Seat Experience System

Abstract

To provide a seat experience system that allows an experience on a seat to be acquired by a rich physical feeling.SOLUTION: A seat experience system includes: a seat body having a seat cushion S1 and a seat back; sensors (pressure sensors 22R, 23R, 22L and 23L) provided in the seat body for acquiring a measurement value for detecting a motion of a user sitting on the seat body; an actuator (air cells 40R and 40L) provided in the seat body for moving a sitting surface 15 of the seat body with which the user comes in contact; and a control part 31 connected to the sensors so as to acquire the measurement value from the sensors. The control part 31 moves the sitting surface 15 by moving the actuator on condition that the user takes a predetermined posture, or the measurement value acquired by the sensors changes or does not change when an instruction to take a predetermined motion is given.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat experience system having a sensor for detecting a user's movement.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as devices for providing experiences using seats with sensors, there are known devices for experiencing proper sitting postures (Patent Document 1), devices for experiencing leg-lifting movements (Patent Document 2), and devices for experiencing a 100-meter dash game (Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in conventional seat experience systems, the results of movements on the seat or the like could only be known by the display on the display and sounds.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat experience system capable of obtaining an experience on the seat with a rich sense of touch.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The seat experience system for solving the above problems includes a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back, a sensor provided on the seat body for acquiring measurement values for detecting the actions of a user sitting on the seat body, an actuator provided on the seat body for moving the seating surface of the seat body that the user touches, and a control unit connected to the sensor so as to be able to acquire measurement values from the sensor. The control unit is characterized in that it moves the actuator to move the seating surface on the condition that the user takes a predetermined posture or performs a predetermined action, and the measurement values acquired by the sensor change or do not change.

[0007] According to such a configuration, since the seating surface is moved by the actuator based on the fact that the measurement values change or do not change, the user can experience the seat experience system with a rich physical feeling received from the seat body.

[0008] Moving the seating surface can include at least one of moving the surface of the seat body toward the user, moving it away from the user, and vibrating it.

[0009] The sensor is a pressure sensor capable of acquiring pressure, and at least one pair is provided side by side on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back. The actuator may be provided with at least one pair side by side on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back, and each may be configured to be able to move the seating surface forward and backward. The control unit instructs the user to sit on the seat body with a balanced left-right balance. When the difference in pressure acquired by the left and right sensors exceeds a threshold value, the actuator is moved to push out the seating surface with a lower pressure measured by the sensor or retract the seating surface with a higher pressure among the left and right seating surfaces, so that the seating surface can be tilted left and right.

[0010] According to such a configuration, the seating surface can be moved according to the balance of the load on the seating surface when sitting on the seat body, and an experience using the left-right balance can be realized.

[0011] The seat experience system can further include a display. Then, the control unit can display an image of an object moving forward on the display, and when the seating surface is tilted to the left or right, the object on the display can be tilted to the same side as the tilt of the seating surface.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the display can also be used to more realistically experience the seat.

[0013] When the seating surface is tilted to the left or right, if the pressure obtained by the sensor corresponding to the protruding side of the seating surface among the left and right increases, the control unit can move the actuator to retract the protruding side of the seating surface, or push out the retracted side of the seating surface.

[0014] When the seating surface is not tilted to the left or right, the control unit may display the object on the display without tilting it to the left or right.

[0015] Also, when the seating surface is not tilted to the left or right, the control unit can move the object on the display forward.

[0016] When the control unit determines based on the measurement value of the sensor that the user is alternately moving the feet up and down left and right, the control unit can increase the forward speed of the object on the display.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, since the seating surface is moved by the actuator based on whether the measurement value changes or not, the user can experience the seat experience system with a rich physical feeling received from the seat body.

[0018] Further, when the difference in pressure acquired by the left and right sensors exceeds a threshold value, the control unit moves the actuator to push out the seating surface with the lower pressure measured by the sensor among the left and right seating surfaces, or retract the seating surface with the higher pressure, tilting the seating surface left and right. Therefore, it is possible to realize an experience that utilizes the balance of the load applied to the seating surface when sitting on the seat body.

[0019] Also, when the seating surface is tilted left and right, if an object on the display is tilted in the same side as the tilt of the seating surface, the display can be used in combination to experience the seat more realistically.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat experience system 1 of the present embodiment includes a seat S and a seat experience device 10. The seat S includes a seat body S10 and pressure sensors 21 to 26. The seat body S10 has a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. A plurality of pressure sensors 21 to 26 are provided under the skin of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2. The pressure sensors 21 to 26 are sensors for detecting the operations of the user on the seat body S10. Note that the "sensor" referred to in the present application includes a switch that switches ON and OFF signals.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion S1 includes a seat frame 11, a pad 12 covering the seat frame 11, and a skin 13 covering the pad 12. The pressure sensors 21 to 23 (in FIG. 2, the pressure sensor 22 or 23 is illustrated) are disposed between the pad 12 and the skin 13. The pad 12 has an upper surface at the left and right center portions of the seat cushion S1 that extends substantially horizontally to the left and right, and both left and right end portions that project toward the user side from the center portion. The upper surface of the skin 13 is a seating surface 15 that the user may touch. The seating surface 15 in the present embodiment includes a central portion 15C at the left and right center portions and both side portions 15R and 15L that project toward the user side from the central portion 15C.

[0023] Although illustration is omitted, the seat back S2 and the headrest S3 also have a seat frame, a pad, and a skin. The pressure sensors 24 to 26 are disposed between the pad and the skin of the seat back S2. Also, the seat back S2 has a seating surface at the central portion and a projecting seating surface at both side portions similar to the seat cushion S1.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 1, the pressure sensors 21 to 26 are disposed so as to be able to detect the state of the seating surface facing the user sitting on the seat body S10, and acquire the pressure values from the user sitting on the seat body S10.

[0025] Each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 is provided in pairs symmetrically with respect to the left and right centers of the seat S (arranged side by side on the left and right). In the following description and drawings, for the pressure sensors 21 to 26 arranged on the left side, an "L" is added to the end of the reference numeral, and for the pressure sensors 21 to 26 arranged on the right side, an "R" is added to the end of the reference numeral for distinction.

[0026] The seat cushion S1 is provided with pressure sensors 21 to 23. The pressure sensor 21 is located under the user's thigh and can measure the pressure value from the user's thigh.

[0027] The pressure sensor 22 and the pressure sensor 23 are for measuring the pressure from the user's buttocks. Note that since both the pressure sensor 22 and the pressure sensor 23 are for measuring the pressure from the user's buttocks, only one of them may be provided.

[0028] The pressure sensor 22 and the pressure sensor 23 are arranged far behind the pressure sensor 21. Specifically, the pressure sensor 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the user's ischium. At this position, the user's load is the greatest. The pressure sensor 22 is arranged slightly in front of the pressure sensor 23.

[0029] The seat back S2 is provided with pressure sensors 24 to 26. The pressure sensor 24 is provided at a position corresponding to the back of the user's waist.

[0030] The pressure sensor 25 is arranged slightly above the pressure sensor 24.

[0031] Both the pressure sensor 24 and the pressure sensor 25 are for measuring the pressure from the user's waist, and only one of them may be provided.

[0032] The pressure sensor 26 is arranged significantly higher than the pressure sensors 24 and 25. The pressure sensor 26 is positioned corresponding to the user's shoulder and can measure the pressure value from the user's shoulder.

[0033] In this embodiment, the seat experience system 1 is assumed to provide a tightrope-walking game using each of the pressure sensors 21 to 23. In this embodiment, each of the pressure sensors 21 to 23 is an example of a sensor that acquires measurement values for detecting the actions of a user sitting on the seat body S10. The tightrope-walking game is a so-called simulation game in which an actual tightrope-walking experience can be simulated, and the goal is to cross a rope of a predetermined length within a predetermined time limit. The game progresses with a view from above of a person walking on a tightrope, as an example of a moving object.

[0034] The seat experience device 10 includes an ECU 100 (electronic control unit) and a terminal 30. The terminal 30 has a control unit 31. The ECU 100 is connected to a short-range communication device 3A that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The ECU 100 is also connected to the pressure sensors 21 to 26. In this embodiment, the ECU 100 and the short-range communication device 3A are provided on the seat body S10.

[0035] The ECU 100 and the control unit 31 have a control unit composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc., which are not shown, and execute a program stored in advance. The ECU 100 has a function of transmitting the measurement values acquired from each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 to the control unit 31 via the short-range communication device 3A. That is, the control unit 31 is connected to the pressure sensors 21 to 26 so as to be able to acquire the measurement values from the pressure sensors 21 to 26.

[0036] The terminal 30 further includes a display DSP as a screen. Here, the display DSP is a touch panel, and the user can perform operations such as starting a game by operating the buttons displayed on the display DSP. The control unit 31 of the terminal 30 functions as each means for executing a tightrope game by operating according to a program. In the following description, the functions and operations of the "control unit 31 of the terminal 30" will be described simply as the functions and operations of the terminal 30.

[0037] The terminal 30 is arranged in front of the seat body S10 with the display DSP facing the seat body S10.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the seat cushion S1 has air cells 40R and 40L under the pad 12. The air cells 40R and 40L are bags that can expand by sending air therein, and are an example of an actuator provided in the seat body S10. The air cells 40R and 40L move the surface (seating surface 15) of the seat body S10 toward the user or away from the user. The seat frame 11 has a support portion 11S that supports the pad 12 below the central portion 15C of the seating surface 15. The support portion 11S is formed in a plate shape, and the air cells 40R and 40L are arranged between the pad 12 and the support portion 11S. The right air cell 40R is arranged under the right pressure sensors 22R and 23R. Also, the left air cell 40L is arranged under the left pressure sensors 22L and 23L. That is, a pair of air cells 40R and 40L are provided side by side on the left and right.

[0039] The seat body S10 further includes a pump 42 that sends air, hoses 44R and 44L that connect the pump 42 to the air cells 40R and 40L, and a valve unit VU that controls the feeding of air into the air cells 40R and 40L and the discharging of air from the air cells 40R and 40L, at appropriate locations such as under the seat cushion S1. The operations of the pump 42 and the valve unit VU are controlled by the control unit 31.

[0040] The hose 44L connects the pump 42 and the air cell 40L. The valve unit VU has, on the hose 44L, an inlet valve VL1 disposed between the pump 42 and the air cell 40L, and an outlet valve VL2 disposed in a passage that opens the air cell 40L to the atmosphere. When the inlet valve VL1 is opened and the outlet valve VL2 is closed while the pump 42 is operating, air is sent into the air cell 40L and it expands as shown in Fig. 2(b). As a result, the main central portion 15C of the seating surface 15 is pushed out toward the user. The seating surface 15 of the seat cushion S1 will be inclined to the right as a whole. On the other hand, when the pump 42 is stopped and the outlet valve VL2 is opened, air is discharged from the air cell 40L and the air cell 40L collapses as shown in Fig. 2(a). As a result, the left side of the seating surface 15 can be retracted to flatten the central portion 15C of the seating surface 15 left and right (hereinafter simply referred to as "the seating surface 15 is flat").

[0041] For the air cell 40R as well, a hose 44R, an inlet valve VR1, and an outlet valve VR2 are provided in the same manner as the air cell 40L. By expanding the air cell 40R, the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion S1 will be inclined to the left as a whole.

[0042] In this way, by moving the air cells 40R and 40L, it is possible to move the seating surface 15 of the seat body S10 that the user touches forward and backward with respect to the user and tilt the seating surface 15.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 is configured as follows as a main function in order to provide a tightrope game. The control unit 31 instructs the user to take a predetermined posture or perform a predetermined operation, and moves the seating surface 15 on the condition that the measured values (pressure values) acquired by the pressure sensors 21 to 23 change. In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 instructs the user to take a predetermined posture and sit on the seat body S10 with a balanced left and right balance. Also, as a predetermined operation for the user, the control unit 31 instructs the user to move the feet alternately.

[0044] Then, assuming that the pressure has changed, when the balance of the pressure changes from a state where the left - right balance is maintained to a state where the balance is broken, the air cells 40R and 40L are moved to move the seating surface 15. As specific conditions, the average value of the pressure sensors 22R and 23R located under the user's buttocks is defined as the pressure P1 of the right buttock R and the average value of the pressure sensors 22L and 23L is defined as the pressure P1 of the left buttock L Then, when the difference between the pressures P1 R obtained by the left - right pressure sensors 22R, 23R, 22L, and 23L and the pressure P1 L exceeds the threshold value P1th, the air cells 40R and 40L are moved.

[0045] P1 R and P1 L When the difference between them exceeds the threshold value P1th, if neither of the air cells 40R and 40L is pressurized, the control unit 31 pressurizes one of the left - right air cells 40R and 40L corresponding to the smaller of P1 R and P1 L to push out one side of the left - right seating surface 15. Thereby, the seating surface 15 can be tilted left - right. Then, the user is pushed up from the seating surface 15 of the seat cushion S1 and tilted by the tilted side.

[0046] P1 R and P1 L When the difference between them exceeds the threshold value P1th, if either of the air cells 40R and 40L is pressurized, the control unit 31 deflates the air cell 40R or 40L on the pressurized side if the pressure P1 on the pressurized side is greater than the other side. Thereby, the protruding side of the seating surface 15 can be retracted and flattened. That is, if the user applies more weight to the bulging side of the left - right seating surface 15 and less weight to the non - bulging side, one of the bulging air cells 40R and 40L will deflate and the seating surface 15 will become flat.

[0047] In addition, when the control unit 31 displays an image of a tightrope walker as an object moving forward on the display DSP, if the seating surface 15 is tilted to the left or right, the object on the display is tilted to the same side as the tilt of the seating surface 15. Further, when the seating surface 15 is not tilted to the left or right, the control unit 31 displays the person on the display DSP without tilting to the left or right.

[0048] In addition, when the seating surface 15 is not tilted to the left or right, the control unit 31 can move the object on the display DSP forward. Furthermore, when the control unit 31 determines that the user is moving their feet up and down alternately based on the measured values of the pressure sensors 21R and 21L (denoted as P2 R , P2 L respectively), the forward speed of the person in the display DSP is increased.

[0049] Next, an example of the processing of the control unit 31 will be described with reference to a flowchart. When the user launches an application for playing the tightrope game, the control unit 31 starts the processing shown in FIG. 3 (START). In this processing, the control unit 31 first determines whether it is in a communicable state with the seat S (S41).

[0050] If it is determined in step S41 that it is not in a communicable state (No), the control unit 31 ends this processing. If it is determined in step S41 that it is in a communicable state (Yes), the control unit 31 displays the start screen of the tightrope game (see FIG. 6(a)) on the display DSP (S42).

[0051] Note that on the start screen shown in FIG. 6(a), a start button B1 for starting the tightrope game and a button B2 for ending the tightrope game are displayed. Also, as instructions to the user, the characters "Sit well with good balance on both sides" and "You can move forward faster by moving your feet alternately" are described.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 3, after step S42, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the start button B1 has been selected (S43). If it is determined in step S43 that the start button B1 has been selected (Yes), the control unit 31 determines whether or not a flag F indicating that the standard posture setting mode in the tightrope walking game has already been executed in the past is 0 (S44).

[0053] Here, the standard posture setting mode is a mode in which the normal sitting posture of the user is set as the standard posture. In the standard posture setting mode, the control unit 31 acquires each pressure value in the standard posture of the user, and sets each standard pressure value serving as a reference for setting the threshold value P1th in the tightrope walking game from each pressure value.

[0054] If it is determined in step S44 that F≠0 (No), that is, if the standard posture setting mode has been executed in the past, the control unit 31 skips the standard posture setting mode (S45 to S47) and starts the tightrope walking game (S48). If it is determined in step S44 that F = 0 (Yes), that is, if the standard posture setting mode has never been executed in the past, the control unit 31 starts the standard posture setting mode (S45).

[0055] When the control unit 31 starts the standard posture setting mode, the screen shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed on the display DSP. In the screen of FIG. 6(b), a message "Please sit deeply on the seat. Attach your legs, buttocks, waist, back, and shoulders to the seat" and a countdown display indicating the time for acquiring pressure values from each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 are displayed. In the present embodiment, the number "16" indicating a 16-beat countdown is displayed as the countdown display at the start of the standard posture setting mode.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 31 sets the average value of the pressure values acquired by each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 as each standard pressure value at each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 (S46). Then, a value obtained by multiplying the average value of the standard pressure values of the pressure sensors 22R, 23R, 22L, and 23L by a predetermined coefficient is set as a threshold value P1th. Thereby, even for a user with a large body weight or a small user, when the balance between the left and right is disrupted in a similar manner, the air cells 40R and 40L are activated.

[0057] After step S46, the control unit 31 sets the flag F to 1 (S47) and starts the tightrope walking game (S48). In the tightrope walking game, the control unit 31 first displays the game screen shown in FIG. 7(a). In the game screen, a tightrope RP, a tree W, etc. are displayed. Here, the rope RP and the tree W are components that constitute the background, and move so as to flow below the display DSP according to the progress of the game so as to create an atmosphere where a person is virtually walking on a tightrope. Note that the processing in the tightrope walking game will be described in detail later.

[0058] When the tightrope walking game ends, the control unit 31 displays the start screen shown in FIG. 6(a). Returning to FIG. 3, after step S48, or when it is determined as No in step S43, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the button B2 for ending the tightrope walking game has been selected (S49). If it is determined in step S49 that the button B2 has not been selected (No), the control unit 31 returns to the process of step S42. If it is determined in step S49 that the button B2 has been selected (Yes), the control unit 31 ends this process.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, when starting the processing of the tightrope walking game, the control unit 31 first acquires pressure values from each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 (S101). In the tightrope walking game of this embodiment, the pressure values of the pressure sensors 21 to 23 of the seat cushion S1 are used, and the pressure values of the pressure sensors 24 to 26 of the seat back S2 are not used.

[0060] And the control unit 31 is P1R and P1 L Determine whether the absolute value of the difference from P1 is greater than the threshold value P1th (S102). If not (No), the pressure values P2 of the pressure sensors 21R and 21L R and P2 L Based on this, P2 R and P2 L are determined to see if they fluctuate alternately (S111). The control unit 31 checks P2 R and P2 L If it is determined that they do not fluctuate alternately (No), the person on the display DSP is moved forward at speed V1 (S112), and P2 R and P2 L If it is determined that they fluctuate alternately (Yes), the person on the display DSP is moved forward at a speed V2 greater than V1 (S113).

[0061] In step S102, the control unit 31 R and P1 L If it is determined that the absolute value of the difference is greater than the threshold value P1th (Yes), it is determined whether the right air cell 40R has been pressurized (S121). If it has been pressurized (Yes), proceed to step S151 in FIG. 5. Also, if the right air cell has not been pressurized (No), it is determined whether the left air cell 40L has been pressurized (S122). If the left air cell 40L has been pressurized (Yes), proceed to step S161 in FIG. 5. The processing in FIG. 5 will be described later. If neither the left air cell 40L has been pressurized (No), that is, when the seating surface 15 is flat, the control unit 31 R is P1 L Determine whether it is greater than P1 (S131). The control unit 31 checks P1 R is P1 L If it is greater (Yes), pressurize the left air cell 40L (S132) and display the person on the display DSP tilted to the right (S133). On the other hand, the control unit 31 R is P1 L If it is not greater (No), pressurize the right air cell 40R (S134) and display the person on the display DSP tilted to the left (S135).

[0062] After steps S112, S113, S133, and S135, the control unit 31 determines whether it has reached the goal by tightrope walking, that is, whether the distance advanced by tightrope walking has reached a predetermined value (S141). If it is determined that the goal has been reached (Yes), a goal screen is displayed (S142), and the game process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S141 that the goal has not been reached (the distance advanced by tightrope walking has not reached the predetermined value) (No), it is determined whether a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, has elapsed since the start of the game (S143). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the game (No), the process returns to step S101 and the process is repeated. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, the control unit 31 displays a game over screen (S144) and terminates the game process.

[0063] The flowchart of FIG. 5 is in a state where the seating surface 15 is already tilted, and P1 R and P1 L This is the process when the absolute value of the difference from is greater than the threshold value P1th (referred to as "the left - right deviation is large").

[0064] When the right air cell 40R is pressurized and the left - right deviation is large, in step S151, the control unit 31 determines whether P1 R is greater than P1 L If the control unit 31 determines that P1 R is greater than P1 L (Yes), the air in the right air cell 40R is released to decompress it (S152) to flatten the seating surface 15. The control unit 31 further displays on the display DSP without tilting the person (S153) and proceeds to step S141. Also, in step S151, if the control unit 31 determines that P1 R is not greater than P1 L (No), it proceeds to step S170 without decompressing the right air cell 40R.

[0065] On the other hand, when the left air cell 40L is pressurized and the left - right deviation is large, in step S161, the control unit 31 determines whether P1 R is less than P1 L The control unit 31...R is P1 L If it is smaller than P1 (Yes), the air in the left air cell 40L is released to reduce the pressure (S162), and the seating surface 15 is flattened. The control unit 31 further displays, on the display DSP, a person without tilting (S163), and proceeds to step S141. Also, in step S161, the control unit 31 determines P1 R is P1 L If it is not smaller than P1 (No), the left air cell 40R is not depressurized, and the process proceeds to step S170.

[0066] In step S170, the control unit 31 determines whether a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds, has elapsed after pressurizing the air cells 40R and 40L. If the control unit 31 determines that 3 seconds have elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S144 to display a game over screen. That is, if the seating surface 15 remains tilted for 3 seconds due to the user losing balance left and right, the game is over. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that 3 seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S141.

[0067] According to the above configuration, after the start of the tightrope walking game, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the control unit 31 flattens the seating surface 15 with both the air cells 40R and 40L in a deflated state, and displays a screen in which a person HM who is not tilted left and right walks on the rope RP, as shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0068] When the user sits with good left - right balance and the absolute value of the difference between P1 R and P1 L is not greater than the threshold value P1th, the seating surface 15 does not move, and on the display DSP, the background flows downward, so that the person HM walks on the rope RP at a speed V1. Also, when the user sits with good left - right balance, the absolute value of the difference between P1 R and P1 L is not greater than the threshold value P1th, and the user alternately raises the left and right feet, the seating surface 15 does not move, and on the display DSP, the background flows downward, so that the person HM walks on the rope RP at a speed V2.

[0069] When the seating surface 15 is in a flat state and the user loses balance to the right, the left air cell 40L expands, the seating surface 15 tilts to the right, and the person HM on the display DSP also tilts to the right. When the seating surface 15 is in a flat state and the user loses balance to the left, the right air cell 40R expands, the seating surface 15 tilts to the left, and the person HM on the display DSP also tilts to the left.

[0070] When the seating surface 15 is tilted to the right and the user applies weight to the left, the left air cell 40L deflates and the seating surface becomes flat. When the seating surface 15 is tilted to the left and the user applies weight to the right, the right air cell 40L deflates and the seating surface becomes flat.

[0071] And in other cases than these, the air cells 40R and 40L do not move. If it has advanced a predetermined distance, it becomes the goal, and if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, it becomes game over.

[0072] In such a seat experience system 1, when the user sits on the seat body S10 according to the instruction of the control unit 31 and loses balance left and right, the seating surface 15 tilts to emphasize the feeling of losing balance, so the user can really experience the feeling of losing balance. Also, since the seating surface 15 at the parts where the pressure sensors 22R, 23R, 22L, and 23L are located moves, it is also possible to give the user a feeling as if the seating surface 15 responds to the user's movements and postures.

[0073] Also, when the seating surface 15 is tilted left and right, the person HM on the display DSP is displayed tilted to the same side as the tilt of the seating surface 15 left and right. Therefore, by using the display of the display DSP together, the seat experience can be made more real.

[0074] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified and implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, a tightrope walking game was exemplified as the game provided by the control unit 31. However, this game may be, for example, an average platform game, a game of walking on a road, a game of driving a car on a road, a game of flying in the air, or the like. Further, in the above embodiment, only the sensor of the seat cushion S1 was used. However, only the sensor of the seat back S2 may be used, or sensors of both the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 may be used.

[0075] For example, when providing a bobsleigh game, the seat back S2 may be laid down, and both the sensors of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 may be used. Further, an actuator may be provided on the seat back S2.

[0076] Also, even in a tightrope walking or average platform game, only the sensor of the seat back S2 may be used without using the sensor of the seat cushion S1. In the case of a flying game in the air, by tilting the seating surface 15, the user can experience the floating feeling of flying in the air.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the actuator was moved based on the change in the measurement value of the sensor. However, the actuator may move based on the fact that the measurement value of the sensor does not change. For example, when the user is sitting steadily, the actuator may move the seating surface to make it difficult for the user to sit steadily.

[0078] Also, moving the seating surface by the actuator may be to vibrate the surface of the seat body. According to such a configuration, the seating surface of the seat body can be vibrated according to the development of the game, and the game can be experienced realistically. For example, in a game of driving a car, when the left - right balance is poor, the user may be made to feel vibrations as if feeling a rough road.

[0079] In the above embodiment, both air cells 40R and 40L were deflated during normal times, and the seating surface 15 was tilted by inflating one of the air cells 40R and 40L. However, during normal times, the seating surface 15 may be flattened left and right by inflating both air cells 40R and 40L, and the seating surface 15 may be tilted left and right by retracting the seating surface 15 on the side where the pressure of the air cells 40R and 40L is greater among the left and right seating surfaces 15. Further, in this case, when the pressure acquired by the sensor corresponding to the protruding seating surface 15 on either the left or the right increases while the seating surface 15 is tilted left and right, the air cells 40R and 40L may be moved to push out the retracted seating surface.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the air cells 40R and 40L were exemplified as the actuator, but the actuator may be one using a motor and a link mechanism, gears, etc. Further, it may be a solenoid actuator that pushes up the seating surface with a thud.

[0081] Further, the actuator may be arranged on the seat back or on the headrest.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the actuator was directly below the sensor, but it may be arranged offset from the sensor in the front-rear or left-right direction. Further, when the actuator is arranged on the seat back, the actuator may be arranged offset from the sensor in the up-down direction. As an example, the actuator may be arranged to move the both side portions 15R and 15L instead of moving the central portion 15C of the seating surface 15.

[0083] In the above embodiment, a pressure sensor was exemplified as the sensor, but the sensor may be other sensors such as a capacitance sensor, a light sensor, etc. Also, in the above embodiment, the operation of the actuator was determined using the pair of sensors of the pressure sensors 22R and 22L arranged side by side and the pressure sensors 23R and 23L. However, the operation of the actuator may be determined using only one of the pairs of sensors.

[0084] The object to be displayed on the display DSP in the tightrope-walking game is not limited to humans, and may be an animal or a vehicle.

[0085] Also, when the seat experience system 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the configuration may be such that the difficulty level is changed depending on the direction in which the seat faces. For example, when the seat body faces the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle, the difficulty level may be easier than when it faces the traveling direction. The difficulty level can be changed, for example, by increasing the forward speed of tightrope walking or by increasing the threshold value P1th.

[0086] The seat body of the seat experience system of the present application may be provided in a vehicle such as an automobile, or may be installed in a facility other than a vehicle or in a general household.

[0087] Also, the seat experience system may have various functions as follows. The seat experience system may be provided with a plurality of displays. The plurality of displays can be arranged, for example, in front of, on the left and right sides of, and behind the seat body. In this case, the seat may be used as a controller so that the switching of the displays can be operated. For example, the control unit may change the display according to the user's operation (transition the screen to advance the game), and the display to be controlled can be changed according to the measurement value from the sensor. As an example, when the weight is shifted to the right, the display on the right of the currently controlled display may be set as the subsequent control target, and when the weight is shifted to the left, the display on the left of the currently controlled display may be switched to be the subsequent control target. Further, when the seat body is installed so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis, the display located in front of the seat body may be configured to be the control target.

[0088] The seat experience system may be configured to propose post-experience services to the user by voice or display on the display according to the user's posture and movement during the experience of the seat experience system. For example, for users with stiff movements or violent movements, proposals such as massage, bathing, yoga lessons, etc. may be made.

[0089] The seat experience system may be configured to give points to the user (including both game scores and points with a monetary value that can be used in other services, etc., associated with the user's ID. The same applies hereinafter) according to the content of the experience and the user's posture and movement. These points may be used for services in various facilities, dining, etc.

[0090] The seat experience system may be configured by connecting a plurality of systems (systems each having a seat body and a control unit, etc.) so that they can communicate with each other. In this case, it is advisable to provide a server that collects information between the plurality of systems and transmits data and instructions to each system.

[0091] When multiple users sit on each system and experience the seat simultaneously, it may be configured to make a decision by majority vote based on the weight movement of the users. For example, applying weight to the right may be considered as Yes, and applying weight to the left may be considered as No, and the decision on whether to play the game one more time may be determined by this majority vote based on weight movement.

[0092] The seat experience system is desired to be enriched as entertainment. The seat experience system may include, as a device for inputting a signal to the control unit, not only a sensor provided on the seating surface of the seat body so as to be detectable, but also an input device provided on a member other than the seat body. Here, for example, the sensor provided on the seat body is referred to as the first controller, and the sensor provided on a member other than the seat body is referred to as the second controller.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, examples of the first controller provided on the seat body S10 include a sensor 110 provided on the seat cushion S1, a sensor 120 provided on the seat back S2, and a sensor 130 provided on the headrest S3. Note that the first controller provided on the seat body S10 also includes a sensor provided on a mat placed on the seat body. That is, the first controller only needs to have a sensor for acquiring seating information by sitting on the seat body S10.

[0094] Examples of the second controller include a push-button type hand-held controller 210 provided separately from the seat body S10, a sensor 220 provided on the armrest 225 of the room or vehicle, a sensor 230 provided on the table 235 of the room or vehicle, and a sensor 240 provided on a mat 245 arranged on the floor in front of the seat body S10. The table 235 may be a table provided on the back surface of the front seat when a plurality of seats are arranged in a front-rear manner.

[0095] Further, the control unit of the seat experience system may be configured to operate based on both the signal from the first controller and the signal from the second controller. According to this, since the control unit can obtain information different from the seating information due to the user sitting on the seat body S10 from the second controller, the operating characteristics of the control target to be operated by the control unit can be expanded.

[0096] For example, complex operating characteristics can be set for one control target. Also, it is possible to operate the first control target (for example, move the first character in the game) with the first controller and operate the second control target (for example, move the second character in the game) with the second controller.

[0097] Further, the operating characteristics of the control target based on the signal of the first controller and the operating characteristics of the control target based on the signal of the second controller may be different. For example, the first controller may be able to control the propulsion force and speed of the control target, and the second controller may be able to control the direction of the control target (such as left - right, up - down, front - back, the traveling direction such as jump, the front direction). Or, the moving amount, propulsion force, etc. of the control target by the first controller and the moving force, propulsion force, etc. of the control target by the second controller may be different. In this way, by changing the operating characteristics by the controller, the variations of the operation can be further expanded.

[0098] Also, when it is detected that at least one of the plurality of controllers is in an abnormal state, the control unit may limit the operation of the control target. The limitation here includes restricting the use of the seat experience system itself or restricting the execution of some of the plurality of applications executable on the seat experience system. Note that even if a part of the plurality of controllers is in an abnormal state, if the other controllers are not in an abnormal state, the control target may be operated by the other controllers. Also, it is preferable to display whether these controllers are normal or abnormal on a display or the like.

[0099] The seat experience system may include three or more controllers. For example, the controller provided on the seating surface of the seat body is defined as the first controller, and the plurality of controllers provided outside the seat body are defined as the second controller and the third controller. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the handheld controller 210 can be defined as the second controller, and the sensor 240 of the mat 245 can be defined as the third controller.

[0100] In this case, priorities may be assigned to the controllers. For example, the first controller has the highest priority, followed by the second controller, and then the third controller. Even when attempting to move the same controlled object, the controlled object may be moved based on the signal of the controller with the higher priority according to this priority order. Note that this priority order may be freely set by the user using a selection switch or the like.

[0101] It may be configured such that the points awarded by the used controller change. Also, when the number of controllers used is large, the points obtained by the seated person may be changed. For example, when only the first controller is used, 10 points are awarded; when the first controller and the second controller are used, 20 points are awarded; when the first controller and the third controller are used, 20 points are awarded; and when the first controller, the second controller, and the third controller are used, 30 points are awarded. The more controllers are used, the larger the points awarded may be increased.

[0102] The results of the game in the above-described seat experience system may be uploaded to the cloud. In this case, through the cloud, a world ranking or the like can be viewed. Also, one's own record can be stored in the cloud and reviewed later. Furthermore, the records of others can be viewed. Also, the records of oneself and others can be compared.

[0103] The above-described seat experience system can also be applied to an autonomous vehicle. In this case, it is advisable to set the seat experience system to be usable on the condition that it is during autonomous driving. Also, during the use of the seat experience system, it is advisable to restrict the use of the seat experience system before canceling the autonomous driving. In this case, in order not to suddenly impose the use restriction, the prior notice means may be activated to notify, by voice guidance or display guidance, that the use restriction will be imposed after a predetermined time.

[0104] Alternatively, the seat experience system may be set to be usable only when the vehicle is stopped. The determination of stopping may be made, for example, by whether the vehicle speed is 0 or the shift lever is in the parking range.

[0105] The control unit of the seat experience system may be able to acquire abnormalities in the external environment or the seat experience system itself. In this case, it is advisable to restrict the use of the seat experience system when an abnormality is acquired. Examples of abnormalities in the seat experience system itself include, for example, sensor abnormalities, harness abnormalities (disconnection), ECU abnormalities, communication abnormalities (including terminal abnormalities), abnormalities in temperature adjustment devices such as heaters and fans provided in the seat, abnormalities in actuators that move part or all of the seat, abnormalities in other sensors such as seat weight sensors and temperature sensors, and abnormalities regarding the remaining amount and usage status of consumables such as a low capacity of the fragrance used in the seat, and abnormalities in the seat control unit itself. Also, examples of abnormalities in the external environment include, for example, situations that are not desirable for running the application, such as another vehicle approaching, bad road conditions, high vehicle speed, an earthquake occurring, the destination being near, arriving at the destination, it being predicted that the game will not end until arriving at the destination, low remaining fuel, low remaining battery capacity, high temperature or humidity inside or outside the vehicle, etc.

[0106] The methods of imposing restrictions include methods of restricting by a single abnormality and methods of restricting by multiple abnormalities. The way of restriction can also be set in several levels. For example, at the first level, a message, voice, etc. are used to inform that it is preferable to stop using, at the second level, a message, voice, etc. are used to strongly propose prohibiting the use, and at the third level, the system is forcibly terminated.

[0107] In the above embodiment, as the terminal having a control unit, the terminal 30 installed in front of the seat S is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the terminal may be a portable terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. Further, the terminal may be a terminal provided on the seat and may be integrally provided with the seat. Further, the terminal may be a terminal constituting a car navigation system. Further, the control unit may be provided on the seat.

[0108] In addition, each element described in each of the embodiments and each modification described in this specification can be implemented in appropriate combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1 Seat experience system 10 Seat experience device 15 Sitting surface 21~26 Pressure sensor 30 Terminal 31 Control unit 40R,40L Air cell DSP Display S Seat S1 Seat cushion S2 Seat back S3 Headrest S10 Seat body

Claims

1. A seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back, a sensor provided on the seat body for acquiring measurement values for detecting the movements of a user sitting on the seat body, an actuator provided on the seat body, the actuator for moving the seating surface of the seat body that the user touches, a control unit connected to the sensor so as to be able to acquire the measurement values from the sensor, and a display, the seat experience system comprising: the sensor and the actuator are disposed opposite to each other with the pad of the seat body interposed therebetween, the control unit: displays an image of an object moving forward on the display, instructs the user to take a predetermined posture or perform a predetermined movement, and moves the actuator on the condition that the measurement value acquired by the sensor changes or does not change, moves the seating surface, moves the seating surface forward and backward, and tilts the seating surface, and when the seating surface is tilted to the left or right, the object on the display is tilted to the same side as the tilt of the seating surface. A seat experience system characterized by this.

2. The seat experience system according to claim 1, wherein moving the seating surface includes at least one of moving the surface of the seat body toward the user, moving it away from the user, and vibrating it.

3. The sensor is a pressure sensor capable of acquiring pressure, and at least a pair of the sensors are provided side by side on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back, the actuator is provided with at least a pair side by side on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back, and each is configured to be able to move the seating surface forward and backward, the control unit: instructs the user to sit on the seat body with a balanced left - right balance, and when the difference in pressure acquired by the pair of sensors exceeds a threshold value, moves the actuator to push out the seating surface with a lower pressure measured by the sensor or retract the seating surface with a higher pressure among the left and right seating surfaces, and tilt the seating surface to the left and right. The seat experience system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. When the control unit determines that the seating surface is tilted left and right and the pressure obtained by the sensor corresponding to the protruding seating surface on either the left or right side increases, the control unit moves the actuator to retract the protruding seating surface or push out the retracted seating surface. The seat experience system according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The control unit When the seating surface is not tilted left and right, the object on the display is displayed without tilting left and right. The seat experience system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. When the seating surface is not tilted left and right, the control unit moves the object on the display forward. The seat experience system according to claim 1 or claim 5, characterized in that.

7. When the control unit determines based on the measured value of the sensor that the user is alternately moving their feet up and down left and right, the control unit increases the forward speed of the object on the display. The seat experience system according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The seat cushion has a pad and a skin covering the pad of the seat cushion. The seat back has a pad and a skin covering the pad of the seat back. The seat experience system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.

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