Cushioning system

Abstract

To provide a cushion system capable of generating power through motion of a user sitting on a cushion.SOLUTION: A cushion system 1 includes: a cushion on which a user can sit; a power generation device G that generates power according to motion of the user sitting on the cushion; sensors (pressure sensors PS) that acquire information for detecting the motion of the user sitting on the cushion; and a control unit 60 that can execute a power-generation-compatible application. The power-generation-compatible application is an application program that operates on the basis of information acquired by the sensor, and is an application program that instructs the user to move on the cushion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushion system including a sensor and a cushion.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat in which a plurality of pressure sensors are arranged in a seat cushion is known for detecting the seating posture of an occupant (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional vehicle seat only evaluates and presents the driver's seating posture, so there is a problem that it cannot be used very effectively.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cushion system that can generate electricity by the movement of a user sitting on the cushion in order to propose a new value of the cushion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a cushion system according to the present invention includes a cushion on which a user can sit, a power generation device that generates electricity by the movement of a user sitting on the cushion, a sensor that acquires information for detecting the movement of a user sitting on the cushion, and a control unit that can execute a power generation-compatible application. The power generation-compatible application is an application program that operates based on the information acquired by the sensor and is an application program that gives an instruction to move the user on the cushion.

[0007] With this configuration, the user moves on the cushion in response to instructions from the power generation-enabled app, allowing the power generation device to actively generate electricity.

[0008] Furthermore, the cushioning system may further include a battery for charging the electricity generated by the power generation device.

[0009] With this configuration, the electricity generated by the power generation device can be used to charge the battery.

[0010] Furthermore, if the control unit is running an application program other than the power generation compatible application, it may notify the user to use the power generation compatible application, provided that the battery charge level falls below a predetermined value.

[0011] With this configuration, when the battery charge level becomes low, the user is notified with instructions to use a power-generating app. By following these instructions and running the power-generating app, the user can prevent the battery from running out completely.

[0012] Furthermore, the cushion comprises a pad body and a surface member that covers the pad body, and the power generation device may be located between the pad body and the surface member.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor may be positioned on the user side of the power generation device, overlapping the power generation device.

[0014] This configuration makes it easy to connect the sensor and the power generation device without compromising the sensor's sensitivity.

[0015] Furthermore, the sensor may be a pressure sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, the cushioning system may further include a seat frame that supports the cushion.

[0017] Further, the cushion may be detachable from the seating surface of the seat.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate electricity by the movement of a user sitting on the cushion.

[0019] Further, according to the present invention, since the cushion system further includes a battery, the electricity generated by the power generation device can be charged into the battery.

[0020] Further, according to the present invention, on the condition that the charge amount of the battery becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value, by configuring to notify the user of an instruction to encourage the use of the power generation-compatible application, when the charge amount of the battery decreases, the user executes the power generation-compatible application according to the instruction, so that it is possible to suppress the battery from running out.

[0021] Further, according to the present invention, by arranging the sensor on top of the user side of the power generation device, it is easy to connect the sensor and the power generation device, and the sensitivity of the sensor is not impaired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a cushion system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a seat frame. <L [Figure 3] (a) It is a cross-sectional view of the seat of the portion where the power generation device is arranged, and (b) it is a cross-sectional view of the seat of the portion where the power generation device and the pressure sensor are arranged. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a smartphone. [Figure 5] (a) It is a cross-sectional view of the seat of the portion where the power generation device is arranged when a cover pad is provided, and (b) it is a cross-sectional view of the seat of the portion where the power generation device and the pressure sensor are arranged. [Figure 6]It is a perspective view showing a cushion system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) Cross-sectional view of the cushion of the part where the power generation device is arranged, (b) Cross-sectional view of the cushion of the part where the power generation device and the pressure sensor are arranged, (c) Cross-sectional view of the cushion of the part where the power generation device is arranged when a cover pad is provided, and (b) Cross-sectional view of the cushion of the part where the power generation device and the pressure sensor are arranged when a cover pad is provided.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a seat S, a control unit 60, and a battery 70. The seat S may be installed in a vehicle or may be installed in a facility other than a vehicle.

[0024] The seat S includes a seat portion S1, a backrest S2, and a headrest S3. Specifically, the seat S includes a seat frame F as shown in FIG. 2, a pad body 10 covering the seat frame F as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), and a skin member 18 covering the pad body 10.

[0025] The pad body 10 and the skin member 18 constitute a cushion on which a user can sit. The cushion is supported by the seat frame F.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat frame F has a seat frame F1 that is a frame of the seat portion S1 and a backrest frame F2 that is a frame of the backrest S2. Although not shown, at the upper end of the backrest frame F2, a frame of the headrest S3 is detachably provided with respect to the backrest frame F2. The pad body and the skin member are also covered on the frame of the headrest S3.

[0027] The seat frame F1 and the backrest frame F2 each have left and right side frames SF spaced apart to the left and right, and a support member 15 positioned between the left and right side frames SF that receives the load from the user. As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the support member 15 supports the central part of the pad body 10 in the left-right direction.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the seat S1 has a front surface S11 facing forward, a central surface S12 located in the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface on which the user sits, and protruding surfaces S13 located on both the left and right sides of the central surface S12 and extending upward above the central surface S12. The backrest S2 has a central surface S22 located in the center in the left-right direction, which supports the user from behind, and protruding surfaces S23 located on both the left and right sides of the central surface S22 and extending forward above the central surface S22. In this specification, front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are based on the user sitting on the seat S.

[0029] The seat S is provided with a plurality of pressure sensors PS (21-26) as an example of sensors on the seat portion S1 and backrest S2. The pressure sensors PS are located on the user side of the pad body 10, specifically between the pad body 10 and the surface material 18 (see Figure 3(b)). The pressure sensors PS are, for example, elements whose resistance value changes due to external pressure. The pressure sensors PS are positioned to detect the state of the seat surface facing the user sitting on the seat S, and detect the pressure applied to the seat surface by the user sitting on the seat S. In this embodiment, the pressure from the user corresponds to information for detecting the movements of the user sitting on the cushion.

[0030] Each pressure sensor 21-26 is provided in pairs symmetrically with respect to the left-right center of the seat S. Pressure sensors 21-23 are provided on the seat portion S1.

[0031] The pressure sensor 21 is located at the front of the seat S1, in front of the center in the front-to-back direction, and is positioned to measure pressure from the user's thighs.

[0032] Pressure sensors 22 and 23 are for measuring the pressure from the user's buttocks. Since both pressure sensors 22 and 23 are for measuring the pressure from the user's buttocks, either one may be provided. Pressure sensors 22 and 23 are located behind the center of the seat surface of the seat portion S1 in the front-rear direction.

[0033] Pressure sensors 22 and 23 are positioned significantly behind pressure sensor 21. Specifically, pressure sensor 23 is located at the lowest point of the user's ischial tuberosity, where the user's weight is greatest. Pressure sensor 22 is positioned slightly in front of pressure sensor 23.

[0034] Pressure sensors 24-26 are provided on the backrest S2. Pressure sensor 24 is located at a position corresponding to the user's lower back. Pressure sensor 25 is located slightly above pressure sensor 24. Both pressure sensors 24 and 25 are for measuring pressure from the user's lower back, and either one or the other may be provided. Pressure sensor 26 is located significantly above pressure sensors 24 and 25. Pressure sensor 26 is located corresponding to the user's shoulder and can measure pressure from the user's shoulder.

[0035] Furthermore, the seat is equipped with multiple power generation devices G (31-34, 41-46) in the seat portion S1 and backrest S2. Each power generation device G is located on the user side of the pad body 10, specifically between the pad body 10 and the surface material 18 (see Figures 3(a) and (b)). The power generation devices G are devices that generate electricity through vibration. The power generation devices G generate electricity through the movements of the user sitting on the seat S.

[0036] The power generation devices 31 are arranged in pairs on the front surface S11 of the seat portion S1, spaced apart on the left and right. The power generation devices 32 are arranged in pairs, spaced apart on the left and right sides, at the front end of the central surface S12 of the seat portion S1. The power generation devices 33 are arranged in pairs on the central surface S12 of the seat portion S1, at a position overlapping with the pressure sensor 22, and spaced apart to the left and right. The power generation devices 34 are located on the left and right protruding surfaces S13 of the seat portion S1. Each power generation device 34 is located approximately in the center in the front-to-back direction.

[0037] The power generation devices 41, 42, 43, and 44 are arranged in the left-right center of the central surface S22 of the backrest S2, in this order from bottom to top. Power generation device 41 is located below the vertical center of the backrest S2, corresponding to the user's waist height. Power generation device 42 is located approximately in the vertical center of the backrest S2, corresponding to the center of the user's back. Power generation devices 43 and 44 are located above the vertical center of the backrest S2, corresponding to the user's shoulder height. The power generation devices 45 are arranged in pairs on the central surface S22 of the backrest S2, spaced apart on the left and right. The power generation devices 45 are positioned at a height corresponding to the center of the user's back. The power generation devices 46 are positioned on the left and right protruding surfaces S23 of the backrest S2. Each power generation device 46 is located approximately in the center in the vertical direction.

[0038] The power generation device G has a power generation element made of a piezoelectric element or the like. The power generation element is sized and shaped to efficiently generate electricity at the frequency of vibrations caused by the user's movement. The power generation device G is connected to the pressure sensor PS by wiring so as to supply the generated power to the pressure sensor PS. The power generation device G also supplies the generated power to the seat control unit 61 and the battery 70, which will be described later.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3(a), the pad body 10 has a recess 11 on the user-facing surface 10F. The power generation device G is located within the recess 11. The user-facing surface GF of the power generation device G is flush with the user-facing surface 10F of the pad body 10.

[0040] When the pressure sensor PS and power generation device G are arranged to overlap, as shown in Figure 1 with the pressure sensor 22 and power generation device 33, the pressure sensor PS overlaps the power generation device G and is positioned on the user side of the power generation device G, as shown in Figure 3(b). In this case, the user-side surface PSF of the pressure sensor PS is flush with the user-side surface 10F of the pad body 10.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 60 includes a sheet control unit 61 and a smartphone 62.

[0042] The seat control unit 61 is capable of communicating with the smartphone 62. The seat control unit 61 can acquire pressure values ​​from the pressure sensor PS of the seat S and can transmit the acquired pressure values ​​to the smartphone 62.

[0043] The smartphone 62 has the function of running power generation compatible applications. A power generation compatible application is one of the various application programs (hereinafter also referred to as "apps") that run on the smartphone 62, which operates based on pressure values ​​obtained from the pressure sensor PS via the sheet control unit 61, and is an application that gives instructions to move the user on the sheet S. An example of a power generation compatible application is a game that uses the sheet S as a controller. An example of such a game is a 100m dash game.

[0044] The 100m dash game is a game in which a user sitting on a seat S moves their legs up and down alternately to make a character displayed on the screen DS of a smartphone 62 run (move). The smartphone 62 determines the user's leg movements based on pressure values ​​from the left and right pressure sensors 21, for example, and proceeds with the game.

[0045] When the smartphone 62 starts running the power generation application, it sends an inquiry to the sheet control unit 61 to obtain a pressure value from the pressure sensor PS. Upon receiving the inquiry from the smartphone 62, the sheet control unit 61 obtains the pressure value from the pressure sensor PS and sends the obtained pressure value to the smartphone 62.

[0046] When the 100m dash game is played, the smartphone 62 notifies the user of instructions to move on the sheet S. These "instructions to move the user on the sheet S" may be specific actions notified in text or voice, such as "Move both legs up and down alternately," or they may simply be a starting signal (such as a countdown) that prompts the character to start running on the screen DS.

[0047] The battery 70 has the function of charging the electricity generated by the power generation device G. The battery 70 supplies electricity to the pressure sensor PS and the seat control unit 61. The battery 70 may be installed in the seat S, or in the vehicle on which the seat S is installed.

[0048] The smartphone 62 has a function that, when running an app other than a power-generating app, notifies the user of an instruction to use a power-generating app, provided that the charge level of the battery 70 falls below a predetermined value.

[0049] Next, we will explain the operation of the smartphone 62 in detail. When the app is launched, the smartphone 62 executes the process shown in Figure 4.

[0050] In the process shown in Figure 4, the smartphone 62 first determines whether the launched application is a power generation compatible application (ST1). Here, the determination of whether an application is a power generation compatible application can be made, for example, by determining whether the application requires querying the sheet control unit 61 for pressure values. Alternatively, the user may pre-select a power generation compatible application from multiple applications and store it in the memory of the smartphone 62, and the smartphone 62 may determine whether an application is a power generation compatible application based on the information in the memory. Alternatively, identification information indicating that an application is a power generation compatible application may be pre-built into the power generation compatible application, and the smartphone 62 may determine whether an application is a power generation compatible application based on the identification information.

[0051] If it is determined in step ST1 that the app is not a power-generating app (No), the smartphone 62 determines whether the charge level of the battery 70 is below a predetermined value (ST2). If it is determined in step ST2 that the charge level is below a predetermined value (Yes), the smartphone 62 issues a notification prompting the user to use a power-generating app (ST3).

[0052] Notifications prompting the use of power generation compatible apps may include, for example, text displayed on the screen DS, or audio notifications. In step ST3, the system may also prompt the use of power generation compatible apps with higher power generation efficiency when the charge level is low. Specifically, the smartphone 62 may prompt the use of a first power generation compatible app with a first-level power generation efficiency when the charge level is below a first threshold, and the smartphone 62 may prompt the use of a second power generation compatible app with a second-level power generation efficiency that is higher than the first-level efficiency when the charge level is below a second threshold, which is lower than the first threshold. In this case, information indicating the power generation efficiency can be pre-built into the power generation compatible app.

[0053] After step ST3, the smartphone 62 executes the launched application (ST4) and terminates this process. If it is determined in step ST1 that the application is compatible with power generation (Yes), the smartphone 62 skips steps ST2 and ST3 and executes the application compatible with power generation (ST4).

[0054] In step ST4, if a power generation-enabled application is executed, the smartphone 62 may display the total amount of power generated by using the power generation-enabled application on the screen DS when the application is finished. In this case, the smartphone 62 and the sheet control unit 61 may, for example, execute the following processes.

[0055] When the smartphone 62 starts a power generation compatible app, it sends a start signal to the sheet control unit 61 to indicate that it has started. Upon receiving the start signal, the sheet control unit 61 begins measuring the amount of electricity generated by each power generation device G and sends the measured amount of electricity to the smartphone 62.

[0056] When the smartphone 62 closes a power generation-enabled application, it calculates the total amount of power received from the sheet control unit 61 while the power generation-enabled application was running, and displays the total amount of power on the screen DS.

[0057] Next, an example of the operation of the smartphone 62 and the seat control unit 61 will be described. When a user seated on the seat S shown in Figure 1 launches a non-power generation compatible app on their smartphone 62, and the battery charge level of the battery 70 falls below a predetermined value, the smartphone 62 displays a notification prompting the user to use a power generation compatible app. Specifically, the smartphone 62 displays an image of text on the screen DS, such as, "The battery charge level is low, so please use the 100m sprint game app to generate power."

[0058] Upon receiving this notification, the user will know that their battery charge is low, and will immediately close any incompatible apps and launch the 100m sprint game app, which is a power-generating compatible app. When the 100m sprint game starts, the smartphone 62 outputs a message, such as text or voice, saying "On your marks, get set, go!", to instruct the user to move on the sheet S.

[0059] The user follows these instructions and moves both legs up and down alternately on the seat S. The smartphone 62 determines the user's leg movements based on the pressure values ​​from the left and right pressure sensors 21, and makes the character on the screen DS run from the starting position to the goal.

[0060] During the 100m sprint game, the user moves both legs up and down on the seat S, generating electricity through the power generation device G, particularly the power generation device 32 located at the front end of the seat S1, which charges the battery 70. When the character reaches the finish line and the 100m sprint game ends, the smartphone 62 displays the amount of electricity generated during the game on the screen DS.

[0061] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. The user moves on the seat S based on instructions from the power generation-compatible app, allowing the power generation device G to actively generate electricity.

[0062] Since the cushioning system 1 is equipped with a battery 70, the electricity generated by the power generation device G can be used to charge the battery 70.

[0063] When the battery level of the 70 becomes low, the user is notified with instructions to use a power-generating app. By following these instructions and running the power-generating app, the user can prevent the battery from becoming completely depleted.

[0064] Since the power generation device G, which generates electricity through vibration, is located on the user side of the pad body 10, vibrations are efficiently transmitted to the power generation device G when the user moves. Therefore, power can be generated efficiently through the user's movements.

[0065] Furthermore, since the power generation device G is located within the recess 11 of the pad body 10, the user is less likely to perceive the power generation device G as a foreign object, thereby improving seating comfort.

[0066] Furthermore, the fact that the pressure sensor PS overlaps with the power generation device G makes it easy to connect the pressure sensor PS and the power generation device G. Also, because it is located on the user side of the power generation device G, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor PS is not compromised.

[0067] To further improve seating comfort, the seat S may also be provided with a cover pad 12, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b).

[0068] As shown in Figure 5(a), when the pressure sensor PS does not overlap the power generation device G, the cover pad 12 is positioned to overlap the user side of the power generation device G. The recess 11 is formed to a depth equal to the combined thickness of the power generation device G and the cover pad 12, and the user-side surface 12F of the cover pad 12 is flush with the user-side surface 10F of the pad body 10.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the pressure sensor PS is placed on top of the power generation device G, the cover pad 12 is positioned to overlap the user side of the pressure sensor PS. The recess 11 is formed to a depth equal to the combined thickness of the power generation device G, the pressure sensor PS, and the cover pad 12, and the user-side surface 12F of the cover pad 12 is flush with the user-side surface 10F of the pad body 10.

[0070] With the configuration shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the cover pad 12 is positioned on the user side of the power generation device G, making it less likely for the user to perceive the power generation device G as a foreign object, thereby further improving seating comfort.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted from description as appropriate. As shown in Figure 6, the cushion system 2 according to the second embodiment comprises a cushion C, a control unit 60, and a battery 70.

[0072] Cushion C is used by being placed on the seat surface of seat S10. Cushion C is detachable from the seat surface of seat S10. Seat S10 has a seat portion S110 and a backrest S120. Cushion C has a seat cushion C1 placed on the seat surface of seat portion S110 and a backrest cushion C2 placed on the seat surface of backrest S120. Seat cushion C1 and backrest cushion C2 are configured independently.

[0073] The seat cushion C1 and back cushion C2 are arranged similarly to the first embodiment, with a plurality of pressure sensors PS and a plurality of power generation devices G. Some of the power generation devices G are arranged overlapping with the pressure sensors PS, while others are arranged without overlapping with the pressure sensors PS. The battery 70 is built into, for example, the seat cushion C1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7(a), the cushion C(C1,C2) comprises a pad body 110 and a surface member 118 that covers the pad body 110. The power generation device G is positioned on the user side of the pad body 110, specifically between the pad body 110 and the surface member 118.

[0075] The pad body 110 has a recess 111 on the user-facing surface 110F. The power generation device G is located within the recess 111. The user-facing surface GF of the power generation device G is flush with the user-facing surface 110F of the pad body 110.

[0076] When the pressure sensor PS and the power generation device G are arranged to overlap, as shown in Figure 7(b), the pressure sensor PS overlaps the power generation device G and is positioned on the user side of the power generation device G. In this case, the user-side surface PSF of the pressure sensor PS is flush with the user-side surface 110F of the pad body 110.

[0077] With the cushion C configured as described above, the power generation device G, which generates electricity through vibration, is located on the user side of the pad body 110. Therefore, when the user moves, vibration is efficiently transmitted to the power generation device G. As a result, power can be generated efficiently through the user's movements.

[0078] Furthermore, since the power generation device G is located within the recess 111 of the pad body 110, the user is less likely to perceive the power generation device G as a foreign object, thereby improving seating comfort.

[0079] Furthermore, the fact that the pressure sensor PS overlaps with the power generation device G makes it easy to connect the pressure sensor PS and the power generation device G. Also, because it is located on the user side of the power generation device G, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor PS is not compromised.

[0080] Furthermore, since the power generation device G supplies power to the communication device, the pressure detected from the cushion C equipped with the pressure sensor PS can be transmitted to the smartphone 62 without requiring a power source, allowing the seat experience system using the cushion C to be used in locations without a power source.

[0081] To further improve seating comfort, the seat S may also be provided with a cover pad 112, as shown in Figures 7(c) and (d).

[0082] As shown in Figure 7(c), when the pressure sensor PS does not overlap the power generation device G, the cover pad 112 is positioned to overlap the user side of the power generation device G. The recess 111 is formed to a depth equal to the combined thickness of the power generation device G and the cover pad 112, and the user-side surface 112F of the cover pad 112 is flush with the user-side surface 110F of the pad body 110.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7(d), when the pressure sensor PS is placed on top of the power generation device G, the cover pad 112 is positioned to overlap the user side of the pressure sensor PS. The recess 111 is formed to a depth equal to the combined thickness of the power generation device G, the pressure sensor PS, and the cover pad 112, and the user-side surface 112F of the cover pad 112 is flush with the user-side surface 110F of the pad body 110.

[0084] With the configuration shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), the cover pad 112 is positioned on the user side of the power generation device G, making it less likely for the user to perceive the power generation device G as a foreign object, thereby further improving seating comfort.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented with appropriate modifications. For example, in the above embodiment, the power generation device G was located in the recess 11 of the pad body 10, but the power generation device G may be placed on the user-facing surface 10F of the pad body 10 without providing a recess 11 in the pad body 10.

[0086] In the aforementioned seat S, the headrest S3 was not equipped with a power generation device G, but the headrest S3 may be equipped with a power generation device G.

[0087] Although the aforementioned seat S and cushion C were equipped with surface members 18 and 118, they do not necessarily need to be equipped with surface members.

[0088] Although the aforementioned cushion C consisted of a seat cushion C1 and a backrest cushion C2 that were independently constructed, the seat cushion C1 and the backrest cushion C2 may be connected.

[0089] When the power generation device G and the pressure sensor PS are placed on top of each other, other components may be placed between the power generation device G and the pressure sensor PS.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the power generation device G and the battery 70 are used to supply power to the pressure sensor PS, but they may also be used to supply power to something other than the pressure sensor. The power generation device or battery may, for example, supply power to a heater, lighting, blower, motor, or a vehicle battery that supplies power to the motor used for driving an electric vehicle.

[0091] The power generation device may generate electricity through motion other than vibration. The power generation device may be located on the side of the cushion opposite to the user, or it may be located on the seat frame that supports the cushion.

[0092] Any application that provides instructions for the user to move on the seat can be used as a power generation compatible application. For example, a power generation compatible application could be a dance game or a car racing game, or any application that uses the seat as a controller.

[0093] The control unit may be capable of running a power generation management application. The power generation management application is an application that manages the amount of power generated by various power generation-compatible applications for each user. The control unit records and stores the amount of power generated for each user in the power generation management application. The control unit may be able to display the accumulated amount of power generated on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. The control unit may compare the amount of power generated by multiple users and display it on the screen in a ranking format. The control unit may compare the amount of power generated by users around the world via the internet.

[0094] The control unit may award points according to the amount of power generated. Specifically, the control unit can be configured to award 1 point when a certain amount of power is accumulated. The points may be redeemable for cash.

[0095] The power generation function may be automatically restricted when the battery charge level reaches its upper limit. Specifically, for example, the control unit may be configured to disconnect the power generation device from the battery when it determines that the battery charge level has reached its upper limit. In this case, the control unit may notify the user, via a screen or other means, that the power generation function has been stopped because the charge level has reached its upper limit.

[0096] If an abnormality such as a broken wire occurs in the cushioning system, for example, the power generation device, the control unit may limit the power generation function.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the control unit was composed of a seat control unit and a smartphone, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may consist only of a vehicle-side control unit installed in the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle-side control unit may acquire information from the seat sensors and run a seat application on the screen of the car navigation system.

[0098] Smartphones can be replaced by other mobile devices, such as tablets.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a pressure sensor was used as an example of a sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor may be, for example, a light sensor, a capacitance sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a radio wave sensor, a sound sensor, etc. User information is not limited to pressure values ​​and may be any information.

[0100] The sensors may also be installed on the left and right sides of the seat cushion or seat back (the parts that protrude from the seat surface), the headrest, the armrest, or on parts around the seat (instrument panel, door, floor), etc.

[0101] Furthermore, the elements described in each embodiment and each modification described herein can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Cushioning System PS pressure sensor G Power generation device 60 Control Unit

Claims

1. A cushion on which the user can sit, A power generation device that generates electricity through the movements of the user sitting on the cushion, A battery for charging the electricity generated by the aforementioned power generation device, A sensor that acquires information for detecting the movements of the user sitting on the cushion, A control unit that can execute a first application program that operates based on information acquired by the sensor, the first application program that gives instructions to move the user on the cushion, The cushioning system is characterized in that, when the control unit is executing a second application program that operates independently of the information acquired by the sensor, it notifies the user of an instruction to use the first application program, provided that the battery charge level falls below a predetermined value.

2. The cushioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is configured to disconnect the connection between the power generation device and the battery when it determines that the charge level of the battery has reached an upper limit.

3. The cushioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit notifies the user that the power generation function has been stopped because the charge amount has reached the upper limit.

4. The aforementioned cushion is The pad itself, The pad comprises a surface member that covers the pad body, The cushioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the power generation device is located between the pad body and the surface member.

5. The cushion is The pad itself, The pad comprises a surface member that covers the pad body, The cushion system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the power generation device is provided on the side of the cushion opposite to the user side, or on the seat frame supporting the cushion.

6. The cushioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor is positioned on top of the power generation device and on the user side of the power generation device.

7. The cushioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor is a pressure sensor.

8. The cushion system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a seat frame that supports the cushion.

9. The cushioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit restricts the power generation function when an abnormality occurs in the power generation device.

10. The control unit is The first application program can run a power generation management application that manages the amount of power generated for each user. The cushioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the power generation management application records and stores the amount of power generated for each user.

Images