Operation identification device and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a seat that can identify the movements of the person sitting in it. [Solution] The seat comprises sensors including a first cushion sensor SC1 positioned on the seat cushion S1 corresponding to the seater's buttocks, a second cushion sensor SC2 positioned in front of the first cushion sensor SC1 on the seat cushion S1, a first back sensor SB1 positioned at the bottom of the seat back S2, and a second back sensor SB2 positioned above the first back sensor SB1 on the seat back S2, and a control unit 100 connected to the sensors so as to be able to acquire pressure values ​​from each of the multiple sensors. The control unit 100 is configured to identify the seater's movements based on the outputs of at least two of the sensors, the first cushion sensor SC1, the second cushion sensor SC2, the first back sensor SB1, and the second back sensor SB2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation specifying device and a vehicle capable of specifying the operations of a seated person.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device is known that mounts a pressure sensor or the like on a driver's seat to estimate the fatigue state of a seated person and moves the seat based on the estimation result (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a conventional seat attempts to recover fatigue by moving the seat, but such a passive movement cannot sufficiently recover fatigue. Rather, the inventors of the present application believe that by prompting an active movement to the seated person, not only can fatigue be effectively eliminated, but also a more enjoyable journey can be realized. In addition, in vehicles for long-distance travel such as airplanes and long-distance buses, there is also a problem of developing traveler's thrombosis. However, by enjoying exercise inside the vehicle, there is a possibility of suppressing traveler's thrombosis.

[0005] Furthermore, even for seats other than vehicles, by exercising while sitting, it may be possible to provide a healthier lifestyle.

[0006] However, with a conventional seat, the operations of a seated person cannot be specified, and such an enjoyable seat cannot be realized.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation specifying device and a vehicle capable of specifying the operation of a seated person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention for solving the above problems includes a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back, and a plurality of sensors that acquire pressure values from a seated person sitting on the seat body. The sensors include a first cushion sensor disposed at a position corresponding to the buttocks of the seated person in the seat cushion, a second cushion sensor disposed in front of the first cushion sensor in the seat cushion, a first back sensor disposed at the lower part of the seat back, and a second back sensor disposed above the first back sensor in the seat back. The seat further includes a control unit connected to the sensors so as to be able to acquire pressure values from each of the plurality of sensors. And the control unit is configured to specify the operation of the seated person based on the outputs of at least two of the first cushion sensor, the second cushion sensor, the first back sensor, and the second back sensor.

[0009] According to such a configuration, it is possible to specify the operation of the seated person by a combination of pressure values from at least two of the at least four sensors, namely, the first cushion sensor and the second cushion sensor that are separated front and back in the seat cushion, and the first back sensor and the second back sensor that are separated vertically in the seat back.

[0010] In the above-described seat, when the pressure value of the first cushion sensor increases and the pressure value of the second cushion sensor decreases with respect to each pressure value in the reference posture, the control unit can determine that the operation of raising the heels has been performed.

[0011] In the aforementioned seat, the control unit can determine that a leg-raising operation has occurred when the pressure values ​​of the first cushion sensor and the first back sensor increase and the pressure value of the second cushion sensor decreases relative to the pressure values ​​of the reference posture.

[0012] In the aforementioned seat, the control unit can determine that a back-straightening action has been performed when the pressure value of the first cushion sensor increases and the pressure value of the first back sensor decreases relative to the pressure values ​​in the standard posture.

[0013] In the aforementioned seat, the control unit can determine that an action has been performed to press the shoulder blades against the seat back when the pressure values ​​of the first cushion sensor and the second back sensor increase relative to the pressure values ​​of the standard posture, and the pressure value of the first back sensor decreases.

[0014] In the aforementioned seat, the first back sensor includes at least one right first back sensor and at least one left first back sensor, the first cushion sensor includes at least one right first cushion sensor and at least one left first cushion sensor, and the second back sensor may include at least one right second back sensor and at least one left second back sensor. In this case, the control unit can determine that an action of turning the upper body to the right has occurred when the pressure values ​​of the right first cushion sensor and the right first back sensor increase and the pressure values ​​of the left first back sensor and the left second back sensor decrease relative to the pressure values ​​of each sensor in the reference posture, and can determine that an action of turning the upper body to the left has occurred when the pressure values ​​of the left first cushion sensor and the left first back sensor increase and the pressure values ​​of the right first back sensor and the right second back sensor decrease.

[0015] The second back sensor should preferably be positioned at least 300 mm above the seat cushion surface, along the seat back surface.

[0016] With this configuration, the second back sensor can detect pressure from the seated person's shoulders.

[0017] The second cushion sensor should preferably be positioned at least 280 mm forward from the seat back surface, along the seat cushion surface.

[0018] With this configuration, the second cushion sensor can effectively detect the up-and-down movement of the thigh. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to identify the movements of a seated person by a combination of pressure values ​​from at least two sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the overall configuration of a system using a vehicle seat according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of each vehicle seat. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the placement of the sensors; (a) is a view of the seat back from the front, and (b) is a view of the seat cushion from above. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the sheet illustrating the sensor placement. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle seat and system. [Figure 6] This is a table explaining the criteria for determining the behavior. [Figure 7] This is an example of a list of movements for a full-body workout. [Figure 8] This is the message table used when it is determined that the system is not working. [Figure 9] This is a message table used when the operation is deemed insufficient. [Figure 10] This is a message table used when it is determined that the system is performing an action different from the instructions. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the control unit. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the process for determining whether an action is being performed. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart for processing heel lift / foot lift detection (right). [Figure 14] This is a flowchart for processing the upper body rotation detection (right). [Figure 15] This is a flowchart for the process of determining whether the spine is straightened and the shoulder blades are pressed together. [Figure 16] This is an example of a menu screen. [Figure 17] This is an example of a screen showing calf exercises. [Figure 18] This is an example of a display screen when the movement is small. [Figure 19] This is an example of a screen displayed when it is determined that the user is performing an action different from the instructions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle seat S, as an example of a seat of the present invention, is configured as a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle CR, for example. The vehicle seat S consists of a seat body S0 and a control unit 100. In a vehicle CR, for example, vehicle seats S are provided for four seats: two front seats and two rear seats. The vehicle CR is equipped with a control unit 100 that integrates information between these four vehicle seats S, operates them in coordination, and communicates with a smartphone SP, which is an example of a terminal used by a seated person P. Thus, the vehicle CR is configured with a control unit 100 and a plurality of seat bodies S0 to form the vehicle seat system SYS.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the seat body S0 has a seat cushion S1 and a seat back S2. The seat cushion S1 and seat back S2 are provided with a plurality of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 under the surface. The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are sensors that acquire measured values ​​to identify the movements of a seated person P sitting on the seat body S0, and specifically, sensors that acquire pressure values ​​from the seated person P sitting on the seat body S0. The control unit 100 is connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 so that pressure values ​​can be acquired from each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6.

[0023] Each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 is provided in pairs, symmetrically positioned on both sides of the center of the vehicle seat S. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(b), the seat cushion S1 is equipped with pressure sensors PS1 to PS3.

[0024] The pressure sensor PS1 is positioned at the lowest point of the seated person P's ischial tuberosities. This position is where the greatest load from the seated person P is applied. The pressure sensor PS1 can be positioned, for example, 60-70 mm to the left and right of the center C of the vehicle seat S, for example, 65 mm away.

[0025] The pressure sensor PS2 is positioned slightly in front of the pressure sensor PS1, for example, 50-60 mm forward of the pressure sensor PS1, for example, 55 mm away, and 65-75 mm to the left and right of the center C, for example, 70 mm away. The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are examples of first cushion sensors positioned on the seat cushion S1 at locations corresponding to the buttocks of the seated person P. The first cushion sensor includes at least one right cushion sensor (pressure sensors PS1, PS2) and at least one left cushion sensor (pressure sensors PS1, PS2).

[0026] Pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are both used to measure the pressure from the buttocks of the seated person P, and either one may be provided. For convenience, in the following explanation, pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 together will be referred to as the first cushion sensor SC1.

[0027] Pressure sensor PS3 is positioned significantly forward of pressure sensors PS1 and PS2. Pressure sensor PS3 is an example of a second cushion sensor located in front of the first cushion sensor SC1 in the seat cushion S1. In the following description, pressure sensor PS3 will also be referred to as the second cushion sensor SC2.

[0028] The pressure sensor PS3 is located beneath the thigh of the seated person P and can measure the pressure from the seated person P's thigh. The pressure sensor PS3 can be positioned, for example, 110-130 mm in front of the pressure sensor PS2, for example 120 mm in front of it (175 mm in front of the pressure sensor PS1), and 65-75 mm to the left and right of the center C, for example 70 mm away.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, it is desirable that the second cushion sensor SC2 be positioned in front of a position E1 that is 280 mm forward from the seat surface S21 of the seat back S2 along the seat surface S11 of the seat cushion S1. The first cushion sensor SC1 is positioned behind position E1. Position E1 here is measured by the dimension of one ruler M11 when one ruler M11 of an L-shaped square ruler M1 is placed along the seat surface S11 of the seat cushion S1 and the other ruler M12 is placed against the seat surface S21 of the seat back S2. If the shape of the seat back S2 (e.g., lumbar support) can be adjusted, it is sufficient if this requirement is met in any shape. By positioning the second cushion sensor SC2 in this way, the second cushion sensor SC2 can effectively detect the up and down movement of the seated person P's thighs.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are provided on the seat back S2. Pressure sensor PS4 is located at a position corresponding to the lower back of the seated person P. Pressure sensor PS4 can be positioned, for example, 45 to 55 mm to the left and right of the left-right center C of the vehicle seat S, for example, 50 mm away.

[0031] The pressure sensor PS5 is positioned slightly above the pressure sensor PS4, for example, 70-80 mm above the pressure sensor PS4, for example, 75 mm away, and 85-95 mm to the left and right of the center C, for example, 90 mm away. The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are examples of first back sensors located at the bottom of the seat back S2. The first back sensor includes at least one right back sensor (pressure sensors PS4, PS5) and at least one left back sensor (pressure sensors PS4, PS5).

[0032] Pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are both used to measure the pressure from the waist of the seated person P, and either one may be provided. For convenience, in the following explanation, pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 together will be referred to as the first back sensor SB1.

[0033] Pressure sensor PS6 is positioned significantly above pressure sensors PS4 and PS5. Pressure sensor PS6 is an example of a second back sensor positioned above the first back sensor SB1 in the seat back S2. In the following description, pressure sensor PS6 will also be referred to as the second back sensor SB2.

[0034] The pressure sensor PS6 is positioned corresponding to the upper back of the seated person P and can measure the pressure value from the seated person P's shoulder blades. The pressure sensor PS6 can be positioned, for example, 190-210 mm above the pressure sensor PS5, for example 200 mm above (275 mm above the pressure sensor PS1), and 95-105 mm to the left and right of the center C, for example 100 mm away.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, it is desirable that the second back sensor SB2 be positioned above position E2, which is 300 mm above the seat surface S11 of the seat cushion S1 along the seat surface S21 of the seat back S2. The first back sensor SB1 is positioned below position E2. Position E2 here is measured by the dimension of one ruler M21 when one ruler M21 of an L-shaped square ruler M2 is placed along the seat surface S21 of the seat back S2 and the other ruler M22 is placed against the seat surface S11 of the seat cushion S1. If the shape of the seat back S2 (e.g., lumbar support) can be adjusted, it is sufficient if this requirement is met in any shape. By positioning the second back sensor SB2 in this way, the second back sensor SB2 can detect the pressure from the shoulders of the seated person P.

[0036] In the following explanation, the pressure values ​​obtained by pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 will be referred to as P1 to P6, respectively, and the right and left pressure values ​​will be referred to as P1. R P1 L These are indicated by the subscripts R and L, as shown above. Note that pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are elements whose electrical resistance changes in response to external pressure, for example, and the higher the pressure value, the higher (or lower) the voltage of the detected signal. Therefore, the magnitude of the pressure value is actually compared by the magnitude of the voltage value, but in this specification, for the sake of ease of understanding, it will be explained as being determined by the magnitude of the pressure value.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 100 includes a measurement value acquisition unit 110, a processing unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 190. The control unit 100 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and each function unit is realized by executing a pre-stored program.

[0038] The control unit 100 is connected to a short-range communication device 3A that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. The control unit 100 can communicate with the smartphone SP via the communication unit 130 and the short-range communication device 3A, and can provide predetermined screens and sounds to the smartphone SP in cooperation with an application installed on the smartphone SP, as well as acquire data entered on the smartphone SP.

[0039] The measurement value acquisition unit 110 has the function of acquiring pressure measurements from each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 at regular control cycle intervals. The measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement value acquisition unit 110 are stored in the storage unit 190 and used by the processing unit 120. The storage unit 190 is used to store data necessary for calculations, processing, etc.

[0040] The processing unit 120 is the part that provides an exercise game to the seated person P via a smartphone SP, and executes the overall processing of the game progression according to a pre-stored program. The processing unit 120 has an action instruction unit 121 and an action determination unit 122.

[0041] The motion instruction unit 121 is the part that instructs the seated person P to perform a predetermined action. In this embodiment, the actions to be instructed are actions pre-stored for each menu of the gymnastics game. For example, the gymnastics game menu has a full-body course and a lower-body course, and the full-body course is stored as an action list as shown in Figure 7. In the action list, the action code MC and the time [ms] for performing the action are associated with the order of the action "No.". For example, the first action "No.1" has an action code MC of "1R" and is to be continued for 1000ms, and the next action "No.2" has an action code of "1L" and is to be continued for 1000ms. As shown in Figure 6, each action code means: "1R" and "1L" are heel raises, "2R" and "2L" are leg raises, "3" is back straightening, "4" is shoulder blade pressing, and "5R" and "5L" are torso rotations. The R and L in each chord represent actions to the right and left, respectively. For example, "1R" means lifting the heel of the right foot, and "5L" means turning (twisting) the upper body to the left. In the operation list in Figure 7, operation code "0" for No. 301 means that nothing happens. Also, "EOL" means the end of the operation list.

[0042] When the operation instruction unit 121 instructs an operation according to the operation list, it sequentially reads the operation code MC and time in ascending order of the operation list number and outputs them to the smartphone SP's application. The smartphone SP's application stores image data and audio data corresponding to this operation code MC, and outputs an image containing text (a changing image, i.e., a video) to the smartphone SP's screen, and outputs operation instructions through music and voice (i.e., sound, light, image, video, and text) from the smartphone SP's speaker.

[0043] Here, we will explain each operation. Heel raises are exercises in which the heels are lifted off the floor. In this invention, heel raises include calf exercises in which the heels are lifted using the calf muscles while the toes remain on the floor, and leg raises in which the toes are also lifted off the floor, mainly using the thigh muscles and iliopsoas muscles. This is because both of these are exercises in which the heels are lifted. In this embodiment, as an example, the motion instruction unit 121 distinguishes and instructs both calf exercises and leg-raising exercises, so heel-raising exercise refers only to calf exercises (heel-raising exercise in the narrow sense). For example, in the app, calf exercises may be expressed as "Please raise your heels." However, when the exercise is performed in a form that does not instruct (does not distinguish) both calf exercises and leg-raising exercises, heel-raising exercise can also be referred to as including both calf exercises and leg-raising exercises (heel-raising exercise in the broad sense). Hereafter, heel-raising exercises will be explained with appropriate clarification as needed, specifying whether they refer to the narrow or broad sense.

[0044] As mentioned above, leg raises are exercises in which you lift your feet off the floor.

[0045] Back straightening is an exercise that involves straightening the spine so that it is vertical, lifting the back away from the seatback S2.

[0046] Scapular pressing is an exercise in which the shoulder blades are pressed against the seatback S2.

[0047] The torso rotation is an exercise in which you rotate (twist) your upper body to the right or left while sitting on the seat cushion S1, with your face turned to the side or backward. The twisted upper body should remain in contact with the seat back S2. For example, when rotating to the right, your right shoulder should touch the seat back S2 and your left shoulder should lift off the seat back S2.

[0048] If the operation determination unit 122 determines that the seated person P has not performed the predetermined operation instructed by the operation instruction unit 121, the operation instruction unit 121 will instruct the seated person P to perform the predetermined operation again. As will be described later, in this embodiment, if the operation determination unit 122 cannot determine an operation, it sets the operation determination code MCJ, which indicates the result of the operation determination, to 0. Therefore, if MCJ is 0, the operation instruction unit 121 again instructs via the smartphone SP to perform a predetermined operation (an operation corresponding to the data read from the operation list).

[0049] If the seated person P does not perform a predetermined action instructed by the action instruction unit 121, the message that the action instruction unit 121 outputs to the smartphone SP is stored in the storage unit 190. These messages are stored, for example, corresponding to each action code MC, as shown in Figure 8.

[0050] Furthermore, if the motion determination unit 122 determines that the magnitude of the predetermined movement being performed by the seated person P is insufficient, the motion instruction unit 121 instructs the seated person P to perform the predetermined movement with greater magnitude. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the motion determination unit 122 sets the size data MS, which indicates the magnitude of the motion, to 2 if the motion is sufficient, to 1 if it is insufficient, and to 0 if there is no motion. Therefore, when the size data MS is 1, the motion instruction unit 121 instructs the seated person P to perform a predetermined motion with greater force via the smartphone SP. The message that the operation instruction unit 121 outputs to the smartphone SP when the magnitude of a predetermined action performed by the seated person P is insufficient is stored in the storage unit 190. These messages are stored in correspondence with each operation code MC, for example, as shown in Figure 9.

[0051] Furthermore, if the motion determination unit 122 determines that the action being performed by the seated person is different from the action instructed by the motion instruction unit, the motion instruction unit 121 notifies the seated person P of the correct way to perform the action. In this embodiment, if the instructed operation code MC and the operation determination code MCJ do not match, the operation determination unit 122 notifies the seated person P of the correct way to perform the operation via the smartphone SP.

[0052] If the action performed by the seated person P is different from the action instructed by the action instruction unit 121, the message that the action instruction unit 121 outputs to the smartphone SP is stored in the storage unit 190. These messages are stored in accordance with each combination of action code MC and each action judgment data, as shown in Figure 10, for example.

[0053] The operation determination unit 122 is configured to determine the actions of the seated person P based on the outputs of at least two pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 from among the first cushion sensor SC1, the second cushion sensor SC2, the first back sensor SB1, and the second back sensor SB2. After the operation instruction unit 121 instructs the seated person P to perform a predetermined action, the operation determination unit 122 determines whether or not the seated person P is performing the predetermined action.

[0054] Figure 6 shows the criteria for determining the operation in detail in a table. Specifically, the operation determination unit 122 determines that a heel-raising operation has been performed when, relative to the pressure values ​​in the standard posture, the pressure value P2 of the pressure sensor PS2 of the first cushion sensor SC1 on the side of the raised foot increases, and the pressure value P3 of the pressure sensor PS3 of the second cushion sensor SC2 on the same side decreases.

[0055] Here, the standard posture is the state in which the seated person P is sitting normally with their upper body against the backrest, without raising their feet or twisting their torso. The standard pressure values ​​acquired by each pressure sensor PS1 to PS6 in this state are stored in the memory unit 190. The stored pressure value for the seated person P in the standard posture may be that of an average adult, or it may be that the stored pressure value for the standard posture is stored for each weight of the seated person P. For the sake of simplicity, here we will assume that one representative pressure value for the standard posture, for example, the pressure value for an average adult, is stored.

[0056] Furthermore, in Figure 6, SC1(PS2) indicates that the determination is made using the value of the pressure sensor PS2, one of the two pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 (four sensors in total, left and right) of the first cushion sensor SC1. In this embodiment, for example, when raising the heel, the measured value of the pressure sensor PS2 is used as the first cushion sensor SC1, but the measured value of the pressure sensor PS1 may also be used. Similarly, in other operations, when determining the operation based on the measured value of the first cushion sensor SC1, either the measured value of the two pressure sensors PS1 or PS2 may be used. Similarly, when determining the operation based on the measured value of the first back sensor SB1, either the measured value of the two pressure sensors PS4 or PS5 may be used.

[0057] The motion determination unit 122 determines that a leg-raising operation has occurred when, relative to the pressure values ​​in the reference posture, the pressure value P2 of the pressure sensor PS2 of the first cushion sensor SC1 on the side of the raised leg and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the first back sensor SB1 increase, and the pressure value P3 of the second cushion sensor SC2 on the same side decreases. In this embodiment, to further improve accuracy, the decrease in the pressure value P6 of the second back sensor SB2 on the opposite side is also used as a condition to determine that a leg-raising operation has occurred.

[0058] The motion determination unit 122 determines that a back-stretching motion has been performed when the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the first cushion sensor SC1 increases and the pressure value P5 of the pressure sensor PS5 of the first back sensor SB1 decreases relative to the pressure values ​​in the reference posture. In this embodiment, to ensure accuracy, the decrease in the pressure value P6 of the second back sensor SB2 is also used as a condition for determining a back-stretching motion. Since there is no distinction between left and right when straightening the spine, the pressure value obtained by adding the pressure values ​​of the left and right sides will be used.

[0059] When the pressure values of the pressure sensor PS1 of the first cushion sensor SC1 and the pressure value P6 of the second back sensor SB2 increase and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the first back sensor SB1 decreases with respect to each pressure value in the reference posture, the operation determination unit 122 determines that an operation of pressing the scapula against the seat back S2 has been performed. Since there is no distinction between the left and right in the scapula pressing, the pressure value obtained by adding the left pressure value and the right pressure value shall be used.

[0060] When the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the right first cushion sensor SC1 R and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the right first back sensor SB1 R increase, and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the left first back sensor SB1 L and the pressure value P6 of the left second back sensor SB2 L decrease, the operation determination unit 122 determines that an operation of turning the upper body to the right has been performed. When the pressure value P1 of the pressure sensor PS1 of the left first cushion sensor SC1 L and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the left first back sensor SB1 L increase, and the pressure value P4 of the pressure sensor PS4 of the right first back sensor SB1 R and the pressure value P6 of the right second back sensor SB2 R decrease, the operation determination unit 122 determines that an operation of turning the upper body to the left has been performed.

[0061] In the above determination, whether the pressure value has increased or decreased with respect to the reference posture can be determined by comparing it with each threshold value stored in the storage unit 190 in advance.

[0062] Also, in each operation, the magnitude of the operation can be determined by comparing the pressure value with a predetermined threshold value. When the magnitude of the operation is sufficient, the operation determination unit 122 sets the magnitude data MS to 2; when it is insufficient, MS to 1; and when no operation is performed, MS to 0.

[0063] Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 15, an example of the process by the control unit 100 to provide a gymnastics game will be described. As shown in Figure 11, the processing unit 120 presents the exercise game menu screen to the smartphone SP (S11). On the menu screen, for example, as shown in Figure 16, buttons B01 for "Full Body Course" and B02 for "Lower Body Course" are presented as menus for in-car exercises, prompting the seated person P to make a selection. The processing unit 120 determines whether a menu has been selected (whether a signal indicating that a button has been pressed has been received) and waits until a selection is made (S12, No).

[0064] When the seated person P selects a menu item by pressing button B01 or button B02 (S12, Yes), the processing unit 120, specifically the operation instruction unit 121, reads the operation code MC from the operation list (S21) and determines whether the operation code MC is "EOL" or not (S22). If the operation code MC is not "EOL" (S22, No), the operation instruction unit 121 outputs the read operation code and operation time as an operation instruction to the smartphone SP (S23). The smartphone SP follows this operation instruction and, for example, as shown in Figure 17, displays a text instruction such as "1. Calf exercise" and an image (such as an animation) corresponding to the operation code MC on the screen DSP, and also issues voice instructions from the speaker SPK such as "Use your calves to lift your heels. Right, left, right, ...". At this time, it is advisable to output music with a rhythm corresponding to the operation time so that the seated person P can easily keep rhythm. In Figure 17, as an example, we show an illustration of a calf exercise (heel-raising exercise in the narrow sense) and an image of the right heel raised.

[0065] Then, the motion determination unit 122 determines the motion of the seated person P based on the pressure values ​​obtained from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 (S100). As shown in Figure 12, the motion determination process first initializes the motion determination code MCJ and the magnitude data MS by setting both to 0.

[0066] Then, the heel lift / foot lift detection (right) (step S200) is processed. In this determination, as shown in Figure 13, first, the pressure value P2 of the right pressure sensor PS2 is determined. R Determine if it is greater than the threshold P2th1 (S201). Pressure value P2 R If the value is greater than the threshold P2th1 (S201, Yes), then the pressure value P3 of the right pressure sensor PS3 is then calculated. R Determine if it is less than the threshold P3th (S202). Pressure value P3 R If the value is less than the threshold P3th (S201, Yes), the pressure under the right buttock is high and the pressure under the thigh is low, so in a broad sense, the right heel is raised (regardless of whether the foot is on the floor or not, the heel is raised). If the result in step S201 or step S202 is No, then (narrow sense) heel raising or foot raising has not occurred, so step S200 is terminated. At this time, both the motion determination code MCJ and the magnitude data MS remain at 0.

[0067] After determining Yes in step S202, the operation determination unit 122 determines the pressure value P4 of the right pressure sensor PS4. R It is determined whether the value is greater than the threshold P4th, and if it is greater (S203, Yes), further, the pressure value P6 of the left pressure sensor PS6 is determined. L Determine if it is smaller than the threshold P6th (S204). Pressure value P6 L If the value is less than the threshold P6th (S204, Yes), the right hip is pressed against the seat back S2 and the left shoulder is moving away from the seat back S2 by lifting the foot off the floor, so it can be determined that this is a leg-raising movement. Therefore, the motion determination code MCJ is set to 2R (right leg-raising movement) (S212). On the other hand, if the result is No in step S203 or step S204, it is considered that the foot has not been lifted off the floor, so the motion determination code MCJ is set to 1R (right heel-raising movement) (S211).

[0068] After step S211 or step S212, the operation determination unit 122 determines the pressure value P2 of the right pressure sensor PS2. RIt is determined whether the value is greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220). Here, threshold P2th1 is a value that determines whether the movement is at least such that the heels are raised, and threshold P2th2 is a value that determines whether the heels are raised sufficiently. In other words, P2th2 is greater than P2th1.

[0069] Pressure value P2 R If the value is greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220, Yes), it is considered that there is motion of sufficient magnitude, so the magnitude data MS is set to 2 (S222). On the other hand, the pressure value P2 R If the value is not greater than the threshold P2th2 (S220, No), the magnitude of the operation is considered insufficient, so the magnitude data MS is set to 1 (S221).

[0070] This concludes step S200 for heel-lift / foot-lift determination (right). Return to Figure 12 and execute step S300 for heel-lift / foot-lift determination (left). Step S300 is the same as step S200, but with the right and left sides of the pressure values ​​to be determined reversed, so we will omit the explanation.

[0071] After step S300, step S400 is executed to determine the upper body rotation (right). As shown in Figure 14, first, it is determined whether the operation determination code MCJ is 0 or not (S401). If MCJ is not 0 (S401, No), the operation determination has already been completed, so step S400 is terminated. If MCJ is 0 (S401, Yes), the pressure value P1 of the right pressure sensor PS1 R Determine if it is greater than the threshold P1th1 (S410). Pressure value P1 R If the value is greater than the threshold P1th1 (S410, Yes), then the pressure value P4 of the right pressure sensor PS4 is also considered. R Determine if it is greater than the threshold P4th1 (S411). Pressure value P4 R If the value is greater than the threshold P4th1 (S411, Yes), then the pressure value P4 of the left pressure sensor PS4 is also considered. LDetermine if it is less than the threshold P4th2 (S412). Note that P4th2 is a value less than P4th1. Pressure value P4 L If the value is less than the threshold P4th2 (S412, Yes), then the pressure value P6 of the left pressure sensor PS6 is also considered. L Determine if it is less than the threshold P6th (S413). Pressure value P6 L If the value is less than the threshold P6th (S413, Yes), it is considered that the upper body is turned to the right, so the motion determination code MCJ is set to 5R (S420). On the other hand, if it is determined to be No in any of steps S410, S411, S412, or S413, it is considered that the upper body is not turned to the right, so step S400 is terminated without changing the motion determination code MCJ or the size data MS.

[0072] After setting the operation determination code MCJ to 5R, the operation determination unit 122 determines the pressure value P1 R It is determined whether the value is greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430). Here, threshold P1th1 is a value that determines whether the movement is at least sufficient to be considered as rotating the upper body, and threshold P1th2 is a value that determines whether the upper body is rotating sufficiently. In other words, P1th2 is greater than P1th1.

[0073] Pressure value P1 R If the value is greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430, Yes), it is considered that there is motion of sufficient magnitude, so the magnitude data MS is set to 2 (S432). On the other hand, the pressure value P1 R If the value is not greater than the threshold P1th2 (S430, No), the magnitude of the operation is considered insufficient, so the magnitude data MS is set to 1 (S431).

[0074] This concludes step S400 for determining the right upper body rotation. Return to Figure 12 and execute step S500 for determining the left upper body rotation. Step S500 is the same as step S400, but with the right and left sides of the pressure values ​​to be determined reversed, so we will omit the explanation.

[0075] After step S500, step S600 is performed to check for back straightening and shoulder blade pressing. As shown in Figure 15, first, it is determined whether the operation determination code MCJ is 0 or not (S601). If MCJ is not 0 (S601, No), the operation determination has already been completed, so step S600 is terminated. If MCJ is 0 (S601, Yes), the pressure value P1 of the right pressure sensor PS1 R and the pressure value P1 from the left pressure sensor PS1 L Determine if the sum of the values ​​is greater than the threshold P1th3 (S610). Pressure value P1 R and pressure value P1 L If the sum of these values ​​is not greater than the threshold P1th3 (S610, No), it is considered that neither back extension nor scapular pressing has occurred, and step S600 is terminated. In this case, both the motion determination code MCJ and the magnitude data MS are 0, and it is determined that no motion has occurred. Pressure value P1 R and pressure value P1 L If the sum of the values ​​is greater than the threshold P1th3 (S610, Yes), then the pressure value P6 of the right pressure sensor PS6 is also considered. R And the pressure value P6 from the left pressure sensor PS6. L Determine if the sum of the values ​​is greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611).

[0076] Pressure value P6 from the right pressure sensor PS6 R And the pressure value P6 from the left pressure sensor PS6. L If the sum of the values ​​is not greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611, No), it cannot be said that the shoulder blades are being pressed against the seat back S2, so the motion determination unit 122 determines whether the back is being straightened by the pressure values ​​P5 of the left and right pressure sensors PS5. R ,P5 L And the pressure values ​​P6 from the left and right pressure sensors PS6. R ,P6 LThe sum of and is calculated to get P56 (S620). Then, it is determined whether P56 is smaller than the threshold P56th1 (S622). If P56 is not smaller than the threshold P56th1 (S622, No), the upper body is not sufficiently far from the seat back S2 to the point where it can be said that the back is straightened, so the operation determination code MCJ and the size data MS are both left at 0 and the step S600 is terminated without change.

[0077] On the other hand, in step S622, if P56 is less than the threshold P56th1 (S622, Yes), the upper body is sufficiently far from the seat back S2 to the extent that the back is straightened, so the motion determination code MCJ is set to 3 (S623). The operation determination unit 122 then determines whether P56 is smaller than the threshold P56th2 (S625). Here, the threshold P56th2 is a smaller value than P56th1. If P56 is not smaller than the threshold P56th2 (S625, No), the back is only slightly pressing against the seat back S2, so the operation is insufficient, and the size data MS is set to 1 (S626). On the other hand, if P56 is smaller than the threshold P56th2 (S625, Yes), the back is either far enough away from the seat back S2 or hardly pressing against it at all, so the operation is sufficient, and the size data MS is set to 2 (S627). After steps S626 and S627, step S600 is terminated.

[0078] In step S611, the pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 L If the sum of these values ​​is determined to be greater than the threshold P6th3 (S611, Yes), then it can be said that the scapula is being pressed against the seat back S2, and the motion determination unit 122 further determines the pressure value P4 of the right pressure sensor PS4. R And the pressure value P4 from the left pressure sensor PS4 L Determine if the sum of the values ​​is less than the threshold P4th3 (S630). Pressure value P4 R and pressure value P4 LIf the sum is not less than the threshold P4th3 (S630, No), it means that the entire back is being pressed against the seat back S2 rather than just the shoulder blades, so step S600 is terminated without changing the motion judgment code MCJ and the size data MS, both of which remain at 0.

[0079] Pressure value P4 R and pressure value P4 L If the sum of these values ​​is less than the threshold P4th3 (S630, Yes), it can be said that the shoulder blades, rather than the entire back, are being pressed properly against the seatback S2, so the action determination code MCJ is set to 4 (S631). And the pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 L It is determined whether the sum of these values ​​is greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632). The threshold P6th4 is a value used to determine whether the scapula is pressed firmly enough against the seat back S2, and it is a value greater than the threshold P6th3. Pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 L If the sum of these values ​​is not greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632, No), the force pressing the scapula against the seatback S2 is insufficient, so the magnitude data MS is set to 1 (S633), and the pressure value P6 R and pressure value P6 L If the sum of the values ​​is greater than the threshold P6th4 (S632, Yes), the force pressing the scapula against the seat back S2 is sufficient, so the size data MS is set to 2 (S634), and step S600 is terminated. This completes step S100 of the motion determination.

[0080] Returning to Figure 11, after the operation determination step S100, the operation instruction unit 121 determines whether the operation determination code MCJ is 0 or not. If it is 0 (S30, Yes), it outputs a message (S31). For example, as shown in Figure 17, when performing calf exercises, if the operation determination code MCJ is 0, the operation instruction unit 121 refers to the message table in Figure 8, reads the message corresponding to operation code 1R, and outputs it to the smartphone SP. As a result, the speaker SPK of the smartphone SP outputs a message such as "Your feet are not moving. Use your calves to lift your heels." (See Figure 17). After outputting the message, the operation instruction unit 121 returns to step S23 and instructs again to perform the predetermined operation.

[0081] In step S30, if it is determined that the operation determination code MCJ is not 0 (S30, No), the operation instruction unit 121 determines whether the operation determination code MCJ matches the operation code MC (S40). If the operation determination code MCJ matches the operation code MC (40, Yes), the operation determination unit 122 further determines whether the size data MS is 1 (S41). If the size data MS is not 1 (S41, No), that is, if the size data MS is 2, the seated person P has been able to perform the operation as instructed, so the unit returns to step S21 to instruct the next operation.

[0082] If step S41 determines that the size data MS is 1 (S41, Yes), the size of the movement is insufficient, so the movement instruction unit 121 outputs a message to the smartphone SP instructing it to perform the movement in a larger size (S42). For example, if the size of the movement is insufficient in the calf exercise, the message table in Figure 9 is referenced, the message corresponding to movement code 1L is read, and output to the smartphone SP. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, a message such as "Your heel lift is too small. Lift your heels higher. Right, left, right, ..." is output from the speaker SPK of the smartphone SP. At this time, displaying an image of lifting the heels higher than in Figure 17 on the screen DSP makes it easier for the seated person P to understand what to do. After outputting the message, the process returns to step S21 to instruct the next movement.

[0083] In step S40, if it is determined that the action judgment code MCJ does not match the action code MC (S40, No), the seated person P is performing an action different from the instruction, so a message on how to perform the action correctly is output to the smartphone SP (S43). For example, if it is determined that the person is performing a heel-raising exercise during a leg-raising exercise, that is, if the action code MC is 2R and the action judgment code MCJ is 1R, the message corresponding to the combination of MC being 2R and MJC being 1R is read from the message table in Figure 10 and output to the smartphone SP. As a result, as shown in Figure 19, a message such as "Raise your feet until they are off the floor. Right, left, right, ..." is output from the speaker SPK of the smartphone SP. After outputting the message, the process returns to step S21 to instruct the next action.

[0084] After reading the operation code MC (S21), if the operation code MC is "EOL" (S22, Yes), the operation list is finished, and the process is terminated by displaying an end screen to the smartphone SP (S60, not shown).

[0085] As described above, according to the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the movement of the seated person P can be identified by a combination of pressure values ​​from at least two of the at least four sensors, which include a first cushion sensor SC1 and a second cushion sensor SC2 located front to back in the seat cushion S1, and a first back sensor SB1 and a second back sensor SB2 located vertically in the seat back S2.

[0086] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S can be configured such that the control unit 100 instructs the seated person to perform an action via the action instruction unit 121, and the action determination unit 122, after instructing the seated person P to perform a predetermined action as instructed by the action instruction unit 121, can determine whether the seated person P has performed the predetermined action. Therefore, since the seated person P can actively perform actions and the vehicle seat S can respond to the quality of those actions, it becomes possible to provide a seat with an interactive relationship with the seated person P. As in the above embodiment, if active actions by the seated person P can be encouraged by providing exercise games or the like, fatigue can be effectively relieved and a more enjoyable trip can be realized. In particular, in vehicles that involve long-distance travel such as airplanes and long-distance buses, there is a problem of traveler thrombosis occurring, but it is possible that traveler thrombosis can be suppressed by engaging in enjoyable exercise while on board.

[0087] Furthermore, with the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the movements of the seated person P can be identified with high accuracy by obtaining pressure values ​​from the seated person P.

[0088] If the action determination unit 122 determines that the seated person P has not performed the predetermined action, the action instruction unit 121 will instruct the seated person P to perform the predetermined action again, thereby encouraging active action from the seated person P.

[0089] Furthermore, if the motion determination unit 122 determines that the magnitude of the predetermined movement performed by the seated person P is insufficient, the motion instruction unit 121 instructs the seated person P to perform the predetermined movement with greater force. This allows the seated person P to exercise more, increasing the enjoyment of sitting and providing a healthier lifestyle.

[0090] Furthermore, if the motion determination unit 122 determines that the action being performed by the seated person P is different from the action instructed by the motion instruction unit 121, the motion instruction unit 121 notifies the seated person P of the correct way to perform the action, thereby encouraging the seated person P to engage in healthy exercise. In addition, although the above embodiment was explained using a gymnastics game as an example, if the goal is to have the seated person P operate a smartphone SP or other devices such as a navigation system in response to their actions, notifying them of the correct way to perform the action can encourage accurate operation.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Specific configurations can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the operation instruction unit instructed the seated person to perform a predetermined action using sound, light, images, videos, and text, but it may also instruct using vibration or heat / cold. Heat / cold refers to the sensation of warmth or cold applied to the seated person P, and can be applied, for example, by heating the seat surface with a heater or blowing air onto the seated person P with a blower. In this specification, text includes Braille.

[0093] In the above embodiment, each threshold value was assumed to be constant, but the threshold values ​​do not have to be constant. For example, if the seated person can be identified by their smartphone ID or the like, a threshold value can be stored for each seated person. Alternatively, the level of proficiency and habits of each seated person can be estimated and stored, and the threshold value can be changed according to the level of proficiency and habits.

[0094] In the above embodiment, a gymnastics game was described as an example, but other games can also be provided. For example, a training app (game-like) for achieving good posture can be provided.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the control unit is shown as a separate device from the smartphone, but the control unit may be configured in both the device installed on the seat or vehicle and the smartphone. In other words, part or all of the smartphone can be part of the seat configuration.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the control unit and the smartphone were connected by wireless communication, but they may also be connected by wired communication.

[0097] In the above embodiment, for actions such as back stretching which does not distinguish between left and right, the pressure value obtained by adding the left pressure value and the right pressure value was used. However, the average value of the left pressure value and the right pressure value may be used, or it may be determined whether the right pressure value and the left pressure value each satisfy the conditions, and it may be determined that the action is being performed if at least one of them satisfies the conditions, or if both satisfies the conditions.

[0098] To identify the movements of a seated person, it is also possible to acquire measurements other than pressure values. For example, measurements from capacitive sensors can be used.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a seat installed in a vehicle was given as an example of a vehicle seat, but the vehicle seat may also be a vehicle seat other than a vehicle seat, or a seat installed in a home or facility other than a vehicle.

[0100] Furthermore, the elements described in each embodiment and each modification described herein can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 100 Control Unit 110 Measurement value acquisition unit 120 Processing Unit 121 Operation instruction section 122 Operation judgment section P Seated person PS1-PS6 Pressure Sensor S Vehicle Seat S1 Seat Cushion S2 Seatback SB1 First Back Sensor SB2 Second Back Sensor SC1 First Cushion Sensor SC2 Second Cushion Sensor SP Smartphone SYS System

Claims

[Claim 1] A seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back, A plurality of sensors for acquiring pressure values ​​from a person sitting on the seat body, including a first cushion sensor positioned on the seat cushion at a location corresponding to the seater's buttocks, and a second cushion sensor positioned in front of the first cushion sensor on the seat cushion, A seat comprising a control unit connected to a plurality of sensors, which is capable of acquiring the pressure value from each of the sensors, The control unit, for each of the pressure values ​​in the reference position, A seat characterized in that it determines that a heel-raising or foot-raising motion has been performed when the pressure value of the first cushion sensor increases and the pressure value of the second cushion sensor decreases.

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