Vibration control device

Abstract

This invention provides a vibration control device that uses multiple vibration units to enable users to appropriately perceive vibrations. [Solution] In the first vibration pattern, by interposing a low vibration period Ti between the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2, the vibration caused by the vibration unit vibrating during the second standard vibration period T2 is easily recognizable to the user. Therefore, even if the user's weight is only slightly applied to the vibration unit vibrating during the second standard vibration period T2, the vibration of this unit is easily recognizable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration control device that controls a plurality of vibration units.

Background Art

[0002] A moving body such as a vehicle may be configured to generate an alarm for a passenger (especially a driver) when a sensor and an alarm are provided and an obstacle (such as another vehicle, a roadside structure, a pedestrian, etc.) is detected approaching. When generating such an alarm, it has been proposed to use a vibrating body (vibration unit) that generates vibration (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the notification system described in Patent Document 1, two vibrating bodies are arranged on the seat cushion (seating surface) of a vehicle seat device that constitutes a seat, and one vibrating body is arranged on the seat back (backrest part), and these vibrating bodies are controlled. At this time, by selecting the vibrating body to vibrate according to the direction in which the obstacle is approaching, the passenger is made to recognize from which direction the obstacle is approaching.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When vibrating a plurality of vibrating bodies as described in Patent Document 1, various vibration patterns can be considered, and a pattern in which a plurality of vibrating bodies vibrate during the same period can also be considered. At this time, since the way the seated person feels the vibration is different from the case where only one vibrating body vibrates, it may be difficult to appropriately recognize all vibrations simply by vibrating a plurality of vibrating bodies.

[0006] Therefore, one example of an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration control device that uses multiple vibration units and allows the user to appropriately perceive vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the objective, the vibration control device of the present invention as described in claim 1 comprises a control unit that independently controls a plurality of vibration units capable of generating vibrations that stimulate the user's body, and the control unit is characterized in that, when two or more of the plurality of vibration units are vibrated during the same period, a low vibration period is interposed between a first standard vibration period in which only some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, and a second standard vibration period in which only other some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, in which the amplitude of all of the vibration units is reduced to a smaller amplitude than their respective standard amplitudes.

[0008] The vibration control method of the present invention as described in claim 8 is a vibration control method performed by a vibration control device that independently controls a plurality of vibration units capable of generating vibrations that stimulate a user's body, characterized in that, when two or more of the plurality of vibration units are vibrated during the same period, a low vibration period is interposed between a first standard vibration period in which only some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, and a second standard vibration period in which only other parts of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, in which the amplitude of all of the vibration units is reduced to a smaller amplitude than their respective standard amplitudes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle equipped with a vibration control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing how the vehicle is equipped with sensors. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing how a vibration unit is installed in the seat of the aforementioned vehicle. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the aforementioned vibration unit. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view showing the aforementioned vibration unit. [Figure 6] This graph shows the vibration pattern when the vibration unit vibrates independently. [Figure 7] This graph shows an example of the first vibration pattern of the aforementioned vibration unit. [Figure 8] This graph shows another example of the first vibration pattern of the aforementioned vibration unit. [Figure 9] This graph shows an example of the second vibration pattern of the aforementioned vibration unit. [Figure 10] This graph shows an example of the third vibration pattern of the aforementioned vibration unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The vibration control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that independently controls a plurality of vibration units capable of generating vibrations that stimulate the user's body. When two or more of the plurality of vibration units are vibrated simultaneously, the control unit controls the system to interpose a low-vibration period between a first standard vibration period in which only some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, and a second standard vibration period in which only other subsets of vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, in which the amplitude of all vibration units is reduced to a smaller amplitude than their respective standard amplitudes.

[0011] According to this embodiment of vibration control devices, by interposing a low-vibration period between a first standard vibration period in which only some vibration units vibrate at a standard amplitude and a second standard vibration period in which only other some vibration units vibrate at a standard amplitude, the user can more easily recognize vibrations caused by other vibration units. In other words, the user can more easily recognize vibrations when vibrations start from a stopped state or when the amplitude increases from a small state, compared to when vibrations of the same amplitude continue, and the user can more easily recognize vibrations during the second standard vibration period following the low-vibration period.

[0012] Depending on the user's posture, the amount of weight applied to the vibration unit may be small, making the vibration difficult to perceive. As mentioned above, since the vibrations of some other vibration units are easily perceived during the second standard oscillation period, even if the user's weight is applied heavily to some vibration units and lightly to others, the vibrations of those units will still be easily perceived.

[0013] The control unit preferably alternates between the first standard vibration period and the second standard vibration period, with a low vibration period in between. This makes it easier to recognize the vibrations of some vibration units and some other vibration units, as both the first and second standard vibration periods are followed by a low vibration period.

[0014] The duration of the low-vibration period should preferably be longer than the shortest time at which the user can perceive that the vibration has ceased. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the vibration of the vibration unit.

[0015] It is preferable that multiple vibration units be positioned at different locations on a single seat in the moving body. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple vibration units be positioned on the seat surface and at least one on the seat backrest. In addition, it is preferable that the control unit vibrates the vibration unit corresponding to the location of an obstacle detected around the moving body.

[0016] This allows the user to recognize where obstacles are located relative to the moving object. For example, if an obstacle is detected in front of the moving object, a vibration unit on the seat can be vibrated, and if an obstacle is detected behind it, a vibration unit on the backrest can be vibrated, allowing the user to recognize whether the obstacle is in the front or back. Alternatively, by arranging two vibration units in the width direction of the moving object, if an obstacle is detected on the left side of the object, the left vibration unit can be vibrated, and if an obstacle is detected on the right side, the right vibration unit can be vibrated, allowing the user to recognize whether the obstacle is on the left or right.

[0017] The control unit preferably shortens the continuous vibration time for vibrating the vibration unit at the standard amplitude as the warning level for the detected obstacle is higher. Shortening the continuous vibration time increases the number of times of resuming vibration within a predetermined period. Since the user can easily notice the vibration at the start of vibration, by shortening the continuous vibration time as the warning level for the obstacle is higher, the presence of the obstacle can be strongly recognized. Incidentally, the warning level for the obstacle may be determined by the distance and relative speed between the moving body and the obstacle.

[0018] The vibration control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vibration control method executed by a vibration control device that independently controls a plurality of vibration units capable of generating vibrations that stimulate the user's body. When vibrating two or more of the plurality of vibration units during the same period, a first standard vibration period in which only some of the vibration units vibrate at the standard amplitude and a second standard vibration period in which only some of the other vibration units vibrate at the standard amplitude are provided. Control is performed so that a low vibration period in which the amplitudes of all the vibration units are made smaller than their respective standard amplitudes is interposed therebetween. According to such a vibration control method of the present embodiment, when using a plurality of vibration units, the vibration can be appropriately recognized by the user as described above.

[0019] Further, it may be a vibration control program that causes a computer to execute the above-described vibration control method. By doing so, when using a plurality of vibration units using a computer, the vibration can be appropriately recognized by the user.

[0020] Further, the above-described vibration control program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. By doing so, in addition to incorporating the program into a device, it can be distributed alone, and version updates and the like can be easily performed.

Example

[0021] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention. The vibration control device 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is installed on a vehicle 1 as a moving object, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and comprises a control unit 320 and an amplifier 330.

[0022] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a left front sensor 41 at the front left corner, a middle front sensor 42 in the left-right center of the front, a right front sensor 43 at the front right corner, a left sensor 44 in the front-rear center of the left side, a right sensor 45 in the front-rear center of the right side, a left rear sensor 46 at the rear left corner, a middle rear sensor 47 in the left-right center of the rear, and a right rear sensor 48 at the rear right corner. In other words, Vehicle 1 is equipped with a total of eight obstacle sensors, each of which is configured to detect obstacles within a predetermined range.

[0023] Sensors 41-48 are configured to detect obstacles such as other vehicles, road fixtures, and pedestrians by, for example, transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, and to measure the distance to the obstacles. Alternatively, the relative speed between vehicle 1 and the obstacle may be calculated by dividing the distance to the obstacle by the measurement time interval. When an obstacle is detected, sensors 41-48 transmit a detection signal to the control unit 320. The detection signal includes information on the distance to the obstacle and the relative speed.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the seat (driver's seat) 10 of vehicle 1 is equipped with a left seat vibration unit 20A, a right seat vibration unit 20B, a left backrest vibration unit 20C, and a right backrest vibration unit 20D. In other words, four vibration units are arranged at different positions on a single seat 10. The left seat vibration unit 20A is located to the left of the center of the seat surface 11 of seat 10 in the width direction (left-right direction). The right seat vibration unit 20B is located to the right of the center of the seat surface 11 of seat 10 in the width direction (left-right direction). The left backrest vibration unit 20C is located to the left of the center of the backrest 12 of seat 10 in the width direction (left-right direction). The right backrest vibration unit 20D is located to the right of the center of the backrest 12 of seat 10 in the width direction (left-right direction).

[0025] The seat vibration units 20A and 20B are installed to vibrate approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the seat portion 11 (i.e., with the direction of vibration being along the vertical direction), and transmit vibrations to the thighs and buttocks of the sitter (user). The backrest vibration units 20C and 20D are installed to vibrate approximately perpendicular to the front surface of the backrest portion 12 (i.e., with the direction of vibration being along the direction of travel of the vehicle), and transmit vibrations to the back of the sitter (user).

[0026] Here, the details of vibration units 20A to 20D will be explained based on Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a section along the V1-V1 cutting line in Figure 4(A).

[0027] The vibration units 20A to 20D house a magnetic circuit 220 within a case 210. The case 210 consists of a low cylindrical frame 211, with one end opening sealed by a circular first plate wall 213 having multiple through holes 212 in its center, and the other end opening sealed by a circular second plate wall 214. Figure 4(A) shows the vibration units 20A to 20D viewed from the side of the first plate wall 213 with the through holes 212, and Figure 4(B) shows the vibration units 20A to 20D viewed from the opposite side.

[0028] From approximately the center of the first plate wall 213, a cylindrical bobbin 215 is erected toward the second plate wall 214, surrounding a plurality of through holes 212, and a voice coil 216 is provided on the outer circumference of the bobbin 215. In this way, the voice coil 216 is fixed to the first plate wall 213 via the bobbin 215. The plurality of through holes 212 are provided in a region 213a that corresponds to the inside of the voice coil 216 in a plan view when viewed from a direction intersecting the first plate wall 213.

[0029] Each magnetic circuit 220 comprises a ring-shaped plate 221 and magnet 222, and a disc-shaped yoke 223. The plate 221 and magnet 222 are arranged coaxially with a gap between them and the voice coil 216. The plate 221, i.e., the magnetic circuit 220, is supported via a damper 230 on the inner wall surface of the cylindrical frame 211 so as to be vibrable in the direction D1 toward and toward the first plate wall 213.

[0030] When an AC signal is applied to the voice coil 216, the magnetic circuit 220 vibrates in the direction of contact with or separation from the first plate wall 213, D1. The case 210 also vibrates as a reaction to this vibration via the damper 230. In this way, in vibration units 20A to 20D, the application of current to the voice coil 216 causes relative vibration between the case 210 and the magnetic circuit 220. Due to this relative vibration, the vibration units 20A to 20D vibrate together with the case 210. In addition, within the case 210, the first plate wall 213 to which the voice coil 216, which receives a reaction from the magnetic circuit 220, is fixed vibrates locally. Sound is generated by this vibration of the first plate wall 213. Thus, the vibration units 20A to 20D vibrate together with the case 210 and emit sound due to the relative vibration between the case 210 and the magnetic circuit 220 caused by the application of current to the voice coil 216.

[0031] The control unit 320 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) equipped with memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is responsible for the overall control of the vibration control device 30. Specifically, the control unit 320 calculates the warning level according to the detection signals received from sensors 41 to 48 and transmits drive signals to vibration units 20A to 20D.

[0032] The control unit 320 increases the warning level as the distance to the obstacle decreases, and also increases the warning level as the relative speed increases. In this embodiment, the warning level is set to three levels (high level, medium level, and low level). The warning level may be based solely on the distance to the obstacle, or solely on the relative speed.

[0033] An amplifier 330 is provided between the control unit 320 and the vibration units 20A to 20D, so that the drive signal transmitted by the control unit 320 is amplified and supplied to the vibration units 20A to 20D.

[0034] The control unit 320 transmits drive signals to vibrate the vibration units 20A to 20D in a vibration pattern corresponding to the warning level. Figure 6 shows an example of a vibration pattern when one of the vibration units 20A to 20D is vibrated individually. At any warning level, the vibration units 20A to 20D continue to vibrate for a predetermined time (continuous vibration time TL1 to TL3), then resume vibration after an interval time Ti0, and this is repeated. At this time, the continuous vibration time TL1 to TL3 changes depending on the warning level, while the interval time Ti0 remains constant. The higher the warning level, the shorter the continuous vibration time and the more times vibration is restarted within the predetermined period. The number of times vibration is restarted within the illustrated period is 5 times when the warning level is high, 4 times when it is medium, and 3 times when it is low. Also, the amplitude when one of the vibration units 20A to 20D is vibrated individually is set to the standard amplitude WS. The standard amplitude WS may be a common amplitude for all vibration units, or it may be a different amplitude for each vibration unit according to the tactile sensitivity of each part of the body, so that each vibration unit provides the seated person (user) with an equivalent stimulus.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 320 transmits drive signals to vibrate vibration units 20A to 20D corresponding to the positions of obstacles detected around the vehicle 1. The left seat vibration unit 20A corresponds to the front left corner (left front sensor 41), the right seat vibration unit 20B corresponds to the front right corner (right front sensor 43), the left backrest vibration unit 20C corresponds to the rear left corner (left rear sensor 46), and the right backrest vibration unit 20D corresponds to the rear right corner (right rear sensor 47). Table 1 shows the relationship between the sensor that detected the obstacle and the vibration unit that vibrates.

[0036] [Table 1]

[0037] Next, we will describe an example of a vibration pattern when two or more of the four vibration units 20A to 20C are vibrated simultaneously.

[0038] [First vibration pattern] As shown in Table 1, if any of the sensors 42, 44, 45, or 47 detect an obstacle, the control unit 320 vibrates the two vibration units. An example of such a first vibration pattern is described below, specifically when the front-center sensor 42 detects an obstacle.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the vibration pattern when the front center sensor 42 detects an obstacle and the warning level is high. The vibration pattern consists of a first standard vibration period T1 in which only the left seat vibration unit 20A vibrates at a standard amplitude, a low vibration period Ti in which all vibration units 20A to 20D do not vibrate (by setting the amplitude to 0, the amplitude is smaller than the standard amplitude), and a second standard vibration period T2 in which only the right seat vibration unit 20B vibrates at a standard amplitude. The first standard vibration period T1, the low vibration period Ti, and the second standard vibration period T2 form one set, and this is repeated. In other words, the low vibration period Ti is interposed between the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2, and the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 alternate with the low vibration period Ti in between.

[0040] The duration of the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 is equal to the continuous vibration time TL1 when the warning level is high and vibration units 20A to 20D are vibrated individually. The duration of the low vibration period Ti is equal to the shortest time (e.g., 0.3 to 1 second) at which the user can recognize that the vibration stimulus has stopped. The duration of the low vibration period Ti may also be equal to the interval time Ti0 when vibration units 20A to 20D are vibrated individually.

[0041] Figure 8 shows the vibration pattern when the front-center sensor 42 detects an obstacle and the warning level is at a medium level. Similar to the vibration pattern shown in Figure 7, the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 alternate with a low vibration period Ti in between. In this case, the duration of the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 is equal to the continuous vibration time TL2 when the warning level is at a medium level and vibration units 20A to 20D are vibrated individually. Also, the duration of the low vibration period Ti is equal to the duration of the low vibration period Ti in the vibration pattern shown in Figure 7.

[0042] [Second vibration pattern] When an obstacle is detected by the corner sensors 41, 43, 46, and 48, and the obstacle or vehicle 1 moves, causing the obstacle to be detected by the sensors 42, 44, 45, and 47 in the front-to-back or width-to-center direction, the state in which one vibration unit vibrates changes to a state in which two vibration units vibrate. Similarly, when an obstacle is detected by one corner sensor, and another obstacle is newly detected by another corner sensor, the state in which one vibration unit vibrates changes to a state in which two vibration units vibrate.

[0043] As an example of a second vibration pattern in which one vibration unit is vibrated while another vibration unit is newly vibrated, the case in which an obstacle is detected with a high level of warning by the right rear sensor 48 and another obstacle is newly detected with a low level of warning by the left front sensor 41 will be described below.

[0044] Figure 9 shows the vibration pattern when an obstacle is detected with a high warning level by the right rear sensor 48, and another obstacle is newly detected with a low warning level by the left front sensor 41. First, the backrest right vibration unit 20D vibrates with a continuous vibration time TL1 corresponding to the high warning level, with an interval time Ti0, and its amplitude is equal to the standard amplitude WS. When another obstacle is newly detected by the left front sensor 41 at timing t0, the seat left vibration unit 20A starts vibrating. At this time, the amplitude W1 of the seat left vibration unit 20A is smaller than the standard amplitude WS, and the amplitude ratio of amplitude W1 to the standard amplitude WS (W1 / WS) is less than 1. On the other hand, the amplitude of the backrest right vibration unit 20D is constant, and the amplitude ratio is 1.

[0045] Furthermore, the left seat vibration unit 20A vibrates for a continuous vibration time TL3 corresponding to the low level of warning, with interval time Ti0. After the first interval time Ti0, the amplitude W2 of the left seat vibration unit 20A is increased to be greater than the amplitude W1 and brought closer to the standard amplitude WS. After the second interval time Ti0, the amplitude of the left seat vibration unit 20A is set to the standard amplitude WS. That is, by gradually increasing the amplitude of the left seat vibration unit 20A to the standard amplitude WS, the amplitude ratio is made 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of vibration.

[0046] [Third vibration pattern] When an obstacle is detected by sensors 44 and 45 located in the center in the front-rear direction, the seat vibration unit and backrest vibration unit will vibrate simultaneously. Similarly, if an obstacle is detected by both the front and rear sensors, the seat vibration unit and backrest vibration unit will vibrate simultaneously.

[0047] As an example of a third vibration pattern in which the seat vibration units 20A, 20B and backrest vibration units 20C, 20D vibrate simultaneously, the following describes the case where the obstacle is detected with a high level of warning by the right front sensor 43, and then detected with a high level of warning by the right sensor 45.

[0048] Figure 10 shows the vibration pattern when an obstacle is detected with a high warning level by the right front sensor 43, and then detected with a high warning level by the right sensor 45. First, the seat right vibration unit 20B vibrates with a continuous vibration time TL1 corresponding to the high warning level, with an interval time Ti0, and its amplitude is equal to the standard amplitude WS. When the obstacle is detected by the right sensor 45 at timing t1, the backrest right vibration unit 20D starts vibrating. At this time, the backrest right vibration unit 20D vibrates with an amplitude equal to the standard amplitude WS, with a continuous vibration time TL1 corresponding to the high warning level, with an interval time Ti0. On the other hand, the seat right vibration unit 20B vibrates with an amplitude W3 that is larger than the standard amplitude WS after t1. Also, the interval time Ti0 of the seat right vibration unit 20B and the interval time Ti0 of the backrest right vibration unit 20D are set to coincide.

[0049] [Effects of the first vibration pattern] With the above configuration, in the first vibration pattern, a low vibration period Ti is interposed between the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2, making it easier for the user to perceive the vibration caused by the vibration unit (the right seat vibration unit 20B in the above example) that vibrates during the second standard vibration period T2. Therefore, even if the user's weight is small on the vibration unit that vibrates during the second standard vibration period T2, the vibration of this unit is easily perceived.

[0050] Furthermore, in the first vibration pattern, the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 alternate with a low vibration period Ti in between. This means that both the first standard vibration period T1 and the second standard vibration period T2 are followed by a low vibration period Ti, and the vibrations of vibration units vibrating during either standard vibration period are easily recognizable.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first vibration pattern, the duration of the low-vibration period Ti is longer than the shortest time at which the user can recognize that the vibration has stopped, making it easier for the user to perceive the vibration of the vibration unit.

[0052] Furthermore, two of the four vibration units 20A to 20D are positioned at different locations in the width direction of the seat portion 11, and two are positioned at different locations in the width direction of the backrest portion 12. By vibrating the vibration unit corresponding to the location of the detected obstacle, the user can be made aware of whether the obstacle is located in the front, rear, left, or right of the vehicle 1.

[0053] Furthermore, by shortening the continuous vibration time of vibration units 20A to 20D as the warning level for obstacles increases, the user can be more strongly made aware of the presence of obstacles.

[0054] [Effects of the second vibration pattern] With the above configuration, in the second vibration pattern, by starting the vibration with a smaller amplitude ratio in the newly vibrating vibration unit than in the already vibrating vibration unit, it is possible to suppress the user from overreacting to the vibration of the newly vibrating vibration unit. In other words, if the user has become accustomed to the vibration from the already vibrating vibration unit, the user is more likely to strongly perceive the new vibration, making it difficult to determine whether or not the already vibrating vibration unit is operating. Therefore, by reducing the amplitude ratio in the newly vibrating vibration unit, it is possible to make the vibration of the already vibrating vibration unit more easily recognizable. Consequently, when using multiple vibration units, the vibration can be appropriately perceived by the user.

[0055] Furthermore, in the second vibration pattern, by setting the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrated unit to 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of vibration, it is possible to make the vibration of the newly vibrated unit more easily recognizable to the user. In other words, it is possible to suppress the problem of the user becoming accustomed to the vibration and becoming less recognizable as time passes since the start of vibration of the newly vibrated unit.

[0056] Furthermore, two of the four vibration units 20A to 20D are positioned at different locations in the width direction of the seat portion 11, and two are positioned at different locations relative to each other in the width direction of the backrest portion 12. By vibrating the vibration unit corresponding to the location of the detected obstacle, the user can be made aware of whether the obstacle is located in the front, rear, left, or right of the vehicle 1.

[0057] Furthermore, by shortening the continuous vibration time of vibration units 20A to 20D as the warning level for obstacles increases, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the presence of obstacles.

[0058] [Effects of the third vibration pattern] With the above configuration, in the third vibration pattern, when the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit are vibrated simultaneously, the amplitude of the seat vibration unit can be made larger than when it is vibrated alone, making it easier for the user to perceive the vibrations of both the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit.

[0059] When the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit vibrate with the same amplitude, users tend to feel the vibration of the backrest unit more strongly, making it difficult to determine whether or not the seat vibration unit is vibrating. Therefore, by increasing the amplitude of the seat vibration unit compared to when it vibrates alone, it becomes easier for users to perceive the vibration of the seat vibration unit. Thus, when using multiple vibration units, it is possible to ensure that users perceive the vibrations appropriately. Furthermore, when the seat vibration unit vibrates alone, users can easily perceive this vibration, and by changing the amplitude between when it vibrates alone and when multiple units vibrate together, the amplitude does not become too large when it vibrates alone, thus reducing the likelihood of causing discomfort to the user.

[0060] Furthermore, in the third vibration pattern, by making the amplitude of the backrest vibration unit equal to the amplitude during independent vibration (standard amplitude WS), it is possible to suppress the issue of the vibration of the backrest vibration unit becoming less noticeable to the user.

[0061] Furthermore, two of the four vibration units 20A to 20D are positioned at different locations in the width direction of the seat portion 11, and two are positioned at different locations relative to each other in the width direction of the backrest portion 12. By vibrating the vibration unit corresponding to the location of the detected obstacle, the user can be made aware of whether the obstacle is located in the front, rear, left, or right of the vehicle 1.

[0062] Furthermore, by shortening the continuous vibration time of vibration units 20A to 20D as the warning level for obstacles increases, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the presence of obstacles.

[0063] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes other configurations that can achieve the objectives of the present invention, as well as the following modifications.

[0064] For example, in the first vibration pattern of the above embodiment, the vibration of all vibration units 20A to 20D is stopped during the low vibration period Ti. However, during the low vibration period, it is sufficient that the amplitude of all vibration units is smaller than their respective standard amplitudes. For example, the vibration units may be vibrated at an amplitude that the user does not perceive (insensitive amplitude). The insensitive amplitude should be a size that depends on factors such as the distance between the vibration unit and the user, the components placed between them, their arrangement, and the placement of the vibration units (whether they are placed on the seat or backrest).

[0065] Furthermore, in the first vibration pattern of the above embodiment, the duration of the low-vibration period Ti was set to be longer than the shortest time at which the user could recognize that the vibrational stimulation had ceased. However, the duration of the low-vibration period may be shorter than this shortest time. Even if the user does not recognize that there is no vibrational stimulation from all vibration elements, by providing a low-vibration period, the user can more easily recognize vibrations in the standard vibration period that follows the low-vibration period.

[0066] Furthermore, in the second vibration pattern of the above embodiment, the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrating vibration unit was set to less than 1, and the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit was set to 1. However, the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit may be set to a value greater than 1. In this case as well, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the vibration of the already vibrating vibration unit. When the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit is set to a value greater than 1, the amplitude may be gradually reduced so that the amplitude ratio becomes 1 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of vibration. Alternatively, the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrating vibration unit may be set to less than 1, and the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit may be set to a value greater than 1. Alternatively, the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrating vibration unit may be smaller than the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit, and these amplitude ratios may both be less than 1, or they may both be greater than 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in the second vibration pattern in the above embodiment, the amplitude of the newly vibrated vibration unit was gradually increased to make the amplitude ratio 1 after a predetermined time had elapsed from the start of vibration. However, the amplitude ratio may also be made 1 by increasing the amplitude in one step after a predetermined time had elapsed from the start of vibration. Alternatively, when a predetermined time had elapsed from the start of vibration, the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrated vibration unit may be made greater than 1, or the amplitude ratio may not rise to 1 (i.e., the upper limit may be set to less than 1).

[0068] Furthermore, in the second vibration pattern of the above embodiment, the standard amplitude when a vibration unit vibrates alone is set to be equal to the standard amplitude when multiple vibration units vibrate. However, a standard amplitude for when multiple vibration units vibrate may be set separately from the amplitude when a single unit vibrates. For example, when multiple vibration units vibrate, the standard amplitude may be smaller than that when a single unit vibrates to prevent the stimulation to the user from becoming too strong.

[0069] Furthermore, in the third vibration pattern in the above embodiment, when the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit are vibrated simultaneously, the amplitude of the seat vibration unit is made larger than when it is vibrated alone. However, the amplitude of the backrest vibration unit may be made smaller than when it is vibrated alone. In this case as well, it is possible to make it easier for the user to perceive the vibrations of both the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit. In this case, the amplitude of the seat vibration unit may be made equal to when it is vibrated alone. Also, when the backrest vibration unit and the seat vibration unit are vibrated simultaneously, the amplitude of the seat vibration unit may be made larger than when it is vibrated alone, and the amplitude of the backrest vibration unit may be made smaller than when it is vibrated alone.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two of the four vibration units 20A to 20D are arranged at different positions in the width direction of the seat portion 11, and two are arranged at different positions in the width direction of the backrest portion 12. However, the number and arrangement of vibration units are not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the vibration of at least two vibration units is controlled.

[0071] For example, one vibration unit may be placed on the seat and one on the backrest. If an obstacle is detected on the front side, the vibration unit on the seat may be vibrated, and if an obstacle is detected on the rear side, the vibration unit on the backrest may be vibrated. Alternatively, multiple vibration units may be arranged side by side in the width direction on the seat or backrest. If an obstacle is detected on the left side, the vibration unit on the left may be vibrated, and if an obstacle is detected on the right side, the vibration unit on the right may be vibrated. Furthermore, multiple vibration units may be arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction on the seat, or multiple vibration units may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the backrest, and each vibration unit may be vibrated in response to the detection of an obstacle on the front or rear side.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the continuous vibration time of the vibration units 20A to 20D was shortened as the warning level for the obstacle increased, but the amplitude or frequency of the vibration unit may be increased as the warning level increases. Also, the strength of the warning level may be distinguished by combining, for example, warnings using sound or light with warnings using vibration.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a first vibration pattern in which a low vibration period Ti is provided when two vibration units are vibrated simultaneously, a second vibration pattern in which the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrated vibration unit is made smaller than the amplitude ratio of the already vibrating vibration unit, and a third vibration pattern in which the amplitude of the seat vibration unit is made larger than that of the seat vibration unit when the seat vibration unit and backrest vibration unit are vibrated simultaneously than when they are vibrated alone were shown independently. However, these may be combined as appropriate to create a vibration pattern.

[0074] For example, when combining the first and second vibration patterns, and another vibration unit is newly vibrated while one vibration unit is vibrating, a low-vibration period may be provided. Also, when combining the first and third vibration patterns, and the seat vibration unit and backrest vibration unit are vibrated simultaneously, a low-vibration period may be provided. Furthermore, when combining the second and third vibration patterns, and the seat vibration unit (or backrest vibration unit) is newly vibrated while the backrest vibration unit (or seat vibration unit) is vibrating, the amplitude ratio of the newly vibrated vibration unit may be made smaller than the amplitude ratio of the vibration unit that is already vibrating. In this way, when combining the second and third vibration patterns, the standard amplitude of the seat vibration unit when vibrating simultaneously should be made larger than the amplitude when vibrating alone.

[0075] Furthermore, while the best configurations and methods for carrying out the present invention are disclosed in the above description, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, although the present invention is particularly illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described above in terms of shape, material, quantity, and other detailed configurations without departing from the scope of the technical idea and objectives of the present invention. Therefore, the limiting descriptions of shape, material, etc. disclosed above are provided as examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Accordingly, descriptions of components with some or all of these limitations removed are included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Vehicle (mobile object) 10 seats 11 Seat part 12 Backrest 20A~20D Vibration Unit 30 Vibration control device 320 Control Unit 41-48 Sensors

Claims

[Claim 1] It includes a control unit that independently controls multiple vibration units capable of generating vibrations that stimulate the user's body, The control unit is characterized in that, when vibrating two or more of the plurality of vibration units during the same period, it controls the vibration control to interpose a low vibration period between a first standard vibration period in which only some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, and a second standard vibration period in which only other some of the vibration units are vibrated at a standard amplitude, in which the amplitude of all of the vibration units is reduced to less than their respective standard amplitudes.

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