Notification system and vehicles equipped with the notification system

Abstract

The system provides a notification system that promptly informs the user if they leave luggage or a mobile device on a seat. [Solution] The notification system 1 comprises a seat S, a luggage detection unit 31 that detects the presence of luggage held by the user on or near the seat, a seating detection unit 32 that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat, a notification unit 33 that notifies the user of the presence or absence of luggage, and a control unit 20 that is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit and the notification unit. The control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that luggage has been detected if the luggage detection unit detects luggage after a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating detection unit detected the user leaving the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system and a vehicle equipped with the notification system, and particularly to a notification system for notifying a user of forgotten luggage and a vehicle equipped with the notification system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a method of using automobiles, a car-sharing system in which a plurality of users (members) jointly use one automobile has come to be used. The automobile jointly used is called a share car.

[0003] The car-sharing system is composed of a host computer of a management center that manages share cars, a terminal device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone owned by a user who is a member, and a communication network that connects the terminal device and the host computer. When using a share car, the user connects to the host computer via the communication network using the terminal device. Then, the user inquires whether the share car is available, and transmits reservation information including the date and time of use and personal information to the host computer to reserve an available share car (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a car-sharing system, since one vehicle is used by a plurality of users, unlike a vehicle owned by an individual, personal luggage and the like cannot be constantly placed in the vehicle. Therefore, after the use of the share car is completed, it is necessary to pay attention to forgotten luggage in order to take out all of one's luggage.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a notification system that promptly notifies a user of the loss of luggage or a mobile device when the user leaves it on a seat, and a vehicle equipped with the notification system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problems are solved by the notification system of the present invention, which comprises a seat, a luggage detection unit that detects the presence of luggage held by a user on or near the seat, a seating detection unit that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat, a notification unit that notifies the user of the presence or absence of luggage, and a control unit that is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit and the notification unit. The control unit notifies the user of the detection of luggage via the notification unit if the luggage detection unit detects luggage after a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating detection unit detected the user leaving the seat.

[0008] In the notification system of the present invention configured as described above, when the luggage detection unit detects luggage after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user left their seat, the notification unit notifies the user that luggage has been detected, thereby preventing luggage from being left behind.

[0009] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, it is preferable that the package is a mobile terminal owned by the user, the package detection unit includes a charging device for charging the mobile terminal, and the package detection unit detects the presence of the mobile terminal by detecting the connection status between the charging device and the mobile terminal. A simple device will make it possible to detect if a mobile device has been left behind.

[0010] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, it is preferable that the charging device is capable of wirelessly supplying power to the mobile terminal using electromagnetic waves, and that the luggage detection unit detects whether or not the charging device is charging the mobile terminal, thereby detecting the presence of the mobile terminal. Even when wirelessly charging a mobile device, the presence of the mobile device can be detected, making it possible to detect if the mobile device has been left behind.

[0011] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, the luggage detection unit is preferably a load sensor that detects the load of luggage placed on or near the sheet, and the luggage detection unit detects the presence of luggage by detecting the load. By using a load sensor in the luggage detection unit, it becomes possible to detect luggage other than mobile devices, and by notifying the user of its presence, it becomes possible to prevent luggage from being left behind.

[0012] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, it is preferable that the luggage detection unit has an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and that the presence of the luggage is detected by the infrared sensor or ultrasonic sensor. By using infrared or ultrasonic sensors, it becomes possible to detect the presence of packages more easily.

[0013] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, the notification unit is preferably a light or display provided on the sheet, and the control unit preferably notifies the user that the luggage has been detected by illuminating the light or displaying a message on the display when the luggage detection unit detects the presence of the luggage. By using lighting or a display as a notification unit, users can be visually notified if they have left their belongings behind.

[0014] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, the notification unit is preferably a speaker provided on the seat, and the control unit preferably notifies the user that the luggage has been detected by emitting a sound from the speaker when the detection unit detects the presence of the luggage. By using a speaker as the notification unit, the user can be notified audibly if they have left their belongings behind.

[0015] Furthermore, in the notification system described above, the notification unit is a communication device, and it is preferable that the control unit, when the package detection unit detects the presence of the package, sends a predetermined message to the user's mobile terminal via the communication device to notify the user that the package has been detected. By using a communication device as the notification unit, it is possible to notify the user of any forgotten belongings even when they are away from their vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, when the luggage detection unit detects luggage after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user left their seat, the notification unit notifies the user that luggage has been detected, thereby preventing luggage from being left behind. Furthermore, if the package is a user's mobile device, the package detection unit can detect the connection status with the charging device, making it possible to detect the mobile device being left behind with a simple configuration. Furthermore, even when wirelessly charging a mobile device, the presence of the device can be detected by detecting whether or not it is charging, making it possible to detect if the mobile device has been left behind. Furthermore, by using a load sensor in the luggage detection unit, it becomes possible to detect luggage other than mobile devices, and by notifying the user of its presence, it becomes possible to prevent luggage from being left behind. Furthermore, by using an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor in the luggage detection unit, it becomes possible to detect the presence of luggage more easily. Furthermore, by using lighting or a display as a notification unit, users can be visually notified if they have left their belongings behind. Furthermore, by using a speaker as a notification unit, the user can be notified audibly if they have left their belongings behind. Furthermore, by using a communication device as a notification unit to send messages to the user's mobile terminal, it is possible to notify the user of any forgotten luggage even when they are away from the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the notification system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a configuration diagram showing the ECU (control device) of the notification system and the objects to be controlled by the ECU. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of the notification process. [Figure 4A] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat device including a vehicle seat and a shell device. [Figure 4B] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of another example of the seat device. [Figure 5A] It is a perspective view showing an operation switch provided on the armrest of the shell device. [Figure 5B] It is a perspective view showing another example of the operation switch provided on the armrest of the shell device. [Figure 6A] It is a diagram showing the method of supplying cold and warm air in the air conditioner. [Figure 6B] It is a diagram showing another example of the method of supplying cold and warm air in the air conditioner. [Figure 7] It is a configuration diagram showing the ECU of the reserved seat notification system and the objects to be controlled by the ECU. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the state of the seat device in cooperation with the mobile terminal. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of the notification process for notifying the user of the reserved seat. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of a seat device including a vehicle seat having an ottoman. [Figure 11A] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the ottoman during boarding and alighting. [Figure 11B] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the ottoman when seated.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, a notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The embodiments described below are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the shape, dimensions, arrangement, etc., of the components described below can be changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and of course, equivalent components are included in the present invention. In addition, identical or similar components in the following embodiments are denoted by common reference numerals, and the scale of these drawings has been appropriately changed to facilitate understanding.

[0019] In the following explanation, "front-to-back direction" refers to the front-to-back direction as viewed from the seated person (user) of the vehicle seat S, as shown in Figure 1, and is the direction that coincides with the direction of travel of the vehicle. "Seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, and is the same as the left-to-right direction as viewed from the seated person of the vehicle seat S. "Up-down direction" refers to the height direction of the vehicle seat S, and is the same as the up-and-down direction of the vehicle seat S, as shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The notification system 1 comprises a vehicle seat S (seat), a luggage detection unit 31 that detects the presence of luggage 6 held by the user on or near the vehicle seat S, a seating detection unit 32 that detects whether or not the user is seated on the vehicle seat S, a notification unit 33 that notifies the user of the presence or absence of luggage 6, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20 that is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit 31, the seating detection unit 32, and the notification unit 33. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating detection unit 32 detected the user leaving the seat, if the luggage detection unit 31 detects luggage 6 (including the mobile terminal 5), the notification unit 33 notifies the user that luggage 6 has been detected.

[0021] The vehicle seat S of notification system 1 is a seat used in shared cars, etc. Although Figure 1 shows only one vehicle seat S, a shared car is equipped with multiple vehicle seats S, allowing multiple users to use and get in and out of one shared car. In a shared car, vehicle seats S with a similar configuration are placed in front of or behind, to the left of or to the right of the vehicle seat S shown in Figure 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S comprises a seat back 10, a seat cushion 11, a headrest 12, and a seat support 14. Surrounding the vehicle seat S is a shell device 2 provided near the vehicle seat S so as to enclose it. The shell device 2 is an enclosure provided for the purpose of blocking the line of sight of adjacent users and ensuring user privacy, and is formed in a shape that covers the left, right, and top of the vehicle seat S. The vehicle seat S and the shell device 2 together are referred to as the seat device 100. Details of the shell device 2 will be described later.

[0023] The notification system 1 of this embodiment is a system mounted on a seat device 100, which includes a vehicle seat S and a shell device 2, with the ECU 20 installed in the shell device 2 of the seat device 100. The location where the ECU 20 is installed is not limited to the shell device 2, but may also be inside the vehicle seat S, on or under the floor of the shared car.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a configuration diagram of the notification system 1. The ECU 20 operates as the control unit in this embodiment, connecting to the luggage detection unit 31, the seating detection unit 32, and the notification unit 33 to control them, and also receiving and processing signals transmitted from the luggage detection unit 31 and the seating detection unit 32. The ECU 20 also connects to and controls the speaker 41, vibration device 42, display 43, seat lighting 44, and communication device 45, which make up the notification unit 33. The ECU 20 includes a processor 21, a memory 22 for storing data, and an input / output interface 23.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the speaker 41 is located on the top of the shell device 2 and can notify the user seated in the vehicle seat S using their hearing. The vibration device 42 is located on the seat cushion 11 of the vehicle seat S and can notify the user by vibrating, as shown in Figure 1. The display 43 is located on the armrest 3 of the shell device 2 and notifies the user with messages and light. The seat lighting 44 consists of LEDs 44a located on the side of the shell device 2, LEDs 44b located on the side of the vehicle seat S (for example, near the beaded edge), and LEDs 44c located on part of the armrest 3, and notifies the user visually by emitting light.

[0026] The processor 21 is a central processing unit that performs various arithmetic operations based on programs and data stored in the memory 22 and signals received from each device connected via the input / output interface 23, and also controls each part of the notification system 1. The memory 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, and in addition to storing various programs and data, it also functions as the work memory of the processor 21. The input / output interface 23 is connected to the luggage detection unit 31, the seat detection unit 32, the notification unit 33 consisting of a speaker 41, a vibration device 42, a display 43, seat lighting 44, and a communication device 45, and communicates with each device.

[0027] The seat device 100 includes a luggage storage area 16 in the space below the vehicle seat S. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a mobile device storage compartment 15 is provided in the armrest 3 of the shell device 2. In this embodiment, luggage 6 refers to items that the user can carry and bring into the vehicle, such as a bag, but also includes mobile devices 5 such as smartphones, mobile phones, laptops, or tablet devices. Smartphones and mobile phones, and other communication-capable devices, may also be referred to as communication devices.

[0028] The mobile device storage compartment 15 is equipped with a charging device 15a for charging the mobile device 5. When the user boards the vehicle, they connect the mobile device 5 to the charging device 15a. The notification unit 33 constantly monitors the connection status between the charging device 15a and the mobile device 5 and checks whether the mobile device 5 is connected or not. The charging device 15a may be a wireless power supply capable device that charges the mobile phone using electromagnetic waves. In that case, the luggage detection unit 31 detects whether the charging device 15a is charging the mobile device 5 or not.

[0029] If the luggage 6 that the user brings into the vehicle is a bag, a laptop computer, or a tablet device, the user can place the luggage 6 in the luggage compartment 16 located below the vehicle seat S. A load sensor 31a is provided below the luggage compartment 16, and by detecting the weight of the luggage 6, the luggage detection unit 31 can check for the presence or absence of the luggage 6. The load sensor 31a may also be provided on the seat cushion 11 of the vehicle seat S. In this case, it may be configured to detect not only the person sitting but also luggage 6 left behind on the seat cushion 11. The load sensor 31a may also be provided in the mobile device storage compartment 15, and even if the charging status or connection status to the charger is not detected, the presence of the mobile device 5 may be detected by detecting the weight of the mobile device 5.

[0030] In addition to the load sensor 31a, an infrared sensor 31b or an ultrasonic sensor 31c may be installed in the mobile device storage compartment 15 and the luggage storage area 16 to check for the presence or absence of luggage 6 using infrared or ultrasonic waves.

[0031] Furthermore, as described above, the notification unit 33 may be a speaker 41 provided on the shell device 2. When the luggage detection unit 31 detects a forgotten luggage 6, the ECU 20 notifies the user that there is a forgotten mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 by emitting a warning sound through the speaker 41.

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment, the notification unit 33 is, for example, the display 43 or seat illumination 44 of the shell device 2. When the luggage detection unit 31 detects a forgotten mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6, the ECU 20 notifies the user that a forgotten mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 has been found by illuminating the seat illumination 44 or displaying a message on the display 43.

[0033] The notification unit 33 may be a communication device 45 provided in the notification system 1. When the luggage detection unit 31 detects a lost item, the ECU 20 sends a predetermined message to the user's mobile terminal 5 to notify the user that a lost mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 has been detected.

[0034] Next, the notification process performed by notification system 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 3. First, the ECU 20 detects the presence of the mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 using the luggage detection unit 31 (S101). Next, the shared car arrives at its destination (S102). The ECU 20 detects whether the user has left the vehicle seat S using the seating detection unit 32. If it determines that the user has left the seat, for example, if it detects that the load on the seat cushion 11 has decreased, the ECU 20 measures time T from the time the user left the seat (S103). After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of measurement, for example, 2 seconds, the ECU 20 determines whether the luggage detection unit 31 has detected the presence of the mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6, that is, whether the luggage detection unit 31 is OFF (S104). If the luggage detection unit 31 has not detected the mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 (if Yes in S104), the ECU 20 determines that there is no forgotten mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 and terminates the notification process.

[0035] If the luggage detection unit 31 detects a mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 (the answer is NO in S104), the ECU 20 determines that there is a misplaced mobile terminal 5 or luggage 6 and commands the notification unit 33 to notify (S105). For example, the ECU 20 commands the speaker 41 to emit a predetermined sound. Alternatively, the ECU 20 may command the display 43 to display a predetermined message or the seat light 44 to flash. The ECU 20 may also use the communication device 45 to command the system to send a message to the user's mobile terminal 5.

[0036] After the notification unit 33 notifies the user that a package has been left behind, the ECU 20 checks whether the package detection unit 31 has detected the package 6 (i.e., whether it is OFF) (S106). If the user takes the left-behind package and the detection by the package detection unit 31 turns OFF (YES in S106), the ECU 20 determines that the left-behind package 6 is gone and terminates the process. If the package detection unit 31 has detected the package 6 (NO in S106), the ECU 20 returns to S105 and notifies the user again that a package has been left behind. This notification continues until the package detection unit 31 no longer detects the mobile terminal 5 or the package 6, but the notification process may be terminated after a predetermined time or number of times.

[0037] Next, the shell device 402A of the seat device 101 will be described using Figure 4A. As described above, the shell device 402A is an enclosure provided for the purpose of blocking the line of sight of adjacent users and ensuring the privacy of the user seated in the vehicle seat S. As shown in Figure 4A, the shell device 402A comprises a shell portion 2a formed to cover the left, right, and top of the vehicle seat S, and a shade portion 2b positioned to hide the adjacent user when the user is seated.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4A, the armrest 3 is positioned to the right of the seated user. The armrest 3 may also be positioned to the left of the user.

[0039] The shade section 2b is designed to cover the side of the user's arm, thereby preventing others from peeking at the screen of the mobile device while the user is operating it. The shade section 2b can be retracted or made transparent. The partition provided by the shade section 2b may also be an electronic shade (electronic curtain), which may be configured to become opaque when a voltage is applied by the user switching it ON / OFF. Furthermore, the retraction and transparency of the shade section 2b may only be possible when both adjacent users perform the operation. The presence of the shade section 2b ensures the privacy of the user who is a passenger.

[0040] A low partition 3a may be provided at the top of the armrest 3. By providing a partition 3a on the armrest 3, it is possible to prevent adjacent users' hands from touching. This partition 3a may be retractable and may be provided so that it can be extended and retracted by the user.

[0041] The height of the opposite side of the armrest 3, that is, the side that is normally on the door side (not adjacent to other users), is lowered to improve ease of entry and exit. The lowered portion of the armrest 3 on the opposite side may be stored when the user is getting in or out of the vehicle, and then unfolded afterward to cover the side and top of the vehicle seat S.

[0042] The shell portion 2a covers the upper part of the vehicle seat S and the upper part of the user seated on it, making it possible to position the speaker 41 so that the sound is audible only to the seated user.

[0043] The shell device 402A may be equipped with an air conditioning unit 51 in the armrest 3, as shown in Figure 4A. By providing the air conditioning unit 51 in the shell device 2, it becomes possible to provide heating and cooling from a position close to the user. The air supply duct 51b of the air conditioning unit 51 is positioned inside the shell device 402A so as to supply warm or cool air to the feet and neck of the seated user, as shown in Figure 6A. The warm and cool air may also be supplied from an air conditioning unit (A / C) installed in the body of the shared car. The warm and cool air may also be supplied from an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) 51c built into the lower interior of the armrest 3, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0044] Furthermore, the armrest 3 may be provided with an operation switch 35, as shown in Figure 5A. When the vehicle seat S is reclined, the position of the control panel (instrument panel), such as the display 43, becomes far away. Therefore, if the armrest 3 has an operation switch 35, the user can operate it within easy reach while seated. The operation switch 35 may be provided on different surfaces of the armrest 3, for example, on the top and side, with switches having different functions. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, a directional pad 35a may be placed on the inner side and a select key 35b on the top. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5B, a select key 35b may be placed on the side and a touchpad 35c on the top. By placing the keys on different surfaces of the armrest 3, the shape conforms to the shape of the hand, making it easier to grip and operate.

[0045] Furthermore, the shell device 402A may be equipped with a deodorizing / odor-removing device 52, as shown in Figure 4A. Since shared cars are used by multiple users, odors may be a concern. Therefore, a deodorizing / odor-removing device 52 is provided on top of the shell device 2 to eliminate or deodorize odors inside the vehicle.

[0046] A massage device 53 may be provided on the seat back 10 of the vehicle seat S. A heater or an AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) may also be provided on the seat back 10. A non-contact sensing device 50 for measuring heart rate, etc., may also be provided on the seat back 10. Health management can be performed by measuring heart rate and other data each time the seat is used.

[0047] Furthermore, the shell device 402A may be equipped with spot lights 54 on both sides of the seat back 10, which can be used as reading lights or the like. Since users seated nearby may be sleeping, the interior lights may be turned off while the shared car is in motion. Also, when operating a mobile device 5, it is preferable to be able to adjust the lighting for each seat. By providing individually illuminated spot lights 54, users can perform tasks such as reading individually.

[0048] Furthermore, the shell device 2 may incorporate a work table 55 that can be stored in the armrest 3, as shown in Figure 4A. By providing the work table 55, users can, for example, work using a personal computer or eat meals.

[0049] While the shell device 2 shown in Figure 4A was provided to surround the top and sides of the vehicle seat S, a shell device 402B having a shade portion 2b and surrounding only the right side of the user may also be provided on the vehicle seat S (the side facing the adjacent seat), as shown in the seat device 102 in Figure 4B. The shade portion 2b of the shell device 402B is provided to block the view from the adjacent seat.

[0050] Next, the reserved seat notification system 701 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. When using a shared car, it can be difficult to know which seat you reserved because there are multiple seats available. Therefore, we developed a system to notify users of their reserved seat.

[0051] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the reserved seat notification system 701. Components that have the same functions as the notification system 1 shown in Figure 2 are given the same numbers, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0052] The reserved seat notification system 701 consists of a vehicle seat S, an ECU 20 (control unit) that stores the user's reservation information, a communication device 45 that can communicate with a communication terminal (mobile terminal 5) owned by the user, and a notification unit 33 provided on or near the vehicle seat S. The communication device 45 receives user personal information from the communication terminal (mobile terminal 5) to identify the user, and the ECU 20 compares the user personal information with the reservation information. If they match, it notifies the notification unit 33 of user identification information, such as the location of the reserved seat.

[0053] The notification unit 33 of the reserved seat notification system 701 is, for example, a seat light 44. The seat light 44, provided on the vehicle seat S, emits light to notify the user that it is a reserved seat (seat device 103). The seat light 44 is, for example, an LED 44a provided on the side of the vehicle seat S, an LED 44b provided on the side of the shell device 2, or an LED 44c provided on part of the armrest 3, as shown in Figure 8. The seat light 44 is located in a position that is easily visible to the user, making it easy for the user to identify their seat.

[0054] Furthermore, the color displayed on the mobile terminal 5 and the color emitted by the seat lighting 44 may be the same. For example, as shown in Figure 8, if blue (BLUE) is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 5, the ECU 20, which has received reservation information, will illuminate the seat lighting 44 in the same blue color. If multiple users use the reserved seat notification system 701 simultaneously, each seat will be displayed in a different color. This allows users to easily find the location of their reserved seat (seat device 103).

[0055] The seat lighting 44 is turned off when the seating detection unit 32, provided in the vehicle seat S, detects that a user is seated, and the ECU 20 detects that the correct user is seated. For example, the ECU 20 detects that the correct user is seated by whether or not the user possesses the mobile terminal 5 used for the reservation. More specifically, by placing the mobile terminal 5 in the mobile terminal storage unit 15 (luggage detection unit 31), the mobile terminal storage unit 15 reads and detects the individual information of the mobile terminal 5. If the user who made the reservation and the user who is seated are different, for example, if the user possesses a different mobile terminal 5 than the one used for the reservation, the notification unit 33 issues a warning.

[0056] The notification unit 33 may be a seat light 44, for example, by flashing the seat light 44 to notify the user that they are sitting in the wrong seat. Alternatively, if the notification unit 33 is a display 43, a message informing the user that they are sitting in the wrong seat will be displayed on the display 43. If the notification unit 33 is a speaker 41, a sound will be emitted to notify the user audibly. The notification unit 33 may also be a vibrator 42 provided on the seat cushion 11, in which case the vibrator 42 will vibrate to notify the user that they are sitting in the wrong seat.

[0057] The notification process by the reserved seat notification system 701 will be explained using Figure 9. First, the user reserves a rideshare using their mobile terminal 5 (S701). The user then boards the reserved shared car (S702). The ECU 20 receives user personal information from the user's mobile terminal 5 via the communication device 45 to identify the user. The ECU then compares the reservation information stored in the memory 22 with the user personal information to confirm whether they match, and flashes the seat light 44 of the reserved seat (S703).

[0058] The seat detection unit 32 confirms that the user has taken a seat. At this time, the ECU 20 receives the user's personal information again and determines whether the reservation information for the vehicle seat S matches the personal information of the user who has taken a seat (S704). If it is determined that the user is correct (YES in S704), the seat light 44 is turned off (S705). If the reservation information does not match the personal information of the user who has taken a seat (NO in S704), the ECU 20 determines whether the user has taken a seat in a different vehicle seat S (S706). If the user has taken a seat in a different seat (NO in S706), the process returns to S703 and the seat light 44 of the correctly reserved seat is turned on. This guides the user to the correct seat. Furthermore, if seating is detected in a different seat (YES in S706), the notification unit 33, consisting of a speaker 41, a vibration device 42, a display 43, and seat lighting 44, is used to notify the seated user that they are in the wrong seat (S707).

[0059] The ECU 20 uses the seating detection unit 32 to check whether the user has left a different seat (S708). If the seating detection unit 32 cannot detect that the user has left a seat (NO in S708), the process returns to S707, and the ECU 20 again notifies the user of the warning via the notification unit 33. If the user has left a seat, the process returns to S703, and the seat light 44 of the reserved seat flashes to notify the user of the correct seat location.

[0060] Next, the ottoman 13 provided on the vehicle seat S installed in the seat device 104 will be described using Figures 10 to 11B. Users of the shared car are expected to sit in the vehicle seat S with the seat reclined. Therefore, if an ottoman 13 is provided on the vehicle seat S to support the user's legs when seated, the user can sit more relaxed. However, if the surface on which the legs rest on the ottoman 13 is flat, the legs may slip due to lateral G (lateral acceleration) caused by a sudden turn of the vehicle body when the steering wheel is turned during movement. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the slippage of the legs even when lateral G is applied while the seat is reclined.

[0061] The vehicle seat S is equipped with an ottoman 13, as shown in Figure 10. Since it is the same as the seat device 100 shown in Figure 1, except for the inclusion of the ottoman 13, a description of the other components will be omitted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the ottoman 13 is attached to the front of the seat cushion 11 and can be tilted and extended depending on the user's seating position, for example by a drive mechanism provided in the ottoman 13. The ottoman 13 also has retractable stepped sections 13a on both sides. When the user gets on or off, as shown in Figure 11A, the stepped sections 13a are retracted and the seat surface 13b on which the legs rest becomes nearly flat. Then, as shown in Figure 11B, when the user gets on and sits on the seat, the stepped sections 13a are extended and protrude from the seat surface 13b. Even if the vehicle suddenly turns, the user's legs will come into contact with the stepped sections 13a, preventing them from slipping off the ottoman 13. The extension of these stepped sections 13a may be achieved using air or mechanical means.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a notification system used in a car-sharing vehicle was described as a specific example. However, the notification system is not limited to car-sharing vehicles. The notification system of this application can also be installed on seats in trains, buses, etc., and can also be used on seats in airplanes and ships. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Notification System 100, 101, 102, 104 Sheet device 701 Reserved Seat Notification System 2, 402A, 402B Shell Device 2a Shell section 2b Shade section 3 Armrest 3a Partition 5 Mobile devices 6 Luggage 10 Seatback 11 Seat cushions 12 headrests 13 Ottoman 13a Stepped section 15. Mobile device storage compartment 15a charging device 16 Luggage storage area 20 ECU (control unit) 21 processors 22 memory 23 Input / Output Interfaces 31. Luggage detection unit 32. Seating detection unit 33 Notification Department 35 Operating switches 35a D-pad 35b Confirm key 35c Touchpad 41. Speaker (Notification Unit) 42 Vibration device (notification section) 43. Display (Notification Section) 44. Seat lighting (notification section) 44a, 44b, 44c LED 45. Communication device (notification unit) 50 Sensing devices 51 Air conditioner 51b Air supply duct 51°C HVAC 52 Deodorizing and odor removal devices 53 Massage device 54 Spotlights 55 Work Table S Vehicle Seat

Claims

1. The seat and A luggage detection unit that detects the presence of luggage held by the user on or near the sheet, A seating detection unit that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat, A notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the presence or absence of the package, The system comprises a control unit connected to and controlling the luggage detection unit, the seating detection unit, and the notification unit, The control unit is characterized in that, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating detection unit detected the user leaving their seat, the luggage detection unit detects the luggage, and the notification unit notifies the user that the luggage has been detected.

2. The aforementioned package is a mobile device owned by the user, The luggage detection unit includes a charging device for charging the mobile terminal. The notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that the luggage detection unit detects the connection status between the charging device and the mobile terminal and detects the presence of the mobile terminal.

3. The charging device is capable of wirelessly supplying power to the mobile terminal using electromagnetic waves. The notification system according to claim 2, characterized in that the luggage detection unit detects whether or not the charging device is charging the mobile terminal and detects the presence of the mobile terminal.

4. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the luggage detection unit is a load sensor that detects the load of luggage placed on or near the sheet, and the luggage detection unit detects the presence of luggage by detecting the load.

5. The notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that the luggage detection unit has an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and the presence of the luggage is detected by the infrared sensor or ultrasonic sensor.

6. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification unit is a speaker provided on the sheet, and the control unit notifies the user that the luggage has been detected by emitting a sound from the speaker when the luggage detection unit detects the presence of the luggage.

7. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification unit is a light or display provided on the sheet, and the control unit notifies the user that the luggage has been detected by illuminating the light or displaying a message on the display when the luggage detection unit detects the presence of the luggage.

8. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification unit is a communication device, and the control unit, when the package detection unit detects the presence of the package, transmits a predetermined message to the user's mobile terminal via the communication device to notify that the package has been detected.

9. A vehicle equipped with the notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images