Seat system

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a seat system is known that includes a seat, a pressure sensor that detects pressure from a user seated on the seat, and a control unit that controls the movement of a character on a screen based on a signal from the pressure sensor (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-175808 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, the occupant had to move their body to apply pressure to the seat surface in order to move the character, which meant that even if the occupant moved their body, the pressure was not transmitted properly to the seat surface, making it impossible to control the character.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat system that can improve the operability of a character. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the seat system of the present invention comprises a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit displays the character on the display unit and moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member.

[0007] According to this configuration, the character moves by moving the movable member that is movable relative to the seat cushion, thereby improving the operability of the character.

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

[0009] The control unit may also change the speed of the character's movement based on information obtained from the sensor.

[0010] The seat system may also include an operation unit for operating the movable member and an electric device for moving the movable member, and the control unit may operate the electric device based on an operation command output from the operation unit, and move the character according to the operation command or the amount of operation of the electric device.

[0011] According to this configuration, the control unit moves the character in response to an operation command or the amount of operation of the electric device, so there is no need to provide a sensor to detect the movement of the movable member, which reduces costs.

[0012] The control unit may also estimate the level of fatigue of a user seated in the seat, display the estimated level of fatigue as the character's fatigue status on the display unit, and change the fatigue status according to the movement of the movable member.

[0013] The movable member may be a seat back that rotates relative to the seat cushion, and the control unit may lower the fatigue status on the condition that the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0014] The seat system may also include a plurality of seats, and the control unit may move the character in accordance with the movement of each of the movable members of the plurality of seats.

[0015] With this configuration, when each user seated on multiple seats moves a movable member, the character moves in accordance with the movement of each movable member on the multiple seats, allowing each user to enjoy cooperative play, for example.

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

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

[0018] The control unit may be configured not to execute the synchronization process when a vehicle collision is predicted based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle.

[0019] According to this configuration, if the vehicle is about to collide, the synchronization process is not executed, so that the user can take a posture to prepare for the collision, for example. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the character moves by moving the movable member that is movable relative to the seat cushion, thereby improving the operability of the character.

[0021] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to move the character in response to an operation command or the amount of operation of an electric device, there is no need to provide a sensor to detect the movement of the movable member, which reduces costs.

[0022] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to move the character in accordance with the movement of each movable member of a plurality of seats, users can enjoy cooperative play, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, by configuring the system so that synchronization processing is not executed when the vehicle is about to collide, the user can, for example, assume a posture in preparation for a collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A shows the state of the seat when the reclining angle is less than a predetermined value, and FIG. 10B shows the screen display at that time. [Figure 3] 10A shows the state of the seat when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and FIG. 10B shows the screen display at that time. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10(a) is a diagram showing a seat according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing a screen display according to the movement of an armrest. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state in which the armrest of the right seat is rotated upward and the screen display at that time. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which the angles of the armrests of the left and right seats are aligned, and the screen display at that time. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0027] The seat body 10A is a member having a seating surface that supports the user. The seat body 10A includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12 as an example of a movable member, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The cover is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like. The upper surface of the seat cushion 11 forms the seating surface. The front surfaces of the seat back 12 and the headrest 13 form the seating surfaces.

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

[0029] The reclining mechanism RC is a mechanism for prohibiting or allowing rotation of the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 11. The reclining mechanism RC is switchable between a locked state that prohibits rotation of the seat back 12 and a released state that allows rotation of the seat back 12. The reclining mechanism RC has a spring that biases the seat back 12 forward.

[0030] The operating lever L1 is a lever for switching the state of the reclining mechanism RC. The operating lever L1 is rotatable between a locked position shown in Fig. 1 and an unlocked position when rotated upward from the locked position.

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

[0032] The sensor SS1 is a sensor that detects the movement of the seat back 12. More specifically, the sensor SS1 detects the reclining angle. Here, the reclining angle refers to the angle of the seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the reclining angle is the angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion 11 and the seat surface of the seat back 12. The reclining angle decreases as the seat back 12 tilts forward, and increases as the seat back tilts backward. For example, a sensor having a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the reclining angle can be used as the sensor SS1.

[0033] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 2) 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. A user seated in the seat 10 can view the screen M1 of the monitor M.

[0034] The camera 30 is a camera that captures an image in front of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera 30 is output to the control unit 100.

[0035] 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 for executing a synchronization process, which will be described later. The first mode is a mode in which synchronization processing is not performed. The mode changeover switch 63 is, for example, a push button switch. The mode changeover switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the mode changeover switch 63 is pressed by the user.

[0036] The mode changeover switch 63 is provided on the dashboard. However, the mode changeover switch 63 may be provided on another interior member, for example, the seat 10.

[0037] 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. The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, the camera 30, the mode selector switch 63, and the sensor SS1.

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

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

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

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

[0042] The initial value of the fatigue level may be set to a larger value as the time that has elapsed since the ignition switch of the vehicle was turned on increases. The initial value of the fatigue level may also be estimated based on biological information of the user obtained from at least one of a heart rate sensor and a breathing sensor provided in the seat.

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

[0044] Note that the method for estimating the initial value of the user's fatigue level is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the user's fatigue level based on the interval between breaths or the alertness level determined based on the breath (at least a level indicating whether the user is in an alert state or a low alert state) based on information acquired from a breathing sensor. Specifically, the shorter the interval between breaths of the user, the higher the fatigue level may be determined to be, or the higher the fatigue level may be determined to be when the user's alertness level is in a low alert state.

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

[0046] In this embodiment, the fatigue status is displayed on the screen M1 as an increasing / decreasing gauge. In Fig. 2 or 3, the gauge showing the fatigue status is shown by hatching with dots. The gauge expands to the right as the fatigue level increases, and contracts to the left as the fatigue level decreases.

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

[0048] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of FIG.

[0049] 4, 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 and ends this process (S11).

[0050] 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 30. 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 and ends this processing (S11).

[0051] 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 it is the start time of the first mode (S4). That is, in step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether it is the time when the mode has been switched from the second mode to the first mode.

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

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

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

[0055] If it is determined in step S7 that the reclining angle is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of a fatigue level status according to the fatigue level and an image of a cat waking up on the screen M1 (S12). After step S12, the control unit 100 counts up the fatigue level (S13). After step S13, the control unit 100 changes the display of the fatigue level status according to the fatigue level (S10), and ends this process.

[0056] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, when the reclining angle is less than a predetermined value and the mode of the control unit 100 is the second mode, if the user seated in the seat 10 turns on the mode selector switch 63, an image of a cat waking up will be displayed on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 2(b). At the time the user turns on the mode selector switch 63, the gauge indicating the fatigue status is at 0 (no dots are hatched).

[0057] If the user leaves the seat 10 in this state for a while, the fatigue status gauge will gradually fill up to the right. The time it takes for the gauge to fill from 0 to MAX can be set to a relatively long time, such as one or two hours.

[0058] When the gauge approaches MAX, the user can see this display and recognize that fatigue is building up. When a tired user rotates the operating lever L1 upward to tilt the seat back 12 backward, as shown in Figure 3(a), and the reclining angle reaches a predetermined value or more, the display on screen M1 changes to an image of a sleeping cat, as shown in Figure 3(b), and the fatigue status gauge gradually decreases over time. This allows the user to recognize that their fatigue is recovering.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The cat character moves when the user moves the seat back 12, which improves the operability of the character.

[0060] If the vehicle is about to collide, the synchronization process is not performed, allowing the user to prepare for a collision, for example.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

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

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

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

[0065] The second operating lever L2 is a lever for switching the state of the rotation mechanism 15. The second operating lever L2 is rotatable between a locked position shown in Fig. 5 and an unlocked position where it is rotated upward from the locked position.

[0066] When the second operating lever L2 is in the lock position, the rotation mechanism 15 is in a locked state, and when the second operating lever L2 is in the release position, the rotation mechanism 15 is in a released state.

[0067] The second sensor SS2 is a sensor that detects the movement of the ottoman 14. More specifically, the second sensor SS2 detects the ottoman angle. Here, the ottoman angle refers to the angle of the ottoman 14 relative to the seat cushion 11. More specifically, the ottoman angle is the angle between the underside of the seat cushion 11 and the underside of the ottoman 14. The ottoman angle increases as the ottoman 14 approaches a horizontal position, and decreases as the ottoman 14 tilts downward relative to the horizontal position. The second sensor SS2 can be, for example, a sensor having a variable resistor whose electrical resistance changes depending on the ottoman angle.

[0068] The control unit 100 executes the processing of Fig. 6. The processing of Fig. 6 includes new steps S31 to S33 in addition to steps S1 to S5 and S7 to S13 in the processing of Fig. 4.

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

[0070] If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 counts down the fatigue level (S33) and proceeds to the process of step S10. If it is determined in step S32 that the ottoman angle is not equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 proceeds directly to the process of step S10.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the ottoman angle is less than the second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down only in step S9, and the fatigue level gauge decreases at a predetermined rate. In contrast, when the reclining angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the ottoman angle is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the fatigue level is counted down twice, in steps S9 and S33, and the fatigue level gauge decreases at a rate faster than the predetermined rate.

[0072] This allows the rate at which the fatigue status gauge decreases to correspond to the user's actual degree of recovery from fatigue, which corresponds to the shape of the seat 210. In other words, the user can stretch out and relax more when the seat back 12 is tilted back and the ottoman 14 is in a horizontal position than when only the seat back 12 is tilted back with the front end of the ottoman 14 facing downwards. Therefore, by increasing the rate at which the gauge decreases in this case, the rate at which the gauge decreases can be made to correspond to the user's actual degree of recovery from fatigue.

[0073] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

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

[0075] The armrest 16 is rotatably supported on the seat back 12. The armrest 16 can be rotated up and down between a first arm position shown in Figure 7(a) where the tip faces forward and a second arm position where the tip faces upward.

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

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

[0078] 7(b), the control unit 100 has a function of rotating the left front leg of the cat on the screen M1 up and down in accordance with the amount of rotation of the armrest 16. If armrests are provided on the left and right sides of the seat back, the control unit may move the right front leg of the cat on the screen up and down in accordance with the movement of the right armrest, and may move the left front leg of the cat on the screen up and down in accordance with the movement of the left armrest.

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

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

[0081] According to the third embodiment, when the user rotates the armrest 16 up and down, the front paws of the cat on the screen M1 move up and down, which can enhance entertainment value. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the control unit 100 displays the image of the cat so that the angle of the cat's front paws matches the arm angle acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, so that the cat's front paws can be moved at a speed corresponding to the speed at which the user moves the armrest 16. In other words, the control unit 100 changes the speed of the cat's movement based on the information acquired from the arm angle sensor 320, which can enhance entertainment value.

[0082] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the seat 10 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

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

[0084] The electric reclining mechanism 40 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 40 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0085] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the seat back 12. 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.

[0086] The reference position sensor 420 is a sensor that detects whether the seat back 12 is positioned at the reference position shown in Fig. 9. As the reference position sensor 420, an optical sensor or the like that is less expensive than the sensor SS1 of the first embodiment can be used.

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

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

[0089] The operation command history may be, for example, the sum of the time during which a forward tilt command is output (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which a successor command is output (e.g., a negative value). The operation history of the electric reclining mechanism 40 may be, for example, the sum of the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in one direction (e.g., a positive value) and the time during which the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction (e.g., a negative value).

[0090] The control unit 100 executes the processing of Fig. 10. The processing of Fig. 10 includes steps S1 to S5 and S7 to S13 in the processing of Fig. 4, as well as new steps S71 to S74.

[0091] After step S5, or if the determination in step S4 is No, the control unit 100 calculates (S71) the initial reclining angle from the reference position and the operation history of the reclining switch 61. After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether or not an operation command has been received from the reclining switch 61 (S72).

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

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

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

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, in the first mode, when the user pushes the reclining switch 61 backward for a predetermined time, the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in the other direction for a predetermined time, and the reclining angle reaches or exceeds a predetermined position (S7: Yes), and an image of a sleeping cat is displayed (S8). Also, in the first mode, when the user pushes the reclining switch 61 forward for a predetermined time, the electric reclining mechanism 40 rotates in one direction for a predetermined time, and the reclining angle falls below the predetermined position (S7: No), and an image of a waking cat is displayed (S12).

[0096] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 100 moves the cat in accordance with an operation command or the amount of operation of the electric reclining mechanism 40, which eliminates the need to provide a sensor SS1 for detecting each position (angle) of the seat back 12 as in the first embodiment, thereby reducing costs.

[0097] Although the fourth embodiment is provided with the reference position sensor 420, the reference position sensor 420 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the control unit 100 may store the angle of the seat back 12 at the time of shipping the seat 410 as the reference position, and store the operation history of the reclining switch 61 each time the reclining switch 61 is operated, thereby constantly grasping the current reclining angle.

[0098] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment has a structure including two sheets 510 that are substantially the same as the sheet 310 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

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

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

[0101] 11, for convenience, the screen M1 of the monitor M is shown facing the front of the illustration, but in reality, the screen M1 faces each seat 510. The left-right center of the screen M1 is located between the two seats 510 in the left-right direction.

[0102] The control unit 100 has a function of moving the cat on the screen M1 in accordance with the movement of the armrests 16 of the two seats 510. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 100 compares the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the first seat 510R on the right side (hereinafter also referred to as the "first arm angle") with the arm angle of the armrest 16 of the second seat 510L on the left side (hereinafter also referred to as the "second arm angle"), and moves the cat so that it lifts its front paws on the seat 510 side with the larger arm angle.

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

[0104] Specifically, when the first arm angle is greater than the second arm angle, control unit 100 displays on screen M1 a video of a cat on screen M1 raising its front paw (the front paw on the right side as seen from the user) corresponding to right-side first seat 510R. When the second arm angle is greater than the first arm angle, control unit 100 displays on screen M1 a video of a cat on screen M1 raising its front paw (the front paw on the left side as seen from the user) corresponding to left-side second seat 510L.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, when the first arm angle and the second arm angle match at an angle greater than 0°, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat clapping on the screen M1. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the process of Fig. 14. The process of Fig. 14 includes new steps S91 to S98 in addition to steps S1 to S3 and S11 in the process of Fig. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

[0111] According to the fifth embodiment, when each user sitting on the two seats 510 moves the armrest 16, the cat moves in accordance with the movement of the armrest 16 of each of the two seats 510, allowing each user to enjoy cooperative play.

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

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

[0114] The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices: -Slide mechanism that moves the seat forward and backward 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 a plate member that operates by letting air in (for example, a device that operates the left and right protrusions that protrude from the seating surface of a seat cushion or seat back, or a device that operates part of the seating surface of a 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 rotating the ottoman up and down -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

[0115] The air cell may be connected to an air pump by an air tube, and may expand 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The movable member may be a member that resembles a part of an animal's body, such as cat ears. The movable member may be made of a raised material. The movable member may be an interior member other than a seat, for example, a vehicle window. In this case, the control unit may display on the screen an expression or words of a cat enjoying cooling off in response to the movement of the vehicle window lowering. In other words, the vehicle interior system may move a character displayed by the display unit in response to the movement of a movable interior member other than a seat.

[0119] The characters may be animals other than cats, or may be personified objects or living things. For example, the image may be a deformed image of the occupant.

[0120] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

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

[0122] The sheet system can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. A method for manufacturing a seat system comprising a seat cushion, a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays a character on the display unit and moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member, the method comprising the steps of attaching the movable member so that it is movable relative to the seat cushion, and connecting the display unit to the control unit.

[0123] The control unit may increase the degree to which the cat on the screen rolls over based on the reclining angle. For example, the display of the cat may show the cat rolling over and holding a ball, and the control unit may be capable of executing a game in which the user adjusts the reclining angle to adjust the degree to which the cat rolls over, thereby trying not to drop the ball.

[0124] The sensor may be a position sensor that detects the amount of movement of the movable member based on a change in coordinate (change in angle) from a reference position. Position sensors that detect angles may be, for example, rotary sensors or tilt sensors. Position sensors may be embedded in, for example, the seat back or the padding of an ottoman.

[0125] The sensor may be a speed sensor that detects whether the movable member is moving at a predetermined threshold speed (for example, determining the speed using a threshold in about four stages). The speed sensor may be, for example, a MEMS acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive sensor, or a capacitance sensor.

[0126] The display of the fatigue status is not limited to a gauge, and may be displayed as a numerical value. In a gauge-type display, a bar-shaped gauge corresponding to maximum stamina may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the gauge may become shorter as the fatigue level increases. In a numerical display, for example, the number 0 may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the number may increase from 0 as the fatigue level increases. In a numerical display, for example, the maximum number corresponding to maximum stamina may be displayed when the fatigue level is 0, and the number may decrease as the fatigue level increases. Furthermore, the color or shape of the image displayed by the display unit may be changed depending on the level of fatigue. For example, as the level of fatigue increases, the facial expression of the character may change to become more tired.

[0127] The fatigue level may be set to increase, for example, as the distance traveled by the vehicle after the ignition switch is turned on increases.

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the control unit may move the cat on the screen when the armrest of the right seat and the armrest of the left seat are alternately raised and lowered. In this case, the speed of the cat on the screen may increase as the speed at which the armrests are alternately raised and lowered increases.

[0129] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 seat system 11 Seat cushion 12 Seat back 100 control section M Monitor

Claims

[Claim 1] a seat having a seat cushion and a movable member including any one of a seat back, a headrest, an armrest, and an ottoman, the movable member being movable relative to the seat cushion; A display unit; a control unit, The control unit displaying a character on the display unit; A seat system that moves the character in accordance with the movement of the movable member.

Images