Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior system with high entertainment property.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 includes an ornament (tail member 20), a portable device (stuffed toy 30), and a control unit 100. The ornament is fixed to a vehicle interior member (seat 10). The ornament has a movable body 22 that is operated by an actuator. The portable device can be carried around. The portable device acquires information from an occupant. The control unit 100 is capable of communicating with the portable device. The control unit 100 operates the movable body 22 by controlling the actuator on the basis of the information acquired from the portable device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle interior system equipped with a plush toy-like three-dimensional notification object placed on the dashboard of a vehicle has been known (see Patent Document 1). The three-dimensional notification object notifies the occupants of various traffic information (vehicle route, driving status, etc.) through gestures, mannerisms, facial expressions, flashing lights, etc., and entertains the occupants by having conversations with them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-104103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the three-dimensional notification object only notifies traffic information and communicates with the occupants, which is problematic in that it is not very entertaining.

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

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system according to the present invention includes a decorative item, a portable device, and a control unit. The ornament is fixed to an interior member of the vehicle and has a movable body that is moved by an actuator. The portable device is a device that can be carried around and acquires information from the passenger. The control unit is capable of communicating with the mobile device. The control unit controls the actuator based on the information acquired from the portable device to move the movable body.

[0007] By configuring the control unit to move the movable body based on information acquired from the portable device, it becomes possible to make the movable body perform various movements according to the information acquired by the portable device, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0008] In addition, the portable device has a contact sensor that detects when an occupant touches the portable device, and the movable body is movable between a distanced position away from the occupant seated in the seat and a contact position where it can come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat, and the control unit can perform a contact process to bring the movable body into contact with the occupant by controlling the actuator to move the movable body from the distanced position toward the contact position, and may perform the contact process when it is determined that the occupant has touched the portable device based on contact information obtained from the contact sensor.

[0009] By configuring the control unit to perform a contact process that moves the movable body of the ornament and brings the movable body into contact with the occupant, the action of the ornament can be made known to the occupant through touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament.

[0010] The control unit may also increase the sensitivity of the contact sensor as the fatigue level of the occupant estimated based on the information obtained from the portable device increases.

[0011] By configuring the contact sensor to have a higher sensitivity as the occupant's level of fatigue increases, even an occupant whose hand strength has weakened due to fatigue can have the control unit perform contact processing using a portable device.

[0012] The information may also include the amount of time the occupant has exercised, and the control unit may estimate that the greater the exercise time, the greater the degree of fatigue.

[0013] In addition, the control unit may estimate the number of contacts, which is the number of times the occupant touches the portable device within a predetermined period of time, based on the contact information obtained from the contact sensor, and change the movement of the movable body in the contact processing depending on the number of contacts.

[0014] By configuring the moving body to change its movement depending on the number of contacts, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0015] The mobile device may also include a speaker, and the control unit may cause the speaker to output sound when the movable body is moved.

[0016] By configuring the control unit to output sound from the speaker when the movable body is moved, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0017] In addition, the vehicle interior system may be configured such that the portable device includes a vibration device. The control unit may activate the vibration device when it determines, based on the contact information, that the occupant has touched the portable device.

[0018] The entertainment value can be further enhanced by configuring the portable device so that a vibration device is activated when the passenger touches the portable device.

[0019] The control unit may also estimate the degree of intimacy between the occupant and the portable device based on the information, and change the movement of the movable body in accordance with the degree of intimacy.

[0020] By configuring the movement of the movable body to change depending on the degree of intimacy, the entertainment value can be further increased.

[0021] The vehicle may also be provided with a holding unit that holds the portable device, and the portable device may be capable of detecting that the portable device is being held in the holding unit, and may be capable of communicating with the control unit when being held in the holding unit, and may be unable to communicate with the control unit when not being held in the holding unit.

[0022] By configuring the portable device so that it can communicate with the control unit only when the portable device is held by the holding unit, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the movable body.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit may prohibit the contact process when a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0024] If the control unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control unit can prohibit the contact process, thereby improving safety.

[0025] The portable device may also have an external shape that resembles a character. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, by configuring the control unit to move the movable body based on information obtained from the portable device, it is possible to make the movable body perform various movements according to the information obtained by the portable device, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0027] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to perform a contact process that moves the movable body of the ornament and brings the movable body into contact with the occupant, the action of the ornament can be recognized by the occupant's sense of touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament.

[0028] In addition, by configuring the contact sensor to have a higher sensitivity as the occupant's level of fatigue increases, even an occupant whose hand strength has weakened due to fatigue can have the control unit perform contact processing using a portable device.

[0029] Furthermore, by configuring the mobile device so that the movement of the movable body changes depending on the number of times the mobile device is touched, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0030] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit to output sound from a speaker when the movable body is moved, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0031] Furthermore, by configuring the portable device so that a vibration device is activated when the passenger touches the portable device, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0032] Furthermore, by configuring the movement of the movable body to change depending on the degree of intimacy, the entertainment value can be further enhanced.

[0033] Furthermore, by configuring the portable device so that it can communicate with the control unit only when the portable device is held by the holding unit, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the movable body.

[0034] Furthermore, safety can be improved by configuring the control unit to prohibit contact processing when it predicts a vehicle collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10(a) shows the tail member positioned at the separated position, and (b) and (c) show the tail member positioned at the contact position. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a contact process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a prohibition process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a camera C, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, a stuffed toy 30 as an example of a portable device, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, camera C, and tail member 20 are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or passenger seat.

[0037] 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 and supports an occupant (e.g., a driver) seated in the seat 10.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0040] 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 occupant and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0041] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13. The side surface FL is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side surface FL.

[0044] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0045] The movable body 22 extends from the base 21, and its tip is configured to be able to move freely in all directions. The movable body 22 is shaped, for example, to resemble a cat's tail. The movable body 22 has, for example, a joint mechanism with multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a surface covering that covers the cushioning material. The surface is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0046] The joint mechanism has a plurality of links (serial links) that are rotatably connected to each other, and the plurality of links are moved by an actuator.

[0047] The joint mechanism can be configured, for example, like a robot arm. In this case, the actuators for moving the multiple links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0048] The joint mechanism can also be configured to include, for example, multiple links, a spring that biases the multiple links so that they are aligned in a straight rod shape, a wire that pulls the distal link in a direction that causes the multiple links to fold against the biasing force of the spring, and a winch for pulling the wire. In this case, the actuator for moving the multiple links is a winch, and when the winch pulls the wire, the joint mechanism moves in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to fold, and when the winch releases the wire, the spring moves the joint mechanism in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to extend straight. In this case, using multiple wires allows the joint mechanism to be moved so as to fold in different directions, and the distal end of the movable body 22 can be freely moved in any direction.

[0049] The movable body 22 protrudes from the side surface FL. The movable body 22 has a contact sensor 22A at its tip that detects contact of the movable body 22 with an occupant. The contact sensor 22A may be, for example, a capacitance type touch sensor or a pressure sensor. The contact sensor 22A is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material.

[0050] The movable body 22 is movable between a separated position shown in Fig. 2(a) and a contact position shown in Fig. 2(b) and (c). The movable body 22 positioned at the separated position is separated from the occupant seated in the seat 10. The movable body 22 positioned at the contact position is capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated in the seat 10.

[0051] The stuffed toy 30 has a touch sensor 31 as an example of a contact sensor, a vibration device 32, and a mobile control unit 33. The stuffed toy 30 is a portable device, and its external shape resembles a cat character. The stuffed toy 30 has a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers at least the mobile control unit 33, and a skin that covers the cushioning material. The skin is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0052] The touch sensor 31 is a capacitance type sensor that detects when an occupant touches the stuffed toy 30. The contact sensor may be, for example, a pressure sensor. The touch sensor 31 is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material.

[0053] In this embodiment, the touch sensor 31 is located at a position corresponding to the chest of the stuffed animal 30. The touch sensor 31 may be located on the head, back, hands, or feet of the stuffed animal 30, or may be located at multiple locations.

[0054] The vibration device 32 is a device that vibrates when electricity is applied. The vibration device 32 is covered with, for example, a cushioning material. The vibration strength of the vibration device 32 is changeable. Note that, as a vibration device that is changeable in vibration strength, for example, a vibration device that changes the frequency and amplitude of vibration to change the vibration strength can be used.

[0055] The mobile control unit 33 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes a program stored in advance. The mobile control unit 33 is capable of communicating with the control unit 100.

[0056] The mobile control unit 33 acquires information from the occupant via the touch sensor 31, specifically, contact information indicating whether contact has occurred, and transmits the acquired contact information to the control unit 100. In addition, the mobile control unit 33 activates the vibration device 32 based on an activation command from the control unit 100.

[0057] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0058] The control unit 100 has a function of executing a contact process in which the movable body 22 contacts the occupant by controlling the actuator of the tail member 20 to move the movable body 22 from the separated position toward the contact position. In the contact process, the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 until it determines that the movable body 22 has contacted the occupant based on information acquired by the contact sensor 22A.

[0059] The control unit 100 executes contact processing based on the contact information acquired from the mobile control unit 33. In detail, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the occupant has touched the stuffed toy 30 based on the contact information, and executes contact processing when it is determined that the occupant has touched the stuffed toy 30.

[0060] In addition, when the control unit determines based on the contact information that an occupant has touched the portable device, it has the function of activating the vibration device 32 of the stuffed animal 30 by sending an activation command to the portable control unit 33 to activate the vibration device.

[0061] The control unit 100 also has a function of estimating the number of contacts, which is the number of times the occupant has touched the stuffed animal 30 within a predetermined time, based on the contact information acquired from the mobile control unit 33. The control unit 100 changes the movement of the movable body 22 in the contact process depending on the number of contacts. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 operates the movable body 22 so that the more the number of contacts, the longer the time the movable body 22 is in contact with the occupant.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a function of prohibiting contact processing when a vehicle collision is predicted. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the vehicle will collide with an object ahead based on image information acquired from the camera C, and prohibits contact processing when it determines that there is a possibility of a collision.

[0063] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. While the vehicle power supply is ON, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the contact process shown in Fig. 3 and the prohibition process shown in Fig. 4 in parallel.

[0064] When the vehicle power supply is turned on, the control unit 100 executes the contact process shown in FIG. In the contact process, the control unit 100 first acquires contact information from the stuffed toy 30 and determines whether or not the occupant has touched the stuffed toy 30 based on the contact information (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the occupant has not touched the stuffed toy 30 (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0065] If it is determined in step S1 that an occupant has touched the stuffed toy 30 (Yes), the control unit 100 counts up the number of contacts N (S2). After step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since it started counting up the number of contacts N (since it changed N from 0 to 1) (S3).

[0066] If it is determined in step S3 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S1. If it is determined in step S3 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the number of contacts N is equal to or greater than a first threshold value Nth1 (S4).

[0067] If it is determined in step S4 that N≧Nth1 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the tip of the tail member 20 has touched the occupant based on information from the contact sensor 22A (S15).

[0068] If it is determined in step S15 that the tip of the tail member 20 is not touching the occupant (No), the control unit 100 repeats the process of step S15 (No). If it is determined in step S15 that the tip of the tail member 20 has touched the occupant (Yes), the control unit 100 resets the number of contacts N (S9), returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S10), and ends this process. Note that if the condition of step S15 is not met even after a predetermined time has passed in step S15, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S9 and returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S10).

[0069] If it is determined in step S4 that N≧Nth1 holds (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the number of contacts N is equal to or greater than a second threshold Nth2 that is greater than the first threshold Nth1 (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that N≧Nth2 does not hold (No), the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 32 of the stuffed animal 30 at the first strength by transmitting a first activation command to the mobile control unit 33 to activate the vibration device 32 at the first strength (S11).

[0070] After step S11, the control unit 100 moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S12). After step S12, the control unit 100 makes the tail member 20 contact the occupant for a first time (S13). After step S13, the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S9.

[0071] Specifically, for example, in step S13, the control unit 100 determines whether the tail member 20 has come into contact with the occupant based on the contact information, and if it determines that contact has occurred, counts up a contact counter for measuring the contact time. Then, when the contact counter becomes equal to or greater than a threshold corresponding to a first time, the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S9. Note that in step S13, if the condition of step S13 is not satisfied even after a limit time longer than the first time has elapsed, the control unit 100 may forcibly proceed to the processing of step S9.

[0072] If it is determined in step S5 that N≧Nth2 (Yes), the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 32 of the stuffed animal 30 at the second strength by sending a second activation command to the mobile control unit 33 to activate the vibration device 32 at the second strength (S6).

[0073] After step S6, the control unit 100 moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S7). After step S7, the control unit 100 causes the tail member 20 to contact the occupant for a second time period that is longer than the first time period (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S9. The processing of step S8 can be performed in the same manner as step S13.

[0074] 4, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not there is a possibility of a collision based on image information acquired from the camera C (S21). If it is determined in step S21 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0075] If it is determined in step S21 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 100 prohibits the contact process (S22) and ends this process. In detail, if the tail member 20 is not moving when the control unit 100 proceeds to step S22, it forcibly ends the contact process in Fig. 3 and does not execute the contact process thereafter. Furthermore, if the tail member 20 is moving when the control unit 100 proceeds to step S22, it forcibly ends the contact process, returns the tail member 20 to the separated position, and does not execute the contact process thereafter.

[0076] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When an occupant seated in the seat 10 (for example, the passenger seat or the driver's seat during automatic driving) touches the chest of the stuffed animal 30, the control unit 100 starts counting up the number of contacts N during a predetermined time. If the number of contacts N is less than the first threshold Nth1, the tail member 20 immediately returns to the separated position after touching the occupant's face.

[0077] If the number of contacts N is equal to or greater than the first threshold Nth1 and less than the second threshold Nth2, the tail member 20 touches the occupant's face for a first time period and then returns to the separated position. If the number of contacts N is equal to or greater than the second threshold Nth2, the tail member 20 touches the occupant's face for a second time period that is greater than the first time period and then returns to the separated position.

[0078] In this way, the more times the occupant touches the stuffed toy 30, the longer the time the tail member 20 is in contact with the occupant. Therefore, the more the occupant loves the stuffed toy 30, the longer the stuffed toy 30 will spend using the tail member 20 to pamper the occupant, and the occupant will feel attached to the stuffed toy 30.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the control unit 100 to move the movable body 22 based on information acquired from the stuffed toy 30, it becomes possible to make the movable body 22 perform various movements according to the information acquired by the stuffed toy 30, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0080] By configuring the control unit 100 to execute contact processing by moving the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 and bringing the movable body 22 into contact with the occupant, the occupant can be made aware of the action of the tail member 20 by touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the tail member 20.

[0081] By configuring the movable body 22 to move until the control unit 100 determines that the movable body 22 has come into contact with the occupant based on information from the contact sensor 22A, the movable body 22 can be reliably brought into contact with the occupant.

[0082] If the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision, it is possible to improve safety by configuring the control unit 100 to prohibit the contact process.

[0083] By configuring the movement of the movable body 22 to change depending on the number of contacts N, the entertainment value can be further increased.

[0084] The entertainment value can be further enhanced by configuring the vibration device 32 of the stuffed toy 30 to activate when the passenger touches the stuffed toy 30. In addition, the greater the number of contacts N, the greater the strength of the vibration device 32, so the more the passenger loves the stuffed toy 30, the greater the reaction from the stuffed toy 30, allowing the passenger to feel that the stuffed toy 30 is a real pet.

[0085] The number of contacts N is the number of times the occupant touches the stuffed animal 30 within a predetermined time period, and can therefore be seen as the degree of intimacy. In this embodiment, the greater the number of contacts N, i.e., the higher the degree of intimacy, the stronger the vibration device 32 becomes and the longer the time that the tail member 20 touches the occupant, making the occupant feel that the stuffed animal 30 has become attached to them.

[0086] [Second embodiment] Next, a second 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 vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0087] 5, a vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment includes a smartwatch 40 as an example of a portable device, instead of the stuffed animal 30 according to the first embodiment. The smartwatch 40 is worn on the wrist of a passenger.

[0088] The smart watch 40 includes a touch panel 41 as an example of a contact sensor, a biometric information sensor 42 that acquires biometric information of the occupant, and a mobile control unit 43. The biological information sensor 42 acquires biological information such as heart rate, breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and number of steps from the occupant.

[0089] The mobile control unit 43 has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes a program stored in advance. The mobile control unit 43 is capable of communicating with the control unit 100.

[0090] The mobile control unit 43 transmits the contact information acquired from the touch panel 41 and the biological information acquired from the biological information sensor 42 to the control unit 100. The mobile control unit 43 can change the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 based on a command from the control unit 100.

[0091] The control unit 100 has a function of estimating the fatigue level of the occupant based on the biological information acquired from the mobile control unit 43. The control unit 100 sets a sensitivity change command for changing the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 based on the fatigue level. The control unit 100 sets the sensitivity change command so that the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 increases as the fatigue level of the occupant increases.

[0092] For example, when the fatigue level of the occupant is a first fatigue level, the control unit 100 sets the sensitivity change command to a first sensitivity change command corresponding to the first fatigue level. When the fatigue level of the occupant is a second fatigue level greater than the first fatigue level, the control unit 100 sets the sensitivity change command to a second sensitivity change command that makes the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 higher than the first sensitivity change command.

[0093] The control unit 100 may estimate the exercise time of the occupant wearing the smart watch 40, for example, based on the number of steps acquired from the smart watch 40 and the time during which the number of steps was measured. In this case, the control unit 100 may estimate that the longer the exercise time, the greater the fatigue level.

[0094] The control unit 100 may measure the sympathetic nerve activity of the seated occupant based on heart rate information acquired from the smartwatch 40. Specifically, the control unit 100 may obtain the ratio (LF / HF) of low frequency fluctuation waves (LF) to high frequency fluctuation waves (HF) in the heart rate fluctuation as the sympathetic nerve activity. In this case, the control unit 100 determines the sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) as the fatigue level. 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 fatigue level of the seated occupant.

[0095] The method for estimating the fatigue level of the seated occupant is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the fatigue level of the seated occupant based on the breathing interval or the arousal level (at least a level indicating whether the seated occupant is in an arousal state or a low arousal state) determined based on the breathing information acquired from the smartwatch 40. Specifically, the shorter the breathing interval of the seated occupant, the higher the fatigue level may be determined to be, or the fatigue level may be determined to be high when the arousal level of the seated occupant is in a low arousal state.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may use the total of the individual fatigue levels determined based on the sympathetic nerve activity level based on the heart rate, the breathing interval, and the arousal level as the fatigue level of the seated occupant.

[0097] The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the contact process shown in FIG. In the contact process, the control unit 100 first acquires biological information and contact information from the smartwatch 40 (S41). After step S41, the control unit 100 estimates the fatigue level of the occupant based on the biological information acquired from the smartwatch 40 (S42).

[0098] After step S42, the control unit 100 sets a sensitivity change command so that the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 of the smart watch 40 increases as the fatigue level increases, and transmits the set sensitivity change command to the smart watch 40 to set the sensitivity of the touch panel 41 to a sensitivity corresponding to the fatigue level (S43). After step S43, the control unit 100 determines whether the occupant has touched the touch panel 41 based on the contact information acquired from the smart watch 40 (S44).

[0099] If it is determined in step S44 that the occupant has not touched the touch panel 41 (No), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S44 that the occupant has touched the touch panel 41 (Yes), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S45 and S46, thereby bringing the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant. Note that the processes of steps S45 and S46 are similar to the processes of steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] After the tail member 20 has been brought into contact with the occupant (S46: Yes), the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S47), and ends this process.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the greater the degree of fatigue of the occupant, the higher the sensitivity of the touch panel 41. Therefore, even if the occupant's hand strength has weakened due to fatigue, for example, the control unit 100 can be made to perform the touch process using the smart watch 40.

[0102] [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 vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0103] 7, a vehicle interior system 1B according to the third embodiment includes a stuffed toy 50 different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, the vehicle includes a cup holder 60 as an example of a holding portion.

[0104] The cup holder 60 is provided on the dashboard D. The cup holder 60 is cylindrical with a bottom, and holds the stuffed animal 50 with the bottom of the stuffed animal 50 accommodated therein.

[0105] The plush toy 50 has an external shape resembling a cat. The plush toy 50 has a speaker 51, a mobile control unit 53, and a microphone (not shown).

[0106] The mobile control unit 53 can detect that the stuffed toy 50 is held in the cup holder 60. For example, if the cup holder 60 is provided with a contactless IC chip capable of short-range communication, the mobile control unit 53 may determine that the stuffed toy 50 is held in the cup holder 60 when reading information from the IC chip. The IC chip may be a contact IC chip.

[0107] When the mobile control unit 53 determines that the stuffed toy 50 is held in the cup holder 60, it enables communication with the control unit 100. When the mobile control unit 53 determines that the stuffed toy 50 is not held in the cup holder 60, it disables communication with the control unit 100.

[0108] The mobile control unit 53 is capable of having a conversation with the occupant using the microphone and speaker 51. The mobile control unit 53 transmits conversation information indicating that the mobile control unit 53 has had a conversation with the occupant to the control unit 100.

[0109] The control unit 100 has a function of outputting sound from the speaker 51 of the stuffed animal 50 when the tail member 20 is moved. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the speaker 51 to output sound by transmitting a sound output command to the mobile control unit 53.

[0110] The control unit 100 has a function of estimating the degree of intimacy between the passenger and the stuffed toy 50 based on the conversation information acquired from the mobile control unit 53. The control unit 100 changes the movement of the tail member 20 according to the degree of intimacy.

[0111] The control unit 100 according to the third embodiment executes the contact process shown in FIG. In the contact process, the control unit 100 first acquires conversation information from the stuffed animal 50 (S61). After step S61, the control unit 100 estimates the degree of intimacy between the occupant and the stuffed animal 50 based on the conversation information (S62). For example, in step S62, the control unit 100 calculates, from the conversation information, the number of times the occupant has spoken to the stuffed animal 50 during a predetermined time period in the past, and sets the degree of intimacy to be higher as the number of times increases.

[0112] After step S62, the control unit 100 determines whether the intimacy is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S63). If it is determined in step S63 that the intimacy is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0113] If it is determined in step S63 that the intimacy is equal to or greater than the first threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the intimacy is equal to or greater than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold (S64). If it is determined in step S64 that the intimacy is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (No), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S69 and S70 to bring the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant.

[0114] The processing of steps S69 and S70 is the same as the processing of steps S14 and S15 in Fig. 3, so detailed explanations will be omitted. After the tail member 20 contacts the occupant (S70: Yes), the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S68) and ends this processing.

[0115] If it is determined in step S64 that the intimacy is equal to or greater than the second threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 outputs sound from the speaker 51 of the stuffed animal 50 (S65). Here, the sound may be, for example, the purring sound of a cat, such as "gorogoro," or a sound like a cat clinging to a passenger.

[0116] After step S65, the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S66 and S67 to make the tail member 20 contact the occupant for a first time. Note that the processes of steps S66 and S67 are similar to the processes of steps S12 and S13 in Fig. 3, so detailed explanations will be omitted. After step S67, the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S68) and ends this process.

[0117] In the third embodiment, the entertainment value can be further enhanced by changing the movement of the tail member 20 depending on the intimacy level. Specifically, the higher the intimacy level, the longer the tail member 20 stays in contact with the occupant, which makes the occupant feel that the stuffed animal 50 has become attached to them.

[0118] The entertainment value can be further enhanced by configuring the speaker 51 of the stuffed animal 50 to output a sound when the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20. In more detail, when the intimacy level becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold, the stuffed animal 50 outputs a sweet voice, which makes the passenger feel that the stuffed animal 50 has become attached to them.

[0119] By configuring the stuffed toy 50 so that it can communicate with the control unit 100 only when the stuffed toy 50 is held in the cup holder 60, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the tail member 20.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. The portable device may be a wearable terminal, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The portable device may include a temperature sensor, in which case the control unit may move the movable body based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0121] The portable device may have a plurality of switches, and in this case, variations in the operation of the movable body may be assigned to each switch.

[0122] In a configuration in which the contact sensor of the portable device is a pressure sensor and the movable body is moved when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold, the sensitivity of the contact sensor may be increased by decreasing the threshold as the level of fatigue increases.In a configuration in which the contact sensor of the portable device is a touch panel and the movable body is moved when the number of touches to the touch panel per predetermined time period (or the duration of contact) is equal to or greater than a threshold, the sensitivity of the contact sensor may be increased by decreasing the threshold as the level of fatigue increases.

[0123] The control unit may set the fatigue level based on the sleeping time of the occupant acquired from the portable device. Specifically, the control unit may set the fatigue level higher as the sleeping time of the occupant decreases.

[0124] The electric device of the portable device that is activated to move the movable body is not limited to a vibration device, but may also be an actuator that moves a part of the portable device such as a robot arm, or a light.

[0125] The intimacy level may be set based on the content of the passenger's voice response to a question from the portable device, or based on the frequency of conversation within a predetermined time. Alternatively, the number of times the passenger has ridden may be counted by taking an image of the passenger with an imaging unit, and the more times the passenger has ridden, the higher the intimacy level may be.

[0126] The familiarity level may be reset for each ride or may be continuous. The familiarity level may be set based on the number of times the occupant talks to the mobile device outside the vehicle, the amount of time the occupant wears the mobile device, and the frequency with which the occupant wears the mobile device.

[0127] The movement speed of the movable object may be changed based on the intimacy level. For example, the higher the intimacy level, the slower the movement speed of the movable object may be.

[0128] The vehicle interior system may include a seating detection sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in the seat. Examples of the seating detection sensor include a seating sensor on the seat and a camera that photographs the occupant. In this case, the control unit may execute the contact process when it determines that an occupant is seated in the seat based on information from the seating detection sensor, and may prohibit the contact process when it determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat. In this way, the control unit executes the contact process only after recognizing that an occupant is seated in the seat, thereby preventing malfunction and creating a sense of exclusivity that communication can only be achieved within the vehicle interior.

[0129] The electric device may be any device that moves at least a part of the seat. For example, the electric device may be any of the following devices: Reclining device for tilting the seat back Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down -Slide device that moves the seat back and forth A movable device that changes the shape of a seat by driving a bag (air cell) or 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 A mechanism for rotating the ottoman up and down or moving it 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 device that vibrates the seating surface

[0130] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. However, if the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0131] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member). In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0132] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0133] The control unit may change the contact time, which is the time during which the movable body is in contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the contact time to a first time when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the contact time to a second time, which is longer than the first time, when a second condition is satisfied.

[0134] The control unit may change the number of contacts, which is the number of times the movable body comes into contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the number of contacts to a first number when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the number of contacts to a second number greater than the first number when a second condition is satisfied.

[0135] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0136] The control unit may cause the movable body to come into contact with the occupant based on vehicle information acquired by the vehicle. In this case, the movable body can contact the occupant to notify the occupant of any information. Examples of the vehicle information include the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle, information on whether the preceding vehicle has started moving while the host vehicle is stopped, information on whether the host vehicle will deviate from its lane, lane change timing for lane change assistance, and steering and acceleration / deceleration information for vehicle driving assistance.

[0137] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform contact processing after notifying the occupant using the notification device. In this way, when notifying the occupant of information by voice or display, a contact action is added as a supplementary form of communication, so that notification can be performed using both vision or hearing and touch. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the information to be notified.

[0138] The control unit may execute the contact process randomly within a predetermined time period. The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0139] The control unit may execute the contact process based on the content of the voice acquired from the occupant.

[0140] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0141] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0142] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0143] The contact strength (the strength with which the movable body pushes the occupant) may be changed depending on the contact position. For example, the contact strength may be strong on the top of the head and weak on the face.

[0144] The contact position may be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be set so as not to contact the face or head of the occupant so as not to ruin their hair or makeup. For example, the head may be set as the first position, the sides of the face as the second position, the ears as the third position, and the shoulders as the fourth position. A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of coming into contact with the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0145] The control unit may estimate the physical and mental state of the occupant based on the biological information. The control unit may increase the frequency of contact processing when the occupant's mental state is deteriorating.

[0146] The control unit may change the posture of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes before performing the contact process. The tilt-up mechanism tilts up the front end of the seat cushion, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward. The reclining mechanism moves the seat back toward the occupant, rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can contact the occupant. Whether the seat back has reached a position where it can contact the occupant can be determined, for example, based on information from a pressure sensor installed in the seat back. The ottoman drive mechanism raises the ottoman, allowing the occupant's body to lean backward.

[0147] Before executing the contact process, the control unit may activate a vibration device provided on the seat to notify that the movable body will start moving.

[0148] The movable body may be provided with a heater, which can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be equipped with a heater.

[0149] The interior member on which the decorative item is provided is not limited to the headrest of the driver's seat, but may also be a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting another seat such as the passenger seat. If the seat has an armrest or ottoman, the interior member may be the armrest or ottoman.

[0150] Other examples of interior components include a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard, inner panels of doors and vehicle side walls, a roof lining, an interior opening / closing cover of a sunroof, etc. The decorative item may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging portions that bulge out above the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard or above the meter hood, the center console box, etc.

[0151] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. For example, other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0152] Changing the shape of an ornament is not limited to changing between a straight and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornament is acceptable. For example, if the ornament is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornament may change between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornament may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornament.

[0153] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0154] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0155] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0156] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit such as a seat, door, or navigation system.

[0157] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0158] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system comprising: an ornament fixed to an interior member of a vehicle, the ornament having a movable body moved by an actuator; a portable device that can be carried and that acquires information from an occupant; and a control unit that can communicate with the portable device, wherein the control unit controls the actuator based on the information acquired from the portable device to move the movable body, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member and connecting the actuator to the control unit.

[0159] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Vehicle interior systems 10 sheets 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 100 control section

Claims

1. a decorative item fixed to an interior member of a vehicle, the decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator; a portable device that can be carried and that acquires information from an occupant; a control unit capable of communicating with the portable device; The vehicle interior system is characterized in that the control unit moves the movable body by controlling the actuator based on information obtained from the portable device.

2. the portable device has a contact sensor that detects when an occupant touches the portable device; The movable body is a spaced position away from a seated occupant; The seat cushion is movable between a contact position where it can come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, The control unit a contact process for bringing the movable body into contact with an occupant by controlling the actuator to move the movable body from the separated position toward the contact position; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the touch processing is executed when it is determined that an occupant has touched the portable device based on the touch information acquired from the touch sensor.

3. The control unit 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the sensitivity of the contact sensor is increased as the fatigue level of the occupant estimated based on the information obtained from the portable device increases.

4. the information includes the occupant's exercise time; The vehicle interior system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit estimates that the fatigue level is greater as the exercise time is longer.

5. The control unit estimating a contact count, which is the number of times an occupant touches the portable device within a predetermined time, based on the contact information acquired from the contact sensor; 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the movable body in the contact processing is changed according to the number of times of contact.

6. the mobile device includes a speaker; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the speaker to output a sound when the movable body is moved.

7. the handheld device comprises a vibration device; The control unit The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the vibration device is activated when it is determined based on the contact information that the occupant has touched the portable device.

8. The control unit estimating the degree of intimacy between the occupant and the portable device based on the information; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the movement of the movable body is changed according to the degree of intimacy.

9. the vehicle includes a holding portion for holding the portable device; The mobile device It is possible to detect that the portable device is held in the holding portion, The device is capable of communicating with the control unit when held by the holding unit, 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein communication with the control unit is not possible when the vehicle interior system is not held by the holding unit.

10. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit prohibits the contact process when a vehicle collision is predicted.

11. 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the portable device has an outer shape that resembles a character.

Images