Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To make actions of an ornament such as a robot more noticeable to an occupant.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 includes an ornament (tail member 20), an environment acquisition unit (navigation system 33), and a control unit 100. The ornament is provided at a vehicle interior member (seat 10). The ornament has a movable body 22 operated by an actuator. The environment acquisition unit acquires information on an environment around an occupant. The movable body 22 is movable between a separation position away from the occupant seated in the seat 10 and a contact position where it can come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat 10. The control unit 100 controls the actuator to move the movable body 22 from the separation position toward the contact position, thereby executing contact processing to bring the movable body 22 into contact with the occupant, calculating a relaxation level of the occupant on the basis of the information acquired from the environment acquisition unit, and executing contact processing on the basis of the relaxation level.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] A conventional vehicle interior system is known that includes a plush toy-like three-dimensional notification object placed on the dashboard of a vehicle (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.

[0003] Also known as a vehicle interior system is one that includes an agent device that converses with the occupants, and a control unit that calculates a calmness value (the occupant's calmness and relaxation level) based on the environment around the occupant, and changes the voice and screen display of the agent device according to the calmness value (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-104103 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-17174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, information is notified to the occupants through the movements and sounds of a robot on the dashboard, so there is a risk that the occupants may not notice the robot's actions if they look away from the robot or if there is a lot of noise outside the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, in the technology of Patent Document 2, the agent device is operated in a manner according to the peacefulness value, but if the occupant takes their eyes off the agent device or if there is a lot of noise outside the vehicle, the occupant may not be able to grasp the state of the agent device and may not be able to recognize their level of relaxation.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for passengers to notice the actions of decorative objects such as robots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system according to the present invention includes a decorative item, an environment acquisition unit, and a control unit. The ornament is provided in an interior member of a vehicle and has a movable body that is moved by an actuator. The environment acquisition unit acquires the environment around the occupant. The movable body is movable between a spaced position away from an occupant seated on the seat and a contact position capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated on the seat. 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 separation position toward the contact position, calculates the occupant's relaxation level based on information acquired from the environment acquisition unit, and performs the contact process based on the relaxation level.

[0009] By configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat, 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. Also, by configuring the contact processing to be performed based on the relaxation level, it makes it easier for the occupant to notice the relaxation level.

[0010] The control unit may also change the movement of the movable body in the contact process based on the degree of relaxation.

[0011] By configuring the movement of the movable body to be changed based on the degree of relaxation, the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is based on the movement of the movable body.

[0012] The control unit may also determine whether or not to execute contact processing based on the degree of relaxation.

[0013] The accessory may also have a vibration device, and the control unit may activate the vibration device based on the degree of relaxation when moving the movable body.

[0014] The ornament may also have an inflatable / contractable air cell, and the control unit may activate the air cell based on the degree of relaxation when moving the movable body.

[0015] The seat may also include an electric device that moves at least a portion of the seat, and the control unit may operate the electric device based on the degree of relaxation when moving the movable body.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrically powered device may be an inflatable / contractable air cell for the seat, and when the control unit operates the air cell, the control unit may operate the air cell for the seat.

[0017] The control unit may also decrease the operating speed of at least one of the air cells and the seat air cells as the degree of relaxation increases.

[0018] By configuring the operating speed of at least one of the air cell and the seat air cell to be slower as the degree of relaxation increases, the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is based on the operating speed of at least one of the air cell and the seat air cell.

[0019] The vehicle interior system may further include a position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the vehicle, and the control unit may calculate the relaxation level based on the position of the vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit may prohibit the contact process when a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0021] If the control unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control unit can prohibit the contact process, thereby improving safety. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, by configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat, the action of the ornament can be recognized by the occupant through touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament. Also, by configuring the contact processing to be performed based on the relaxation level, it is easier for the occupant to notice the relaxation level.

[0023] Furthermore, by configuring the movement of the movable body to be changed based on the degree of relaxation, the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is based on the movement of the movable body.

[0024] Furthermore, by configuring the operating speed of at least one of the air cells and the seat air cells to be slower the higher the degree of relaxation, the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is based on the operating speed of at least one of the air cells and the seat air cells.

[0025] 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]

[0026] [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 an enlarged 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] 11 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 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 navigation system 33 as an example of an environment acquisition unit and a position acquisition unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the camera C, the tail member 20, and the navigation system 33 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 the passenger seat.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The navigation system 33 has a function of acquiring vehicle position information, which is the position of the vehicle, using a GPS. The navigation system 33 also stores map information. Here, the vehicle position information and map information are information indicating the environment around the occupant, more specifically, the environment around the vehicle. In this embodiment, the position acquisition unit functions as an environment acquisition unit.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The control unit 100 has a function of calculating the relaxation level of the occupant based on the vehicle position information and map information acquired from the navigation system 33. For example, the control unit 100 calculates the number of buildings around the vehicle from the vehicle position information and map information, and calculates the relaxation level so that the greater the number of buildings, the smaller the relaxation level. The buildings around the vehicle can be, for example, buildings within a radius of several hundred meters centered on the position of the vehicle.

[0046] The control unit 100 executes contact processing based on the relaxation level. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not to execute contact processing based on the relaxation level. The control unit 100 changes the movement of the movable body 22 in the contact processing based on the relaxation level.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In the contact process, the control unit 100 first acquires vehicle position information and map information from the navigation system 33 (S1). After step S1, the control unit 100 calculates a relaxation level based on the vehicle position information and map information (S2).

[0050] After step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the first threshold (S3). If it is determined in step S3 that the relaxation level is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0051] If it is determined in step S3 that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the first threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the relaxation level is equal to or greater than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold (S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the second threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 activates the actuator to move the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S5).

[0052] After step S5, the control unit 100 determines whether the tail member 20 has touched the occupant based on information from the contact sensor 22A (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the tail member 20 has touched the occupant (Yes), the control unit 100 strokes the occupant's cheek with the tail member 20 by moving the tip of the tail member 20 up and down at a first movement speed (S7). If the control unit 100 does not determine that the tail member 20 has touched the occupant after a predetermined time has passed in step S6, it proceeds to the processing of step S8.

[0053] After step S7, the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S8) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S4 that the relaxation level is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (No), the control unit 100 executes step S9, which is the same process as step S5, and determines whether the tail member 20 has touched the occupant (S10).

[0054] If it is determined in step S10 that the tail member 20 has touched the occupant (Yes), the control unit 100 strokes the occupant's cheek with the tail member 20 by moving the tip of the tail member 20 up and down at a second movement speed that is greater than the first movement speed (S11). After step S11, the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S8) and ends this process. Note that if the control unit 100 does not determine that the tail member 20 has touched the occupant even after a predetermined time has passed in step S10, it proceeds to the process of step S8.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When driving from the city center to the suburbs, the number of buildings around the vehicle increases until the vehicle leaves the city center, causing the occupant to become tense, and the control unit 100 calculates the relaxation level to a small value less than the first threshold value. As a result, when the occupant becomes tense, the tail member 20 does not move, allowing the occupant to concentrate on driving.

[0058] As the vehicle leaves the city center and the number of buildings around the vehicle decreases, the occupant becomes slightly relaxed, and the control unit 100 calculates the relaxation level to a relatively high value equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value. As a result, when the occupant becomes slightly relaxed, the tail member 20 comes into contact with the occupant's cheek and strokes him / her at the second moving speed, allowing the occupant to feel like they are a pet and feel soothed.

[0059] When the vehicle is in a peaceful environment with few buildings around it, the occupant becomes quite relaxed, and the control unit 100 calculates the relaxation level to be equal to or greater than the second threshold value. As a result, when the occupant becomes quite relaxed, the tail member 20 comes into contact with the occupant's cheek and strokes the occupant at the first movement speed, which is slower than the second movement speed, so that the occupant can recognize that he or she is in a more relaxed state than when being stroked at the second movement speed.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the tail member 20 to be able to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat 10, the occupant can recognize the action of the tail member 20 by touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the tail member 20. Also, by configuring the system to execute contact processing based on the relaxation level, it is easier for the occupant to notice the relaxation level.

[0061] By configuring the movement of the tail member 20 to be changed based on the degree of relaxation, the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is by the movement of the tail member 20.

[0062] 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.

[0063] By configuring the system to determine whether or not to execute contact processing depending on the degree of relaxation, it is easy to recognize whether or not the occupant is relaxed based on whether or not the tail member 20 is in contact.

[0064] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components and processes as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, a seat air cell 41 and a seat vibration device 42 as examples of electric devices, an air cell 51, and a vibration device 52. The seat air cell 41 and the seat vibration device 42 are devices that move the seating surface F of the headrest 13, and are provided inside the headrest 13. The air cell 51 and the vibration device 52 are devices that move the surface of the movable body 22, and are provided inside the movable body 22.

[0066] The seat air cell 41 includes an inflatable / deflateable bag 41A, a pump, and a tube (not shown). The pump has the function of sending air into the bag 41A and sucking air out of the bag 41A, and is activated by electricity. The tube connects the bag 41A and the pump.

[0067] The bag 41A is embedded in the pad of the headrest 13. The bag 41A moves the seating surface F of the headrest 13 in the front-rear direction. The pump is fixed to the frame of the seat 10, for example.

[0068] The seat vibrating device 42 is a device that vibrates when electricity is applied, and is covered with, for example, a pad.

[0069] The air cell 51 includes an inflatable / deflateable bag 51A, a pump, and a tube (not shown). The pump has the function of sending air into the bag 51A and sucking air out of the bag 51A, and is activated by electrical current. The tube connects the bag 51A and the pump.

[0070] The bag 51A is embedded in the cushioning material of the movable body 22. The bag 51A moves the surface of the movable body 22.

[0071] The vibration device 52 is a device that vibrates when electricity is applied, and is covered with, for example, a cushioning material.

[0072] When moving the movable body 22, the control unit 100 activates the air cells 51 or the vibration device 52 based on the relaxation level. When moving the movable body 22, the control unit 100 activates the seat air cells 41 or the seat vibration device 42 based on the relaxation level.

[0073] When the control unit 100 activates the air cells 51, it activates the seat air cells 41. When the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 52, it activates the seat vibration device .

[0074] The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes contact processing shown in Fig. 6. In the processing in Fig. 6, step S7 in the processing in Fig. 3 is replaced with new steps S41 and S42, and step S11 is replaced with new steps S43 and S44.

[0075] In the contact process shown in Fig. 6, when the control unit 100 determines that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold (S3: Yes → S4: No), it executes steps S9 and S10 to bring the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant, and then vibrates the tail member 20 using the vibration device 52 (S43). After step S43, the control unit 100 vibrates the headrest 13 using the seat vibration device 42 (S44), and proceeds to the process of step S8. In step S8, the control unit 100 also executes a process to stop each of the vibration devices 52 and 42.

[0076] When the control unit 100 determines that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S4: Yes), it executes steps S5 and S6 to bring the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant, and then inflates and deflates the tail member 20 using the air cells 51 (S41). After step S41, the control unit 100 moves the seating surface F of the headrest 13 back and forth using the seat air cells 41 (S42), and proceeds to the processing of step S8. In step S8, the control unit 100 also executes the processing to stop the air cells 51 and 41.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, when the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the tail member 20 in contact with the occupant vibrates and the headrest 13 also vibrates, so that it is possible to know from the vibrations that the occupant is relaxed. Also, when the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the surfaces of the tail member 20 in contact with the occupant and the headrest 13 reciprocate as if breathing, so that the reciprocating movement of the surfaces can give comfort to the occupant.

[0078] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is obtained by partially modifying the operation of the control unit 100 in the vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment described above, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same configurations and processes as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The higher the relaxation level, the slower the control unit 100 according to the third embodiment reduces the operation speed of the air cells 51 and the seat air cells 41. Specifically, the control unit 100 according to the third embodiment executes the contact process shown in FIG.

[0080] The process in FIG. 7 is the same as the process in FIG. 6, except that steps S41 and S42 are replaced with new steps S61 and S62, and steps S43 and S44 are replaced with new steps S63 and S64.

[0081] In the contact process shown in Fig. 6, when the control unit 100 determines that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold (S3: Yes → S4: No), it executes steps S9 and S10 to bring the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant, and then inflates and deflates the tail member 20 at a second speed by the air cell 51 (S63). Here, the second speed is greater than the first speed, which will be described later.

[0082] After step S63, the control unit 100 causes the seat air cell 41 to inflate and deflate the headrest 13 at a fourth speed (S64), and proceeds to the processing of step S8. Here, the fourth speed is higher than a third speed, which will be described later.

[0083] When the control unit 100 determines that the relaxation level is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S4: Yes), it executes steps S5 and S6 to bring the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant, and then inflates and deflates the tail member 20 by the air cell 51 at a first speed that is lower than the second speed (S61). After step S61, the control unit 100 inflates and deflates the headrest 13 by the seat air cell 41 at a third speed that is lower than the fourth speed (S62), and proceeds to the processing of step S8.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the higher the degree of relaxation, the slower the operating speed of the air cells 51 and the seat air cells 41, so that the occupant can recognize how relaxed he or she is based on the operating speed of the air cells 51 and the seat air cells 41.

[0085] In the third embodiment, the higher the degree of relaxation, the slower the operating speed of both the air cell 51 and the seat air cell 41; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the higher the degree of relaxation, the slower the operating speed of at least one of the air cell 51 and the seat air cell 41.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0087] The method of notifying the occupant of their level of relaxation is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the occupant may be notified of their level of relaxation by changing the speed, duration, or strength with which the movable body of the ornament contacts the occupant. Specifically, the higher the relaxation level, the slower the speed at which the movable body contacts the occupant (the speed of the movable body at the time of contact). Furthermore, the higher the relaxation level, the longer the duration of contact of the movable body with the occupant. Furthermore, the higher the relaxation level, the slower the strength of the force applied by the movable body to the occupant.

[0088] The movable body may include a heater and a blower. The seat air cells may be provided in the seat cushion, seat back, armrest, or ottoman. The seat air cells may also be provided in the seat cushion or seat back portion having the seating surface, or in the left and right protruding portions that protrude from the seating surface.

[0089] The method for calculating the relaxation level is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the relaxation level may be calculated as follows based on vehicle position information, map information, and the like. The smaller the height of the surrounding buildings, the higher the relaxation level. The wider the road, the more relaxed you will be. The less uneven the road surface, the more relaxed you will be. The less frequent the lane changes, the more relaxed the driver will be. The fewer the number of surrounding vehicles, the more relaxed you will be. The quieter the noise, the more relaxed you will be.

[0090] The environment acquisition unit may be a camera that captures images outside the vehicle, a sensor that detects an object outside the vehicle approaching the vehicle, a microphone, or the like.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 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 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

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] The control unit may execute the contact process based on the content of the voice acquired from the occupant.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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, a cover for opening and closing 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 from 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

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

[0121] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. a control unit; and a controller. The control unit controls the actuator to move the movable body from the separation position toward the contact position, thereby executing a contact process to bring the movable body into contact with the occupant. The control unit calculates the occupant's relaxation level based on information acquired from the environment acquisition unit, and executes the contact process based on the relaxation level. The method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system includes the steps of: attaching the decorative item to the interior member of a vehicle; and connecting the environment acquisition unit and the actuator to the control unit.

[0122] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Vehicle interior systems 10 sheets 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 33 Navigation System 100 control section

Claims

1. a decorative item provided on an interior member of a vehicle, the decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator; an environment acquisition unit that acquires the environment around the occupant; a control unit, 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; calculating a relaxation level of the occupant based on the information acquired from the environment acquisition unit; A vehicle interior system that executes the contact processing based on the relaxation degree.

2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the movement of the movable body in the contact process based on the relaxation degree.

3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether or not to execute the contact process based on the relaxation level.

4. the ornament has a vibration device; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit activates the vibration device based on the degree of relaxation when the movable body is moved.

5. The ornament has an inflatable / deflatable air cell, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit activates the air cell based on the degree of relaxation when the movable body is moved.

6. the seat includes a powered device for moving at least a portion of the seat; The vehicle interior system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit, when moving the movable body, activates the electrically-powered device based on the relaxation degree.

7. the electrically powered device is an inflatable / deflate air cell for a seat, The vehicle interior system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit activates the seat air cell when activating the air cell.

8. 8. The vehicle interior system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit reduces the operating speed of at least one of the air cell and the seat air cell as the degree of relaxation increases.

9. Further, a position acquisition unit for acquiring a position of the vehicle is provided, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit calculates the relaxation level based on a position of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit prohibits the contact process when a vehicle collision is predicted.

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