Seat system

Abstract

To provide a seat system capable of improving operability of a character.SOLUTION: A seat system 1 comprises: a seat cushion 11; a movable member (seat back 12) which includes any one of a seat back 12, a head rest 13, an arm rest and an ottoman, and which can move with respect to the seat cushion 11; a display part (monitor M); and a control part 100. The control part 100 makes a display part display a character, and moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat system including a seat and a control unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a seat system including a seat, a pressure sensor that detects pressure from a user sitting on the seat, and a control unit that operates a character on a screen based on a signal from the pressure sensor has been known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, in order to operate the character, it was necessary for the seated person to move their body to apply pressure to the seat surface. Therefore, even if the occupant's body was moved, the pressure might not be transmitted well to the seat surface, and there was a possibility that the character could not be operated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat system capable of improving the operability of a character.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a seat system according to the present invention includes a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit displays a character on the display unit and moves the character according to the movement of the movable member.

[0007] According to this configuration, since the character moves by moving the movable member movable with respect to the seat cushion, the operability of the character can be improved.

[0008] Further, the seat system further includes a sensor that detects the movement of the movable member, and the control unit may move the character based on the information acquired from the sensor.

[0009] Further, the control unit may change the speed of the movement of the character based on the information acquired from the sensor.

[0010] Further, the seat system includes an operation unit for operating the movable member and an electric device for moving the movable member, and the control unit operates the electric device based on an operation command output from the operation unit, and moves the character according to the operation command or the operation amount of the electric device.

[0011] According to this configuration, since the control unit moves the character according to the operation command or the operation amount of the electric device, it is not necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the movement of the movable member, and the cost can be reduced.

[0012] Further, the control unit estimates the fatigue degree of the user sitting on the seat, displays the estimated fatigue degree on the display unit as the fatigue status of the character, and may change the fatigue status according to the movement of the movable member.

[0013] Further, the movable member is a seat back that rotates with respect to the seat cushion, and the control unit may lower the fatigue status on the condition that the angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion becomes a predetermined value or more.

[0014] Further, the seat system includes a plurality of seats, and the control unit may move the character according to the movement of each movable member of the plurality of seats.

[0015] According to this configuration, when each user sitting on a plurality of seats moves the movable member, the character moves according to the movement of each movable member of the plurality of seats. For example, each user can enjoy cooperative play.

[0016] The movable member is a rotatable armrest, and the control unit may move the character according to the amount of rotation of the armrest.

[0017] Further, the seat system may further include a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode and a second mode. The control unit may be configured to execute a synchronization process of moving the character according to the movement of the movable member in the first mode, and not to execute the synchronization process in the second mode.

[0018] Further, the control unit may be configured not to execute the synchronization process when predicting a collision of the vehicle based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle.

[0019] According to this configuration, since the synchronization process is not executed when the vehicle is about to collide, for example, the user can assume a posture in preparation for the collision.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, since the character moves by moving the movable member movable with respect to the seat cushion, the operability of the character can be improved.

[0021] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the control unit moves the character according to the operation command or the operating amount of the electric device, it is not necessary to provide a sensor for detecting the movement of the movable member, so the cost can be reduced.

[0022] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the control unit moves the character according to the movement of each movable member of the plurality of seats, for example, each user can enjoy cooperative play.

[0023] Also, by adopting a configuration in which synchronization processing is not executed when the vehicle is about to collide, for example, the user can assume a posture in preparation for the collision.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10 on which a user can sit, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, a camera 30 as an example of a collision detection unit, a mode changeover switch 63, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the monitor M, the camera 30, and the mode changeover switch 63 are interior members arranged at positions facing the inside of the vehicle, specifically, the passenger compartment.

[0026] The seat 10 includes a seat body 10A, a reclining mechanism RC, an operation lever L1, and a sensor SS1.

[0027] The seat body 10A is a member having a seating surface that supports the user. The seat body 10A includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12 as an example of a movable member, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a metal frame that constitutes a skeleton, 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, fabric, or the like. The upper surface of the seat cushion 11 serves as the seating surface. The front surfaces of the seat back 12 and the headrest 13 serve as the seating surface.

[0028] The seat back 12 is rotatable with respect to the seat cushion 11. Specifically, the seat back 12 is rotatably supported by the seat cushion 11 via the reclining mechanism RC.

[0029] The reclining mechanism RC is a mechanism for prohibiting or allowing the rotation of the seat back 12 with respect to the seat cushion 11. The reclining mechanism RC is switchable between a locked state in which the rotation of the seat back 12 is prohibited and a released state in which the rotation of the seat back 12 is allowed. The reclining mechanism RC has a spring that biases the seat back 12 forward.

[0030] The operation lever L1 is a lever for switching the state of the reclining mechanism RC. The operation lever L1 is rotatable between the lock position shown in FIG. 1 and the release position rotated upward from the lock position.

[0031] When the operation lever L1 is in the lock position, the reclining mechanism RC is in the locked state. When the operation lever L1 is in the release position, the reclining mechanism RC is in the released state.

[0032] The sensor SS1 is a sensor for detecting the movement of the seat back 12. Specifically, the sensor SS1 detects the reclining angle. Here, the reclining angle refers to the angle of the seat back 12 with respect to the seat cushion 11. Specifically, the reclining angle is the angle formed by the seating surface of the seat cushion 11 and the seating surface of the seat back 12. The reclining angle becomes smaller as the seat back 12 tilts forward and larger as it tilts backward. As the sensor SS1, for example, a sensor having a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes according to the reclining angle can be used.

[0033] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 2) for displaying an image. The image displayed on the monitor M can be changed by the control unit 100. The monitor M can be arranged on the dashboard so as to be located, for example, under the rearview mirror. A user sitting on the seat 10 can view the screen M1 of the monitor M.

[0034] The camera 30 is a camera for photographing the front of the vehicle. The image information photographed by the camera 30 is output to the control unit 100.

[0035] The mode switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode executes the synchronization process described later It is in the mode. Also, the second mode is a mode in which synchronous processing is not executed. The mode change switch 63 is, for example, a push-button type switch. Each time the mode change switch 63 is pressed by the user, it alternately switches between the ON state and the OFF state.

[0036] The mode change switch 63 is provided on the dashboard. Note that the mode change switch 63 may be provided on other interior members, for example, the seat 10.

[0037] 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 on the seat 10 or on a member other than the seat 10. The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the camera 30, the mode change switch 63, and the sensor SS1.

[0038] The control unit 100 has a function of displaying a cat character on the screen M1 and executing synchronous processing to move the cat according to the movement of the seat back 12. In the synchronous processing, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 based on the information acquired from the sensor SS1.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (b), when the reclining angle acquired from the sensor SS1 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat walking on the screen M1. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), when the reclining angle acquired from the sensor SS1 becomes a value equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat sleeping.

[0040] The control unit 100 executes synchronous processing in the first mode. The control unit 100 does not execute synchronous processing in the second mode.

[0041] The control unit 100 has a function of estimating the fatigue level of the user sitting on the seat 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 assumes that the user is in a healthy state at the start of the first mode, and estimates (sets) the fatigue level (initial value) at the start of the first mode to be 0.

[0042] Note that the initial value of the fatigue level may be set to a larger value as the elapsed time since the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned ON is longer, for example. Further, the initial value of the fatigue level may be estimated based on the biological information of the user acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor and the respiration sensor provided in the seat, for example.

[0043] As an example, the control unit 100 measures the activity level of the user's sympathetic nerve based on the heartbeat information acquired from the heartbeat sensor. Specifically, the control unit 100 obtains the ratio (LF / HF) of the low-frequency fluctuation wave (LF) to the high-frequency fluctuation wave (HF) in the heartbeat fluctuation as the above-described activity level of the sympathetic nerve. Then, the control unit 100 sets the above-described activity level (LF / HF) of the sympathetic nerve as the initial value of the fatigue level. That is, according to the above index, it is estimated that the higher the activity of the sympathetic nerve is compared to the activity of the parasympathetic nerve, the higher the fatigue level of the user is.

[0044] Note that the method for estimating the initial value of the user's fatigue level is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the user's fatigue level based on the information acquired from the respiration sensor, based on the respiration interval and the arousal level determined based on the respiration (a level indicating at least whether it is an awake state or a drowsy state). Specifically, the shorter the respiration interval of the user is, the higher the fatigue level is determined, or the fatigue level may be determined to be high when the user's arousal level is in a drowsy state.

[0045] The control unit 100 has a function of displaying the estimated fatigue level on the screen M1 as the fatigue status of the cat and changing the fatigue status according to the movement of the seat back 12. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), when the reclining angle acquired from the sensor SS1 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 increases (increases) the fatigue status displayed on the screen M1. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), when the reclining angle acquired from the sensor SS1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the control unit 100 decreases (decreases) the fatigue status displayed on the screen M1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the fatigue status is to be displayed on the screen M1 as a gauge that increases and decreases. In FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the gauge indicating the fatigue status is to be indicated by dot hatching. The gauge extends to the right as the fatigue level increases and shrinks to the left as the fatigue level decreases.

[0047] Further, when the control unit 100 predicts a collision of the vehicle based on the information from the camera 30, it is configured not to execute the synchronization process.

[0048] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 4.

[0049] In the process of FIG. 4, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode and ends this process (S11).

[0050] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a possibility of the vehicle colliding based on the information from the camera 30 (S2). If it is determined in step S2 that there is a possibility of the vehicle colliding (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode and ends this process (S11).

[0051] If it is determined in step S2 that there is no possibility of the vehicle colliding (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S3) and determines whether it is the start time of the first mode (S4). That is, in step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether it is the time point when switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0052] If it is determined in step S4 that it is the start of the first mode (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the initial value of the fatigue level to 0 (S5). After step S5, or if it is determined in step S4 that it is not the start of the first mode (No), the control unit 100 acquires the reclining angle from the sensor SS1 (S6).

[0053] After step S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S7). If it is determined in step S7 that the reclining angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of the fatigue status according to the fatigue level and an image of a cat sleeping on the screen M1 (S8).

[0054] After step S8, the control unit 100 counts down the fatigue level (S9). After step S9, the control unit 100 changes the display of the fatigue status according to the fatigue level (S10) and ends this process.

[0055] If it is determined in step S7 that the reclining angle is less than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of the fatigue status according to the fatigue level and an image of a cat awake on the screen M1 (S12). After step S12, the control unit 100 counts up the fatigue level (S13). After step S13, the control unit 100 changes the display of the fatigue status according to the fatigue level (S10) and ends this process.

[0056] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in a situation where the reclining angle is less than a predetermined value and the mode of the control unit 100 is the second mode, when the user sitting on the seat 10 turns on the mode change switch 63, as shown in FIG. 2(b), an image of a cat awake is displayed on the screen M1. Note that at the time when the user turns on the mode change switch 63, the gauge indicating the fatigue status is in a state of 0 (a state without dot hatching).

[0057] If the user leaves the seat 10 as it is for a while, the gauge of the fatigue status gradually extends to the right. Here, the time it takes for the gauge to reach MAX from 0 can be set to a relatively long time such as one hour or two hours.

[0058] When the gauge approaches MAX, the user who sees this display can recognize that fatigue has accumulated. When the user with accumulated fatigue rotates the operation lever L1 upward to recline the seat back 12 as shown in Fig. 3(a), and when the reclining angle reaches a predetermined value or more, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the display on the screen M1 switches to an image of a cat sleeping, and the gauge of the fatigue status gradually decreases over time. As a result, the user can recognize that the fatigue is recovering.

[0059] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Since the cat character moves when the user moves the seat back 12, the operability of the character can be improved.

[0060] When the vehicle is about to collide, the synchronization process is not executed, so for example, the user can take a posture to prepare for the collision.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the above-described first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 5, the seat 210 according to the second embodiment has each configuration of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, and further includes an ottoman 14 as an example of a movable member, a rotation mechanism 15, a second operation lever L2, and a second sensor SS2.

[0063] The ottoman 14 is a member that supports the user's shins. The ottoman 14 has a metal frame that constitutes the skeleton, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The ottoman 14 is rotatably supported at the front end of the seat cushion 11 via a rotation mechanism 15.

[0064] The rotation mechanism 15 is a mechanism for prohibiting or allowing the rotation of the ottoman 14 with respect to the seat cushion 11. The rotation mechanism 15 is switchable between a locked state that prohibits the rotation of the ottoman 14 and a released state that allows the rotation of the ottoman 14. The rotation mechanism 15 has a spring that biases the ottoman 14 upward.

[0065] The second operation lever L2 is a lever for switching the state of the rotation mechanism 15. The second operation lever L2 is rotatable between a locked position shown in FIG. 5 and a released position rotated upward from the locked position.

[0066] When the second operation lever L2 is in the locked position, the rotation mechanism 15 is in the locked state. When the second operation lever L2 is in the released position, the rotation mechanism 15 is in the released state.

[0067] The second sensor SS2 is a sensor that detects the movement of the ottoman 14. Specifically, the second sensor SS2 detects the ottoman angle. Here, the ottoman angle refers to the angle of the ottoman 14 with respect to the seat cushion 11. Specifically, the ottoman angle is the angle formed by the lower surface of the seat cushion 11 and the lower surface of the ottoman 14. The ottoman angle increases as the ottoman 14 approaches a horizontal posture and decreases as it tilts downward with respect to the horizontal posture. As the second sensor SS2, for example, a sensor having a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes according to the ottoman angle can be used.

[0068] The control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 6. The process of FIG. 6 has new steps S31 to S33 in addition to steps S1 to S5, S7 to S13 in the process of FIG. 4.

[0069] After step S5, or when the determination in step S4 is No, the control unit 100 acquires information (reclining angle and ottoman angle) from the sensor SS1 and the second sensor SS2 (S31), and proceeds to the process of step S7. After step S9, the control unit 100 determines whether the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S32).

[0070] If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 counts down the fatigue level (S33) and proceeds to the process of step S10. If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is less than the second predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 proceeds directly to the process of step S10.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the ottoman angle is less than the second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down only in step S9, so that the gauge of the fatigue status decreases at a predetermined speed. On the other hand, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down twice in step S9 and step S33, so that the gauge of the fatigue status decreases at a speed greater than the predetermined speed.

[0072] Thereby, it is possible to make the decrease speed of the gauge of the fatigue status correspond to the actual degree of recovery of the user's fatigue according to the shape of the seat 210. That is, when the seat back 12 is reclined backward and the ottoman 14 is in a horizontal posture, the user can stretch and relax more than when only the seat back 12 is reclined backward with the front end of the ottoman 14 facing downward. Therefore, by increasing the decrease speed of the gauge in this case, the decrease speed of the gauge can be made to correspond to the actual degree of recovery of the user's fatigue.

[0073] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the above-described first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the seat 310 according to the third embodiment further includes an armrest 16 as an example of a movable member and an arm angle sensor 320 as an example of a sensor.

[0075] The armrest 16 is rotatably supported by the seat back 12. The armrest 16 is rotatable up and down between a first arm position with the tip facing forward and a second arm position with the tip facing upward as shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0076] In this embodiment, the armrest 16 is disposed on the left side surface of the seat back 12. Note that the armrest may be provided on at least one of the left and right side surfaces of the seat back.

[0077] The arm angle sensor 320 is a sensor that detects the angle of the armrest 16 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "arm angle"). As the arm angle sensor 320, for example, the same one as the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment can be used.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the control unit 100 has a function of rotating the left front paw of the cat on the screen M1 up and down according to the rotation amount of the armrest 16. When armrests are provided on the left and right of the seat back, the control unit may move the right front paw of the cat on the screen up and down according to the movement of the right armrest and move the left front paw of the cat on the screen up and down according to the movement of the left armrest.

[0079] The control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 8. The process of FIG. 8 has new steps S51 and S52 in addition to steps S1 to S3 and S11 in the process of FIG. 4.

[0080] After step S3, the control unit 100 acquires the arm angle from the arm angle sensor 320 (S51). After step S51, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat with the angle of the front paw of the cat adjusted to the arm angle on the screen M1 (S52), and ends this process.

[0081] According to the third embodiment, when the user rotates the armrest 16 up and down, the front paw of the cat on the screen M1 moves up and down, so that the entertainment property can be enhanced. Also, in the third embodiment, since the control unit 100 displays the image of the cat so that the angle of the front paw of the cat is adjusted to the arm angle acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, the front paw of the cat can be moved at a speed corresponding to the speed of the armrest 16 moved by the user. That is, since the control unit 100 changes the speed of the movement of the cat based on the information acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0082] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, the seat 410 according to the fourth embodiment includes an electric reclining mechanism 40 provided in place of the reclining mechanism RC of the first embodiment, a reclining switch 61 provided in place of the operation lever L1 of the first embodiment, and a reference position sensor 420 provided in place of the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment.

[0084] The electric reclining mechanism 40 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 40 includes a motor that operates when energized.

[0085] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the seat back 12. The reclining switch 61 is, for example, tiltable in the front-rear direction. When the reclining switch 61 is tilted forward, it outputs a forward tilt command for tilting the seat back 12 forward to the control unit 100. When the reclining switch 61 is tilted rearward, it outputs a rear tilt command for tilting the seat back 12 rearward to the control unit 100.

[0086] The reference position sensor 420 is a sensor that detects that the seat back 12 is located at the reference position shown in FIG. 9. As the reference position sensor 420, an optical sensor or the like with a lower cost than the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment can be adopted.

[0087] The control unit 100 has a function of operating the electric reclining mechanism 40 based on the operation command output from the reclining switch 61. Specifically, when the operation command acquired from the reclining switch 61 is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 rotates the electric reclining mechanism 40 in one direction to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When the operation command acquired from the reclining switch 61 is a rear tilt command, the control unit 100 rotates the electric reclining mechanism 40 in the other direction to tilt the seat back 12 rearward. The control unit 100 has a function of moving the cat on the screen M1 according to the operation command or the operation amount of the electric reclining mechanism 40.

[0088] The control unit 100 has a function of operating the electric reclining mechanism 40 to return the seat back 12 to the initial position when the ignition switch is switched from ON to OFF. The control unit 100 stores the operation history of the reclining switch 61 while the ignition switch is ON. Here, the operation history of the reclining switch 61 may be the history of the operation command output from the reclining switch 61, or may be the history of the operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40.

[0089] Note that the history of operation commands can be, for example, the time obtained by adding the time during which a forward tilt command is output (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which a successor command is output (e.g., a negative value). Also, the history of the operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40 can be, for example, the time obtained by adding the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in one direction (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction (e.g., a negative value).

[0090] The control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 10. The process of FIG. 10 has steps S1 to S5, S7 to S13 in the process of FIG. 4, and also has new steps S71 to S74.

[0091] After step S5, or when it is determined as No in step S4, the control unit 100 calculates the reclining initial angle from the reference position and the operation history of the reclining switch 61 (S71). After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether there is an operation command from the reclining switch 61 (S72).

[0092] If it is determined in step S71 that there is an operation command (Yes), the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 40 based on the operation command (S73). After step S73, the control unit 100 calculates the reclining angle based on the reclining initial angle calculated in step S71 and the operation command or the operation amount of the electric reclining mechanism 40 (S74).

[0093] For example, in step S74, when the operation command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 calculates the decrease in the reclining angle based on the time during which the forward tilt command is output (or the operating time of the electric reclining mechanism 40 that operates according to the forward tilt command), and calculates the current reclining angle by subtracting the calculated decrease from the initial reclining angle. When the operation command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 calculates the increase in the reclining angle based on the time during which the backward tilt command is output (or the operating time of the electric reclining mechanism 40 that operates according to the backward tilt command), and calculates the current reclining angle by adding the calculated increase to the initial reclining angle.

[0094] After step S74, or when it is determined in step S71 that there is no operation command (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S7.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, in the first mode, when the user rotates the reclining switch 61 backward for a predetermined time and the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction for a predetermined time, the reclining angle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined position (S7: Yes), and an image of a cat sleeping is displayed (S8). Also, in the first mode, when the user rotates the reclining switch 61 forward for a predetermined time and the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in one direction for a predetermined time, the reclining angle becomes less than the predetermined position (S7: No), and an image of a cat awake is displayed (S12).

[0096] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the control unit 100 moves the cat according to the operation command or the operating amount of the electric reclining mechanism 40, it is not necessary to provide the sensor SS1 for detecting each position (angle) of the seat back 12 as in the first embodiment, so the cost can be reduced.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the reference position sensor 420 is provided, but the reference position sensor 420 may not be provided. In this case, for example, the control unit 100 stores the angle of the seat back 12 at the time of shipment of the seat 410 as a reference position, and stores the operation history of the reclining switch 61 each time the reclining switch 61 is operated, so that the current reclining angle can be grasped at all times.

[0098] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment has a structure including two seats 510 that are substantially the same as the seat 310 according to the third embodiment described above, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, the seat system 501 according to the fifth embodiment includes two seats 510. Each seat 510 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, a headrest 13, and an armrest 16 that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment. In the seat 510 of the fifth embodiment, the armrest 16 is provided on the right side surface of the seat back 12. Although not shown, each seat 510 includes an arm angle sensor 320 that is the same as that in the third embodiment.

[0100] The two seats 510 are arranged side by side on the left and right. In the following description, the right seat 510 is also referred to as the "first seat 510R", and the left seat 510 is also referred to as the "second seat 510L".

[0101] In FIG. 11, for the sake of convenience, the screen M1 of the monitor M is shown in a state where it faces the front side of the drawing, but actually, the screen M1 faces each seat 510. The center of the left and right of the screen M1 is located between the two seats 510 in the left and right directions.

[0102] The control unit 100 has a function of moving the cat on the screen M1 according to the movement of each armrest 16 of the two sheets 510. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 100 compares the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the right first sheet 510R (hereinafter also referred to as the "first arm angle") with the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the left second sheet 510L (hereinafter also referred to as the "second arm angle"), and moves the cat so as to raise the front paw on the side of the sheet 510 with the larger arm angle.

[0103] Here, the arm angle is 0° when the armrest 16 is in the first arm position (the position where the tip of the armrest 16 faces forward), and it is assumed that the angle becomes larger as the armrest 16 rotates upward from the first arm position.

[0104] Specifically, when the first arm angle is larger than the second arm angle, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of raising the front paw (the right front paw as viewed by the user) of the cat on the screen M1 corresponding to the right first sheet 510R. When the second arm angle is larger than the first arm angle, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of raising the front paw (the left front paw as viewed by the user) of the cat on the screen M1 corresponding to the left second sheet 510L.

[0105] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first arm angle and the second arm angle coincide at an angle larger than 0°, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat clapping its hands. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 14. The process of FIG. 14 has steps S91 to S98 in addition to steps S1 to S3 and S11 in the process of FIG. 4.

[0106] After step S3, the control unit 100 displays the home screen on the screen M1 (S91). On the home screen, for example, an image of the cat sitting with both front paws lowered is displayed.

[0107] After step S91, the first arm angle and the second arm angle are obtained from the arm angle sensors 320 of the left and right seats 510 (S92). After step S92, the control unit 100 determines whether both the first arm angle and the second arm angle are 0° (S93).

[0108] If it is determined in step S93 that both arm angles are 0° (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S93 that both arm angles are not 0° (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle (S94).

[0109] If it is determined in step S94 that the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle (Yes), the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat raising its front paw on the first seat 510R side (S95) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S94 that the first arm angle is not greater than the second arm angle (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle (S96).

[0110] If it is determined in step S96 that the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle (Yes), the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat raising its front paw on the second seat 510L side (S97) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S96 that the second arm angle is not greater than the first arm angle (No), that is, when the first arm angle and the second arm angle coincide at an angle greater than 0°, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat clapping its hands (S98) and ends this process.

[0111] According to the fifth embodiment, when each user sitting on the two seats 510 moves the armrest 16, the cat moves according to the movement of each armrest 16 of the two seats 510, so that each user can enjoy cooperative play.

[0112] In the fifth embodiment, the number of sheets is two, but the number of sheets may be three or more.

[0113] The movable member is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be, for example, a headrest movable with respect to the seat cushion. The headrest may be supported by the seat back so as to be movable in the vertical direction, for example.

[0114] The electric device may be the device shown below. · A slide mechanism for moving the seat in the front-rear direction · A height mechanism for operating the seat in the vertical direction · A movable device for deforming the seat shape by driving a bag body (air cell) or a plate member that operates by inflowing air (for example, a device for operating left and right protruding portions protruding from the seating surface of the seat cushion or the seat back, a device for operating a part of the seating surface of the seat back or the seat cushion) · A side frame front end rising mechanism for switching between an up position where the front end of the side frame of the seat cushion is raised and a down position where it is lowered · A tilt mechanism for moving the cushion pan of the seat cushion up and down · A middle fold mechanism for tilting the upper part of the seat back back and forth · A rotation mechanism for rotating the seat about a vertical axis · A cushion front-rear adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the front end of the seat cushion · A mechanism for rotating the ottoman up and down · A mechanism for rotating the armrest up and down · A mechanism for expanding and contracting the armrest · A mechanism for switching between a state where the armrest is extended and a state where it is bent · Lighting · A headrest speaker (the headrest speaker may rotate or operate in at least one direction of front-back, left-right, and up-down). · A heater provided in the seat back or the seat cushion · A seat blower which is a seat air conditioning device for flowing air on the surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back

[0115] The air cell is connected by an air pump and an air tube, and may expand and press against the occupant side when air is injected. The air cell may be at the waist like a lumbar support, or a plurality of air cells may be provided on the seat, and the shape may be changed more locally.

[0116] The vibration device may be of any type, such as one having a motor and a harness that generates vibration, one having an eccentric motor, or one having a linear motor. The vibration device may be provided on the seat cushion, headrest, etc. The vibration device may be provided on the protruding portions on the left and right of the seat cushion or the seat back.

[0117] The display unit may be arranged at any position, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, back of the seat, side of the door, ornament, etc. Also, the display unit may be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet possessed by the seated person.

[0118] The movable member may be a member that imitates a part of an animal's body such as cat ears. The movable member may be composed of a hair-raising member. The movable member may be an interior member other than the seat, for example, a window of a vehicle. In this case, the control unit may display an expression or words of a cat enjoying the coolness on the screen according to the operation of lowering the vehicle window. That is, the vehicle interior system may be an interior member other than the seat, and may move the character displayed by the display unit according to the movement of the movable interior member.

[0119] The character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be a character that anthropomorphizes objects, living things, etc. The character can be set in advance , and may be, for example, an image that deforms the occupant.

[0120] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and may be other vehicles such as motorcycles, trains, etc.

[0121] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the host vehicle and a vehicle ahead.

[0122] Examples of the method for manufacturing the seat system include the following methods. A method for manufacturing a seat system including a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit, the control unit displaying a character on the display unit and moving the character according to the movement of the movable member, the method for manufacturing the seat system including a step of attaching the movable member so as to be movable relative to the seat cushion and a step of connecting the display unit to the control unit.

[0123] The control unit may increase the degree to which the cat on the screen lies down based on the reclining angle. For example, the display of the cat is a display of lifting a ball while lying down, and the control unit may be able to execute a game in which the user adjusts the reclining angle to adjust the degree to which the cat lies down so as not to drop the ball.

[0124] The sensor may be a position sensor that detects the amount of movement of the movable member based on a change in coordinates (change in angle) from a reference position. Examples of the position sensor for detecting an angle may include a rotary sensor, an inclination sensor, etc. In the case of a position sensor, for example, it may be embedded and arranged inside the seat back or the ottoman pad.

[0125] The sensor may be a speed sensor that detects whether the movable member is at a predetermined threshold speed (for example, determining the speed at about four levels with a threshold). Examples of the speed sensor may include a MEMS type acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, etc.

[0126] The display of the fatigue status may be not limited to a gauge but may also be displayed as a numerical value. Also, in the case of gauge display, when the fatigue level is 0, a bar gauge corresponding to the maximum physical strength may be displayed, and as the fatigue level increases, the gauge may be displayed as shortening. In the case of numerical display, for example, when the fatigue level is 0, the number 0 may be displayed, and as the fatigue level increases, the number may increase from 0. Also, in the case of numerical display, for example, when the fatigue level is 0, the maximum numerical value corresponding to the maximum physical strength may be displayed, and as the fatigue level increases, the numerical value may decrease. Also, according to the fatigue level, the color and shape of the image displayed by the display unit may be changed. For example, as the fatigue level increases, the expression on the face of the character may be changed to a tired expression.

[0127] The fatigue level may be set, for example, to increase as the moving distance of the vehicle after turning on the ignition switch increases.

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit may move the cat on the screen when the right seat armrest and the left seat armrest are alternately raised and lowered. In this case, the higher the speed at which they are alternately raised and lowered, the greater the speed of the cat on the screen may be made.

[0129] Each element described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented by arbitrarily combining them.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 1 Seat system 11 Seat cushion 12 Seat back 100 Control unit M Monitor

Claims

1. Seat cushion and a movable member including any one of a seat back, a head rest, an arm rest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion; A display unit; A control unit, The control unit is Displaying a character by the display unit; A seat system that moves the character in response to the movement of the movable member.

2. a sensor for detecting the movement of the movable member; The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character based on information obtained from the sensor.

3. 3. The seat system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes a speed of the character's movement based on the information obtained from the sensor.

4. An operation unit for operating the movable member; an electric device for moving the movable member; The control unit is Operate the electric device based on an operation command output from the operation unit; The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the character is moved in response to the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric device.

5. The control unit is Estimating a fatigue level of a user seated in the seat; displaying the estimated fatigue level as a fatigue status of the character on the display unit; The seat system of claim 1 , wherein the fatigue status is altered in response to movement of the movable member.

6. the movable member is a seat back that rotates relative to the seat cushion, The control unit is 6. The seat system according to claim 5, wherein the fatigue status is lowered on condition that an angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. A plurality of the sheets are provided, The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member of each of the plurality of seats.

8. the movable member is a rotatable armrest, The seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the character in accordance with an amount of rotation of the armrest.

9. A switch for switching the control unit between a first mode and a second mode is further provided, The control unit is In the first mode, a synchronization process is executed to move the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member; 2. The seat system according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, the synchronization process is not executed.

10. 10. The seat system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit does not execute the synchronization process when a vehicle collision is predicted based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle.

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