Reporting system, seat and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a notification system which enables a sitting person to secretly perform a notification in the case of emergency, a seat with the notification system, and a vehicle.SOLUTION: A notification system 1 comprises: a seat body S0; sensors (pressure sensors PS1-PS6) provided in the seat body S0 and acquiring information for detecting actions of a sitting person sitting on the seat body S0; and a signal output device 100 which determines whether or not the setting person performs a predetermined action on the basis of the information acquired from the sensors, and outputs a signal to a security system 2 on a condition of the determination that the sitting person performs the predetermined action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system that outputs a signal to a security system, and a seat and a vehicle that are provided with the notification system. [Background technology]

[0002] The applicant of the present application has proposed various systems that utilize a seat that includes a seat body and a sensor that is provided on the seat body and acquires information to detect the movements of an occupant sitting in the seat body (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-151251 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-151252 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2019-153135 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2020-083214 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This application proposes a new system using the above-mentioned seat. Specifically, it proposes a system using the above-mentioned seat that allows the seated person to secretly report in an emergency. To add, in the past, when a seated person, such as a taxi driver sitting in the driver's seat or a bank employee sitting in a chair in charge of counter services, encounters a troublesome customer or criminal, he or she needs to report using a radio or mobile phone, or by operating a push button or the like provided under the counter. Therefore, the other party may easily notice that they are reporting, which may worsen the situation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a reporting system, a seat, and a vehicle that allow an occupant to make a confidential report in the event of an emergency. Another purpose is to inform the seated person that a call is about to be made. Another purpose is to make reports according to the level of urgency. Another purpose is to inform seated persons that a high level of urgency is being reported. Another purpose is to prevent erroneous reporting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The notification system for achieving the above-mentioned objective is characterized by comprising a seat body, a sensor provided in the seat body for acquiring information for detecting the movements of an occupant sitting in the seat body, and a signal output device for determining whether or not the occupant has performed a predetermined movement based on the information acquired from the sensor, and for outputting a signal to a security system on the condition that it is determined that the occupant has performed the predetermined movement.

[0007] According to this configuration, a signal can be output to the security system when a person sitting in the seat performs a predetermined action on the seat, allowing the person sitting in the seat to make a secret report in the event of an emergency.

[0008] In the above-mentioned notification system, the sensor may include a pressure sensor that acquires a pressure value, and the signal output device may be configured to determine whether or not the seated occupant has performed the specified action based on a change in the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor.

[0009] In the above-mentioned notification system, the pressure sensor may include a first pressure sensor arranged at a first position of the seat body and a second pressure sensor arranged at a second position of the seat body, and the signal output device may be configured to determine that an occupant has performed the specified action when the pressure value of the first pressure sensor decreases and the pressure value of the second pressure sensor increases for a specified period of time.

[0010] In the above-mentioned reporting system, the seat body can be configured to include a seat cushion, and the first position of the seat body can be a position on the seat cushion corresponding to the left thigh of a seated occupant, and the second position of the seat body can be a position on the seat cushion corresponding to the right thigh of the seated occupant.

[0011] According to this, the seated occupant can make a report by leaning his / her body to the right and maintaining a posture in which the left thigh is lifted off the seat surface of the seat cushion.

[0012] In the above-described reporting system, the signal output device may be configured to determine that the seated occupant has performed a predetermined movement when the seated occupant maintains a predetermined posture for a predetermined period of time.

[0013] The above-mentioned notification system includes a vibration generating device provided in the seat body, and the signal output device can be configured to drive the vibration generating device to vibrate at least a part of the seat body before outputting the signal when it determines that the seat occupant has performed the specified action.

[0014] According to this, it is possible to notify the seat occupant by vibration that a signal will soon be output, thereby notifying the seat occupant that a message will soon be sent.

[0015] In the above-described notification system, the signal output device can be configured to output a first signal as the signal if the occupant stops the specified posture before a second specified time has elapsed since it was determined that the occupant has performed the specified action and activated the vibration generating device, and to output a second signal, which has a higher level of urgency than the first signal, as the signal if the occupant continues the specified posture until the second specified time has elapsed.

[0016] According to this, signals with different urgency levels can be output according to the actions of the seated occupant, making it possible to issue a notification according to the urgency level.

[0017] In the above-described notification system, the signal output device can be configured to stop the vibration generating device to cease vibration if the seated occupant maintains the specified posture until the second specified time has elapsed, and then to drive the vibration generating device again.

[0018] According to this, when the second signal is output, the vibration can be stopped once and then resumed, so that the seat occupant can be notified that the second signal has been output. This makes it possible to inform the seat occupant that a high-urgency report will be made.

[0019] The above-mentioned reporting system includes an operating device that can be operated by the seated occupant, and the signal output device can be configured not to output the signal if the operating device is operated after determining that the seated occupant has performed the specified action and driving the vibration generating device but before outputting the signal.

[0020] This makes it possible to prevent a signal from being erroneously output, thereby making it possible to prevent erroneous reporting.

[0021] A seat for achieving the above object is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned reporting system.

[0022] This arrangement allows the seat occupant to make a confidential call in the event of an emergency.

[0023] A vehicle for achieving the above object is characterized by including the above-mentioned notification system.

[0024] This arrangement allows the seat occupant to make a confidential call in the event of an emergency. Effect of the Invention

[0025] The present invention allows a seat occupant to make a confidential call in the event of an emergency.

[0026] Furthermore, by vibrating at least a part of the seat body before outputting the signal, it is possible to inform the seat occupant that a notification is about to be made.

[0027] In addition, after determining that the seated occupant has performed a specified action, a first signal is output if the seated occupant stops the specified posture, and a second signal with a higher level of urgency is output if the seated occupant maintains the specified posture, thereby making it possible to issue a notification according to the level of urgency.

[0028] In addition, if the seated person maintains a predetermined posture, the vibration can be stopped once and then restarted, thereby informing the seated person that a high level of urgency is to be notified.

[0029] In addition, after determining that the seat occupant has performed the specified action and generating vibrations, if the operating device is operated before the signal is output, no signal is output, thereby preventing erroneous reporting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a reporting system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a reporting system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reporting system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a signal output device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seat equipped with a reporting system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the terms "front, back, left, right, top, bottom" and "bottom" refer to the front, back, left, right, top, bottom as seen by a person sitting in the seat body.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the notification system 1 of this embodiment includes a seat body S0, a plurality of pressure sensors PS1 to PS6, a vibration generator 30, a cancel button 40 as an example of an operating device, and a signal output device 100.

[0033] The seat body S0 is a portion on which an occupant sits, and constitutes the seat S. The seat S includes at least the seat body S0, pressure sensors PS1 to PS6, and a vibration generating device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat S of this embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat to be mounted in a vehicle CR. In other words, the vehicle CR includes a notification system 1 including the seat body S0, pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 (see FIG. 1), and a signal output device 100. The vehicle CR is, for example, a taxi, and the seat S is configured as a driver's seat of the taxi. The seat S also includes the notification system 1.

[0034] Returning to Fig. 1, the seat body S0 includes a seat cushion S1. More specifically, the seat body S0 has the seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. The seat cushion S1, the seat back S2, and the headrest S3 are each formed by covering a frame (not shown) with a pad and a skin.

[0035] The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are sensors that obtain information for detecting the movement of an occupant sitting on the seat body S0, specifically, pressure measurement values ​​(hereinafter also referred to as "pressure values"). The pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are provided under the surface of the seat cushion S1, and the pressure sensors PS4 to PS6 are provided under the surface of the seat back S2. In other words, the seat body S0 is provided with sensors, and these sensors include the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6. Each of the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 is provided in a pair symmetrically with respect to the center of the seat body S0 on the left and right.

[0036] The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 are disposed at the rear of the seat cushion S1, specifically at positions corresponding to the buttocks of a seated person. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS1 is disposed at a position below the lowest part of the seat bones of the seated person where the weight from the seated person is greatest, and the pressure sensor PS2 is disposed at a position slightly forward of the pressure sensor PS1. The pressure sensors PS1 and PS2 acquire measurements of the pressure from the buttocks of the seated person.

[0037] The pressure sensor PS3 is disposed at a position forward and away from the pressure sensors PS1 and PS2, specifically, at a position corresponding to the thighs of the seated person. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS3 is disposed at a position below the thighs of the seated person. The pressure sensor PS3 obtains a measurement value of the pressure from the thighs of the seated person.

[0038] The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 are disposed at the bottom of the seat back S2, specifically at positions corresponding to the lumbar region of the seated person. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS4 is disposed behind the lumbar region of the seated person, and the pressure sensor PS5 is disposed slightly above the pressure sensor PS4. The pressure sensors PS4 and PS5 obtain measurements of pressure from the lumbar region of the seated person.

[0039] The pressure sensor PS6 is disposed at a position above and away from the pressure sensors PS4 and PS5, specifically, at a position corresponding to the upper part of the back of the seated person. More specifically, the pressure sensor PS6 is disposed behind the upper part of the back of the seated person. The pressure sensor PS6 obtains a measurement of the pressure from the upper part of the back of the seated person.

[0040] In this embodiment, the left pressure sensor PS3 corresponds to a "first pressure sensor arranged at a first position on the seat body," and the right pressure sensor PS3 corresponds to a "second pressure sensor arranged at a second position on the seat body." That is, the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 include the left pressure sensor PS3 as the first pressure sensor and the right pressure sensor PS3 as the second pressure sensor.

[0041] In this embodiment, the "first position of the seat body" is a position on the seat cushion S1 that corresponds to the left thigh of the seated person, and the "second position of the seat body" is a position on the seat cushion S1 that corresponds to the right thigh of the seated person. In more detail, the "first position of the seat body" is a position on the seat cushion S1 that is below the left thigh of the seated person, and the "second position of the seat body" is a position on the seat cushion S1 that is below the right thigh of the seated person.

[0042] The vibration generator 30 is provided in the seat body S0, and vibrates a part of the seat body S0 when driven. In this embodiment, the vibration generator 30 is provided inside the seat cushion S1, at a position shifted to the right of the center of the left and right sides of the seat cushion S1. As a result, the vibration generator 30 vibrates a right-side portion of the seat surface of the seat cushion S1 when driven. Specifically, the vibration generator 30 vibrates the vicinity of a portion of the seat surface of the seat cushion S1 that corresponds to the right thigh of a seated person.

[0043] The cancel button 40 is, for example, a push button that can be operated by the seated occupant. The cancel button 40 is provided at any position where it can be operated by the seated occupant (the driver of the vehicle CR). For example, the cancel button 40 can be provided on the seat body S0. Specifically, the cancel button 40 can be provided on the right or left side portion of the seat cushion S1.

[0044] The cancel button 40 may be provided on a part other than the seat body S0. Specifically, the cancel button 40 may be provided on an instrument panel, a center console, a steering wheel, a door, etc. of the vehicle CR. When the signal output device 100 is provided outside the seat body S0, the cancel button 40 may be provided on the signal output device 100.

[0045] The signal output device 100 determines whether or not the seated occupant has performed a predetermined movement based on the information obtained from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6, and outputs a signal to the security system 2 on the condition that it is determined that the seated occupant has performed the predetermined movement.

[0046] The signal output device 100 is connected to the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 so as to be able to acquire pressure values ​​by wireless or wired communication. The signal output device 100 is also connected to the vibration generator 30 and the cancel button 40 so as to be able to communicate by wireless or wired communication. The signal output device 100 is connected to a security system 2 provided outside the reporting system 1 so as to be able to communicate via a network N such as the Internet.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the signal output device 100 includes a pressure value acquisition section 110, a motion determination section 120, a signal output section 130, and a storage section 190.

[0048] The pressure value acquisition unit 110 has a function of acquiring pressure values ​​from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 at regular control cycles. The pressure values ​​acquired by the pressure value acquisition unit 110 are appropriately stored in the storage unit 190 and used by the operation determination unit 120. The storage unit 190 stores data necessary for calculations, processing, and the like in addition to the pressure values.

[0049] The movement determination unit 120 has a function of determining whether or not the seated occupant has performed a predetermined movement based on a change in the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 by the pressure value acquisition unit 110. In this embodiment, the movement determination unit 120 determines that the seated occupant has performed a predetermined movement when the seated occupant maintains a predetermined posture for a predetermined period of time.

[0050] In detail, the operation determination unit 120 continuously measures the pressure value P3 of the left pressure sensor PS3 for a predetermined time T1. L becomes smaller, and the pressure value P3 of the right pressure sensor PS3 R When the pressure value P3 L is the first threshold P3 L th or less and the pressure value P3 R is the second threshold P3 R When a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the seated position becomes equal to or greater than th, it is determined that the seated occupant has performed a predetermined action.

[0051] In this case, the "predetermined posture" is a posture in which the body of the seated person is slightly tilted to the right and the left thigh is raised above the seat surface of the seat cushion S1. This posture can be naturally taken by the seated person (the driver of the vehicle CR) when trying to leave (escape from) someone in the back seat or the left passenger seat. By taking this posture, the pressure value P3 of the left pressure sensor PS3, which acquires the pressure value from the left thigh of the seated person, L The pressure value P3 of the right pressure sensor PS3, which obtains the pressure value from the right thigh of the seated person, becomes smaller and the weight is applied to the right. R becomes larger.

[0052] The signal output unit 130 has a function of outputting a signal to the security system 2 on condition that the motion determination unit 120 determines that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion. The signal output unit 130 also has a function of controlling the driving and stopping of the vibration generating device 30 in order to inform the seated person of the status of the processing (signal output) in the signal output device 100.

[0053] More specifically, when the motion determination unit 120 determines that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion, the signal output unit 130 first drives the vibration generator 30 before outputting a signal to the security system 2. This vibrates a part of the seat body S0, specifically, a part of the seat surface of the seat cushion S1 near the part corresponding to the right thigh of the seated person.

[0054] Thereafter, if the seated person stops the above-mentioned predetermined posture before the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the motion determination unit 120 determined that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion and activated the vibration generating device 30, the signal output unit 130 outputs a first signal as a signal to the security system 2. Note that stopping the predetermined posture refers to, for example, a case where the seated person lowers the left leg and returns to a normal seated posture (natural seated posture), etc.

[0055] After outputting the first signal to the security system 2, the signal output unit 130 stops the vibration generating device 30. This makes it possible to stop the vibration of the seat body S0.

[0056] In addition, if the seated occupant maintains a predetermined posture until a second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the movement determination unit 120 determined that the seated occupant has performed a predetermined movement and activated the vibration generating device 30, the signal output unit 130 outputs a second signal, which has a higher level of urgency than the first signal, to the security system 2.

[0057] If the seated occupant maintains the predetermined posture until the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the signal output unit 130 stops the vibration generator 30 before outputting the second signal to the security system 2. Then, after outputting the second signal to the security system 2, the signal output unit 130 drives the vibration generator 30 again. Note that, if a third predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the signal output unit 130 drove the vibration generator 30 again, it stops the vibration generator 30.

[0058] In this embodiment, if the cancel button 40 is operated after the motion determination unit 120 determines that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion and drives the vibration generator 30, and before outputting signals (the first signal and the second signal) to the security system 2, the signal output unit 130 does not output a signal to the security system 2. Specifically, if the cancel button 40 is pressed within the second predetermined time T2 after the motion determination unit 120 determines that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion and drives the vibration generator 30, the signal output unit 130 does not output a signal to the security system 2.

[0059] 1 and the like illustrates a state in which the signal output device 100 is provided outside the seat body S0, the signal output device 100 may be provided inside the seat body S0. Also, the signal output device 100 may be partially provided inside the seat body S0 and the remaining partially provided outside the seat body S0.

[0060] The security system 2 is a system for vigilance and defense, and includes, for example, a security system installed in a vehicle CR (taxi), a security system of a taxi company, a security system of a security company, a security system of a police agency, etc. Furthermore, the security system 2 as the output destination of the signal output by the signal output device 100 may not be one, but may be multiple. In other words, the signal output device 100 may be configured to output a first signal to a first security system and output a second signal to a second security system different from the first security system.

[0061] Next, examples of situations in which the signal output device 100 outputs a signal, the output destination of the signal, and the response of the security system 2 when the signal is received will be described. As will be described later, the situation in which the signal output device 100 outputs the second signal can be said to be a situation in which the life and body of the seated person is in imminent danger, such as a situation in which the seated person (taxi driver) is assaulted by a customer or encounters a robber. Therefore, the second signal can be said to be a signal with a higher degree of urgency than the first signal.

[0062] (Example 1) If a seated person is caught in an accident by a drunk passenger or the like, the seated person can cause the signal output device 100 to output a first signal. In this example, the first signal is output to a security system 2 of a security company, and upon receiving the first signal, the security system 2 of the security company requests the dispatch of security guards.

[0063] Furthermore, if a customer becomes violent and commits an assault, or if the seat occupant encounters a robber, the seat occupant can cause the signal output device 100 to output a second signal. In this example, the second signal is output to the security system 2 of the police agency, which then requests the dispatch of police officers. In this example, the first signal and the second signal can be said to be signals requesting rescue.

[0064] (Example 2) In the case where a seated person is caught by a drunk passenger or the like and causes the signal output device 100 to output a first signal, in this example, the first signal is output to the taxi company's security system 2. The taxi company's security system 2 then enables a waiting operator to monitor the video and audio from the camera inside the vehicle CR as a third party. In this example, the first signal can be said to be a signal to increase the level of vigilance.

[0065] Furthermore, if a customer becomes violent and commits an assault or encounters a robber, causing the seat occupant to output a second signal from the signal output device 100, in this example, the second signal is output to a security system 2 of a security company or police agency. Then, the security system 2 of the security company or police agency requests the dispatch of security guards or police officers.

[0066] (Example 3) When a seated person is caught by a drunk passenger or the like and causes the signal output device 100 to output a first signal, in this example, the first signal is output to the security system 2 of the vehicle CR. Then, the security system 2 of the vehicle CR starts saving the video and audio captured by the camera inside the vehicle CR.

[0067] Furthermore, if a customer becomes violent and commits an assault or encounters a robber, causing the seat occupant to output a second signal from the signal output device 100, in this example, the second signal is output to the security system 2 of the vehicle CR. Then, the security system 2 of the vehicle CR starts saving the video and audio from the camera inside the vehicle CR, and displays a message such as "Please call the police" on an electric display panel or the like that is provided in the vehicle CR and can be seen from outside.

[0068] Next, an example of the processing of the signal output device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal output device 100 detects the pressure value P3 of the left pressure sensor PS3. L is the first threshold P3 L It is determined whether the pressure value P3 is equal to or lower than th (S11). L is the first threshold P3 Lth or less (S11, Yes), the signal output device 100 R is the second threshold P3 R It is determined whether or not the threshold value is equal to or greater than th (S12).

[0069] Pressure value P3 R is the second threshold P3 R th or more (S12, Yes), the signal output device 100 L is the first threshold P3 L th or less and pressure value P3 R is the second threshold P3 R It is determined whether a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the seat width S0 became equal to or greater than th (S13). If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (S13, No), the signal output device 100 returns to the process of step S11. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (S13, Yes), the signal output device 100 determines that the seat occupant has performed a predetermined action, and drives the vibration generating device 30 to vibrate the seat body S0 (vibration ON) (S21).

[0070] In step S11, the pressure value P3 L is the first threshold P3 L If the pressure value P3 is greater than th (S11, No), or in step S12, R is the second threshold P3 R If it is smaller than th (S12, No), the signal output device 100 ends the process.

[0071] In step S21, after vibration is turned ON, the signal output device 100 determines whether or not the cancel button 40 has been pressed (S22). If the cancel button 40 has been pressed (S22, Yes), the signal output device 100 stops the vibration generating device 30 to stop vibration (vibration OFF) (S52), and ends the process.

[0072] If the cancel button 40 is not pressed (S22, No), the signal output device 100 judges whether or not the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the vibration was turned ON (S23). If the second predetermined time T2 has not elapsed (S23, No), the signal output device 100 determines whether or not the pressure value P3 L is the first threshold P3 L It is determined whether the pressure value P3 is equal to or less than th (S24). L is the first threshold P3 L th or less (S24, Yes), the signal output device 100 R is the second threshold P3 R It is determined whether the pressure value P3 is equal to or greater than th (S25). R is the second threshold P3 R If it is equal to or greater than th (Yes in S25), the signal output device 100 returns to the process of step S22.

[0073] In step S24, the pressure value P3 L is the first threshold P3 L If the pressure value P3 is not equal to or less than th (S24, No), or in step S25, R is the second threshold P3 R If the detected value is not equal to or greater than th (S25, No), the signal output device 100 outputs the first signal to the security system 2 (S31). After that, the signal output device 100 stops the vibration generator 30 (S52) and ends the process.

[0074] On the other hand, in step S23, if the second predetermined time T2 has elapsed since vibration was turned ON (S23, Yes), the signal output device 100 stops the vibration generator 30 (S41). After that, the signal output device 100 outputs a second signal to the security system 2 (S42). After outputting the second signal, the signal output device 100 drives the vibration generator 30 again (S43).

[0075] After that, the signal output device 100 judges whether or not the third predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the vibration was turned ON again (S51). If the third predetermined time T3 has elapsed (S51, Yes), the signal output device 100 stops the vibration generating device 30 (S52) and ends the process.

[0076] According to the present embodiment described above, an occupant sitting in the seat body S0 can perform a predetermined action on the seat body S0 to output a signal to the security system 2. This allows the occupant to report an emergency privately, for example, without having to report using a radio or mobile phone, or by operating a push button.

[0077] In addition, the signal output device 100 continuously measures the pressure value P3 of the left pressure sensor PS3 for a predetermined time T1. L becomes smaller, and the pressure value P3 of the right pressure sensor PS3 R When the amount of the seated person increases, it is determined that the seated person has performed a predetermined action, and the seated person can report by maintaining a posture in which the body is slightly tilted to the right and the left thigh is lifted off the seat surface of the seat cushion S1. In other words, the seated person can report without difficulty by maintaining a posture that can be naturally taken when trying to get away from someone in the back seat, etc. (when trying to escape).

[0078] Furthermore, when the signal output device 100 determines that the seat occupant has performed a predetermined action, it vibrates a part of the seat body S0 before outputting a signal, thereby notifying the seat occupant that a signal will soon be output by the vibration. This makes it possible to inform the seat occupant that a notification will soon be made.

[0079] Furthermore, after determining that the seated person has performed a predetermined motion, the signal output device 100 outputs a first signal if the seated person stops the predetermined posture and outputs a second signal if the seated person maintains the predetermined posture, so that signals with different levels of urgency can be output according to the motion of the seated person. This makes it possible to issue a notification according to the level of urgency depending on the motion of the seated person.

[0080] Furthermore, the signal output device 100 temporarily stops the vibration generator 30 when the seated person maintains a predetermined posture, and then drives the vibration generator 30 again, so that when outputting the second signal, the signal output device 100 can temporarily stop the vibration and then start the vibration again. In detail, when outputting the second signal, the signal output device 100 can temporarily stop the vibration and then start the vibration again after outputting the second signal. This makes it possible to inform the seated person of the output of the second signal, specifically, that the second signal has been output. This makes it possible to inform the seated person that a high-urgency report will be made.

[0081] Furthermore, if the cancel button 40 is pressed after the signal output device 100 has determined that the seated person has performed a predetermined action and generated vibrations, but before outputting a signal, the signal output device 100 does not output a signal. Therefore, if the signal output device 100 erroneously determines that the seated person has performed a predetermined action and activates the vibration generating device 30 due to, for example, a malfunction of the pressure sensor PS3, the seated person can be made aware of the abnormality by the vibration. This can provide an incentive for the seated person to operate the cancel button 40. Then, if the seated person subsequently operates the cancel button 40, it is possible to prevent the signal from being erroneously output. This can prevent erroneous reporting.

[0082] Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below. In the following, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will be described as appropriate.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a taxi is exemplified as a vehicle CR equipped with the notification system 1, but this is not limiting. The vehicle CR equipped with the notification system 1 may be, for example, a bus or a train. In addition, the vehicle CR equipped with the notification system 1 is not limited to vehicles CR that carry passengers, such as taxis and buses, and may be vehicles CR that do not carry passengers, such as private cars. In addition, the notification system 1 may be equipped in vehicles other than the vehicle CR, such as aircraft and ships.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the seat S equipped with the reporting system 1 is a seat (vehicle seat) mounted on a vehicle such as a car CR, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the seat S may be configured as a chair on which a staff member in charge of counter operations sits in a financial institution such as a bank.

[0085] In this embodiment, the security system 2 includes a security system of a financial institution, a security system of a security company, a security system of a police agency, and the like. Next, examples of situations in which the signal output device 100 outputs a signal, destinations of the signal, and responses when the security system 2 receives the signal in this embodiment will be described.

[0086] (Example 4) For example, when an occupant (a staff member in charge of counter operations) is dealing with a customer who is making an unreasonable complaint, the occupant can cause signal output device 100 to output a first signal. In this example, the first signal is output to the financial institution's security system 2, which, upon receiving the first signal, notifies a superior or a store manager that such a customer has arrived. This allows the manager or the like to know that such a customer has arrived and to quickly respond to the customer.

[0087] Furthermore, if a customer commits an act of violence or is robbed, the seat occupant can cause the signal output device 100 to output a second signal. In this example, the second signal is output to a security system 2 of a security company or police agency, which then requests the dispatch of security guards or police officers.

[0088] (Example 5) When encountering a robber, the seat occupant may first output a first signal from the signal output device 100. In this example, the first signal is output to the financial institution's security system 2, which then rings, for example, an emergency bell. This is expected to have the effect of startling the robber and making him flee. If the robber does not flee and the seat occupant causes the signal output device 100 to output a second signal, or if the seat occupant causes the signal output device 100 to output the second signal from the beginning, a security guard or police officer is requested to be dispatched, as in Example 4.

[0089] When the seat S is a chair on which a staff member in charge of counter operations sits in a financial institution, the cancel button 40 may be provided on the seat body S0, or may be provided elsewhere than the seat body S0. When the cancel button 40 is provided on the seat body S0, it may be provided, for example, on the right or left side of the seat cushion S1, or on the underside of the seat cushion S1. When the cancel button 40 is provided elsewhere than the seat body S0, it may be provided, for example, directly under a counter or placed on a counter. The cancel button 40 may also be provided on an input device of a terminal operated during counter operations, or the terminal may be given the same function as the cancel button.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the signal output device 100 is configured to determine that the seated person has performed a predetermined action when the seated person maintains a predetermined posture for a predetermined period of time, i.e., when the seated person moves to assume a certain posture and continues to maintain that posture for a while, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the signal output device 100 may be configured to determine that the seated person has performed a predetermined action when the seated person performs a specific action, i.e., when the seated person makes a certain movement, even if the seated person does not continue to maintain the posture after the movement.

[0091] As an example, when a seated person, for example, a clerk in charge of counter work at a bank, suddenly leans backward to escape an attack from a person in front of him, the signal output device 100 may determine that the seated person has performed a predetermined action. Such a movement can be detected, for example, by detecting a sudden increase in the pressure value of a pressure sensor PS6 provided in the seat back S2 shown in FIG.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the seat body S0 has the seat cushion S1, the seat back S2, and the headrest S3, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the seat body S0 may be configured without a headrest. Also, the seat body S0 may be configured without a headrest and a seat back.

[0093] In the embodiment, the signal output device 100 is configured to stop the vibration of the seat body S0 once when outputting the second signal, and vibrate the seat body S0 again after outputting the second signal, but is not limited to this. For example, the signal output device may be configured to vibrate the seat body again when starting to output the second signal. This can inform the seat occupant that the output of the second signal has started. The signal output device may also be configured to vibrate the seat body again while the second signal is being output. This can inform the seat occupant that the second signal is being output. And these can inform the seat occupant that a high urgency report will be made.

[0094] The notification system may be configured not to vibrate the seat body again when outputting the second signal. In this configuration, the notification system may stop the vibration that started before outputting the signal after determining that the seat occupant has performed a predetermined action at any timing, for example, before outputting the second signal, while outputting the second signal, or after outputting the second signal.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the seat S installed in a right-hand drive vehicle CR is taken as an example, and the first position of the seat body is a position of the seat cushion S1 corresponding to the left thigh of the seated person, and the second position of the seat body is a position of the seat cushion S1 corresponding to the right thigh of the seated person, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a seat installed in a left-hand drive vehicle, the first position and the second position may be reversed from the above embodiment.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the pair of pressure sensors PS3 (two sensors) is used to determine whether or not the seated occupant has performed a predetermined motion, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the determination may be made using only one sensor, or three or more sensors.

[0097] For example, in the case where only one sensor is used for the determination, the pressure sensor may include a third pressure sensor arranged at a predetermined position on the seat body, and the signal output device may determine that the seated person has performed the predetermined action when the pressure value of the third pressure sensor remains below the pressure threshold (or above the pressure threshold) for a predetermined consecutive time. As an example, in the case where the predetermined position is set to a position corresponding to the left thigh of the seated person, it is possible to determine that the seated person has performed the predetermined action when the pressure value remains below the pressure threshold for a predetermined consecutive time by the seated person continuing to assume a posture of lifting the left thigh. The predetermined position may be set to a position corresponding to the right thigh of the seated person.

[0098] Incidentally, if the seated person crosses their legs, one of their thighs will also be raised, but the possibility of an erroneous report is low because it is unlikely that the seated person will cross their legs while, for example, driving a vehicle CR or serving customers at a bank, etc. Also, by providing a function to cancel the signal output using the cancel button 40, as in the above embodiment, the possibility of an erroneous report can be further reduced.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the cancel button 40 (push button) is exemplified as the operation device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation device may be, for example, a snap switch or a slide switch. The operation device may also be a touch panel.

[0100] Furthermore, the operation device may have a function of switching the signal output device between ON and OFF, in addition to the function of canceling the output of the signal. In detail, the operation device may be capable of switching the state of the signal output device between an ON state in which a signal can be output when it is determined that a seated person has performed a predetermined action, and an OFF state in which the operation of the signal output device is stopped, by the operation of the operation device.

[0101] The notification system may be configured not to include an operating device. In the case where the notification system does not include an operating device, the signal output device may be configured not to output a signal if the seated person stops the predetermined posture before the second predetermined time has elapsed since the vibration generating device was driven upon determining that the seated person has performed a predetermined action, and to output a signal if the seated person maintains the predetermined posture until the second predetermined time has elapsed.

[0102] Furthermore, the reporting system may be configured without the function of canceling the output of a signal.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the signal output device 100 is configured to output two types of signals, specifically, a first signal and a second signal with a higher urgency than the first signal, but is not limited thereto. For example, the signal output device may be configured to output a signal (one type of signal) to a security system when it is determined that a seated person has performed a predetermined action. In this configuration, for example, the signal output device can output a signal to a security system of a security company or a police agency, and the security system can request the dispatch of security guards or police officers. In this configuration, the seat body does not need to be vibrated before outputting a signal.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the vibration generator 30 is provided in the seat cushion S1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vibration generator may be provided in, for example, the seat back, or in both the seat cushion and the seat back. In the above embodiment, the vibration generator 30 is provided so as to vibrate a part of the seat body S0, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vibration generator may be provided so as to vibrate the entire seat body, for example.

[0105] The notification system may also include an alarm device, which replaces the vibration generator and notifies a seated person of the output of a signal before the signal is output. Examples of such an alarm device include a display that notifies the output of a signal by video, a lamp that notifies the output of a signal by light, and a speaker that notifies the output of a signal by sound. The notification system may also be configured not to include an alarm device that includes a vibration generator.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the pressure sensors PS1 to PS6 are exemplified as sensors, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensors may be, for example, capacitance sensors. In the above embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the seated occupant has performed a predetermined motion is made using only a pressure sensor (one type of sensor), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the determination may be made using two or more types of sensors (for example, a pressure sensor and a capacitance sensor). The seat body may be provided with sensors other than the sensor that obtains information for detecting the motion of the occupant sitting in the seat body.

[0107] Furthermore, the elements described in the above embodiment and modified examples can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Reporting System 2. Security System 30 Vibration Generator 40 Cancel button 100 Signal output device CR Vehicle PS1~PS6 Pressure Sensors S Seat S0 Seat body S1 Seat Cushion

Claims

1. A seat body, a sensor provided in the seat body for acquiring information for detecting a motion of an occupant sitting in the seat body; a signal output device that determines whether or not a seat occupant has performed a predetermined motion based on the information acquired from the sensor, and outputs a signal to a security system when it is determined that the seat occupant has performed the predetermined motion; The sensor includes a pressure sensor that obtains a pressure value; The signal output device determines whether or not a seated occupant has performed the predetermined action based on a change in the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor, The pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor arranged at a first position of the seat body and a second pressure sensor arranged at a second position of the seat body, The signal output device determines that an occupant has performed the specified action when the pressure value of the first pressure sensor decreases and the pressure value of the second pressure sensor increases for a specified period of time.

2. The seat body includes a seat cushion, the first position of the seat main body is a position of the seat cushion corresponding to a left thigh of a seated occupant, 2. The reporting system according to claim 1, wherein the second position of the seat body is a position of the seat cushion corresponding to a right thigh of a seated occupant.

3. 3. The reporting system according to claim 1, wherein the signal output device determines that the seated occupant has performed the predetermined movement when the seated occupant maintains a predetermined posture for a predetermined period of time.

4. A vibration generating device is provided on the seat body, The notification system according to claim 3, characterized in that when the signal output device determines that an occupant has performed the predetermined action, it drives the vibration generating device to vibrate at least a portion of the seat body before outputting the signal.

5. A seat body, a sensor provided in the seat body for acquiring information for detecting a motion of an occupant sitting in the seat body; a signal output device that determines whether or not a seat occupant has performed a predetermined motion based on the information acquired from the sensor, and outputs a signal to a security system when it is determined that the seat occupant has performed the predetermined motion; A vibration generating device provided on the seat body, The signal output device determines that the seated person has performed the predetermined movement when the seated person maintains a predetermined posture for a predetermined period of time, When the signal output device determines that the seat occupant has performed the predetermined motion, the signal output device drives the vibration generating device to vibrate at least a part of the seat body before outputting the signal; The signal output device is if the seated person stops the predetermined posture before a second predetermined time has elapsed since the vibration generating device was driven upon determining that the seated person has performed the predetermined motion, a first signal is output as the signal; a notification system that outputs a second signal having a higher level of urgency than the first signal as the signal if the seated occupant maintains the specified posture until the second specified time has elapsed.

6. The notification system according to claim 5, characterized in that, if the seated occupant maintains the specified posture until the second specified time has elapsed, the signal output device stops the vibration generating device to stop vibration, and then drives the vibration generating device again.

7. Equipped with an operating device that can be operated by the seated person, The notification system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that after determining that a seated occupant has performed the predetermined action and driving the vibration generating device, if the operating device is operated before outputting the signal, the signal output device does not output the signal.

8. The seat body has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, 8. The reporting system according to claim 1, wherein the seat cushion, the seat back and the headrest are each constructed by covering a frame with a pad and a cover.

9. A seat comprising the notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising the notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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