Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To allow an occupant to easily notice the action of an ornament such as a robot.SOLUTION: The vehicle interior system 1 includes: an ornament (tail member 20); a vehicle exterior information acquisition unit (camera C); and a control unit 100. The ornament is provided on an interior member (seat 10) of a vehicle. The ornament has a movable body 22 which is moved by an actuator. The vehicle exterior information acquisition unit acquires information outside the vehicle. The movable body 22 is movable between a spaced position spaced apart from the occupant seated on the seat 10 and a contact position contactable with the occupant seated on the seat 10. The control unit 100 can execute a contact process of bringing the movable body 22 into contact with the occupant by controlling the actuator to move the movable body 22 from the spaced position toward the contact position, and executes the contact process on the basis of distance between the object outside the vehicle and the vehicle estimated on the basis of the information acquired from the vehicle outside information acquisition unit.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 robot installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, a screen, and a control unit that moves the robot's arms, etc. (See Patent Document 1.) The control unit points out objects such as approaching vehicles with the robot's arms, displays them on the screen, and notifies the driver by voice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-25227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technology, information is communicated to occupants through the movements and sounds of a robot on the dashboard, so there is a risk that occupants may not notice the robot's actions if they take their eyes off the robot or if there is a lot of noise outside the vehicle.

[0005] In addition, since notifications were sent to the occupants visually through screen displays and robot movements, if the occupants were not looking at the screen or robot, there was a risk that they would not be able to operate the vehicle or take action to detect danger in response to the notification.

[0006] 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]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system according to the present invention includes a decorative item, an outside vehicle information 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 outside-of-vehicle information acquisition unit acquires information about the outside of the vehicle. 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 contact processing 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, and performs the contact processing based on the distance between the object outside the vehicle and the vehicle, which is estimated based on information acquired from the outside-vehicle information acquisition unit.

[0008] 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. Furthermore, since the control unit performs the contact process based on the distance between the vehicle and an object outside the vehicle, it can notify the occupant that a vehicle is approaching the host vehicle by bringing the movable body into contact with the occupant, for example.

[0009] The movable body may also be capable of coming into contact with the head of the occupant.

[0010] By configuring the movable body so that it can come into contact with the head of the occupant, the occupant can easily notice contact with the movable body.

[0011] The control unit may also change the manner in which the movable body makes contact with the head in the contact process based on the distance.

[0012] The control unit may also change the strength of the pressure applied to the head from the movable body in the contact process based on the distance.

[0013] The contact positions may include a first contact position that can contact a first part of the head and a second contact position that can contact a second part different from the first part of the head, and the control unit may select, based on distance, in the contact process, a first contact process that moves the movable body from the separated position toward the first contact position and a second contact process that moves the movable body from the separated position toward the second contact position.

[0014] In addition, the control unit may set an object approaching the vehicle as a target based on information acquired from the outside vehicle information acquisition unit, and when performing contact processing, may press the head of the occupant with the movable body so that the face is facing the target.

[0015] By configuring the occupant's face to face an object by pressing the head with the movable body, the occupant can easily notice an object approaching the vehicle.

[0016] In addition, the control unit may predict the destination of an object moving around the vehicle based on information acquired from the outside vehicle information acquisition unit, set the predicted destination as a target, and when performing contact processing, may press the head of the occupant with the movable body so that the face of the occupant faces the target.

[0017] By using a movable body to press against the head of the occupant, the occupant's face can be turned toward the direction of the moving object, making it easier for the occupant to notice objects moving around the vehicle.

[0018] The vehicle interior system may also include a face direction detection unit that detects the direction of the occupant's face, and the control unit may determine whether the occupant's face is facing toward the target based on information from the face direction detection unit.

[0019] In addition, when the control unit executes contact processing while the vehicle is reversing, after starting the contact processing, if the distance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit may stop the vehicle until the occupant's face turns toward the target, and when it determines that the occupant's face is turned toward the target, it may resume reversing the vehicle.

[0020] When the distance between the vehicle and an object outside the vehicle becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the vehicle is stopped until the occupant faces the target, thereby preventing the vehicle from colliding with the object. In addition, by configuring the system to resume backing up the vehicle when it is determined that the occupant faces the target, the vehicle can continue to back up while the occupant takes action to avoid the object.

[0021] The interior member may be a seat, the seat may include an electric device that moves at least a portion of the seat, and the control unit may operate the electric device when moving the movable body.

[0022] By configuring the seat's electric device to operate when the movable body moves, it is possible to increase the variety of communication and notifications.

[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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, the control unit is configured to execute a contact process by moving the movable body of the ornament and bringing the movable body into contact with the occupant, so that the occupant can recognize the action of the ornament through their sense of touch, making it easier for the occupant to notice the action of the ornament. Furthermore, since the control unit executes the contact process based on the distance between the vehicle and an object outside the vehicle, it can notify the occupant that a vehicle is approaching the host vehicle by bringing the movable body into contact with the occupant, for example.

[0026] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body so that it can come into contact with the head of the occupant, the occupant can easily notice contact with the movable body.

[0027] In addition, by using a configuration in which the movable body presses against the head of the occupant so that the occupant's face is turned toward an object, the occupant can easily notice an object approaching the vehicle.

[0028] In addition, by using a movable body to press against the head of the occupant, the occupant's face can be turned toward the direction of the moving object, making it easier for the occupant to notice objects moving around the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, when the distance between the vehicle and an object outside the vehicle becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the vehicle is stopped until the occupant turns their face toward the target, thereby preventing the vehicle from colliding with the object. Furthermore, when it is determined that the occupant's face is turned toward the target, the vehicle resumes backing up, allowing the occupant to continue backing up the vehicle while performing an operation to avoid the object.

[0030] In addition, by configuring the seat's electric device to operate when the movable body moves, it is possible to increase the variety of communication and notifications.

[0031] 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]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is a diagram showing the tail member positioned at the separation position and the contact position, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the tail member positioned at the pressing position. FIG. [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] 11 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a contact process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing a process for a vehicle reversing according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] [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 as an example of a vehicle exterior information acquisition unit, a second camera C2 as an example of a face direction detection unit, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, camera C, second camera C2, 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0039] Camera C is a camera that acquires information about the outside of the vehicle, and more specifically, captures images of the front and rear of the vehicle. Camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by camera C is output to control unit 100.

[0040] The second camera C2 is a camera that detects the direction of the passenger's face and is provided at a position where it can capture an image of the passenger's face, for example, on the dashboard.

[0041] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat 10. More specifically, one tail member 20 is provided on each of the left and right side surfaces FL of the headrest 13. The side surfaces FL are the outer surfaces of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side surfaces FL.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The movable body 22 is movable between a separated position indicated by a solid line in Fig. 2(a), a contact position indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 2(a), and a pressing position indicated 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 can come into contact with the head, or more specifically the face, of the occupant seated in the seat 10 without changing the orientation of the occupant's face. By moving from the contact position to the pressing position, the movable body 22 presses the occupant's face toward either the left or right.

[0049] 2(b) and 2(c), the left movable body 22 moves from the contact position to the pressing position to press the occupant's face to the right. Although not shown, the right movable body 22 moves from the contact position to the pressing position to press the occupant's face to the left.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The control unit 100 also has a function of estimating the distance between an object outside the vehicle and the vehicle itself based on information acquired from the camera C. The control unit 100 executes contact processing based on the estimated distance. Specifically, the control unit 100 changes the manner in which the movable body 22 contacts the face in the contact processing based on the estimated distance. The control unit 100 also changes the strength of pressure applied from the movable body 22 to the face in the contact processing based on the estimated distance.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a function of setting an object approaching the vehicle as a target based on information acquired from the camera C, and when executing contact processing, pressing the occupant's face with the movable body 22 so that the occupant's face faces toward the target. The control unit 100 has a function of determining whether the occupant's face faces toward the target based on information from the second camera C2.

[0054] 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 based on image information acquired from the camera C, and prohibits contact processing when it determines that there is a possibility of collision.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In the contact processing, the control unit 100 first acquires image information from the camera C (S1). After step S1, the control unit 100 identifies an approaching object that has approached the host vehicle based on the image information from the camera C, and sets the approaching object as a target (S2). For example, in step S2, the control unit 100 sets the approaching object as a target if the approaching object is located to the left or right of the host vehicle based on the image information. If the approaching object is not located to the left or right of the host vehicle, the control unit 100 ends this processing.

[0057] 3 is a process for making the occupants (particularly the driver) aware of an approaching object. Control for suppressing a collision between the vehicle and an approaching object may be performed separately by the control unit 100, the vehicle's ECU, or the like.

[0058] After step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether the distance between the target and the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "inter-vehicle distance") is equal to or less than a first threshold value (S3) based on information from the camera C. If it is determined in step S3 that the inter-vehicle distance is not equal to or less than the first threshold value (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0059] If it is determined in step S3 that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the first threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold (S4).If it is determined in step S4 that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the second threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold (S5).

[0060] If it is determined in step S5 that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the third threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 on the left or right side opposite the target toward the pressing position, thereby pushing the occupant's face toward the target with the tail member 20 (S6). After step S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the occupant's face is facing the target based on information from the second camera C2 (S7).

[0061] If it is determined in step S7 that the face is not facing the target (No), the control unit 100 repeats the process of step S7. If it is determined in step S7 that the face is facing the target (Yes), the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position. If the condition of step S7 is not met even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S7, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S7 and returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position.

[0062] If it is determined in step S5 that the inter-vehicle distance is not equal to or less than the third threshold (No), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 on the target side of the left or right toward the contact position (S9). After step S9, 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 (S10).

[0063] If it is determined in step S10 that the tip of the tail member 20 is not touching the occupant (No), the control unit 100 repeats the process of step S10. If it is determined in step S10 that the tip of the tail member 20 is touching the occupant (Yes), the control unit 100 returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S8). Note that if the condition of step S10 is not met even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S10, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S8 and returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position.

[0064] If it is determined in step S4 that the inter-vehicle distance is not equal to or less than the second threshold (No), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 on the target side of the left or right to a position where it does not touch the occupant (S11). For example, in step S11, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 up and down for a predetermined time at a position closer to the separated position than the contact position, for example, next to the occupant's face. After step S11, the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S8.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. For example, if another vehicle approaches from the right rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling, the control unit 100 sets the vehicle diagonally rear to the right of the vehicle as the target. When the distance between the vehicle and the target becomes shorter and the distance between the vehicles becomes equal to or less than a first threshold (second threshold < distance between the vehicles ≦ first threshold), the control unit 100 moves the right tail member 20 up and down, for example, next to the occupant's face. This first movement of the tail member 20 makes the occupant feel a sense of discomfort on the right side of their face, causing them to turn their face to the right, thereby enabling them to recognize the vehicle approaching their vehicle.

[0068] When the distance between the vehicle and the target becomes even shorter and the distance becomes equal to or less than the second threshold (third threshold<distance between the vehicles≦second threshold), the control unit 100 brings the right tail member 20 into contact with the occupant's right cheek. This second movement of the tail member 20 makes the occupant feel as if someone is calling them from the right side, so even if the occupant cannot recognize an approaching object due to the first movement of the tail member 20, they can turn their face to the right and recognize a vehicle approaching their vehicle.

[0069] When the distance between the vehicle and the target becomes even shorter and becomes equal to or less than the third threshold, the control unit 100 presses the occupant's face to the right with the left tail member 20. Since the face is forced to turn to the right by this third action of the tail member 20, it is possible to recognize a vehicle approaching the vehicle even if the approaching object cannot be recognized by the first and second actions of the tail member 20.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the control unit 100 to execute contact processing that brings the tail member 20 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. In addition, since the control unit 100 executes contact processing based on the distance between vehicles, it can notify the occupant that a vehicle is approaching its own vehicle by bringing the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant.

[0071] By configuring the tail member 20 so that it can come into contact with the face of the occupant, the occupant can easily notice contact with the tail member 20.

[0072] By configuring the tail member 20 to press against the face, the occupant's face is turned toward an approaching object, making it easier for the occupant to notice an approaching object approaching the vehicle.

[0073] 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.

[0074] [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.

[0075] 5, the vehicle interior system 1A according to the second embodiment further includes an air cell 41 and a vibration device 42 as examples of electric devices, in addition to the configuration of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the contact sensor 22A is a pressure sensor.

[0076] An air cell 41 is provided in each of the left and right overhanging portions 12B of the seat back 12. The air cell 41 includes an inflatable / deflate 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 electrical current. The tube connects the bag 41A to the pump.

[0077] The bag 41A is embedded in the pad of the protruding portion 12B. The bag 41A moves the surface of the protruding portion 12B. The bag 41A is deformable into a standard shape, a first shape larger than the standard shape, and a second shape larger than the first shape. The pump is fixed to the frame of the seat 10, for example.

[0078] The vibration device 42 is provided on each of the left and right protruding portions 12B of the seat back 12. The vibration device 42 moves the surface of the protruding portion 12B. The vibration device 42 is a device that vibrates when electricity is applied. The vibration device 42 is covered with, for example, a pad.

[0079] The control unit 100 has a function of activating the air cell 41 or the vibration device 42 when moving the tail member 20. Specifically, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the contact process shown in Fig. 6. In the process of Fig. 6, steps S6 and S7 in the process of Fig. 3 are replaced with new steps S41 and S42, steps S9 and S10 with new steps S43 and S44, and step S11 with new steps S45 to S47.

[0080] In the contact process shown in Fig. 6, when the control unit 100 determines that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold (S3: Yes → S4: No), it executes steps S45 and S46, which are the same processes as steps S9 and S10, to bring the tail member 20 on the target side into contact with the occupant, and then vibrates the vibration device 42 on the target side (S47). After step S47, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S8. In step S8, the control unit 100 also executes the process of stopping the vibration device 42.

[0081] When the control unit 100 determines that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the second threshold and greater than the third threshold (S4: Yes → S5: No), it pushes the occupant's face with the tail member 20 on the left or right side opposite the target with a first strength (S43). Specifically, in step S43, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 toward the contact position, determines whether the pressure value acquired by the contact sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and stops the movement of the tail member 20 when the pressure value is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0082] After step S43, the control unit 100 inflates the air cells 41 on the left or right side opposite the target from the reference shape to the first shape (S44), and proceeds to the processing of step S8. In step S8, the control unit 100 also executes processing to return the inflated air cells 41 to the reference shape.

[0083] When the control unit 100 determines that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the third threshold (S5: Yes), it pushes the occupant's face with the tail member 20 on the left or right side opposite the target with a second strength greater than the first strength (S41). Specifically, in step S41, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 toward the contact position and determines whether the pressure value acquired by the contact sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, and stops the movement of the tail member 20 when the pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0084] After step S41, the control unit 100 inflates the air cells 41 on the left or right side opposite the target from the reference shape to the second shape (S42), and proceeds to the processing of step S8. In step S8, the control unit 100 also executes processing to return the inflated air cells 41 to the reference shape.

[0085] According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the first threshold value and greater than the second threshold value, the tail member 20 on the target side comes into contact with the occupant's face and the vibration device 42 on the target side vibrates, thereby directing the occupant's attention toward the target side.

[0086] When the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the second threshold value and greater than the third threshold value, the tail member 20 on the opposite side of the target pushes the occupant's face with a first strength, and the air cell 41 on the opposite side of the target expands to a first shape, so that the occupant's face and upper body can be turned toward the target, making it easier for the occupant to notice the target.

[0087] When the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the third threshold, the face and upper body of the occupant are pressed more strongly by the tail member 20 and the air cell 41 than when the inter-vehicle distance is greater than the third threshold, so that the face and upper body of the occupant can be turned more toward the target, making it easier for the occupant to notice the target.

[0088] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of the processing by the control unit 100 of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used to designate configurations and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0089] In the third embodiment, the contact position includes a first contact position, a second contact position, and a third contact position. The first contact position is a position that can contact a first part of the occupant's head. The second contact position is a position that can contact a second part of the occupant's head that is different from the first part. The third contact position is a position that can contact a third part of the occupant's head that is different from the first and second parts. In the third embodiment, the first part is the head, the second part is the face (cheek), and the third part is the ear.

[0090] In the contact processing, the control unit 100 selects between a first contact processing in which the tail member 20 is moved from the separation position toward the first contact position and a second contact processing in which the tail member 20 is moved from the separation position toward the second contact position based on the inter-vehicle distance.

[0091] The control unit 100 executes the contact process shown in FIG. In the contact process, the control unit 100 first acquires image information from the camera C (S1), and calculates the position of the approaching object and the lane position based on the image information (S61). After step S61, the control unit 100 determines whether the host vehicle is likely to deviate from the lane based on the lane position (S62).

[0092] If it is determined in step S62 that the vehicle is about to deviate from the lane (Yes), the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 toward the third contact position, causing the tail member 20 to contact the ear of the occupant (S67), and proceeds to the processing of step S8. Here, in step S67, the control unit 100 performs the same processing as steps S9 and S10 in FIG.

[0093] If it is determined in step S62 that the host vehicle is unlikely to deviate from the lane (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a threshold (S63). If it is determined in step S63 that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the threshold (Yes), the control unit 100 brings the tail member 20 into contact with the face (cheek) of the occupant (S66) and proceeds to the processing of step S8. Here, in step S66, the control unit 100 performs processing equivalent to steps S9 and S10 in FIG. 3.

[0094] If it is determined in step S63 that the inter-vehicle distance is not equal to or less than the threshold (No), it is determined whether the preceding vehicle, which was located in front of the host vehicle when the host vehicle was stopped, has started moving (S64). Here, the determination of whether the vehicle is stopped or not may be made based on, for example, information from a wheel speed sensor or the vehicle's ECU. Furthermore, the determination of whether the preceding vehicle has started moving or not may be made based on, for example, image information from camera C.

[0095] In step S64, if it is determined that the host vehicle is not stopped or the preceding vehicle has not started moving (No), the control unit 100 ends this process. In step S64, if it is determined that the host vehicle is stopped and the preceding vehicle has started moving (Yes), the control unit 100 brings the tail member 20 into contact with the occupant's head (S65) and proceeds to the process of step S8. Here, in step S65, the control unit 100 performs the same processes as steps S9 and S10 in FIG. 3.

[0096] In the third embodiment, the location (contact position) at which the tail member 20 touches the occupant varies depending on the content of the notification to the occupant, so if the occupant understands the relationship between the notification content and the contact position, they can understand the notification content from the contact position.

[0097] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the processing by the control unit 100 of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same configurations and processing as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] The control unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment has a function of predicting the destination of an object moving around the vehicle based on image information acquired from the camera C, setting the predicted destination as a target, and, when executing contact processing, pressing the head of the occupant with the movable body 22 so that the face of the occupant faces the target. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes the contact processing shown in Fig. 8. In the processing of Fig. 8, step S2 in the processing of Fig. 3 is replaced with a new step S81.

[0099] In the contact processing shown in FIG. 8, after acquiring image information from camera C in step S1, the control unit 100 sets the destination of the approaching object as a target based on the image information. For example, the control unit 100 compares the current value and the previous value of the position of the approaching object calculated based on the image information, and predicts the destination of the approaching object. If the control unit 100 predicts that the approaching object will move to the left based on the current value and the previous value of the position of the approaching object, it sets the position on the left side of the vehicle as the target (destination). If the control unit 100 predicts that the approaching object will move to the right based on the current value and the previous value of the position of the approaching object, it sets the position on the right side of the vehicle as the target (destination).

[0100] After step S81, the control unit 100 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, thereby appropriately performing processing according to the target. In particular, in steps S6 and S7, the control unit 100 presses the occupant's face toward the target (destination) with the tail member 20 on the side opposite to the target, thereby directing the occupant's gaze toward the destination of the approaching object, making it easier for the occupant to notice objects moving around the vehicle.

[0101] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a partial modification of the processing by the control unit 100 of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same configurations and processing as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] When the control unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment executes contact processing while the vehicle is reversing, after starting the contact processing, if the inter-vehicle distance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 100 stops the vehicle until the occupant's face turns toward the target, and resumes reversing the vehicle when it is determined that the occupant's face has turned toward the target. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes a process when the vehicle is reversing, as shown in Fig. 9, as a contact processing performed when the vehicle is reversing. The process in Fig. 9 is the same as the process in Fig. 3, except that a new step S101 is added between step S5 and step S6, and a new step S102 is added between step S7 and step S8.

[0103] When the vehicle starts to move backward, the control unit 100 starts the vehicle backward movement processing shown in Fig. 9. Whether the vehicle has moved backward may be determined based on information acquired from a sensor that detects the position of the shift lever, the ECU of the vehicle, or the like, for example.

[0104] When the control unit 100 determines in step S5 that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the third threshold (Yes), it stops the vehicle (S101). Specifically, for example, in step S101, the control unit 100 transmits a command to stop the vehicle to the ECU of the vehicle, and the ECU of the vehicle stops the vehicle.

[0105] After step S101, the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S6 and S7, thereby pushing the occupant's face with the tail member 20 so that the occupant's face faces the target. If it is determined in step S7 that the face faces the target (Yes), the control unit 100 resumes backing up the vehicle (S102) and proceeds to the process of step S8. Specifically, for example, in step S102, the control unit 100 sends a command to the vehicle's ECU to move the vehicle backward, and the vehicle's ECU moves the vehicle backward.

[0106] In the fifth embodiment, when the vehicle is backing up and the inter-vehicle distance becomes equal to or less than the third threshold, the vehicle is stopped until the occupant faces the target, thereby preventing the vehicle from colliding with an object. Furthermore, when it is determined that the occupant faces the target, the vehicle resumes backing up, allowing the occupant to continue backing up the vehicle while performing an operation to avoid the object.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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

[0110] 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. When 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The control unit may execute the contact process based on the content of the voice acquired from the occupant.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0138] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. a vehicle exterior information acquisition unit that acquires information about the outside of the vehicle; and a control unit, wherein the movable body is movable between a separation position away from an occupant seated in the seat and a contact position at which it can come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat; and the control unit is capable of performing 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, and a vehicle interior system manufacturing method that performs the contact process based on a distance between an object outside the vehicle and the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: attaching the decorative item to the interior member; and connecting the vehicle exterior information acquisition unit and the actuator to the control unit.

[0139] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1. Vehicle interior systems 10 sheets 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 100 control section C Camera

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 outside-vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires information about the outside of the vehicle; 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; A vehicle interior system characterized in that the contact processing is performed based on a distance between the vehicle and an object outside the vehicle, which is estimated based on information acquired from the vehicle exterior information acquisition unit.

2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the movable body is capable of coming into contact with the head of an occupant.

3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes the manner in which the movable body contacts the head in the contact process based on the distance.

4. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes the strength of the pressure applied from the movable body to the head in the contact process based on the distance.

5. The contact position is a first contact position capable of contacting a first portion of the head; a second contact position capable of contacting a second portion of the head different from the first portion, The control unit, in the contact process, a first contact process of moving the movable body from the separated position toward the first contact position; and a second contact process for moving the movable body from the separated position toward the second contact position, based on the distance.

6. The control unit setting an object approaching the vehicle as a target based on the information acquired from the outside-of-vehicle information acquisition unit; 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein when the contact process is performed, the movable body presses the head of the occupant so that the face of the occupant faces the target.

7. The control unit predicting a destination of an object moving around the vehicle based on the information acquired from the outside-of-vehicle information acquisition unit, and setting the predicted destination as a target; 3. The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, wherein when the contact process is performed, the movable body presses the head of the occupant so that the face of the occupant faces the target.

8. A face direction detection unit is provided to detect the direction of the passenger's face, The control unit 8. The vehicle interior system according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether the face of the occupant is facing the target based on information from the face direction detection unit.

9. The control unit 9. The vehicle interior system according to claim 8, wherein, when the contact processing is executed while the vehicle is reversing, after the contact processing is started, if the distance becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the vehicle is stopped until the occupant's face turns toward the target, and when it is determined that the occupant's face is turned toward the target, the vehicle resumes reversing.

10. the interior member is a seat, the seat includes a powered device for moving at least a portion of the seat; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit activates the electrically powered device when the movable body is moved.

11. 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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