Seat system

Abstract

In a seat system comprising a seat body and an application execution device, the aim is to provide an environment more suitable for application use without imposing a burden on the user. [Solution] The seat system 1 comprises a seat body 5 equipped with an adjustment mechanism 25, an application execution device 72 capable of executing an application, and a control device 70 that controls the adjustment mechanism, the application execution device operating the adjustment mechanism via the control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat system including a seat on which a person can sit.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a seat system mounted on an aircraft, which includes a seat constituting a seat and a game terminal stored in the back of the seat (for example, Patent Document 1). The game terminal includes a video display unit composed of a flat video display device, and an operation unit including a switch, a keyboard, and a light pen. A plurality of seats are provided in the aircraft cabin, and passengers sitting on the seats can enjoy different games respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the seat system of Patent Document 1, when executing a game application on the game terminal, the passenger needs to adjust the seat, for example, using a reclining mechanism, in order to prepare an environment for enjoying the game.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an environment suitable for using an application without imposing a burden on a user in a seat system including a seat body and an application execution device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a seat system (1, 101, 201, 301) is provided, comprising a seat body (5, 305) equipped with an adjustment mechanism (25, 325), an application execution device (72, 372) capable of executing an application, and a control device (70, 370) that controls the adjustment mechanism, wherein the application execution device operates the adjustment mechanism via the control device.

[0007] With this configuration, the application execution device can adjust the seat body by activating the adjustment mechanism. This makes it possible to provide an environment more suitable for using the application execution device without imposing any burden on the user.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body is provided in a vehicle (S), and the seat body is positioned on a floor (3) that defines the passenger compartment (2) of the vehicle.

[0009] With this configuration, the seat itself, positioned on the floor, is adjusted to suit the use of the application. This provides users inside the vehicle with an environment more suitable for using the application.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body may include a seat cushion (10) that constitutes the seating surface and a seat back (11) connected to the rear of the seat cushion, and the adjustment mechanism may include a reclining mechanism (27) that tilts the seat cushion relative to the seat back.

[0011] With this configuration, the application execution device can tilt the seat back relative to the seat cushion. This allows the application execution device to adjust the seat body to a shape suitable for using the application.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body may include a seat cushion (10) that constitutes a seating surface (13) and a seat back (11) connected to the rear of the seat cushion, and the adjustment mechanism may include a sliding mechanism (26) provided between the seat cushion and the floor.

[0013] With this configuration, the application execution device can slide the sheet body relative to the floor. This allows the application execution device to adjust the sheet body to a position suitable for using the application.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body includes a seat cushion (10) that constitutes a seating surface (13) and a seat back (11) connected to the rear of the seat cushion, and the adjustment mechanism is provided between the seat cushion and the floor and includes a rotation mechanism (28) that rotates the seat cushion around a vertical axis with respect to the floor.

[0015] With this configuration, the application execution device can rotate the sheet body relative to the floor. This allows the application execution device to adjust the sheet body to a position suitable for using the application.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle may further have lighting (41) for illuminating the interior of the vehicle compartment, and the control device may be capable of controlling the lighting to turn on, turn off, or dim the lighting.

[0017] With this configuration, the application execution device can control the lighting by turning it on, turning it off, and dimming it. This allows the application execution device to adjust the brightness inside the vehicle to a level suitable for using the application.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body may further include a heater, and the control device may be able to change the amount of heat generated from the heater (501).

[0019] According to this configuration, the application execution device can change the calorific value generated from the heater provided in the seat body. Thereby, the application execution device can adjust the temperature of the seat body to a temperature suitable for the use of the application.

[0020] Also, in the above aspect, it may have an air conditioner (502) provided in the vehicle for air conditioning the interior of the passenger compartment, and the control device may be able to control the air conditioner.

[0021] According to this configuration, the application execution device can control the air conditioner to perform air conditioning inside the passenger compartment. Thereby, the application execution device can adjust the temperature and humidity inside the passenger compartment and adjust it to an environment suitable for the use of the application.

[0022] Also, in the above aspect, it may further have a speaker (202) that generates sound toward the inside of the passenger compartment, and the control device may be able to control the sound output from the speaker.

[0023] According to this configuration, so as to be suitable for the execution of the game, the application execution device can generate sound from the speaker via the control device. Thereby, the application execution device can provide an environment suitable for the use of the application to the user.

[0024] Also, in the above aspect, the application execution device may be connected to a server (104) via a network (103), and it is preferable to control the operation amount of the adjustment mechanism based on information from the server.

[0025] According to this configuration, the application execution device controls the operation amount of the adjustment mechanism via the control device based on information from the server. Thereby, the operation amount can be changed according to the user's situation, and an environment more suitable for the use of the application can be provided to the user.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] In order to solve the above problems, a seat system includes a seat body provided with an adjustment mechanism, an application execution device capable of executing an application, and a control device for controlling the adjustment mechanism. According to the configuration in which the application execution device operates the adjustment mechanism via the control device, the application execution device can operate the adjustment mechanism to adjust the seat body. Thereby, it is possible to provide an environment more suitable for using the application execution device without imposing a burden on the user.

[0027] Also, in the above aspect, according to the configuration in which the seat body is provided in a vehicle and the seat body is disposed on a floor that defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the seat body disposed on the floor is adjusted so as to be suitable for using the application. Thereby, it is possible to provide an environment more suitable for using the application to a user in the vehicle.

[0028] Also, in the above aspect, according to the configuration in which the seat body includes a seat cushion that constitutes a seating surface and a seat back connected to the rear portion of the seat cushion, and the adjustment mechanism includes a reclining mechanism that tilts the seat cushion with respect to the seat back, the application execution device can tilt the seat back with respect to the seat cushion. Thereby, the application execution device can adjust the seat body to a shape suitable for using the application.

[0029] Also, in the above aspect, according to the configuration in which the seat body includes a seat cushion that constitutes a seating surface and a seat back connected to the rear portion of the seat cushion, and the adjustment mechanism includes a slide mechanism provided between the seat cushion and the floor, the application execution device can slide the seat body with respect to the floor. Thereby, the application execution device can adjust the seat body to a position suitable for using the application.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat body includes a seat cushion that constitutes the seating surface and a seat back connected to the rear of the seat cushion, and an adjustment mechanism is provided between the seat cushion and the floor, and the configuration includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the seat cushion around a vertical axis with respect to the floor, so that the application execution device can rotate the seat body relative to the floor. This allows the application execution device to adjust the seat body to a position suitable for using the application.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the vehicle interior is further equipped with lighting, and the control device is capable of controlling the lighting to turn on, turn off, or dim the lights, the application execution device can control the lighting to turn on, turn off, or dim the lights. This allows the application execution device to adjust the brightness inside the vehicle to a level suitable for using the application.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the sheet body is further equipped with a heater and the control device is capable of changing the amount of heat generated from the heater, the application execution device can change the amount of heat generated from the heater on the sheet body. This allows the application execution device to adjust the temperature of the sheet body to a temperature suitable for use in the application.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to the interior of the passenger compartment, and the control device is capable of controlling the air conditioning system, the application execution device can control the air conditioning system to provide air conditioning to the interior of the passenger compartment. As a result, the application execution device can adjust the temperature and humidity inside the passenger compartment to create an environment suitable for using the application.

[0034] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the device further includes a speaker that emits sound towards the interior of the vehicle compartment, and the control device is capable of controlling the sound output from the speaker, the application execution device can emit sound from the speaker via the control device in a manner suitable for running a game. This allows the application execution device to provide the user with an environment suitable for using the application.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the application execution device is connected to a server via a network, and the operating amount of the adjustment mechanism is controlled based on information from the server. In this configuration, the application execution device controls the operating amount of the adjustment mechanism via a control device based on information from the server. This allows the operating amount to be changed according to the user's situation, providing the user with an environment more suitable for using the application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with the seat system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the midseat body [Figure 3] Flowchart of processes performed in a 100m sprint game application [Figure 4] (A) Participation Intention Input Screen, (B) Sensor Selection Screen, and (C) Seat Adjustment Acceptance Screen are explained in these diagrams. [Figure 5] (A) Indoor lighting adjustment request screen, (B) Game execution screen, and (C) Game execution screen when the character reaches the goal are illustrated in the diagram. [Figure 6] Network configuration diagram including application execution device for the sheet system according to the second embodiment [Figure 7] Perspective view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with the seat system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the game execution screen of the game according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9]An explanatory diagram illustrating the game execution screen in a modified example of a 100m sprint game application. [Figure 10] Example of a room equipped with the seating system according to the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the seat system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] <<First Embodiment>> As shown in Figure 1, the seat system 1 is installed in a vehicle S such as an automobile and has multiple seat bodies 5 arranged on the floor 3 that defines the passenger compartment 2. In the following, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions are defined and explained based on the direction as seen from the perspective of an occupant (hereinafter referred to as the user) seated in a seat body 5. In addition, where necessary, the direction approaching the seat body 5 in the left-to-right direction will be described as inward, and the direction moving away from it will be described as outward.

[0039] In this embodiment, the seat system 1 includes a seat body 5 comprising a pair of front seat bodies 5A forming the first row, a pair of mid-seat bodies 5B forming the second row, and a rear seat body 5C forming the third row. The left and right mid-seat bodies 5B are each positioned behind the corresponding front seat bodies 5A, and the front seat bodies 5A and mid-seat bodies 5B are positioned side by side. In this embodiment, the rear seat body 5C extends laterally behind the left and right mid-seat bodies 5B, forming a bench seat that constitutes a seating area for two people.

[0040] Each seat body 5 has a seat cushion 10 provided on the floor 3 of the passenger compartment 2, a seat back 11 attached to the rear of the seat cushion 10, and a headrest 12 provided above the seat back 11. The seat cushion 10 is a seating portion that supports the seated user's buttocks and thighs from below, and its upper surface forms a seating surface 13. The seat back 11 is a backrest portion that supports the seated user's back from behind.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle S is provided with a front door 15 on the exterior side of the front seat body 5A, and a rear door 16 on the exterior side of the mid seat body 5B. Door trims 17 and 18 are attached to the interior sides of the front door 15 and the rear door 16, respectively. On the exterior side of the rear seat body 5C, rear side trims 19 are provided on the wall surface that defines the passenger compartment 2. In addition, an instrument panel 20 is provided in front of the front seat body 5A. The instrument panel 20 is located in front of the front seat body 5A that constitutes the driver's seat, and in front of the front seat body 5A that constitutes the passenger seat, and is positioned so that it can be accessed by a user seated in the driver's seat and a user seated in the passenger seat, respectively.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mid-seat body 5B as seen from the rear at an oblique angle. Each seat cushion 10 has a seat cushion frame that forms the skeleton, a pad supported by the seat cushion frame, and a surface material covering the outer surface of the pad. Similarly, each seat back 11 has a seat back frame that forms the skeleton, a pad supported by the seat back frame, and a surface material covering the outer surface of the pad. The seat back frame is attached to the seat cushion frame at its lower end.

[0043] The pad is made from a flexible resin material such as polyurethane foam. The surface material is made from, for example, woven fabric, leather, or synthetic leather.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the front seat body 5A and the mid seat body 5B are each equipped with an adjustment mechanism 25 for adjusting their position and shape. The adjustment mechanism 25 is provided between the seat cushion 10 and the floor 3 and includes a sliding mechanism 26 that allows the seat cushion 10 to move within a predetermined range in the front-rear direction relative to the floor 3. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 25 includes a reclining mechanism 27 that tilts the seat back 11 within a predetermined range relative to the seat cushion 10. The adjustment mechanism 25 may also include a rotation mechanism 28 that rotates the seat cushion 10 around a vertical axis relative to the floor 3, and may also include a height adjustment mechanism 29 that moves the seat cushion 10 up and down relative to the floor 3.

[0045] Each adjustment mechanism 25 is provided with an actuator 35 for changing the position or shape of the seat body 5. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, each slide mechanism 26 is provided with a longitudinal actuator 36 that moves the corresponding seat body 5 in the longitudinal direction relative to the floor 3 according to the input signal. Each reclining mechanism 27 is provided with a tilt actuator 37 that tilts the corresponding seat back 11 relative to the seat cushion 10 according to the input signal. The rotation mechanism 28 may include a motor 38 as an actuator 35 for rotating the seat cushion 10 relative to the floor 3, and the height adjustment mechanism 29 may include a vertical actuator 39 for moving the seat cushion 10 up and down relative to the floor 3.

[0046] The seat system 1 is installed on the roof 40 (ceiling) that defines the upper surface of the passenger compartment 2 and includes interior lights 41 that illuminate the inside of the passenger compartment 2. In this embodiment, the interior lights 41 are installed in front of and above each seat body 5. Each interior light 41 can be turned on and off in response to an input signal, and its brightness can also be changed. In other words, the interior lights 41 can be controlled to turn on, turn off, and dim.

[0047] The seat system 1 further includes a first sensor 51 and a second sensor 52 (see Figure 2) that receive input from a user who is seated. The first sensor 51 is located inside the seat body 5 and receives input from a user seated on the seat body 5. The first sensor 51 is located on the seat cushion 10 of each seat body 5 and is a sensor that detects when a user is seated on the seat cushion 10's seating surface 13. That is, the first sensor 51 is a seating sensor whose detection area 51S is the seating surface 13 of the corresponding seat body 5. In this embodiment, the first sensor 51 is configured as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure on the seating surface 13 (upper surface) of the seat cushion 10. The first sensor 51 can detect changes in pressure corresponding to the raising and lowering of the knees of a user seated on the seat body 5. However, the first sensor 51 may be any other sensor, for example, it may include a plurality of membrane switches located on the seat cushion 10 or seat back 11 that are turned on when a user is seated. Furthermore, the first sensor 51 may be a proximity sensor provided on the seat cushion 10 or seat back 11 to detect the user's proximity, or a touch sensor to detect the user's contact (touch) with the seat back 11. The first sensor 51 may also be a temperature sensor to detect temperature changes on the surface of the seat cushion 10 or seat back 11 due to user contact. The first sensor 51 may also be a humidity sensor to detect humidity changes on the surface of the seat cushion 10 or seat back 11 due to user contact.

[0048] The second sensor 52 only needs to be located in a position reachable by a user seated on the seat body 5, and may be provided on any member that defines the vehicle interior 2. Each second sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting user contact with a predetermined area (hereinafter referred to as the touch area 52S) on the interior surface of the member on which the sensor is provided. Each second sensor 52 may detect user contact based on at least one of the following: pressure applied to the touch area 52S by user contact, load exceeding a threshold applied to the touch area 52S, proximity of the user to the touch area 52S, temperature change of the touch area 52S due to user contact, and humidity change of the touch area 52S due to user contact. That is, the second sensor 52 may include at least one of the following: a pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied to the touch area 52S, a membrane switch that turns on when a load is applied to the touch area 52S, a proximity sensor for detecting proximity to the touch area 52S, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the touch area 52S, and a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the touch area 52S.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the second sensor 52 includes a sensor 53 provided inside the front seat body 5A, with the upper back of the seat back 11 of the front seat body 5A designated as the touch area 53S. Furthermore, the second sensor 52 includes a sensor 54 provided inside the mid seat body 5B, with the upper back of the seat back 11 of the mid seat body 5B designated as the touch area 54S. As shown in Figure 1, the second sensor 52 further includes sensors 55 and 56, each with touch areas 55S and 56S provided on the interior side surfaces of the door trims 17 and 18, respectively, a sensor 57 with a touch area 57S provided on the interior side surface of the rear side trim 19, and a sensor 58 with a touch area 58S provided on the interior surface of the instrument panel 20. The second sensor 52 may further include a sensor 59 provided on the roof 40 (ceiling), with a touch area 59S set on the interior surface of the roof 40. The second sensor 52 may also include a sensor 61 provided on a pillar 60 that constitutes a window column, with a touch area 61S provided on the interior surface of the pillar 60. The touch areas 58S, 59S, and 60S are each preferably located in a position that can be touched by a user seated in any of the seat bodies 5.

[0050] The seat system 1 further includes a control device 70 connected to each of the first sensors 51, each of the second sensors 52, each of the longitudinal actuators 36, each of the tilt actuators 37, and each of the interior lights 41. The control device 70 is an electronic control unit (ECU) composed of a microcomputer, ROM, RAM, peripheral circuits, input / output interfaces, drivers, etc. The control device 70 receives signals from the first sensors 51 and the second sensors 52, and transmits signals to the longitudinal actuators 36, the tilt actuators 37, and the interior lights 41, controlling them by causing them to output signals as appropriate.

[0051] The seat system 1 further includes an application execution device 72 held by the passenger. The application execution device 72 is a so-called smartphone equipped with a touch panel 73, memory, and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the processing unit 74). The touch panel 73 functions as a display unit for displaying information and as an input unit for receiving input from the user via touch. The processing unit 74 communicates wirelessly with a control device 70 installed in the vehicle S and can acquire detection results from the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. In addition, the processing unit 74 can control the forward / reverse actuator 36, the tilt actuator 37, and the interior light 41, respectively, by transmitting predetermined signals to the control device 70.

[0052] The processing unit 74 can execute a 100m race game application that moves a character displayed on the touch panel 73 in response to input from the user to the sensor (see Figures 4(A) and 5(C)). The details of the processing performed in the game application executed by the processing unit 74 will be described below with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5.

[0053] First, as shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 74 displays a participation registration screen 80 (see Figure 4(A)) on the touch panel 73, where the user's intention to participate is entered, and accepts input from the user indicating their intention to participate (ST1). The participation registration screen 80 includes an input button for "Yes" corresponding to the intention to participate and an input button for "No" corresponding to the intention not to participate.

[0054] When the processing unit 74 detects a touch of the "Yes" input button on the participation registration screen 80, as shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 74 displays a sensor selection screen 81 (see Figure 4(B)) on the touch panel 73 and executes a selection acceptance process (ST2) that prompts the user to select one sensor for operation input (hereinafter referred to as the operation input sensor). When the processing unit 74 detects a touch of the "No" input button on the participation registration screen 80, it terminates the application.

[0055] In the selection acceptance process, the processing unit 74 first obtains the position of the application execution device 72 by wirelessly communicating with the control device 70, for example, using Bluetooth®. From the obtained position of the application execution device 72, the processing unit 74 estimates the seating position of the user holding the application execution device 72. Next, based on the estimated seating position of the user, the processing unit 74 estimates the surface on which the user will sit, i.e., the seating surface 13, and determines the first sensor 51 to be the first input sensor for detecting touch to the seating surface 13.

[0056] Furthermore, based on the estimated user's seating position, the processing unit 74 extracts from the second sensors 52 sensors that are reachable by the seated user and located outside the seat body 5 where the user is seated, and determines the second input sensor. In this embodiment, the processing unit 74 determines two second input sensors from the second sensors 52, namely the second front input sensor and the second lateral input sensor. More specifically, the processing unit 74 determines the sensor located in front of the user and reachable by the seated user as the second front input sensor, and the sensor located to the side of the user and reachable by the seated user as the second lateral input sensor.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the user is seated in the mid-seat body 5B (rear seat body), the processing unit 74 determines the first sensor 51 provided on the seat cushion 10 of the mid-seat body 5B as the first input sensor. Furthermore, the processing unit 74 determines the second sensor 52 provided on the upper back of the seat back 11 of the front seat body 5A (front seat body) in front of the mid-seat body 5B where the user is seated as the second front input sensor. The second front input sensor detects the user's contact with the upper back of the seat back 11 of the front seat body 5A.

[0058] If the user is seated in the front seat body 5A, the second sensor 52, which detects contact with the instrument panel 20, is designated as the second front input sensor. If the user is seated in the rear seat body 5C, the second sensor 52, which is located on the upper back of the seat back 11 of the mid seat body 5B and detects contact between the user and the upper back of the seat back 11 of the mid seat body 5B, is designated as the second front input sensor.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the user is seated in the mid-seat body 5B, the processing unit 74 determines the second sensor 52 provided on the door trim 17 of the rear door 16 located to the side of the mid-seat body 5B to be the second lateral input sensor. Similarly, when the user is seated in the front seat body 5A, the processing unit 74 determines the second sensor 52 provided on the door trim 18 of the front door 15 located to the side of the front seat body 5A to be the second lateral input sensor. When the user is seated in the rear seat body 5C, the processing unit 74 determines the second sensor 52 provided on the rear side trim 19 located to the side of the rear seat body 5C to be the second lateral input sensor.

[0060] Next, the processing unit 74 displays the positions of the first sensor 51, the second front sensor, and the second lateral sensor on the touch panel 73. At this time, as shown in Figure 4(B), the processing unit 74 may construct an image of the interior of the vehicle 2 based on the user's seating position and display it on the touch panel 73.

[0061] Simultaneously, as shown in Figure 4(B), the processing unit 74 displays an "A" button corresponding to the first sensor 51, a "B" button corresponding to the second front sensor, and a "C" button corresponding to the second side sensor on the touch panel 73. Subsequently, the processing unit 74 accepts the user's selection by detecting touches to each button on the touch panel 73. When the processing unit 74 detects a touch to the "A" button, "B" button, or "C" button on the sensor selection screen 81, the processing unit 74 stores the user's selection result in memory as the ID of the operation input sensor and completes the selection acceptance process. In this embodiment, the processing unit 74 stores in memory an ID indicating the button that was touched (for example, "A", "B", "C", etc.) as the ID of the operation input sensor.

[0062] Once the selection acceptance process is complete, the processing unit 74 determines whether the user's seating position is on the front seat body 5A or the mid seat body 5B (ST3). If the seating position is on the front seat body 5A or the mid seat body 5B, the processing unit accepts the request for automatic adjustment of the seat body 5 (ST4). If the seating position is on the rear seat body 5C, the processing unit accepts the request for automatic adjustment of the interior light 41 without accepting the request for automatic adjustment of the seat body 5.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, when the automatic adjustment of the seat body 5 is requested, the processing device 74 displays a seat adjustment request screen 82 (see Figure 4(C)) on the touch panel 73 and receives input indicating the user's intention to perform the seat adjustment process (ST4). The seat adjustment request screen 82 displays an input button for "Yes" corresponding to the intention to perform the automatic adjustment of the seat body 5, and an input button for "No" corresponding to the intention not to perform the adjustment.

[0064] When the "Yes" button is touched on the seat adjustment reception screen 82, the processing unit 74 drives the actuator 35 of the adjustment mechanism 25 to perform seat adjustment processing to displace the seat body 5 on which the user is seated so that the user can play the game more easily (ST5). Displacement here includes translation, rotation, and deformation of the seat body 5, and includes at least the forward and backward movement of the seat cushion 10 relative to the floor 3 and the tilting of the seat back 11 relative to the seat cushion 10. In this embodiment, when the "Yes" button is touched on the seat adjustment reception screen 82, the processing unit 74 drives the forward and backward movement actuator 36 via the control device 70 to move the seat body 5 on which the user is seated as far back as possible. Furthermore, the processing unit 74 drives the tilting actuator 37 via the control device 70 to tilt the seat back 11 of the seat body 5 on which the user is seated as far forward as possible relative to the seat cushion 10 of the seat body 5 on which the user is seated. As a result, the seat back 11 is in an upright position.

[0065] If the adjustment mechanism 25 includes a rotation mechanism 28, the processing unit 74 may, during the seat adjustment process, rotate the seat body 5 to displace (move) it to a position that is convenient for the user to play the game. More specifically, the processing unit 74 may, during the seat adjustment process, rotate the seat body 5 so that it faces forward. This provides the user with an environment that allows them to enjoy the game more.

[0066] Once the displacement of the seat body 5 is complete, the processing unit 74 displays an interior light adjustment reception screen 83 (see Figure 5(A)) that accepts automatic adjustment of the interior light 41, as shown in Figure 3, and accepts input from the user indicating their intention to perform automatic adjustment of the interior light (ST6).

[0067] When the "Yes" button is detected on the interior light adjustment request screen 83, the processing unit 74 turns off the interior light 41 (ST7). When the interior light 41 is turned off, the processing unit 74 displays the game execution screen 84 (see Figure 5(B)) on the touch panel 73, as shown in Figure 3. When the "No" button is detected on the interior light adjustment request screen 83, the processing unit 74 displays the game execution screen 84 on the touch panel 73 without switching the interior light 41 on or off.

[0068] When the processing unit 74 displays the game execution screen 84, it refers to memory to obtain the ID of the operation input sensor selected by the user. Then, based on the signal detected by the operation input sensor selected by the user, the processing unit 74 performs execution processing to run a 100m race application that moves the character displayed on the touch panel 73 toward the goal (ST8). More specifically, when the ID corresponding to the A button is stored in memory as the ID of the operation input sensor, the processing unit 74 obtains the signal detected by the first input sensor via the control device 70. Then, based on the signal detected by the first input sensor, the processing unit 74 moves the character displayed on the touch panel 73. In this embodiment, the processing unit 74 is preferably configured to move the character forward in response to the raising and lowering of the knees of the user seated on the seat body 5, as detected by the first input sensor.

[0069] When the ID corresponding to the B button is stored in memory as the ID of the operation input sensor, the processing unit 74 moves the character based on the signal detected by the second front input sensor. More specifically, the control unit 70 may move the character forward in response to user contact (touch) detected by the second front sensor.

[0070] When the ID corresponding to the C button is stored in memory as the ID of the operation input sensor, the processing unit 74 moves the character based on the signal detected by the second lateral sensor. More specifically, the control unit 70 may move the character forward in response to user contact (touch) detected by the second lateral input sensor.

[0071] However, the processing unit 74 may change the amount of character movement according to the magnitude of the signal detected by the operation input sensor. When the character reaches the goal, the processing unit 74 displays a results screen 85 (see Figure 5(C)) on the touch panel 73, which includes the time taken to reach the goal and calories consumed, and then terminates the application.

[0072] Next, the operation of the seat system 1 configured in this way will be explained. For example, when a user seated in the mid-seat body 5B starts the application for a 100m dash game, the participation registration screen 80 is displayed on the touch panel 73 of the application execution device 72. When the user touches the "Yes" button, the sensor selection screen 81 is displayed. At this time, the processing device 74 selects a sensor from the first sensors 51 that detects contact with the seat surface 13 on which the user is seated and sets it as the first input sensor. The processing device 74 also sets a sensor from the second sensors 52 that is located on the back of the seat back 11 of the front seat body 5A and detects contact of the user with that back as the second front input sensor. The processing device 74 also sets a sensor located on the door trim 18 of the rear door 16 located to the side of the mid-seat body 5B and detects contact of the user with its interior surface as the second lateral input sensor. Subsequently, the processing device 74 displays the positions of the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second lateral input sensor, along with their corresponding buttons, on the touch panel 73 on the sensor selection screen 81. This allows the user to select an operation input sensor from among the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second lateral input sensor.

[0073] Subsequently, when the user touches a button displayed on the sensor selection screen 81 to select a sensor, the processing unit 74 displays the seat adjustment request screen 82 on the touch panel 73. When the user touches the "Yes" button displayed on the seat adjustment request screen 82, the mid-seat body 5B moves as far back as possible. This increases the distance between the front seat body 5A and the mid-seat body 5B, positioning the mid-seat body 5B where the user sits in a way that makes it easier for the seated user to move their legs up and down. At the same time, the seat back 11 of the mid-seat body 5B where the user sits stands upright relative to the seat cushion 10, and the mid-seat body 5B takes on a shape that makes it easier for the seated user to move their legs up and down. As a result, the application execution device 72 can adjust the seat body 5 to a position and shape that allows the user in the vehicle to enjoy the game more. In other words, the position and shape of the seat body 5 are adjusted to be suitable for using the application, providing the user with an environment to enjoy the game more.

[0074] Next, the processing unit 74 displays the interior light adjustment request screen 83 on the touch panel 73 of the application execution unit 72. When the user touches the "Yes" button on the interior light adjustment request screen 83, the interior light 41 is turned off. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the display on the touch panel 73. This provides the user with an environment in which they can enjoy the game more.

[0075] Subsequently, the processing unit 74 displays the game execution screen 84 on the touch panel 73. The user moves the character by inputting into the input sensor of their choice. That is, the input sensor selected from the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 constitutes the application controller of the application execution device 72. When the character reaches the goal, the processing unit 74 terminates the 100m race game application.

[0076] Next, the effects of the seat system 1 configured in this way will be explained. On the sensor selection screen 81, the user can select an operation input sensor from the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second side input sensor to input input for controlling the character. This increases the number of sensors that the user can input compared to the case where only the first sensor 51 is provided in the vehicle compartment 2. Therefore, for example, a user with mobility impairment can select the second front sensor or the second side sensor and enjoy the game. In other words, the seat system 1 can provide an operation input method that can accommodate a wider range of users. Furthermore, it can increase the means of operating the game application executed by the application execution device 72. This allows more users to enjoy the game application and provides users with a wider variety of applications.

[0077] A sensor located on the seat cushion 10 of the seat body 5 where the user sits is set as the first input sensor. This allows the first sensor 51 to be positioned in a location easily accessible to the user. Furthermore, the user can operate the game application while seated on the seat body 5, making the game application easy to use.

[0078] A sensor located on the instrument panel 20 or on the back of the seat back 11, in front of the seat body 5 where the user sits, is set as the second front input sensor. This allows a sensor located in a position easily accessible to the user to be set as the second front input sensor.

[0079] A sensor located on the door trim 17, 18 or rear side trim 19, which is positioned to the side of the seat body 5 where the user sits, is set as the second lateral input sensor. This allows a sensor located in a position easily accessible to the user to be set as the second lateral input sensor.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the game application includes a selection process that allows the user to select at least one sensor from the first sensor 51, the second front sensor, and the second side sensor, and an execution process that moves the character based on the signal from the selected sensor. This prevents the character from moving even if the user unintentionally touches a sensor other than the selected one, thus preventing malfunctions caused by input to sensors other than the selected one. Furthermore, since the user can select the sensor to be used to operate the game application from the first input sensor and the second input sensor, i.e., the operation input sensor, the user can select the sensor that is suitable for operating the game application.

[0081] <<Second Embodiment>> The seat system 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the application execution device 72, the selection acceptance process, seat adjustment process, and execution process included in the 100m sprint game application, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the other configurations will not be described.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the application execution device 72 according to this embodiment is equipped with a GPS receiver 102, and the processing unit 74 of the application execution device 72 can connect to a server 104 that holds weather information via a network 103 such as the Internet through public network communication.

[0083] In the selection acceptance process, the processing unit 74 receives signals from satellites via the GPS receiver 102 and obtains the position of the application execution device 72. Subsequently, the processing unit 74 connects to the server 104, which holds weather information, via the network 103. Then, the processing unit 74 obtains the predicted outside temperature at the position of the application execution device 72 from the server 104. If the predicted outside temperature is above a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 74 selects the first sensor 51 and stores the ID of the first sensor 51, which is the selection result, in memory. At this time, since the outside temperature is above the threshold, the processing unit 74 may display a screen on the touch panel 73 notifying the user that the processing unit 74 has selected an operation input sensor because the outside temperature is above the threshold. If the predicted outside temperature is below the predetermined threshold, similar to the first embodiment, the positions of the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second lateral input sensor, as well as the "A" to "C" buttons, are displayed on the touch panel 73. Subsequently, the processing unit 74 accepts the user's selection of an input sensor by detecting touches to each button on the touch panel 73, and stores the ID of the input sensor in memory.

[0084] In the seat adjustment process, the processing unit 74 controls the amount of operation of the adjustment mechanism 25 based on information from the server 104. More specifically, in the seat adjustment process, when the ambient temperature is above a threshold, the processing unit 74 controls the amount of operation of the tilt actuator 37 so that the seat back 11 is tilted slightly backward relative to the seat cushion 10 compared to when the ambient temperature is below the threshold, thereby deforming the seat body 5.

[0085] When the ambient temperature is above a threshold during execution, the processing unit 74 moves the character faster in response to the input to the first input sensor compared to when the ambient temperature is below a threshold. In other words, when the ambient temperature is above a threshold during execution, the processing unit 74 increases the character movement speed in response to the input to the first input sensor.

[0086] The operation and effects of the seat system 101 according to the second embodiment will now be described. When the ambient temperature is predicted to be above a threshold during the selection acceptance process, for example on a hot summer day, the processing unit 74 selects the first sensor 51 as the operation input sensor. This reduces the amount of physical activity the user performs during the game compared to when the user inputs to the second front sensor or the second side sensor. This prevents the user from expending too much energy playing the game when the predicted ambient temperature is above a threshold, for example on a hot summer day. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is below the threshold, the user selects the operation input sensor from among the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second side input sensor.

[0087] Thus, in the seat system 101 according to the second embodiment, an operation input sensor is selected based on the ambient temperature, which is information related to the user's surrounding environment and is stored in the server 104. In other words, in the seat system 1, a sensor suitable for the user's surrounding environment is selected as the operation input sensor, and the user can operate the game application by inputting to that operation input sensor. This improves the usability of the seat system 1.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is above a threshold, the character's movement speed in response to input to the first input sensor is increased. This reduces the amount of physical activity the user performs during gameplay, providing a more user-friendly environment.

[0089] When the ambient temperature is above a threshold, the seat back 11 is tilted slightly backward relative to the seat cushion 10. This makes it easier for a gap to form between the user's back and the seat back 11 when the ambient temperature is above a threshold. As a result, the user can enjoy the game in a cooler environment, and the seat body 5 becomes a shape that is more suitable for the user. In other words, the processing unit 74 can control the tilt actuator 37 according to the user's situation based on information from the server 104, thereby providing the user with an environment in which they can enjoy the game more.

[0090] <<Third Embodiment>> The seat system 201 according to the third embodiment differs from the seat system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a speaker 202. Also, in the third embodiment, the content of the game executed in the application execution device 72 differs from that of the first embodiment, and the participant registration screen 80, selection registration process, and execution process are different. The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the seat system 201 has speakers 202A located on the door trims 17 of the left and right front doors 15, speakers 202B located on the door trims 18 of the left and right rear doors 16, and speakers 202C located on the left and right rear side trims 19. Speakers 202A, 202B, and 202C are coupled to the exterior sides of the corresponding trims 17, 18, and 19 and connected to the control device 70 via predetermined signal lines. Each speaker generates sound towards the interior of the passenger compartment 2 based on a signal from the control device 70. That is, the control device 70 can control the sound output from each speaker 202A, 202B, and 202C. The control device 70 receives a signal from the processing unit 74 of the application execution device 72 and outputs a signal to each speaker.

[0092] The game application executed in the application execution device 72 is one in which the user inputs data to the sensor in time with the music, as shown in the game execution screen 284 (see Figure 8).

[0093] In the selection acceptance process, the processing unit 74 displays the first input sensor, the second front input sensor, and the second lateral input sensor on the sensor selection screen 81, similar to the first embodiment, and accepts two operation input sensors from the user. The processing unit 74 stores the IDs of the two operation input sensors in memory.

[0094] In the execution process, the processing unit 74 first obtains the seating position of the user holding the application execution device 72 and extracts the speaker 202 closest to the seating position as the output speaker. Then, the processing unit 74 outputs predetermined music from the output speaker. At this time, the processing unit 74 displays a game execution screen 284 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the music and simultaneously obtains signals from the two operation input sensors via the control device 70. At this time, the processing unit 74 may display input instructions for each operation input sensor to the user on the game execution screen 284. Furthermore, based on the signals from the two operation input sensors, the processing unit 74 may calculate the degree of agreement between the timing of the music and the user's input to each operation input sensor and display the result on the screen.

[0095] The effects of the seat system 201 according to the third embodiment will now be described. Since the seat system 201 according to the third embodiment includes a speaker 202, it is possible to configure a game application that inputs to the operation input sensor in accordance with sound. Furthermore, to make it suitable for running a game, the application execution device 72 can generate sound from the speaker 202 via the control device 70. As a result, the application execution device 72 can provide the user with an environment that is more immersive and allows them to enjoy the game more. In other words, the application execution device 72 can provide the user with an environment suitable for using the application execution device 72.

[0096] The processing unit 74 performs execution processing based on signals from two operation input sensors. This allows the game application executed by the application execution unit 72 to be operated based on signals from multiple operation input sensors. This increases the variety of game applications that can be provided to the user.

[0097] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, in the first and second embodiments, an example was described in which a 100m sprint game application is executed by a single application execution device 72, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the application execution devices 72 may be configured to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other, and multiple application execution devices 72 may be configured to execute the 100m sprint game application simultaneously.

[0098] More specifically, the 100m sprint game may be configured so that two users can simultaneously enjoy the game when two users are seated in the mid-seat unit 5B. In this case, when the game application is launched in one application execution device 72, it is preferable that the application execution device 72 be configured to notify other application execution devices 72 in the vehicle. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the application execution device 72 may be configured to display a character corresponding to each user on the touch panel 73 and to move the character forward in response to input to each operation input sensor. This allows each user to select the operation input sensor that is suitable for them, so that multiple people, including users with disabilities who have difficulty inputting to the seating sensor, can enjoy the game simultaneously.

[0099] In the above embodiment, seat systems 1, 101, and 201 mounted on a vehicle S have been described, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the seat system 301 may be provided in a room 302 in which a seat body 305 (chair) and a desk 306 (desk) are arranged. A computer, which is an application execution device 72, is provided on the desk 306, and a monitor 373 is placed on the desk 306. The seat body 305 may have a support base 309 provided on a floor 303 that defines the lower surface of the room 302, a seat cushion 310 (seat portion) supported by the support base 309 and constituting a seating surface 313, and a seat back 311 (backrest portion) constituting a backrest. The support base 309 houses an adjustment mechanism 325 that moves the support base 309 forward, backward and left, and right relative to the floor 303, and rotates it around a vertical axis, and a control device 370 that controls the driving of the adjustment mechanism 325. The adjustment mechanism 325 includes multiple wheels 325A and motors 325B that control the drive of each wheel 325A. When a game application is executed, the application execution device 372 obtains the position of the seat body 305 by wirelessly communicating with the control device 370. The application execution device 372 then operates the adjustment mechanism 325 via the control device 370 to move the seat body 305 forward, backward, left, and right, and further rotates the seat body 305 around its vertical axis to move the seat body 305 to a position suitable for playing the game.

[0100] Furthermore, a first sensor 351 for detecting user contact with the seating surface 313 is provided inside the seat body 305, or more specifically, inside the seat cushion 310, and a second sensor 352 for detecting user contact is provided on the desk 306. The application execution device 372 may execute a game application in response to user input to the first sensor 351 and the second sensor 352 from the user seated on the seat body 305.

[0101] Furthermore, the seat system 1 includes a seat body 5 and an air cell adjustment mechanism equipped with air cells that change the shape of the seat body 5 and a supply / exhaust device that supplies and exhausts air to and from the air cells. The air cell adjustment mechanism may be configured to be operated by a control device 70. In the seat adjustment process, the processing device 74 may operate the air cell adjustment mechanism via the control device 70 to deform the seat body 5. More specifically, in the seat adjustment process, the processing device 74 may drive the supply / exhaust device to exhaust the air inside the air cells. This makes it easier for the user to move when the game application is executed, providing the user with an environment in which they can enjoy the game.

[0102] The seat system 1 has a seat body 5 equipped with a folding mechanism that rotates the upper part of the seat back 11 with respect to the lower part in the left-right direction, and the folding mechanism may be configured to be operated by a control device 70. In the seat adjustment process, the processing device 74 may operate the folding mechanism via the control device 70 to deform the seat body 5 into a shape suitable for playing games.

[0103] Furthermore, when the seat system 1 includes a seat body 5 having an armrest 380 (see Figure 7) that is displaceably supported relative to the seat back 11, and an armrest adjustment mechanism 381 that displaces the armrest 380 relative to the seat back 11, the armrest adjustment mechanism 381 may be configured to be operated by the control device 70. In the seat adjustment process, the processing device 74 may operate the armrest adjustment mechanism 381 via the control device 70 to displace the armrest 380.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the application execution device 72 was configured to activate the adjustment mechanism 25 before execution processing, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the application execution device 72 may be configured to activate the adjustment mechanism 25 according to the progress of the game. Alternatively, the application execution device 72 may be configured to change the brightness of the room light 41 according to the progress of the game.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the application execution device 72 was a smartphone, but it is not limited to this embodiment. The application execution device 72 may be a tablet, a slate PC, or a car navigation system.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the second sensor 52 may include a sensor 401 that is provided on the floor 3 defining the lower surface of the passenger compartment 2 and detects user contact (touch) with the floor 3. The second sensor 52 may also include a sensor 403 that is provided on the center console 402 and detects user contact (touch) with the center console 402, or a sensor 405 that is provided on the window 404 and detects contact (touch) with each of them. The first sensor 51 may also include a sensor 407 that is provided inside the seat back 11 and detects user contact with the front surface of the bolster portion 406 that is provided on the left and right sides of the seat back 11 and protrudes forward. Furthermore, when an armrest 408 is provided on the door trim 17, 18 or the seat body 5, the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 may each include a sensor 409 that detects contact (touch) with the armrest 408.

[0107] In the second embodiment described above, the processing unit 74 was configured to acquire the predicted temperature from the server 104, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the processing unit 74 may be configured to acquire the predicted weather, humidity, or precipitation from the server 104 and to control the amount of operation of the adjustment mechanism 25 based on the acquired information.

[0108] In the third embodiment described above, the application execution devices 72 and 372 executed the game application based on signals from two operation input sensors, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The application execution devices 72 and 372 may execute the game application based on signals from three or more sensors included in the first sensors 51 and 351 or the second sensors 52 and 352.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 25 included a sliding mechanism 26, a reclining mechanism 27, a rotation mechanism 28 for rotating the seat cushion 10 about a vertical axis relative to the floor 3, and a height adjustment mechanism 29, but the adjustment mechanism 25 is not limited to these. The adjustment mechanism 24 may include, for example, a floor rotation mechanism for rotating at least a part of the floor 3. In this case, the floor 3 may include a plate-shaped fixed part fixed to the frame constituting the vehicle body and having a circular opening, and a disc-shaped movable part housed in the opening and flush with the fixed part. The movable part is rotatably supported with its axis perpendicular to the frame constituting the vehicle body, and the floor rotation mechanism may include a motor for rotating the movable part relative to the frame.

[0110] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 25 may include a rotation mechanism that rotates the seat body 5 with the left-right direction as its axis. In this case, the seat body 5 is rotatably supported on the frame that constitutes the vehicle body with the left-right direction as its axis, and the adjustment mechanism 25 may include a motor that rotates the seat body 5.

[0111] If the seat body 5 includes an ottoman provided in front of the seat cushion 10, the adjustment mechanism 25 may include a displacement mechanism for displacing the ottoman. Also, if the seat cushion 10 is extendable and retractable, the adjustment mechanism 25 may include an actuator for extending or retracting the seat cushion 10 to change its front-to-back length.

[0112] Furthermore, the seat system 1 may include a heater 501 (see Figure 7) provided on the seat body 5, or more specifically, on the seat cushion 10 or seat back 11. In this case, the control device 70 is preferably connected to the heater 501 and capable of adjusting the voltage applied to the heater 501. This allows the control device 70 to change the amount of heat generated by the heater 501. As a result, the application execution device 72 can send a signal to the control device 70 to adjust the amount of heat generated by the heater 501. Thus, the seat system 1 can provide the user with an environment more suitable for using the application.

[0113] Furthermore, the seat system 1 may include an air conditioning unit 502 (see Figure 7) that provides air conditioning for the vehicle interior, and the control device 70 may be connected to the air conditioning unit 502 and capable of controlling the air conditioning unit 502. The air conditioning unit 502 is a device that adjusts the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle interior, and may be a so-called air conditioner.

[0114] Furthermore, the seat system 1 may be housed inside the seat body 5 and may include a vibration device for transmitting vibrations to the seated user. In this case, it is preferable that the control device 70 is connected to the vibration device and capable of controlling the vibration device. The control device 70 may drive the vibration device according to the execution content of the application.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a game application was executed in the application execution devices 72 and 372, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, applications for document creation or illustration creation may be executed in the application execution devices 72 and 372. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Seat system according to the first embodiment 2: Vehicle interior 3: Floor 5: Seat body 10: Seat cushion 11: Seat back 13: Seat surface 25: Adjustment mechanism 26: Sliding mechanism 27: Reclining mechanism 28: Rotation mechanism 41: Indoor lighting 70: Control device 72: Application execution device 101: Seat system according to the second embodiment 103: Network 104: Server 201: Seat system according to the third embodiment 301: Seat system according to another embodiment 305: Seat body 325: Adjustment mechanism 370: Control device 372: Application execution device 501: Heater 502:Air conditioner S: Vehicle

Claims

[Claim 1] It is a seat system, The seat body is positioned on the floor that defines the passenger compartment, An adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one of the position and shape of the seat body, It has a touch panel for displaying information and an application execution device capable of running applications, The seat body includes a seat cushion that constitutes the seating surface and a seat back connected to the rear of the seat cushion. The aforementioned seat cushion is equipped with a sensor that receives input from the seated user. The application execution device executes the application based on the detection result of the sensor. The application execution device, before executing the application, receives seat adjustment input from the user via the touch panel for automatic adjustment of the seat body, and drives the adjustment mechanism when it receives the seat adjustment input. The adjustment mechanism includes a forward and backward actuator that moves the seat body back and forth. In order to receive input from the user, the sensor detects changes in the pressure on the seating surface caused by the movements of the seated user. The seat system includes an input corresponding to the rearward movement of the seat body as part of the seat adjustment input.

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