Motion sickness prevention system

The motion sickness prevention system addresses the challenge of notifying passengers of left-right vehicle movements by using seat back light-emitting devices that dynamically change light patterns based on vehicle behavior, effectively reducing motion sickness through simulated inertial force recognition.

JP7832533B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-18TS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-29
Publication Date
2026-03-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motion sickness countermeasure systems struggle to effectively notify passengers of the vehicle's movement in the left-right direction, leading to increased frequency and severity of motion sickness.

Method used

A motion sickness prevention system that includes seat back light-emitting devices extending in the vehicle width direction, controlled by an acquisition device and a control device to dynamically change the light-emitting area based on vehicle behavior, particularly turning and acceleration, to simulate lateral and longitudinal movements.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively notifies occupants of vehicle movements in the left-right and forward-backward directions, reducing the likelihood and severity of motion sickness by aligning light patterns with the vehicle's inertial forces.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a motion sickness prevention system that can easily notify an occupant of a right and left direction movement mode of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A motion sickness prevention system 1, 101, and 201 mounted on a vehicle 2 equipped with a front row seat 5 and a rear row seat 6 placed on a floor 4 in a front-rear direction includes: an acquisition device 21 and 103 for acquiring behavioral information on the behavior of the vehicle; a seatback light emission device 31 extending in a vehicle width direction on a back face of a seatback 9 in the front row seat for emitting light in a plurality of areas aligned in the extending direction; and a control device 24 for controlling the seatback light emission device. The control device determines presence or absence of a turning behavior of the vehicle on the basis of the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition device, and when the turning behavior is determined to be present, dynamically changes the distribution of the light emission areas along the extending direction of the seatback light emission device in a mode corresponding to the turning behavior.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motion sickness prevention system for preventing motion sickness of passengers in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] A motion sickness countermeasure system for users in a vehicle is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The motion sickness countermeasure system of Patent Document 1 includes an optical array system having a plurality of light elements.

[0003] The optical array system is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction on pillars, roofs, side walls, doors, floors, dashboards, consoles, windows, etc. in the vehicle interior. The optical array system includes light elements, and by emitting light from the light elements, the optical array system simulates the movement of the vehicle. As a result, since the movement of the vehicle can be perceived visually, the discrepancy between the visual information and the sensory information obtained by the inner ear, etc. is reduced, and the frequency and severity of motion sickness can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the motion sickness countermeasure system of Patent Document 1, since the optical array system is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction, there is a problem that it is difficult to notify the passengers of the movement mode of the vehicle in the left-right direction by the emission of light from the light elements.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a motion sickness prevention system that can easily notify passengers of the movement mode of the vehicle in the left-right direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a motion sickness prevention system (1, 101, 201) to be mounted on a vehicle (2) equipped with front row seats (5) and rear row seats (6) arranged front to back on a floor (4), comprising: an acquisition device (21, 103) for acquiring behavioral information relating to the behavior of the vehicle; a seat back light-emitting device (31) that extends in the vehicle width direction on the back of the seat back (9) of the front row seat and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of areas aligned in the extending direction; and a control device (24) for controlling the seat back light-emitting device, wherein the control device determines whether or not the vehicle is turning based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition device, and when it determines that there is turning behavior, it dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area along the extending direction of the seat back light-emitting device in a manner corresponding to the turning behavior.

[0008] In this embodiment, the seatback light-emitting device is installed so as to extend in the width direction of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to change the distribution of the light-emitting area in accordance with the lateral movement of the vehicle, making it easier to notify the occupants of the vehicle's lateral movement.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the seat back light-emitting device is located at the upper back end of the seat back of the front row seat.

[0010] In this embodiment, the illumination of the seatback light-emitting device becomes more easily recognizable to the occupant.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the acquisition device includes an acceleration sensor (21A) for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the seat back light-emitting device along the extending direction of the seat back light-emitting device in accordance with the left-right acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0012] In this embodiment, the change in the luminous area allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body. This can prevent motion sickness.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the seat back light-emitting device includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (31A) that are each capable of emitting light and are arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the light-emitting area of ​​the seat back light-emitting device can be dynamically changed by controlling the timing of light emission of each light-emitting element.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, when the acceleration sensor detects acceleration in the left direction, the control device flashes or emits light from left to right in sequence, and when acceleration in the right direction is detected, the control device flashes or emits light from right to left in sequence.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the flashing or illumination of the light-emitting element allows the occupant to predict the direction of the inertial force acting on their body, thereby preventing motion sickness.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the floor light-emitting device (41) is provided so as to extend in the front-to-back direction on the floor and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned in the extending direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting regions of the floor light-emitting device in the front-to-back direction in a manner corresponding to the front-to-back acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the change in the illuminated area of ​​the floor-mounted light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the forward and backward direction. This can prevent motion sickness.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the vehicle further includes a pillar light-emitting device (43) that extends longitudinally along the front pillar (18) and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extending direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting regions of the pillar light-emitting device in the longitudinal direction in a manner corresponding to the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the change in the illuminated area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the forward and backward direction. This can prevent motion sickness.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the door trim (15, 16) further includes door light-emitting devices (45, 46) that extend in the front-rear direction and are capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extending direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting regions of the door light-emitting devices in the front-rear direction according to the front-rear acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the change in the illuminated area of ​​the door light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the forward and backward direction. This can prevent motion sickness.

[0023] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, there is a pillar light-emitting device (43) that extends front to rear along the front pillar (18) and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extension direction, and a door light-emitting device (46) that extends front to rear along the door trim (16) located to the side of the rear row seats and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extension direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device and the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the door light-emitting device in the front to rear direction in a manner corresponding to the front to rear acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor, and sets the rate of change of the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device to be higher than that of the door light-emitting device.

[0024] According to this aspect, since the driver recognizes that the vehicle is accelerating more than the actual acceleration applied and decelerates the vehicle, it is possible to prompt the driver not to accelerate too much, and the safety of the vehicle is enhanced.

[0025] Further, in the above aspect, preferably, a frontmost door light-emitting device (45) that extends in the front-rear direction and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions arranged along the extending direction is provided in a door trim (15) located on the side of the front row seat located at the forefront on the floor, and a rear door light-emitting device (46) that extends in the front-rear direction and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions arranged along the extending direction is provided in a door trim (16) located on the side of the rear row seat located behind the front row seat located at the forefront on the floor. The control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting regions of the frontmost door light-emitting device and the distribution of the light-emitting regions of the rear door light-emitting device in the front-rear direction in a manner corresponding to the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor, and sets the change speed of the light-emitting regions of the frontmost door light-emitting device to be higher than that of the rear door light-emitting device.

[0026] According to this aspect, since the driver recognizes that the vehicle is accelerating more than the actual acceleration applied and decelerates the vehicle, it is possible to prompt the driver not to accelerate too much, and the safety of the vehicle is enhanced.

[0027] Further, in the above aspect, preferably, the acquisition device includes a navigation device (103) that acquires the current location of the vehicle and the planned travel route of the vehicle, and the control device acquires the presence or absence of the turning behavior based on the current location and the planned travel route.

[0028] According to this aspect, the passenger can recognize in advance that an inertial force can be applied to their own body. Thereby, motion sickness can be prevented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] One aspect of the present invention is a motion sickness prevention system for a vehicle equipped with front and rear seats arranged front to back on the floor, comprising: an acquisition device for acquiring behavioral information relating to the vehicle's behavior; a seat back light-emitting device extending in the vehicle width direction on the back of the seat back of the front seat and capable of emitting light in a plurality of areas aligned in the extending direction; and a control device for controlling the seat back light-emitting device, wherein the control device determines whether or not the vehicle is turning based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition device, and when it determines that the vehicle is turning, it dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area in a manner corresponding to the turning behavior along the extending direction of the seat back light-emitting device. According to this aspect, the seat back light-emitting device is provided to extend in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to change the distribution of the light-emitting area in accordance with the vehicle's movement in the left-right direction, making it easier to notify the occupants of the vehicle's movement in the left-right direction.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the seatback light-emitting device is located at the upper end of the back of the seatback of the front seat. In this embodiment, the light emitted by the seatback light-emitting device is more easily recognized by the occupants.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the acquisition device includes an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the seatback light-emitting device along the extending direction of the seatback light-emitting device in accordance with the lateral acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. According to this embodiment, the change in the light-emitting area allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body. This makes it possible to prevent motion sickness.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the seat back light-emitting device includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of which is capable of emitting light and arranged in the vehicle width direction. According to this embodiment, the light-emitting area of ​​the seat back light-emitting device can be dynamically changed by controlling the timing of light emission of each light-emitting element.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, when the acceleration sensor detects acceleration in the left direction, the control device flashes or emits light from left to right in sequence, and when acceleration in the right direction is detected, the control device flashes or emits light from right to left in sequence. According to this embodiment, the flashing or emission of the light-emitting elements allows the occupant to predict the direction of the inertial force acting on their body, thereby preventing motion sickness.

[0034] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the vehicle further includes a floor light-emitting device that extends from front to back on the floor and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned in the extending direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the floor light-emitting device in the front-to-back direction in a manner corresponding to the front-to-back acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor. According to this embodiment, the change in the light-emitting area of ​​the floor light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the front-to-back direction. This makes it possible to prevent motion sickness.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the vehicle further comprises a pillar light-emitting device that extends longitudinally along the front pillar and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the direction of extension, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device in the longitudinal direction in a manner corresponding to the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor. According to this embodiment, the change in the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to prevent motion sickness.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the door light-emitting device further comprises a door trim that extends front to rear and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the direction of extension, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the door light-emitting device in the front to rear direction according to the front to rear acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor. According to this embodiment, the change in the light-emitting area of ​​the door light-emitting device allows the occupant to recognize that an inertial force is being applied to their body in the front to rear direction. This makes it possible to prevent motion sickness.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, there is a pillar light-emitting device that extends front to rear along the front pillar and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extension direction, and a door light-emitting device that extends front to rear along the door trim located to the side of the rear seats and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of regions aligned along the extension direction, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device and the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the door light-emitting device in the front to rear direction in a manner corresponding to the front to rear acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor, and sets the rate of change of the light-emitting area of ​​the pillar light-emitting device to be higher than that of the door light-emitting device. According to this embodiment, the driver perceives that the vehicle is accelerating more than the actual acceleration applied and decelerates the vehicle, thereby encouraging the driver not to accelerate too much and improving the safety of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, there is a front door light-emitting device that extends front to rear on the door trim located to the side of the front row seat located in the front row on the floor, and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of areas arranged along the direction of extension, and a rear door light-emitting device that extends front to rear on the door trim located to the side of the rear row seat located behind the front row seat located in the front row on the floor, and is capable of emitting light in a plurality of areas arranged along the direction of extension, and the control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the front door light-emitting device and the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the rear door light-emitting device in the front to rear directions in a manner corresponding to the front to rear acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor, and sets the rate of change of the light-emitting area of ​​the front door light-emitting device to be higher than that of the rear door light-emitting device. According to this embodiment, the driver perceives that the vehicle is accelerating more than the actual acceleration applied and decelerates the vehicle, thereby encouraging the driver not to accelerate too much and improving the safety of the vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, preferably, the acquisition device includes a navigation device that acquires the vehicle's current location and the vehicle's planned route, and the control device acquires whether or not the vehicle is turning based on the current location and the planned route. According to this embodiment, the occupant can be aware in advance that an inertial force may be applied to their body. This makes it possible to prevent motion sickness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a motion sickness prevention system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Top view of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a motion sickness prevention system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram of a motion sickness prevention system [Figure 4] A diagram showing the interior of a car as seen from the rear seat towards the back of the front seat. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a motion sickness prevention system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Flowchart of the light emission process of the motion sickness prevention system according to the first embodiment [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing the time change in the light-emitting area of ​​the seatback light-emitting device when the vehicle is (A) turning left and (B) turning right. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing the time change in the light-emitting area of ​​the floor light-emitting device when the vehicle is (A) accelerating and (B) moving backward. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram illustrating the field of view of an occupant sitting in the rear seat and operating a smartphone. [Figure 10] Flowchart of the light emission process of the motion sickness prevention system according to the second embodiment [Figure 11] A diagram showing a modified example of the light emission mode of the left and right light-emitting devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] The following describes an example of applying the motion sickness prevention system 1 of the present invention to a vehicle 2, with reference to the drawings. The following description will be based on the vehicle, defining the directions as front / rear, left / right, and up / down.

[0042] <<First Embodiment>> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 2 to which the motion sickness prevention system 1 is applied is a so-called four-wheeled automobile. The vehicle 2 is equipped with a passenger compartment 3. On the floor 4 (also called the floor) that defines the bottom of the passenger compartment 3, a pair of front seats 5 and a pair of rear seats 6 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration. One of the pair of front seats 5 constitutes the driver's seat, and the other constitutes the so-called passenger seat.

[0043] Front seat 5 is located in front of rear seat 6, and rear seat 6 is located behind front seat 5. In other words, front seat 5 constitutes the front row of seats, positioned in front of rear seat 6, and is the foremost seat among all seats arranged in the vehicle interior. Rear seat 6 constitutes the rear row of seats, located behind front seat 5.

[0044] Each of the front seats 5 and rear seats 6 has a seat cushion 8 supported by the floor 4, a seat back 9 attached to the rear of the seat cushion 8, and a headrest 10 provided above the seat back 9.

[0045] In this embodiment, each seat cushion 8 is connected to the floor 4 via a pair of left and right slide rails 11 that extend in the front-rear direction. As a result, the front seat 5 and the rear seat 6 can each slide relative to the floor 4 in the front-rear direction.

[0046] An instrument panel 12 is provided in front of the front seat 5. A front door 13 is provided on the exterior side of the front seat 5, and a rear door 14 is provided on the exterior side of the rear seat 6. Door trims 15 and 16 are attached to the interior sides of the front door 13 and the rear door 14, respectively.

[0047] A windshield 17 (also called the front window) is located in front of the front seat 5. Pillars (hereinafter referred to as front pillars 18, also called A-pillars) are located on both the left and right edges of the windshield 17. The front pillars 18 extend diagonally upward toward the rear.

[0048] Next, the motion sickness prevention system 1 will be described. The motion sickness prevention system 1 is a system that aims to make it less likely for passengers to get motion sickness, and to reduce the severity of motion sickness even if they do get sick. In this specification, motion sickness prevention is defined as preventing motion sickness by combining the actions of making it less likely to get motion sickness and reducing the severity of motion sickness.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the motion sickness prevention system 1 includes a motion sensor 21, a light-emitting device 22, and a control device 24 that controls the light-emitting device 22 based on signals from the motion sensor 21.

[0050] The behavior sensor 21 is a device (acquisition device) for acquiring information related to the behavior of the vehicle 2, that is, behavior information, and is connected to the control device 24. The behavior of the vehicle 2 here includes, for example, the turning of the vehicle 2 in the left and right directions, and the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 2. The behavior information acquired by the behavior sensor 21 includes, for example, the longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration (lateral acceleration), vertical acceleration, roll rate, pitch rate, yaw rate, longitudinal velocity, lateral velocity, vertical velocity, and vehicle speed of the vehicle 2.

[0051] In this embodiment, the behavior sensor 21 is composed of an acceleration sensor 21A that acquires longitudinal and lateral acceleration of the vehicle 2. However, the behavior sensor 21 is not limited to this embodiment, and may be composed of a 6-axis inertial sensor 21B that detects longitudinal, lateral, and vertical acceleration, as well as angular velocity of roll rate, pitch rate, and yaw rate. The behavior sensor 21 may also include, for example, a steering angle sensor 21C that detects steering angle, an accelerator sensor 21D that detects the amount of depression on the accelerator pedal, a brake sensor 21E that detects the amount of depression on the brake pedal, and a vehicle speed sensor 21F that detects vehicle speed.

[0052] The light-emitting device 22 is installed inside the vehicle compartment 3 and emits light towards the inside of the vehicle compartment 3. It is connected to and controlled by the control device 24. The light-emitting device 22 includes a plurality of left and right light-emitting devices 26 extending in the vehicle width direction, a plurality of front and rear light-emitting devices 27 extending in the front and rear direction, and an auxiliary light-emitting device 28.

[0053] The left and right light-emitting devices 26 include a seat back light-emitting device 31 and a panel light-emitting device 32.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the seatback light-emitting devices 31 are provided on the backs of the seatbacks 9 of the left and right front seats 5. More specifically, the seatback light-emitting devices 31 are located at the upper end of the back of the seatbacks 9 of the front seats 5 and extend in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the panel light-emitting device 32 is provided on the instrument panel 12 located in front of the front seat 5. In this embodiment, the panel light-emitting device 32 is provided on the portion of the instrument panel 12 in front of the front seat 5 that constitutes the passenger seat, and extends in the left-right direction.

[0056] Each of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 is equipped with light-emitting elements arranged in the left-right direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, each seat back light-emitting device 31 is equipped with light-emitting elements 31A arranged in the vehicle width direction at the upper back end of the seat back 9. As shown in Figure 5, the panel light-emitting device 32 is also equipped with light-emitting elements 32A arranged in the vehicle width direction. When the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting areas of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 corresponding to the emitted light-emitting elements illuminate.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 include a floor light-emitting device 41, a door light-emitting device 42, and a pillar light-emitting device 43.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the floor light-emitting devices 41 are installed on the floor 4 so as to extend in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the floor light-emitting devices 41 are installed in the portion of the floor 4 between the front seat 5 and the rear seat 6, with a pair installed on the left and right sides behind the left front seat 5 and behind the right front seat 5, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a pair of floor light-emitting devices 41 are installed in front of the front seat 5 that constitutes the passenger seat, so as to extend in the front-to-back direction. On the other hand, no floor light-emitting devices 41 are installed in front of the front seat 5 that constitutes the driver's seat. Preferably, the floor light-emitting devices 41 are installed on the outside of both the left and right legs of the occupant seated in the corresponding rear seat. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the floor light-emitting devices 41 installed in the portion of the floor 4 between the front seat 5 and the rear seat 6 may extend in the front-to-back direction slightly to the left and right of the slide rail 11.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the door light emitting device 42 includes front door light emitting devices 45 provided on the door trims 15 of the left and right front doors 13, and rear door light emitting devices 46 provided on the door trims 16 of the left and right rear doors 14. Each of the front door light emitting devices 45 is located to the side of the front seat 5. The front door light emitting devices 45 are located to the left and right sides of the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the front door light-emitting device 45 includes a main front door light-emitting section 45M that extends front to rear along the upper edge of the door trim 15 of the front door 13, and a secondary front door light-emitting section 45S that extends front to rear along the opening of the door pocket 15P provided in the door trim 15. The rear door light-emitting device 46 includes a main rear door light-emitting section 46M that extends front to rear along the upper edge of the door trim 16 of the rear door 14, and a secondary rear door light-emitting section 46S that extends front to rear along the opening of the door pocket 16P provided in the door trim 16.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the pillar light-emitting device 43 is installed on the passenger compartment side of the front pillar 18. The pillar light-emitting device 43 extends diagonally upward toward the rear along the passenger compartment side of the front pillar 18.

[0062] Each of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 is equipped with light-emitting elements arranged in the front-to-rear direction. More specifically, each floor light-emitting device 41 is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 41A arranged in the front-to-rear direction in the portion of the floor 4 between the front seat 5 and the rear seat 6. Each of the front door light-emitting devices 45 (main front door light-emitting section 45M and sub-front door light-emitting section 45S) is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 45A arranged in the front-to-rear direction in the door trim 15 of the front door 13. Each of the rear door light-emitting devices 46 (main rear door light-emitting section 46M and sub-rear door light-emitting section 46S) is equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 46A arranged in the front-to-rear direction in the door trim 15 of the rear door 14. The pillar light-emitting device 43 is also equipped with multiple light-emitting elements 43A arranged in the front-to-rear direction. When the light-emitting elements emit light, the light-emitting areas of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 corresponding to the emitted light-emitting elements illuminate.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the auxiliary light-emitting device 28 includes a pair of auxiliary light-emitting units 28A and 28B provided on the lower left and right edges of the back of the seat back 9 of the front seat 5. The auxiliary light-emitting unit 28A on the left edge of the lower back (hereinafter referred to as the left auxiliary light-emitting unit 28A) and the auxiliary light-emitting unit 28B on the right edge (hereinafter referred to as the right auxiliary light-emitting unit 28B) each include a light-emitting element and are capable of flashing independently.

[0064] The control device 24 is a computer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), RAM, ROM, and storage device, and controls the light-emitting device 22 based on behavior information acquired by the behavior sensor 21. More specifically, while the vehicle 2 is in motion, the control device 24 repeatedly performs light-emitting processing to control the light emission of light-emitting elements included in the light-emitting device 22 based on the behavior information, and controls the presence or absence of light-emitting areas in each of the light-emitting devices 22 and their distribution.

[0065] The following explanation of the light emission process performed by the control device 24 will be given with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0066] In the first step ST1 of the light emission process, the control device 24 determines whether the vehicle 2 is turning, that is, whether or not there is turning behavior, based on the behavior information acquired by the behavior sensor 21. In this embodiment, the control device 24 determines that there is turning behavior when the magnitude of the lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the lateral threshold). The control device 24 executes step ST2 when the magnitude of the lateral acceleration is greater than or equal to the lateral threshold (there is turning behavior), and step ST3 otherwise.

[0067] In step ST2, the control device 24 determines the turning direction and causes the left and right light-emitting devices 26 to illuminate so that the distribution of the light-emitting area changes dynamically in a manner corresponding to the turning behavior. More specifically, when the vehicle 2 is turning left (i.e., the left-right acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the left direction), the control device 24 controls each of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves to the left. When the vehicle 2 is turning right (i.e., the left-right acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the right direction), the control device 24 controls each of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves to the right.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the motion sensor 21 detects acceleration in the left direction, the control device 24 causes the light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 to flash sequentially from left to right. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(A), when the vehicle 2 is turning left, the areas corresponding to the light-emitting elements (in Figure 7(A), the light-emitting elements 31A on the seat back 9 of the front seat 5) light up sequentially from left to right, so that the occupants perceive the light-emitting area 31B as dynamically moving from left to right (the light-emitting area flowing from left to right).

[0069] Furthermore, when the motion sensor 21 detects acceleration in the right direction, the control device 24 causes the light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 to flash sequentially from right to left. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(B), when the vehicle 2 is turning to the right, the areas corresponding to the light-emitting elements (in Figure 7(B), the light-emitting elements 31A on the seat back 9 of the front seat 5) light up sequentially from right to left, so that the occupants perceive the light-emitting area 31B as dynamically moving from right to left (the light-emitting area flowing from left to right).

[0070] In this embodiment, the control device 24 controls the timing of flashing adjacent light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 based on the magnitude of the lateral acceleration acquired by the behavior sensor 21. More specifically, as the magnitude of the lateral acceleration increases, the control device 24 sets the time interval (delay) until the adjacent light-emitting element lights up to a shorter value. As a result, as the lateral acceleration of the vehicle 2 increases, the light-emitting area 31B of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 moves faster.

[0071] Furthermore, in step ST2, if the vehicle 2 is turning left (i.e., the lateral acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the left direction), the control device 24 turns off the right auxiliary light-emitting unit 28B on the lower right edge of the back of the seat back 9 and makes the left auxiliary light-emitting unit 28A on the left edge blink. Also, in step ST2, if the vehicle 2 is turning right (i.e., the lateral acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the right direction), the control device 24 turns off the left auxiliary light-emitting unit 28A on the lower left edge of the back of the seat back 9 and makes the right auxiliary light-emitting unit 28B on the right edge blink. Once control of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 and blinking of the auxiliary light-emitting devices 28 are started, the control device 24 executes step ST4.

[0072] In step ST3, the control device 24 stops the illumination of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 and the auxiliary light-emitting device 28. Once the stopping is complete, the control device 24 executes step ST4.

[0073] In step ST4, the control device 24 determines whether the vehicle 2 is accelerating or decelerating based on the behavior of the vehicle 2 acquired by the behavior sensor 21. More specifically, the control device 24 executes step ST5 when the magnitude of the longitudinal acceleration acquired by the behavior sensor 21 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal threshold), and executes step ST6 otherwise.

[0074] In step ST5, the control device 24 causes the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 to illuminate so that the distribution of the light-emitting area changes dynamically in a manner corresponding to the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 2. More specifically, when the vehicle 2 is accelerating (i.e., the longitudinal acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the forward direction), the control device 24 controls each of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 so that the light-emitting area moves from front to back (i.e., rearward). When the vehicle 2 is decelerating (i.e., the longitudinal acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21 is in the rearward direction), the control device 24 controls each of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 so that the light-emitting area moves from back to front (i.e., forward). Once control has started, the control device 24 terminates the light-emitting process.

[0075] In step ST6, the control device 24 stops the illumination of the left and right light-emitting devices 26. Once the stopping is complete, the control device 24 terminates the illumination process.

[0076] Next, we will explain the operation of the motion sickness prevention system 1.

[0077] When vehicle 2 turns left, the control device 24 causes each of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 to illuminate so that the light-emitting area moves to the left along the extending direction of the left and right light-emitting devices 26. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(A), each seat back light-emitting device 31 illuminates so that its light-emitting area 31B moves to the left along the extending direction of the seat back light-emitting device 31. Similarly, the panel light-emitting device 32 illuminates so that its light-emitting area moves to the left along the extending direction of the panel light-emitting device 32. In addition, the control device 24 turns off the auxiliary light-emitting device 28 on the lower right edge of the back of the seat back 9 of the front seat 5 and makes the auxiliary light-emitting device 28 on the left edge blink.

[0078] On the other hand, when vehicle 2 turns to the right, the control device 24 causes each of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 to illuminate so that the light-emitting area moves to the right along the extending direction of the left and right light-emitting devices 26. As a result, as shown in Figure 7(B), each seat back light-emitting device 31 illuminates so that its light-emitting area 31B moves to the right along the extending direction of the seat back light-emitting device 31. The panel light-emitting device 32 also illuminates in the same way as the seat back light-emitting device 31, so that its light-emitting area moves to the right along the extending direction of the panel light-emitting device 32. In addition, the control device 24 turns off the left auxiliary light-emitting unit 28A on the lower left edge of the back of the seat back 9 and makes the right auxiliary light-emitting unit 28B blink.

[0079] When vehicle 2 accelerates, the control device 24 causes the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 to emit light so that their light-emitting areas move from front to back (i.e., rearward) along the extending direction of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27. As a result, as shown in Figure 8(A), each floor light-emitting device 41 emits light so that its light-emitting area 41B moves rearward along the extending direction of the floor light-emitting device 41. The pillar light-emitting devices 43 and door light-emitting devices 42 also emit light so that their light-emitting areas move rearward along their respective extending directions, similar to the floor light-emitting devices 41.

[0080] When vehicle 2 decelerates, the control device 24 causes the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 to emit light so that the light-emitting area 41B moves from rear to front (i.e., forward) along the extending direction of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27, as shown in Figure 8(B). As a result, each floor light-emitting device 41 emits light so that its light-emitting area moves forward along the extending direction of the floor light-emitting device 41. The pillar light-emitting device 43 and the door light-emitting device 42 also emit light so that their light-emitting areas move forward along their respective extending directions, similar to the floor light-emitting device 41.

[0081] Next, the effects of the motion sickness prevention system 1 will be explained. When the vehicle 2 turns and the motion sensor 21 detects a lateral acceleration exceeding a lateral threshold, the left and right light-emitting device 26 illuminates so that the illuminated area moves from side to side. As a result, the occupant can recognize that a lateral inertial force is being applied to their body, as well as the direction of that inertial force, by the change in the illuminated area of ​​the left and right light-emitting device 26. This allows the occupant to prepare for the inertial force in advance and correct the discrepancy between the semicircular canals and vision, thereby preventing motion sickness.

[0082] The left and right light-emitting devices 26 are positioned to extend in the left-right direction. This allows for changes in the distribution of the light-emitting area in accordance with the left-right movement of the vehicle 2, making it easier for occupants to be notified of the left-right movement of the vehicle 2. In particular, of the left and right light-emitting devices 26, the seat back light-emitting device 31 is located at the upper end of the back of the seat back 9 of the front seat 5. As shown in Figure 9, even when an occupant seated in the rear seat 6 is operating a smartphone or reading, the illumination of the seat back light-emitting device 31 is easily recognized by the occupant.

[0083] The left and right light-emitting devices 26 (seat back light-emitting device 31 and panel light-emitting device 32) each include multiple light-emitting elements 31A and 32A arranged on the left and right sides, respectively. When the acceleration sensor 21A detects acceleration in the left direction, the control device 24 flashes the light-emitting elements sequentially from left to right, and when acceleration in the right direction is detected, it flashes the light-emitting elements sequentially from right to left. As a result, the light-emitting area moves in the left and right directions according to the direction of left and right acceleration. In this way, the control device 24 can dynamically change the light-emitting area of ​​the left and right light-emitting devices 26 by controlling the timing of the light emission of the light-emitting elements 31A and 32A, respectively. Because the direction of movement of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 allows the occupant to predict the direction of the inertial force acting on their body, motion sickness can be prevented.

[0084] When vehicle 2 accelerates or decelerates and the behavior sensor 21 detects longitudinal acceleration exceeding a longitudinal threshold, the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 illuminate so that the illuminated area moves forward and backward. More specifically, the floor light-emitting device 41, pillar light-emitting device 43, and door light-emitting device 42 included in the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 illuminate so that the illuminated area moves from front to back when vehicle 2 accelerates and the behavior sensor 21 detects acceleration exceeding a forward longitudinal threshold, and illuminate so that the illuminated area moves from back to front when vehicle 2 decelerates and the behavior sensor 21 detects acceleration exceeding a rearward longitudinal threshold.

[0085] Therefore, occupants can recognize the forward-backward inertial force acting on their bodies and the direction of that force by the change in the illuminated area of ​​any of the floor light-emitting devices 41, pillar light-emitting devices 43, and door light-emitting devices 42. This helps to prevent motion sickness. In addition, as shown in Figure 9, the floor light-emitting device 41 and the main rear door light-emitting unit 46M are set in positions that are easily visible even when an occupant seated in the rear seat 6 is operating a smartphone or the like, so that occupants can be more reliably notified of the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 2.

[0086] <<Second Embodiment>> The motion sickness prevention system 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, instead of a behavior sensor 21, it includes a prediction device 102 (see Figure 3), which is an acquisition device that acquires behavior information necessary to predict the behavior of the vehicle 2 and outputs it to the control device 24, and in the light emission processing. Other than that, it is the same as the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] The prediction device 102 is a device that acquires and outputs behavioral information necessary to predict whether or not the vehicle 2 will turn, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a navigation device 103. The navigation device 103 acquires the route that the vehicle 2 is scheduled to travel (hereinafter referred to as the planned route) based on input from the occupant. The navigation device 103 also receives GPS signals from positioning satellites to acquire the current location of the vehicle 2 and outputs the current location of the vehicle 2 and the planned route to the control device 24. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the prediction device 102 may include devices other than the navigation device 103. Furthermore, the prediction device 102 may be composed of a driving support system that sets a trajectory that the vehicle 2 should take and causes the vehicle 2 to autonomously travel along that trajectory.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10, the light emission process according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the control device 24 executes ST11 instead of ST1, and the control device 24 terminates the light emission process once steps ST2 and ST3 are completed. The light emission process according to the second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 10.

[0089] In step ST11, the control device 24 obtains information from the prediction device 102 to predict whether or not the vehicle 2 will turn, and predicts whether or not the vehicle 2 will turn after a predetermined time. In this embodiment, the control device 24 obtains the current location of the vehicle 2 and the planned route from the navigation device 103, and predicts that the vehicle 2 will turn if there is a route that turns left or right within a predetermined distance range from the current location on the planned route, or if there is a curved section of the route. However, the distance range used for prediction should not include roads that curve to the left and roads that curve to the right at the same time, and should be set to a distance range that is sufficiently smaller than the distance between adjacent intersections. If it is predicted that the vehicle 2 will turn, the control device 24 executes step ST2, otherwise it executes step ST3.

[0090] Next, the operation and effects of the motion sickness prevention system 101 configured in this way will be explained. In step ST11, the control device 24 predicts whether or not the vehicle 2 will turn. If a turn is predicted, the control device 24 illuminates the left and right light-emitting devices 26 (seat back light-emitting device 31 and panel light-emitting device 32) in accordance with the direction of the turn. More specifically, if a left turn is predicted for the vehicle 2, the left and right light-emitting devices 26 are illuminated so that the illuminated area moves from left to right, and if a right turn is predicted, the left and right light-emitting devices 26 are illuminated so that the illuminated area moves from right to left.

[0091] As a result, the illumination of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 allows the occupants to recognize in advance whether or not the vehicle 2 is turning before lateral acceleration occurs. Furthermore, if turning behavior is predicted, the occupants can recognize the direction of the turn by the direction of movement of the illuminated areas of the left and right light-emitting devices 26. In other words, before the vehicle 2 turns, the occupants can predict in advance the inertial force acting on their bodies, thus better preventing motion sickness.

[0092] <<Third Embodiment>> The motion sickness prevention system 201 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in ST5, the movement speed of the light-emitting area is set for each of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so the other configurations will not be described.

[0093] In step ST5, when the behavior sensor 21 detects longitudinal acceleration, the control device 24 causes the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 (floor light-emitting device 41, pillar light-emitting device 43, and door light-emitting device 42) to emit light, similar to the first embodiment, so that the light-emitting area moves in the opposite direction to the direction of the longitudinal acceleration detected by the behavior sensor 21.

[0094] However, if the magnitude of the longitudinal acceleration acquired by the behavior sensor 21 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the auxiliary longitudinal threshold) that is greater than the longitudinal threshold, the control device 24 sets the movement speed of the light-emitting area to be equal for all the forward and backward light-emitting devices 27 that emit light, and to be proportional to the longitudinal acceleration.

[0095] If the longitudinal acceleration acquired by the behavior sensor 21 is greater than the auxiliary longitudinal threshold, the control device 24 sets the movement speed of the light-emitting area in the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 located to the sides of the rear seat 6 to be proportional to the longitudinal acceleration, similar to the case where it is below the auxiliary longitudinal threshold. However, the control device 24 sets the movement speed of the light-emitting area to be slightly higher in front of and to the sides of the front seat 5 (driver) than in the sides of the rear seat 6.

[0096] More specifically, if the longitudinal acceleration obtained by the behavior sensor 21 is greater than the auxiliary longitudinal threshold, the control device 24 sets the movement speed of the light-emitting areas of the rear door light-emitting device 46 and the floor light-emitting device 41 to be equal and proportional to the longitudinal acceleration, and sets the movement speed of the light-emitting areas of the pillar light-emitting device 43 and the front door light-emitting device 45 to be higher than the movement speed of the light-emitting area of ​​the rear door light-emitting device 46 (or the floor light-emitting device 41), respectively.

[0097] Next, the effects of the motion sickness prevention system 201 configured in this way will be explained. The front door light emitting device 45 corresponds to the front row door light emitting device, which is located on the door trim 15 to the side of the front row seat (front seat 5) on the floor 4, and is located to the side of the driver's seat. The pillar light emitting device 43 is also located in front of the driver's seat, and both are easily visible to the driver.

[0098] When the longitudinal acceleration of vehicle 2 is greater than the auxiliary longitudinal threshold, the movement speed of the illuminated areas of the pillar light-emitting device 43 and the front door light-emitting device 45 becomes higher on the side of the front seat 5 than on the side of the rear seat 6. As a result, if vehicle 2 accelerates to a longitudinal acceleration of more than the auxiliary longitudinal threshold, the driver will perceive that the acceleration is greater than the actual longitudinal acceleration applied and will decelerate vehicle 2, thereby encouraging the driver not to overaccelerate and enhancing the safety of vehicle 2. On the other hand, the movement speed of the illuminated areas of the rear door light-emitting device 46 located on the side of the occupant seated in the rear seat 6, and the floor light-emitting device 41 located in front of the front seat 5 and rear seat 6 that constitute the passenger seat, is determined according to the longitudinal acceleration. As a result, the occupant seated in the rear seat 6 can perceive the longitudinal acceleration more accurately, thus preventing motion sickness.

[0099] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. In the above embodiments, the light-emitting areas of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 and the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 were configured to move in accordance with the behavior of the vehicle 2, but the invention is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration in which the distribution and configuration of the light-emitting areas change in accordance with the behavior of the vehicle 2 is acceptable.

[0100] Each of the light-emitting devices 22 may include multi-color light-emitting LEDs arranged in the extending direction, and the control device 24 may be configured to change the light-emitting color of the light-emitting devices 22 according to the direction of acceleration of the vehicle 2. As shown in Figure 11, the control device 24 may control each of the light-emitting devices 22 so that the light-emitting elements are illuminated sequentially from one side to the other, all of the light-emitting elements are turned off after all of them have been illuminated, and then the light-emitting elements are illuminated sequentially again from one side to the other.

[0101] In the third embodiment described above, the movement speed of the light-emitting region was set for each front and rear light-emitting device 27, but the invention is not limited to this, and the dynamic change speed of the distribution of the light-emitting region of the light-emitting device 22 may be set for each front and rear light-emitting device 27.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the prediction device 102 was a navigation device 103 or an advanced driver assistance system, but is not limited to this embodiment. The prediction device 102 may be any device for predicting the behavior of the vehicle 2, and may include, for example, a road surface sensor for detecting irregularities in the road surface in the direction of travel. Based on the irregularities detected by the road surface sensor, the control device 24 predicts the vertical acceleration of the vehicle 2 and may illuminate a vertically extending light-emitting device 22 (more specifically, a pillar light-emitting device 43) to notify the occupants of the predicted vertical acceleration.

[0103] In the first to third embodiments described above, the vehicle interior was furnished with two rows of seats, front seats 5 and rear seats 6, but the vehicle interior is not limited to this configuration. There may be three or more rows of seats in the vehicle interior. For example, when the vehicle interior is furnished with three rows of seats, front seats 5, mid seats, and rear seats 6, the front seats 5 constitute the front row seats located in front of the mid seats, and the mid seats located behind the front seats 5 constitute the rear row seats. Similarly, the mid seats constitute the front row seats located in front of the rear seats 6, and the rear seats 6 constitute the rear row seats located behind the mid seats.

[0104] The backs of the front seats 5 and mid seats, which make up the front row of seats, are provided with a seatback light-emitting device 31 and an auxiliary light-emitting device 28, respectively. The floor light-emitting device 41 is provided between the front and rear seats, that is, between the front seats 5 and mid seats on the floor 4, between the mid seats and rear seats 6, and in front of the front seat 5 that makes up the passenger seat. Furthermore, when there are three rows of seats in the passenger compartment, and the door light-emitting devices 42 are provided so as to extend front to rear along the sides of the front seats 5, mid seats, and rear seats 6, the control device 24 should be set so that the movement speed of the light-emitting area of ​​the door light-emitting device 42 is higher than what would be expected if it were proportional to the acceleration along the side of the front seat 5 (driver), and slightly higher than that along the sides of the mid seats and rear seats 6.

[0105] The locations where the left and right light-emitting devices 26 and the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 are provided are not limited to the first to third embodiments described above. For example, the left and right light-emitting devices 26 may include a front light-emitting device 203 (see Figures 1 and 5) provided on the upper part of the ceiling 202 above the windshield 17, extending in the left-right direction along the upper edge of the windshield 17. The front and rear light-emitting devices 27 may also include a roof light-emitting device 204 that extends in the front and rear direction along both the left and right edges of the ceiling 202 defining the upper edge of the passenger compartment 3. In this case, the front light-emitting device 203 and the roof light-emitting device 204 may also function as lighting for the passenger compartment 3. In addition, the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 may also include a trim lower edge light-emitting device 205 (see Figure 9) provided on the lower edge of the door trims 15 and 16, and the trim lower edge light-emitting device 205 may function as a courtesy lamp that illuminates the footwell when occupants get in and out of the vehicle 2.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the floor light-emitting device 41 was also provided in front of the front seat 5 that constitutes the passenger seat, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the floor light-emitting device 41 may be provided only in the portion of the floor 4 between the front seat 5 and the rear seat 6. Also, the floor light-emitting device 41 may be provided in front of all the front seats 5. In the third embodiment, the floor light-emitting device 41 is provided in front of the front seat 5 that constitutes the driver's seat, and when the longitudinal acceleration is greater than the auxiliary longitudinal threshold, the control device 24 may set the movement speed of its light-emitting area higher than that of the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 located to the side of the rear seat 6.

[0107] In the first embodiment described above, when acceleration in the left direction was detected by the acceleration sensor 21A, the control device 24 blinked or illuminated the light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26, including the seat back light-emitting device 31, in order from left to right, and when acceleration in the right direction was detected, the light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26, including the seat back light-emitting device 31, blinked or illuminated in order from right to left. However, the order of blinking and illumination of the left and right light-emitting elements is not limited to this embodiment. The order of illumination of the light-emitting elements of the left and right light-emitting devices 26 may be any manner in which the occupant can recognize either the direction of acceleration or the direction of inertial force.

[0108] Specifically, when the acceleration sensor 21A detects acceleration in the left direction (for example, when vehicle 2 turns left), the control device 24 may flash (or illuminate) at least one of the light-emitting elements 31A of the seatback light-emitting device 31 and 32A of the panel light-emitting device 32 sequentially from right to left. When acceleration in the right direction is detected (for example, when vehicle 2 turns right), the control device 24 may flash (or illuminate) at least one of the light-emitting elements 31A of the seatback light-emitting device 31 and 32A of the panel light-emitting device 32 sequentially from left to right. This allows the occupant to recognize the direction of acceleration by the change in the illuminated area of ​​at least one of the seatback light-emitting device 31 and panel light-emitting device 32, and to prepare in advance for the inertial force caused by that acceleration. Thus, motion sickness can be prevented.

[0109] Similarly, in the second embodiment described above, the control device 24 would illuminate the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves from left to right when it was predicted that the vehicle 2 would turn left based on the route acquired by the navigation device 103, and illuminate the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves from right to left when it was predicted that the vehicle 2 would turn right. However, the direction of movement of the light-emitting area is not limited to this embodiment. Specifically, the control device 24 may illuminate the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves from right to left when it was predicted that the vehicle 2 would turn left, and illuminate the left and right light-emitting devices 26 so that the light-emitting area moves from left to right when it was predicted that the vehicle 2 would turn right.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when acceleration in the forward direction was detected by the acceleration sensor 21A, the control device 24 blinked or illuminated the light-emitting elements of the front and rear light-emitting device 27 in order from front to back, and when acceleration in the backward direction was detected, the light-emitting elements of the front and rear light-emitting device 27 blinked or illuminated in order from back to front. However, the order in which the light-emitting elements of the front and rear light-emitting device 27 illuminate may be any manner in which the occupant can recognize either the direction of acceleration or the direction of inertial force.

[0111] Specifically, when the acceleration sensor 21A detects forward acceleration (i.e., when the vehicle 2 is accelerating), the control device 24 may flash (or illuminate) at least one of the light-emitting elements 41A of the floor light-emitting device 41, 42A of the door light-emitting device 42, and 43A of the pillar light-emitting device 43 in order from rear to front. When rearward acceleration is detected (i.e., when the vehicle 2 is decelerating), the control device 24 may flash (or illuminate) at least one of the light-emitting elements 41A of the floor light-emitting device 41, 42A of the door light-emitting device 42, and 43A of the pillar light-emitting device 43 in order from front to rear. This allows the occupants to recognize the direction of acceleration by the change in the illuminated area of ​​the front and rear light-emitting devices 27 and prepare in advance for the inertial force caused by that acceleration. Thus, motion sickness can be prevented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1: Motion sickness prevention system according to the first embodiment 2: Vehicles 4: Floor 5: Front seats (front row seats) 6: Rear seats (back row seats) 9: Seat back 15: Door trim 16: Door trim 18: Front pillar 21: Behavior sensor (acquisition device) 21A: Accelerometer 22: Light-emitting device 24: Control device 31: Seat back light-emitting device 31A: Light-emitting element 41: Floor Lighting Device 42: Door Illumination Device 43: Pillar Lighting Device 46: Rear door light-emitting device 101: Motion sickness prevention system according to the second embodiment 103: Navigation device (acquisition device) 201: Motion sickness prevention system according to the third embodiment

Claims

1. A motion sickness prevention system installed in a vehicle, An acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, A first light-emitting device that notifies the driver by emitting light, A second light-emitting device that notifies the crew by emitting light, The system includes a control device for controlling the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device, The first light-emitting device is configured to emit light in multiple regions arranged along the front-to-back direction, The second light-emitting device is configured to emit light in multiple regions arranged along the front-to-back direction, The control device dynamically changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the first light-emitting device and the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the second light-emitting device in a manner corresponding to the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle detected by the acceleration sensor. A motion sickness prevention system that sets the rate of change of the light-emitting area of ​​the first light-emitting device to be higher than the rate of change of the light-emitting area of ​​the second light-emitting device.

2. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the control device changes the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the second light-emitting device by moving it along the front-rear direction at a speed proportional to the front-rear acceleration.

3. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first light-emitting device is provided in front of or to the side of the driver's seat.

4. The first light-emitting device is provided on the front pillar and the door trim of the front door, The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the second light-emitting device is provided on the door trim of the rear door and on the floor.

5. It further comprises a third light-emitting device capable of emitting light in multiple regions, The control device is Based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor, the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is obtained. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the third light-emitting device is dynamically changed according to the acquired lateral acceleration.

6. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 5, wherein the third light-emitting device is configured to emit light in multiple regions arranged in the left-right direction.

7. The third light-emitting device has a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in the left-right direction, The control device is When the acceleration sensor detects acceleration in the left direction, the light-emitting element will blink or emit light sequentially from left to right. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 6, wherein when acceleration in the right direction is detected by the acceleration sensor, the light-emitting element flashes or emits light sequentially from right to left.

8. A third light-emitting device capable of emitting light in multiple regions, The system further includes an acquisition device for acquiring behavioral information relating to the behavior of the vehicle, The control device determines whether or not the vehicle is performing a turning behavior based on the behavior information acquired by the acquisition device. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the aforementioned turning behavior has occurred, the distribution of the light-emitting area of ​​the third light-emitting device is dynamically changed in a manner corresponding to the turning behavior.

9. The acquisition device includes a navigation device that acquires the current location of the vehicle and the planned route of the vehicle, The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 8, wherein the control device acquires whether or not the turning behavior occurs based on the current location and the planned travel route.

10. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 5 or claim 8, wherein the third light-emitting device is provided on the back of the seat back and on the instrument panel.

11. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device has a main light-emitting unit that extends front to rear from the door of the vehicle and a secondary light-emitting unit located below the main light-emitting unit.

12. The vehicle is provided with a seat having a seat cushion supported on the floor, a seat back provided at the rear of the seat cushion, and a headrest provided at the top of the seat back. The motion sickness prevention system according to claim 1, wherein the seat cushion is connected to the floor via a pair of left and right sliding rails that extend in the front-to-back direction.

Citation Information

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