Vehicle interior system

Abstract

To report biological information about a user to surrounding people in a manner that is easier to understand.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior system 1 comprises: an interior member (a seat 10) disposed within a vehicle C; a decorative article 20 provided at the interior member; an electric device (a winch 23) which changes a shape of the decorative article 20; sensors (a heartbeat sensor 61 and a respiration sensor 62) which acquire biological information about the user; and a control unit 50. On the basis of the biological information acquired from the sensors, the control unit 50 operates the electric device and changes the shape of the decorative article 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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, a seat including a wakefulness maintenance device and a display lamp for displaying that the wakefulness maintenance device is operating has been known (see Patent Document 1). The wakefulness maintenance device includes a respiration sensor, a control device, and a vibration unit. The control device receives a respiration signal of an occupant detected by the respiration sensor, determines the wakefulness state of the occupant, and drives the vibration unit when it is determined that the occupant is not in a wakeful state. In this technology, since it is possible to notify the occupant and surrounding people that the wakefulness maintenance device is operating normally, drowsiness of the occupant can be more reliably prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, since the operating state of the wakefulness maintenance device is notified by lighting the display lamp, for example, when the environment around the seat is bright, in a situation where it is difficult to recognize the light of the display lamp, there is a possibility that surrounding people will have difficulty grasping the operating state of the wakefulness maintenance device and, consequently, the state of the occupant.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to notify the biometric information of a user to surrounding people in an easily understandable manner.

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, a decorative item provided on the interior member, an electric device for changing the shape of the decorative item, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit. Based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, the control unit operates the electric device to change the shape of the decorative item.

[0007] According to this configuration, since the shape of the decorative item is changed according to the biometric information of the user, even if the environment around the user is bright, the biometric state of the user can be more easily notified to the people around.

[0008] Further, the decorative item may protrude from the interior member.

[0009] Since the decorative item can be made prominent by protruding from the interior member, the biometric state of the user can be more easily notified to the people around.

[0010] Further, the decorative item is deformable into a first shape extending in one direction and a second shape that is bent. When the control unit determines that the user is tired based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, the control unit may operate the electric device to deform the decorative item from the first shape to the second shape.

[0011] When something in a straight state bends, for example, when a healthy plant withers, it is easy to associate that something in a healthy state has become exhausted. Therefore, when the user is tired, bending the decorative item makes it easier for the people around to recognize that the user is tired.

[0012] Further, the interior member is a headrest of a seat, and the decorative item may protrude upward from the headrest.

[0013] Since the decorative item can be made prominent by protruding upward from the headrest, the biometric state of the user can be more easily notified to the people around.

[0014] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include a display unit, and the control unit may display, on the display unit, an image indicating the user's biological state based on the biological information acquired from the sensor.

[0015] According to this, since the user's biological state is represented by the image on the display unit and the ornament, the user's biological state can be more easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0016] In addition, the control unit can display a character image on the display unit and may change the character image based on the biological information acquired from the sensor.

[0017] According to this, for example, by changing the facial expression of the character image according to the biological information, the user's biological state can be more easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0018] In addition, the ornament has a touch sensor that outputs a signal when touched by the user, and the control unit may move the ornament based on the signal from the touch sensor.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the user touches the ornament, the ornament moves, so the entertainment value can be enhanced.

[0020] In addition, the control unit may change the number of operations of the ornament per predetermined time based on the biological information acquired from the sensor.

[0021] According to this, by changing the number of operations of the ornament, the user's fatigue level can be expressed in multiple stages.

[0022] In addition, the ornament has lighting, and the control unit may turn on the lighting based on the biological information acquired from the sensor.

[0023] According to this, since the user's biological state is represented by the lighting and the shape change of the ornament, the user's biological state can be more easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0024] Further, the ornament may have a shape imitating a part of an animal's body.

[0025] According to this, for example, when the ornament is shaped like an animal's ear, if the user is tired, by bending the ornament, it is easy for the surrounding people to recognize that the user is tired.

[0026] Further, 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 prohibit a change in the shape of the ornament based on biological information, and may give a warning of the vehicle collision by moving the ornament before the vehicle collision.

[0027] According to this, when the vehicle is likely to collide, the movement of the ornament can give a warning of the vehicle collision to the surrounding people.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0029] Further, since the ornament protrudes from the interior member, the ornament can be made conspicuous, so that the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0030] Further, when the user is tired, by bending the ornament, it is easy for the surrounding people to recognize that the user is tired.

[0031] Further, by configuring the ornament to protrude upward from the headrest, the ornament can be made conspicuous, so that the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0032] Further, by expressing the biological state of the user with the image on the display unit and the ornament, the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0033] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the character image is changed based on the biological information, the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0034] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the control unit moves the ornament based on the signal from the touch sensor, when the user touches the ornament, the ornament moves, so that the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0035] In addition, by changing the number of operations of the ornament per predetermined time based on the biological information, the fatigue degree of the user can be expressed in multiple stages.

[0036] In addition, by expressing the biological state of the user with the lighting and the shape change of the ornament, the biological state of the user can be easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0037] In addition, by forming the ornament into a shape imitating a part of an animal's body, it is easy for the surrounding people to recognize that the user is tired.

[0038] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the control unit moves the ornament before the vehicle collides to predict the vehicle collision, the vehicle collision can be predicted to the surrounding people by the movement of the ornament.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0040] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, an ornament 20 provided on the seat 10, a camera 30 as an example of a collision detection unit, a monitor 40 as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 50. The seat 10, the camera 30, and the monitor 40 are arranged inside the vehicle C, specifically at positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat.

[0041] The camera 30 is a camera that captures the front of the vehicle C. The image information captured by the camera 30 is output to the control unit 50.

[0042] The monitor 40 has a screen for displaying images. The images displayed on the monitor 40 can be changed by the control unit 50. The monitor 40 can be arranged on the dashboard so as to be located, for example, under the rearview mirror.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 10 has a seat body 10A, a heartbeat sensor 61 and a respiration sensor 62 as an example of sensors.

[0044] The seat body 10A is a member having a seating surface for supporting a user. The seat body 10A 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 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. The upper surface of the seat cushion 11 serves as the seating surface. The front surfaces of the seat back 12 and the headrest 13 serve as the seating surface.

[0045] The heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62 are sensors for acquiring biological information of a user seated on the seat 10. In the following description, a user seated on the seat 10 is also referred to as a "seated person".

[0046] The heartbeat sensor 61 is a sensing device that non - contact measures the electrocardiogram signal of a seated person using capacitive coupled electrodes. Here, the electrocardiogram signal refers to the action potential signal generated along with the beating of the seated person's heart. The heartbeat sensor 61 is provided on the seat back 12. The electrocardiogram signal detected by the heartbeat sensor 61 is output to the control unit 50.

[0047] The respiration sensor 62 is provided on the seat cushion 11. The respiration sensor 62 has electrodes vertically. The respiration sensor 62 is a resistance pressure sensor (pressure sensor) that detects the current flowing through the electrical resistance that changes according to the respiration of the seated person.

[0048] Here, when the pressure applied to the upper surface electrode of the respiration sensor 62 causes the upper surface electrode to deform downward, increasing the contact resistance, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes decreases. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance value is output from the respiration sensor 62 to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 calculates the pressure based on the electrical signal related to the electrical resistance value, and obtains respiration data based on the calculated pressure.

[0049] Note that the heartbeat sensor 61 may be provided on the seat cushion 11, and the respiration sensor 62 may be provided on the seat back 12.

[0050] The control unit 50 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes a program stored in advance. The control unit 50 has a function of estimating the fatigue level of the seated person based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62.

[0051] As an example, the control unit 50 measures the activity level of the sympathetic nerve of the seated person based on the heartbeat information acquired from the heartbeat sensor 61. Specifically, the control unit 50 obtains the ratio (LF / HF) of the low-frequency fluctuation wave (LF) to the high-frequency fluctuation wave (HF) in the heartbeat fluctuation as the above-mentioned activity level of the sympathetic nerve. Then, the control unit 50 uses the above-mentioned activity level of the sympathetic nerve (LF / HF) as the fatigue level. That is, according to the above index, it is estimated that the higher the activity of the sympathetic nerve is compared to the activity of the parasympathetic nerve, the higher the fatigue level of the seated person is.

[0052] Note that the method for estimating the fatigue level of the seated person is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 50 may determine the fatigue level of the seated person based on the information acquired from the respiration sensor 62, such as the respiration interval and the arousal level determined based on respiration (at least a level indicating whether it is an awake state or a low-arousal state). Specifically, the shorter the respiration interval of the seated person is, the higher the fatigue level is determined, or when the arousal level of the seated person is in a low-arousal state, the fatigue level may be determined to be high.

[0053] Further, the control unit 50 may use the sum of the respective individual fatigue degrees determined based on the sympathetic nerve activity level based on the heartbeat, the respiratory interval, and the arousal level as the fatigue degree of the seated person.

[0054] Two ornaments 20 are provided on the headrest 13 so as to protrude upward from the headrest 13. The two ornaments 20 are arranged side by side with a space therebetween.

[0055] The ornament 20 has a shape imitating a part of an animal's body. In the present embodiment, the ornament 20 has a shape imitating a cat's ear. Specifically, the ornament 20 has a triangular shape in a front view such that the width in the left - right direction gradually decreases from bottom to top.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the ornament 20 includes a first link 21, a second link 22, a winch 23 as an example of an electric device, a wire 24, a pad 25, and a skin 26. The left and right ornaments 20 have the same structure.

[0057] The first link 21 is fixed to the upper surface of the winch 23 so as to extend upward from the winch 23.

[0058] The second link 22 is rotatably connected to the upper end portion of the first link 21. The second link 22 is rotatable between an upright position shown in FIG. 3(a) and a tilted position shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0059] When the second link 22 is in the upright position, the upper end is positioned slightly in front of the lower end. When the second link 22 is in the tilted position, the upper end is positioned below the lower end. The angle formed between the front surface of the first link 21 and the front surface of the second link 22 (hereinafter also referred to as the "link angle") is smaller when the second link 22 is in the tilted position than when it is in the upright position.

[0060] When the second link 22 is in the upright position, the link angle is greater than 90°. When the second link 22 is in the tilted position, the link angle is less than 90°.

[0061] The second link 22 is biased from the upright position toward the tilted position by a spring (not shown). One end of a wire 24 is fixed to the upper end of the second link 22.

[0062] The winch 23 has a function of rotating the second link 22 between the upright position and the tilted position by winding up the wire 24 or loosening the tension of the wire 24. Specifically, when the second link 22 is in the tilted position and the winch 23 is rotated forward to wind up the wire 24, the second link 22 rotates from the tilted position to the upright position against the biasing force of the spring. When the second link 22 is in the upright position and the winch 23 is rotated in reverse to loosen the tension of the wire 24, the second link 22 rotates from the upright position to the tilted position by the biasing force of the spring.

[0063] Note that even if no spring is provided, the second link 22 may be configured to rotate from the upright position to the tilted position by its own weight. Also, contrary to this embodiment, the spring may bias the second link 22 from the tilted position toward the upright position. In this case, the second link 22 may be rotated from the upright position to the tilted position by winding up the wire 24 with the winch 23.

[0064] The pad 25 is made of urethane foam or the like and covers the first link 21, the second link 22, and the winch 23. The outer shape of the pad 25 is in the shape of a cat's ear. The skin 26 is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like and covers the pad 25. The pad 25 and the skin 26 are deformable as the second link 22 rotates.

[0065] The ornament 20 configured as described above can be deformed into a first shape shown in FIG. 3(a) and a second shape shown in FIG. 3(b). When the ornament 20 is in the first shape, it extends in one direction, specifically upward, from the headrest 13. When the ornament 20 is in the second shape, its tip bends so as to face obliquely downward forward. The shape of the ornament 20 is changed by the operation of the winch 23 and the spring described above.

[0066] The headrest 13 has a recess 13A into which the ornament 20 fits. The ornament 20 is detachable from the headrest 13. The ornament 20 and the headrest 13 each have a connector. When the connectors are connected, the winch 23 and the control unit 50 are electrically connected. Note that the ornament 20 may be fixedly attached to the headrest 13 in a non-detachable manner.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 50 has a function of operating at least one of the left and right winches 23 based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62, and changing the shape of the ornament 20. Specifically, when the control unit 50 determines that the user is tired based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62, the control unit 50 operates the winch 23 to deform the ornament 20 from the first shape to the second shape. In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 bends only one of the ornaments 20 on one side or both of the left and right ornaments 20 according to the degree of fatigue estimated from the biological information (see FIG. 5).

[0068] The control unit 50 has a function of displaying a character image indicating the biological state of the user on the monitor 40 based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62. Specifically, the control unit 50 changes the facial expression of the character image displayed on the monitor 40 according to the degree of fatigue estimated from the biological information (see FIG. 5).

[0069] In addition, the control unit 50 has a function of predicting whether the vehicle C is likely to collide based on the information from the camera 30 provided in the vehicle C. When the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it prohibits the change in the shape of the ornament 20 based on the biological information, and notifies the collision of the vehicle C by moving the ornament 20 before the collision of the vehicle C.

[0070] Specifically, when the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it moves the ornament 20 with a movement different from the movement of the ornament 20 based on the biological information. In the present embodiment, when the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it alternately performs a plurality of flexion and extension operations of bending or stretching the ornament 20 a plurality of times on the left and right ornaments 20.

[0071] Next, the operation of the control unit 50 will be described in detail. In the following description, the ornament 20 is also simply referred to as "cat ears". Also, in the following description, the estimation of the fatigue level will be performed using both the heartbeat information detected by the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration information detected by the respiration sensor 62.

[0072] The control unit 50 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 4. In the process shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 50 first acquires heartbeat information from the heartbeat sensor 61 and acquires respiration information from the respiration sensor 62 (S1).

[0073] After step S1, the control unit 50 estimates the fatigue level based on the heartbeat information and the respiration information (S2). After step S2, the control unit 50 determines whether the fatigue level is equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 (S3).

[0074] If it is determined in step S3 that the fatigue level is not equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 (No), the control unit 50 sets the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to the normal state as shown in FIG. 5(a) (S13).

[0075] If it is determined in step S3 that the fatigue level is equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether the fatigue level is equal to or higher than a second threshold value TH2 that is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the fatigue level is less than the second threshold value TH2 (No), the control unit 50 activates only the winch 23 on one side to bend only the cat ear on one side (S11).

[0076] After step S11, the control unit 50 sets the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to the first fatigue state as shown in FIG. 5(b) (S12). Note that the expression in the first fatigue state may be any expression as long as it is slightly more tired than the normal state.

[0077] If it is determined in step S4 that the fatigue level is equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 50 activates the left and right winches 23 to bend the left and right cat ears (S5). In step S5, if one of the cat ears is already bent, the control unit 50 activates only the winch 23 corresponding to the non-bent cat ear to bend the left and right cat ears.

[0078] After step S5, the control unit 50 sets the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to the second fatigue state as shown in FIG. 5(c) (S6). Note that the expression in the second fatigue state may be any expression as long as it is more tired than the first fatigue state.

[0079] After step S6, step S12 or step S13, the control unit 50 acquires information from the camera 30 (S7). After step S7, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a possibility that the vehicle C will collide based on the information acquired from the camera 30 (S8).

[0080] If it is determined in step S8 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit 50 ends this process as it is. If it is determined in step S8 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 50 alternately operates the left and right winches 23 a plurality of times to alternately flex and extend the left and right cat ears a plurality of times (S9).

[0081] After step S9, the control unit 50 displays a collision warning on the screen of the monitor 40 (S10) and ends this process. Note that the collision warning may be, for example, an image of characters such as "Please be careful as there is a risk of collision." or an image of a picture of cars colliding with each other.

[0082] Note that the conditions for returning the bent cat ears to the original upright state may be any conditions. For example, the control unit 50 may operate the winch 23 so as to return the bent cat ears to the upright state on the condition that the user has left the seat 10. The determination as to whether the user has left the seat 10 may be made, for example, based on information from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62, or based on a signal from a seating sensor that detects the seating of the user.

[0083] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 50 will be described. When a user in a healthy state sits on the seat 10, the control unit 50 determines, based on information from the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62, that the degree of fatigue is less than the first threshold value TH1, and as shown in FIG. 5(a), maintains the left and right cat ears in an upright state and sets the expression of the character on the screen to the normal state (S1 to S3: No → S13).

[0084] When the user's fatigue level reaches the first threshold TH1 or higher and less than the second threshold TH2 due to the operation of the vehicle C, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the control unit 50 bends one-sided cat ears and changes the expression of the character on the screen to the first fatigue state (S1~S3: Yes→S4: No→S11, S12). By bending one-sided cat ears in this way, for example, even a person sitting in the rear seat who has difficulty seeing the screen of the monitor 40 can notice the abnormality of the user and prompt the user to take a break. Also, the user and the person sitting in the passenger seat can know the degree of the user's fatigue by looking at the expression of the character displayed on the monitor 40.

[0085] The user who has been prompted to take a break may continue driving further, thinking that they are still energetic in their own perception. In this case, when the user's fatigue level reaches the second threshold TH2 or higher due to long-time driving, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 50 bends both the left and right cat ears and changes the expression of the character on the screen to the second fatigue state (S1~S3: Yes→S4: Yes→S5, S6). As a result, a person sitting in the rear seat can understand that the user's fatigue level has reached its peak by the fact that both the left and right cat ears are bent, and can strongly advise the user to take a break. Also, the user can know that the expression of the character displayed on the monitor 40 is a rather tired expression, and considering the safety of the passengers, the user has no choice but to take a break, so accidents due to the user's overconfidence can be suppressed.

[0086] In addition, when the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it alternately bends and extends the cat ears. A person sitting in the rear seat can detect an unstable atmosphere by the abnormal movement of the cat ears, so they can naturally correct their posture and prepare for the collision.

[0087] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Since the shape of the ornament 20 is changed according to the user's biological information, even if the environment around the user is bright, the user's biological state can be more clearly notified to the people around.

[0088] Since the ornament 20 protrudes upward from the headrest 13, the ornament 20 can be made conspicuous, so that the user's biological state can be more easily notified to those around.

[0089] When something in a straight state bends, for example, when a healthy plant withers, it is easy to associate that something that was in a healthy state has become fatigued. Therefore, when the user is fatigued, by bending the ornament 20, it is easy for those around to recognize that the user is fatigued. In particular, in this embodiment, since the ornament 20 is made into cat ears, when the straight cat ears bend, it is easy to associate that the cat has become fatigued, so it is easy for those around to recognize that the user is fatigued.

[0090] Since the user's biological state is expressed by the deformation of the ornament 20 and the expression of the character on the screen, the user's biological state can be more easily notified to those around.

[0091] When the vehicle C is likely to collide, the movement of the ornament 20 can be used to give a warning of the collision of the vehicle C to those around.

[0092] By adopting a structure in which the ornament is bent and stretched with a simple structure such as the first link 21, the second link 22, the winch 23 and the wire 24, the ornament can be configured compactly and its weight can be reduced.

[0093] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment is a modification of the structure of the ornament 20 and the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the components and processes substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The ornament 20 according to the second embodiment has illumination, although not shown in the drawings. The illumination may be, for example, an illumination device disposed inside the skin 26, or the skin 26 may be configured of electronic paper and the skin 26 itself may be used as illumination. The illumination can change the color of the light.

[0095] The control unit 50 has a function of turning on the illumination based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62. In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 estimates the degree of fatigue based on the heartbeat information and the respiration information as in the first embodiment, and changes the color of the light of the illumination according to the degree of fatigue.

[0096] Specifically, the control unit 50 according to the second embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 6. The process shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by adding new steps S31 and S32 to the process shown in FIG. 4.

[0097] When the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the degree of fatigue is equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), it bends the left and right cat ears and sets the expression of the character to the second fatigue state (S5, S6), and then emits red light from the illumination to make the cat ears glow red (S31). After step S31, the control unit 50 executes the process of step S7.

[0098] When the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the degree of fatigue is not equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (No), it bends one-sided cat ears and sets the expression of the character to the first fatigue state (S11, S12), and then emits blue light from the illumination to make the cat ears glow blue (S32). After step S32, the control unit 50 executes the process of step S7.

[0099] According to the second embodiment, since the degree of fatigue of the user is expressed by the illumination and the shape change of the ornament 20, the degree of fatigue of the user can be more easily notified to the surrounding people.

[0100] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment slightly modifies the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, components and processes substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0101] The control unit 50 according to the third embodiment has a function of changing the number of operations of the ornament 20 per predetermined time based on the biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 estimates the degree of fatigue based on the heartbeat information and the respiration information in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and changes the number of operations of the ornament 20 per predetermined time according to the degree of fatigue.

[0102] Specifically, the control unit 50 according to the third embodiment executes the processing shown in FIG. 7. The processing shown in FIG. 7 adds new steps S51 and S52 instead of steps S5 and S11 in the processing shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] When the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the degree of fatigue is equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), it operates the winch 23 to bend the cat ears three times within a predetermined time (S51), and proceeds to the processing of step S6. When the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the degree of fatigue is not equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (No), it operates the winch 23 to bend the cat ears once within a predetermined time (S52), and proceeds to the processing of step S12.

[0104] Note that the cat ears moved in steps S51 and S52 may be either one of the left and right or both of the left and right. According to the third embodiment, by changing the number of operations of the ornament 20, the degree of fatigue of the user can be expressed in multiple stages.

[0105] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment slightly modifies the structure of the ornament 20 and the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the components and processes substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, the ornament 320 according to the third embodiment has a movable part 320A and a pedestal part 320B. The movable part 320A is rotatably supported by the pedestal part 320B about an axis along the vertical direction.

[0107] The movable part 320A has the first link 21, the second link 22, the winch 23, the wire 24, the pad 25, and the skin 26, which are the same as those in the first embodiment, and further has a touch sensor 321. The touch sensor 321 is a sensor that outputs a signal when touched directly or indirectly by a user. As the touch sensor 321, for example, a pressure sensor or a capacitance-type sensor can be adopted.

[0108] The pedestal part 320B has a motor 322, a pad 323, and a skin 324. The motor 322 is a motor for rotating the movable part 320A. The output shaft of the motor 322 is fixed to the winch 23.

[0109] The pad 323 is made of urethane foam or the like and covers the motor 322. The skin 324 is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like and covers the pad 323. The pedestal part 320B is fitted into the recess 13A of the headrest 13.

[0110] The control unit 50 has a function of moving the ornament 320 based on the signal from the touch sensor 321. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 rotates the movable part 320A by operating the motor 322 based on the signal from the touch sensor 321.

[0111] Specifically, the control unit 50 executes the process shown in FIG. 9. The process shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by adding new steps S71 and S72 to the process shown in FIG. 4.

[0112] In the process shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 first determines whether the user has touched the cat ear based on the signal from the touch sensor 321 (S71). If it is determined in step S71 that the user has not touched the cat ear (No), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1.

[0113] If it is determined in step S71 that the user has touched the cat ear (Yes), the control unit 50 operates the motor 322 to rotate the movable part 320A of the cat ear (S72). After step S72, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S7.

[0114] According to the third embodiment, when the user touches the ornament 320, the movable part 320A of the ornament 320 moves, so that the entertainment property can be enhanced.

[0115] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment slightly modifies the structure of the ornament 320 according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given to the substantially same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 10, the ornament 420 according to the fourth embodiment has a movable part 320A similar to that of the third embodiment, and also has a pedestal part 420B different from that of the third embodiment. The pedestal part 420B is provided with an electric cylinder 422 instead of the motor 322 of the pedestal part 320B of the third embodiment. The electric cylinder 422 moves the movable part 320A up and down.

[0117] The control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment moves the movable part 320A up and down by operating the electric cylinder 422 based on the signal from the touch sensor 321. Specifically, the process of step S72 in the process shown in FIG. 9 may be replaced with a process of moving the movable part 320A of the cat ears up and down.

[0118] In addition, by combining the structures of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the movable part of the ornament may have a structure that rotates and moves up and down.

[0119] The interior member on which the ornament is provided is not limited to the headrest of the driver's seat. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the interior member may be a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) that constitutes at least one of the first row seat 101, the second row seat 102, or the third row seat 103. Although not shown in the figure, when the seat has an armrest or an ottoman, the interior member may be the armrest or the ottoman.

[0120] In addition, as other examples of the interior member, there are the center console box 71 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the dashboard 72, the inner panel 73 such as the door and the vehicle side wall, the roof 74, the lid 75 for opening and closing the sunroof, and the like. The ornament 20 may be provided, for example, at the upper part of the back surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging parts bulging upward from the seating surface of the seat cushion, the side parts of the headrest, the upper surface of the dashboard 72, above the meter hood, the center console box 71, and the like.

[0121] The ornament is not limited to cat ears. For example, as other examples of the ornament, there are models imitating a part of the body (limbs, beard, tail) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the whole body of humans or animals, models imitating anthropomorphic characters of objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and the like.

[0122] The change in the shape of the ornament is not limited to changing between a straight state and a bent state. Any change is acceptable as long as the outer shape of the ornament changes. For example, when the ornament is composed of an air cell that can expand and contract by air, the shape of the ornament may be changed between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the electric device that changes the shape of the ornament may be a pump that switches the supply and discharge of air to the ornament.

[0123] Also, the ornament may have a plurality of laminated air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cell to which air is introduced, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple steps.

[0124] Also, the ornament may have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on the ornament or around the ornament. The shape memory alloy can be configured such that, for example, when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, it becomes a first straight shape, and when it is greater than the predetermined temperature, it becomes a second bent shape. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0125] As the sensor for acquiring biological information, a sensor that detects at least one of brain waves, facial expressions, eye lines, breathing, heartbeat, pulse, voice, etc. can be adopted. As the sensor for detecting facial expressions and eye lines, a camera or the like can be adopted. The camera may be arranged at a position where it can photograph the face of the user sitting on the seat.

[0126] The condition for deforming the ornament is not limited to fatigue degree, and may be biological information or information estimated from biological information. For example, the control unit may estimate the physical condition of the user based on the pulse or the like, and deform the ornament when it determines that the physical condition is poor.

[0127] The control unit may estimate the user's emotion based on the heartbeat, breathing, facial expression, pulse wave, etc., and deform the ornament according to the emotion. Further, when the ornament has lighting, the control unit may change the color of the ornament according to the emotion. For example, when the control unit determines that the user's emotion is anger, the color of the ornament may be set to red, and when it determines that the user's emotion is calm, the color of the ornament may be set to blue. In this case, the image indicating the user's biological state displayed on the screen may be an image of the expression of a character indicating the user's joys and sorrows, an image of characters, etc.

[0128] Further, when the control unit determines that there is an abnormal change in the physical condition based on the pulse wave, heartbeat, etc., it may blink the lighting to notify of the abnormality, or make the ornament operate faster than normal. Also, at this time, the control unit may perform display, sound, and lighting output to notify of the abnormality detection.

[0129] Also, when the fatigue level is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and equal to or lower than the second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value, the control unit may execute the first process (for example, change of the lighting color), and when the fatigue level is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, execute the second process (operation of the ornament).

[0130] Also, when the fatigue level is less than the first threshold value, that is, when the user is energetic, the control unit may move the cat ears up and down or rotate them.

[0131] The display of the fatigue level by the display unit is not limited to the expression of the character, and may be a numerical value, a gauge, etc. indicating the fatigue level, or the color, movement of the character, or the color, movement of the image imitating the ornament. For example, the control unit may display an image of the user's avatar character with cat ears (an image imitating the ornament) on the face on the screen, and display the color of the cat ear part in a color corresponding to the lighting color of the ornament. That is, the state of the lighting color of the ornament may be displayed by the display unit.

[0132] The control unit may display a cat as a character on the screen. Note that the character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be a character that anthropomorphizes objects, living things, etc.

[0133] When the character is a cat, the control unit may display a video of the cat jumping on the screen and move the movable part of the ornament up and down when the user's fatigue level is less than the first threshold value. Also, when the user's fatigue level is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit may display an image of the cat sleeping on the screen and rotate the movable part of the ornament by a predetermined angle.

[0134] When the user's emotion is a happy emotion, the control unit may make the expression of the cat on the screen a smiling face and move the cat ears, which are ornaments, up and down for a predetermined time. When the user's emotion is a sad emotion, the control unit may make the expression of the cat on the screen a depressed expression and bend the cat ears, which are ornaments.

[0135] The control unit may determine whether the user is surprised based on the heartbeat, etc. In this case, for example, when the control unit determines that the user is not surprised, it makes the cat ears, which are ornaments, into a slightly bent shape. Also, when the control unit determines that the user is surprised, it makes the cat ears, which are ornaments, stand up more than when the user is not surprised.

[0136] Also, when the user's fatigue level is less than the first threshold value, the control unit may make the illumination color of the ornament a warm color and rotate and stop the movable part of the ornament at regular time intervals. Also, when the user's fatigue level is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit may rotate the movable part of the ornament at a speed slower than when it is determined that the fatigue level is less than the first threshold value.

[0137] The control unit may control the display unit and the ornament based on the voice information acquired as biological information. For example, when the control unit determines based on the voice information that the conversation is lively, it may display a character with a smiling expression on the screen and rotate the movable part of the ornament.

[0138] The display unit may be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may also be a room mirror capable of displaying an image.

[0139] The movement of the ornament based on the signal from the touch sensor is not limited to rotation or vertical movement, and may be a bending or straightening movement such as bending or straightening, or a movement in a direction other than the vertical direction.

[0140] The ornament may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The ornament may be operable by an operation input unit such as a seat, a door, or a navigation.

[0141] The control unit may notify biometric information by blinking the illumination of the ornament. For example, the control unit may decrease the blinking interval of the illumination as the user's fatigue level increases (or as the physical condition deteriorates).

[0142] The control unit may notify biometric information by the intensity of the light of the illumination. For example, the control unit may increase the light of the illumination as the user's fatigue level increases (or as the physical condition deteriorates).

[0143] The collision warning may be performed by sound or illumination. For example, when the control unit predicts a collision, the control unit may change the color of the illumination to red and issue a message "Collision predicted" by voice and display on the screen. Also, when the control unit predicts a collision, the control unit may rotate the ornament that emits light in red. In this case, since the movement of the ornament is more prominent, it is easier for the user to notice.

[0144] When the ornament protrudes upward from the headrest, the control unit may limit the operation of moving the movable part of the ornament up and down according to the angle of the seat back. For example, when the reclining angle, which is the angle formed by the seat surface of the seat cushion and the seat surface of the seat back, is equal to or less than a predetermined angle, that is, when the seat back is upright, the control unit does not limit the operation of moving the movable part of the ornament up and down. When the reclining angle is greater than the predetermined angle, that is, when the seat back is reclined, even if the conditions for moving the movable part of the ornament up and down are satisfied, the control unit does not move the movable part up and down. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movable part from hitting a person sitting in the rear seat due to the up and down movement of the movable part of the ornament. Note that when the reclining angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may make the expression of the character on the screen an anxious expression.

[0145] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, and may be other vehicles such as motorcycles, trains, etc.

[0146] Examples of the method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods. A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system, comprising an interior member disposed in a vehicle, an ornament provided on the interior member, an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit, wherein the control unit operates the electric device based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the ornament, the method comprising: a step of attaching the ornament to the interior member; a step of attaching the sensor at a position where the biometric information of the user can be detected; and a step of connecting the electric device and the sensor to the control unit.

[0147] Each element described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0148] 1 Vehicle interior system 10 Seat 20 Ornament 23 Winch 50 Control Unit 61 Heartbeat Sensor 62 Respiration Sensor C Vehicle

Claims

1. A seat disposed inside a vehicle, the seat comprising a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, a decorative article protruding from the seat, the decorative article being provided on the seat back or the headrest, an electric device for changing the shape of the decorative article, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit, wherein the vehicle interior system is characterized in that the control unit operates the electric device based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the decorative article, and restricts the operation of the decorative article when a reclining angle, which is an angle formed by the seating surface of the seat cushion and the seating surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle.

2. further comprising a display unit, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, an image indicating the biological state of the user based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 1.

3. the control unit is capable of displaying a character image on the display unit, changes the character image based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, and also changes the character image even when a reclining angle, which is an angle formed by the seating surface of the seat cushion and the seating surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 2.

4. the decorative article has a touch sensor that outputs a signal when touched by the user, wherein the control unit moves the decorative article based on the signal from the touch sensor, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 1.

5. the control unit changes the number of operations of the decorative article per predetermined time based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 1.

6. the decorative article has lighting, wherein the control unit turns on the lighting based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 1.

7. the decorative article has a shape imitating a part of an animal's body, according to the vehicle interior system described in Claim 1.

8. A seat disposed inside a vehicle, the seat comprising a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, a decorative article protruding from the seat, the decorative article being provided on the seat back or the headrest, An electric device for changing the shape of the ornament, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control device for controlling an in-vehicle interior system, operates the electric device based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the ornament, When the reclining angle, which is the angle formed by the seating surface of the seat cushion and the seating surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle, the operation of the ornament is restricted. The control device is characterized by this.

9. A seat disposed inside a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, an ornament protruding from the seat, the ornament being provided on the seat back or the headrest, an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit, and an in-vehicle interior system, wherein the control unit, operates the electric device based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the ornament, restricts the operation of the ornament according to the angle of the seat back, the headrest has a recess into which the ornament fits, the ornament is detachable from the headrest and two of them are provided on the seat, the two ornaments are arranged at intervals left and right and are each deformable into a first shape extending in one direction and a bent second shape, wherein the control unit, estimates the degree of fatigue from the biometric information acquired from the sensor, when the degree of fatigue is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, deforms one side of the ornament from the first shape to the second shape, when the degree of fatigue is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, deforms the left and right ornaments from the first shape to the second shape. The in-vehicle interior system is characterized by this.

10. A seat disposed inside a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, an ornament protruding from the seat, the ornament being provided on the seat back or the headrest, an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, and a control unit, and an in-vehicle interior system, wherein the control unit, operates the electric device based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the ornament, restricts the operation of the ornament according to the angle of the seat back, the ornament is, provided on the headrest, protruding upward from the headrest, a deformable movable part, an electric member for moving the movable part up and down, and when the reclining angle, which is the angle formed by the seating surface of the seat cushion and the seating surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle, the control unit does not move the movable part up and down. A vehicle interior system characterized by this.

11. A seat disposed inside a vehicle, comprising a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, a decorative item protruding from the seat, the decorative item being provided on the seat back or the headrest, an electric device for changing the shape of the decorative item, a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user, a vehicle interior system comprising a control unit, the control unit, based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, operates the electric device to change the shape of the decorative item, limits the operation of the decorative item according to the angle of the seat back, when predicting a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, prohibits the change in the shape of the decorative item based on biometric information, and warns of the vehicle collision by moving the decorative item before the vehicle collision. A vehicle interior system characterized by this.

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