Seat system

Abstract

To provide a seat system capable of giving points obtained by executing an application for providing an experience using a seat provided with sensors to another person except a seating person.SOLUTION: A seat system SYS includes: a seat S that is provided with pressure sensors PS (sensors); a smartphone SP that can execute an application for providing a seating person with an experience (a game or the like) using the seat S by using data acquired from the pressure sensors PS; and a server 300 that can communicate with the smartphone SP. The smartphone SP determines whether or not to satisfy a point giving condition in the case of executing the application, and transmits a determination result to the server 300 in the case of satisfying at least the point giving condition. The server 300 increases points stored in association with identification information of another person except the seating person on condition that the determination result of satisfying the point giving condition is received from the smartphone SP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat system including a seat provided with a sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] The applicant of the present application has proposed a seat system that includes a seat equipped with a pressure sensor, a smartphone capable of executing an application that uses data acquired from the pressure sensor to provide a seat-based game to a person sitting in the seat, and a server capable of communicating with the smartphone (Patent Document 1). In this technology, when a person plays a game and the result satisfies the conditions for point awarding, the smartphone transmits the determination result to a server, and the server increases the points stored in association with the identification information of the person sitting in the seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 235462 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, if the points that can be earned by running the application could be donated to people other than the seat occupant, such as supporting individuals, companies, local governments, or charitable organizations, it is expected that this will encourage greater use of the seat system.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat system that can grant points obtained by running an application that provides an experience using a seat equipped with a sensor to someone other than the seat occupant. Another object of the present invention is to enable seat occupants to freely set the targets for which points will be awarded. Another object of the present invention is to enable seated persons to freely set the targets for which points will be awarded for each application. Another object is to allow seat occupants to freely set the targets for which points will be awarded depending on the period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A seat system for achieving the above-mentioned objective comprises a seat equipped with a sensor, an application execution device capable of executing an application that provides an occupant with an experience of using the seat using data obtained from the sensor, and a server capable of communicating with the application execution device, wherein the application execution device determines whether or not a point awarding condition is met when the application is executed, and if at least the point awarding condition is met, transmits the determination result to the server, and the server increases the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of a person other than the occupant, on the condition that it receives a determination result from the application execution device that the point awarding condition is met.

[0007] According to this configuration, points that can be obtained by executing an application that provides an experience using a seat equipped with a sensor can be given to someone other than the seat occupant.

[0008] In the above-mentioned seat system, the application execution device, when executing an application, provides an interface that allows the seat occupant to select at least one other person from a plurality of other people for whom points are to be increased, and transmits the selection result to the server, and when increasing points, the server can be configured to increase the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of the selected other person.

[0009] This allows the seat occupant to freely set the target for which points are to be awarded.

[0010] In the above-mentioned seat system, there are multiple applications that can be executed by the application execution device, and the application execution device provides an interface that allows the seat occupant to select at least one other person for each application from multiple other people for whom points are to be increased when an application is executed, and transmits the selection result to the server, and when points are to be increased, the server increases the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of the selected other person.

[0011] This allows the seat occupant to freely set the targets for which points will be awarded for each application.

[0012] In the above-mentioned seat system, the application execution device can be configured to provide an interface that allows the seat occupant to set a period for increasing the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of another person when the application is executed, and to transmit the set result to the server, and when increasing the points, the server can increase the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of another person for the set period.

[0013] This allows seat occupants to freely set the targets for which points will be awarded depending on the period.

[0014] In the above-mentioned seat system, the applications executable on the app execution device include an application that provides a game using the seat, and the app execution device can be configured to determine whether the point awarding conditions are met when the game is executed.

[0015] In the seat system described above, the sensor may include a plurality of pressure sensors. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, points obtained by executing an application that provides an experience using a seat provided with a sensor can be given to someone other than the seat occupant.

[0017] In addition, by having the seated person select at least one other person from a plurality of other people who are targets for which points are to be increased, the seated person can freely set the target to which points are to be awarded.

[0018] In addition, by having the seated person select at least one other person for each application from among a plurality of other people who are targets for increasing points, the seated person can freely set the target for which points are to be awarded for each application.

[0019] Furthermore, by allowing the seat occupant to set the period during which points are to be increased, the seat occupant can freely set the targets to which points are to be awarded depending on the period. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a seat system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the layout of a system in a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a seat. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a seat control unit and a smartphone. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server. [Figure 6] 11 is a graph showing changes in pressure values ​​acquired by a pressure sensor when legs are raised alternately. [Figure 7] 11 is a time chart showing pressure values, determination results of fluctuations in the pressure values, and determination times. [Figure 8] 13A shows a start screen when a game application for a leg-raising game is executed, FIG. 13B shows a target selection screen, and FIG. 13C shows a period setting screen. [Figure 9]13A and 13B show a start screen when another game app is executed. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the smartphone and the server. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of giving points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat system SYS of this embodiment includes a seat S, a seat control unit 100, a smartphone SP as an example of an application execution device, and a server 300.

[0022] The seat S includes a seat body S0 on which a person sits, a plurality of pressure sensors PS (PS1 to PS6; see FIG. 3) that are provided in the seat body S0 and obtain measured values ​​for detecting the motion of a person sitting in the seat body S0, and a seat control unit 100 that is connected to the pressure sensors PS so as to obtain measured values ​​from the plurality of pressure sensors PS. That is, in this embodiment, the seat S is provided with a sensor, and this sensor includes a plurality of pressure sensors PS.

[0023] The smartphone SP is communicatively connected to the seat control unit 100 via short-range wireless communication, notifies the person (seat occupant) sitting on the seat body S0 of instructions to perform an action, and stores user identification information for identifying the user. Specifically, the smartphone SP is configured to provide, for example, a game on the seat body S0 by executing an installed application (hereinafter referred to as an "app"), and notifies the seat occupant of instructions to perform an action by images and / or sounds during the progress of the game. The smartphone SP is also connected to the Internet N, and is capable of Internet communication with external devices.

[0024] The server 300 is connected to the Internet N and is capable of communicating with the smartphone SP via the Internet N.

[0025] 2, the seat S of this embodiment is a vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle CR. A plurality of seat bodies S0 are mounted in the vehicle CR, and each seat body S0 is connected to one seat control unit 100.

[0026] 3, the seat body S0 has a seat cushion S1 and a seat back S2, with pressure sensors PS1 to PS3 provided under the surface of the seat cushion S1 and pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 provided under the surface of the seat back S2. Each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 is provided in pairs symmetrically with respect to the center of the seat body S0.

[0027] The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are disposed at positions on the seat cushion S1 corresponding to the buttocks of a seated person. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the seat bone of the seated person where the weight from the seated person is greatest, and the pressure sensor PS2 is disposed at a position slightly in front of the pressure sensor PS1. The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 acquire the measured value of the pressure from the buttocks of the seated person (hereinafter also referred to as the "pressure value"). The pressure sensor PS3 is disposed at a position far forward from the pressure sensors PS1 and PS2, specifically, at a position corresponding to the thighs of a seated person. The pressure sensor PS3 acquires a measurement value of the pressure from the thighs of the seated person.

[0028] The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are disposed under the seat back S2. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS4 is disposed at a position corresponding to the back of the seated occupant's waist, and the pressure sensor PS5 is disposed slightly above the pressure sensor PS4. The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 obtain measurements of pressure from the seated occupant's waist. The pressure sensor PS6 is disposed at a position far above the pressure sensors PS4 and PS5, specifically, at a position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the seated person. The pressure sensor PS6 acquires a pressure measurement value from the position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the seated person.

[0029] A short-range communication device 3A that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is connected to the seat control device 100. The seat control device 100 is configured to obtain pressure values ​​from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 of each seat body S0 and transmit the pressure values ​​to the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3A.

[0030] The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are elements whose electrical resistance changes depending on, for example, external pressure, and the greater the pressure value, the higher (or lower) the voltage of the detection signal. Therefore, the magnitude of pressure values ​​is actually compared based on the magnitude of voltage values, but in this specification, for ease of understanding, the comparison is made based on the magnitude of pressure values.

[0031] 4, the seat control unit 100 has a measurement acquisition unit 110, a processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 190. The seat control unit 100 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown, and each functional unit is realized by executing a program stored in advance.

[0032] The measurement value acquiring unit 110 has a function of acquiring pressure measurement values ​​from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 at regular control cycles. The measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquiring unit 110 are stored in the storage unit 190 and used by the processing unit 120. The storage unit 190 is used to appropriately store data required for calculations, processing, and the like.

[0033] The processing unit 120 performs A / D conversion on the measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 110. Then, the digitized measurement values ​​are transmitted to the smartphone SP via the communication unit .

[0034] The smartphone SP has an application execution unit 210, a first condition determination unit 220, and a second condition determination unit 230. The smartphone SP also has an Internet communication unit 280 and a storage unit 290. The smartphone SP has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown, and each functional unit is realized by executing a program stored in advance. The smartphone SP has a short-range communication function and can communicate with the seat control unit 100. The smartphone SP can also connect to the Internet N via the Internet communication unit 280, and can communicate with the server 300 (see FIG. 1) based on a preset communication setting.

[0035] The application execution unit 210 is capable of executing applications installed on the smartphone SP. The applications executable on the smartphone SP include an application that provides an experience of using the seat S to a seated person using data acquired from a pressure sensor PS provided on the seat S. There are multiple applications executable on the smartphone SP. The applications executable on the smartphone SP include an application that provides a game using the seat S as an example of an experience of using the seat S (hereinafter referred to as a "game application").

[0036] When the game application is started, it executes the progress and end of the game. Then, after the game ends, the smartphone SP has the first condition determination unit 220 and the second condition determination unit 230 determine the conditions for point granting, and transmits an instruction to grant points to the server 300 when the conditions for point granting are met. When the game application is executed, it provides the seated person with an instruction to move through the display DSP (see FIG. 3) of the smartphone SP and a speaker (not shown), and provides the game. The content of the instruction to move here is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an instruction to alternately lift the legs or to twist the upper body left and right. The instruction may be given by text or voice as an explanation at the beginning of the game, or an image of the place to be moved may be shown on the display DSP as the game progresses.

[0037] In this embodiment, the content of the game is not important, so as a simple example, we will explain a game (hereinafter referred to as the "leg raising game") in which participants quickly raise their legs alternately for 10 seconds and compete to see who can take the most steps (number of times they raise their legs) in 10 seconds.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows an example of the measured value of the pressure sensor PS3 when a seated person alternately lifts his / her legs on the seat S. R is the pressure value of the right pressure sensor PS3, P3 L indicates the pressure value of the left pressure sensor PS3. As shown in this measurement, when you alternately lift your feet, P3 R and P3 L Since becomes smaller, P3 R and P3 L It is preferable to detect the peak of the seated person and determine that the person has taken a step when the peak is detected. The peak can be detected, for example, as follows. R and P3 L Average value of P3 A Calculate the average value P3 A A value smaller than the threshold value P3 by a certain percentage is set as the threshold value P3th. R or P3 L When the value starts to increase after falling below the threshold value P3th, it can be determined that the peak has been reached.

[0039] When a game application is launched, the application execution unit 210 displays, for example, a start screen as shown in FIG. 8(a) on the display DSP of the smartphone SP. Then, when the start button B1 is selected, a guide to the predetermined game is provided to the seated person by voice or image. After that, when the game is started, for example, in the case of a leg-raising game, a signal to start the game is notified by voice and image, and a timer is started. Then, after the timer starts, peaks are detected based on the pressure values ​​received from the seat control unit 100 for 10 seconds. Then, the number of steps, that is, the number of peaks, is presented on the display DSP as the "number of steps" which is the result of the game.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 4, the first condition determination unit 220 determines whether or not a first condition, which will be described later as a point granting condition, is satisfied when the application is executed. Specifically, the first condition determination unit 220 determines whether or not the first condition is satisfied based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor PS3 when a game of a game application is executed. In this embodiment, the first condition is that the number of steps, which is the result of the game, is a predetermined number of steps or more (for example, 40 steps or more). The first condition determination unit 220 stores the determination result in the storage unit 190 as needed.

[0041] The second condition determination unit 230 determines whether or not a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the second condition is that the seated person sits still for a while before playing the game. Specifically, the second condition is that the time during which the magnitude of the seated person's movement is less than a predetermined value is equal to or longer than a predetermined value, based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor PS3. More specifically, this predetermined time is an accumulated time, and the determination time TJ, which is the accumulation of the time during which the fluctuation of the measurement value of the pressure sensor PS3 is less than a predetermined value, is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (threshold value TJth).

[0042] This change can be determined, for example, as follows. FIG. 7 shows the pressure P3 R and P3 L The time chart shows the change in P3 during the immediately preceding predetermined period TP, the result of the determination of the presence or absence of a change, and the determination time TJ. R and P3 L If the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that there is a fluctuation (set to 1 in FIG. 7), and if it is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no fluctuation (set to 0 in FIG. 7). In the example of FIG. 7, at time t1, P3 during a predetermined period TP immediately before that R and P3 L When the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the fluctuation judgment becomes 1, and at time t2, P3 during the immediately preceding predetermined period TP R and P3 L The difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​is less than a predetermined value, and the fluctuation is judged to be 0.

[0043] The second condition determination unit 230 performs this fluctuation determination, and when the fluctuation determination is 0, counts up the determination time TJ, and when the fluctuation determination is 1, stops counting up the determination time TJ. Then, when the determination time TJ reaches a threshold value TJth, it determines that the second condition is satisfied. Then, after points are awarded (increased) in the server 300, it resets the determination time TJ (t3). The second condition determination unit 230 stores the fluctuation determination and the determination time in the storage unit 290 as needed.

[0044] When at least the first condition is satisfied, the smartphone SP transmits the determination result to the server 300. In detail, when the smartphone SP satisfies both the first condition and the second condition as a result of the determination by the first condition determination unit 220 and the second condition determination unit 230, the smartphone SP transmits an instruction to give points as the determination result to the server 300.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the storage unit 290 stores the user identification information (first user identification information) of the seated person for identifying the seated person. The smartphone SP transmits the first user identification information when transmitting, to the server 300, an instruction to provide points, an instruction to set a point-providing target, which will be described later, an instruction to set a point-providing period, etc. The user identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is unique data that can identify the user, and can be, for example, a simple number, a string of alphanumeric characters, an email address, a telephone number, etc.

[0046] 8(a), when the application execution unit 210 executes a game application, it displays a start screen on the display DSP of the smartphone SP. On the start screen, the application execution unit 210 displays a start button B1 for starting the game (game progress), an end button B2 for ending the game (application), and a point allocation setting button B3.

[0047] When the point allocation setting button B3 is selected, the application execution unit 210 provides an interface that allows the seated person to select at least one other person from a plurality of other people who are targets for increasing points. Here, the other person is a person other than the seated person sitting in the seat S, and may be an individual or an organization such as a company, a local government, a charity organization, a sports team, or an idol group.

[0048] Specifically, when the point allocation setting button B3 is selected, the application execution unit 210 displays a target selection screen as shown in Fig. 8(b) on the display DSP. As an example, the application execution unit 210 displays, on the target selection screen, a plurality of selection buttons B11 for selecting others (here, groups A to F) to which points will be allocated, an OK button B12, and a back button B13 for returning to the previous screen. Then, the seated person can select the group to which points will be allocated from groups A to F by selecting one or more selection buttons B11 and then selecting the OK button B12.

[0049] In addition, the application execution unit 210 of this embodiment displays a selection button ("User A" button) B14 for selecting the seated person himself / herself as a target to which points are to be given on the target selection screen. When the seated person selects the selection button B14 and then the OK button B12, the application execution unit 210 displays the start screen shown in Fig. 8(a) on the display DSP.

[0050] When the seated occupant selects an object to which points are to be awarded, the smartphone SP transmits to the server 300 an instruction to set the object as a result of the selection.

[0051] The seat system SYS may be configured to equally divide and award points when the seat occupant selects multiple organizations, or may be configured to provide an interface that allows the seat occupant to set the ratio of points to be awarded on the smartphone SP, and to award points at the ratio set by the seat occupant. The seat system SYS may also be configured to allow the seat occupant to select both himself or herself and organizations (other people), and to allocate points as described above.

[0052] After the seated person selects the group to which points will be granted, the application execution unit 210 provides an interface that allows the seated person to set a period for increasing the points stored in association with the identification information (second user identification information) of the selected group. Specifically, when the seated person selects the selection button B11 on the target selection screen shown in Fig. 8(b) and then selects the OK button B12, the application execution unit 210 displays a period setting screen as shown in Fig. 8(c) on the display DSP.

[0053] As an example, the application execution unit 210 displays, on the period setting screen, a plurality of selection buttons B21 for selecting a period for which points are to be awarded, an OK button B22, and a back button B23 for returning to the previous screen. The selection button B21 has six period examples set therein: "This time only," "1 day," "1 week," "1 month," "6 months," and "1 year." The seat occupant can set the period for which points are to be awarded by selecting one of the selection buttons B21 and then selecting the OK button B22.

[0054] When the seat occupant sets the period for which points are to be awarded, the smartphone SP transmits an instruction to set the awarding period as a result of the setting to the server 300. After the seat occupant sets the period for which points are to be awarded, the application execution unit 210 displays the start screen shown in Fig. 8(a) on the display DSP again.

[0055] The screen configuration shown in Fig. 8 is an example. That is, for example, in the target setting screen or the period setting screen, the organization and period to which points are to be awarded may be selected, for example, from a drop-down list, instead of the selection buttons B11, B21. Also, the organization and period to which points are to be awarded may be set by the seated person himself / herself.

[0056] When the application execution unit 210 executes the application, it provides an interface that allows the seated person to select at least one organization from a plurality of organizations for each application. In addition, when an organization to which points are to be awarded is selected, the application execution unit 210 provides an interface that allows the seated person to set a point awarding period for each application.

[0057] Specifically, for example, when the application executing unit 210 executes a game application for a leg-raising game, the application executing unit 210 displays a start screen as shown in Fig. 8(a) on the display DSP. When the application executing unit 210 executes a game application for a running game, which is a different application from the leg-raising game application, the application executing unit 210 displays a start screen as shown in Fig. 9(a) on the display DSP. When the application executing unit 210 executes a game application for a sitting game, which is a different application from the leg-raising game and the running game applications, the application executing unit 210 displays a start screen as shown in Fig. 9(b) on the display DSP.

[0058] The application execution unit 210 displays a start button B1, an end button B2, and a point allocation setting button B3 on the start screen. By selecting the point allocation setting button B3 and proceeding with the above-mentioned operations, it becomes possible to set the organization and period to which points are allocated for each application.

[0059] 9(a) is a game in which a character displayed on a display DSP runs from a start to a goal by moving the legs up and down alternately, and the faster the legs are moved up and down, the faster the character can run. In the running game, for example, the first condition can be that the time to the goal is within a predetermined time.

[0060] 9(b) is a game in which the player sits correctly on the seat S, and the closer the pressure values ​​acquired by the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are to the ideal values, the higher the score that can be obtained. In the sitting game, for example, the first condition can be that the score is equal to or greater than a predetermined score.

[0061] 5, the server 300 includes a point granting unit 310, a grant target setting unit 320, a grant period setting unit 330, an Internet communication unit 380, and a storage unit 390. The server 300 is connected to the Internet N via the Internet communication unit 380 and can communicate with the smartphone SP via the Internet N.

[0062] The storage unit 390 appropriately stores data necessary for the operation of the server 300. The storage unit 390 also stores points in association with user identification information. Specifically, the storage unit 390 stores points granted to a seated person identified by first user identification information, which is identification information of the seated person, and points granted to an organization identified by second user identification information, which is identification information of the organization (others than the seated person).

[0063] When the point allocating unit 310 receives a point allocating instruction from the smartphone SP, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points related to the first user identification information included in the point allocating instruction by a predetermined amount. The specific content of increasing the points related to the first user identification information will be described later. The points to be increased may be a fixed value, or may be varied depending on the time, the period, the type of user, etc.

[0064] The server 300 receives a point-granting instruction when the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is also satisfied. The server 300 increases the points stored in association with the user identification information, on the condition (necessary condition) that it has received a determination result (point-granting instruction) from the smartphone SP that at least the first condition is satisfied. The server 300 increases the points when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, and does not increase the points when the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied.

[0065] When the points are increased, the point allocating unit 310 transmits a notice to that effect to the smartphone SP.

[0066] When the grant target setting unit 320 receives an instruction to set the grant target from the smartphone SP, it associates the user identification information with the information of the running app and the information of the selected target based on the first user identification information, information of the running app, and information of the selected target included in the instruction to set the grant target, and stores them in the memory unit 390.

[0067] Specifically, when the selected target is an organization, the grant target setting unit 320 associates the first user identification information, the information of the running app, and the second user identification information of the organization in the storage unit 390. When the selected target is the seated person, the grant target setting unit 320 associates the first user identification information with the information of the running app in the storage unit 390. This sets the target to which points are to be granted. When the grant target setting unit 320 has set the target to which points are to be granted, it transmits that information to the smartphone SP.

[0068] When the point allocating unit 310 receives a point allocating instruction to increase points, if the selected target is an organization, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the second user identification information of the selected organization. Specifically, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the first user information included in the point allocating instruction and the second user identification information stored in association with the information of the running application. As a result, points are allotted to the organization identified by the second user identification information.

[0069] Furthermore, when the point allocating unit 310 receives a point allocating instruction to increase the points, if the selected target is the seated person, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the first user identification information. As a result, the points are allotted to the seated person.

[0070] When the grant period setting unit 330 receives an instruction to set the grant period from the smartphone SP, the grant period setting unit 330 first acquires from the storage unit 390 the second user identification information of the organization stored in association with the first user identification information and the information of the running application included in the instruction to set the grant period. Then, the grant period setting unit 330 associates the acquired second user identification information with the information of the set period included in the instruction to set the grant period and stores them in the storage unit 390. This sets the period for which points are to be granted. When the grant period setting unit 330 has set the period for which points are to be granted, it transmits that information to the smartphone SP.

[0071] When the point allocating unit 310 receives a point allocating instruction to increase points, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the second user identification information of the organization for the period set by the seated person. That is, when the point allocating unit 310 receives a point allocating instruction and it is within the period for allocating points to the organization, the point allocating unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the second user identification information of the organization.

[0072] In addition, the smartphone SP may be configured such that, when it receives information indicating that a period for granting points has been set from the server 300, it is not possible to select an object for granting points and the period until the set period has elapsed. Specifically, in this case, the smartphone SP may be configured not to display the point grant setting button B3 on the start screen as shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0073] In the seat system SYS of this embodiment, when the seat occupant has never selected an object to which points are to be awarded since launching the app, and when the server 300 receives a point awarding instruction, the point awarding unit 310 increases the points stored in association with the first user identification information. That is, in this case, the seat system SYS awards points to the seat occupant himself / herself, not to any other person other than the seat occupant.

[0074] An example of the operation of the seat system SYS configured as above will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, when a game application for the leg-raising game is started on the smartphone SP, the smartphone SP displays a start screen (see FIG. 8(a)) on the display DSP (S11).

[0075] When the seat occupant operates the smartphone SP to select an object to which points are to be awarded (Yes in S21), the smartphone SP transmits an instruction to the server 300 to set the object (S22).

[0076] The server 300 receives the instruction to set the object to which points are to be awarded, and sets the object to which points are to be awarded (S23). The server 300 then transmits a notification to the smartphone SP that the setting of the object to which points are to be awarded has been completed (S24). Upon receiving the notification, the smartphone SP displays the contents of the notification on the display DSP, and notifies the seat occupant that the setting of the object to which points are to be awarded has been completed (S25).

[0077] Next, when the seat occupant operates the display DSP of the smartphone SP to set the period for which points are to be awarded (S31), the smartphone SP transmits an instruction to the server 300 to set the awarding period (S32).

[0078] The server 300 receives the instruction to set the awarding period, and sets the period for awarding points (S33). The server 300 then transmits a notification to the smartphone SP that the setting of the period for awarding points has been completed (S34). Upon receiving the notification, the smartphone SP displays the contents of the notification on the display DSP, and informs the seat occupant that the setting of the period for awarding points has been completed (S35).

[0079] In step S21, if the seat occupant does not perform an operation to select an object to which points are to be awarded, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0080] When an operation to start the game is performed in step S41 (S41, Yes), the smartphone SP starts the progress of the leg-raising game. Then, when the game ends (S42, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the number of steps is 40 or more (whether the first condition is satisfied or not) (S51). If the number of steps is less than 40 (S51, No), the smartphone SP ends the process. If the number of steps is 40 or more (S51, Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the determination time TJ is equal to or more than a threshold value TJth (whether the second condition is satisfied or not) (S52).

[0081] If the judgment time TJ is less than the threshold value TJth (S52, No), the smartphone SP ends the process. If the judgment time TJ is equal to or greater than the threshold value TJth (S52, Yes), the smartphone SP transmits an instruction to the server 300 to give points (S53).

[0082] When the server 300 receives a point-granting instruction, it grants points (S60). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when the server 300 receives a point-granting instruction, it determines whether or not it is within the period for granting points to the group to which the points are to be granted (S61). When it is within the point-granting period (S61, Yes), the server 300 increases the points stored in association with the group's user identification number (second user identification information). That is, it grants points to the group (others than the seated person) (S62). When it is not within the point-granting period (S61, No), the server 300 increases the points stored in association with the seated person's own user identification number (first user identification information). That is, it grants points to the seated person himself (S63).

[0083] After the points are awarded, the server 300 transmits a notification to the smartphone SP that the awarding of the points has been completed (S71), as shown in Fig. 10. Upon receiving the notification, the smartphone SP displays the contents of the notification on the display DSP, and notifies the seat occupant that the awarding of the points has been completed (S72). Thereafter, the smartphone SP resets the determination time TJ (S73), and ends the process.

[0084] As described above, according to the seat system SYS of this embodiment, points obtained by executing an app that provides an experience using a seat S equipped with sensors including a pressure sensor PS can be directly awarded to someone other than the seat occupant.

[0085] Furthermore, by having the seated person select at least one organization from a plurality of organizations that are eligible for increasing points, the seated person can freely set the organization to which points will be awarded.

[0086] In addition, by having the seated person select at least one other person from a plurality of groups for each application, the seated person can freely set the target to which points are to be awarded for each application.

[0087] Furthermore, by allowing the seat occupant to set the period during which points are to be increased, the seat occupant can freely set the targets to which points are to be awarded depending on the period.

[0088] Furthermore, the server 300 increases the points stored in association with the user identification information on the condition that the server 300 has received from the smartphone SP a determination result that the first condition is satisfied, so that the seat occupant can be motivated to actively use the smartphone SP (seat system SYS) in order to earn points for himself or herself or to give points to others. This allows the seat S provided with the pressure sensor PS to be used effectively.

[0089] In addition, if there is a motivation such as earning points, the seated person may continue to use the smartphone SP in order to earn points, but by making it a requirement that the second condition be met in order to receive points, it is possible to prevent the seated person from using the smartphone SP more than necessary.

[0090] Conversely, after sitting still for a while (if the second condition is met), the occupant can earn points, for example by playing a leg-raising game in order to earn points, which helps to prevent poor circulation caused by sitting still in a car for long periods of time and promotes health.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the second condition is determined from the measurement value of the pressure sensor PS, and the amount of points to be awarded can be determined based on the seating condition or behavior of the occupant on the seat body S0. Therefore, the behavior of the occupant in the vehicle can be indirectly controlled through the motivation of point award, thereby promoting health.

[0092] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be practiced by modifying part of the configuration of the embodiment.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, if the seat occupant does not select an organization to which points are to be awarded after launching the app, the points are awarded to the seat occupant himself / herself, but the seat system may be configured to award points to an organization set as a default. In this case, the organization set as the default may be different for each app, or may be the same regardless of the type of app.

[0094] In addition, the seat system may be configured such that the seat occupant cannot select the organization to which points are to be awarded. For example, the seat system may be configured such that the organization to which points are to be awarded is preset for each app, and when the app is executed, the points are awarded to the organization set in the app.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the points are awarded when a game application is executed and a game is played, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the seat system may be configured to award points when a specific application is started.

[0096] The seat system may further have a function of transferring points owned by the seat occupant to an organization selected by the seat occupant's operation without starting an app that provides an experience using the seat. For example, the seat system may be configured such that a smartphone can execute an app that allows the seat occupant to transfer points owned by the seat occupant to another person, in addition to the app that provides an experience using the seat.

[0097] Furthermore, the seat system is not limited to a configuration in which a specific individual (seater) gives points to a group or accumulates them as his / her own points, but may be configured so that multiple people using the seat system can give points to a group as a group or accumulate them as group points. Even in this case, the seat system may have a function that allows the points accumulated as a group to be transferred to the group later.

[0098] In the above embodiment, when each application is executed, the organization and period for which points are to be awarded are set, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the seat system may be configured such that the smartphone can execute a management application that can set the organization and period for which points are to be awarded for each application.

[0099] The second condition may be, for example, that the moving distance of the seat S calculated based on the position information of the smartphone SP is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, that the seat S is stuck in traffic on a highway based on the position information, or that the seat S is located in a specific area (the occupant is in a specific area).The second condition may be that the seat S is used for a specific purpose (for example, used as a training machine), or that the target number of steps for the day has been achieved by moving the feet in an app on the smartphone SP.

[0100] Also, the server may award points when the first condition is met but the second condition is not met. Even in this case, by awarding points when the first condition is met, the seat occupant can be motivated to effectively use the seat provided with the sensor.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the pressure sensor PS is exemplified as the sensor, but the sensor may be another type of sensor, for example, a capacitance sensor, etc. Also, the sensor may be a temperature sensor, etc.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the seat control unit 100 and the smartphone SP are connected via wireless communication, but they may be connected via wired communication.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the smartphone SP is exemplified as the application execution device, but the application execution device may be a tablet computer, a notebook computer, or the like. The application execution device may not be a portable terminal, but may be a navigation system fixedly installed in a vehicle. That is, a conventional navigation system may be provided with a game-like function for instructing operations and used as an application execution device. The application execution device may be composed of a plurality of devices capable of communicating with each other. The application execution device may be configured as a part or whole of an application execution device that is integrated with the seat control unit in appearance.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat mounted on an automobile vehicle has been exemplified, but the seat may be a seat for a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a train, or a seat for a vehicle other than a vehicle, such as a ship, an airplane, or a rocket. Furthermore, the seat may be a seat installed in a house, a facility, or the like.

[0105] Furthermore, the elements described in the embodiments and modifications described in this specification can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 300 Servers PS Pressure Sensor S Seat SP Smartphone SYS Seat System

Claims

[Claim 1] A sheet provided with a sensor; an application execution device capable of executing an application that provides a seat occupant with an experience using the seat by using data acquired from the sensor; A seat system including a server capable of communicating with the application execution device, the application execution device determines whether a point awarding condition is satisfied when the application is executed, and transmits a determination result to the server when at least the point awarding condition is satisfied; the server, on condition that a determination result that the point granting condition is satisfied is received from the application executing device, increases the points stored in association with the identification information of the seat occupant or the points stored in association with the identification information of a person other than the seat occupant; the application execution device provides an interface for allowing the seat occupant to set a point granting period for increasing points stored in association with the identification information of another person when the application execution device executes the application, and transmits the set result to the server; The server, on condition that a determination result that the point granting condition is satisfied is received from the application executing device, if the point granting period is within the point granting period, increasing the points stored in association with the identification information of the other person; A seat system characterized by increasing the points stored in correspondence with the identification information of the seat occupant when the point allocation period is not within the point allocation period, on the condition that a determination result that the point allocation condition is met is received from the application execution device.

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