Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior system capable of enhancing entertainment.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 includes an interior member (seat 10) arranged in a vehicle, an electric device (vibration device 23) that reciprocates a part of a surface of the interior member, a first sensor 41 to which information is input from a user, a display unit (monitor M), and a control unit 100. The control unit 100 can display the character by the display unit, moves the character based on the information from the first sensor 41, and operates the electric device by the movement corresponding to the action of the character.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system including an interior member and a control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system has been known in which a movable member such as a seat back is moved by a user operating a sensor provided in a power seat (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5551228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the movable member only moves in response to the user's operation of the sensor, and therefore the entertainment value is lacking.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior system that can enhance entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle interior system of the present invention includes an interior member to be placed inside the vehicle, an electric device that moves a portion of the surface of the interior member back and forth, a first sensor to which information is input by a user, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit is capable of displaying a character on the display unit, and based on information from the first sensor, moves the character and activates the electric device in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the user inputs information into the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and activates the electric device in a manner corresponding to the character's movement, allowing the user to feel the presence of the character through the interior components, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

[0008] Moreover, the first sensor may be a pressure sensor, and the control unit may move the character and the electrically-driven device based on a pressure value from the pressure sensor.

[0009] The first sensor may be a tactile sensor that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions, and the control unit may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of the displacement obtained from the tactile sensor.

[0010] The control unit may also calculate the degree of intimacy between the user and the character, and change the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device in accordance with the degree of intimacy.

[0011] According to this, the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device is changed depending on the degree of intimacy between the user and the character, thereby making it possible to further enhance entertainment value.

[0012] The control unit may set the degree of intimacy to be higher as the cumulative value of the time during which information is input to the first sensor is larger.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit may increase the degree of intimacy when a time interval from when information is input to the first sensor until the next time information is input to the first sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit may increase the degree of intimacy when the number of times information is input to the first sensor per predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0015] The vehicle interior system may further include a second sensor to which information is input from a user, the second sensor being positioned at a different position from the first sensor, and the control unit may move the character with a first action when information is input to the first sensor, and move the character with a second action different from the first action when information is input to the second sensor.

[0016] This allows the character to act differently depending on the sensor being operated, further enhancing entertainment value.

[0017] Moreover, the interior member may be a seat, and the first sensor may be disposed at a position avoiding a seating surface of the seat.

[0018] The vehicle interior system may further include a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the character and the electric device are not linked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated in a manner corresponding to the character's movement.

[0019] In addition, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle while the second mode is being executed, the control unit may end the second mode and execute the first mode.

[0020] According to this configuration, if the vehicle is about to collide while the second mode is being executed, the second mode is terminated, making the user aware of something unusual and enabling the user to, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user inputs information into the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and activates the electric device in a manner corresponding to the character's movement, allowing the user to feel the presence of the character through the interior components, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to change the behavior of at least one of the character and the electric device depending on the degree of intimacy between the user and the character, thereby making the game even more entertaining.

[0023] Furthermore, the entertainment value can be further increased by configuring the character or the electric device to change its behavior in response to the sensor being operated.

[0024] Furthermore, if the control unit predicts a vehicle collision while the second mode is being executed, the second mode can be terminated, making the user aware of something unusual and enabling the user to, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2(a) shows an image of a cat relaxing, and FIG. 2(b) shows the state of the seat at that time. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A shows an image of a cat doing a cat punch, and FIG. 1B shows the state of the sheet at that time. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2(a) shows an image of a cat hanging from the seat back, and FIG. 2(b) shows the state of the seat at that time. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy degree calculation process performed by a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy calculation process performed by a control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an intimacy degree calculation process performed by a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the seat and the sensor position. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the sensor position. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a tactile sensor as a modified example of the sensor. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit when a tactile sensor is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 and the monitor M are disposed in a position facing the interior of the vehicle, more specifically, the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the passenger seat.

[0027] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0028] The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms a framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, cloth, or the like.

[0029] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A disposed in the left-right center and overhanging portions 11B disposed on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The overhanging portions 11B overhang from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0030] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A disposed in the left-right center and overhanging portions 12B disposed on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the user and supports the back from behind. The overhanging portions 12B overhang toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0031] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, a plurality of vibration devices 23, an electric sliding mechanism 30, two first sensors 41, two second sensors 42, and a plurality of speakers 50. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is a mechanism that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is operated when electricity is applied.

[0032] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that vibrates when energized, thereby reciprocating only a portion of the surface of the seat 10. A plurality of, for example, four, vibration devices 23 are provided on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12. The vibration device 23 is embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0033] The electric slide mechanism 30 is a mechanism for sliding the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. The seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that is operated by energization.

[0034] The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are sensors into which information is input by the user. In this embodiment, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are pressure sensors that detect pressure from the user.

[0035] The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are provided at positions avoiding the seating surface F, that is, at positions separated from the seating surface F. More specifically, the first sensor 41 is provided on each of the left and right protruding portions 11B of the seat cushion 11.

[0036] The second sensor 42 is disposed at a position different from that of the first sensor 41. More specifically, the second sensor 42 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are each located between the skin and the pad.

[0037] The speaker 50 is a device that generates sound when electricity is applied. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper part of the seat back 12. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The speaker 50 is embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0038] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61, a slide switch 62, and a mode changeover switch 63.

[0039] The reclining switch 61 is an operation unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 for tilting the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 for tilting the seat back 12 rearward.

[0040] The slide switch 62 is an operation unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward movement command to the control unit 100 for moving the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward movement command to the control unit 100 for moving the seat 10 rearward.

[0041] The mode changeover switch 63 is a switch for changing the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode forbidding interlocking processing, which will be described later. The second mode is a mode for permitting interlocking processing. The mode changeover switch 63 is, for example, a push button type switch. The mode changeover switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time it is pressed by the user.

[0042] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0043] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the various switches (61-63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, the vibration devices 23, the electric sliding mechanism 30, the first sensors 41, the second sensors 42, and the speakers 50. The control unit 100 is capable of individually operating each of the vibration devices 23 and each of the speakers 50.

[0044] 3(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a sheet image G1, which is an image of a sheet, and a cat image G2, which is an image of a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. The control unit 100 has a function of executing a linking process that moves the cat image G2 based on information from the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, specifically, a pressure value, and activates the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the movement of the cat image G2.

[0045] In detail, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2 in the interlocking process, the control unit 100 displays a first image of a cat relaxing on a seat on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 3(a). The first image may be a still image or a video. In the case of a video, for example, the cat's back may move up and down in accordance with the breathing.

[0046] When the control unit 100 displays the first image on the screen M1, the control unit 100 outputs the sound of a cat making a whining noise or a purring sound from the speaker 50. If the seat 10 is provided with air cells that expand and contract with air, the control unit 100 may cause a part of the seating surface F to reciprocate by expanding and contracting the air cells in accordance with the cat's breathing.

[0047] In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a second image of a cat hitting the seat back with its front paws (hereinafter, also referred to as a "cat punch") as shown in Fig. 4(a). The second image is a moving image.

[0048] When displaying the second image on the screen M1, the control unit 100 vibrates the vibration device 23 in synchronization with the timing when the cat's front paws touch the seat back, and outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50. Note that the number of vibration devices 23 that are vibrated may be one or more.

[0049] In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the second sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a third image in which a cat hangs from the seat back and the seat back gradually tilts backward, as shown in Fig. 5(a). The third image is a moving image.

[0050] When the control unit 100 displays the third image on the screen M1, the control unit 100 rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1. In other words, the control unit 100 rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the cat that moves together with the seat back on the screen M1.

[0051] When the mode is the first mode described above, the control unit 100 does not execute the linking process, thereby not linking the cat on the screen M1 with the vibration device 23. When the mode is the second mode described above, the control unit 100 executes the linking process, thereby operating the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the cat punch of the cat on the screen M1.

[0052] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 2. In the process shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON or not (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S2) and ends this process.

[0053] When it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode (S3) and displays a home screen on the screen M1 (S4). The home screen may be any screen. For example, a screen on which characters indicating the title of an application program in which a cat performs various actions are displayed may be the home screen.

[0054] After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the mode change switch 63 is ON (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0055] If it is determined in step S5 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first pressure value acquired by the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value TH1 (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first pressure value is equal to or greater than a second threshold value TH2 (S7).

[0056] When it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in synchronization with the cat's cat punching motion (S9).

[0057] After step S9, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 (S10), and ends this process. Note that step S10 may be performed before step S9, or may be performed simultaneously with step S9.

[0058] When it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the screen M1 (S11). After step S11, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's whiny voice from the speaker 50 (S12), and ends this process.

[0059] If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the second pressure value acquired by the second sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is not equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5.

[0060] If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat hanging from the seat back, which gradually rotates backward (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1 to tilt the actual seat back 12 backward (S15), and then ends this process.

[0061] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When a user sits on the seat 10 shown in FIG. 1 and turns on the mode changeover switch 63, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on the monitor M (S1: Yes→S3, S4).

[0062] Thereafter, when the user strokes the first sensor 41 with his / her hand and the first sensor 41 acquires a pressure value that is greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the monitor M, as shown in FIG. 3(a), and outputs the cat's pampering voice from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: No → S11, S12).

[0063] Furthermore, when the second mode is being executed, if the user presses or hits the first sensor 41 hard, causing the first sensor 41 to obtain a pressure value equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 will display a video of a cat punch on the monitor M, as shown in FIG. 4(a), and will activate the vibration device 23 in time with the cat punch and output the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: Yes → S8~S10).

[0064] Furthermore, when the second mode is being executed, if the second sensor 42 obtains a pressure value equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, for example because a person in the passenger seat or the back seat mischievously presses the second sensor 42, the control unit 100 will display a video of a cat hanging from the seat back on the monitor M, as shown in FIG. 5(a), and will operate the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the actual seat back 12 backward (S5: No → S6: No → S13: Yes → S14, S15).

[0065] After executing the process of step S10, step S12, or step S15, the control unit 100 returns the display on the monitor M to the home screen (S1: Yes → S3 → S4). When the home screen is displayed on the monitor M, if the user turns the mode change switch 63 OFF to end the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the mode to the first mode (S5: No → S1: No → S2). When the mode change switch 63 is switched from ON to OFF, the control unit 100 erases the image of the second mode that was displayed on the screen M1.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When the user inputs information into the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 and activates the vibration device 23 with movements corresponding to the cat's movements, allowing the user to feel the presence of the cat through the seat 10, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

[0067] The cat on the screen M1 behaves differently depending on whether the first sensor 41 is operated or the second sensor 42 is operated, which can further enhance entertainment value.

[0068] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the processing of the control unit 100 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structures and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment has a function of executing an intimacy calculation process shown in Fig. 6. The intimacy calculation process is a process for calculating the intimacy between the user and the cat on the screen M1.

[0070] In the intimacy calculation process, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode is the second mode (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is not the second mode (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0071] If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is the second mode (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (S32). If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (S33).

[0072] If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has not been input to the first sensor 41 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (S36). If it is determined in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (S37).

[0073] After step S33 or step S37, the control unit 100 calculates a cumulative value of the time of pressure input to each sensor (41, 42) (S34). After step S34, the control unit 100 calculates the degree of intimacy such that the greater the cumulative value, the higher the degree of intimacy (S35), and ends this process.

[0074] In the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the movement of the cat on the screen M1 and the movement of the vibration device 23 according to the degree of intimacy. In detail, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the process shown in Fig. 7. In the process shown in Fig. 7, steps S8 to S9, S11, and S12 in the process shown in Fig. 2 are replaced with new steps S51 to S55.

[0075] When the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), it displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S51). For example, the control unit 100 reduces the number of cat punches as the intimacy level increases.

[0076] After step S51, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in a pattern according to the degree of intimacy (S52). For example, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the number of cat punches.

[0077] After step S52, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S53), and ends this process. For example, the control unit 100 reduces the volume of the cat's angry voice as the intimacy level increases.

[0078] When the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), it displays an image of the cat relaxing on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S54). For example, the control unit 100 displays an image in which the cat appears more relaxed as the intimacy level increases. As an example, when the intimacy level is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat relaxing in a box-like position as shown in FIG. 3(a), and when the intimacy level is higher than the predetermined value, it displays an image of the cat lying down with its belly exposed.

[0079] After step S54, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's whiny voice from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S55), and ends this process. For example, the control unit 100 outputs a voice that sounds like the cat is more affectionate as the intimacy level increases. As an example, the control unit 100 lengthens the duration of the cat's purring sound as the intimacy level increases.

[0080] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the behavior of the cat and the vibration device 23 is changed according to the intimacy between the user and the cat, so that the entertainment value can be further increased. Also, the voice of the cat changes according to the intimacy between the user and the cat, so that the entertainment value can be further increased.

[0081] The more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, that is, the more the user interacts with the cat on the screen M1 through the sheet 10, the greater the degree of intimacy becomes, so that the user can experience the sensation of the cat on the screen M1 becoming attached to the user.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the actions of both the cat and vibration device 23 are changed according to the intimacy level in steps S51 and S52, and only the cat's action is changed according to the intimacy level in step 54, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the action of only vibration device 23 may be changed according to the intimacy level without changing the cat's action. Also, in step S14, the action of the cat hanging from the seat back may be changed according to the intimacy level, and in step S15, the action of electric reclining mechanism 21 may be changed according to the intimacy level.

[0083] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the intimacy calculation process according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structures and processes that are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The control unit 100 according to the third embodiment executes an intimacy calculation process shown in Fig. 8. The intimacy calculation process shown in Fig. 8 has steps S31, S32, and S36 similar to the intimacy calculation process according to the second embodiment, and also has steps S71 to S76 different from the second embodiment.

[0085] If the control unit 100 determines in step S32 that a pressure equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), it acquires the time at which the pressure was input to the first sensor 41 as the current value of the input time (S71). If the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), it acquires the time at which the pressure was input to the second sensor 42 as the current value of the input time (S71). If the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 has not been input to the second sensor 42 (No), it ends this process.

[0086] After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a previous value of the input time (S72). If it is determined in step S71 that there is no previous value of the input time (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0087] If it is determined in step S72 that the previous value of the input time exists (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time interval from the previous value of the input time to the current value (S73). After step S73, the control unit 100 determines whether the time interval is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value (S74).

[0088] If it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 counts up the intimacy degree (S75) and ends this process. Therefore, when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 again after pressure is input to the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy degree if the time interval from when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 until the next time pressure is input to the first sensor 41 is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0089] Furthermore, when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 and then to the second sensor 42, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval from when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 to when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. When pressure is input to the second sensor 42 and then to the second sensor 42, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the time interval from when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 and then to when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0090] In other words, when there are multiple sensors used in the second mode, the control unit 100 increases the degree of intimacy if the time interval between when information is input to any of the multiple sensors and when information is next input to any of the sensors is less than a predetermined value.

[0091] When it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 counts down the intimacy degree (S76) and ends this process. In the third embodiment, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, the higher the intimacy degree can be.

[0092] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the intimacy calculation process according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for structures and processes that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The control unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment executes an intimacy calculation process shown in Fig. 9. The intimacy calculation process shown in Fig. 9 has steps S31, S32, S36, and S71 similar to the intimacy calculation process according to the third embodiment, and also has steps S91 to S94 different from the third embodiment.

[0094] After step S71, the control unit 100 calculates the number of input times acquired during a predetermined time period from the current input time as the number of inputs (S91). After step S91, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of inputs is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S92).

[0095] If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes), the intimacy level is counted up (S93) and the process ends. Therefore, if only the first sensor 41 has been operated during the past predetermined time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level if the number of times pressure has been input to the first sensor 41 per past predetermined time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0096] Furthermore, when both the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 have been operated during the past predetermined time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level when the total number of inputs, which is the sum of the number of times pressure has been input to the first sensor 41 and the number of times pressure has been input to the second sensor 42 during the past predetermined time, is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. When only the second sensor 42 has been operated during the past predetermined time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy level when the number of times pressure has been input to the second sensor 42 per past predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0097] If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (No), the control unit 100 counts down the intimacy level (S94) and ends this process. In the fourth embodiment as well, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42 during the past predetermined time, the higher the intimacy level can be.

[0098] The seat is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the seat 200 may have a seat cushion 210, a seat back 220, and a headrest 230, as well as an ottoman 240 and an armrest 250. A console box 300 may be provided next to the seat 200.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the seat back 220 has a first member 221 rotatably supported on the seat cushion 210, and a second member 222 rotatably supported on an upper portion of the first member 221 and having a headrest 230 provided on an upper portion thereof.

[0100] In this case, the sensor 40 for moving the character on the screen can be disposed in at least one of the following locations: Left and right overhanging portions 211 of the seat cushion 210 The front end surface of the seat cushion 210 Left and right protruding portions 221A of the first member 221 Left and right protruding portions 222A of the second member 222 The left and right sides or rear of the seat back 220 The left and right sides or the bottom surface of the headrest 230 The front end surface, top surface, left and right inner side surfaces, or left and right outer side surfaces of the armrest 250 Left and right sides of Ottoman 240 Left and right inner side surfaces or left and right outer side surfaces of the console box 300

[0101] The sensor 40 may be the first sensor 41, the second sensor 42, or another sensor for moving a character in a manner different from the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42.

[0102] 11, the sensor 40 may be provided on the steering wheel ST, as indicated by hatching with dots in the figure. The screen M1 on which the characters are displayed may also be provided on the steering wheel ST.

[0103] 12, the sensor 40 may be provided in a center console box 401 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, in a dashboard 402, or in an inner panel 403 such as a door or a vehicle side wall, as indicated by hatching with dots in the figure. The sensor 40 may be provided inside a cylindrical blower 404. The cylindrical blower 404 has a blowing port in its cylindrical body for blowing air toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0104] 13, sensor 40 may be provided in a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting at least one of first row seat 411, second row seat 412, or third row seat 413, as indicated by dotted hatching in the figure. Sensor 40 may also be provided in roof 414, lid 415 for opening and closing a sunroof, assist grip 416, the upper part of the back of the seat back, the upper surface of dashboard 402, or above a meter hood. Sensor 40 may be integrated into the inside of an interior member, or may be disposed so as to protrude from the interior member.

[0105] 13, the vehicle may include a camera 430 as an example of a collision detection unit. In this case, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision based on information from the camera 430 while the second mode is being executed, the control unit 100 may end the second mode and execute the first mode.

[0106] Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in Fig. 14. The process shown in Fig. 14 is obtained by adding a new step S111 to the process shown in Fig. 2.

[0107] When the control unit 100 determines in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), it determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on information from the camera 430 (S111). When it determines in step S111 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S2). When it determines in step S111 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), it sets the mode to the second mode (S3).

[0108] According to this embodiment, if the vehicle is about to collide while the second mode is being executed, the second mode is terminated, so that the user can sense something is wrong and can take a posture to prepare for a collision, for example. Note that, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision, the control unit 100 may display a message on the monitor M to notify the user of the collision forecast.

[0109] 15, the first sensor may be a tactile sensor 500 that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions. The tactile sensor 500 has an operation unit 510 made of sponge and a substrate 520 that detects displacement of the operation unit 510. The tactile sensor 500 can detect displacement in the X direction, displacement in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, and displacement in the Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0110] In this case, the control unit 100 may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of displacement acquired from the tactile sensor 500. Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in Fig. 16. The process shown in Fig. 16 adds new steps S131 to S133 instead of steps S6, S7, and S13 of the process shown in Fig. 2.

[0111] When the control unit 100 determines in step S5 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), it determines whether the direction of the displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the X direction (S131). When the control unit 100 determines in step S131 that the direction of the displacement is the X direction (Yes), it displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 (S8).

[0112] If it is determined in step S131 that the direction of displacement is not the X direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the direction of displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Y direction (S132). If it is determined in step 132 that the direction of displacement is the Y direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of a cat relaxing on the monitor M (S11).

[0113] If it is determined in step S132 that the direction of displacement is not the Y direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the direction of displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Z direction (S133). If it is determined in step S133 that the direction of displacement is the Z direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat hanging from the seat back on the screen M1 (S14).

[0114] If it is determined in step S133 that the direction of displacement is not the Z direction (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5. Even in this embodiment, the cat on the screen M1 moves by operating the tactile sensor 500, and the seat 10 moves in response to the movement of the cat, so that the user can feel the presence of the cat through the seat 10.

[0115] The vehicle interior system may include a first sensor, a display unit, and a communication unit that allows communication between the electric device.

[0116] The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices: Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down -Slide device that moves the seat back and forth A movable device that changes the shape of a seat by driving a bag (air cell) or a plate member that is operated by the inflow of air (for example, a device that operates the left and right overhanging parts of a seat cushion or a seat back, or a device that operates a part of the seating surface of a seat back or a seat cushion) -Side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front end of the seat cushion side frame between the up position (raised) and the down position (lowered) (variable cyber angle) Tilt mechanism that moves the seat cushion pan up and down A seat back tilting mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward (a mechanism that tilts the second member 222 in FIG. 10 relative to the first member 221) Rotation mechanism that rotates the sheet on a vertical axis -Mechanism for rotating the ottoman up and down -Mechanism for rotating armrests up and down Armrest extension mechanism -Mechanism for switching armrests between extended and bent positions

[0117] The movable device may be one that moves the left and right protruding portions of the seat cushion or the seat back, or one that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat back or the seat cushion.

[0118] The air cell may be connected to an air pump by an air tube, and when air is injected, it may expand toward the seated occupant and press against the seated occupant. The air cell may be disposed at a position corresponding to the lower back of the seated occupant like a lumbar support, or may be provided at multiple points on the seat.

[0119] The vibration device may be provided in the seat cushion, or in a protruding portion of the seat cushion or the seat back.

[0120] The vibration device may be of any type, such as one having a motor and harness that generates vibrations, one having an eccentric motor, or one having a linear motor.

[0121] The display unit may be disposed in any position, such as an instrument panel, a center console, a steering wheel, a meter, the back of a seat, or the side of a door. The display unit may also be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may also be a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone or tablet, carried by the seat occupant.

[0122] The control unit may perform control such that the speed of the movement of the portion of the surface of the interior member decreases as the degree of intimacy increases.

[0123] The control unit 100 may determine how the sensor is touched based on information from the sensor, and may change the movement of the cat or the movement of the seat depending on the touch. For example, when the tactile sensor is operated in a circular motion, the control unit may display an image of the cat rolling its eyes and rotate the seat on a vertical axis.

[0124] The sponge-type tactile sensor may be embedded in a stuffed toy that resembles a character such as a cat. The control unit may recognize the roll, pitch, and yaw directions corresponding to the six axial directions based on information from the tactile sensor. For example, when the control unit detects an input pattern of petting a stuffed toy (holding the stuffed toy in both hands and moving both hands up and down), the control unit may display a cat on the display unit as if it is being petted by a hand and vibrate the vibration device. Also, for example, the control unit may control multiple air cells so that the action of petting is reproduced on the surface of the seat.

[0125] If a sensor is provided on the protruding portion of the seat, for example, when the control unit detects the action of the protruding portion being pinched by a hand through the sensor, the control unit will display an indication that the cat's back is being pinched on the display unit and will tilt the seat back slightly backward.

[0126] Also, for example, the more inputs there are to the sensor per second, the angrier the cat on the display unit becomes, and the faster the cat punches and vibration device operate.

[0127] Also, the number of inputs to the sensor per predetermined time period may be measured before the character's display action is started, and the character's display pattern may be determined according to the number of inputs.

[0128] The intimacy level may be calculated in the following manner. By photographing the passenger using the imaging unit, the number of times the passenger has ridden is counted, and the more times the passenger has ridden, the higher the level of intimacy is. An occupant recognition unit is provided that recognizes seated occupants by linking with the imaging unit and smartphone, and records the number of times the occupant has performed sensor input and displayed a character action. The higher this number, the higher the level of intimacy. The system records the time that the passenger touches the sensor during the ride, and determines that the longer the time, the higher the level of intimacy. Intimacy may be reset after each ride, or it may continue.

[0129] The relationship between the intimacy level and the operation of the electric device may be as follows. The higher the intimacy level, the smoother the operation of the motorized device will be (at first, actions such as reclining and vibration will be intermittent. For example, reclining will not be smooth, but will be tilted in stages, the height will increase in stages, and the massage action by the vibration device will be irregular). The higher the intimacy level, the slower the operation speed of motorized devices. A coefficient is set for the amount of movement of the electric device, and the amount of movement changes depending on the intimacy. The higher the intimacy, the greater the amount of movement. The higher the intimacy level, the more variations in the character display and the more motorized devices you can choose from. When the intimacy level is low, the display and movement are limited to the vibrator and reclining, but when the intimacy level is high, the lighting, tilt, and air cell movements are added, and the display variations also increase.

[0130] The interior components may be doors, door armrests, steering wheels, dashboards, center consoles, air conditioning vents, and the like.

[0131] The interior member may be a member that imitates a part of an animal's body, such as cat ears. The interior member may be made of a raised material.

[0132] The sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor. The touch sensors may be provided, for example, on the front end of the seat cushion, the protruding portion of the seat cushion, the protruding portion of the seat back, and the side of the headrest.

[0133] In this case, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the front end of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, the action of the cat with its head raised being stroked on its chest, and may cause the tilt-up mechanism to repeatedly tilt the seat cushion up and down. Also, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the protruding part of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, the action of the cat with its belly facing up being stroked on its belly, and may vibrate a vibration device provided on the seat cushion.

[0134] When an input is received from the touch sensor of the protruding portion of the seat back, the control unit may display, via the display unit, an action of the cat stretching its back by stroking the back of the cat, and vibrate a vibration device provided on the seat back.When an input is received from the touch sensor of the headrest, the control unit may display, via the display unit, an action of the cat stroking its head by swaying its head from side to side, and tilt the seat back by the reclining device.

[0135] The color tone of the interior lighting, the display on the screen, the sound, etc. may be changed depending on the time the touch sensor is touched. The operation pattern of the vibrator may be changed according to the pressure value input to the touch sensor.

[0136] The control unit may move the vibrator more strongly the harder the touch sensor is pressed. The control unit may move the vibrator faster the faster the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked. The control unit may display a cat with an angry expression on the display unit when the pressure value from the touch sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The control unit may display a video of a cat moving around on the display unit when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0137] The control unit may increase the temperature of a heater provided on the seat when the speed of stroking the touch sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the control unit may display a flame on the display unit, and may display the flame so that its size increases according to the speed.

[0138] The vehicle interior system may include a seat hardness changing device that changes the hardness of the seat. The seat hardness changing device may include, for example, a first pad that supports a user, an air cell, and a second pad disposed between the first pad and the air cell. When the air cell is in a first state, the hardness of the first pad is a first hardness, and when the air cell is in a second state inflated more than the first state, the hardness of the first pad is a second hardness that is greater than the first hardness.

[0139] In this case, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the first state when a weak force (pressure equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value) is input to the touch sensor for a predetermined period of time. Also, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the second hardness when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the control unit can make the cat displayed by the display unit take a lazy pose.

[0140] The character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be an anthropomorphized object or living thing.

[0141] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0142] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. A manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising an interior member to be placed within a vehicle, an electric device that moves a portion of a surface of the interior member back and forth, a first sensor to which information is input by a user, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of displaying a character using the display unit, moves the character based on information from the first sensor, and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character, the manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising the steps of attaching the electric device to the interior member, and connecting the electric device, the display unit, and the first sensor to the control unit.

[0143] The first sensor or the second sensor may be a sensor that detects biological information (at least one of brain waves, facial expressions, gaze, breathing, heart rate, pulse, voice, and the like).

[0144] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead.

[0145] The elements described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 Vehicle interior systems 10 Sheets 23 Vibration Device 41 First Sensor 100 Control section M Monitor

Claims

1. An interior member to be placed inside a vehicle; An electric device that reciprocates a portion of a surface of the interior member; A first sensor to which information is input by a user; A display unit; A vehicle interior system comprising: The control unit is The display unit is capable of displaying a character, A vehicle interior system, characterized in that the character is moved based on information from the first sensor, and the electrically-driven device is operated in a manner corresponding to the movement of the character.

2. the first sensor is a pressure sensor; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character and the electrically-driven device based on a pressure value from the pressure sensor.

3. the first sensor is a tactile sensor that detects displacement in a three-dimensional direction; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character and the electrically-driven device based on a direction of displacement acquired from the tactile sensor.

4. The control unit is Calculating the degree of intimacy between the user and the character; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation of at least one of the character and the electrically-powered device is changed according to the degree of intimacy.

5. The vehicle interior system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit sets the degree of intimacy to be higher as an accumulated value of an input time of information to the first sensor increases.

6. The vehicle interior system according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit increases the intimacy level when a time interval between when information is input to the first sensor and when information is next input to the first sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

7. 5. The vehicle interior system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit increases the intimacy level when the number of times information is input to the first sensor per predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

8. Further comprising a second sensor to which information is input by a user, the second sensor being disposed at a position different from the first sensor; The control unit is When information is input to the first sensor, the character is moved in a first motion; 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein, when information is input to the second sensor, the character is moved in a second motion different from the first motion.

9. The interior member is a seat, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is disposed at a position that avoids a seating surface of the seat.

10. The vehicle interior system of claim 1, further comprising a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the character and the electric device are not linked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character.

11. 11. The vehicle interior system according to claim 10, wherein the control unit, when predicting a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle while the second mode is being executed, terminates the second mode and executes the first mode.

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