Vehicle system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle system that can transmit detailed contents of assist processing.SOLUTION: A vehicle system 1 supports driving operation by a driver by assist processing for accelerating or decelerating a vehicle on the basis of an environment around the vehicle or changing a steering angle. The vehicle system 1 comprises a seat 10 on which a user is seated, an electric device that moves a portion of a seating surface F of the seat 10, and a control part 100. The electric device includes a vibrating device 23 and / or an air cell. When executing the assist processing, the control part 100 executes device interlock processing for activating the electric device, in response to movement of the vehicle operated by the assist processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle system that supports a driver's driving operation by assist processing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a vehicle system, when it is predicted that a deceleration control will be shifted by assist processing, the seat is slightly tilted forward to make the driver feel a pseudo deceleration start, and a driving control adapted to the situation is performed. There is known a system in which the system intention is transmitted to the driver (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 assist processing, in addition to deceleration, control such as acceleration and turning may also be executed. Therefore, there has been a problem that the detailed content of the assist processing cannot be conveyed only by tilting the seat as in the conventional case.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle system capable of conveying the detailed content of assist processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle system according to the present invention is a system that supports a driver's driving operation by assist processing for accelerating or decelerating a vehicle based on the surrounding environment of the vehicle or changing a steering angle. The vehicle system includes a seat on which a user sits, an electric device that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat, and a control unit. The electric device includes a vibration device and / or an air cell. When executing the assist process, the control unit executes a device interlock process for operating the electric device according to the movement of the vehicle that operates by the assist process.

[0007] According to this configuration, since the vibration device or the air cell has a large number of variations that can be expressed through touch, the detailed content of the assist process can be conveyed to the user.

[0008] Further, when the magnitude of the acceleration or the steering angle changed by the assist process exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit may execute the device interlock process.

[0009] According to this configuration, since the device interlock process is not executed for changes in acceleration or steering angle below a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to suppress confusion and improve comfort.

[0010] Further, the control unit may change the operation pattern of the electric device based on the acceleration or the steering angle changed by the assist process.

[0011] According to this configuration, the detailed content of the assist process can be conveyed to the user according to the operation pattern of the electric device.

[0012] Further, the vehicle system includes a plurality of electric devices, and the control unit may select an electric device to be operated from among the plurality according to whether the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration, deceleration, right turn, or left turn.

[0013] According to this configuration, the user can grasp in detail the content of the assist process according to the position of the operating electric device.

[0014] Further, the electric device is a vibration device, and the control unit may change the intensity of vibration of the vibration device based on the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process.

[0015] According to this configuration, for example, by increasing the vibration intensity as the acceleration increases, the magnitude of the acceleration can be intuitively understood from the vibration intensity from the seating surface.

[0016] Further, the electric device is an air cell, at least one air cell is provided on each of the left and right sides of the seat, and the control unit may inflate one of the left and right air cells based on the steering angle changed by the assist process.

[0017] According to this configuration, by inflating one of the left and right air cells, the user can understand that the steering control is being performed by the pressure from one of the left and right sides of the seating surface.

[0018] Further, the air cell includes a bag and an air pump for inflowing air into the bag, and the control unit may change the amount of air flowing from the air pump into the bag based on the steering angle changed by the assist process.

[0019] According to this configuration, since the amount of air flowing into the bag is changed based on the steering angle, for example, the user can understand the magnitude of the changed steering angle from the inflation amount of the bag of the air cell.

[0020] Furthermore, it further includes a display unit for displaying a character, and the control unit may move the character in accordance with the operation of the electric device in the device linkage process.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the character is moved in accordance with the operation of the electric device in the device linkage process, the user can feel that the assist process is being performed by the character through the operation of the electric device, and can feel as if the vehicle and the character are integrated.

[0022] Also, at least one speaker is provided on each of the left and right sides of the seat, and the control unit may output sound from one of the left and right speakers based on the steering angle changed by the assist process.

[0023] According to this configuration, since the sound is output from one of the left and right speakers based on the steering angle, the user can understand by hearing that the vehicle has turned by the assist process.

[0024] Further, when the control unit predicts a collision of the vehicle based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, it may not execute the device interlock process.

[0025] According to this configuration, when there is a possibility of a collision of the vehicle, the device interlock process is not executed, so that the safety can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, since the vibration device or the air cell has many variations that can be expressed through touch, the detailed content of the assist process can be conveyed to the user.

[0027] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the device interlock process is not executed when the acceleration or the change in the steering angle is below a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to suppress complication and improve comfort.

[0028] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the operation pattern of the electric device is changed based on the acceleration or the steering angle, the detailed content of the assist process can be conveyed to the user by the operation pattern of the electric device.

[0029] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the electric device to be operated is selected from a plurality according to whether the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration, deceleration, right turn, or left turn, the user can grasp in detail the content of the assist process according to the position of the operating electric device.

[0030] Also, based on the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process, a configuration is adopted to change the intensity of vibration of the vibration device. For example, a configuration is adopted such that the greater the acceleration, the greater the intensity of vibration. In this way, the magnitude of the acceleration can be intuitively understood from the intensity of vibration from the seating surface.

[0031] Also, based on the steering angle changed by the assist process, a configuration is adopted to inflate one of the left and right air cells. In this way, the user can understand that steering control is being performed based on the pressure from one side of the left and right of the seating surface.

[0032] Also, a configuration is adopted to change the amount of air flowing into the bag based on the steering angle. For example, the user can understand the magnitude of the changed steering angle from the amount of inflation of the air cell bag.

[0033] Also, a configuration is adopted to move a character in accordance with the operation of an electric device in the device linkage process. In this way, the user can feel through the operation of the electric device that the assist process is being performed by the character, and can feel as if the vehicle and the character are integrated.

[0034] Also, a configuration is adopted to output sound from one of the left and right speakers based on the steering angle. In this way, the user can understand by hearing that the vehicle has turned due to the assist process.

[0035] Also, a configuration is adopted not to execute the device linkage process when there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, thereby improving safety.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle system 1 includes a seat 10, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, a camera C as an example of a collision detection unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the monitor M, and the camera C are arranged inside the vehicle, specifically at positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the passenger seat.

[0038] 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 contacts the user sitting on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0039] The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a metal frame that constitutes the 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.

[0040] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A disposed at the left - right center and overhanging portions 11B disposed on both 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 portion 11B protrudes toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0041] Similarly, the seat back 12 also has a base portion 12A disposed at the left - right center and overhanging portions 12B disposed on both outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The overhanging portion 12B protrudes toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0042] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, a plurality of vibration devices 23, an electric slide mechanism 30, and a plurality of speakers 50. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is a mechanism for tilting the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that operates when energized.

[0043] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that reciprocates only a part of the surface of the seat 10 by vibrating when energized. Four vibration devices 23 are provided on the base portion 11A of the seat cushion 11, and one vibration device 23 is provided on each of the left - right overhanging portions 11B. The four vibration devices 23 provided on the base portion 11A are arranged such that a set of vibration devices 23 arranged side - by - side left - right are arranged front - to - back.

[0044] The vibration devices 23 are provided in four on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12 and one on each of the left and right projecting portions 12B. The four vibration devices 23 provided on the base portion 12A are arranged such that a set of vibration devices 23 arranged side by side left and right are arranged side by side up and down. Each vibration device 23 is, for example, embedded in a pad.

[0045] The electric slide mechanism 30 is a mechanism for sliding the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. Here, the seat 10 is supported by a slide rail (not shown) so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that operates when energized.

[0046] The speaker 50 is a device that generates sound when energized. The speakers 50 are provided one on each of the left and right sides of the upper part of the seat back 12. The speakers 50 are provided one on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The speaker 50 is, for example, embedded in a pad.

[0047] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61, a slide switch 62, and a mode changeover switch 63.

[0048] The reclining switch 61 is an operation unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. 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 backward, it outputs a backward tilt command for tilting the seat back 12 backward to the control unit 100.

[0049] 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 command for moving the seat 10 forward to the control unit 100. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward command for moving the seat 10 backward to the control unit 100.

[0050] The mode changeover 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 is a mode in which device interlock processing described later can be executed. The second mode is a mode in which the device interlock processing is not executed. The mode changeover switch 63 is, for example, a push-button type switch. Each time the mode changeover switch 63 is pressed by the user, it alternates between an ON state and an OFF state. In the present embodiment, the mode is set to the second mode when the mode changeover switch 63 is in the OFF state, and the mode is set to the first mode when the mode changeover switch 63 is in the ON state.

[0051] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 3) 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, below the rearview mirror.

[0052] The camera C is a camera for photographing the front of the vehicle. The camera C is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. The image information photographed by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0053] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output circuit, and the like. The control unit 100 may be provided on the seat 10 or may be provided on a member other than the seat 10.

[0054] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61 to 63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, each vibration device 23, the electric slide mechanism 30, and each speaker 50. The control unit 100 can individually operate each vibration device 23 and each speaker 50.

[0055] The control unit 100 has a function of assisting the driver's driving operation by accelerating or decelerating the vehicle based on the surrounding environment of the vehicle, or by assist processing for changing the steering angle. Specifically, for example, when the control unit 100 determines based on the information from the camera C that the road is curved, it controls the braking device to decelerate the vehicle before the vehicle approaches the curve.

[0056] Based on the information from the camera C, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead becomes larger than a set distance, the control unit 100 controls the engine to accelerate the vehicle. Based on the information from the camera C, the control unit 100 controls the steering mechanism to steer the vehicle left and right so that the host vehicle does not deviate from the lane.

[0057] When the control unit 100 executes the assist processing, it executes device interlock processing for operating the vibration device 23 according to the movement of the vehicle that operates by the assist processing. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the device interlock processing when the magnitude of the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist processing exceeds a predetermined threshold value. More specifically, the control unit 100 executes the device interlock processing when the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist processing exceeds the acceleration threshold value, or when the magnitude of the steering angle changed by the assist processing exceeds the steering angle threshold value.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the control unit 100 selects a vibration device 23 to be actuated from a plurality of vibration devices according to whether the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration, deceleration, right turn, or left turn. Specifically, when the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration or deceleration, the control unit 100 selects and actuates the vibration device 23 located at the left - right center of the seat cushion 11, specifically, at the base portion 11A. Note that the vibration device 23 to be actuated may be at least one of the four vibration devices 23 located at the base portion 11A.

[0059] When the driving operation assisted by the assist process is a right turn, the control unit 100 selects and actuates the vibration devices 23 located at the right overhang portions 11B, 12B. Note that the vibration device to be actuated may be at least one of the two vibration devices 23 located at the right overhang portions 11B, 12B.

[0060] When the driving operation assisted by the assist process is a left turn, the control unit 100 selects and actuates the vibration devices 23 located at the left overhang portions 11B, 12B. Note that the vibration device to be actuated may be at least one of the two vibration devices 23 located at the left overhang portions 11B, 12B.

[0061] The control unit 100 changes the operation pattern of the vibration device based on the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist process. Specifically, when the control unit 100 changes the acceleration to the positive side by the assist process, that is, when accelerating the vehicle, the vibration device 23 is intermittently actuated in an operation pattern as shown in FIG. 2(b). In the present embodiment, the operation pattern is set such that the operation time of the intermittently actuated vibration device gradually becomes longer, but each operation time may be constant, or may be set such that the operation time gradually becomes shorter.

[0062] When the control unit 100 changes the acceleration to the negative side by the assist process, that is, when decelerating the vehicle, the vibration device 23 is continuously operated in an operation pattern as shown in Fig. 2(c). Further, when the control unit 100 changes the steering angle to the plus side or the minus side, for example, by the assist process to turn the vehicle to the right side or the left side, the vibration device 23 is continuously operated in an operation pattern as shown in Fig. 2(c). Note that the plus side and the minus side of the steering angle (0 when the vehicle is going straight) and the right side and the left side of the steering can be arbitrarily set.

[0063] The control unit 100 has a function of changing the intensity of vibration of the vibration device 23 based on the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 increases the intensity of vibration of the vibration device 23 as the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process increases. Note that, as the vibration device capable of changing the intensity of vibration, for example, a type of vibration device that changes the frequency and amplitude of vibration to change the intensity of vibration can be adopted.

[0064] The control unit 100 has a function of outputting voice from one of the left and right speakers 50 based on the steering angle changed by the assist process. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2(a), when the control unit 100 changes the steering angle to the plus side, for example, by the assist process to turn the vehicle to the right, voice is output from the right speaker 50. The speaker 50 that outputs voice may be at least one of the two right speakers 50 located on the seat back 12 and the headrest 13.

[0065] Further, when the control unit 100 changes the steering angle to the minus side, for example, by the assist process to turn the vehicle to the left, voice is output from the left speaker 50. The speaker 50 that outputs voice may be at least one of the two left speakers 50 located on the seat back 12 and the headrest 13.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 has a function of displaying an image of a sheet and an image of a cat as an example of a character on the screen M1 of the monitor M. In the device interlocking process, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 in accordance with the operation of the vibration device 23.

[0067] Specifically, when accelerating the vehicle by the assist process, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat running on the sheet and an image of characters indicating acceleration such as "Nyah~ to accelerate". In this case, the control unit 100 outputs, for example, a voice such as "Nyah~ to accelerate" from the left and right speakers 50.

[0068] When decelerating the vehicle by the assist process, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat trying to stop running and propping up with its front paws and an image of characters indicating deceleration such as "Nyah~ to decelerate". In this case, the control unit 100 outputs, for example, a voice such as "Nyah~ to decelerate" from the left and right speakers 50.

[0069] When turning the vehicle to the right by the assist process, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of the cat walking to the right on the sheet and an image of characters indicating turning such as "Nyah~ to turn right". In this case, the control unit 100 outputs, for example, a voice such as "Nyah~ to turn right" from the right speaker 50.

[0070] The screen display when turning the vehicle to the left by the assist process is only to turn the direction of the cat in FIG. 5 to the left and change "right" in the image of the characters to "left", so the illustration is omitted. In this case, the control unit 100 outputs, for example, a voice such as "Nyah~ to turn left" from the left speaker 50.

[0071] Further, the control unit 100 has a function of predicting a collision of the vehicle based on the information from the camera C shown in FIG. 1. When the control unit 100 predicts a collision of the vehicle, it has a function of not executing the device interlock process. For example, when the control unit 100 predicts a collision of the vehicle in the first mode, it does not execute the device interlock process by switching the mode to the second mode.

[0072] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 6. In the process of FIG. 6, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON (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 second mode (S12) and ends this process.

[0073] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change 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 C (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 (S12) and ends this process.

[0074] 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). After step S3, the control unit 100 acquires information from the camera C (S4).

[0075] After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether assist processing is necessary based on the information from the camera C (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that assist processing is not necessary (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0076] If it is determined in step S5 that assist processing is necessary (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the magnitude of the acceleration to be changed by the assist processing is greater than the acceleration threshold value, or whether the magnitude of the steering angle to be changed by the assist processing is greater than the steering angle threshold value (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the magnitude of the acceleration is less than or equal to the acceleration threshold value and the magnitude of the steering angle is less than or equal to the steering angle threshold value (No), the control unit 100 executes the assist processing (S11) without performing the device interlock processing (S7 to S10) and ends this processing.

[0077] If it is determined in step S6 that the magnitude of the acceleration is greater than the acceleration threshold value or the magnitude of the steering angle is greater than the steering angle threshold value (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the assist target of the assist processing is acceleration or deceleration (S7). If it is determined in step S7 that the assist target is acceleration or deceleration (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the vibration intensity of the vibration device 23 to a larger value as the magnitude of the acceleration to be changed in the assist processing is larger (S8).

[0078] After step S8, or if it is determined as No in step S7, the control unit 100 operates the vibration device 23 and the speaker 50 corresponding to the assist target of the assist processing (S9). After step S9, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the assist target of the assist processing on the screen M1 (S10). After step S10, the control unit 100 executes the assist processing (S11) and ends this processing.

[0079] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the control unit 100 in the state of the first mode accelerates the vehicle by assist processing, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (b), the control unit 100 intermittently operates the vibration device 23 at the left and right center of the seat cushion 11 and displays the video shown in FIG. 3 on the screen M1. As a result, in accordance with the movement of the cat running on the screen M1, the seating surface F of the seat cushion 11 vibrates slightly, so that the user can feel the movement of the cat running through the seat 10 and can grasp that the vehicle is about to accelerate.

[0080] Also, when the control unit 100 in the state of the first mode decelerates the vehicle by assist processing, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (c), the control unit 100 continuously vibrates the vibration device 23 at the left and right center of the seat cushion 11 and displays the video shown in FIG. 4 on the screen M1. As a result, in accordance with the movement of the cat pressing its front paws (the movement of trying to stop by using the front paws as brakes) on the screen M1, the seating surface F of the seat cushion 11 vibrates continuously, so that the user can pseudo-experience the force received by the cat from the ground (the upper surface of the seat) through the front paws and can grasp that the vehicle is about to decelerate.

[0081] Also, when the control unit 100 in the state of the first mode turns the vehicle to the right by assist processing, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the control unit 100 vibrates the vibration devices 23 of the right overhanging portions 11B and 12B, outputs sound from the right speaker 50, and displays the video shown in FIG. 5 on the screen M1. As a result, in accordance with the movement of the cat walking to the right on the screen M1, the right overhanging portions 11B and 12B vibrate and sound is output from the right speaker 50, so that the user can feel the movement of the cat walking to the right through the seat 10 and can grasp that the vehicle is about to turn to the right.

[0082] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Since the vibration device 23 is operated according to the content of the assist processing, the detailed content of the assist processing can be conveyed to the user.

[0083] When the magnitude of the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist process is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the device interlock process is not executed, so that it is possible to suppress complication and improve comfort.

[0084] Since the operation pattern of the vibration device 23 is changed based on the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist process, the detailed content of the assist process can be conveyed to the user by the operation pattern of the vibration device 23.

[0085] Since the position of the operating vibration device 23 is different according to the driving operation assisted by the assist process, the user can grasp the details of the assist process in detail by the position of the operating vibration device 23.

[0086] Since the greater the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process, the greater the intensity of the vibration, the user can intuitively understand the magnitude of the acceleration from the intensity of the vibration from the seating surface F.

[0087] In the device interlock process, the cat on the screen M1 is moved in accordance with the operation of the vibration device 23, so that the user can feel through the operation of the vibration device 23 that the assist process is being performed by the cat, and the user can feel as if the vehicle and the cat character are integrated.

[0088] Since sound is output from one of the left and right speakers 50 based on the steering angle changed by the assist process, the user can understand by hearing that the vehicle turns by the assist process.

[0089] When there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the device interlock process is not executed, so that safety can be improved.

[0090] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Since this embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the structure of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The vehicle system 201 according to the second embodiment has a seat 210 with a somewhat different structure from that of the first embodiment. The seat 210 has air cells 220A, 220B, 220C as electric devices instead of the vibration device 23 of the first embodiment.

[0092] The air cell 220A includes an inflatable and contractible bag 221, an air pump (not shown), and a tube for allowing air to flow into the bag 221. The air pump has a function of sending air into the bag 221 or sucking air out of the bag 221, and operates by energization. The tube connects the bag 221 and the air pump.

[0093] The bag 221 is embedded in the pad. The air pump is fixed to the frame of the seat 10, for example.

[0094] The bag 221 of the air cell 220A is disposed at the lower part of the seat back 12, specifically, at a position corresponding to the waist of a user sitting on the seat 10. The air cells 220B and 220C have the same structure as the air cell 220A, but the bags 221 of the air cells 220B and 220C are smaller than the bag 221 of the air cell 220A.

[0095] Each of the bags 221 of the air cells 220B and 220C is arranged side by side at a position above the air cell 220A, specifically, at a position corresponding to the back of a user sitting on the seat 10. The air cells 220A to 220C can be inflated or contracted from a reference size.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 100 selects an air cell to be actuated from a plurality of air cells according to whether the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration, deceleration, right turn, or left turn. Specifically, when the driving operation assisted by the assist process is acceleration, the control unit 100 expands the air cell 220A located under the seat back 12 to be larger than the reference.

[0097] When the driving operation assisted by the assist process is deceleration, the control unit 100 contracts the air cell 220A located under the seat back 12 to be smaller than the reference. When the driving operation assisted by the assist process is a right turn, the control unit 100 expands the air cell 220B located at the upper right of the seat back 12 to be larger than the reference. When the driving operation assisted by the assist process is a left turn, the control unit 100 expands the air cell 220C located at the upper left of the seat back 12 to be larger than the reference.

[0098] That is, the control unit 100 expands one of the left and right air cells based on the steering angle changed by the assist process.

[0099] The control unit 100 executes the process of FIG. 9. The process of FIG. 9 has steps S1 to S6, S10 to S13 in the process of FIG. 6, and also has a new step S31. In the second embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the speaker 50 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0100] When the control unit 100 determines in step S6 that the magnitude of the acceleration is greater than the acceleration threshold or the magnitude of the steering angle is greater than the steering angle threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 actuates the air cell corresponding to the assist target of the assist process and the speaker 50 (S31). After step S31, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the assist target of the assist process on the screen M1 (S10).

[0101] In the second embodiment, the images when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating are the same as the images in FIGS. 3 or 4 in the first embodiment, but the image when the vehicle is turning is an image as shown in FIG. 10(a). When the control unit 100 causes the vehicle to turn right by assist processing, an image in which a cat is about to move along a curve as shown in FIG. 10(a) is displayed on the screen M1, and the right air cell 220B is inflated as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0102] In this way, when the vehicle turns right, the right air cell 220B expands, so that the user sitting on the seat 10 can understand that the vehicle is turning right due to the pressure from the right side portion of the seat back 12.

[0103] Note that the control unit 100 may change the amount of air flowing from the air pump to the bag 221 based on the steering angle changed by the assist processing. Specifically, the control unit 100 may increase the amount of air flowing into the bag 221 as the magnitude of the steering angle changed by the assist processing increases. According to this, the user can understand the magnitude of the changed steering angle by the amount of inflation of the air cell bag.

[0104] The seat may have both a vibration device and an air cell. The control unit may operate at least one of the vibration device and the air cell in the device interlock processing.

[0105] When deceleration is performed by the assist processing, the vibration device of the seat cushion may operate first, and then the vibration device of the seat back may operate.

[0106] When performing a right turn or a left turn by the assist processing, a character may display a direction change, and a plurality of vibration devices arranged side by side on the left and right of the seat back may vibrate in order from right to left or from left to right, so that the vibrating position may move as if it is flowing.

[0107] The vibration speed and vibration pattern may be changed according to the magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process.

[0108] When accelerating or decelerating by the assist process, the vibration device may be operated, and when turning right or left, the air cell may be operated.

[0109] The driving operation assisted by the assist process and the electric device to be operated may be corresponded as follows. Acceleration: Vibration device of the cushion Deceleration: Vibration device of the seat back Turning: Vibration device of either of the left and right overhang parts In this case, the overhang part of the seat back or the overhang part of the seat cushion may be vibrated according to acceleration or deceleration.

[0110] The driving operation assisted by the assist process and the electric device to be operated may be corresponded as follows. Acceleration: Vibrate the vibration device located at the upper part of the seat back with the first intensity, and vibrate the vibration device located at the lower part of the seat back with the second intensity smaller than the first intensity. Deceleration: Vibrate the vibration device located at the upper part of the seat back with the second intensity, and vibrate the vibration device located at the lower part of the seat back with the first intensity. Turning: Vibrate either one of the vibration devices located on the left and right of the seat back with the first intensity. When the vibration devices arranged side by side left and right are located at the upper part of the seat back, for example, at the time of acceleration, either the left or right vibration device at the upper part of the seat back may vibrate with the first intensity. Also, when the vehicle is accelerating and turning right, the vibration device at the upper right of the seat back vibrates with the first intensity (large), then the vibration device at the upper left of the seat back vibrates with the second intensity (medium), and the vibration device at the lower part of the seat back may vibrate with the third intensity (small) smaller than the second intensity.

[0111] Also, when turning the vehicle to the right, among the two vibration devices arranged side by side, after vibrating the left vibration device at the second intensity (small), the right vibration device may be repeatedly vibrated at the first intensity (large). Conversely, when turning the vehicle to the left, after vibrating the right vibration device at the second intensity (small), the left vibration device may be repeatedly vibrated at the first intensity (large).

[0112] Also, when accelerating the vehicle, the vibration device on the front end side of the seat cushion may be vibrated at the second intensity (small), and the vibration device on the rear end side of the seat cushion may be vibrated at the first intensity (large). Conversely, when decelerating the vehicle, the vibration device on the front end side of the seat cushion may be vibrated at the first intensity (large), and the vibration device on the rear end side of the seat cushion may be vibrated at the second intensity (small).

[0113] The character display may be an action that simultaneously represents turning and acceleration / deceleration, or a display with a larger change amount of acceleration or steering angle. For example, if the change amount of the steering angle is 5 degrees and the change in acceleration is 7 km / h 2 in this case, the character display corresponding to acceleration / deceleration may be prioritized, and if the change amount of the steering angle is 7 degrees and the change in acceleration is 5 km / h 2 in this case, the character display corresponding to turning may be prioritized.

[0114] The air cells may be provided in the base part of the seat cushion, the left and right protruding parts, the left and right protruding parts of the seat back, and the headrest. The vibration device may be provided in the headrest.

[0115] The vibration device may be any device having a motor that generates vibration and a harness, a device having an eccentric motor, a device having a linear motor, or the like.

[0116] The display unit may be arranged at any position, such as an instrument panel, a center console, a steering wheel, a meter, the back of a seat, the side of a door, a decorative item, etc. Further, the display unit may be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet held by a seated person.

[0117] The character may be an animal other than a cat, a living thing such as a plant, or a character that anthropomorphizes objects or living things. The character can be set in advance, for example, it may be an image that deforms a passenger.

[0118] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and may be other vehicles, such as a two-wheeled vehicle, a train, etc.

[0119] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the host vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

[0120] Examples of the method for manufacturing a vehicle system include the following methods. A vehicle system that supports a driver's driving operation by assist processing that accelerates or decelerates the vehicle based on the surrounding environment of the vehicle or changes the steering angle, and includes a seat on which a user sits, a vibration device and / or an air cell that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat, and a control unit. When the control unit executes the assist processing, a method for manufacturing a vehicle system that executes a device interlock process for operating the electric device according to the movement of the vehicle that operates by the assist processing, including a step of attaching the electric device to the seat, a step of attaching the seat and the control unit to the vehicle, and a step of connecting the electric device to the control unit.

[0121] Each element described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Vehicle system 10 sheets 23 vibration devices 100 control units

Claims

1. A vehicle system that assists a driver's driving operation by an assist process that accelerates or decelerates a vehicle or changes a steering angle based on a surrounding environment of the vehicle, A seat on which a user sits; an electric device, including a vibration device and / or an air cell, for moving a portion of the seating surface of the seat; A control unit, The control unit is The vehicle system is characterized in that, when the assist process is executed, a device linkage process is executed to operate the electric device in accordance with the movement of the vehicle caused by the assist process.

2. The vehicle system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the device linking process when a magnitude of the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist process exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

3. The vehicle system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes an operation pattern of the electric device based on the acceleration or steering angle changed by the assist process.

4. A plurality of the electrically-driven devices are provided, The vehicle system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit selects an electric device to be operated from among a plurality of electric devices depending on whether the driving operation to be assisted by the assist processing is acceleration, deceleration, right turning, or left turning.

5. the electromotive device is the vibration device, The vehicle system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit changes a vibration intensity of the vibration device based on a magnitude of the acceleration changed by the assist process.

6. the electrically-driven device is the air cell, At least one air cell is provided on each of the left and right sides of the seat, 2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit inflates one of the left and right air cells based on the steering angle changed by the assist process.

7. The air cell includes a bag and an air pump that introduces air into the bag.

7. The vehicle system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit changes the amount of air flowing from the air pump to the bag based on a steering angle that is changed by the assist process.

8. Further comprising a display unit for displaying a character, The vehicle system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, in the device linking process, moves the character in accordance with an operation of the electric device.

9. At least one speaker is provided on each of the left and right sides of the seat, 2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a sound from one of a left speaker and a right speaker based on a steering angle changed by the assist process.

10. The vehicle system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not execute the device linking process when a vehicle collision is predicted based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle.

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