Seatbelt reminder system

Abstract

To suppress an increase in cost of a seat belt reminder system by not installing a pressure sensor exclusive for the seat belt reminder system.SOLUTION: A seat belt reminder system 1 comprises a seat S, a control unit (100, 200), and a belt sensor BS. The seat S includes a seat body S10, and sensors (pressure sensors 21-26) acquiring occupant information that is information on an occupant seated on the seat body S10. The control unit can communicate with a terminal (a smartphone SP) capable of executing an application program that operates based on the occupant information acquired by the sensors, and transmits the occupant information to the terminal. The control unit can determine whether or not communication is being conducted with the terminal, and whether or not an occupant has worn a seat belt, on the basis of information acquired from the belt sensor BS. When determined that communication is conducted with the terminal and that the seat belt is not worn, it is notified that the occupant must wear the seat belt.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat belt reminder system that issues a warning when a passenger does not fasten a seat belt. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a seat belt reminder system that includes a pressure sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in a seat is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-81504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the pressure sensor used in the seat belt reminder system is a dedicated sensor used only for the seat belt reminder system, there will be a problem of high cost, especially if the pressure sensor is a seat belt reminder switch with multiple switch parts that turn on when pressure is applied, as in the prior art.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress an increase in costs by not providing a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a seat belt reminder system according to the present invention includes a seat, a control unit, and a belt sensor. The seat has a seat body and a sensor for acquiring occupant information, which is information about an occupant sitting in the seat body. The control unit is a control unit capable of communicating with a terminal capable of executing an application program that operates based on the occupant information acquired by the sensor, and transmits the occupant information to the terminal. The belt sensor detects whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt. The control unit is capable of determining whether or not it is communicating with the terminal and whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt based on information obtained from the belt sensor, and if it determines that it is communicating with the terminal and that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, it notifies the occupant to wear a seat belt.

[0007] With this configuration, the information that the control unit communicates with the terminal can be used in place of a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, so there is no need to provide a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, which helps to reduce costs.

[0008] The control unit may also be capable of determining whether or not an occupant is sitting in the seat body based on the occupant information, and if it determines that communication with the terminal is not occurring, it may determine that an occupant is sitting in the seat body based on the occupant information, and if it determines that the occupant is not wearing a seat belt, it may alert the occupant to wear a seat belt.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the control unit is not communicating with the terminal, it determines whether or not to issue a warning to encourage the driver to fasten their seat belt based on occupant information from the sensor used in the application program, so there is no need to provide a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, which helps to reduce costs.

[0010] The sensor may be a pressure sensor that acquires a pressure value as the occupant information.

[0011] The seat body may also have a seat cushion on which the pressure sensor is provided, and the pressure sensor may have a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor located forward of the first pressure sensor, and the control unit may determine that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when a first pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and a second pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, and the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value.

[0012] When a person sits on the seat cushion, a large pressure is applied to the rear side of the seat cushion, so by determining whether the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value, it is possible to prevent a false alert urging the person to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion.

[0013] The seat body may also have a seat back on which the pressure sensor is provided, and the pressure sensor may have a third pressure sensor and a fourth pressure sensor located above the third pressure sensor, and the control unit may determine that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the third pressure value acquired from the third pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a third threshold value and the fourth pressure value acquired from the fourth pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

[0014] When a person sits in a seat, weight is applied to the seat back from the person's back or waist. Therefore, by determining whether the third pressure value is equal to or greater than the third threshold value and the fourth pressure value is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value, it is possible to prevent a false alert urging the person to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion.

[0015] In addition, the control unit may determine that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when it determines that the history of multiple pressure values ​​obtained from the pressure sensor over a predetermined period of time is a change in pressure value corresponding to movements specific to a human being on the seat.

[0016] According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to distinguish whether an object or animal is on the seat cushion, or whether it is a person, and therefore it is possible to prevent a false notification urging the driver to fasten their seat belt.

[0017] In addition, the seat body may have a seat cushion on which the pressure sensor is provided, and the pressure sensor may have a left sensor and a right sensor separated in the left-right direction, and the control unit may determine that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the pressure value acquired from the left sensor is equal to or greater than a left-side threshold value and the pressure value acquired from the right sensor is equal to or greater than a right-side threshold value.

[0018] In a system equipped with a seat belt reminder switch that has multiple switch units that turn on when pressure is applied, it is determined that a person is sitting in the seat when current flows through two switch units that are separated in the left and right directions. In the above-mentioned configuration, it is determined that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the pressure value of the left sensor is equal to or greater than the left threshold value and the pressure value of the right sensor is equal to or greater than the right threshold value, so it is possible to make a determination equivalent to that of a system equipped with a seat belt reminder switch.

[0019] The terminal may also be a mobile terminal.

[0020] The occupant information may be information for detecting the movement of the occupant.

[0021] The application program may be a program that outputs instructions for moving an occupant on the seat body.

[0022] The terminal may have a screen, and the application program may be a program that operates an object to be operated on the screen based on the occupant information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, there is no need to provide a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, and an increase in costs can be suppressed.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, by determining whether the pressure value of the rear pressure sensor of two pressure sensors located at different positions in the fore-and-aft direction on the seat cushion is greater than the pressure value of the front pressure sensor, it is possible to prevent the incorrect issuance of an alert urging the driver to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by determining whether the pressure values ​​of two pressure sensors located at different vertical positions on the seat back are equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold values, it is possible to prevent the issuance of an erroneous alert urging the occupant to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by determining whether the history of multiple pressure values ​​obtained from the pressure sensor over a predetermined period of time represents changes in pressure values ​​corresponding to movements specific to humans on the seat, it is possible to distinguish, for example, whether an object or animal is on the seat cushion, or whether it is a person, thereby preventing erroneous alerts urging people to fasten their seat belts.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by determining whether the pressure values ​​of two pressure sensors spaced apart in the left-right direction are equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold values, it is possible to make a determination equivalent to that of a system equipped with a seat belt reminder switch having multiple switch sections that turn ON when pressure is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a seat belt reminder system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the seat ECU. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a vehicle ECU. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a seat ECU according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a seat ECU according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a seat ECU according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seat belt reminder system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a seat ECU according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, a seat belt reminder system 1 of this embodiment includes a seat S, a belt sensor BS, a seat ECU 100 and a vehicle ECU 200 as examples of a control unit.

[0030] The seat S includes a seat body S10 and pressure sensors 21 to 26 as an example of sensors. The seat body S10 is a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle such as a car, and in this embodiment, it is a passenger seat located in the first row of an automobile. The seat body S10 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 that acquire pressure values ​​as occupant information, which is information about an occupant sitting in the seat body S10. More specifically, the occupant information is information for detecting the movement of the occupant sitting in the seat body S10.

[0031] The pressure sensors 21-26 are arranged to be able to detect the state of the seat surface facing an occupant (hereinafter also referred to as "seat occupant") seated in the seat main body S10, and acquire pressure values ​​from the seat occupant. The seat ECU 100 is a device that controls the operation of the seat main body S10 (for example, an electric reclining motor and 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The seat cushion S1 is provided with pressure sensors 21 to 23. The pressure sensors 21 are provided at positions corresponding to the lowest part of the seated occupant's ischial bones. This position is where the seated occupant's weight is greatest. Here, the "seated occupant" refers to a person with an average adult body shape. In this embodiment, the pressure sensors 21 (21L, 21R) provided at positions corresponding to the lowest part of the seated occupant's ischial bones are referred to as the "first pressure sensors 21."

[0034] Pressure sensor 22 is located slightly in front of pressure sensor 21 .

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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. In this embodiment, pressure sensors 23 (23L, 23R) disposed at positions corresponding to the lowest parts of the thighs of the seated occupant are referred to as "second pressure sensors 23."

[0037] 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.

[0038] Pressure sensor 25 is located slightly above pressure sensor 24 .

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The seat body S10 is provided with a holder 4 for holding a terminal and a smartphone SP as an example of a portable terminal. 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 part 4A for fixing the smartphone SP.

[0042] The belt sensor BS is a sensor for detecting whether an occupant is fastening a seat belt (not shown). The belt sensor BS is provided, for example, on a buckle BC to which a tongue plate of the seat belt can be attached and detached. When the tongue plate of the seat belt is fastened to the buckle BC, the belt sensor BS outputs a fastening signal to the vehicle ECU 200, indicating that the seat belt is fastened.

[0043] The seat ECU 100, the vehicle ECU 200, and the smartphone SP each have a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory, etc. (not shown), and execute pre-stored programs. In this embodiment, the seat ECU 100 is provided in the seat body S10. The vehicle ECU 200 is provided in the vehicle.

[0044] 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 seat ECU 100. In this embodiment, the short-range communication device 3A is provided in the seat body S10. The seat ECU 100 is also connected to pressure sensors 21 to 26.

[0045] The seat ECU 100 is capable of communicating with the smartphone SP via the short-range communication device 3A. The seat ECU 100 also has a function of transmitting pressure values ​​acquired from the pressure sensors 21-26 to the smartphone SP and the vehicle ECU 200. The seat ECU 100 is capable of determining whether an occupant is sitting in the seat main body S10 based on the presence or absence of communication with the smartphone SP or the pressure values ​​of the pressure sensors 21-26.

[0046] Specifically, the seat ECU 100 can determine whether or not it is communicating with the smartphone SP, and has a function of determining that an occupant is sitting in the seat body S10 when it determines that it is communicating with the smartphone SP. In this embodiment, the seat ECU 100 determines that it is "communicating with the smartphone SP" when it acquires, from the smartphone SP, information indicating that an app, which will be described later, has been launched.

[0047] Furthermore, when the seat ECU 100 is not communicating with the smartphone SP, the seat ECU 100 has a function of determining whether an occupant is sitting in the seat main body S10 based on information from the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 23. Specifically, the seat ECU 100 determines that an occupant is sitting in the seat main body S10 when the first pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor 21 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and the second pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor 23 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value and is greater than the second pressure value. When the seat ECU 100 determines that an occupant is sitting in the seat main body S10, it outputs a seating signal indicating this to the vehicle ECU 200.

[0048] The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be different from each other or may be the same value. Furthermore, the first threshold values ​​to be compared with the pressure values ​​of the left and right pressure sensors 21L, 21R constituting the first pressure sensor 21 may be different from each other or may be the same value. The same applies to the second pressure sensor 23.

[0049] When a person sits in the seat S, the majority of people position their buttocks on the rear of the seat cushion S1 and lean their back against the seat back S2. In this case, the first pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor 21 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the second pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor 23 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value. Therefore, by determining whether an occupant is seated under the above-mentioned conditions, it is possible to determine whether the object on the seat cushion S1 is a person or luggage.

[0050] The smartphone SP has a display DSP as an example of a screen. The smartphone SP is capable of executing an application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as "app") that operates based on the pressure values ​​of the pressure sensors 21 to 26 acquired from the seat ECU 100. The app is a program that outputs instructions to cause the occupant to operate on the seat body S10. The app is also a program that operates an operation target on the display DSP based on the pressure values.

[0051] An example of an application is a 100-meter race in which a character to be operated on the display DSP runs 100 meters. In this application, the smartphone SP outputs instructions to the occupant to move their left and right feet up and down alternately. The smartphone SP also determines the speed of the character based on the magnitude of the pressure values ​​and the interval between peaks of the pressure sensors 23L and 23R corresponding to the left and right feet, and moves the character on the display DSP at the determined speed.

[0052] The vehicle ECU 200 is capable of determining whether or not an occupant is wearing a seat belt based on information acquired from the belt sensor BS. Specifically, the vehicle ECU 200 determines that the seat belt is worn when it acquires a wearing signal from the belt sensor BS, and determines that the seat belt is not worn when it does not acquire a wearing signal.

[0053] The vehicle ECU 200 has a function of notifying the occupant to fasten the seat belt when it determines that the seat belt is not fastened despite the output of a seating signal from the seat ECU 100. That is, the control unit made up of the seat ECU 100 and the vehicle ECU 200 notifies the occupant to fasten the seat belt when it determines that the seat ECU 100 is communicating with the smartphone SP and the vehicle ECU 200 determines that the seat belt is not fastened. Furthermore, when the seat ECU 100 is not communicating with the smartphone SP, the control unit notifies the occupant to fasten the seat belt when the seat ECU 100 determines that the occupant is sitting in the seat body S10 based on information from the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 23 and the vehicle ECU 200 determines that the seat belt is not fastened.

[0054] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operations of the seat ECU 100 and the vehicle ECU 200. The seat ECU 100 executes the process shown in FIG.

[0055] 2, the seat ECU 100 first determines whether or not communication with the smartphone SP is in progress (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that communication with the smartphone SP is in progress (Yes), the seat ECU 100 transmits a seating signal indicating that an occupant is sitting in the seat body S10 to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32), and ends this process.

[0056] If it is determined in step S31 that communication with the smartphone SP is not occurring (No), the seat ECU 100 determines whether the first pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor 21 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and whether the second pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor 23 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (S33). Note that in the determination of step S33, it may be determined whether the pressure values ​​acquired from all of the pressure sensors 21 to 23 provided on the seat cushion S1 are equal to or greater than their respective threshold values. The respective threshold values ​​may be different values ​​or may be the same value.

[0057] If it is determined in step S33 that each pressure value is equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold value (Yes), the seat ECU 100 determines whether the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value (S34). If it is determined in step S34 that the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value (Yes), the seat ECU 100 transmits a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32) and ends this process. If it is determined No in step S33 or step S34, the seat ECU 100 ends this process without outputting a seating signal.

[0058] The vehicle ECU 200 periodically executes the process shown in FIG. 3 while the vehicle is running. 3, the vehicle ECU 200 first inquires of the seat ECU 100 as to whether or not an occupant is sitting in the seat S (S51). After step S51, the vehicle ECU 200 determines whether or not a seating signal has been acquired from the seat ECU 100 (S52).

[0059] If it is determined in step S52 that a seating signal has been acquired (Yes), the vehicle ECU 200 determines whether the occupant is not fastening a seat belt based on information from the belt sensor BS (S53). If it is determined in step S53 that the occupant is not fastening a seat belt (Yes), the vehicle ECU 200 notifies the occupant of an instruction to fasten the seat belt (S54), and ends this process. Note that the notification method may be, for example, a method using audio or a method displaying text or the like on a screen. The speaker and screen that output the audio may be the speaker and screen of a car navigation system, or the speaker and screen of the smartphone SP. If the speaker and screen of the smartphone SP are used, the vehicle ECU 200 may notify the smartphone SP via the seat ECU 100.

[0060] If the determination in step S52 or step S53 is No, vehicle ECU 200 ends this process without issuing an instruction to prompt the driver to fasten the seat belt.

[0061] Next, an example of a specific operation of the seat belt reminder system 1 will be described in detail. When an occupant sitting in the seat S starts up the application on the smartphone SP, the seat ECU 100 determines "Yes" in step S31 and transmits a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32).

[0062] If the occupant is not fastening the seat belt, the vehicle ECU 200 determines Yes in step S53 and issues an instruction to the occupant to fasten the seat belt. This makes it possible to prompt the occupant to fasten the seat belt.

[0063] When the application of the smartphone SP is not running, if an occupant sits in the seat S, the seat ECU 100 determines Yes in both steps S33 and S34 and issues an instruction to the occupant to fasten the seat belt. This makes it possible to prompt the occupant to fasten the seat belt.

[0064] When a relatively small item of luggage is placed at the rear of the seat cushion S1, the pressure value of the second pressure sensor 23 may be less than the second threshold value. In this case, the seat ECU 100 determines No in step S33 and does not issue an instruction to encourage the occupant to fasten the seat belt. In addition, when a large item of luggage that extends from the front end to the rear end of the seat cushion S1 is placed on the seat cushion S1, the first pressure value may be less than or equal to the second pressure value. In this case, the seat ECU 100 determines No in step S34 and does not issue an instruction to encourage the occupant to fasten the seat belt.

[0065] As described above, the first embodiment can provide the following effects. Since the information that the seat ECU 100 communicates with the smartphone SP can be used in place of a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, there is no need to provide a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, which helps to reduce costs.

[0066] When the seat ECU 100 is not communicating with the smartphone SP, it determines whether to issue a warning to encourage the driver to fasten the seat belt based on information from the pressure sensors 21, 23 used in the app, so there is no need to provide a pressure sensor dedicated to the seat belt reminder system, which helps to reduce costs.

[0067] When a person sits on the seat cushion S1, a large pressure is applied to the rear side of the seat cushion S1, so by determining whether the first pressure value is larger than the second pressure value, it is possible to prevent a false notification urging the driver to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion S1.

[0068] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the processing performed by the seat ECU 100 according to the first embodiment, components and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0069] The seat ECU 100 according to the second embodiment executes the process of Fig. 4 when an inquiry is received from the vehicle ECU 200. The process of Fig. 4 is configured such that a new step S71 is provided instead of steps S33 and S34 in the process of Fig. 2.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the pressure sensor 24 arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the seated occupant's waist is referred to as the "third pressure sensor 24." Furthermore, the pressure sensor 26 arranged at a position corresponding to the seated occupant's shoulder is referred to as the "fourth pressure sensor 26."

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, when the seat ECU 100 according to the second embodiment determines in step S31 that it is not communicating with the smartphone SP (No), it determines whether an occupant is sitting in the seat body based on information from the third pressure sensor 24 and the fourth pressure sensor 26 (S71).

[0072] Specifically, in step S71, the seat ECU 100 determines that an occupant is sitting on the seat body if the third pressure value acquired from the third pressure sensor 24 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value and the fourth pressure value acquired from the fourth pressure sensor 26 is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value. Note that the determination in step S71 may also determine whether the pressure values ​​acquired from all of the pressure sensors 24 to 26 provided on the seat back S2 are equal to or greater than their respective threshold values. The respective threshold values ​​may be different values ​​or may be the same value.

[0073] If it is determined in step S71 that each pressure value is equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold value (Yes), the seat ECU 100 transmits a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S71 that each pressure value is not equal to or greater than the corresponding threshold value (No), the seat ECU 100 ends this process without outputting a seating signal.

[0074] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in the second embodiment. When a person sits in the seat S, weight is applied from the person's back and waist to the seat back S2, so by determining whether the third pressure value is equal to or greater than the third threshold value and the fourth pressure value is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value, it is possible to prevent a false alert urging the person to fasten their seat belt when there is luggage on the seat cushion S1.

[0075] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the processing performed by the seat ECU 100 according to the first embodiment, components and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0076] The seat ECU 100 according to the third embodiment executes the process of Fig. 5 when an inquiry is received from the vehicle ECU 200. The process of Fig. 5 is configured by adding new steps S91 and S92 instead of steps S33 and S34 in the process of Fig. 2.

[0077] 5, when the seat ECU 100 according to the third embodiment determines in step S31 that it is not communicating with the smartphone SP (No), it determines whether an occupant is sitting on the seat body based on a plurality of pressure values ​​(S91, S92). Here, the plurality of pressure values ​​may be at least two pressure values ​​from the plurality of pressure sensors 21 to 26.

[0078] More specifically, in step S91, the seat ECU 100 acquires a plurality of pressure values ​​for a predetermined period of time. After step S91, the seat ECU 100 determines whether or not an occupant is sitting on the seat main body S10 by determining whether or not the history of the plurality of pressure values ​​acquired during the predetermined period includes a change in pressure value corresponding to a movement specific to a person on the seat S (hereinafter also referred to as a "human-specific change") (S92).

[0079] Here, the human-specific change can be a change that can distinguish between animals, luggage, and people. For example, animals such as cats and dogs are lighter than people, so even if an animal moves on the seat cushion S1, the amount of change in pressure value is relatively small. Therefore, the human-specific change can be a "first change" that is a change above a threshold value that is larger than the amount of change in pressure value due to the movement of an animal.

[0080] Furthermore, the human-specific change can be a "second change" that is an irregular change in the balance of pressure between the pressure sensors. When a vehicle is running with luggage on the seat cushion S1, the luggage may move due to the vibration of the vehicle, but this movement will be regular. Therefore, by setting the irregular change in the balance of pressure between the pressure sensors as a human-specific change, it is possible to distinguish between luggage and people.

[0081] Furthermore, the human-specific change can be a "third change" that is a change that occurs when a person shifts their seat. When a person shifts their seat, a large load is applied to pressure sensor 23 on the front side of seat cushion S1, and then a large load is applied to pressure sensor 21 on the rear side of seat cushion S1. When a person shifts their seat, after the load on each pressure sensor of seat back S2 is removed, a large load is applied to each pressure sensor. By setting such a load change as a human-specific change, it is possible to distinguish between animals and humans.

[0082] The human-specific change may also be a "fourth change" which is a periodic change in load corresponding to breathing and heart rate. By setting such a load change as a human-specific change, it is possible to distinguish between an object or animal and a person. The human-specific change may also be a combination of at least two of the first, second, third, and fourth changes described above.

[0083] If it is determined in step S92 that the pressure value history is a human-specific change (Yes), the seat ECU 100 transmits a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S92 that the pressure value history is not a human-specific change (No), the seat ECU 100 ends this process without outputting a seating signal.

[0084] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to distinguish whether an object or animal is on the seat cushion S1, or whether it is a person, thereby preventing the issuance of an erroneous notification urging the driver to fasten their seat belt.

[0085] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the processing performed by the seat ECU 100 according to the first embodiment, components and processing that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0086] The seat ECU 100 according to the fourth embodiment executes the process of Fig. 6 when an inquiry is received from the vehicle ECU 200. The process of Fig. 6 is configured such that a new step S101 is provided instead of steps S33 and S34 in the process of Fig. 2.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment, of the pressure sensors 22 arranged in the front portion of the seated occupant's buttocks, the left pressure sensor 22L is referred to as the "left sensor 22L" and the right pressure sensor 22R is referred to as the "right sensor 22R."

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, when the seat ECU 100 according to the fourth embodiment determines in step S31 that it is not communicating with the smartphone SP (No), it determines whether an occupant is sitting on the seat body based on the pressure values ​​of the left sensor 22L and the right sensor 22R (S101).

[0089] Specifically, in step S101, the seat ECU 100 determines that an occupant is sitting on the seat body when the pressure value acquired from the left sensor 22L is equal to or greater than the left threshold value and the pressure value acquired from the right sensor 22R is equal to or greater than the right threshold value. Note that the left threshold value and the right threshold value may be different values ​​or may be the same value.

[0090] If it is determined in step S101 that the left and right pressure values ​​are equal to or greater than the respective threshold values ​​(Yes), the seat ECU 100 transmits a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200 (S32) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S101 that the pressure values ​​are not equal to or greater than the respective threshold values ​​(No), the seat ECU 100 ends this process without outputting a seating signal.

[0091] As described above, the fourth embodiment can provide the following effects. For example, in a system equipped with a seat belt reminder switch having multiple switch units that are turned on by pressure, it is determined that a person is sitting in the seat when current flows through two switch units that are separated in the left and right directions. In the fourth embodiment, it is determined that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the pressure value of the left sensor 22L is equal to or greater than the left threshold value and the pressure value of the right sensor 22R is equal to or greater than the right threshold value, so it is possible to make a determination equivalent to that of a system equipped with a seat belt reminder switch.

[0092] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the processing performed by the seat ECU 100 according to the fourth embodiment, components and processing that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 7, the seat S' according to the fifth embodiment is provided with mounting brackets 30 for attaching a child seat (not shown). The mounting brackets 30 are provided between the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2. One mounting bracket 30 is provided on the left and one on the right side of the rear end of the seat cushion S1.

[0094] The seat ECU 100 according to the fifth embodiment executes the process of Fig. 8 when an inquiry is received from the vehicle ECU 200. The process of Fig. 8 is configured by adding a new step S121 before step S101 in the process of Fig. 6. Step S121 is a process for distinguishing whether what is present on the seat cushion S1 is a child seat or a person (adult).

[0095] 8, when the seat ECU 100 according to the fifth embodiment determines in step S31 that it is not communicating with the smartphone SP (No), it executes the process of step S121. In step S121, the seat ECU 100 determines whether the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the seat cushion S1 is less than a first predetermined value and the pressure value of the pressure sensor 24 at the bottom of the seat back S2 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, thereby determining whether the object on the seat cushion S1 is a child seat.

[0096] Here, the "seat cushion S1 pressure sensor" used in the determination may be any sensor that is placed on the installation surface of the child car seat. Also, any number of "seat cushion S1 pressure sensors" may be used in the determination. The first predetermined value may be a value that is smaller than the average weight of an adult and slightly larger than the weight of the heaviest child car seat among various types of child car seats.

[0097] Furthermore, the "lowest pressure sensor 24 of the seat back S2" used in the determination may be the two left and right pressure sensors 24L, 24R, or may be either one of the left and right pressure sensors. The second predetermined value may be a value slightly smaller than the minimum pressure value applied to the pressure sensor 24 when various types of child seats are attached to the seat S'.

[0098] If the seat ECU 100 determines in step S121 that the object on the seat cushion S1 is a child seat (Yes), it ends this process without transmitting a seating signal to the vehicle ECU 200. If the seat ECU 100 determines in step S121 that the object on the seat cushion S1 is not a child seat (No), it proceeds to the process of step S101.

[0099] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not an object on the seat cushion S1 is a child seat, and therefore it is possible to prevent a false notification urging the driver to fasten the seat belt when a child seat is attached to the seat S'.

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the above embodiment, the control unit is configured by the seat ECU 100 and the vehicle ECU 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may be the seat ECU only. In other words, the processing performed by the vehicle ECU 200 in the above embodiment may be performed by the seat ECU 100.

[0101] Determining whether an occupant is seated when there is no communication with the smartphone SP may be performed by combining two or more of the processing of the first embodiment (S33, S34), the processing of the second embodiment (S71), the processing of the third embodiment (S91, S92), and the processing of the fourth embodiment (S101).

[0102] In the above embodiment, the two pressure sensors 21L, 21R are the first pressure sensors 21, but the number of first pressure sensors may be one or three or more. The same applies to the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, and the fourth pressure sensor. Furthermore, the number of left sensors or right sensors is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the seat body is a passenger seat, which is a first-row seat, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be, for example, a driver's seat, a second-row seat, or a third-row seat.

[0104] The control unit may be capable of distinguishing whether the person sitting in the seat S is an adult or a child. To distinguish between adults and children, for example, the size of the body can be determined by the pressure distribution in the seat cushion or the seat back. In the case of the seat cushion, if there is a large input value up to the front sensor, it can be determined that the person is an adult. In the case of the seat back, if there is a large input value up to the upper sensor, it can be determined that the person is an adult.

[0105] The control unit may also be capable of determining whether the seated occupant is asleep based on the pressure distribution in the seat cushion or seat back. For example, if there is a large difference between the left and right pressure distributions, it can determine that the seated occupant is asleep. Also, if there is a strong input to the sensor at the top of the seat back, it can determine that the seated occupant is asleep. It can also determine whether the seated occupant is asleep based on the breathing state.

[0106] The control unit may also be capable of determining whether or not the occupant is in a deadman state (a state of fainting / cardiac arrest) based on the heart rate or pulse, or uneven pressure distribution on the seat. The determination of whether or not the occupant is in a deadman state may be made based on information from an in-vehicle camera. Note that a method of determining based on information from an in-vehicle camera cannot determine whether or not the occupant is in a deadman state if there is an occupant in the blind spot of the in-vehicle camera, but a method of determining using a pressure sensor can determine whether or not the occupant is in a deadman state even if there is an occupant in the blind spot of the in-vehicle camera.

[0107] Furthermore, switching between the normal app use mode and the deadman determination mode may be triggered by a specific trigger. For example, switching may be triggered by whether or not a seatbelt is fastened, the level of autonomous driving, vehicle speed, etc. For example, if the level of autonomous driving is higher than a predetermined level (for example, if the driver does not need to operate the vehicle), the mode is set to the app use mode, and the control unit outputs information from the seat pressure sensor to the smartphone. Furthermore, if the level of autonomous driving is lower than the predetermined level, the mode is set to the deadman determination mode, and the control unit uses information from the seat pressure sensor for deadman determination.

[0108] The "determination of whether communication with the smartphone SP is occurring" may be determined, for example, simply when the smartphone SP and the seat ECU 100 are able to communicate (when the smartphone SP establishes a connection with the short-range communication device 3A).

[0109] The belt sensor may be provided in a device for retracting the seat belt.

[0110] The mobile terminal is not limited to a smartphone, but may be, for example, a tablet, etc. Furthermore, the terminal is not limited to a mobile terminal, but may be any terminal capable of executing an app that uses a predetermined seat sensor, such as a terminal for a car navigation system.

[0111] The app is not limited to a 100m race game, but may be a dance game, car racing game, or other game, and may be any app that uses the seat as a controller to operate an on-screen control object. Note that the operation of the control object may include, for example, changing the size of the control object or changing the volume or tone of the sound emitted from the control object.

[0112] The seat is not limited to a vehicle seat used in an automobile, but may also be a seat for other vehicles, such as a seat used in a ship or an aircraft, or a seat for a car racing arcade game machine installed in an arcade.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the pressure sensors 21 to 26 are used as sensors, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sensors may be, for example, optical sensors, capacitance sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, radio wave sensors, sound sensors, etc. The occupant information is not limited to pressure values ​​and may be any information. For example, if a radio wave sensor is used as the sensor, information regarding the heart rate, which is a physical condition of the user, may be obtained by the radio wave sensor.

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

[0116] 1 Seatbelt reminder system 21~26 Pressure sensors 100 seat ECU 200 Vehicle ECU BS belt sensor S seat S10 seat body SP Smartphone

Claims

1. a seat having a seat body and a sensor for acquiring occupant information that is information about an occupant sitting in the seat body; a control unit that transmits the occupant information acquired by the sensor to a terminal; a belt sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is wearing a seat belt, The control unit It is possible to determine whether or not communication with the terminal is taking place and whether or not an occupant is fastening a seat belt based on information acquired from the belt sensor, A seat belt reminder system characterized by notifying the occupant to fasten their seat belt when it determines that communication with the terminal is occurring and that the occupant is not fastening their seat belt.

2. The control unit It is possible to determine whether or not an occupant is sitting in the seat body based on the occupant information, If it is determined that communication with the terminal is not being performed, The seat belt reminder system according to claim 1, characterized in that if it is determined based on the occupant information that an occupant is sitting in the seat body and that the occupant is not fastening a seat belt, it notifies the occupant to fasten the seat belt.

3. 3. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor that acquires a pressure value as the occupant information.

4. the seat body has a seat cushion on which the pressure sensor is provided, The pressure sensor a first pressure sensor; a second pressure sensor located forward of the first pressure sensor, The control unit 4. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, wherein the system determines that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the first pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the second pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, and the first pressure value is greater than the second pressure value.

5. the seat body has a seat back on which the pressure sensor is provided, The pressure sensor a third pressure sensor; a fourth pressure sensor located above the third pressure sensor, The control unit The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, characterized in that it determines that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the third pressure value acquired from the third pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a third threshold value and the fourth pressure value acquired from the fourth pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

6. the seat body has a seat cushion on which the pressure sensor is provided, The pressure sensor a left sensor and a right sensor separated in the left-right direction; The control unit 4. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, wherein the system determines that an occupant is seated in the seat body when the pressure value acquired from the left sensor is equal to or greater than a left-side threshold value and the pressure value acquired from the right sensor is equal to or greater than a right-side threshold value.

7. 7. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 1, wherein the occupant information is information for detecting an occupant's movement.

8. The control unit 4. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, wherein when a variation in the pressure value of the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that an occupant is seated in the seat body.

9. A plurality of the pressure sensors are provided, The control unit 4. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, wherein when the balance of pressures between the pressure sensors changes irregularly, it is determined that an occupant is sitting on the seat body.

10. The seat body has a seat cushion on which the pressure sensor is provided, The pressure sensor a first pressure sensor; a second pressure sensor located forward of the first pressure sensor, The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit determines that an occupant is sitting in the seat body when the pressure value acquired from the first pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value after the pressure value acquired from the second pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.

11. The control unit:

4. The seat belt reminder system according to claim 3, wherein when the change in pressure value of the pressure sensor is a periodic change corresponding to breathing or heartbeat, it is determined that an occupant is sitting in the seat body.

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