Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle interior system capable of enhancing entertainment.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 includes an interior member (seat 10) arranged in a vehicle, an electric device (vibration device 23) that reciprocates a part of a surface of the interior member, a first sensor 41 to which information is input from a user, a display unit (monitor M), and a control unit 100. The control unit 100 can display the character by the display unit, moves the character based on the information from the first sensor 41, and operates the electric device by the movement corresponding to the action of the character.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system including an interior member and a control unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system in which a user operates a sensor provided on a power seat, and a movable member such as a seat back moves (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, since the movable member only moves according to the operation of the sensor by the user, the entertainment property is insufficient.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior system capable of enhancing entertainment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a vehicle interior system according to the present invention includes an interior member disposed in a vehicle, an electric device that reciprocates a part of the surface of the interior member, a first sensor that receives information from a user, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit can display characters on the display unit, and based on the information from the first sensor, moves the characters and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the characters.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the user inputs information into the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the character movement. Therefore, the user can feel the presence of the character through the interior member, and the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0008] Further, the first sensor is a pressure sensor, and the control unit may move the character and the electric device based on the pressure value from the pressure sensor.

[0009] Further, the first sensor is a tactile sensor that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions, and the control unit may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of the displacement acquired from the tactile sensor.

[0010] Further, the control unit may calculate the intimacy between the user and the character and change the operation of at least one of the character and the electric device according to the intimacy.

[0011] According to this, since the operation of at least one of the character and the electric device is changed according to the intimacy between the user and the character, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0012] Further, the control unit may increase the intimacy as the cumulative value of the information input time to the first sensor is larger.

[0013] Further, the control unit may increase the intimacy when the time interval from when information is input into the first sensor until information is next input into the first sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0014] Further, the control unit may increase the intimacy when the number of times of information input to the first sensor per predetermined time is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times.

[0015] In addition, the vehicle interior system further includes a second sensor for inputting information from a user, the second sensor being disposed at a position different from that of the first sensor. When information is input to the first sensor, the control unit may move the character in a first operation, and when information is input to the second sensor, the control unit may move the character in a second operation different from the first operation.

[0016] According to this, since the operation of the character varies depending on the sensor to be operated, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0017] In addition, the interior member may be a seat, and the first sensor may be disposed at a position avoiding the seating surface of the seat.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle interior system may further include a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the character and the electric device are not interlocked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character.

[0019] In addition, during the execution of the second mode, when the control unit predicts a collision of the vehicle based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, the control unit may end the second mode and execute the first mode.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the vehicle is likely to collide during the execution of the second mode, the second mode ends, so that the user can be made to feel an abnormality. For example, the user can assume a posture in preparation for the collision.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, when a user inputs information to the first sensor, the control unit moves the character and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the character movement. Therefore, the user can feel the presence of the character through the interior member, and the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0022] In addition, by configuring the control unit to change the operation of at least one of the character and the electric device according to the intimacy between the user and the character, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0023] In addition, by configuring the operation of the character or the electric device to be changed according to the sensor to be operated, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0024] In addition, when the control unit predicts a collision of the vehicle during the execution of the second mode, by configuring to end the second mode, the user can be made to feel an abnormality, so that, for example, the user can assume a posture in preparation for the collision.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the vehicle interior system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10 and the monitor M are arranged at positions facing the inside of the vehicle, specifically, the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the front passenger seat.

[0027] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that contacts the user sitting on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0028] The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each have a metal frame constituting a skeleton, a pad covering the frame, and a skin covering the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0029] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A disposed at the left - right center and projecting portions 11B disposed on both outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The projecting portions 11B project toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0030] Similarly, the seat back 12 also has a base portion 12A disposed at the left - right center and projecting portions 12B disposed on both outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The projecting portions 12B project toward the user from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0031] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, a plurality of vibration devices 23, an electric slide mechanism 30, two first sensors 41, two second sensors 42, and a plurality of speakers 50. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is a mechanism for tilting the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that operates when energized.

[0032] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that reciprocates only a part of the surface of the seat 10 by vibrating when energized. A plurality of, for example, four vibration devices 23 are provided on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are, for example, embedded in a pad.

[0033] The electric slide mechanism 30 is a mechanism for sliding the seat 10 in the front - rear direction. Here, the seat 10 is supported movably in the front - rear direction on a slide rail (not shown). The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that operates when energized.

[0034] The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are sensors for inputting information from the user. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are pressure sensors for detecting pressure from the user.

[0035] The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are provided at positions avoiding the seating surface F, that is, positions away from the seating surface F. Specifically, the first sensor 41 is provided one by one on the left and right overhanging portions 11B of the seat cushion 11.

[0036] The second sensor 42 is arranged at a position different from that of the first sensor 41. Specifically, the second sensor 42 is provided one by one on the left and right of the headrest 13. The first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are each located between the skin and the pad.

[0037] The speaker 50 is a device that generates sound when energized. The speakers 50 are provided one by one on the left and right of the upper part of the seat back 12. The speakers 50 are provided one by one on the left and right of the headrest 13. The speaker 50 is, for example, embedded in the pad.

[0038] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61, a slide switch 62, and a mode changeover switch 63.

[0039] The reclining switch 61 is an operation unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 is, for example, tiltable in the front-rear direction. When the reclining switch 61 is tilted forward, it outputs a forward tilt command for tilting the seat back 12 forward to the control unit 100. When the reclining switch 61 is tilted backward, it outputs a backward tilt command for tilting the seat back 12 backward to the control unit 100.

[0040] The slide switch 62 is an operation unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward command for moving the seat 10 forward to the control unit 100. When the slide switch 62 is slid backward, it outputs a backward command for moving the seat 10 backward to the control unit 100.

[0041] The mode changeover switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode that prohibits the interlocking process described later. The second mode is a mode that permits the interlocking process. The mode changeover switch 63 is, for example, a push-button type switch. Each time the mode changeover switch 63 is pressed by the user, it alternates between the ON state and the OFF state.

[0042] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided on the seat 10 or may be provided on a member other than the seat 10.

[0043] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61 to 63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, each vibration device 23, the electric slide mechanism 30, each first sensor 41, each second sensor 42, and each speaker 50. The control unit 100 can individually operate each vibration device 23 and each speaker 50.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying, on the screen M1 of the monitor M, a seat image G1 that is an image of the seat and a cat image G2 that is an image of a cat as an example of a character. The control unit 100 has a function of executing an interlocking process of moving the cat image G2 and operating the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the movement of the cat image G2 based on information from the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, specifically, based on the pressure value.

[0045] Specifically, in the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a first image on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 3(a), where the cat is relaxing on the seat. The first image may be a still image or a moving image. In the case of a moving image, for example, the cat's back may be moved up and down in synchronization with its breathing.

[0046] When the control unit 100 displays the first image on the screen M1, it outputs from the speaker 50 the cat's cooing sound or the sound of the cat purring, such as a rumbling sound. When an air cell that expands and contracts by air is provided in the seat 10, the control unit 100 may expand and contract the air cell in accordance with the cat's breathing to reciprocate a part of the seating surface F.

[0047] In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a second image on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 4(a), where the cat punches the seat back with its front paw (hereinafter also referred to as "cat punch"). The second image is a moving image.

[0048] When the control unit 100 displays the second image on the screen M1, it vibrates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the timing when the cat's front paw touches the seat back and outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50. The number of vibration devices 23 to be vibrated may be one or a plurality.

[0049] In the interlocking process, when the pressure value acquired from the second sensor 42 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, the control unit 100 displays a third image on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 5(a), where the cat hangs on the seat back and the seat back gradually tilts backward. The third image is a moving image.

[0050] When the control unit 100 displays the third image on the screen M1, it rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1. In other words, when the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 together with the seat back, it rotates the actual seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21.

[0051] When the mode is the first mode described above, the control unit 100 does not execute the interlocking process, so that the cat on the screen M1 and the vibration device 23 are not interlocked. When the mode is the second mode described above, the control unit 100 executes the interlocking process to operate the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the cat punch of the cat on the screen M1.

[0052] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 2. In the process shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S2) and ends this process.

[0053] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S3) and displays the home screen on the screen M1 (S4). Note that the home screen may be any screen. For example, a screen on which characters indicating the title of an application program in which a cat performs various actions are displayed can be set as the home screen.

[0054] After step S4, the control unit 100 determines whether the mode change switch 63 is ON (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that the mode change switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0055] If it is determined in step S5 that the mode switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first pressure value acquired by the first sensor 41 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1 (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 (S7).

[0056] If it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat making a cat punch on the screen M1 (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the cat's cat punch motion (S9).

[0057] After step S9, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's angry voice from the speaker 50 (S10) and ends this process. Note that step S10 may be performed before step S9 or simultaneously with step S9.

[0058] If it is determined in step S7 that the first pressure value is not greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 (No), the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat relaxing on the screen M1 (S11). After step S11, the control unit 100 outputs the cat's coquettish voice from the speaker 50 (S12) and ends this process.

[0059] If it is determined in step S6 that the first pressure value is not greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second pressure value acquired by the second sensor 42 is greater than or equal to the third threshold value TH3 (S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is not greater than or equal to the third threshold value TH3 (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5.

[0060] If it is determined in step S13 that the second pressure value is greater than or equal to the third threshold value TH3 (Yes), the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video in which the cat hangs on the seat back and the seat back gradually rotates backward (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 in accordance with the movement of the seat back on the screen M1, and after reclining the actual seat back 12 backward (S15), this process ends.

[0061] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When the user sits on the seat 10 shown in FIG. 1 and turns on the mode changeover switch 63, the control unit 100 displays a home screen on the monitor M (S1: Yes → S3, S4).

[0062] Thereafter, when the user strokes the first sensor 41 by hand and the first sensor 41 obtains a pressure value that is greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat relaxing on the monitor M as shown in FIG. 3(a), and outputs a meowing sound from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: No → S11, S12).

[0063] Also, during the execution of the second mode, when the user strongly presses or strikes the first sensor 41 and the first sensor 41 obtains a pressure value that is greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat punch on the monitor M as shown in FIG. 4(a), operates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the cat punch, and outputs an angry sound of the cat from the speaker 50 (S5: No → S6: Yes → S7: Yes → S8~S10).

[0064] Also, during the execution of the second mode, for example, if a person in the passenger seat or the rear seat presses the second sensor 42 as a prank and the second sensor 42 obtains a pressure value equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat hanging on the seat back on the monitor M and operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the actual seat back 12 backward (S5: No → S6: No → S13: Yes → S14, S15).

[0065] After the control unit 100 executes the processing of step S10, step S12, or step S15, it returns the display on the monitor M to the home screen (S1: Yes → S3 → S4). When the home screen is displayed on the monitor M, if the user turns off the mode change switch 63 to end the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the mode to the first mode (S5: No → S1: No → S2). Note that when the mode change switch 63 is switched from ON to OFF, the control unit 100 clears the image of the second mode displayed on the screen M1.

[0066] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When the user inputs information to the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 moves the cat on the screen M1 and operates the vibration device 23 with a movement corresponding to the movement of the cat. Therefore, the user can feel the presence of the cat through the seat 10, and the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0067] Since the movement of the cat on the screen M1 is different when the first sensor 41 is operated and when the second sensor 42 is operated, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the processing of the control unit 100 according to the above-described first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the structures and processes substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment has a function of executing the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 6. The intimacy calculation process is a process for calculating the intimacy between the user and the cat on the screen M1.

[0070] In the intimacy calculation process, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode is the second mode (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is not the second mode (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0071] If it is determined in step S31 that the mode is the second mode (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether a pressure equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 is input to the first sensor 41 (S32). If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 is input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 is input to the first sensor 41 (S33).

[0072] If it is determined in step S32 that a pressure equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 is not input to the first sensor 41 (No), the control unit 100 determines whether a pressure equal to or higher than the third threshold value TH3 is input to the second sensor 42 (S36). If it is determined in step S36 that a pressure equal to or higher than the third threshold value TH3 is input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time during which a pressure equal to or higher than the third threshold value TH3 is input to the second sensor 42 (S37).

[0073] After step S33 or step S37, the control unit 100 calculates the cumulative value of the pressure input time to each sensor (41, 42) (S34). After step S34, the control unit 100 calculates the intimacy so that the higher the cumulative value, the higher the intimacy (S35), and ends this process.

[0074] In the second mode, the control unit 100 changes the movement of the cat on the screen M1 and the operation of the vibration device 23 according to the intimacy. Specifically, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 7. The process shown in FIG. 7 replaces steps S8 to S9, S11, and S12 in the process shown in FIG. 2 with new steps S51 to S55.

[0075] If the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (Yes), it displays a video of the cat punching on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy (S51). For example, the control unit 100 reduces the number of times the cat punches as the intimacy increases.

[0076] After step S51, the control unit 100 operates the vibration device 23 in a pattern according to the intimacy (S52). For example, the control unit 100 operates the vibration device 23 in accordance with the number of times the cat punches.

[0077] After step S52, the control unit 100 outputs the angry voice of the cat from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy (S53) and ends this process. For example, the control unit 100 reduces the volume of the angry voice of the cat as the intimacy increases.

[0078] If the control unit 100 determines in step S7 that the first pressure value is not equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (No), it displays an image of the cat relaxing on the screen M1 in a pattern according to the intimacy (S54). For example, the control unit 100 displays an image with a higher degree of relaxation of the cat as the intimacy increases. As an example, when the intimacy is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat sitting on an incense box and relaxing as shown in FIG. 3(a), and when the intimacy is higher than the predetermined value, it displays an image of the cat lying on its back showing its belly.

[0079] After step S54, the control unit 100 outputs the cajoling voice of the cat from the speaker 50 in a pattern according to the intimacy level (S55), and ends this process. For example, the higher the intimacy level, the higher the cajoling degree of the voice output by the control unit 100. As an example, the control unit 100 makes the time of the sound when the cat purrs longer as the intimacy level is higher.

[0080] As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the operations of the cat and the vibration device 23 are changed according to the intimacy level between the user and the cat, the entertainment property can be further enhanced. Also, since the voice of the cat changes according to the intimacy level between the user and the cat, the entertainment property can be further enhanced.

[0081] The more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, that is, the more the user touches the cat on the screen M1 through the seat 10, the higher the intimacy level becomes, so the user can experience the feeling that the cat on the screen M1 becomes more familiar with the user.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the operations of both the cat and the vibration device 23 are changed according to the intimacy level by steps S51 and S52, and only the operation of the cat is changed according to the intimacy level in step 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, without changing the operation of the cat, only the operation of the vibration device 23 may be changed according to the intimacy level. Also, in step S14, the movement of the cat hanging on the seat back may be changed according to the intimacy level, or in step S15, the operation of the electric reclining mechanism 21 may be changed according to the intimacy level.

[0083] [Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the intimacy level calculation process according to the above-described second embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the structures and processes substantially the same as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The control unit 100 according to the third embodiment executes the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 8. The intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 8 has the same steps S31, S32, and S36 as the intimacy calculation process according to the second embodiment, and also has steps S71 to S76 different from those of the second embodiment.

[0085] When the control unit 100 determines in step S32 that a pressure equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 has been input to the first sensor 41 (Yes), the control unit 100 acquires the time when the pressure was input to the first sensor 41 as the current value of the input time (S71). When the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or higher than the third threshold value TH3 has been input to the second sensor 42 (Yes), the control unit 100 acquires the time when the pressure was input to the second sensor 42 as the current value of the input time (S71). When the control unit 100 determines in step S36 that a pressure equal to or higher than the third threshold value TH3 has not been input to the second sensor 42 (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0086] After step S71, the control unit 100 determines whether there is a previous value of the input time (S72). When it is determined in step S71 that there is no previous value of the input time (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0087] When it is determined in step S72 that there is a previous value of the input time (Yes), the control unit 100 calculates the time interval from the previous value to the current value of the input time (S73). After step S73, the control unit 100 determines whether the time interval is equal to or less than a predetermined value (S74).

[0088] When it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is equal to or less than the predetermined value (Yes), the control unit 100 increments the intimacy count (S75) and ends this process. Therefore, when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 again after pressure has been input to the first sensor 41, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the time interval from when pressure was input to the first sensor 41 until pressure is input to the first sensor 41 again is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0089] Also, when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 and then pressure is input to the second sensor 42 next, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the time interval from when pressure is input to the first sensor 41 until pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. When pressure is input to the second sensor 42 and then pressure is input to the second sensor 42 next, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the time interval from when pressure is input to the second sensor 42 until pressure is input to the second sensor 42 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0090] That is, when there are a plurality of sensors used in the second mode, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the time interval from when information is input to any one of the plurality of sensors until information is input to any one of the sensors next is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0091] If it is determined in step S74 that the time interval is not equal to or less than the predetermined value (No), the control unit 100 counts down the intimacy (S76) and ends this process. Also in the third embodiment, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42, the higher the intimacy can be set.

[0092] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of a part of the intimacy calculation process according to the above-described third embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the structures and processes that are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The control unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment executes the intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 9. The intimacy calculation process shown in FIG. 9 has the same steps S31, S32, S36, and S71 as the intimacy calculation process according to the third embodiment, and also has steps S91 to S94 that are different from those of the third embodiment.

[0094] After step S71, the control unit 100 calculates the number of input times obtained during a predetermined past time from the current input time as the number of inputs (S91). After step S91, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of inputs is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S92).

[0095] If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes), the intimacy is incremented (S93), and this process ends. Therefore, when only the first sensor 41 is operated during a predetermined past time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the number of pressure inputs to the first sensor 41 per predetermined past time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0096] Also, when both the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42 are operated during a predetermined past time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the total number of inputs obtained by adding the number of pressure inputs to the first sensor 41 and the number of pressure inputs to the second sensor 42 during the predetermined past time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. When only the second sensor 42 is operated during a predetermined past time, the control unit 100 increases the intimacy when the number of pressure inputs to the second sensor 42 per predetermined past time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0097] If it is determined in step S92 that the number of inputs is less than the predetermined number (No), the control unit 100 decrements the intimacy (S94), and this process ends. Also in the fourth embodiment, the more the user operates the first sensor 41 or the second sensor 42 during a predetermined past time, the higher the intimacy can be.

[0098] The seat is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the seat 200 may have a seat cushion 210, a seat back 220, and a headrest 230, and may also have an ottoman 240 and an armrest 250. Also, a console box 300 may be provided next to the seat 200.

[0099] In the form of FIG. 10, the seat back 220 has a first member 221 rotatably supported by the seat cushion 210, and a second member 222 rotatably supported on the upper part of the first member 221 and having a headrest 230 provided on the upper part thereof.

[0100] In this case, the sensor 40 for moving the character on the screen can be arranged at at least one of the following sites. · The left and right overhang portions 211 of the seat cushion 210 · The front end face of the seat cushion 210 · The left and right overhang portions 221A of the first member 221 · The left and right overhang portions 222A of the second member 222 · The left and right side faces or the back face of the seat back 220 · The left and right side faces or the lower face of the headrest 230 · The front end face, the upper face, the left and right inner side faces or the left and right outer side faces of the armrest 250 · The left and right side faces of the ottoman 240 · The left and right inner side faces or the left and right outer side faces of the console box 300

[0101] Note that the sensor 40 may be the first sensor 41, or may be the second sensor 42, or may be another sensor for moving the character with an operation different from that of the first sensor 41 and the second sensor 42.

[0102] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor 40 may be provided on the steering ST as shown by dot hatching in the figure. The screen M1 on which the character is displayed may also be provided on the steering ST.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 12, the sensor 40 may be provided on the center console box 401 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the dashboard 402, the inner panel 403 such as the door and the vehicle side wall, etc., as shown by dot hatching in the figure. Note that the sensor 40 may be provided inside the cylindrical blower 404. The cylindrical blower 404 has a blower port for blowing air into the vehicle interior on its cylindrical body.

[0104] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 40 may be provided on at least one of the members (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting the first row seat 411, the second row seat 412, or the third row seat 413, as shown by dot hatching in the figure. Further, the sensor 40 may be provided on the roof 414, the lid 415 for opening and closing the sunroof, the assist grip 416, the upper part of the back of the seat back, the upper surface of the dashboard 402, above the meter hood, etc. The sensor 40 may be integrated inside the interior member or may be arranged to protrude from the interior member.

[0105] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle may include a camera 430 as an example of a collision detection unit. In this case, when predicting a vehicle collision based on the information from the camera 430 during the execution of the second mode, the control unit 100 may end the second mode and execute the first mode.

[0106] Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 14. The process shown in FIG. 14 is obtained by adding a new step S111 to the process shown in FIG. 2.

[0107] When the control unit 100 determines in step S1 that the mode change switch 63 has been turned on (Yes), it determines whether there is a possibility that the vehicle will collide based on the information from the camera 430 (S111). If it is determined in step S111 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S2). If it is determined in step S111 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the mode is set to the second mode (S3).

[0108] According to this configuration, if the vehicle is likely to collide during the execution of the second mode, the second mode ends, so that the user can feel something abnormal, for example, the user can assume a posture to prepare for the collision. Note that when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision, it may display a message for notifying a collision forecast on the monitor M.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 15, the first sensor may be a tactile sensor 500 that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions. The tactile sensor 500 includes an operation unit 510 made of a sponge and a substrate 520 that detects displacement of the operation unit 510. The tactile sensor 500 can detect displacement in the X direction, displacement in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and displacement in the Z direction orthogonal to the X and Y directions.

[0110] In this case, the control unit 100 may move the character and the electric device based on the direction of the displacement acquired from the tactile sensor 500. Specifically, for example, the control unit 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 16. The process shown in FIG. 16 is obtained by adding new steps S131 to S133 instead of steps S6, S7, and S13 of the process shown in FIG. 2.

[0111] When the control unit 100 determines in step S5 that the mode change switch 63 is ON (Yes), it determines whether the direction of the displacement detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the X direction (S131). If it is determined in step S131 that the direction of the displacement is the X direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat punching on the screen M1 (S8).

[0112] If it is determined in step S131 that the displacement direction is not the X direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the displacement direction detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Y direction (S132). If it is determined in step 132 that the displacement direction is the Y direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays an image of the cat relaxing on the monitor M (S11).

[0113] If it is determined in step 132 that the displacement direction is not the Y direction (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the displacement direction detected by the tactile sensor 500 is the Z direction (S133). If it is determined in step S133 that the displacement direction is the Z direction (Yes), the control unit 100 displays a video of the cat hanging on the seat back on the screen M1 (S14).

[0114] If it is determined in step S133 that the displacement direction is not the Z direction (No), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S5. Even in this form, by operating the tactile sensor 500, the cat on the screen M1 moves, and the seat 10 moves corresponding to the movement of the cat, so that the user can feel the presence of the cat through the seat 10.

[0115] The vehicle interior system may include a first sensor, a display unit, and a communication unit that communicates with an electric device.

[0116] The electric device may be the following devices. · A height mechanism that moves the seat in the vertical direction · A slide device that moves the seat back and forth · A movable device that deforms the seat shape by driving a bag body (air cell) that inflows air or a plate member (for example, a device that moves the protruding parts on the left and right of the seat cushion or seat back, a device that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat back or seat cushion) · A side frame front end raising mechanism (cyber angle variable) that switches between an up position where the front end of the side frame of the seat cushion is raised and a down position where it is lowered · A tilt mechanism that moves the cushion pan of the seat cushion up and down · A middle-fold mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward (a mechanism that tilts the second member 222 in Fig. 10 with respect to the first member 221) · A rotation mechanism that rotates the seat about a vertical axis · A mechanism that rotates the ottoman up and down · A mechanism that rotates the armrest up and down · A mechanism that extends and retracts the armrest · A mechanism that switches the armrest between an extended state and a bent state

[0117] Note that the movable device may operate the overhanging portions on the left and right of the seat cushion or the seat back, or may operate a part of the seating surface of the seat back or the seat cushion.

[0118] The air cell is connected by an air pump and an air tube, and may expand toward the seated person side when air is injected to press the seated person. The air cell may be arranged at a position corresponding to the waist of the seated person like a lumbar support, or may be provided at a plurality of locations on the seat.

[0119] The vibration device may be provided on the seat cushion, or may be provided on the overhanging portion of the seat cushion or the seat back.

[0120] The vibration device may be of any type, such as one having a motor and a harness that generate vibration, one having an eccentric motor, or one having a linear motor.

[0121] The display unit may be arranged at any position, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, back of the seat, or side of the door. Also, the display unit may be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet possessed by the seated person.

[0122] The control unit may control such that the higher the intimacy level, the lower the speed of movement of a part of the surface of the interior member.

[0123] Based on the information from the sensor, the control unit 100 may determine the way of touching the sensor and change the movement of the cat or the movement of the seat according to the way of touching. For example, when the tactile sensor is operated so as to draw a circle, the control unit may perform a display such that the cat rotates its eyes and an operation of rotating the seat about the vertical axis.

[0124] Also, the sponge-type tactile sensor may be embedded in a plush toy or the like imitating a character such as a cat. Based on the information from the tactile sensor, the control unit may recognize the roll, pitch, and yaw directions corresponding to the six-axis directions. For example, when the control unit detects an input pattern of gently stroking the plush toy (a movement of sandwiching the plush toy with both hands and moving both hands up and down), the control unit may display the cat on the display unit as if being gently stroked with a hand and vibrate the vibration device. Further, for example, the control unit may control a plurality of air cells so as to reproduce the gently stroking motion on the surface of the seat.

[0125] When a sensor is provided at the protruding portion of the seat, for example, when the sensor detects an operation of pinching the protruding portion with a hand, the control unit displays that the back of the cat on the display unit is pinched and tilts the seat back slightly backward.

[0126] Also, for example, the more frequently the input to the sensor is performed per second, the angrier the cat on the display unit may be, and the operations of the cat punch and the vibration device may be made faster.

[0127] Also, the number of inputs per predetermined time to the sensor at a stage before the start of the display action of the character may be measured, and the display pattern of the character may be determined according to the number of inputs.

[0128] The intimacy level may be calculated by the following method. · By photographing the occupant with the imaging unit, the number of rides is counted, and the higher the number of rides, the higher the intimacy level. · A passenger recognition unit is provided to recognize the seated passengers through cooperation with an imaging unit or a smartphone. The number of times a passenger performs sensor input to display character actions is memorized, and the higher this number, the higher the intimacy level. · Memorize the time when a passenger touches the sensor during the riding time, and determine that the longer the time, the higher the intimacy level. · The intimacy level may be reset for each ride or may continue.

[0129] The relationship between the intimacy level and the operation of the electric device may be as follows. · The higher the intimacy level, the smoother the operation of the electric device (in the beginning, operations such as reclining and vibration are performed intermittently. For example, the reclining is not smooth, it is reclined step by step, the height is increased step by step, and the massage operation by the vibration device is irregular). · The higher the intimacy level, the slower the operation speed of the electric device. · A coefficient is set for the value of the operation amount of the electric device, and the operation amount changes according to the intimacy level. The higher the intimacy level, the larger the operation amount. · The higher the intimacy level, the more the variations of the character display and the selected electric devices increase. When the intimacy level is low, it is limited to the vibrator and the display and operation based on reclining, but when the intimacy level is high, the operations of the lighting unit, tilt, and air cell are added, and the display variations also increase.

[0130] The interior member may be a door, a door armrest, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console, an air conditioner outlet, etc.

[0131] The interior member may be a member imitating a part of an animal's body like cat ears. The interior member may be composed of a furry member.

[0132] The sensor may be a capacitance type touch sensor. The touch sensor may be provided, for example, at the front end of the seat cushion, at the overhanging portion of the seat cushion, at the overhanging portion of the seat back, and on the side surface of the headrest.

[0133] In this case, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the front end of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, an operation in which the chest of the cat with its head raised is being stroked, and may repeat the tilt-up and tilt-down of the seat cushion by the tilt-up mechanism. Also, when there is an input to the touch sensor at the overhanging portion of the seat cushion, the control unit may display, on the display unit, an operation in which the belly of the cat with its belly facing up is being stroked, and may vibrate the vibration device provided in the seat cushion.

[0134] When there is an input to the touch sensor at the overhanging portion of the seat back, the control unit may display, on the display unit, an operation in which the back of the cat is being stroked and the cat is stretching its back, and may vibrate the vibration device provided in the seat back. When there is an input to the touch sensor of the headrest, the control unit may display, on the display unit, an operation in which the head of the cat is being stroked and the cat is shaking its head from side to side, and may tilt the seat back by the reclining device.

[0135] The color tone of the interior lighting, the display on the screen, the sound, etc. may be changed according to the time when the touch sensor is touched. The operation pattern of the vibrator may be changed according to the pressure value input to the touch sensor.

[0136] The control unit may move the vibrator more strongly the harder the touch sensor is pressed. The control unit may make the operation of the vibrator faster the faster the speed of stroking the touch sensor becomes. When the pressure value from the touch sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit may display, on the display unit, a cat with an angry expression. When the speed of stroking the touch sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit may display, on the display unit, a video in which the cat is moving around.

[0137] Further, when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit may increase the temperature of a heater provided on the seat. In this case, the control unit may display a flame on the display unit and display the size of the flame so as to increase according to the speed.

[0138] The vehicle interior system may include a seat hardness changing device that changes the hardness of the seat. The seat hardness changing device may include, for example, a first pad that supports the user, an air cell, and a second pad disposed between the first pad and the air cell. When the air cell is in the first state, the hardness of the first pad is the first hardness, and when the air cell is in the second state that is more inflated than the first state, the hardness of the first pad is the second hardness that is greater than the first hardness.

[0139] In this case, for example, when a weak force (a pressure equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value) is input to the touch sensor for a predetermined time, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the first state. Further, when the speed at which the touch sensor is stroked is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit sets the hardness of the first pad to the second hardness. In this case, the control unit can make the cat displayed on the display unit assume a slovenly pose.

[0140] The character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be a character in which an object or a living thing is anthropomorphized.

[0141] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and may be other vehicles, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, a train, or the like.

[0142] Examples of the method for manufacturing the vehicle interior system include the following method. An interior member disposed inside a vehicle, an electric device that reciprocates a part of the surface of the interior member, a first sensor for inputting information from a user, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit can display a character on the display unit, and based on the information from the first sensor, moves the character and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character. A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system, comprising a step of attaching the electric device to the interior member, and a step of connecting the electric device, the display unit, and the first sensor to the control unit.

[0143] The first sensor or the second sensor may be a sensor that detects biological information (at least one of brain waves, facial expressions, eye lines, breathing, heartbeats, pulses, voices, etc.).

[0144] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the host vehicle and a vehicle ahead.

[0145] Each element described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily combined and implemented.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1 Vehicle interior system 10 Seat 23 Vibration device 41 First sensor 100 Control unit M Monitor

Claims

1. An interior member disposed inside a vehicle, an electric device that reciprocates a part of the surface of the interior member, a first sensor for inputting information from a user, a display unit, and a control unit, a vehicle interior system comprising: The control unit: is capable of displaying a character on the display unit; based on the information from the first sensor, moves the character and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the character; The first sensor is a tactile sensor that detects displacement in three-dimensional directions; The control unit moves the character and the electric device based on the direction of the displacement acquired from the tactile sensor. A vehicle interior system characterized by this.

2. The control unit: calculates the intimacy between the user and the character, and changes the operation of at least one of the character and the electric device according to the intimacy. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit increases the intimacy as the cumulative value of the information input time to the first sensor is larger. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The control unit increases the intimacy when the time interval from when information is input to the first sensor until information is next input to the first sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

5. The control unit increases the intimacy when the number of times of information input to the first sensor per predetermined time is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

6. A second sensor for inputting information from a user, further comprising a second sensor disposed at a position different from the first sensor, The control unit: when information is input to the first sensor, moves the character with a first operation, when information is input to the second sensor, moves the character with a second operation different from the first operation. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

7. The interior member is a seat, The first sensor is disposed at a position avoiding the seating surface of the seat. The vehicle interior system according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

8. An interior member disposed inside a vehicle, an electric device that reciprocates a part of the surface of the interior member, a first sensor for inputting information from a user, a display unit, A vehicle interior system including a control unit, the control unit, is capable of displaying characters on the display unit, moves the characters based on the information from the first sensor, and operates the electric device with a movement corresponding to the movement of the characters, further includes a switch for switching the control unit between a first mode in which the characters and the electric device are not interlocked and a second mode in which the electric device is operated with a movement corresponding to the movement of the characters, wherein the control unit, when predicting a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle during execution of the second mode, ends the second mode and executes the first mode. The vehicle interior system is characterized by this.

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