceleration of the vehicle 100 input from the acceleration sensor 19 via the traveling state acquisition unit 116. If the ECU 11 determines that the vehicle 100 is currently traveling, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0068] In step S32, ECU 11 inflates and deflates air bladders 281-286 of first pressurizer 28A provided in driver's seat 2A via tactile information presenter 113 to indicate the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the driver's seat. This presents tactile information for the driver to control his or her breathing. For example, tactile information presenter 113 inflates air bladders 281-286 to indicate the pace and timing of exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant. In addition, tactile information presenter 113 deflates air bladders 281-286 to indicate the pace and timing of inhalation (breathing in). The occupant in the driver's seat breathes in accordance with the indicated breathing rhythm. ECU 11 then proceeds to the processing of step S33.

[0069] Here, ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the seated occupant from the ballistocardiogram signal of the seated occupant input from first heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25A of driver's seat 2A via biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, ECU 11 calculates a breathing rhythm (breathing pace) that guides the breathing of the seated occupant and increases heart rate variability based on the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI). Next, ECU 11 inflates and deflates, via tactile information presentation unit 113, each of air bladders 281-286 of first inflator 28A provided in driver's seat 2A at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0070] In step S33, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the seated person from the ballistocardiogram signal of the seated person input from the first respiration piezoelectric sheet 26A of the driver's seat 2A via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates the respiratory waveform of the seated person from the increase and decrease in the heartbeat frequency.

[0071] Next, ECU 11 calculates the breathing accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the driver's breathing waveform from the breathing rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of air bladders 281-286 of first pressurizer 28A provided in driver's seat 2A. Then, ECU 11 displays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy during driver breathing control on first display unit 12, which is provided in meter panel 37 and functions as an information display, and then proceeds to the processing of step S37, which will be described later.

[0072] An example of displaying simple visual information for the driver on the first display unit 12 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of simple visual information displayed on the first display unit 12 provided on the meter panel 37.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 10, a circular respiration accuracy display frame 51 is displayed in the center of the screen of the first display unit 12, and the driver's respiration accuracy, for example, 78%, is displayed. When the display frame 51 displays, for example, 100%, the respiration rhythm presented by the first compressor 28A and the driver's respiration waveform match. If the driver's respiration waveform lags behind the respiration rhythm presented by the first compressor 28A, the display frame 51 may be displayed in blue. On the other hand, if the driver's respiration waveform is faster than the respiration rhythm presented by the first compressor 28A, the display frame 51 may be displayed in red. This allows the driver to easily recognize whether their respiration is fast or slow compared to the respiration rhythm presented by the first compressor 28A.

[0074] 9, if the ECU 11 determines in step S31 that the vehicle 100 is currently in a stopped state, the ECU 11 proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the ECU 11 determines whether the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is being used by an application other than the application for the first breathing control process.

[0075] If ECU 11 determines that second display unit 14 of navigation system 13 is being used by an application other than the first breathing control processing application (S34: YES), it proceeds to the processing of step S35. In step S35, ECU 11 stops the inflation and deflation of air bladders 281-286 of first pressurizer 28A provided in driver's seat 2A and opens first exhaust valve 33A to set it in a deflated state. Then, ECU 11 displays detailed visual information for the driver's breathing control on first display unit 12 provided in meter panel 37 and functioning as an information display.

[0076] The detailed visual information displayed on the first display unit 12 is, for example, image information that presents the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant of the driver's seat by a respiratory pacer 42 that moves on a breathing guide 41, as shown in Fig. 6. The driver breathes in accordance with the presented breathing rhythm. That is, in step S35, the ECU 11 executes the process of step S22 above, and then proceeds to the process of step S37 described below.

[0077] On the other hand, if, in step S34, ECU 11 determines that second display unit 14 of navigation system 13 is not being used by another application other than the first breathing control processing application (S34: NO), the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, ECU 11 stops the inflation and deflation of air bladders 281-286 of first pressurizer 28A provided in driver's seat 2A, and opens first exhaust valve 33A to deflate it. Then, ECU 11 displays visual detailed information for controlling the driver's breathing on second display unit 14 of navigation system 13.

[0078] The detailed visual information displayed on the second display unit 14 is, for example, image information that presents the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant of the driver's seat by a respiratory pacer 42 that moves on a breathing guide 41, as shown in Fig. 7. The driver breathes in accordance with the presented respiratory rhythm. That is, in step S36, the ECU 11 executes the process of step S23 above, and then proceeds to the process of step S37.

[0079] In step S37, the ECU 11 associates the biological information of the occupant, such as the heart rate, heartbeat interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, breathing guide 41, and breathing waveform 43, acquired in the processing of step S32, step S33, step S35, or step S36, with the identification ID that identifies the occupant in the driver's seat, and stores the information in the biological information database 17A of the storage unit 17. After that, the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S38.

[0080] In step S38, the ECU 11 determines whether breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has been completed. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether a predetermined time, e.g., 10 to 20 minutes, has elapsed since the start of the first breathing control process, or whether the application of the first breathing control process has been manually terminated. Alternatively, the ECU 11 determines whether the shift lever (not shown) is in the [P] range.

[0081] If the ECU 11 determines that the breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has not ended (S38: NO), it executes the processing from step S31 onwards again. On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that the breathing control of the occupant in the driver's seat has ended (S38: YES), it proceeds to the processing of step S39.

[0082] In step S39, the ECU 11 reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation result of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the second display unit 14. That is, in step S39, after executing the process of step S26, the ECU 11 ends the first during-travel process and returns to the first breathing control process.

[0083] [Second parking process] Next, the second parking process executed when there are occupants in the driver's seat and the passenger seat and the vehicle 100 is parked will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the second parking process of Fig. 4.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 11, in step S41, the ECU 11 displays detailed visual information for the driver to control his or her breathing on the first display unit 12, which is provided in the meter panel 37 and functions as an information display. The detailed visual information displayed on the first display unit 12 is, for example, image information that presents the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant of the driver's seat by a respiratory pacer 42 that moves on a breathing guide 41, as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the occupant of the driver's seat breathes in accordance with the movement of the respiratory pacer 42 while watching the respiratory pacer 42 moving on the breathing guide 41 displayed on the first display unit 12. That is, in step S35, the ECU 11 executes the process of step S22 above, and then proceeds to the process of step S42.

[0085] In step S42, the ECU 11 displays detailed visual information for controlling the breathing of the occupant sitting in the passenger seat on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13. The detailed visual information displayed on the second display unit 14 is image information that presents the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the passenger seat by a respiratory pacer 42 that moves on a breathing guide 41 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the occupant in the passenger seat breathes in accordance with the movement of the respiratory pacer 42 while watching the respiratory pacer 42 moving on the breathing guide 41 displayed on the second display unit 14. The ECU 11 then proceeds to the processing of step S43.

[0086] Here, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the second heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25B of the passenger seat 2B via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a breathing guide 41 for the passenger seat occupant and a breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the passenger seat occupant. Next, the ECU 11 moves the breathing pacer 42 on the breathing guide 41 at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0087] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the passenger seat occupant from the ballistocardiogram signal of the passenger seat occupant input from the second respiration piezoelectric sheet 26B of the passenger seat 2B via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. The ECU 11 then calculates a respiratory waveform 43 of the passenger seat occupant from the increase and decrease in heart rate frequency and displays it superimposed on the breathing guide 41. Therefore, the leading edge of the respiratory waveform 43 is displayed superimposed on the respiratory pacer 42. This allows the passenger seat occupant to breathe while visually checking the degree of deviation between the passenger seat occupant's actual breathing and the breathing timing that increases heart rate variability indicated by the respiratory pacer 42, thereby enabling effective heart rate variability biofeedback.

[0088] In step S43, the ECU 11 associates the biometric information of the driver's seat occupant, such as the heart rate, heart beat interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, breathing guide 41, and breathing waveform 43, acquired in the process of step S41 above, with the identification ID that identifies the driver's seat occupant, and stores the same in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. The ECU 11 also associates the biometric information of the passenger seat occupant, such as the heart rate, heart beat interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, breathing guide 41, and breathing waveform 43, acquired in the process of step S42 above, with the identification ID that identifies the passenger seat, and stores the same in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. The ECU 11 then proceeds to the process of step S44.

[0089] The identification IDs for identifying the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat are input by the occupants of the driver's seat or the passenger's seat when they select the application for the first respiratory control process.

[0090] In step S44, the ECU 11 determines whether breathing control for each of the occupants in the driver's seat and the passenger seat has been completed. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether a predetermined time, for example, 10 to 20 minutes, has elapsed since the start of the first breathing control process, or whether the application of the first breathing control process has been manually terminated.

[0091] If the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for both the driver's seat and the passenger's seat has not been completed (S44: NO), it executes the processes from step S41 onwards again. On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for both the driver's seat and the passenger's seat has been completed (S44: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S45.

[0092] In step S45, the ECU 11 reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the first display unit 12. The ECU 11 also reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the passenger seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the second display unit 14. Thereafter, the ECU 11 ends the first parking process and returns to the first breathing control process.

[0093] For example, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 of the driver's seat occupant from the respiratory guide 41 shown in Fig. 8, in approximately the center of the screen of the first display unit 12. In addition, to the right of the transition graph 47, a face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the driver's seat occupant before the breathing control, is displayed, and below the face mark 48, a face mark 49, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after the breathing control, is displayed. This allows the driver's seat occupant to easily confirm the effect of the breathing control.

[0094] 8, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 from the respiratory guide 41 of the passenger seat occupant, approximately in the center of the screen of the second display unit 14. The ECU 11 also displays the average respiratory accuracy above the transition graph 47. The ECU 11 also displays a face mark 48 to the right of the transition graph 47, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the passenger seat occupant before breathing control, and displays a face mark 49 below the face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after breathing control. This allows the passenger seat occupant to easily confirm the effectiveness of breathing control.

[0095] [Second running process] Next, the second in-travel process executed when there are occupants in the driver's seat and passenger seat and the vehicle 100 is traveling will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the second in-travel process in Figure 4. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of simplified visual information displayed on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 provided in an instrument panel (not shown).

[0096] 12, in step S51, ECU 11 notifies the occupant of the driver's seat of the timing to inhale (breathe in) and exhale (breathe out) by inflating and deflating each of air bags 281-286 of first pressurizer 28A provided in driver's seat 2A via tactile information presenter 113. ECU 11 also notifies the occupant of the passenger's seat of the timing to inhale (breathe in) and exhale (breathe out) by inflating and deflating each of air bags 281-286 of second pressurizer 28B provided in passenger's seat 2B via tactile information presenter 113.

[0097] This provides tactile information for the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat to control their breathing. For example, tactile information presenting unit 113 inflates air bladders 281-286 to provide the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat with the pace and timing of exhalation (breathing out). Also, tactile information presenting unit 113 deflates air bladders 281-286 to provide the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat with the pace and timing of inhalation (breathing in). The occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat breathe according to the provided breathing rhythm. ECU 11 then proceeds to the process of step S52.

[0098] Here, ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the driver's seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from first heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25A of driver's seat 2A via biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, ECU 11 calculates a breathing rhythm (breathing pace) that guides the breathing of the occupant in the driver's seat and increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI). Next, ECU 11 inflates and deflates, via tactile information presentation unit 113, each of air bladders 281-286 of first inflator 28A provided in driver's seat 2A at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0099] Furthermore, ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the driver's seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from second heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25B of passenger seat 2B via biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, ECU 11 calculates a breathing rhythm (breathing pace) that guides the breathing of the occupant in the passenger seat and increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI). Next, ECU 11 inflates and deflates, via tactile information presentation unit 113, each of air bladders 281-286 of second pressurizer 28B provided in passenger seat 2B at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0100] In step S52, the ECU 11 determines whether the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is being used by an application other than the application of the first breathing control processing. If the ECU 11 determines that the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is being used by an application other than the application of the first breathing control processing (S52: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S53.

[0101] In step S53, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the passenger seat occupant from the ballistocardiogram signal of the passenger seat occupant input from the second respiration piezoelectric sheet 26B of the passenger seat 2B via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates the respiratory waveform of the passenger seat occupant from the increase and decrease in heartbeat frequency.

[0102] Next, ECU 11 calculates the breathing accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the breathing waveform of the passenger seat occupant from the breathing rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of air bladders 281-286 of second pressurizer 28B provided in passenger seat 2B. Then, ECU 11 overlays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy of the passenger seat occupant during breathing control on the screen of another application displayed on second display unit 14, and then proceeds to the processing of step S55 described below.

[0103] An example of displaying simplified visual information about the passenger seat occupant on the second display unit 14 will now be described with reference to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, a circular display frame 52 showing the respiration accuracy of the passenger seat occupant is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen of the second display unit 14, and the respiration accuracy of the passenger seat occupant, for example, 78%, is overlaid on the route guidance screen. When, for example, 100% is displayed in the display frame 52, the respiratory rhythm presented by the second pressurizer 28B and the respiratory waveform of the passenger seat occupant match.

[0104] If the respiratory waveform of the passenger seat occupant lags behind the respiratory rhythm presented by the second pressurizer 28B, the ECU 11 may display the inside of the display frame 52 in blue. On the other hand, if the respiratory waveform of the passenger seat occupant is faster than the respiratory rhythm presented by the second pressurizer 28B, the ECU 11 may display the inside of the display frame 52 in red. This allows the passenger seat occupant to easily recognize whether their breathing is fast or slow compared to the respiratory rhythm presented by the second pressurizer 28B.

[0105] 12, if it is determined in step S52 that the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13 is not being used by another application other than the first breathing control processing application (S52: NO), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S54. In step S54, the ECU 11 acquires, via the biological information acquisition unit 114, biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the passenger seat occupant from the ballistocardiogram signal of the passenger seat occupant input from the second breathing piezoelectric sheet 26B of the passenger seat 2B. Then, the ECU 11 calculates the respiratory waveform of the passenger seat occupant from the increase and decrease in heartbeat frequency.

[0106] Next, ECU 11 calculates the respiration accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the respiration waveform of the passenger seat occupant from the respiration rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of the air bladders 281-286 of second pressurizer 28B provided in passenger seat 2B. Then, ECU 11 displays simplified visual information indicating the respiration accuracy of the passenger seat occupant during respiration control in the center of the screen of second display unit 14. For example, ECU 11 displays a respiration accuracy display frame 52 shown in FIG. 13 in the center of the screen of second display unit 14, and displays the respiration accuracy of the passenger seat occupant, for example, 78%, within display frame 52. Then, ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S55.

[0107] In step S55, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the seated person from the ballistocardiogram signal of the seated person input from the first respiration piezoelectric sheet 26A of the driver's seat 2A via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates the respiratory waveform of the seated person from the increase and decrease in the heartbeat frequency.

[0108] Next, ECU 11 calculates the breathing accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the driver's breathing waveform from the breathing rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of air bladders 281-286 of first inflator 28A provided in driver's seat 2A. Then, ECU 11 displays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy during the driver's breathing control on first display unit 12, which is provided in meter panel 37 and functions as an information display. That is, ECU 11 executes the process of step S33 in step S55. After that, ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S56.

[0109] 10, the ECU 11 displays a circular respiration accuracy display frame 51 in the center of the screen of the first display unit 12, and displays the driver's respiration accuracy, for example, 78%, within the display frame 51. If the driver's respiration waveform lags behind the respiration rhythm presented by the first pressurizer 28A, the display frame 51 may be displayed in blue, and if the driver's respiration waveform is faster than the respiration rhythm presented by the first pressurizer 28A, the display frame 51 may be displayed in red. This allows the driver to easily recognize whether their respiration is fast or slow compared to the respiration rhythm presented by the first pressurizer 28A.

[0110] In step S56, the ECU 11 associates the biometric information of the passenger seat occupant, such as the heart rate, heart rate interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, and respiration accuracy, acquired in the process of step S53 or step S54, with the identification ID that identifies the passenger seat occupant, and stores the same in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. The ECU 11 also associates the biometric information of the driver seat occupant, such as the heart rate, heart rate interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, and respiration accuracy, acquired in the process of step S55, with the identification ID that identifies the driver seat, and stores the same in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. After that, the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S57.

[0111] In step S57, the ECU 11 determines whether breathing control for the occupants in the driver's seat and the passenger seat has been completed. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether a predetermined time, e.g., 10 to 20 minutes, has elapsed since the start of the first breathing control process, or whether the application of the first breathing control process has been manually terminated. Alternatively, the ECU 11 determines whether the shift lever (not shown) is in the [P] range.

[0112] If the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for the driver's seat and the passenger's seat has not been completed (S57: NO), it executes the process from step S51 onwards again. On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for the driver's seat and the passenger's seat has been completed (S57: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S58.

[0113] In step S58, the ECU 11 reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the driver's seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the first display unit 12. The ECU 11 also reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the passenger seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the second display unit 14. Thereafter, the ECU 11 ends the second during-travel processing, and returns to the first breathing control processing.

[0114] For example, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 of the driver's seat occupant from the respiratory guide 41 shown in Fig. 8, in approximately the center of the screen of the first display unit 12. In addition, to the right of the transition graph 47, a face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the driver's seat occupant before the breathing control, is displayed, and below the face mark 48, a face mark 49, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after the breathing control, is displayed. This allows the driver's seat occupant to easily confirm the effect of the breathing control.

[0115] 8, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 from the respiratory guide 41 of the passenger seat occupant, approximately in the center of the screen of the second display unit 14. The ECU 11 also displays the average respiratory accuracy above the transition graph 47. The ECU 11 also displays a face mark 48 to the right of the transition graph 47, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the passenger seat occupant before breathing control, and displays a face mark 49 below the face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after breathing control. This allows the passenger seat occupant to easily confirm the effectiveness of breathing control.

[0116] [Second Breathing Control Process] Next, the second breathing control process executed by the ECU 11 of the vehicle breathing control system 1 configured as above to control the breathing of the occupants seated in the left rear seat and the right rear seat will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the second breathing control process executed by the ECU 11 to control the breathing of the occupants seated in the left rear seat and the right rear seat.

[0117] The ECU 11 executes the program for the second breathing control process shown in Fig. 14 when, for example, the occupant in the driver's seat selects an application for the second breathing control process for controlling the breathing of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat, which is displayed on the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13. The program shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14 is stored in advance in the ROM.

[0118] 14, in step S61, the ECU 11 determines whether or not any of the left rear seat 2C and the right rear seat 2D has an occupant seated therein, based on signals input from the third seating piezoelectric seat 27C and the fourth seating piezoelectric seat 27D via the seating information acquisition unit 115. If the ECU 11 determines that no occupant is seated in either the left rear seat 2C or the right rear seat 2D (S61: NO), the ECU 11 terminates the second breathing control process.

[0119] On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that either the left rear seat 2C or the right rear seat 2D has an occupant seated therein (S61: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S62. In step S62, the ECU 11 determines whether the displays located in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat are being used by an application other than the application for the second respiratory control process.

[0120] For example, when an occupant is seated in the right rear seat 2D, the ECU 11 determines whether the third display unit 15 arranged on the rear surface of the seat back 22 of the driver's seat 2A is being used by an application other than the second breathing control processing application. Also, when an occupant is seated in the left rear seat 2C, the ECU 11 determines whether the fourth display unit 16 arranged on the rear surface of the seat back 22 of the passenger seat 2B is being used by an application other than the second breathing control processing application.

[0121] If the ECU 11 determines that the display placed in front of the seated occupant is being used by an application other than the application for the second breathing control processing (S62: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to the processing of step S63.

[0122] In step S63, ECU 11 presents breathing rhythms to the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat through tactile information from pressurizers 28C and 28D, and then proceeds to the process of step S64. Specifically, when there is an occupant in seat 2C in the left rear seat, ECU 11 inflates and deflates air bags 281-286 of third pressurizer 28C provided in seat 2C to present the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the left rear seat. This presents tactile information for the occupant in the left rear seat to control their breathing. The occupant in the left rear seat breathes according to the presented breathing rhythm.

[0123] Furthermore, when there is an occupant in the right rear seat 2D, the ECU 11 inflates and deflates the air bags 281-286 of the fourth pressurizer 28D provided in the seat 2D to indicate the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the right rear seat. This provides tactile information for the occupant in the right rear seat to control their breathing. The occupant in the right rear seat breathes according to the indicated breathing rhythm.

[0124] For example, tactile information presenting unit 113 inflates air bladders 281-286 to present the seated occupant with the pace and timing of exhalation (breathing out), and tactile information presenting unit 113 deflates air bladders 281-286 to present the seated occupant with the pace and timing of inhalation (breathing in).

[0125] Here, ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the left rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from third heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25C of left rear seat 2C via biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, ECU 11 calculates a breathing rhythm (breathing pace) that guides the breathing of the occupant in the left rear seat and increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI). Next, ECU 11 inflates and deflates, via tactile information presentation unit 113, each of air bladders 281-286 of third pressurizer 28C provided in left rear seat 2C at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0126] Furthermore, ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the right rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from fourth heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25D of right rear seat 2D via biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, ECU 11 calculates a breathing rhythm (breathing pace) that guides the breathing of the occupant in the right rear seat and increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI). Next, ECU 11 inflates and deflates, via tactile information presentation unit 113, each of air bladders 281-286 of fourth pressurizer 28D provided in right rear seat 2D at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0127] In step S64, the ECU 11 overlays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy of the occupants during breathing control on the front displays of the occupants seated in the left rear seat and the right rear seat via the biometric information acquisition unit 114, and then proceeds to the processing of step S66, which will be described later. Specifically, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the occupant in the left rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the third respiration piezoelectric sheet 26C of the seat 2C of the left rear seat via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. The ECU 11 then calculates the respiratory waveform of the occupant in the left rear seat from the increase and decrease in heart rate frequency.

[0128] Next, ECU 11 calculates the breathing accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the breathing waveform of the occupant in the left rear seat from the breathing rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of air bladders 281-286 of third pressurizer 28C provided in left rear seat 2C. ECU 11 then overlays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy of the occupant in the left rear seat during breathing control on the screen of another application displayed on fourth display unit 16 located in front of the left rear seat.

[0129] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the occupant in the right rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the fourth piezoelectric sheet for respiration 26D of the seat 2D in the right rear seat via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates the respiratory waveform of the occupant in the right rear seat from the increase and decrease in the heartbeat frequency.

[0130] Next, ECU 11 calculates the breathing accuracy, which is the amount of deviation of the breathing waveform of the occupant in the right rear seat from the breathing rhythm caused by inflating and deflating each of air bladders 281-286 of fourth pressurizer 28D provided in right rear seat seat 2D. ECU 11 then overlays simplified visual information indicating the breathing accuracy of the occupant in the right rear seat during breathing control on the screen of another application displayed on third display unit 15 located in front of the right rear seat.

[0131] Here, an example in which simple visual information about an occupant in the right rear seat is displayed on the third display unit 15 and an example in which simple visual information about an occupant in the left rear seat is displayed on the fourth display unit 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of simple visual information displayed on a display in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat.

[0132] 15, a circular respiration accuracy display frame 53 is displayed in the upper left corner of each of the screens of the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16, and the respiration accuracy of each of the occupants in the right rear seat and the left rear seat, for example, 80%, is overlaid on the route guidance screen. When, for example, 100% is displayed in the display frame 53, the respiratory rhythms presented by the third pressurizer 28C and the fourth pressurizer 28D match the respiratory waveforms of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat.

[0133] If the respiratory waveform lags behind the respiratory rhythm, the display frame 53 may be displayed in blue, whereas if the respiratory waveform is faster than the respiratory rhythm, the display frame 53 may be displayed in red. This allows the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat to easily recognize whether their breathing is fast or slow compared to the respiratory rhythms presented by the third pressurizer 28C and the fourth pressurizer 28D.

[0134] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, if in step S62 ECU 11 determines that the displays located in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat are not being used by an application other than the second respiratory control processing application (S62: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S65.

[0135] In step S65, ECU 11 presents detailed visual information for controlling the breathing of the occupants on displays located in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat, and then proceeds to processing in step S66.

[0136] Specifically, the detailed visual information displayed on the third display unit 15 disposed on the back of the driver's seat 2A is image information that indicates the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the right rear seat. The occupant in the right rear seat breathes according to the breathing rhythm displayed on the third display unit 15.

[0137] The detailed visual information displayed on the fourth display unit 16 disposed on the back of the passenger seat 2B is image information that indicates the timing of inhalation (breathing in) and exhalation (breathing out) to the occupant in the left rear seat. The occupant in the left rear seat breathes according to the breathing rhythm displayed on the fourth display unit 16.

[0138] An example of displaying detailed visual information about an occupant in the right rear seat on the third display unit 15 and an example of displaying detailed visual information about an occupant in the left rear seat on the fourth display unit 16 will now be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of detailed visual information displayed on a display in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat.

[0139] 16, the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16 display a breathing guide 41 that indicates the breathing timing of each of the occupants in the right rear seat and the left rear seat, and a breathing pacer 42 that moves on the breathing guide 41 to indicate the breathing rhythm of each of the occupants. In addition, the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16 display breathing waveforms 43 of each of the occupants in the right rear seat and the left rear seat.

[0140] Respiratory pacer 42 moves from bottom to top on breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing of inhalation, and moves from top to bottom on breathing guide 41 to indicate the timing of exhalation. As a result, the occupant in the right rear seat and the occupant in the left rear seat breathe in time with the movement of respiratory pacer 42 while watching respiratory pacer 42 moving on breathing guide 41.

[0141] Furthermore, the ECU 11 displays, vertically to the right of the breathing guide 41 displayed on the third display unit 15, face marks 45 representing the "heart rate," "respiratory rate," and internal conditions calculated based on heart rate variability information of the right rear seat occupant. This allows the right rear seat occupant to easily check their internal conditions, such as their heart rate, respiratory rate, and fatigue level and stress level calculated based on the heart rate variability information. Furthermore, the ECU 11 displays, vertically to the right of the breathing guide 41 displayed on the fourth display unit 16, face marks 45 representing the "heart rate," "respiratory rate," and internal conditions calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the left rear seat occupant. This allows the left rear seat occupant to easily check their internal conditions, such as their heart rate, respiratory rate, and fatigue level and stress level calculated based on the heart rate variability information.

[0142] Here, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the left rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the third heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25C of the left rear seat 2C via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a breathing guide 41 for the occupant in the left rear seat and a breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the left rear seat. Next, the ECU 11 moves the breathing pacer 42 displayed on the fourth display unit 16 on the breathing guide 41 at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0143] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biometric information such as the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the right rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the fourth heart rate piezoelectric sheet 25D of the right rear seat 2D via the biometric information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a breathing guide 41 for the occupant in the right rear seat and a breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability from the heart rate and heart rate interval (RRI) of the occupant in the right rear seat. Next, the ECU 11 moves the breathing pacer 42 displayed on the third display unit 15 on the breathing guide 41 at the calculated breathing rhythm that increases heart rate variability.

[0144] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the occupant in the left rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the third respiration piezoelectric sheet 26C of the left rear seat 2C via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a respiratory waveform 43 of the occupant in the left rear seat from the increase and decrease in heart rate frequency, and displays it superimposed on the respiratory guide 41 displayed on the fourth display unit 16. Therefore, the leading edge of the respiratory waveform 43 is displayed superimposed on the respiratory pacer 42.

[0145] This allows the occupant in the left rear seat to breathe while visually checking the degree of deviation between the occupant's actual breathing and the breathing timing that increases heart rate variability indicated by the respiratory pacer 42, thereby enabling effective heart rate variability biofeedback.

[0146] Furthermore, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as the respiratory sinus arrhythmia component (RSA) of the occupant in the right rear seat from the ballistocardiogram signal of the occupant input from the fourth respiration piezoelectric sheet 26D of the right rear seat 2D via the biological information acquisition unit 114. Then, the ECU 11 calculates a respiratory waveform 43 of the occupant in the right rear seat from the increase and decrease in heart rate frequency, and displays it superimposed on the respiratory guide 41 displayed on the third display unit 15. Therefore, the leading edge of the respiratory waveform 43 is displayed superimposed on the respiratory pacer 42.

[0147] This allows the occupant in the right rear seat to breathe while visually checking the degree of deviation between the occupant's actual breathing and the breathing timing that increases heart rate variability indicated by the respiratory pacer 42, thereby enabling effective heart rate variability biofeedback.

[0148] 14, in step S66, the ECU 11 associates the biometric information, such as the heart rate, heart rate interval, respiratory sinus arrhythmia component, and respiration accuracy of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat, acquired in the processes of steps S63 and S64 or step S65, with the identification IDs that identify the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat, and stores the information in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. Thereafter, the ECU 11 proceeds to the process of step S67. The identification IDs that identify the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat are input by the occupant in the driver's seat when the occupant in the driver's seat selects the application for the second respiratory control process.

[0149] In step S67, the ECU 11 determines whether breathing control for the occupants in the left and right rear seats has been completed. For example, the ECU 11 determines whether a predetermined time, for example, 10 to 20 minutes, has elapsed since the start of the second breathing control process, or whether the application of the second breathing control process has been manually terminated.

[0150] If the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for the occupants in the left and right rear seats has not been completed (S67: NO), it executes the processing from step S62 onwards again.On the other hand, if the ECU 11 determines that breathing control for the occupants in the left and right rear seats has been completed (S67: YES), it proceeds to the processing of step S68.

[0151] In step S68, the ECU 11 reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the left rear seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation result of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the fourth display unit 16. The ECU 11 also reads the biometric information of the occupant sitting in the right rear seat from the biometric information database 17A, and displays a summary showing the evaluation result of the breathing accuracy during breathing control on the third display unit 15. Thereafter, the ECU 11 ends the second breathing control process.

[0152] An example of a summary showing the evaluation results of breathing accuracy during breathing control displayed on the fourth display unit 16 and the third display unit 15 located in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat will now be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing the evaluation of breathing accuracy during breathing control displayed on the displays in front of the occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat.

[0153] 17, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 from the respiratory guide 41 of the occupant in the right rear seat, in the center of the screen of the third display unit 15. The ECU 11 also displays the average respiratory accuracy of the occupant in the right rear seat above the transition graph 47. The ECU 11 also displays a face mark 48, which indicates the internal state of the occupant in the right rear seat calculated based on the heart rate variability information before breathing control, to the right of the transition graph 47, and displays a face mark 49, which indicates the internal state of the occupant in the right rear seat calculated based on the heart rate variability information after breathing control, below the face mark 48.

[0154] Furthermore, the ECU 11 displays a respiratory accuracy transition graph 47, which indicates the amount of deviation of the respiratory waveform 43 from the respiratory guide 41 of the left rear seat occupant, in the center of the screen of the fourth display unit 16. The ECU 11 also displays the average respiratory accuracy of the left rear seat occupant above the transition graph 47. The ECU 11 also displays a face mark 48, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information of the left rear seat occupant before breathing control, to the right of the transition graph 47, and displays a face mark 49, which indicates the internal state calculated based on the heart rate variability information after breathing control, below the face mark 48.

[0155] As described above in detail, the vehicle breathing control system 1 according to this embodiment presents breathing timings for breathing to each of the occupants detected by the seating piezoelectric sheets 27A to 27D based on the biological information of the occupants seated in the seats 2A to 2D in the vehicle cabin. This makes it possible to perform breathing control (control of breathing timing) suited to each occupant seated in the seats 2A to 2D in the vehicle cabin.

[0156] Furthermore, while driving, the tactile stimulation caused by the inflation and deflation of the air bags 281-286 of the first pressurizer 28A and the second pressurizer 28B provided in the driver's seat and the passenger seat respectively can provide the timing for breathing to each occupant in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, enabling safe and continuous breathing control that is suited to each individual.

[0157] Furthermore, while the vehicle is parked, detailed visual information indicating the breathing timing of the driver is presented via the first display unit 12, and detailed visual information indicating the breathing timing of the passenger in the front passenger seat is presented via the second display unit 14. This allows the appropriate breathing timing for each person to be presented, enabling breathing control.

[0158] In addition, when there is no passenger in the passenger seat, the driver can see detailed visual information indicating the breathing timing via the second display unit 14 of the navigation system 13, and can easily check the breathing timing.

[0159] Furthermore, when images are displayed on the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16, the breathing timing can be presented to each occupant in the left rear seat and the right rear seat through tactile stimulation caused by the inflation and deflation of the air bags 281 to 286 of the third pressurizer 28C and the fourth pressurizer 28D provided in the left rear seat and the right rear seat, making it possible to control breathing in a way that suits each individual.

[0160] Furthermore, when an image from another application is not displayed on the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16, detailed visual information indicating the breathing timing of each of the occupants in the right rear seat and the left rear seat is displayed on the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16. This allows breathing control by presenting breathing timing suited to each person.

[0161] Furthermore, with a simple configuration using first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D in which air bladders 281 to 286 inflate and deflate, breathing timing suited to each individual can be presented to the seated occupant by the pressure applied to them.

[0162] [Variations] A modification of the above embodiment will be described. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0163] [Variation 1] For example, if the third display unit 15 and the fourth display unit 16 are not located in front of the right rear seat and the left rear seat, the third pressurizer 28C and the fourth pressurizer 28D may always provide tactile stimulation in time with the breathing rhythm during breathing control. This makes it possible to control breathing (control the timing of breathing) for occupants in the left rear seat and the right rear seat even when no displays are located in front of them.

[0164] [Variation 2] Furthermore, for example, the average breathing accuracy during breathing control may be associated with the seated occupant's ID and stored in the biometric information database 17A of the storage unit 17. A summary showing the evaluation results of breathing accuracy during breathing control may be created by creating an improvement progress graph in which the average breathing accuracy is set on the vertical axis and the implementation date is set on the horizontal axis, and the average breathing accuracy for each of several to several tens of breathing control attempts is plotted, and presented to the seated occupant. This allows the seated occupant to know the progress of improvement in breathing accuracy due to breathing control, and enables them to continue breathing control.

[0165] [Variation 3] Furthermore, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet may be configured to acquire the biological information data stored in the biological information database 17A of the storage unit 17. The mobile terminal may then create a summary showing the evaluation results of the breathing accuracy during breathing control and display it on a display. This allows the user to check the evaluation results of breathing control outside the vehicle.

[0166] [Variation 4] Also, for example, the air pump 31 may be provided for each of the seats 2A to 2D, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the air pump.

[0167] [Variation 5] Also, for example, a vibration device that applies mechanical vibration to the seated occupant may be provided instead of the first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D, and the ECU 11 may notify the seated occupant of the timing of breathing by providing a tactile stimulus based on the mechanical vibration of the vibration device.

[0168] [Variation 6] Furthermore, for example, first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D may be provided in seats of an airplane, train, or the like, not limited to vehicle 100. In this way, the tactile stimulation caused by the inflation and deflation of air bladders 281 to 286 of first to fourth pressurizers 28A to 28D can provide breathing timing to a person seated in a seat of an airplane, train, or the like, enabling breathing control suited to each person.

[0169] [Variation 7] Furthermore, for example, the ECU 11 acquires biological information such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia components (RSA) of the occupants of each of the seats 2A to 2D from ballistocardiogram signals of the occupants input from the first heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25A to the fourth heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25D. The ECU 11 may then calculate the respiratory waveform of the occupants of each of the seats 2A to 2D from increases and decreases in heartbeat frequency. This makes it possible to eliminate the first breathing piezoelectric sheet 26A to the fourth breathing piezoelectric sheet 26D.

[0170] [Variation 8] Furthermore, for example, the ECU 11 may detect whether or not an occupant is seated in each of the seats 2A to 2D from the ballistocardiogram signals of the occupant input from the first heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25A to the fourth heartbeat piezoelectric sheet 25D, thereby making it possible to eliminate the first seating piezoelectric sheet 27A to the fourth seating piezoelectric sheet 27D.

[0171] [Variation 9] Furthermore, for example, in each of steps S24, S37, S43, S56, and S66, the ECU 11 may transmit biological information such as the heart rate, heart rate interval, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia component of the seated occupant to a predetermined cloud server such as a cloud server for vehicle service via a communication network such as the Internet, in association with an identification ID that identifies the seated occupant. The predetermined cloud server may then store the biological information received via the communication network in a biological information database 17A provided in a storage unit of the cloud server, in association with the identification ID that identifies the seated occupant.

[0172] Furthermore, in steps S26, S39, S45, S58, and S68, the ECU 11 may acquire the biological information of the seated occupant from a predetermined cloud server via a communication network and display a summary showing the evaluation result of the breathing accuracy during breathing control, thereby reducing the storage capacity of the storage unit 17 provided in the vehicle 100.

[0173] [Additional Notes] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1: Vehicle breathing control system, 2A to 2D: Seat, 11: ECU, 12: First display unit, 14: Second display unit, 15: Third display unit, 16: Fourth display unit, 22: Seat back, 28A: First pressurizer, 28B: Second pressurizer, 28C: Third pressurizer, 28D: Fourth pressurizer, 31: Air pump, 32A: First supply valve, 32B: Second supply valve, 32C: Third supply valve, 32D: Fourth supply valve, 33A: First exhaust valve, 33B: Second exhaust valve, 33C: Third exhaust valve, 33D: Fourth exhaust valve, 111: Presentation information instruction unit, 113: Tactile information presentation unit, 114: Biometric information acquisition unit, 115: Seating information acquisition unit, 117: Gear information acquisition unit,

Claims

1. a biometric information acquiring unit provided in each of one or more seats in a vehicle cabin for acquiring biometric information of a seat occupant; a presentation unit that presents a breathing timing to each of the seat occupants based on the biological information of the seat occupants; Equipped with Vehicle Breathing Control System.

2. a seat occupant detection unit provided in each of the one or more seats to detect the presence or absence of an occupant; The presentation unit is presenting the breathing timing to the seated occupant detected by the seated occupant detection unit; 10. The vehicle respiratory control system of claim 1.

3. The plurality of seats include a driver's seat and a passenger seat, A driving state detection unit that detects a driving state including a driving state and a parked state of the vehicle; A control device; Equipped with The presentation unit is a tactile stimulus presentation unit provided in each of the plurality of seats and configured to present the breathing timing by a tactile stimulus; A first display unit provided on a meter panel; a second display unit of a navigation system provided on an instrument panel between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat; having The control device includes: When it is detected via the driving state detection unit that the vehicle is traveling, the breathing timing is presented to the occupants of the driver's seat and the passenger seat by tactile stimulation via the tactile stimulation presentation unit, and visual simple information including the breathing accuracy of the occupant of the driver's seat is presented via the first display unit, and visual simple information including the breathing accuracy of the occupant of the passenger seat is presented via the second display unit.

3. A vehicle respiratory control system as claimed in claim 2.

4. The control device includes: When detecting via the driving state detection unit that the vehicle is parked, presenting via the first display unit visual detailed information representing the breathing timing of a person seated in the driver's seat; presenting visual detailed information representing the breathing timing of the passenger in the passenger seat via the second display unit; 4. A vehicle respiratory control system as claimed in claim 3.

5. The control device includes: When it is detected through the driving state detection unit that the vehicle is parked and when it is detected through the occupant detection unit that there is no occupant in the passenger seat, the visual detailed information representing the breathing timing of the occupant in the driver's seat is presented through the second display unit instead of the first display unit.

5. A vehicle respiratory control system as claimed in claim 4.

6. The plurality of seats include a left rear seat and a right rear seat, The presentation unit is The tactile stimulus presentation unit is provided in each of the left rear seat and the right rear seat; A third display unit provided on a rear surface of a seat back of the driver's seat; a fourth display unit provided on a rear surface of a seat back of the passenger seat; having The control device includes: When images are displayed on the third display unit and the fourth display unit, the breathing timing is presented to the occupants of the left rear seat and the right rear seat by tactile stimulation via the tactile stimulation presentation unit, and visual simple information including the breathing accuracy of the occupant of the right rear seat is presented via the third display unit, and visual simple information including the breathing accuracy of the occupant of the left rear seat is presented via the fourth display unit.

4. A vehicle respiratory control system as claimed in claim 3.

7. The control device includes: When no image is displayed on the third display unit and the fourth display unit, visual detailed information indicating the breathing timing of the occupant in the right rear seat is presented via the third display unit, and visual detailed information indicating the breathing timing of the occupant in the left rear seat is presented via the fourth display unit.

7. A vehicle respiratory control system as claimed in claim 6.

8. The tactile stimulation presentation unit is a compressor disposed on the seat and having at least one air bag capable of being inflated and deflated by supplying and discharging air; An air pump that discharges air; a supply valve for switching the supply destination of the discharged air of the air pump to the compressor; an exhaust valve that switches between a state in which air is discharged from within the pressurizer and a state in which air is not discharged; having The control device includes: The tactile stimulus is presented as a pressing force to the seated occupant by a pressurizer generated by operating or stopping the air pump and switching the supply valve and the exhaust valve.

8. A vehicle respiratory control system according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

Images