Seat Experience System

Abstract

To provide a seat experience system which allows a user to manipulate manipulation targets on a screen of a terminal using a seat.SOLUTION: A seat experience system 1 is provided, comprising a seat body S10, a seat S having a plurality of sensors (pressure sensors 21-26) for acquiring information for detecting motions of a seated person sitting on the seat body S10, and a terminal (smartphone SP) with a screen (display DSP) configured to acquire the information from the sensors. The terminal modifies the speed of a manipulation target on the screen according to the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating experience system that includes a seat having a pressure sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a vehicle seat is known in which a plurality of pressure sensors are arranged on the seat to detect the seating posture of an occupant (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-65504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional vehicle seats only evaluate and indicate the driver's seating posture, which is problematic in that they cannot be used very effectively.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat experience system that allows users to operate objects on a terminal screen using the seat, in order to propose new value for seats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The seat experience system of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, comprises a seat body, a seat having a plurality of sensors that acquire information to detect the movements of an occupant sitting in the seat body, and a terminal that acquires information from the sensors and has a screen. The terminal changes the speed of the operation object on the screen based on the information.

[0007] With this configuration, the terminal changes the speed of the object being operated on the screen based on information obtained from the sensor, so that the object being operated on the terminal screen can be operated at a speed that is in line with the intentions of the occupant in accordance with the movements of the occupant in the seat.

[0008] The sensor may be a pressure sensor that acquires a pressure value from a seated occupant, and the terminal may change the speed of the operation object on the screen based on the pressure value.

[0009] The terminal may also increase the speed of the operation object as the pressure value increases.

[0010] The terminal may also decrease the speed of the operation object as the pressure value increases.

[0011] The pressure sensors may be first pressure sensors that output a first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a forward leaning posture with weight put forward more than the standard posture, and output a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a backward leaning posture with weight put behind more than the standard posture, or output a second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a first low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a forward leaning posture with weight put forward more than the standard posture. The terminal may be provided with a second pressure sensor that outputs a second low pressure value and outputs a second high pressure value that is greater than the second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is a backward leaning posture in which the weight is placed further back than the standard posture, and when the terminal acquires the first high pressure value from the first pressure sensor or the second low pressure value from the second pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is the forward leaning posture, and the larger the first high pressure value when the posture is determined to be the forward leaning posture, or the smaller the second low pressure value when the posture is determined to be the forward leaning posture, the faster the moving speed of the operation object toward the top of the screen.

[0012] The pressure sensors may be first pressure sensors that output a first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a forward leaning posture with weight put forward more than the standard posture, and output a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a backward leaning posture with weight put behind more than the standard posture, or output a second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a first low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a forward leaning posture with weight put forward more than the standard posture. The terminal may be provided with a second pressure sensor that outputs a second low pressure value and outputs a second high pressure value that is greater than the second standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is a backward leaning posture in which the occupant's weight is placed further back than the standard posture, and when the terminal acquires the first low pressure value from the first pressure sensor or the second high pressure value from the second pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is the backward leaning posture, and the smaller the first low pressure value when the posture is determined to be the backward leaning posture, or the larger the second high pressure value when the posture is determined to be the backward leaning posture, the greater the moving speed of the operation object toward the bottom of the screen.

[0013] Further, the plurality of pressure sensors may be third pressure sensors that output a third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a third high pressure value that is greater than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, and output a third low pressure value that is smaller than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, or third pressure sensors that output a fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a third low pressure value that is smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture. The terminal may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth low pressure value and outputs a fourth high pressure value that is greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, and when the terminal acquires the third high pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth low pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is the left-leaning posture, and may increase the moving speed of the operation object toward the left of the screen as the third high pressure value increases when the left-leaning posture is determined, or as the fourth low pressure value decreases when the left-leaning posture is determined.

[0014] The plurality of pressure sensors may be third pressure sensors that output a third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a third high pressure value that is greater than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, and output a third low pressure value that is smaller than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, or third pressure sensors that output a fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a fourth low pressure value that is smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture. The terminal may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a low pressure value and outputs a fourth high pressure value that is greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, and when the terminal acquires the third low pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth high pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is the right-leaning posture, and may increase the moving speed of the operation object toward the right of the screen as the third low pressure value when the posture is determined to be the right-leaning posture is smaller or the fourth high pressure value when the posture is determined to be the right-leaning posture is larger.

[0015] In addition, the multiple pressure sensors may include a fifth pressure sensor that receives load from the right leg of the seated occupant, the operation object may be a moving object moving against a background displayed on the screen, and the terminal may increase the forward movement speed of the moving object as the pressure value obtained from the fifth pressure sensor becomes larger.

[0016] In addition, the multiple pressure sensors may include a sixth pressure sensor that receives load from the left leg of the seated occupant, the operation object may be a moving object moving against a background displayed on the screen, and the terminal may reduce the forward movement speed of the moving object as the pressure value obtained from the sixth pressure sensor becomes larger.

[0017] Further, the plurality of pressure sensors may be third pressure sensors that output a third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a third high pressure value that is greater than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, and output a third low pressure value that is smaller than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, or third pressure sensors that output a fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a fourth low pressure value that is smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, The terminal may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth high pressure value that is greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, and the operation target is a moving body moving against a background displayed on the screen, and when the terminal acquires the third high pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth low pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the occupant's posture is the left-leaning posture, and the larger the third high pressure value when the left-leaning posture is determined, or the smaller the fourth low pressure value when the left-leaning posture is determined, the greater the left-turning speed of the moving body.

[0018] Further, the plurality of pressure sensors may be third pressure sensors that output a third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, output a third high pressure value that is greater than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, and output a third low pressure value that is smaller than the third standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, or third pressure sensors that output a fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a standard posture, and output a fourth low pressure value that is smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the posture of the seated occupant is in a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, The terminal may be provided with a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth high pressure value that is greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture, and the operation target is a moving body moving against a background displayed on the screen. When the terminal acquires the third low pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth high pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor, the terminal may determine that the occupant's posture is the right-leaning posture, and the smaller the third low pressure value when the right-leaning posture is determined, or the larger the fourth high pressure value when the right-leaning posture is determined, the greater the right-leaning speed of the moving body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the control unit changes the speed of the object to be operated on the screen based on information obtained from the sensor, so that the object to be operated on the terminal screen can be operated at a speed that is in line with the intentions of the occupant in accordance with the movements of the occupant in the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a seat experience system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a command setting process. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a process when an electric shock maze game is executed. [Figure 4]FIG. 1(a) shows the start screen, and FIG. 1(b) shows the screen for setting the standard posture. [Figure 5] FIG. 1(a) shows a screen for selecting a level, and FIG. 1(b) shows a screen during the electric shock maze game. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen during a car racing game. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the command setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat experience system 1 of this embodiment includes a seat S and a seat experience device 10. The seat S comprises a seat body S10 and pressure sensors 21 to 26. The seat body S10 is, for example, a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle such as a car, and includes a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. The seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 are provided with a plurality of pressure sensors 21 to 26 under their surfaces. The pressure sensors 21 to 26 are sensors for detecting the movement of an occupant sitting in the seat body S10.

[0022] The pressure sensors 21-26 are arranged so as to be able to detect the state of the seat surface facing the occupant seated in the seat body S10, and acquire pressure values ​​from the occupant sitting in the seat body S10. The ECU (electronic control unit) 100 is a device that controls the operation of the seat body S10 (for example, a motor for an electric reclining mechanism and a heater, not shown), and is connected to the pressure sensors 21-26 so as to be able to acquire measured values ​​from each of the pressure sensors 21-26.

[0023] Each of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 is provided in pairs symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the seat S. In the following description and drawings, the pressure sensors 21 to 26 arranged on the left side are sometimes distinguished by adding "L" to the end of their reference numerals, and the pressure sensors 21 to 26 arranged on the right side are sometimes distinguished by adding "R" to the end of their reference numerals.

[0024] The seat cushion S1 is provided with pressure sensors 21 to 23. The pressure sensor 21 is provided at a position corresponding to the lowest part of the seated occupant's ischial bones, where the weight of the seated occupant is greatest.

[0025] Pressure sensor 22 is located slightly in front of pressure sensor 21 .

[0026] Both the pressure sensor 21 and the pressure sensor 22 are for measuring pressure from the buttocks of a seated person, and only one of them may be provided.

[0027] Pressure sensor 23 is disposed far forward from pressure sensors 21 and 22. Pressure sensor 23 is located under the thighs of the seated occupant and is capable of measuring pressure values ​​from the thighs of the seated occupant.

[0028] 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 seated occupant.

[0029] Pressure sensor 25 is located slightly above pressure sensor 24 .

[0030] Both the pressure sensor 24 and the pressure sensor 25 are for measuring pressure from the lower back of a seated person, and only one of them may be provided.

[0031] The pressure sensor 26 is disposed above and spaced apart from the pressure sensors 24 and 25. The pressure sensor 26 is positioned corresponding to the shoulders of the seated occupant, and is capable of measuring pressure values ​​from the shoulders of the seated occupant.

[0032] In this embodiment, the seat experience system 1 provides an electric shock maze game using the pressure sensors 21 to 26. In this embodiment, the pressure sensors 21 to 26 are an example of sensors that acquire measurements to detect the movement of an occupant sitting in the seat body S10. The electric shock maze game is a game in which the occupant sitting in the seat body S10 moves an operation icon IC (see FIG. 5(b)) displayed on a display DSP, which is the screen of a smartphone SP, to the goal without touching the walls W that make up the maze.

[0033] The seat body S10 is provided with a holder 4 for holding a smartphone SP. The holder 4 is formed by bending a wire, one end of which is fixed to the seat back S2, and the other end of which is provided with a fixing portion 4A for fixing the smartphone SP. By fixing the smartphone SP to the fixing portion 4A, the seated person can view the display DSP of the smartphone SP without holding the smartphone SP in their hands. This allows the seated person to use their entire body to operate the operation icons IC in the electric shock maze game while looking at the display DSP.

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

[0035] The ECU 100 and the smartphone SP each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and execute pre-stored programs. The smartphone SP also includes a display DSP. The smartphone SP operates according to the program to function as each means for executing the electric shock maze game.

[0036] The ECU 100 has a function of transmitting the measurement values ​​acquired from each of the pressure sensors 21-26 to the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3A. The smartphone SP has a function of acquiring measurement values ​​from each of the pressure sensors 21-26 via the ECU 100 and the like, and operating an object to be operated on the display DSP based on the measurement values. More specifically, the smartphone SP sets a command for operating the object to be operated based on the information acquired from each of the pressure sensors 21-26, and operates the object to be operated on the display DSP of the smartphone SP based on the set command. The smartphone SP also changes the speed of the object to be operated based on the information acquired from each of the pressure sensors 21-26.

[0037] Specifically, the smartphone SP can determine whether the posture of the seated person is a forward leaning posture with weight shifted forward relative to the standard posture, or a backward leaning posture with weight shifted rearward relative to the standard posture, based on the measured values ​​from the pressure sensors 21 to 26. Also, the smartphone SP can determine whether the posture of the seated person is a left leaning posture with weight shifted leftward relative to the standard posture, or a right leaning posture with weight shifted rightward relative to the standard posture, based on the measured values ​​from the pressure sensors 21 to 26.

[0038] The smartphone SP determines whether the seated occupant is in a forward-leaning position based on measurements obtained from two pressure sensors 23 (hereinafter also referred to as "front cushion sensors SE1") arranged on the front side of the seat cushion S1. Here, the front cushion sensor SE1 is an example of a first sensor, and outputs a first standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a standard position, a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a forward-leaning position, and a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a backward-leaning position.

[0039] Here, the first standard pressure value is a value with a certain range. More specifically, during the process of setting a standard posture in the electric maze game described below, i.e., during calibration, the first standard pressure value is a value that falls within a standard range with margins on both the positive and negative sides of the value output from the pressure sensor 23. The first high pressure value is a value that is larger than the standard range, and the first low pressure value is a value that is smaller than the standard range. The same applies to other standard pressure values, high pressure values, and low pressure values ​​(e.g., second standard pressure value, second high pressure value, second low pressure value) described below.

[0040] When the smartphone SP acquires a first high pressure value from the front cushion sensor SE1, it determines that the seated occupant is in a forward leaning posture. In this embodiment, the pressure value acquired from the front cushion sensor SE1 is the larger of the measurement values ​​acquired from the multiple front cushion sensors SE1. The pressure value acquired from the front cushion sensor SE1 may be, for example, an average value of multiple measurement values ​​acquired from the multiple front cushion sensors SE1. The same applies to pressure values ​​acquired from other sensors (for example, the rear cushion sensor SE2) described later.

[0041] The smartphone SP determines whether the seated occupant is in a backward leaning position based on measurements obtained from two pressure sensors 21 (hereinafter also referred to as "rear cushion sensors SE2") arranged on the rear side of the seat cushion S1. Here, the rear cushion sensor SE2 is an example of a second sensor, and outputs a second standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a standard position, outputs a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a forward leaning position, and outputs a second high pressure value larger than the second standard pressure value when the seated occupant is in a backward leaning position. When the smartphone SP obtains the second high pressure value from the rear cushion sensor SE2, it determines that the seated occupant is in a backward leaning position.

[0042] The smartphone SP determines whether the seat occupant is leaning left based on measurements acquired from three pressure sensors 24L, 25L, and 26L (hereinafter also referred to as the "left back sensor SE3") arranged on the left side of the seat back S2. Here, the left back sensor SE3 is an example of a third sensor, and outputs a third standard pressure value when the seat occupant is in a standard position, a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the seat occupant is leaning left, and a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the seat occupant is leaning right. When the smartphone SP acquires the third high pressure value from the left back sensor SE3, it determines that the seat occupant is leaning left.

[0043] Here, the left leaning posture refers to a posture in which the center of gravity of the seated person is shifted to the left of the center of the body, including, for example, a posture in which the seated person twists their body to the left. The same applies to the right leaning posture described below, and the right leaning posture refers to a posture in which the center of gravity of the seated person is shifted to the right of the center of the body, including, for example, a posture in which the seated person twists their body to the right.

[0044] The smartphone SP determines whether the seat occupant is leaning right based on measurements acquired from three pressure sensors 24R, 25R, and 26R (hereinafter also referred to as the "right back sensor SE4") arranged on the right side of the seat back S2. Here, the right back sensor SE4 is an example of a fourth sensor, and outputs a fourth standard pressure value when the seat occupant is in a standard position, a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the seat occupant is leaning left, and a fourth high pressure value larger than the fourth standard pressure value when the seat occupant is leaning right. When the smartphone SP acquires the fourth high pressure value from the right back sensor SE4, it determines that the seat occupant is leaning right.

[0045] The smartphone SP sets a first command when it determines that it is leaning forward, and a second command when it determines that it is leaning backward. The smartphone SP also sets a third command when it determines that it is leaning left, and a fourth command when it determines that it is leaning right.

[0046] Each command is an instruction to move an object in an electric shock maze game executed on the display DSP of the smartphone SP. Specifically, the first command is a command indicating that an upward operation has been performed on the object on the display DSP. The second command is a command indicating that a downward operation has been performed on the object on the display DSP. The third command is a command indicating that a leftward operation has been performed on the object on the display DSP. The fourth command is a command indicating that a rightward operation has been performed on the object on the display DSP. In the following description, the first command is also referred to as an "up command," the second command as a "down command," the third command as a "left command," and the fourth command as a "right command."

[0047] When the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is in a forward-leaning posture, the smartphone SP increases the speed at which the target moves upward on the screen, the greater the first high pressure value at the time of determining the forward-leaning posture.When the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is in a backward-leaning posture, the smartphone SP increases the speed at which the target moves downward on the screen, the greater the second high pressure value at the time of determining the backward-leaning posture.

[0048] When the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is tilted left, the larger the third high pressure value when the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is tilted left, the faster the screen of the operation target moves leftward.When the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is tilted right, the larger the fourth high pressure value when the smartphone SP determines that the smartphone is tilted right, the faster the screen of the operation target moves rightward.

[0049] The smartphone SP has a function of moving an operation object in the electric shock maze game based on the set command and movement speed. Here, the operation object in the electric shock maze game is a cursor CS for selecting a level on the screen for selecting a level (difficulty level) in the electric shock maze game shown in Fig. 5(a), and is an operation icon IC on the screen during execution of the electric shock maze game (hereinafter also referred to as the "game screen") shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0050] When the smartphone SP is displaying the level selection screen, it moves the cursor CS to the bottom of the screen when it receives a down command from the seat S, and moves the cursor CS to the top of the screen when it receives an up command from the seat S. At this time, the smartphone SP changes the movement speed of the cursor CS depending on the magnitude of the pressure value.

[0051] The game screen displays an operation icon IC, walls W that make up the maze, and a life gauge LG that decreases each time the operation icon IC touches a wall W. While the electric shock maze game is being played, the smartphone SP moves the operation icon IC in a direction according to the command, and changes the movement speed of the operation icon IC according to the magnitude of the pressure value.

[0052] Next, the operation of the smartphone SP will be described in detail. The smartphone SP constantly and repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 2 while the electric shock maze game is being played.

[0053] 2, the smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​from the sensors SE1 to SE4 (S11). After step S11, the smartphone SP determines whether the third detection value acquired from the left rear sensor SE3 is greater than the third standard pressure value, i.e., whether it is a third high pressure value (S12).

[0054] If it is determined in step S12 that the third detection value is greater than the third standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning left (S13). After step S13, the smartphone SP sets a left command as the third command (S14).

[0055] After step S14, the smartphone SP sets the moving speed of the operation icon IC to the left on the screen to be faster as the third detection value when it is determined that the smartphone SP is tilted left (S15), and ends this process.

[0056] If it is determined in step S12 that the third detection value is not greater than the third standard pressure value (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the fourth detection value obtained from the right rear sensor SE4 is greater than the fourth standard pressure value, i.e., whether it is a fourth high pressure value (S16).

[0057] If it is determined in step S16 that the fourth detection value is greater than the fourth standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the seated occupant is leaning right (S17). After step S17, the smartphone SP sets a right command as the fourth command (S18).

[0058] After step S18, the smartphone SP sets the moving speed of the operation icon IC to the right on the screen to be faster as the fourth detection value when it is determined that the smartphone SP is tilted right is larger (S19), and ends this process.

[0059] If it is determined in step S16 that the fourth detection value is not greater than the fourth standard pressure value (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the first detection value obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1 is greater than the first standard pressure value, i.e., whether it is the first high pressure value (S20).

[0060] If it is determined in step S20 that the first detection value is greater than the first standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning forward (S21). After step S21, the smartphone SP sets an up command as the first command (S22).

[0061] After step S22, the smartphone SP sets a speed at which the operation icon IC moves upward on the screen to be larger the larger the first detection value when it is determined that the smartphone SP is in a forward leaning posture (S23), and ends this process.

[0062] If it is determined in step S20 that the first detection value is not greater than the first standard pressure value (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the second detection value obtained from the rear cushion sensor SE2 is greater than the second standard pressure value, i.e., whether it is a second high pressure value (S24).

[0063] If it is determined in step S24 that the second detection value is greater than the second standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning backward (S25). After step S25, the smartphone SP sets a down command as the second command (S26).

[0064] After step S26, the smartphone SP sets the moving speed of the operation icon IC toward the bottom of the screen to be faster the larger the second detection value when it is determined that the smartphone SP is in a backward tilted posture (S27), and ends this process. If it is determined in step S24 that the second detection value is not larger than the second standard pressure value (No), the smartphone SP ends this process.

[0065] When a seated person launches an application for playing the electric shock maze game, the smartphone SP starts the process shown in Fig. 3 (START). In this process, the smartphone SP first determines whether it is in a state where it can communicate with the seat S (S41).

[0066] If it is determined in step S41 that the smartphone SP is not in a state where communication is possible (No), the smartphone SP ends this process. If it is determined in step S41 that the smartphone SP is in a state where communication is possible (Yes), the smartphone SP displays the start screen of the electric shock maze game (see FIG. 4(a)) on the display DSP (S42).

[0067] The start screen shown in FIG. 4(a) displays a start button B1 for starting the electric shock maze game and a button B2 for ending the electric shock maze game.

[0068] After step S42, the smartphone SP determines whether 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 smartphone SP determines whether the flag F, which indicates whether the standard posture setting mode in the electric shock maze game has already been executed in the past, is 0 (S44).

[0069] Here, the standard posture setting mode is a mode in which the seated person's normal seated posture is set as the standard posture. In the standard posture setting mode, the smartphone SP acquires each pressure value in the seated person's standard posture and sets each standard pressure value for setting each command in the electric shock maze game from each pressure value. The smartphone SP executes the process of FIG. 2 described above based on each standard pressure value set in the standard posture setting mode.

[0070] If it is determined in step S44 that F=0 is not true (No), that is, if the standard posture setting mode has been executed in the past, the smartphone SP skips the standard posture setting mode (S45 to S47) and starts the electric shock maze game (S48). If it is determined in step S44 that F=0 is true (Yes), that is, if the standard posture setting mode has never been executed in the past, the smartphone SP starts the standard posture setting mode (S45).

[0071] When the smartphone SP starts the standard posture setting mode, the screen shown in Fig. 4(b) is displayed on the display DSP. The screen in Fig. 4(b) displays a message saying, "Sit deep in the seat. Keep your thighs, buttocks, waist, back, and shoulders close to the seat," along with a countdown display showing the time required to acquire pressure values ​​from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4. In this embodiment, the number "16," indicating a 16-beat countdown, is displayed as the countdown display when the standard posture setting mode starts.

[0072] The smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4 while the 16-beat countdown is in progress. Specifically, the smartphone SP does not acquire pressure values ​​during the first 8 beats, but acquires pressure values ​​while counting down the remaining 8 beats. In other words, the smartphone SP does not acquire pressure values ​​for a predetermined time after starting the standard posture setting mode, and acquires pressure values ​​after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, by the smartphone SP not acquiring pressure values ​​for a predetermined time after starting the standard posture setting mode, it is possible to eliminate unstable pressure values, for example, when the seated person is shifting their position in the seat S, and it is possible to acquire more accurate pressure values.

[0073] Specifically, the smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4 at a predetermined cycle while counting down 8 beats. Here, for example, if the cycle at which the smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​is 20 Hz and one beat is one second, the number of pressure values ​​acquired from one pressure sensor will be 161.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone SP sets a numerical range that includes a margin on both the positive and negative sides of the average value of each pressure value acquired by each sensor SE1 to SE4 as the standard pressure value for each sensor SE1 to SE4 (S46).

[0075] After step S46, the smartphone SP sets flag F to 1 (S47) and starts the electric shock maze game (S48). In the electric shock maze game, the smartphone SP first displays the level selection screen shown in FIG. 5(a). While the level selection screen is displayed, when the smartphone SP sets an up command or a down command based on the pressure value, the smartphone SP moves the cursor CS on the screen up or down on the screen. In addition, the smartphone SP moves the cursor CS at a movement speed according to the pressure value.

[0076] Note that the method for determining the level selected by the cursor CS may be any method. For example, when the smartphone SP sets the left command or the right command based on the pressure value, the smartphone SP may determine the level selected by the cursor CS as the level to be used in the electric shock maze game.

[0077] After the level is selected, the smartphone SP displays the game screen shown in Fig. 5(b). In addition to the above-mentioned operation icon IC and wall W, the game screen also displays a life gauge LG that decreases each time the operation icon IC touches the wall W. On the game screen, the smartphone SP sets a command based on the pressure value output from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4, and moves the operation icon IC in a direction corresponding to the command at a movement speed according to the pressure value.

[0078] When the electric shock maze game ends, the smartphone SP displays the start screen shown in Fig. 4(a). Returning to Fig. 3, after step S48, or if it is determined No in step S43, the smartphone SP determines whether or not the button B2 for ending the electric shock maze game has been selected (S49). If it is determined in step S49 that the button B2 has not been selected (No), the smartphone SP returns to the processing of step S42. If it is determined in step S49 that the button B2 has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP ends this processing.

[0079] Next, an example of a specific operation of the seat experience system 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 1, when the devices (S, SP) constituting the seat experience system 1 are in a state where they can communicate with each other, when a seated person operates the smartphone SP to start up the electric shock maze game, the processes of step S41: Yes → step S42 are executed in sequence in the process shown in Fig. 3. As a result, the start screen shown in Fig. 4(a) is displayed on the display DSP.

[0080] When the seated person selects the start button B1, the determination in step S43 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S44. Here, if the seated person has never performed the standard posture setting mode or the like in the past, the determination in step S44 is Yes, and the standard posture setting mode is executed (S45 to S47).

[0081] In the standard posture setting mode, the screen shown in Fig. 4(b) is displayed on the display DSP. The seated person follows the instructions on the screen to reposition themselves so that their entire body is pressed tightly against the seat S. Then, while the countdown display on the screen counts down from 16 to 0, the seated person maintains their posture, and pressure values ​​are acquired by the smartphone SP from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4.

[0082] The smartphone SP sets standard pressure values ​​for setting commands in the electric shock maze game based on the pressure values ​​acquired in the standard posture setting mode. After setting the standard pressure values, the smartphone SP displays the level selection screen shown in FIG. 5(a) on the display DSP (S48).

[0083] On the level selection screen, when the occupant sitting in seat S leans forward, the cursor CS moves to the top of the screen, and the greater the angle of forward lean, the faster the cursor CS moves. Also, when the occupant leans back, the cursor CS moves to the bottom of the screen, and the greater the angle of backward lean, the faster the cursor CS moves. Since the direction and speed of the cursor CS movement, along with the posture of the occupant, match human senses, the occupant can intuitively operate the cursor CS.

[0084] After the level is selected, the smartphone SP displays the game screen shown in Figure 5(b) on the display DSP. On the game screen, if the seated person leans their body to the right, for example, the operation icon IC moves to the right of the screen, and the greater the angle of the right lean, the faster the operation icon IC moves. Similarly, if the seated person leans their body in any other direction, the operation icon IC moves in the direction corresponding to the leaning direction of the body, and moves at a speed corresponding to the size of the leaning angle.

[0085] In this way, the seated person can enjoy the electric shock maze game while sitting in the seat S by leaning their body forward, backward, left or right. Therefore, even an elderly person with weak leg strength can move their body sufficiently to enjoy the electric shock maze game. Furthermore, the direction and speed of movement of the operation icon IC during the electric shock maze game and the posture of the seated person match human senses, so the seated person can intuitively enjoy the electric shock maze game.

[0086] The vehicle seat of this embodiment as described above can achieve the following effects. The smartphone SP changes the speed of the object to be operated on the screen based on the information obtained from each of the sensors SE1 to SE4, so that the object to be operated on the screen of the smartphone SP can be operated at a speed that is in line with the intentions of the occupant in accordance with the movements of the occupant on the seat S.

[0087] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be practiced by appropriately modifying it as shown in the following other embodiments. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the object to be controlled is the cursor CS or the control icon IC in the electric maze game, but the present invention is not limited to this and the object to be controlled may be any object. For example, as shown in Figure 6, in a car racing game, the object to be controlled may be a vehicle CR.

[0089] The vehicle CR is an example of a moving object that moves against a background displayed on a screen. In a car racing game, the background, including the road RD, automatically flows behind the vehicle CR, causing the vehicle CR to move forward on the road RD. The vehicle CR can also take a right or left turn in response to the driver's operation, allowing the vehicle CR to travel along a curved road RD.

[0090] In such a car racing game, of the multiple pressure sensors 21-26, the right pressure sensor 23R that receives a load from the right leg of the seated occupant can be designated as the fifth pressure sensor SE5, which corresponds to the accelerator of the vehicle CR. Also, the left pressure sensor 23R that receives a load from the left leg of the seated occupant can be designated as the sixth pressure sensor SE6, which corresponds to the brake of the vehicle CR. Note that the sensors for turning the vehicle CR left and right can be the left reverse sensor SE3 and right reverse sensor SE4, which are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0091] In this embodiment, the smartphone SP executes the command setting process shown in Fig. 7 in the car racing game. Note that the process of the smartphone SP when the car racing game is launched is substantially the same as the process of Fig. 3 except that the process of step S48 is replaced with a process for executing the car racing game.

[0092] In the command setting process, the smartphone SP first acquires pressure values ​​from the sensors SE3 to SE6 (S61). After step S61, the smartphone SP determines whether the fifth detection value detected by the fifth pressure sensor SE5 is greater than a fifth standard pressure value (S62). Here, the fifth standard pressure value and a sixth standard pressure value (described later) are set in the same manner as the third standard pressure value, etc.

[0093] If it is determined in step S62 that the fifth detection value is greater than the fifth standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP sets a first command for moving the vehicle CR forward relative to the road RD (S63). After step S63, the smartphone SP increases the forward movement speed of the vehicle CR as the fifth detection value increases (S64).

[0094] After step S64, or if the result of the determination in step S62 is No, the smartphone SP determines whether the sixth detection value detected by the sixth pressure sensor SE6 is greater than a sixth standard pressure value (S65). If the result of the determination in step S65 is Yes, the smartphone SP sets a second command to brake the vehicle CR (S66). After step S66, the smartphone SP decreases the forward movement speed of the vehicle CR as the sixth detection value increases (S67).

[0095] If the fifth detection value and the sixth detection value are both greater than the respective standard pressure values, the smartphone SP sets the movement speed according to the magnitudes of the fifth detection value and the sixth detection value. For example, the smartphone SP sets the forward movement speed of the vehicle CR by subtracting the movement speed corresponding to the sixth detection value from the movement speed corresponding to the fifth detection value.

[0096] After step S67, the smartphone SP determines whether the third detection value detected by the left rear sensor SE3 is greater than the fourth detection value detected by the right rear sensor SE4 (S68). If it is determined in step S68 that the third detection value is greater than the fourth detection value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether the third detection value is greater than the third standard pressure value (S69).

[0097] If it is determined in step S69 that the third detection value is greater than the third standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the occupant's posture is leaning left (S70) and sets a third command to turn the vehicle CR left (S71).

[0098] After step S71, the smartphone SP sets a larger left turning speed as the third detection value increases (S72). After step S72, or if the result of step S69 is No, the smartphone SP ends this process.

[0099] If it is determined in step S68 that the third detection value is not greater than the fourth detection value (No), the smartphone SP determines whether the fourth detection value is greater than a fourth standard pressure value (S73).If it is determined in step S73 that the fourth detection value is greater than the fourth standard pressure value (Yes), the smartphone SP determines that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning right (S74), and sets a fourth command for turning the vehicle CR to the right (S74).

[0100] After step S75, the smartphone SP sets a higher right turning speed as the fourth detection value increases (S76). After step S76, or if the result of step S73 is No, the smartphone SP ends this process.

[0101] Even in this configuration, the accelerator operation, braking operation, and turning operation of the vehicle CR, and the posture of the seated person are in tune with human senses, so that the seated person can intuitively enjoy the car racing game.

[0102] The determination of the posture of the seated occupant and the setting of the speed of the operation target using pressure values ​​acquired from the multiple pressure sensors 21-26 provided on the seat S are not limited to the methods described in the above-described embodiments. For example, when the smartphone SP acquires a fourth low pressure value from the right rear sensor SE4, it may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning left, and the smaller the fourth low pressure value when the posture is determined to be leaning left, the greater the speed (movement / turn) of the operation target to the left. Also, when the smartphone SP acquires a third low pressure value from the left rear sensor SE3, it may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning right, and the smaller the third low pressure value when the posture is determined to be leaning right, the greater the speed (movement / turn) of the operation target to the right.

[0103] When the smartphone SP acquires a second low pressure value from the rear cushion sensor SE2, it may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning forward, and the smaller the second low pressure value when the posture is determined to be leaning forward, the faster the speed at which the operation target moves upward on the screen.Furthermore, when the smartphone SP acquires a first low pressure value from the front cushion sensor SE1, it may determine that the posture of the seated occupant is leaning backward, and the smaller the first low pressure value when the posture is determined to be leaning backward, the faster the speed at which the operation target moves downward on the screen.

[0104] Furthermore, forward tilt and backward tilt may be determined based on pressure values ​​from a single sensor, or left tilt and right tilt may be determined. For example, forward tilt may be determined when a first high pressure value is acquired from the front cushion sensor SE1, and backward tilt may be determined when a first low pressure value is acquired from the front cushion sensor SE1. Even in this case, the larger the first high pressure value when forward tilt is determined, the faster the moving speed of the operation object toward the top of the screen may be, and the smaller the first low pressure value when backward tilt is determined, the faster the moving speed of the operation object toward the bottom of the screen may be.

[0105] The first, second, third, and fourth sensors are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments. For example, the sensor provided in the seat back S2 may be the second sensor, and the sensor provided in the seat cushion S1 may be the third or fourth sensor.

[0106] The content of the command is not limited to that in the above-described embodiments. For example, the first command may be a command to fire a bullet from a fighter plane in a shooting game.

[0107] The results of each of the aforementioned games can be uploaded to the cloud. In this case, you can view the world rankings and other information via the cloud. You can also save your own records on the cloud and review them later. You can also view other people's records and compare your own records with those of others.

[0108] The seat experience system described above can also be applied to autonomous vehicles. In this case, it is preferable to set the seat experience system to be usable during autonomous driving. Furthermore, while the seat experience system is in use, it is preferable to restrict use of the seat experience system before canceling autonomous driving. In this case, to prevent the use restriction from being suddenly imposed, a pre-notification means may be activated to notify the driver by voice or visual guidance that the use restriction will occur after a predetermined time.

[0109] The seat experience system may be set to be usable only when the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle may be determined to be stopped by determining whether the vehicle speed is 0 or whether the shift lever is in the parking position.

[0110] The control unit of the seat experience system may be capable of detecting abnormalities in the external environment or the seat experience system itself. In this case, when an abnormality is detected, it is preferable to restrict use of the seat experience system. Abnormalities in the seat experience system itself include, for example, sensor abnormalities, harness abnormalities (disconnections), ECU abnormalities, communication abnormalities (including terminal abnormalities), abnormalities in temperature control 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, abnormalities related to the remaining amount or usage status of consumables such as low capacity of air freshener used in the seat, and abnormalities in the seat control unit itself. Furthermore, abnormalities in the external environment include, for example, situations that are undesirable for running the app, such as the approach of another vehicle, poor road conditions, high vehicle speed, the occurrence of an earthquake, the proximity of the destination, the arrival at the destination, the prediction that the game will not end until the destination is reached, low fuel remaining, low battery capacity, high temperature or humidity inside or outside the vehicle, etc.

[0111] There are several ways to restrict usage, such as restricting usage after a single abnormality or after multiple abnormalities. The restriction method can also be set in several stages. For example, in the first stage, a message or voice message is used to advise that it would be better to stop using the system, in the second stage, a message or voice message is used to strongly suggest that usage be prohibited, and in the third stage, the system is forcibly shut down.

[0112] The seat experience system can also be configured so that when an abnormality is detected in a sensor at a predetermined location, a game using a sensor that is not detecting an abnormality is recommended. For example, if an abnormality is detected in a sensor on the seat cushion, a game using sensors on the sides of the seat cushion that protrude from the seat surface on both sides of the seat cushion is recommended.

[0113] In the above embodiment, pressure sensors 21 to 26 are exemplified as sensors, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sensors may be, for example, optical sensors, capacitance sensors, sensors that detect sound volume, etc. For example, when an optical sensor or capacitance sensor is used, the speed of the operation object can be set according to the distance between the sensor and the body of the seated occupant, and when a sensor that detects sound volume is used, the speed of the operation object can be set according to, for example, the volume of the detected sound.

[0114] The sensors may also be provided on the left and right sides of the seat cushion or seat back (portions protruding from the seat surface), the headrest, the armrest, or parts around the seat (instrument panel, door, floor), etc.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile is exemplified as the seat S, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other vehicle seats, for example, seats used in ships, aircraft, etc. Furthermore, the seat is not limited to a vehicle seat and may be, for example, a seat chair.

[0116] In the above embodiment, a smartphone SP is used as an example of the terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The terminal may be a mobile terminal other than the smartphone SP, such as a tablet. The terminal may also be a terminal attached to a seat and integrated into the seat. The terminal may also be a terminal constituting a car navigation system.

[0117] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1-seat experience system 21~26 Pressure sensors DSP Display S seat S10 seat body SP Smartphone

Claims

1. a seat having a seat body and a plurality of pressure sensors for acquiring pressure values ​​from an occupant sitting on the seat body; A seat experience system including a terminal that acquires information from the pressure sensor and has a screen, The plurality of pressure sensors include a left sensor located to the left of the center of the seat; a right sensor located to the right of the center of the seat, The terminal determining a left-right tilt posture of the seated occupant based on information acquired from the left sensor and the right sensor; Rotating the operation target on the screen based on the inclination posture of the seated person; When it is determined that the posture of the seated person is in a left-leaning posture, the larger the pressure value of the left sensor when it is determined that the posture is in the left-leaning posture, the larger the turning speed of the operation object to the left; A seat experience system characterized in that, when it is determined that the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture, the greater the pressure value of the right sensor when the right-leaning posture is determined, the greater the right-turning speed of the object to be operated.

2. The seat body has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, The seat cushion and the seat back are provided with a plurality of the pressure sensors under their surfaces, the left sensor is a left back sensor disposed on the left side of the seat back, the right sensor is a right back sensor disposed on the right side of the seat back, The terminal determining whether the seated occupant is leaning left based on the measurement value obtained from the left back sensor; The seat experience system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the posture of the seated occupant is in a right-leaning posture based on the measurement value obtained from the right back sensor.

3. The seat body has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, The seat cushion includes: a pair of rear cushion sensors provided at positions corresponding to the ischial bones of a seated person, the rear cushion sensors being provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the seat; The seat experience system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pair of front cushion sensors are provided at positions corresponding to the thighs of the seated person, the front cushion sensors being provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the left and right sides of the seat.

4. A seat experience system as described in Claim 3, characterized in that an intermediate pressure sensor is provided between the rear cushion sensor and the front cushion sensor.

5. The seat body has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, The seat back has a pair of lower sensors provided at positions corresponding to the back of the seated occupant, the lower sensors being provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the seat; The seat experience system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a pair of upper sensors are provided, each of which is provided at a position corresponding to the shoulders of a seated occupant and is symmetrically provided with respect to the center of the seat.

6. A seat experience system as described in Claim 5, characterized in that an intermediate sensor is provided between the lower sensor and the upper sensor.

7. The terminal A standard posture setting mode can be executed to set the normal sitting posture of the seated person as the standard posture, 7. The seat experience system according to claim 1, wherein the standard posture setting mode is initiated when the standard posture is not set.

8. The terminal 8. The seat experience system according to claim 7, wherein the pressure value is not acquired for a predetermined time after the start of the standard posture setting mode, and the pressure value is acquired after the predetermined time has elapsed.

9. A seat experience system as described in claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the terminal determines the tilt posture of the seated occupant by comparing it with the standard posture.

10. The seat body has a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, The seat cushion and the seat back are provided with a plurality of the pressure sensors under their surfaces, The seat further includes an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the seat body by controlling a motor or a heater for an electric reclining mechanism, The seat experience system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control unit is connected to the pressure sensors so as to be able to acquire measured values ​​from a plurality of the pressure sensors.

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