Seat system and seat system control method

Abstract

To provide a seat system capable of issuing a notification of a body weight of a user seated on a seat.SOLUTION: A seat system 1 comprises: a seat 10; a weight sensor 40 for detecting the weight of a user seated on the seat 10; an electrically-driven device (an electrically-driven slide mechanism 30) for moving at least a part of the seat 10; an operation unit (a slide switch 62) for operating the electrically-driven device; and a controlling unit 100. The controlling unit 100 executes device operation limit processing for limiting the operation of the electrically-driven device, by stopping the operation of the electrically-driven device for a prescribed time, on the basis of the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40, when an operation command is received from the operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A vehicle seat control device that moves a seat between a boarding / exiting position where the seat protrudes outward from the door opening and a storage position where the seat is stored inside the vehicle is known (see Patent Document 1). This technology improves the ease of boarding / exiting the vehicle by increasing the distance between the door and the boarding / exiting position as the weight of the passenger increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-151117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional techniques have not been able to notify the weight of an occupant sitting in a seat.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat system that can notify the weight of a user seated in the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the seat system of the present invention comprises a seat, a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated in the seat, an electric device that moves at least a part of the seat, an operating unit for operating the electric device, and a control unit. When the control unit receives an operation command from the operation unit, the control unit executes a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined period of time based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

[0007] According to this configuration, when a user operates the operation unit to move at least a part of the seat (hereinafter also referred to as the "movable unit"), the operation of the electric device is limited based on the user's weight, which makes the movement of the movable unit awkward, allowing the user to know their approximate weight based on the awkwardness of the movement of the movable unit. In other words, the seat system can notify the user of their weight by executing the device operation limiting process. Furthermore, limiting the movement of the movable unit according to the user's weight can also increase the entertainment value.

[0008] In addition, in the device operation restriction process, the control unit may change the ratio of the stop time of the electric device per predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor.

[0009] According to this configuration, for example, the greater the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the greater the proportion of the stopped time, so that the moving part becomes less likely to move the heavier the user is, and the user can feel their own weight through the movement of the moving part.

[0010] In addition, in the device operation restriction process, the control unit may set a waiting time from when an operation command is received from the operation unit until the start of operation of the electric device based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

[0011] According to this configuration, for example, the greater the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the longer the waiting time is, and since the heavier a person is, the longer it takes for the moving part to start moving after operating the device, the user can feel their own weight through the length of the waiting time.

[0012] The seat system may further include a display unit, and the control unit may be capable of displaying a character on the display unit, and when executing the device operation restriction process, the control unit may cause the character to move in a manner that corresponds to the operation of the electric device.

[0013] With this configuration, the character moves in accordance with the operation of the electric device, allowing the user to understand why the moving part is difficult to move, so the user can have fun while understanding their own weight.

[0014] The control unit may also change the character based on the operation history of the user on the operation unit.

[0015] According to this configuration, the character is changed based on the operation history, so the user can enjoy operating the seat.

[0016] The control unit may also change the proportion of the stop time per predetermined time based on the operation history of the operation unit.

[0017] According to this configuration, for example, the more times the operating part is operated in the operation history, the smaller the proportion of stop time, and the more the user operates it, the smoother the movement of the moving part becomes, so the user can feel as if the seat is growing, which increases the entertainment value.

[0018] The seat may also have a vibration device, and the control unit may activate the vibration device when the weight acquired from the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value in the device operation restriction process.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the user's weight is equal to or greater than a certain level, the vibration device is activated, thereby increasing the effectiveness of notifying the user of the weight.

[0020] The seat may also be equipped with at least one of a speaker, an air conditioner, lighting, and a heater, and the control unit may link the operation of at least one of the speaker, air conditioner, lighting, and heater with the movement of the character in the device operation restriction process.

[0021] According to this configuration, for example, by operating the air conditioner in conjunction with the character's exhalation action, the user can feel the wind from the air conditioner as the character's breath, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0022] Furthermore, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, the control unit may not execute the device operation restriction process.

[0023] According to this configuration, the device operation restriction process is not executed when there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, thereby improving safety. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, by limiting the movement of the electric device based on the weight of the user, the movement of the moving part becomes awkward, so that the awkwardness of the movement of the moving part can notify the user of the user's weight. Also, by limiting the movement of the moving part according to the user's weight, the entertainment value can be increased.

[0025] Furthermore, by configuring the system to change the proportion of the time that the electric device is stopped per predetermined time based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the user can, for example, feel their own weight through the movement of the moving part.

[0026] In addition, by configuring the waiting time from when an operation command is received from the operating unit until the electric device starts operating to be set based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the user can, for example, feel their own weight based on the length of the waiting time.

[0027] Furthermore, by configuring the character to move in accordance with the operation of the electric device, the user can understand why the moving part is difficult to move, allowing the user to have fun while understanding their own weight.

[0028] Furthermore, by configuring the character to change based on the user's operation history of the operation unit, the user can enjoy operating the seat.

[0029] Furthermore, by configuring the system so that the ratio of the stop time per predetermined time is changed based on the operation history of the operation unit, it is possible to enhance the entertainment value, for example.

[0030] Furthermore, by configuring the device to activate the vibration device when the weight acquired from the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, the effectiveness of notifying the user of the weight can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, by linking the movement of at least one of the speaker, air conditioner, lighting, and heater with the movement of the character, the entertainment value can be increased, for example.

[0032] Furthermore, safety can be improved by configuring the device operation restriction process not to be executed when there is a possibility of a vehicle collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is a map showing the relationship between body weight and treatment, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing normal treatment, FIG. 1C is a diagram showing first restriction treatment, and FIG. 1D is a diagram showing second restriction treatment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10A shows an image displayed in normal processing, and FIG. 10B shows a sheet that operates according to normal processing. [Figure 4] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an image displayed in the first restriction process, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a sheet that operates in accordance with the first restriction process. [Figure 5] 10A is a diagram showing an image displayed in the second restriction process, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a sheet that operates in accordance with the second restriction process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams showing images in the second embodiment, in which (a) shows an image of the cat when it is a baby, (b) shows an image of the cat when it is an adult, and (c) shows an image of the cat when it has become more muscular. [Figure 8] 10 is a map showing the relationship between a character's level, weight, and number of operations. [Figure 9] 1A is a map showing the relationship between weight and treatment, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a first restriction treatment, FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a second restriction treatment, and FIG. 1D is a diagram showing a third restriction treatment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the seat. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the seat system. [Figure 13] 13(a) is a diagram showing a screen display in the configuration of FIG. 12, and FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing the operation of the seat and the air conditioning system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the seat system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10, a camera C as an example of a collision detection unit, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the monitor M, and the camera C are arranged in a vehicle, more specifically, in a position facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is a driver's seat or a passenger seat.

[0035] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0036] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0037] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0038] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the user and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend outward from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0039] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, a plurality of vibration devices 23, an electric slide mechanism 30, a weight sensor 40, and a plurality of speakers 50. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is an electric device that tilts forward and backward the seat back 12, which is part of the seat 10. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0040] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that vibrates when energized, thereby causing only a portion of the surface of the seat 10 to reciprocate. A plurality of, for example, four, vibration devices 23 are provided on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are, for example, embedded in a pad.

[0041] The electric slide mechanism 30 is an electric device that slides the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. Here, the seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 is equipped with a motor that is activated by energization.

[0042] The weight sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat 10. The weight sensor 40 is, for example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure from the user. The weight sensor 40 is, for example, located between the cover and the pad.

[0043] The slide rail may be composed of an upper rail and a lower rail, and the weight sensor may be located between the slide rail and the side frame of the seat cushion 11. In particular, the weight sensor may be fixed to the upper surface of the upper rail, and a link mechanism that connects the side frame and the slide rail may be connected to the weight sensor, thereby allowing the weight sensor to detect the load acting on the seat.

[0044] The speakers 50 are devices that generate sound when energized. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper part of the seat back 12. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The speakers 50 are embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0045] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61, a slide switch 62, and a mode changeover switch 63.

[0046] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

[0047] The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward movement command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward movement command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 rearward.

[0048] The mode selector 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 the device operation suppression process described below can be executed. Furthermore, the second mode is a mode in which the device operation suppression process is not executed. The mode selector switch 63 is, for example, a push button switch. The mode selector switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the mode selector switch 63 is pressed by the user. In this embodiment, when the mode selector switch 63 is in an OFF state, the mode is the second mode, and when the mode selector switch 63 is in an ON state, the mode is the first mode.

[0049] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 3) that displays an image. The image displayed on the monitor M can be changed by the control unit 100. The monitor M can be placed on the dashboard, for example, so as to be located below the rearview mirror.

[0050] The camera C is a camera that captures an image in front of the vehicle. The camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0051] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output circuits, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0052] 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, the weight sensor 40, and each speaker 50. The control unit 100 can individually operate each vibration device 23 and each speaker 50.

[0053] The control unit 100 has a function of executing a device operation restriction process that, when receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62, restricts the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 by stopping the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 for a predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. Here, the operation command from the slide switch 62 means either the forward command or the backward command described above.

[0054] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2(a), when the control unit 100 receives an operation command from the slide switch 62 in the first mode, the control unit 100 selects and executes one of the normal process, the first restriction process, and the second restriction process based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. Here, the first restriction process and the second restriction process are device operation restriction processes. In the following description, the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40 will also be simply referred to as the "user's weight W."

[0055] 2(b) when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1. In the normal processing, the control unit 100 constantly operates the electric slide mechanism 30 while receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62. That is, in the normal processing, the control unit 100 starts operating the electric slide mechanism 30 upon receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62, and if the output of the operation command continues for a predetermined time thereafter, the control unit 100 continues operating the electric slide mechanism 30 for the predetermined time without stopping the electric slide mechanism 30.

[0056] Further, when the weight W is greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 (TH1 < TH2), the control unit 100 executes the first limiting process shown in FIG. 2(c). In the first limiting process, the control unit 100 performs standby processing and intermittent operation processing.

[0057] In the standby processing, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 for a first standby time Tw1 from when an operation command is received from the slide switch 62. When the output of the operation command continues after the elapse of the first standby time Tw1, the control unit 100 executes intermittent operation processing. In the intermittent operation processing, the control unit 100 periodically operates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30.

[0058] In the intermittent operation processing, a first operation time Td1 for permitting the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 and a first stop time Ts1 for prohibiting the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 are set for a predetermined cycle T. In the present embodiment, the first stop time Ts1 is set after the first operation time Td1, but conversely, the first operation time Td1 may be set after the first stop time Ts1. In the intermittent operation processing in the first limiting process, the ratio of the first stop time Ts1 in the predetermined cycle T is set to a first ratio (for example, 1 / 2).

[0059] When the time during which the operation command is output is less than the first standby time Tw1, the control unit 100 keeps the electric slide mechanism 30 stopped from the start to the end of the first limiting process. When the time during which the operation command is output is greater than or equal to the first standby time Tw1 and less than Tw1 + Td1, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 for the first standby time Tw1, then operates the electric slide mechanism 30, and stops the electric slide mechanism 30 at the timing when the output of the operation command is stopped.

[0060] When the time during which the operation command is being output is equal to or longer than Tw1+T, the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first waiting time Tw1, then operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first operating time Td1, and then stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first stop time Ts1. Thereafter, the control unit 100 repeatedly operates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 at every cycle T until the output of the operation command is stopped, and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 at the timing when the output of the operation command is stopped.

[0061] Furthermore, when the weight W is greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 executes the second restriction process shown in Fig. 2(d). The second restriction process has a standby process and an intermittent operation process that are substantially the same as the first restriction process, but the standby time, operation time, and stop time are set to different values ​​from those in the first restriction process.

[0062] The standby time in the second restriction process is set to a second standby time Tw2 that is longer than the first standby time Tw1. The activation time in the second restriction process is set to a second activation time Td2 that is shorter than the first activation time Td1. The stop time in the second restriction process is set to a second stop time Ts2 that is longer than the first stop time Ts1. That is, in the second restriction process, the proportion of the second stop time Ts2 in the predetermined cycle T is set to a second proportion (e.g., 2 / 3) that is larger than the first proportion in the first restriction process.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a function of activating the vibration device 23 when the weight W is greater than a second threshold value TH2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2(d), the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 while the electric sliding mechanism 30 is stopped in the second restriction process. Note that it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple vibration devices 23 is activated.

[0064] 3(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a sheet image G1, which is an image of a sheet, and a cat image G2, which is an image of a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. When executing any of the normal process, the first restricted process, and the second restricted process, the control unit 100 moves the cat image G2 in accordance with the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30, and links the operation of the speaker 50 with the movement of the cat image G2.

[0065] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes normal processing, it displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat smoothly pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, as shown in Fig. 3(a). Furthermore, in conjunction with the display of the video, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 without stopping while the operation command is being output, as shown in Fig. 3(b), thereby smoothly moving the actual seat 10 in the direction corresponding to the operation command. When executing normal processing, the control unit 100 may output from the speaker 50 a sound expressing the cat's reaction, such as "It's light, meow."

[0066] When the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process, as shown in FIG. 4(a), it displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat sweating and pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, causing the seat to repeatedly move and stop. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 based on a first waiting time Tw1, a first operation time Td1, and a first stop time Ts1 in conjunction with the video display, thereby intermittently moving the actual seat 10 in the direction corresponding to the operation command. When the first restriction process is executed, the control unit 100 may output a sound from the speaker 50 that expresses the cat's thoughts, such as "It's heavy, meow."

[0067] When executing the second restriction process, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of a sweating cat pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, causing the seat to repeatedly move and stop, and punching the seat while the seat is stopped, as shown in FIG. 5(a). Furthermore, the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 and the vibration device 23 based on the second waiting time Tw2, the second operation time Td2, and the second stop time Ts2 in conjunction with the video display, as shown in FIG. 5(b), thereby intermittently moving the actual seat 10 in the direction corresponding to the operation command and activating the vibration device 23. When executing the second restriction process, the control unit 100 may output from the speaker 50 a voice expressing the cat's thoughts, such as "It's too heavy, meow," or the sound of the cat punching.

[0068] The control unit 100 also has a function of predicting a vehicle collision based on information from the camera C shown in Fig. 1. The control unit 100 has a function of not executing the device operation restriction process when a vehicle collision is predicted. For example, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision in the first mode, the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode and does not execute the device operation restriction process.

[0069] 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 changeover switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S11) and ends this process.

[0070] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (S2) based on information from the camera C. If it is determined in step S2 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S11) and ends this process.

[0071] If it is determined in step S2 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S3) and determines whether or not an operation command has been output from the slide switch 62 (S4). If it is determined in step S4 that an operation command has not been output (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0072] If it is determined in step S4 that an operation command has been output (Yes), the control unit 100 acquires the weight W of the user from the weight sensor 40 (S5). After step S5, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight W is equal to or less than a first threshold value TH1 (S6).

[0073] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 in the normal process (S7) and displays an image corresponding to the normal process on the screen M1 (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S9).

[0074] If it is determined in step S9 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S7. If it is determined in step S9 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 if it is operating (S10), and ends this processing.

[0075] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the weight W is equal to or less than a second threshold value TH2 (S12). If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 in a first restriction process (S13) and displays an image corresponding to the first restriction process on the screen M1 (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S15).

[0076] If it is determined in step S15 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S13. If it is determined in step S15 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 (S10) and ends this processing. Note that in step S10, the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 if it is operating, and does nothing if the electric sliding mechanism 30 is stopped, leaving the electric sliding mechanism 30 stopped.

[0077] If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 and the vibration device 23 in a second restriction process (S16), and displays an image corresponding to the second restriction process on the screen M1 (S17). After step S17, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S18).

[0078] If it is determined in step S18 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S16. If it is determined in step S18 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the vibration device 23 (S19).

[0079] In step S19, if the vibration device 23 is operating, the control unit 100 stops the vibration device 23, and if the vibration device 23 is stopped, the control unit 100 does nothing but keeps the vibration device 23 stopped. After step S19, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 (S10) and ends this process.

[0080] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, when a user whose weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the normal process shown in Fig. 2(b) to operate the electric slide mechanism 30 without stopping while receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62. This causes the seat 10 to move smoothly forward, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0081] In addition, in normal processing, the control unit 100 displays an animation of a cat smoothly pushing the seat forward, as shown in Fig. 3(a). Therefore, the user can know that his or her weight is light from the smooth movement of the seat 10 and the animation displayed on the screen M1.

[0082] When a user whose weight W is greater than the first threshold value TH1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process shown in Fig. 2(c) to stop the electric slide mechanism 30 for a first waiting time Tw1 after receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62, and then repeatedly activates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30 at a predetermined cycle T. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the seat 10 remains stopped for the first waiting time Tw1, and then repeatedly moves and stops at the predetermined cycle T.

[0083] 4(a), the control unit 100 alternately displays an animation of the cat sweating because the seat does not move even when the cat pushes on it, and an animation of the cat sweating and pushing on the seat, causing the seat to move forward a predetermined distance. Therefore, the user can know that he or she is heavy from the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10, the amount of movement of the seat 10 relative to the operation time of the slide switch 62, and the animation displayed on the screen M1.

[0084] When a user whose weight W is greater than the second threshold value TH2 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the second restriction process shown in Fig. 2(d) to stop the electric slide mechanism 30 for a second waiting time Tw2 after receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62, and then repeatedly activates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30 at a predetermined cycle T, and vibrates the vibration device 23 while the seat 10 is stopped. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the seat 10 remains stopped for the second waiting time Tw2, and then repeatedly moves and stops at the predetermined cycle T, and the vibration device 23 vibrates while the seat 10 is stopped.

[0085] 5(a), the control unit 100 alternately displays a video of the cat sweating and punching the seat in anger because the cat is pushing the seat but the seat does not move, and a video of the cat sweating and pushing the seat, causing the seat to move forward a predetermined distance. Therefore, the user can know that he or she is very heavy from the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10, the amount of movement of the seat 10 relative to the operation time of the slide switch 62, the vibration by the vibration device 23, and the video displayed on the screen M1. In particular, a user who has previously experienced the first restriction process will perceive that the second restriction process has a longer waiting time and stop time and a shorter movement distance of the seat 10 than the first restriction process, and therefore can know that he or she is very heavy.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When the user operates the slide switch 62 to move the seat 10, the movement of the powered sliding mechanism 30 is limited based on the user's weight, which makes the movement of the seat 10 awkward. This allows the user to know their approximate weight based on the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10. In other words, the seat system 1 can notify the user of their weight by executing the device operation limiting process. Furthermore, limiting the movement of the seat 10 according to the user's weight can also increase entertainment value.

[0087] The larger the weight obtained from the weight sensor 40, the larger the proportion of the stop time in the period T is set, and the heavier the user's weight is, the more difficult the seat 10 becomes to move, so the user can feel their own weight through the movement of the seat 10.

[0088] The greater the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40, the longer the waiting time is set, so that the heavier a person is, the longer the time it takes for the seat 10 to start moving after operating it, and the user can feel his or her own weight through the length of the waiting time.

[0089] The cat character moves in accordance with the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30, allowing the user to understand the reason why the seat 10 is difficult to move, and the user can have fun while knowing his or her own weight.

[0090] If the user's weight is greater than the second threshold value TH2, the vibration device 23 is activated, thereby increasing the effectiveness of notifying the user of the weight.

[0091] If there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the device operation restriction process is not executed, thereby improving safety.

[0092] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of the operation and screen display of the control unit 100 according to the first embodiment, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c), the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment has a function of changing the character of the cat based on the operation history of the user's operation unit. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 changes the character of the cat to a character with a stronger appearance as the number of operations of the slide switch 62 within a predetermined past time increases. Here, the predetermined past time may be, for example, the time from when the ignition switch for starting the vehicle is turned on to the present (that is, the time per ride), or the time from when the vehicle was new to the present.

[0094] In the present embodiment, when the number of operations N within a predetermined past time is less than the first predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a child cat as shown in FIG. 7(a) on the screen M1 as a cat at level 1. When the number of operations N within a predetermined past time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays an adult cat as shown in FIG. 7(b) on the screen M1 as a cat at level 2. When the number of operations N within a predetermined past time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a cat with a muscular build as shown in FIG. 7(c) on the screen M1 as a cat at level 3.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 8, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are set according to the user's weight. When the user's weight is light (W ≦ TH1), the first predetermined value is set to "N1" and the second predetermined value is set to "N2".

[0096] When the user's weight is heavy (TH1 < W ≦ TH2), the first predetermined value is set to "N3" and the second predetermined value is set to "N4". When the user's weight is very heavy (TH2 < W), the first predetermined value is set to "N5" and the second predetermined value is set to "N6".

[0097] The relationship among N1 to N6 is set as follows. N1 > N3 > N5 N2 > N4 > N6 By being set in this way, for a person with a heavier weight, the level of the character increases with a smaller number of operations N within a predetermined past time.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 9(a), the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment selects and executes one of the first, second, and third restriction processes depending on the user's weight. When the user's weight W is equal to or less than a first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process shown in Fig. 9(b).

[0099] In the first restriction process of the second embodiment, a standby time like that of the first embodiment is not set, and a first operation time Td3 and a first stop time Ts3 are set for a predetermined cycle T. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 based on the first operation time Td3 and first stop time Ts3 set for the predetermined cycle T.

[0100] In Fig. 9(b), the waveform indicated by the solid line is the waveform when the character's level is level 1. The higher the character's level, the smaller the ratio of the pause time to the period T is made by the control unit 100. In other words, the larger the number of operations N within the past predetermined time, the smaller the ratio of the pause time is made by the control unit 100.

[0101] More specifically, when the character's level is level 2, as shown by the dashed line, the control unit 100 increases the proportion of active time and decreases the proportion of inactive time compared to level 1. Here, the waveform for level 2 is a waveform in which the width of the peak of the solid line active time waveform is widened to the position shown by the dashed line.

[0102] When the character's level is level 3, as shown by the two-dot chain line, the control unit 100 increases the proportion of active time and decreases the proportion of inactive time compared to level 2. Here, the waveform for level 3 is a waveform in which the width of the peak of the solid line active time waveform is widened to the position shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 and the character's level is level 3, the stop time is set to 0. As a result, when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 and the character's level is level 3, the control unit 100 performs the same processing as the normal processing in the first embodiment.

[0104] In the second restriction process of the second embodiment, a waiting time is not set as in the first embodiment, and instead a second operation time Td4 and a second stop time Ts4 are set for a predetermined period T. The second operation time Td4 is shorter than the first operation time Td3, and the second stop time Ts4 is longer than the first stop time Ts3. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 based on the second operation time Td4 and second stop time Ts4 set for the predetermined period T. Also, in the second restriction process, as in the first restriction process, the ratio of the stop time to the period T decreases as the character level increases. Although detailed explanations are omitted, the solid line waveform in the figure corresponds to level 1, the dashed line waveform corresponds to level 2, and the two-dot chain line waveform corresponds to level 3.

[0105] In the third restriction process of the second embodiment, a waiting time is not set as in the first embodiment, and instead a third operation time Td5 and a third stop time Ts5 are set for a predetermined period T. The third operation time Td5 is shorter than the second operation time Td4, and the third stop time Ts5 is longer than the second stop time Ts4. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 based on the third operation time Td5 and the third stop time Ts5 set for the predetermined period T. Also, in the third restriction process, as in the first restriction process, the ratio of the stop time to the period T decreases as the character level increases. Although detailed explanations are omitted, the solid line waveform in the figure corresponds to level 1, the dashed line waveform corresponds to level 2, and the two-dot chain line waveform corresponds to level 3.

[0106] The control unit 100 executes the process of Fig. 10. The process of Fig. 10 includes new steps S31 to S38 in addition to steps S1 to S6, S9 to S12, S15, and S18 of Fig. 6.

[0107] When it is determined in step S4 that an operation command is received (Yes), the control unit 100 counts up the number of operations N (S31). Here, the counting up of the number of operations N may be performed each time a forward movement command is received and a reverse movement command is received, or may be performed only when a forward movement command is received, or may be performed only when a reverse movement command is received.

[0108] After step S31, control unit 100 acquires weight W in step S5, and sets the character's level based on weight W, number of operations N, and the map in Fig. 8 (S32). After step S32, control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0109] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 using a first restriction process according to the level (S33). After step S33, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the first restriction process on the screen M1 (S34).

[0110] The display in step S34 can be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of Fig. 4(a) is replaced with a baby cat corresponding to level 1. After step S34, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S9), and if it is continuing, returns to the processing of step S33, and if it is not continuing, stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in step S10.

[0111] If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 using a second restriction process according to the level (S35). After step S35, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the second restriction process on the screen M1 (S36).

[0112] The display in step S36 can be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of FIG. 4(a) is replaced with an adult cat corresponding to level 2. After step S36, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S15). If it is continuing, the process returns to step S35. If it is not continuing, the electric slide mechanism 30 is stopped in step S10.

[0113] If it is determined in step S12 that W>TH2 (No), the control unit 100 operates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 by the third limiting process according to the level (S37). After step S37, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the third limiting process on the screen M1 (S38).

[0114] The display in step S38 can be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of FIG. 4(a) is replaced with a muscular and robust cat corresponding to level 3. After step S38, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S18). If it is continuing, the process returns to step S37. If it is not continuing, the electric slide mechanism 30 is stopped in step S10.

[0115] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When a user with a light weight (W≤TH1) operates the slide switch 62 and the number of operations within a predetermined past time is small (N<N1), the control unit 100 displays the character of the cat at level 1 shown in FIG. 7(a) on the screen M1. Then, the control unit 100 operates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform at level 1 shown by the solid line in FIG. 9(a).

[0116] When a user with a light weight (W≤TH1) operates the slide switch 62 and the number of operations within a predetermined past time is large (N1≤N<N2), the control unit 100 displays the cat character at level 2 shown in FIG. 7(b) on the screen M1, and operates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform at level 2 shown by the broken line in FIG. 9(a). When a user with a light weight (W≤TH1) operates the slide switch 62 and the number of operations within a predetermined past time is extremely large (N2≤N), the control unit 100 displays the cat character at level 3 shown in FIG. 7(c) on the screen M1, and operates the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform at level 3 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9(a).

[0117] As a result, the user can know that the cat grows as the number of operations increases, and can feel that the movement of the seat 10 becomes smoother as the grown cat presses the seat, so that the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0118] Also, when a user with a heavy weight (TH1<W) operates the slide switch 62, the level of the character increases with a smaller number of operations than when a user with a light weight (W≤TH1) operates the slide switch 62. Therefore, for example, when a light-weight user who has experienced the first mode in the past sees a heavy-weight user executing the first mode, the user can know that the character grows faster than himself / herself, and can observe that the reason for the faster growth is that the heavy-weight user is carrying the cat, so that the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0119] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Since the character is changed based on the operation history, the user can enjoy operating the seat 10.

[0120] The more the number of times the slide switch 62 is operated, the smaller the proportion of the stop time, so that the more the user operates it, the smoother the movement of the seat 10 becomes, allowing the user to feel as if the seat 10 is growing, and enhancing the entertainment value.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the sheet image may also be displayed as moving in a large scale in accordance with the character's growth.

[0122] 11 , the seat 10 may include an ottoman 14 that supports the user's calves, an ottoman operating device 15 that rotates the ottoman 14, and an ottoman switch 16 that operates the ottoman operating device 15. In this case, when the control unit 100 receives an operation command from the ottoman switch 16, the control unit 100 may execute a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the ottoman operating device 15 by stopping the operation of the ottoman operating device 15 for a predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. In other words, in this embodiment, the ottoman operating device 15 corresponds to the electric device, and the ottoman switch 16 corresponds to the operation unit.

[0123] 12, seat system 301 may include first air conditioner 310 and second air conditioner 320. First air conditioner 310 is provided in the vehicle and discharges temperature-adjusted air into the vehicle through air outlet 331 arranged on dashboard 330.

[0124] The second air conditioner 320 is provided in, for example, the seat cushion 11 of the seat 10. The second air conditioner 320 causes air to flow through a passage formed in the pad of the seat cushion 11, and supplies the air to the user through holes in the surface of the seat cushion 11.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 13(b), when the control unit 100 operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 in the first restriction process (step S13 in Fig. 6), it also operates the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13(a), when the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the first restriction process on the screen M1 (step S13 in Fig. 6), it also displays the action of a cat exhaling. Furthermore, wind flowing from the front side of the seat toward the seat and wind flowing upward from the seat cushion are displayed by arrow-shaped images.

[0126] This allows the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320 to operate in conjunction with the cat's breathing action on the screen M1, allowing the user to feel the wind from the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320 as the cat's breath, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0127] In the device operation linkage process, the device linked to the character's movement is not limited to an air conditioner, but may also be a light or a heater. The device linked to the character's movement may be at least one of a speaker, an air conditioner, a light, and a heater, or may be multiple devices. Furthermore, the speaker, air conditioner, light, and heater may be provided in the seat, or may be provided in a member other than the seat.

[0128] If the weight W is greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 may display on the screen M1 an action of the character bracing and exhaling, and may increase the airflow rate of the air conditioner more than when W≦TH2.

[0129] The control device may adjust the direction of airflow from the air conditioner so that the airflow from the air conditioner is directed toward the occupant. If the device to be linked to the character's movement is lighting, the control unit may, in the device operation linkage processing, display a video of a cat feeling dizzy on screen M1 and cause the lighting device to flash in conjunction with this video.

[0130] If the device to be linked to the character's movement is a seat heater, the control unit may, in the device operation linkage processing, display on screen M1 an animation of the character bracing and sweating, and activate the seat heater in conjunction with this animation to gradually increase the temperature.

[0131] The control unit may execute a device operation linkage process in response to the weight of the occupant when the operation button for the seat memory function is pressed. In this case, the control unit may execute the device operation linkage process for multiple electric devices such as an electric reclining mechanism, an electric slide mechanism, and a steering position adjustment device.

[0132] The seat system may have a physique detection unit that detects the physique of the user. The physique detection unit may be, for example, a camera facing outside the vehicle that can capture an image of the user standing outside the vehicle. In this case, the control unit may calculate the user's obesity level (body mass index, BMI) based on the physique (height) detected by the physique detection unit and the weight detected by the weight sensor, and compare the calculated obesity level with a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The height and weight may be acquired by the control unit through input by the user, or may be acquired by the control unit through communication between the vehicle and a scale used at home.

[0133] In this case, the first threshold and the second threshold can be set, for example, as follows. BMI below 18.5 is below the first threshold. A BMI of 18.5 or greater but less than 24.5 is considered to be above the first threshold and below the second threshold. A BMI of 24.5 or higher is greater than the second threshold.

[0134] The heavier the user is, the smaller the percentage of time that the electric device is stopped per given time may be. The heavier the body, the shorter the waiting time may be.

[0135] The display unit may be a projection device that projects a light image onto another member. The proportion of the time during which the electric device is stopped per predetermined time may be increased as the number of operations increases.

[0136] The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices: Electric reclining mechanism for tilting the seat back Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down A movable device that changes the shape of a seat by driving a bag (air cell) or plate member that is operated by the inflow of air (for example, a device that operates the left and right protrusions that protrude from the seating surface of the seat cushion or seat back, or a device that operates part of the seating surface of the seat back or seat cushion). A side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front end of the seat cushion side frame between an up position and a down position. Tilt mechanism that moves the seat cushion pan up and down - Center-folding mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward Rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis -Cushion front / rear adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of the front end of the seat cushion -Mechanism for moving the ottoman back and forth -Mechanism for rotating armrests up and down Armrest extension mechanism -Mechanism to switch armrest between extended and bent positions ·illumination Headrest speaker (The headrest speaker may rotate or move in at least one direction of front, back, left, right, up, down, etc.) Heaters installed in the seat back or seat cushion Seat blower, a seat air conditioning device that circulates air on the surface of the seat cushion and seat back Vibration devices Window drive device that drives windows

[0137] The air cell may be connected to an air pump by an air tube, and may inflate and press against the occupant when air is pumped in. The air cell may be located in the lower back like a lumbar support, or multiple air cells may be provided on the seat to allow for more localized changes in shape.

[0138] The vibration device may be any type, such as one having a motor and harness that emits vibrations, one having an eccentric motor, or one having a linear motor. The vibration device may be provided on a seat cushion, a headrest, etc. The vibration device may be provided on the left and right protrusions of the seat cushion or seat back.

[0139] The display unit may be located anywhere, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, seat back, door side, or decorative element. The display unit may also be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may also be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet carried by the seat occupant.

[0140] The movable part (at least a part of the seat) may be a member that resembles an animal's body part, such as cat ears. The movable part may be made of a raised material. The movable part may also be an interior member other than a seat, such as a vehicle window.

[0141] The character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be an anthropomorphized character of an object, living thing, etc. The character may be set in advance, and may be, for example, an image of a deformed passenger.

[0142] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0143] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead.

[0144] The sheet system can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. A method for manufacturing a seat system comprising a seat, a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat, an electric device that moves at least a portion of the seat, an operation unit for operating the electric device, and a control unit, wherein when the control unit receives an operation command from the operation unit, it executes a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined period of time based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the method for manufacturing a seat system comprising the steps of attaching the weight sensor, the electric device, and the operation unit to the seat, and connecting the weight sensor, the electric device, and the operation unit to the control unit.

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

[0146] 1 seat system 10 sheets 30 Electric slide mechanism 40 Weight Sensor 62 Slide switch 100 control section

Claims

[Claim 1] A seat and a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat; an electrically powered device for moving at least a portion of the seat; an operation unit for operating the electric device; a control unit, The control unit when receiving an operation command from the operation unit, executing a device operation restriction process to restrict the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor; The seat system according to claim 1, wherein the device operation restriction process changes a ratio of a stop time of the electric device per predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor.

Images