Vehicle seat order system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle sheet order system capable of designing an order sheet in accordance with a travel environment of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle sheet order system comprises: a measurement sheet which has a sheet main body constituted to be installed in a vehicle, and a sensor constituted to detect a posture of a seated person of the sheet main body when the vehicle travels; and a sheet designing device which is constituted to design an order sheet to be installed in the vehicle, on the basis of temporal data of the attitude of the seated person acquired from the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat ordering system and a measuring seat. [Background technology]

[0002] An ordering system that customizes a seat installed in a vehicle according to a user's requests is known (see Patent Document 1). In this ordering system, the user customizes the seat by adjusting a robotic seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-253392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The robot seat of the above-mentioned ordering system is installed in a facility such as a store, and the robot seat is adjusted in a static state, so it is not possible to customize the seat to take into account the driving environment of the vehicle in which it will actually be installed.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle seat ordering system that is capable of designing an order seat that is suited to the driving environment of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat order system (1) comprising: a measurement seat (10) having a seat body (11) configured to be installed in a vehicle, and a sensor (12) configured to detect the posture of an occupant in the seat body (11) while the vehicle is moving; and a seat design device (20) configured to design an order seat to be installed in the vehicle based on time-series data of the posture of the occupant acquired from the sensor (12).

[0007] With this configuration, the sensor (12) of the measurement seat (10) detects changes in the posture of the seated occupant as the vehicle travels in the vehicle in which the order seat is to be installed. This allows the seat design device (20) to design an order seat that is suited to the driving environment, such as the shape, undulations, and driving speed of the road on which the vehicle will actually travel. This also reduces the time the user is confined when designing the order seat.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat design device (20) may be configured to generate performance confirmation data that allows a comparison of the change in posture of an occupant sitting in the test seat (10) while the vehicle is moving with the change in posture of an occupant sitting in the order seat while the vehicle is moving, based on historical data and the specifications of the order seat. This configuration allows the user to visually grasp the improvement in seating comfort achieved by the order seat. This improves user convenience during the order seat ordering process.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor 12 may be configured to detect the pressure exerted by the seat body 11 on the seat occupant and the acceleration generated in the seat body 11. With such a configuration, the measurement seat 10 has a relatively simple configuration, which makes it easy to install the measurement seat 10 in a vehicle.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat design device (20) may be configured to execute a process of transmitting design information including order sheet specifications to a user terminal (200) and a process of receiving an order for the order sheet from the user terminal (200). With this configuration, after completing the design of the order sheet, the user can check the order sheet specifications and place an order without visiting the store.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the sheet design device 20 may be configured to execute a process for selecting an initial shape of the measurement sheet 10 in response to an instruction from a user terminal 200. This configuration allows a wider range of customization of order sheets by users.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement seat (10) including a seat body (11) configured to be installed in a vehicle and a sensor (12) configured to detect the posture of an occupant seated in the seat body (11) while the vehicle is moving. The sensor (12) is configured to transmit the detected posture of the occupant to a seat design device (20) configured to design a custom seat to be installed in the vehicle.

[0013] According to this configuration, by installing the measurement seat (10) in the vehicle in which the order seat is to be installed, the posture of the seated person, which changes as the vehicle travels, can be acquired by the sensor (12). This makes it possible to design an order seat that is suited to the driving environment, such as the shape, undulations, and driving speed of the road on which the vehicle will actually travel.

[0014] Note that the symbols in the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat ordering system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the measurement sheet of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of the vehicle seat ordering system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the procedure following that of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the next step after FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the next step after FIG. 4A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] The vehicle seat ordering system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for a user to order a preferred custom seat as a vehicle seat to be installed in the user's own vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "user vehicle").

[0017] The order seat is customized to improve the user's seating comfort according to the user's physique and the driving environment of the user's vehicle. The vehicle seat order system 1 includes a measurement seat 10 and a seat design device 20.

[0018] <Measurement sheet> The measurement seat 10 is a seat for measuring changes in the posture of a user (i.e., a seat occupant) in the traveling environment of a user's vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement seat 10 has a seat body 11 and a sensor 12.

[0019] The seat body 11 is configured to be installed in a user's vehicle. The seat body 11 is temporarily installed in the passenger compartment of the user's vehicle (for example, the driver's seat or passenger seat) in place of a custom seat that will be installed in the future. The user sits in the seat body 11 and uses the user's vehicle for a certain period of time.

[0020] The sensor 12 is configured to detect the posture of an occupant in the seat body 11 while the user vehicle is traveling, and to transmit the detected posture to the seat design device 20. The "posture of the occupant" includes not only the body position of the occupant, but also the acceleration that occurs to the occupant as the user vehicle accelerates or decelerates and passes through curves.

[0021] Specifically, the sensor 12 has a pressure sensor 12A configured to detect the pressure that the seat body 11 receives from an occupant, and an acceleration sensor 12B configured to detect the acceleration that occurs in the seat body 11.

[0022] The pressure sensor 12A detects the pressure distribution of the seated occupant in the seat body 11. The pressure sensor 12A is arranged on the seat cushion and seat back of the seat body 11. The acceleration sensor 12B detects acceleration in the front-rear and left-right directions that occurs in the seat body 11. The acceleration sensor 12B may be arranged outside the seat body 11.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 12 is configured to transmit data indicating the detected posture of the seated occupant (i.e., the magnitude of pressure and acceleration) to the seat design device 20 via a network 100 such as the Internet.

[0024] The sensor 12 may communicate directly with the seat design device 20, or may communicate with the seat design device 20 via the user terminal 200. The sensor 12 may also communicate with the seat design device 20 via an ECU (electronic control unit) of the user vehicle. The sensor 12 can communicate with the user terminal 200 or the ECU of the user vehicle, for example, by wired or short-range wireless communication.

[0025] The sensor 12 periodically (for example, once a week) transmits the collected data to the seat design device 20 directly or via another device. The sensor 12 also has an internal power source for detection and communication.

[0026] <Seat design device> The seat design device 20 is configured to design a custom seat to be installed in the user's vehicle based on the time-series data of the posture of the seated person (that is, the user) acquired from the sensor 12.

[0027] The seat design device 20 is a network server located outside the user vehicle (i.e., at a ground facility). The seat design device 20 is configured, for example, by a computer equipped with a processor, storage media such as RAM and ROM, and an input / output unit. The seat design device 20 has a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a design processing unit 23, and an order processing unit 24.

[0028] The communication unit 21 transmits and receives data to and from the measurement sheet 10 and the user terminal 200. Specifically, the communication unit 21 receives time-series posture data from the sensor 12 of the measurement sheet 10. The communication unit 21 also receives user information and order commands from the user terminal 200, and transmits design information for an order sheet to the user terminal 200.

[0029] The storage unit 22 stores user registration information, data acquired from the sensor 12, order sheet specifications (that is, specs), and the like.

[0030] The design processing unit 23 is configured to design an order sheet that is optimal for the user based on the user's physique included in the user's registration information and the user's posture data acquired from the sensor 12 over time.

[0031] Specifically, the design processing unit 23 designs an order seat that fits the user's physique and suppresses the user's body movements due to acceleration in the driving environment of the user's vehicle. The order seat specifications are determined using artificial intelligence, functions, tables, etc. obtained using statistical methods such as reinforcement learning.

[0032] The design of the custom seat includes adjusting or selecting the shape and material (e.g., hardness, density, etc.) of the pads that make up the seat cushion and seat back. The customization of the custom seat is based on the initial shape of the measurement seat 10, which will be described later.

[0033] The design processing unit 23 also reflects the skin design (for example, material, color, pattern, etc.) desired by the user in the specifications of the order sheet. The skin design is selected by the user terminal 200.

[0034] After the order sheet is designed, the design processing unit 23 creates performance confirmation data for the user to check the performance of the order sheet. The performance confirmation data is created based on the time-lapse data output by the sensor 12 and the specifications of the order sheet designed by the design processing unit 23.

[0035] The performance confirmation data is simulation data that allows a comparison between the change in posture of an occupant in the measurement seat 10 while the user's vehicle is traveling and the change in posture of an occupant in the order seat while the user's vehicle is traveling.

[0036] Specifically, the performance confirmation data includes body pressure change data and human body behavior data. The body pressure change data is data that indicates changes in the body pressure distribution of the seated person in the measurement seat 10 and the order seat while the user's vehicle is traveling. The changes in body pressure distribution are calculated from the body pressure distribution acquired from the sensor 12. The user can use the body pressure change data to confirm the suppression performance of the order seat in suppressing changes in body pressure distribution.

[0037] The human body behavior data is data that indicates the body movements of the seated occupant while the user's vehicle is traveling. The body movements of the seated occupant are calculated based on the acceleration acquired from the sensor 12. The human body behavior data allows the user to check the suppression performance of the perceived acceleration on the order sheet.

[0038] Furthermore, the design processing unit 23 creates design data for an order sheet that reflects the cover design selected by the user as part of the performance confirmation data. The design data is image data of the appearance of the order sheet.

[0039] The design processing unit 23 transmits the design information of the order sheet to the user terminal 200 linked to the measurement sheet 10 from which the data was acquired via the communication unit 21. The design information of the order sheet includes the specifications and performance confirmation data of the order sheet.

[0040] The order processing unit 24 is configured to execute an initial shape selection process and an order acceptance process.

[0041] In the initial shape selection process, the order processing unit 24 selects the initial shape of the measurement sheet 10 in response to an instruction from the user terminal 200. The initial shape is selected from, for example, a standard type, a sports type, or an intermediate type between the standard type and the sports type. The order processing unit 24 also selects the cover design of the order sheet in response to an instruction from the user terminal 200.

[0042] The initial shape selection process is executed before the measurement sheet 10 is installed in the user's vehicle. The order processing unit 24 transmits the initial shape selected in the initial shape selection process to the terminal of the service provider that provides the measurement sheet 10. The service provider prepares the measurement sheet 10 with the selected initial shape and ships it to the user or the dealer that handles the user's vehicle.

[0043] In the order receiving process, the order processing unit 24 receives an order for an order sheet from the user terminal 200. The order receiving process is executed after the design processing unit 23 has completed the design of the order sheet.

[0044] The order processing unit 24 receives an order from the user terminal 200 and transmits an instruction to manufacture an order sheet to the terminal of the service provider. The service provider manufactures the order sheet according to the instruction and delivers it to the user or dealer.

[0045] <User device> The user terminal 200 is a portable computer that includes, for example, a processor, storage media such as RAM and ROM, and an input / output unit.

[0046] Examples of user terminal 200 include a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook PC, etc. User terminal 200 includes a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, a display unit 203, an input unit 204, and a processing unit 205.

[0047] The communication unit 201 communicates with the seat design device 20 via the network 100. The storage unit 202 stores application programs for transmitting and receiving data to and from the seat design device 20. The display unit 203 is a display that displays characters and images. The input unit 204 is an input device such as a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse.

[0048] The processing unit 205 executes a user information input process, a design information display process, and an order process.

[0049] In the user information input process, the processing unit 205 accepts input of personal information such as the user's name, address, email address, age, sex, height, weight, etc. The processing unit 205 transmits the personal information input by the input unit 204 to the seat design device 20 and performs member registration.

[0050] In addition, in the user information input process, the processing unit 205 displays images of each type of initial shape of the measurement sheet 10 and images of the cover design on the display unit 203. The processing unit 205 transmits the initial shape and cover design selected by the input unit 204 to the sheet design device 20.

[0051] In the design information display process, the processing unit 205 displays the design information transmitted from the seat design device 20 on the display unit 203. Specifically, the order sheet specifications, performance confirmation data, and price are displayed on the display unit 203.

[0052] In the order processing, the processing unit 205 receives an order input from the input unit 204 and outputs an order command to the sheet design device 20. The processing unit 205 also electronically settles the cost of the order sheet together with the order command.

[0053] <How to use the vehicle seat order system> Hereinafter, a vehicle seat ordering service using the vehicle seat ordering system 1 will be described.

[0054] First, the user installs an application for using the vehicle seat ordering service on the user terminal 200. After installing the application, the user registers as a member of the service through the application. Next, the user selects the initial shape of the measurement seat 10 and the cover design in the application.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3A, information input by the user to the user terminal 200 is sent to the seat design device 20. The service provider P prepares a measurement sheet 10 with the initial shape selected by the user and delivers it to the user. The user then installs the delivered measurement sheet 10 in the user's vehicle 300. Note that the service provider P may deliver the measurement sheet 10 to a location other than the user's residence (for example, a dealer).

[0056] The user uses the user's vehicle 300 daily for commuting and driving for a predetermined measurement period (e.g., two weeks) with the measurement seat 10 installed. As shown in Fig. 3B, the measurement seat 10 transmits time-lapse data detected by the sensor 12 during the measurement period to the seat design device 20.

[0057] 4A, after the measurement period has elapsed, the seat design device 20 creates order sheet specifications and performance confirmation data and transmits them to the user terminal 200. The order sheet specifications and performance confirmation data are displayed within the application.

[0058] If the user agrees with the specifications of the order sheet, the user performs an ordering operation using the application on the user terminal 200. As shown in Fig. 4B, upon receiving the ordering operation, the sheet design device 20 instructs the service provider P to manufacture the order sheet.

[0059] The service provider P delivers the manufactured order sheet S to the user. The user attaches the received order sheet S to the user's vehicle 300. The user also returns the measurement sheet 10 to the service provider P.

[0060] [1-2.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) In a user vehicle where an order seat is to be installed, changes in the posture of the seated person as the user vehicle travels are acquired by the sensor 12 of the measurement seat 10. This makes it possible to use the seat design device 20 to design an order seat that matches the driving environment, such as the shape, undulations, and driving speed of the road on which the user vehicle will actually travel. In addition, the time the user is confined during the design of the order seat can be reduced.

[0061] (1b) The seat design device 20 creates performance confirmation data that allows comparison between the measurement seat 10 and the order seat, allowing the user to visually grasp the improvement in seating comfort due to the order seat. This improves user convenience during the order seat ordering process.

[0062] (1c) Since the sensor 12 is configured to detect pressure and acceleration, the measurement seat 10 has a relatively simple configuration, which makes it easy to install the measurement seat 10 in the user's vehicle.

[0063] (1d) By sending the design information of the order sheet to the user terminal 200 and accepting the order from the user terminal 200, after the design of the order sheet is completed, the user can check the specifications of the order sheet and place an order without going to the store.

[0064] (1e) By allowing the user to select the initial shape of the measurement sheet 10, the range of customization of the order sheet by the user can be expanded.

[0065] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0066] (2a) In the vehicle seat ordering system of the above embodiment, the seat design device does not necessarily have to create performance confirmation data for the order seat. For example, the seat design device may provide only the specifications of the order seat to the user.

[0067] (2b) In the vehicle seat order system of the above embodiment, the sensor does not necessarily have to detect pressure and acceleration as the posture of the seated occupant. The sensor may also acquire data other than pressure and acceleration. For example, the sensor may acquire the posture of the seated occupant as an image. The sensor may also detect the weight of the seated occupant.

[0068] (2c) In the vehicle seat ordering system of the above embodiment, the seat design device does not necessarily have to be configured to communicate with a user terminal. For example, the seat design device may be configured to directly receive information input and an order sheet order from a user. In this case, the seat design device is installed, for example, at a dealer that sells vehicles.

[0069] (2d) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified by the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1... Vehicle seat order system, 10... Measurement seat, 11... Seat body, 12...sensor, 12A...pressure sensor, 12B...acceleration sensor, 20...seat design device, 21...communication unit, 22...storage unit, 23...design processing unit, 24...order processing unit, 100... network, 200... user terminal, 201... communication unit, 202... storage unit, 203...display unit, 204...input unit, 205...processing unit, 300...user vehicle, P...service provider, S...order sheet.

Claims

1. a measurement seat having a seat body configured to be installed in a vehicle and a sensor configured to detect the posture of an occupant of the seat body while the vehicle is traveling; a seat design device configured to design an order seat to be installed in the vehicle based on the time-series data of the posture of the seated occupant acquired from the sensor; Equipped with The vehicle seat order system is configured to create performance confirmation data, which is simulation data that enables a comparison of the body position of the occupant on the measurement seat and changes in acceleration occurring to the occupant while the vehicle is moving, and the body position of the occupant on the order seat and changes in acceleration occurring to the occupant while the vehicle is moving, based on the time-lapse data and the specifications of the order seat.

2. A vehicle seat ordering system according to claim 1, The sensor is configured to detect pressure applied to the seat body by the occupant and acceleration generated in the seat body.

3. 3. The vehicle seat ordering system according to claim 1, The seat design device A process of transmitting design information including the specifications of the order sheet to a user terminal; A process of accepting an order on the order sheet from the user terminal; A vehicle seat ordering system configured to execute the above.

4. A vehicle seat ordering system according to claim 3, The seat design device is a vehicle seat ordering system configured to execute a process of selecting an initial shape of the measurement seat in response to an instruction from the user terminal.

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