Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To enable an occupant to become aware of a switching notification for prompting the occupant to switch automatic operation to manual operation.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 comprises: a seat 10; an electrically-driven device (a vibrating device 30) that deforms a seating surface F of the seat 10; an ornament (a tail member 20) provided on an interior member (the seat 10) of a vehicle; and a control part 100. The ornament has a movable body 22. The movable body 22 is moved by an actuator and can contact an occupant seated on the seat 10. The control part 100 can execute first notifying processing for operating the electrically-driven device and second notifying processing for contacting the movable body 22 with the occupant seated on the seat 10. The control part 100 executes the first notifying processing and the second notifying processing, when executing switching notifying processing for prompting the occupant to switch automatic operation to manual operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle system is known that includes a robot placed on the dashboard, a detection unit that detects the movement of objects inside and outside the vehicle, and a control unit that causes the robot to perform related operations that are related to the movement (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-167327 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While it is possible to prompt the driver to switch from automatic driving to manual driving using the voice or movement of a robot, as in the prior art, there is a problem in that the driver may not easily notice the notification when using the robot's voice or movement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for occupants to notice a switching notification that prompts them to switch from automatic driving to manual driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the vehicle interior system of the present invention includes a seat, an electric device that deforms the seating surface of the seat, a decorative item that is attached to an interior member of the vehicle, and a control unit. The ornament has a movable body. The movable body is movable by an actuator and is capable of coming into contact with an occupant seated in the seat. The control unit can execute a first notification process to operate an electric device and a second notification process to bring a movable body into contact with an occupant seated in a seat. When executing a switch notification process to prompt the occupant to switch from autonomous driving to manual driving, the control unit executes the first notification process and the second notification process.

[0007] By configuring the system to execute the first notification process and the second notification process when executing the switching notification process, the deformation of the seating surface by the electric device and the contact of the decorative item with the occupant can make the occupant more aware of the switching notification.

[0008] Furthermore, after executing the first notification process, if it is determined that the occupant is not performing manual driving, the control unit may execute the second notification process.

[0009] If it is determined that the occupant is not manually driving after the first notification process is executed, the second notification process is executed, which allows the switching notification to be sent in stages, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification.

[0010] The seat may have a seat cushion and a seat back, and the electric device may deform at least one of the upper surface of the seat cushion, the front surface of the seat cushion, and the front surface of the seat back as the seating surface.

[0011] The movable body may also be capable of coming into contact with the head of the occupant.

[0012] By configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with the occupant's head, the movable body can be brought into contact with the occupant's head in the second notification process, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification compared to a configuration in which the movable body is brought into contact with a part of the body that is likely to be covered by clothing, such as the occupant's arm.

[0013] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include an alertness detection unit that acquires information for determining the level of alertness of the occupant, and the control unit may simultaneously execute the first notification process and the second notification process on the condition that the level of alertness determined based on the information acquired from the alertness detection unit is below a predetermined threshold.

[0014] By configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the level of alertness is below a predetermined threshold, two types of notifications can make it easier for occupants with low levels of alertness to notice the switching notification.

[0015] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include a speed detection unit that detects the speed of the vehicle, and the control unit may simultaneously execute the first notification process and the second notification process on the condition that the speed obtained from the speed detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0016] By configuring the system to execute the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the speed is above a predetermined threshold, it is possible to make it easier for occupants to notice the switch notification when driving at high speeds, when it is necessary to switch to manual driving quickly.

[0017] In addition, the decorative element may be detachable from the seat, multiple decorative elements may be provided on the seat, the seat may have multiple mounting portions to which the decorative elements may be attached, and the control unit may change the movement of the movable body depending on the mounting position of the decorative element.

[0018] The decorative item may also have an airbag, and the movable body may be movable between a first position and a second position that is more suitable for deploying the airbag than the first position, and the control unit may move the movable body to the second position if a predetermined time has elapsed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification process and the second notification process.

[0019] By configuring the movable body to move to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed after the first notification process and the second notification process have been executed, without the occupant manually driving the vehicle, if the occupant does not notice the switching notification, the movable body will move to the second position and preparations for airbag deployment can be made.

[0020] Furthermore, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision during execution of the switching notification process, the control unit may end the switching notification process, move the movable body to the second position, and then activate the airbag.

[0021] If a vehicle collision is predicted while the switching notification process is being executed, the switching notification process is terminated, the movable body is moved to the second position, and then the airbag is activated, thereby enabling the airbag to be activated quickly after a vehicle collision is predicted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, by configuring the vehicle to execute a first notification process and a second notification process when executing a switching notification process, the deformation of the seating surface by the electric device and the contact of the decorative item with the occupant can make the occupant more aware of the switching notification.

[0023] Furthermore, if it is determined that the occupant is not manually driving after the first notification process is executed, the second notification process is executed, which allows the switching notification to be sent in stages, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification.

[0024] Furthermore, by configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with the occupant's head, the movable body can be brought into contact with the occupant's head in the second notification process, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification compared to a configuration in which the movable body is brought into contact with a part of the body that is likely to be covered by clothing, such as the occupant's arm.

[0025] In addition, by configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the level of alertness is below a predetermined threshold, two types of notifications can make it easier for occupants with low levels of alertness to notice the switching notification.

[0026] In addition, by configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the speed is above a predetermined threshold, it is possible to make it easier for occupants to notice the switch notification when driving at high speeds, when it is necessary to switch to manual driving quickly.

[0027] In addition, by configuring the movable body to move to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed after the first notification process and the second notification process have been executed, without the occupant manually driving the vehicle, if the occupant does not notice the switching notification, the movable body will move to the second position and preparations for airbag deployment can be made.

[0028] In addition, if a vehicle collision is predicted while the switching notification process is being executed, the switching notification process is terminated, the movable body is moved to the second position, and then the airbag is activated, thereby enabling the airbag to be activated quickly after a vehicle collision is predicted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [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 separated position, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are diagrams showing the tail member positioned at the contact position. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9]10A is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system relating to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a movable body; FIG. 10C is a view showing the movable body positioned in a second position; and FIG. 10D is a view showing the state in which the airbag is activated. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an airbag process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a vibration device 30 as an example of an electric device, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 and the tail member 20 are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in a position facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0036] The vibration device 30 is a device that deforms the seating surface F of the seat 10. More specifically, the vibration device 30 vibrates the seating surface F of the seat 10. In this embodiment, the vibration device 30 vibrates the seating surface F of the seat back 12. The vibration device 30 may be provided in the seat cushion 11 or the headrest 13.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 can come into contact with the head of the occupant seated in the seat 10. More specifically, the movable body 22 positioned at the contact position can come into contact with the face of the occupant seated in the seat 10. The movable body 22 does not have a seating surface that supports the occupant seated in the seat 10.

[0045] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile 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.

[0046] The control unit 100 can execute a first notification process that activates the vibration device 30 and a second notification process that causes the movable body 22 to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat 10. The control unit 100 executes the first notification process and the second notification process when executing a switch notification process that prompts the occupant to switch from autonomous driving to manual driving. In detail, after executing the first notification process, the control unit 100 executes the second notification process if it determines that the occupant is not performing manual driving.

[0047] The control unit 100 is capable of communicating with a vehicle control device (not shown). The vehicle control device has a function of automatically driving the vehicle. The vehicle control device has a function of judging the vehicle's situation and surrounding situation and determining whether to switch from automatic driving to manual driving. For example, if a traffic jam occurs during automatic driving, the vehicle control device determines that the driving should be switched from automatic driving to manual driving.

[0048] When the vehicle control device determines that the driving should be switched to manual driving, it outputs a switching command indicating that the driving should be switched to manual driving to the control unit 100. When the control unit 100 receives the switching command, it executes a switching notification process. Note that the control unit 100 may also have the functions of the vehicle control device described above.

[0049] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the processing of Fig. 3 when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode.

[0050] 3, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not a condition for switching from automatic driving to manual driving is satisfied (S1). In this embodiment, in step S1, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a switching command has been received from the vehicle control device.

[0051] If it is determined in step S1 that a switching command has not been received (No), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S1 that a switching command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 30 to prompt the driver to switch to manual driving (S2).

[0052] It is possible to arbitrarily set the timing for stopping the vibration device 30. For example, the vibration device 30 may be stopped before step S5 described later is executed, or after step S5.

[0053] After step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual driving (S3). The determination of whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual driving may be made based on information from, for example, a sensor that detects whether the steering wheel is being gripped, a sensor that detects the operation of the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, a switch that switches between automatic driving and manual driving, a camera inside the vehicle, etc.

[0054] If it is determined in step S3 that the operation has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S3 that the operation has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S4).

[0055] If it is determined in step S4 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S3. If it is determined in step S4 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit 100 prompts the driver to switch to manual driving by bringing the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face (S5).

[0056] Specifically, for example, in step S5, the control unit 100 moves the tail member 20 toward the contact position and determines whether the tail member 20 has contacted the driver's face based on information obtained from the contact sensor 22A. If it is determined that contact has occurred, the control unit 100 returns the tail member 20 to the separated position. Note that if the conditions of step S5 are not met even after a predetermined time has passed in step S5, the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of the next step S6.

[0057] After step S5, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual operation (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the vehicle has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S6 that the vehicle has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S7).

[0058] If it is determined in step S7 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S6. If it is determined in step S7 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first notification processing by vibration and the second notification processing by touching the face have each been repeated a certain number of times (S8).

[0059] If it is determined in step S8 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S2. If it is determined in step S8 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit 100 outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S9) and ends this process.

[0060] Upon receiving the vehicle stop command, the vehicle control device automatically drives the vehicle to a waiting area (for example, a service area or a parking lot) and stops the vehicle.

[0061] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the control unit 100 receives a switching command from a vehicle control device during automatic driving of the vehicle, the vibration device 30 in the seat 10 shown in Fig. 1 is activated. In addition to activating the vibration device 30, the control unit 100 may also provide a notification to switch to manual driving by voice or on-screen display.

[0062] For example, if the driver is asleep, the vibration from the vibration device 30 may not wake them up. In this case, after a predetermined time has passed since the vibration device 30 started to operate, the tail member 20 will move and come into contact with the driver's face, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the tail member 20 will come into contact with the face of the driver who is not wearing any clothes, making it easier for the driver to notice that the tail member 20 has come into contact with them.

[0063] When the driver wakes up due to contact with the tail member 20, the driver can check the situation around the vehicle and a display on the screen or the like indicating that the vehicle should be switched to manual driving, and then switch to manual driving.

[0064] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the device to execute the first notification process and the second notification process when executing the switching notification process, the driver can be made more aware of the switching notification by the deformation of the seating surface F caused by the vibration device 30 and the contact of the tail member 20 with the driver.

[0065] If it is determined that the driver is not manually driving after the first notification process is executed, the second notification process is executed. This allows the switching notification to be sent in stages, making it easier for the driver to notice the switching notification.

[0066] By configuring the movable body 22 to be able to come into contact with the driver's head, the movable body 22 can be brought into contact with the driver's head in the second notification process, making it easier for the driver to notice the switching notification compared to a configuration in which the movable body 22 comes into contact with a part of the body that is likely to be covered by clothing, such as the driver's arm.

[0067] [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 structure and processing of the vehicle interior system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, components and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle interior system 201 according to the second embodiment further includes a heart rate sensor 41 and a breathing sensor 42 as examples of an awakening detection unit.

[0069] The heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 are sensors capable of detecting biological information of a user seated in the seat 10. The heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 are capable of acquiring information for determining the alertness level of the user seated in the seat 10. In the following description, the user seated in the seat 10 is also referred to as the "occupant."

[0070] The heart rate sensor 41 is a sensing device that uses capacitively coupled electrodes to measure the electrocardiogram signal of the seated person in a non-contact manner. Here, the electrocardiogram signal refers to an action potential signal that occurs in conjunction with the heartbeat of the seated person. The heartbeat sensor 41 is provided on the seat back 12. An electrocardiogram signal detected by the heartbeat sensor 41 is output to the control unit 100.

[0071] The breathing sensor 42 is provided on the seat cushion 11. The breathing sensor 42 has electrodes on the top and bottom. The breathing sensor 42 is a resistance pressure-sensitive sensor (pressure sensor) that detects a current flowing through an electrical resistance that changes in response to the breathing of a seated occupant.

[0072] Here, when pressure is applied to the electrodes on the upper surface of the breathing sensor 42, the electrodes on the upper surface deform downward, increasing the contact area and decreasing the electrical resistance between the electrodes. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance is output from the breathing sensor 42 to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 calculates pressure based on the electrical signal related to the electrical resistance, and obtains breathing data based on the calculated pressure.

[0073] The heart rate sensor 41 may be provided on the seat cushion 11, and the breathing sensor 42 may be provided on the seat back 12. Alternatively, both the heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 may be provided on either the seat cushion 11 or the seat back 12.

[0074] The control unit 100 has a function of estimating the level of alertness of the seated occupant based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42. For example, the control unit 100 determines the level of alertness (a level indicating at least whether the occupant is in an alert state or a low alert state) based on information (breathing intervals and breathing) acquired from the breathing sensor 42. For example, the control unit 100 determines the level of alertness based on information (heartbeat) acquired from the heartbeat sensor 41.

[0075] The wakefulness detection unit may be a camera that captures an image of the driver, and the control unit 100 may determine the wakefulness level from an image of the driver's face captured by the camera.

[0076] The control unit 100 executes the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the determined wakefulness level is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0077] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the processing of Fig. 5. The processing of Fig. 5 includes the processing of steps S1 to S4 and S9 of Fig. 3, as well as new processing of steps S31 to S36.

[0078] 5, if the determination is Yes in step S1, the control unit 100 determines the wakefulness level of the driver based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42, and determines whether the determined wakefulness level is equal to or lower than a threshold (S31). If the determination is Yes in step S31 that the wakefulness level is equal to or lower than the threshold, the control unit 100 simultaneously performs a first notification process of activating the vibration device 30 and a second notification process of bringing the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face (S32). The first notification process and the second notification process are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] After step S32, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the operation has been switched to manual operation (S33). If it is determined in step S33 that the operation has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this process. If it is determined in step S33 that the operation has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit 100 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S34).

[0080] If it is determined in step S34 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S33. If it is determined in step S34 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the first notification process by vibration and the second notification process by touching the face have each been repeated a certain number of times (S35).

[0081] If it is determined in step S35 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S32. If it is determined in step S35 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit 100 outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S9) and ends this process.

[0082] If it is determined in step S31 that the level of wakefulness is not equal to or less than the threshold (No), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S2 to S4 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, if the level of wakefulness is not equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit 100 activates only the vibration device 30 (S2), and determines whether the operation has been switched to manual operation within a predetermined time period (S3, S4).

[0083] If it is determined in step S4 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first notification process has been repeated a certain number of times (S36).

[0084] If it is determined in step S36 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S2. If it is determined in step S36 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit 100 outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S9) and ends this process.

[0085] In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the level of alertness is below a predetermined threshold, two types of notifications can make it easier for a driver with a low level of alertness to notice the switch notification.

[0086] The level of alertness may be set to three or more levels, and notification processing may be performed according to the level of alertness. For example, the control unit performs only the first notification process when the wakefulness level is less than a first threshold. The control unit simultaneously performs the first notification process and the second notification process when the wakefulness level is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. When the wakefulness level is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit performs a third notification process and a fourth notification process that are different from the first notification process and the second notification process that are performed when the wakefulness level is less than the second threshold.

[0087] For example, the vibration device may be vibrated at a first strength in the first notification process, and at a second strength greater than the first strength in the third notification process. The pressing force of the tail member against the occupant may be set to a first pressing force in the second notification process, and the pressing force of the tail member against the occupant may be set to a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force in the fourth notification process. Also, the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the second notification process may be set to a first number, and the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the fourth notification process may be set to a second number greater than the first number.

[0088] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the structure and processing of the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processing as those of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, a vehicle interior system 301 according to the third embodiment further includes a speed sensor 310 as an example of a speed detection unit in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The speed sensor 310 is a sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle. The speed sensor 310 may be, for example, a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed.

[0090] The control unit 100 executes the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the speed acquired from the speed sensor 310 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0091] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the processing of Fig. 7. In the processing of Fig. 7, the processing of step S31 in Fig. 5 is replaced with a new processing of step S51.

[0092] 7, if the determination is Yes in step S1, the control unit 100 determines whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a threshold based on information from the speed sensor 310 (S51). If the determination is Yes in step S51 that the speed is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 30 and brings the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face (S32). If the determination is No in step S51 that the speed is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 100 activates only the vibration device 30 (S2).

[0093] In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the system to execute the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the vehicle speed is above a predetermined threshold, it is possible to make the driver more aware of the switch notification when driving at high speeds, when it is necessary to switch to manual driving quickly.

[0094] The speed may be set to three or more stages, and notification processing may be performed according to the speed. For example, the control unit performs only the first notification process when the speed is less than a first threshold. The control unit simultaneously performs the first notification process and the second notification process when the speed is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. When the speed is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit performs a third notification process and a fourth notification process that are different from the first notification process and the second notification process that are performed when the speed is less than the second threshold.

[0095] For example, the vibration device may be vibrated at a first strength in the first notification process, and at a second strength greater than the first strength in the third notification process. The pressing force of the tail member against the occupant may be set to a first pressing force in the second notification process, and the pressing force of the tail member against the occupant may be set to a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force in the fourth notification process. Also, the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the second notification process may be set to a first number, and the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the fourth notification process may be set to a second number greater than the first number.

[0096] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the first embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0097] 8, the vehicle interior system 401 according to the fourth embodiment further includes two ear members 50 as decorative accessories in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The two ear members 50 are detachable from the top surface of the headrest 13, and the tail member 20 is detachable from the left side surface of the headrest 13.

[0098] In this way, by configuring the ornament so that it can be attached to multiple locations on the headrest 13, it is possible to attach the ornament in a location that is easily noticeable by passengers. Also, for those who want to keep their hairstyle, the ornament can be attached in a location where the movable body of the ornament will not come into contact with the head, for example, on the side of the headrest 13.

[0099] The ear member 50 has a base portion 51 and a movable body 52 . The base portion 51 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 51 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0100] The movable body 52 extends from the base 51, and its tip is configured to be able to move freely in all directions. The movable body 52 is shaped, for example, to resemble cat ears. The movable body 52 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.

[0101] The joint mechanism can be, for example, the same joint mechanism as the tail member 20. The movable body 52 has a contact sensor 52A at its tip, which is substantially the same as the contact sensor 22A of the tail member 20.

[0102] The headrest 13 has one first attachment part 13A located on the left side surface and two second attachment parts 13B located on the top surface. The first attachment part 13A has a recessed shape, and the base part 21 of the tail member 20 can be fitted into it. A connector that connects to the connector of the base part 21 of the tail member 20 is provided inside the first attachment part 13A.

[0103] The second attachment portion 13B has a recessed shape, and can fit the base portion 51 of the ear member 50. A connector that connects to the connector of the base portion 51 of the ear member 50 is provided inside the second attachment portion 13B.

[0104] The control unit 100 has the function of changing the movement of the movable bodies 22, 52 depending on the attachment position of the ornament. Specifically, the control unit 100 changes the strength with which the movable bodies 22, 52 come into contact with the occupant and the movement pattern of the movable bodies 22, 52 depending on the attachment position of the ornament.

[0105] For example, when the ear member 50 is attached to the second attachment portion 13B of the headrest 13, the control unit 100 causes the movable body 52 to strongly contact the occupant in the second notification process. In detail, the control unit 100 determines whether the pressure applied to the occupant from the movable body 52 is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and when the pressure is equal to or greater than the first threshold, stops the movement of the movable body 52 or returns the movable body 52 to the separated position.

[0106] Furthermore, when the tail member 20 is attached to the first attachment portion 13A, the control unit 100 causes the movable body 22 to weakly contact the occupant in the second notification process. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether the pressure applied to the occupant from the movable body 22 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, and when the pressure is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, stops the movement of the movable body 22 or returns the movable body 22 to the separated position.

[0107] More specifically, the control unit 100 may, for example, move the movable body 22 so that the tail member 20 strokes the occupant. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may move the movable body 52 so that the ear members 50 fall down and hit the occupant on the head.

[0108] The information to be notified may differ depending on the attachment position of the ornament. For example, the control unit 100 may use the tail member 20 to issue a notification urging the driver to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, and may use the ear member 50 to issue a notification to the driver informing them of biological information such as the driver's fatigue level.

[0109] The upholstery may be detachable from the seat cushion or seat back.

[0110] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the first embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0111] As shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), the vehicle interior system 501 according to the fifth embodiment further includes a tail member 520 and a camera C that are different from those of the first embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0112] Tail member 520 has airbag 510 inside movable body 22. Tail member 520 is provided on the left side surface of seat back 12. The surface of movable body 22 is provided with tear line 511 that breaks when airbag 510 is deployed.

[0113] An inflator 512 that inflates an airbag 510 is provided inside the seat back 12. The inflator 512 and the airbag 510 are connected by a tube through which the gas generated from the inflator 512 passes.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9(c), the movable body 22 of the tail member 520 can rotate between a first position indicated by a two-dot chain line and a second position indicated by a solid line. The second position is a position that is more suitable for deploying the airbag 510 than the first position. When the movable body 22 is in the second position, the tear line 511 faces upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(d), the driver's head is protected by the airbag 510 when it is deployed.

[0115] 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.

[0116] When the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision based on information acquired from the camera C while the switching notification process is being executed, the control unit 100 has a function of terminating the switching notification process, moving the movable body 22 to the second position, and then activating the airbag 510. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has passed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification process and the second notification process, the control unit 100 performs an activation preparation operation for the airbag 510, such as moving the movable body 22 to the second position.

[0117] When performing the second notification process, the control unit 100, for example, moves the movable body 22 from the first position shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a) to the second position shown by the dashed line, and then moves the tip of the movable body 22 from the second position to the right (driver's side) to the contact position shown by the dotted line.

[0118] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the processing of Fig. 10. The processing of Fig. 10 is the processing of Fig. 3 to which new steps S71 and S72 have been added.

[0119] If the determination in step S1 of the processing in Fig. 10 is Yes, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on information acquired from the camera C (S71). If it is determined in step S71 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 100 executes airbag processing (S72). The airbag processing will be described in detail later.

[0120] If it is determined in step S8 that each notification process has not been repeated a certain number of times (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S71. That is, while the switching notification process is being executed (S2 to S8), the control unit 100 determines the possibility of a collision (S71), and if it determines that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), it executes airbag processing (S72). Furthermore, after outputting a vehicle stop command in step S9, the control unit 100 executes airbag processing (S72).

[0121] 11, in the airbag processing, the control unit 100 first moves the movable body 22 of the tail member 520 to the second position (S91). That is, if a predetermined time has passed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification processing and the second notification processing (steps S2 to S5 in FIG. 10), the control unit 100 moves the movable body 22 to the second position in step S91.

[0122] After step S91, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on the information acquired from the camera C (S92). If it is determined in step S92 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 100 activates the airbag 510 (S93).

[0123] After step S93, or if it is determined in step S92 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the vehicle has stopped (S94). If it is determined in step S94 that the vehicle has not stopped (No), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S92. If it is determined in step S94 that the vehicle has stopped (Yes), the control unit 100 ends this processing.

[0124] In the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. By configuring the movable body 22 to move to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed after the first notification process and the second notification process have been executed, without the driver manually driving the vehicle, if the driver does not notice the switching notification, the movable body 22 moves to the second position and preparations can be made for the deployment of the airbag 510.

[0125] When a vehicle collision is predicted during execution of the switching notification process, the switching notification process is terminated, the movable body 22 is moved to the second position, and then the airbag 510 is activated, thereby enabling the airbag 510 to be activated quickly after a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0127] The electric device may deform at least one of the upper surface of the seat cushion, the front surface of the seat cushion, and the front surface of the seat back as the seating surface. The electrically powered device may be, for example, an inflatable / deflate air cell, which may deform the surface of a seat cushion or a protruding portion of a seat back, for example.

[0128] In the second notification process, the tail member may be moved as follows. The tail member attached to the headrest hits the top of the occupant's head (the tail member moves up and down). A vibration device attached to the tail of the headrest vibrates the passenger's face. The tail element attached to the seatback strikes the upper surface of the occupant's shoulder. The tail member attached to the seat cushion hits the side of the occupant's thigh (the tail member moves left and right).

[0129] The electric device may be a device that moves at least a part of the seat. For example, the electric device may be the following device: 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 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 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

[0130] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0138] The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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 switching notification 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in JP 2023-008896 A.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0155] Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system comprising: a seat; an electric device that deforms the seating surface of the seat; an ornament attached to an interior member of a vehicle, the ornament being moved by an actuator and having a movable body that can come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a first notification process that operates the electric device and a second notification process that causes the movable body to come into contact with the occupant seated in the seat, and the control unit executes the first notification process and the second notification process when executing a switch notification process that prompts the occupant to switch from autonomous driving to manual driving, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member and connecting the electric device and the actuator to the control unit.

[0156] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1. Vehicle interior systems 10 sheets 20 Tail Material 22 Movable body 30 Vibration Device 100 control section F seating surface

Claims

1. A seat and an electric device that deforms the seating surface of the seat; a decorative item provided on an interior member of a vehicle, the decorative item having a movable body that is moved by an actuator and that can come into contact with an occupant seated on the seat; a control unit, The control unit a first notification process for operating the electric device; a second notification process of causing the movable body to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, A vehicle interior system characterized in that, when a switching notification process is executed to prompt an occupant to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, the first notification process and the second notification process are executed.

2. 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the second notification process when it determines that the occupant is not manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification process.

3. The seat has a seat cushion and a seat back, The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the electric device deforms at least one of an upper surface of the seat cushion, a front surface of the seat cushion, and a front surface of the seat back as the seating surface.

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

5. further comprising an alertness detection unit that acquires information for determining the alertness of an occupant; The control unit 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the first notification process and the second notification process are executed simultaneously on the condition that the level of alertness determined based on the information acquired from the alertness detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value.

6. Further comprising a speed detection unit that detects the speed of the vehicle, The control unit The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the first notification process and the second notification process are executed simultaneously on the condition that the speed acquired from the speed detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

7. the decorative element is detachable from the seat, and a plurality of decorative elements are provided on the seat; the sheet has a plurality of attachment portions to which the decorative items are attached; The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the movement of the movable body depending on the mounting position of the ornament.

8. the ornament has an airbag, the movable body is movable between a first position and a second position that is more suitable for deploying the airbag than the first position, The control unit 2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the movable body is moved to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first notification process and the second notification process were executed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle.

9. 9. The vehicle interior system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit, when predicting a vehicle collision during execution of the switching notification process, terminates the switching notification process, moves the movable body to the second position, and then activates the airbag.

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