server

Abstract

To adjust a seat position such that a reservation user easily gets on a vehicle while shortening a stand-by time of the reservation user until position adjustment of a seat of the vehicle is complete.SOLUTION: A server 20 includes a processing device 202 and a storage device 206. The storage device 206 stores information indicating a user setting position set as a position of a seat 170 in the time of use of a vehicle 10 for each of a plurality of users who can use the vehicle 10. The user setting position includes a reclining setting position and a slide setting position. When a user U in the plurality of users has reserved the use of the vehicle 10, the processing device 204 generates a position adjustment instruction CV such that a reclining position of the seat 170 is adjusted to the reclining setting position of the user U before getting-on of the user U in the plurality of users and a slide position of the seat 170 is adjusted to the slide setting position of the user U after getting-on of the user U.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, and more particularly to a server configured to communicate with a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-55503 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle seat adjustment device. The vehicle can be used by a plurality of users. The seat adjustment device is connected to a plurality of seat motors including a slide motor and a reclining motor. The slide motor slides the seat. The reclining motor changes the reclining position of the seat. The seat adjustment device is configured to be able to acquire seat setting data for each user from a reservation management server that manages reservations of the vehicle by the user. The seat setting data includes setting values of the user for the seat position (slide position, reclining position, etc.). The seat adjustment device adjusts the seat position to the target position (user setting position) indicated by the seat setting data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the timing when the seat position adjustment is performed, the user who reserved the use of the vehicle (reservation user) may need to wait unnecessarily until the completion of the seat position adjustment after boarding, or it may be difficult for the reservation user to board the vehicle. Such problems are not considered in Patent Document 1.

[0005] This disclosure was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a server for adjusting seat positions to make it easier for reserved users to board the vehicle, while reducing the waiting time for reserved users until the seat position adjustment is complete. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server in this disclosure is configured to communicate with a vehicle. The vehicle includes a seat and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is configured to adjust the position of the seat. The adjustment device is configured to allow the seat to slide relative to the floor of the vehicle and to recline. The seat position includes the seat's slide position and recline position. The server comprises a processing unit and a storage device. The processing unit generates position adjustment commands for the adjustment device to adjust the seat position. The storage device stores information indicating a user-defined position that is set as the seat position when the vehicle is in use for each of a plurality of users who have access to the vehicle. The user-defined position includes a recline-defined position that is set as the recline position and a slide-defined position that is set as the slide position. When a reserved user among the plurality of users reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing unit generates position adjustment commands such that the recline position is adjusted to the reserved user's recline-defined position before the reserved user boards the vehicle, and the slide position is adjusted to the reserved user's slide-defined position after the reserved user boards the vehicle.

[0007] With the above configuration, the recline position is adjusted to the reserved user's preferred recline setting before the reserved user boards. This means that the recline position is already adjusted when the user boards. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations where the reserved user has to wait unnecessarily after boarding until the recline position adjustment is complete. In addition, with the above configuration, the slide position is adjusted to the reserved user's preferred slide setting after the reserved user boards. This means that it is possible to avoid situations where the slide position adjustment is already completed when the user boards. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the reserved user to board. In summary, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the reserved user until the seat position adjustment is complete while making it easier for the reserved user to board.

[0008] Preferably, the processing unit generates a position adjustment command so that the sliding position moves to a predetermined rear end before the reserved user boards.

[0009] With the above configuration, the sliding position is already at the rear end when boarding. This increases the space available to the reserved user during the boarding process. As a result, it becomes particularly easy for reserved users to board.

[0010] Preferably, the seat's sliding speed when the sliding position moves to the rear end is faster than the seat's sliding speed when the sliding position is adjusted to the set sliding position after the reserved user has boarded.

[0011] With the above configuration, the second sliding speed is slower than the first sliding speed. Therefore, the seat slides slowly when the reserved user is on board (for example, when they are sitting in the seat). This allows the sliding position to be adjusted without compromising the comfort of the reserved user.

[0012] Preferably, the processing unit generates a position adjustment command so that the slide position moves backward when the vehicle arrives at the reservation user's destination.

[0013] The above configuration increases the space available to reserved users when disembarking. This makes it particularly easy for reserved users to get off the vehicle.

[0014] Preferably, the vehicle includes mirrors that reflect the side or rear of the vehicle. The storage device further stores the mirror setting position that is set for each of a number of users when the vehicle is in use. The processing device is further configured to generate mirror position adjustment commands for adjusting the position of the mirrors, and generates mirror position adjustment commands so that when a reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the position of the mirrors is adjusted to the reserved user's mirror setting position before the reserved user gets in.

[0015] With the above configuration, the mirror position is adjusted to the reserved user's preferred mirror position before the reserved user boards the vehicle. This means that the mirror position adjustment is already completed when the user boards. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations where the reserved user has to wait unnecessarily after boarding until the mirror position adjustment is complete.

[0016] Preferably, the processing unit generates a position adjustment command so that the reclining position is adjusted to the reclining setting position of the reserved user while the vehicle is stopped before the reserved user boards.

[0017] By using the above configuration, the situation in which the reclining position is adjusted while the vehicle is in motion before a reserved user boards is avoided. This prevents a temporary increase in power consumption caused by the adjustment of the reclining position.

[0018] Preferably, the vehicle includes a power storage device. The adjustment device operates by consuming power from the power storage device. The vehicle is configured to perform external charging, which charges the power storage device using power supplied from an external power facility. The processing device generates position adjustment commands so that the reclining position is adjusted to the reclining setting position of the reserved user during external charging.

[0019] With the above configuration, a situation where the adjustment device operates to adjust the reclining position after the external charging is completed is avoided. As a result, it is possible to prevent the power of the power storage device from decreasing for reclining adjustment after the external charging is completed. As a result, the power storage amount of the power storage device when riding can be increased as much as possible.

[0020] Preferably, when the vehicle is traveling at a speed of a predetermined speed or more, the processing device sets the reclining position and the slide position as the reclining set position and the slide set position, respectively.

[0021] With the above configuration, when the vehicle is traveling at a speed of a predetermined speed or more, the user's reclining set position and slide set position are automatically set. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the user operation for determining the reclining set position and the slide set position when the user first uses the vehicle.

[0022] Preferably, the processing device inquires the reservation user about the conditions for detecting the boarding of the reservation user when the vehicle is reserved.

[0023] With the above configuration, the reservation user can determine a trigger for starting the adjustment of the slide position. As a result, the convenience of the reservation user can be improved.

[0024] Preferably, the processing device acquires an image representing the clothing of the reservation user at the time of reserving the vehicle from the terminal device of the reservation user, and corrects at least one of the reclining set position or the slide set position according to the image.

[0025] With the above configuration, at least one of the reclining set position or the slide set position is corrected depending on the clothing of the reservation user. As a result, even when the clothing of the reservation user changes, the seat position can be appropriately finely adjusted without requiring fine adjustment of the seat position by the user operation. As a result, the convenience of the reservation user can be improved.

[0026] Preferably, the seat includes a seat cushion. The adjusting device is configured to be able to adjust the position of the seat cushion in the height direction with respect to the floor. The user-set position includes a height setting position set as the position of the seat cushion in the height direction when the vehicle is in use. When a reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the seat cushion is adjusted to the height setting position of the reserved user before the reserved user gets on the vehicle.

[0027] With the above configuration, the position of the seat cushion is adjusted to the height setting position of the reserved user before the reserved user gets on the vehicle. As a result, the adjustment of the height of the seat cushion is already completed when getting on the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reserved user waits unnecessarily until the adjustment of the height of the seat cushion is completed after getting on the vehicle.

[0028] Preferably, the seat includes a seat cushion having a front end portion and a rear end portion. The adjusting device is configured to be able to tilt up the front end portion with respect to the rear end portion and to be able to adjust the position of the front end portion in the tilt-up direction of the front end portion. The user-set position includes a tilt setting position set as the position of the front end portion in the tilt-up direction when the vehicle is in use. When a reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the front end portion is adjusted to the tilt setting position of the reserved user before the reserved user gets on the vehicle.

[0029] With the above configuration, the position of the front end portion is adjusted to the tilt setting position of the reserved user before the reserved user gets on the vehicle. As a result, the adjustment of the position of the front end portion in the tilt-up direction is already completed when getting on the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the reserved user waits unnecessarily until the adjustment of this position is completed after getting on the vehicle.

[0030] Preferably, the seat includes a seat back and a headrest connected to the seat back. The adjustment device is configured to allow the headrest to move in a direction extending from the seat back to the headrest and to allow adjustment of the position of the headrest in the direction of movement of the headrest. The user-set position includes a headrest setting position which is set as the position of the headrest in the direction of movement when the vehicle is in use. When a reservation user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the headrest is adjusted to the reservation user's headrest setting position before the reservation user boards the vehicle.

[0031] With the above configuration, the headrest position is adjusted to the reserved user's headrest setting before the reserved user boards the vehicle. This means that the adjustment of the headrest position in the direction of movement is already completed when the user boards. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations where the reserved user has to wait unnecessarily after boarding until this position adjustment is completed.

[0032] Preferably, the vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat, each being a seat. Multiple users include a first user as a reservation user and a second user as a user different from the reservation user. When both the first and second users are using the vehicle, and the first user is scheduled to sit in the first seat and the second user is scheduled to sit in the second seat, the processing unit generates a position adjustment command such that the recline position of the second seat is adjusted to the second user's recline setting position before the second user boards, and the slide position of the second seat is adjusted to the second user's slide setting position after the second user boards.

[0033] By adopting the above configuration, the waiting time for each user until the corresponding seat position adjustment is completed can be reduced (the waiting time for both the first and second users can be reduced). Furthermore, it makes it easier for each user to board. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to this disclosure, the waiting time for reserved users until the vehicle's seat position adjustment is complete can be reduced, while the seat position can be adjusted to make it easier for reserved users to board. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the seat adjustment system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the vehicle from above, viewed in a plan view. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the sheet's configuration in detail. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of user-configured location data stored in the server's storage device. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates the processes performed by a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates the processes performed by the vehicle in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart illustrates the processes performed in relation to setting the reclining position and sliding position in Modification Example 1. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the screen displayed on the Human Machine Interface (HMI) device of a mobile terminal when making a vehicle reservation. [Figure 10] This flowchart illustrates the process performed by the server according to Modification Example 3. [Figure 11] This flowchart illustrates the processes performed by the vehicle in the modified example 3. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the screen displayed on the user's mobile device's HMI (Human-Machine Interface) when the user reserves a vehicle. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates how the user-defined position on the sheet is adjusted depending on the user's clothing. [Figure 14]This flowchart illustrates the processes performed in relation to correcting user-defined positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0037] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a seat adjustment system in an embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, the seat adjustment system 1 comprises a vehicle 10, a server 20, and a mobile terminal 30.

[0038] Vehicle 10 includes a seat 170 and a seat adjuster 180. The seat 170 is installed inside the vehicle 10. The seat adjuster 180 is a seat position adjustment device configured to adjust the seat position, which is the position of the seat 170 in vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 can be used by multiple users, each of whom is a member of a car-sharing service. Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle configured to perform autonomous driving. The configuration of vehicle 10 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The server 20 includes a processing unit 202, a communication device 204, and a storage device 206.

[0040] The processing unit 202 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (neither of which are shown). The CPU performs various arithmetic operations. The memory includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU.

[0041] The processing unit 202 is configured to generate position adjustment commands CV for the seat adjuster 180 to automatically adjust the seat position. The communication device 204 is configured to communicate with the vehicle 10 and the mobile terminal 30, respectively. The communication device 204, for example, transmits position adjustment commands CV to the vehicle 10 and receives reservation information RI (described later) from the mobile terminal 30. The storage device 206 stores programs and various data used by the processing unit 202 (for example, user-defined position data described later). The storage device 206 may be provided as part of a cloud service.

[0042] The mobile terminal 30 is a terminal device carried by its owner, user U, and in this example is a smartphone. The mobile terminal 30 may also be a tablet or a wearable device. The mobile terminal 30 includes a processing unit 302, a storage device 303, a communication device 304, an HMI device 307, and a camera 308. The mobile terminal 30 may further include a tilt sensor (not shown) that detects its tilt. The detected value of this sensor may be transmitted to an external device of the mobile terminal 30 (e.g., a vehicle 10) by the communication device 304.

[0043] The processing unit 302 performs processing to control various devices of the mobile terminal 30. The storage device 303 stores various programs and data used by the processing unit 302.

[0044] The communication device 304 is configured to communicate with the server 20. The communication device 304, for example, sends reservation information RI to the server 20. Reservation information RI is information necessary for user U to reserve the use of vehicle 10. Reservation information RI includes user ID (Identification), information indicating the vehicle type of vehicle 10 (the vehicle to be reserved), seating information, and information indicating user U's current location (location information).

[0045] The User ID is an identifier used to identify User U. The planned seat information is information about the seat 170 in the vehicle 10 that User U is scheduled to sit in. In this example, the planned seat information indicates that User U is scheduled to sit in the driver's seat 170, but it may also indicate that User U is scheduled to sit in the passenger seat 170. User U is a member of a car-sharing service using the vehicle 10 and possesses a membership card capable of short-range communication. User U corresponds to the "reserved user" in this disclosure. The communication device 304 is also configured to perform proximity communication with devices outside the mobile terminal 30.

[0046] The HMI device 307 is, for example, a touchscreen that receives various user operations and displays various screens. These user operations include a reservation operation for user U to reserve the use of vehicle 10. The HMI device 307 is used by the user to input reservation information RI. The camera 308 generates an image representing user U's clothing (user image) by photographing user U.

[0047] When user U makes a reservation for vehicle 10 using the HMI device 307, reservation information RI is generated and sent from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 20. When the server 20 receives the reservation information RI, the reservation for vehicle 10 is completed. Subsequently, the server 20 sends a notification (reservation completion notification) to vehicle 10 indicating that the reservation for vehicle 10 has been completed. This notification includes user U's user ID and user U's location information.

[0048] In response to receiving the reservation completion notification, vehicle 10 moves autonomously from its current location (for example, a parking space for vehicle 10) to user U's current location.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a detailed configuration of vehicle 10. Referring to Figure 2, vehicle 10 includes a shift lever 105, an accelerator 110, a start / stop button 115, a vehicle speed sensor 120, a side mirror 125, a rear mirror 130, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) system 132. Vehicle 10 further includes an inlet 135, a main battery 140, a power converter 145, an auxiliary battery 150, and a mirror adjuster 155. Vehicle 10 further includes a communication device 160, a seat 170, a seat adjuster 180, an HMI device 190, an autonomous driving system 192, and an ECU 195.

[0050] The shift lever 105 is configured to switch the shift range of the vehicle 10 according to user operation. The shift range includes N (neutral), R (reverse), D (drive), and B (brake) ranges. The accelerator 110 can be pressed by the user to accelerate the vehicle 10.

[0051] The start / stop button 115 receives an on or off operation for the vehicle's driving system. When the start / stop button 115 is pressed (an on operation is performed), the state of the vehicle 10 switches to a ready-to-drive state (Ready-ON state). On the other hand, when the start / stop button 115 is released (an off operation is performed), the state of the vehicle 10 switches to a non-driveable state (Ready-OFF state).

[0052] The vehicle speed sensor 120 detects the vehicle speed 10. The side mirrors 125 and rear mirror 130 display the side view and rear view of the vehicle 10, respectively. The GPS system 132 detects the current position of the vehicle 10.

[0053] The inlet 135 is configured to connect to an external power facility 40 of the vehicle 10. The inlet 135 receives power supplied from the power facility 40. The power facility 40 is installed, for example, in a parking lot for the vehicle 10.

[0054] The main battery 140 stores the power for the vehicle 10 to run. The main battery 140 is charged by power received through the inlet 135. Thus, the vehicle 10 is configured to perform external charging, which charges the main battery 140 using power supplied from the power equipment 40. External charging is performed in a parking lot.

[0055] The power converter 145 converts the power supplied from the main battery 140 and supplies the converted power to the auxiliary battery 150. This charges the auxiliary battery 150. When the amount of charge stored in the auxiliary battery 150 decreases, it is charged by the power converter 145 using the power from the main battery 140. The auxiliary battery 150 may also be charged while external charging is in progress. The main battery 140 or the auxiliary battery 150 forms an example of the “energy storage device” of this disclosure.

[0056] The mirror adjuster 155 includes a side mirror adjustment unit 157 and a rear mirror adjustment unit 159. The side mirror adjustment unit 157 automatically adjusts the side mirror position, which is the position of the side mirror 125. The rear mirror adjustment unit 159 automatically adjusts the rear mirror position, which is the position of the rear mirror 130. Information indicating the side mirror position and the rear mirror position is transmitted to the ECU 195.

[0057] The communication device 160 is configured to communicate with external equipment (e.g., server 20) of the vehicle 10. The communication device 160 receives, for example, a position adjustment command CV (Figure 1) from the server 20. The communication device 160 is also configured to communicate short-range with the mobile terminal 30.

[0058] The seat adjuster 180 operates by consuming power from the auxiliary battery 150. Since the auxiliary battery 150 is recharged using power from the main battery 140 when its charge level decreases, it can also be considered that the seat adjuster 180 operates by consuming power from the main battery 140.

[0059] The seat adjuster 180 includes a reclining adjustment section 181, a slide adjustment section 182, a height adjustment section 184, a tilt adjustment section 186, and a headrest adjustment section 188. The specific operation of these adjustment sections will be explained in detail later.

[0060] The HMI device 190 is, for example, a touchscreen that receives various user operations and displays various screens. These user operations include, for example, adjusting the seat position and registering the adjusted seat position as a user-defined position. These operations may be performed using a mobile terminal 30 instead of the HMI device 190. For example, by installing an application that enables these operations on the mobile terminal 30, the mobile terminal 30 may perform the same functions as the HMI device 190. In this case, the mobile terminal 30 can perform the above functions by communicating with the vehicle 10 via short-range communication. The HMI device 190 is also configured to receive an operation from user U to input a destination.

[0061] The automated driving system 192 includes a group of sensors (not shown), such as radar, for detecting the external conditions of the vehicle 10. Based on the detection results of the sensors, the automated driving system 192 works in cooperation with the ECU 195 to perform various controls to enable automated driving of the vehicle 10. These controls include lane keeping control, navigation control, and stopping control.

[0062] The ECU195 includes a CPU and memory (neither of which are shown in the figure). The CPU performs various arithmetic operations. The memory includes ROM, RAM, and auxiliary storage. The ROM stores programs executed by the CPU. The auxiliary storage stores information representing the vehicle ID and vehicle type of the vehicle 10.

[0063] The ECU 195 receives information indicating the operation result (shift range) of the shift lever 105, the opening degree of the accelerator 110, whether the start / stop button 115 is pressed or not, the detected value of the vehicle speed sensor 120, and the detection result of the GPS system 132.

[0064] The ECU 195 controls various components of the vehicle 10, such as the power converter 145, mirror adjuster 155, communication device 160, seat adjuster 180, and HMI device 190. The ECU 195 is configured to automatically adjust the seat position, for example, by controlling the seat adjuster 180 according to a position adjustment command CV (Figure 1).

[0065] When the ECU 195 receives a reservation completion notification from the server 20, it works in cooperation with the autonomous driving system 192 to have the vehicle 10 drive autonomously to the user U's current location (to pick up user U).

[0066] Figure 3 is a view of the vehicle 10 from above, in a plan view. Referring to Figure 3, the vehicle 10 includes a driver's seat 170A and a passenger seat 170B. Each of the driver's seat 170A and the passenger seat 170B corresponds to seat 170.

[0067] Mounting platform 185A is provided in the vehicle 10 for placing the driver's mobile terminal 30. Mounting platform 185B is provided in the vehicle 10 for placing the mobile terminal (passenger terminal) of the driver's companion (assistant driver). Mounting platform 185A is provided near the driver's seat 170A. Mounting platform 185B is provided near the passenger seat 170B. Mounting platforms 185A and 185B each contain a detection unit (not shown) that detects when the mobile terminal 30 and the companion terminal are placed on them.

[0068] As mentioned above, in this example, user U is scheduled to sit in the driver's seat 170. The mounting platform 185A detects that user U has boarded the vehicle 10 by detecting that user U's mobile terminal 30 has been placed on it.

[0069] Instead of, or in addition to, the mounting platforms 185A and 185B, a device equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip (NFC chip-equipped device) may be provided. The NFC chip-equipped device communicates with user U's mobile terminal 30 (or membership card) via proximity. Instead of, or in addition to, the mounting platforms 185A and 185B, a device for authenticating user U's fingerprint (fingerprint authentication device) may be provided. Both the NFC chip-equipped device and the fingerprint authentication device are used to detect user U's boarding.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the seat 170 in detail. Referring to Figure 4, the seat 170 includes a seat cushion 171, a seat back 172, and a headrest 173.

[0071] The seat cushion 171 has a front end FEP and a rear end REP. A reclining lever 175 is attached to the side of the seat cushion 171. A panel P is provided in front of the seat cushion 171.

[0072] The seat cushion 171 has a seating sensor 187 and a distance sensor 189 built inside. The seating sensor 187 detects when a user sits on the seat cushion 171 by detecting the sinking (load) of the surface of the seat cushion 171. The seating sensor 187 detects when user U gets on the vehicle by detecting that user U is seated. The distance sensor 189 detects the distance to the mobile terminal 30 by communicating with the mobile terminal 30 at short range when user U gets on the vehicle. If this distance is less than a predetermined distance, the distance sensor 189 detects that user U has gotten on the vehicle. Otherwise, the distance sensor 189 does not detect that user U has gotten on the vehicle. The signals indicating the detection result of the seating sensor 187 and the signals indicating the detection result of the distance sensor 189 are transmitted to the ECU 195.

[0073] The seat back 172 is connected to the seat cushion 171. The headrest 173 is connected to the seat back 172.

[0074] The slide rail 176 is positioned on the floor FR of the vehicle 10. A slide lever 177 is attached to the slide rail 176.

[0075] The seat adjuster 180 (slide adjustment section 182) is configured to allow the seat 170 to slide relative to the floor FR in the sliding direction along the slide rail 176. The sliding direction of the seat 170 is either the +X axis direction or the -X axis direction. The +X axis direction corresponds to the forward direction of the vehicle 10. The -X axis direction corresponds to the rear direction of the vehicle 10. The position of the seat 170 in the sliding direction is also referred to as the "slide position". In this example, the slide position is represented as the X coordinate of the rear end REP of the seat cushion 171. The sliding direction may further include a direction perpendicular to the X axis direction (+Y direction or -Y direction) in a horizontal plane parallel to the floor FR.

[0076] The seat adjuster 180 can slide the seat 170 to its slide limit position LMP in the -X axis direction (the seat 170 can be slid so that its rear end REP retracts to the slide limit position LMP). Information indicating the slide limit position LMP is stored in the memory built into the ECU 195.

[0077] The seat adjuster 180 (reclining adjustment section 181) is configured to allow the seat 170 (more specifically, the seat back 172) to recline in direction RD. The angle θ is the angle at which the seat back 172 is tilted from the reference position RP in direction RD, and is used as the recline position of the seat 170.

[0078] The seat adjuster 180 (height adjustment section 184) is configured to allow adjustment of the height position, which is the position of the seat cushion 171 in the +Z direction. The height position corresponds to the height of the seat cushion 171 (more specifically, its bottom surface) relative to the floor FR. The +Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the seat cushion 171 relative to the floor FR.

[0079] The seat adjuster 180 (tilt adjustment section 186) is configured to allow the front end FEP of the seat cushion 171 to be tilted up relative to the rear end REP. The seat adjuster 180 is configured to allow adjustment of the tilt-up position, which is the position of the front end FEP in the tilt-up direction (direction TUD) of the front end FEP.

[0080] The seat adjuster 180 (headrest adjustment section 188) is configured to allow movement of the headrest 173 in the direction HRD extending from the seat back 172 to the headrest 173. The seat adjuster 180 is configured to allow adjustment of the headrest position, which is the position of the headrest 173 in the direction of movement (direction HRD) of the headrest 173.

[0081] The aforementioned seat position is a concept that includes the slide position, recline position (angle θ), height position, tilt-up position, and headrest position. The seat position can be adjusted manually using the recline lever 175 and slide lever 177, etc. (or by user operation using the HMI device 190). Information indicating the seat position (state of seat 170) is transmitted to the ECU 195.

[0082] The rear mirror 130 is located near the windshield FG of the vehicle 10. The positions of the side mirrors and the rear mirrors can each be adjusted manually by the user.

[0083] Figure 5 shows an example of user-configured location data stored in the storage device 206 of the server 20. Figure 4 will be referred to as appropriate in the following explanation.

[0084] Referring to Figure 5, the user-defined position data 260 includes user ID data 261, sheet-defined position data 262, and mirror-defined position data 268.

[0085] User ID data 261 indicates the identification information of each user (each member of the car-sharing service) who is able to use vehicle 10.

[0086] The seat setting position data 262 indicates the user-defined seat position set for each user who has access to the vehicle 10 when using the vehicle 10. This user-defined position includes the recline setting position 263, the slide setting position 264, the height setting position 265, the tilt setting position 266, and the headrest setting position 267.

[0087] The recline setting position 263 is set as the recline position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. The slide setting position 264 is set as the slide position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. The height setting position 265 is set as the height position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. The tilt setting position 266 is set as the tilt-up position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. The headrest setting position 267 is set as the headrest position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10.

[0088] The recline setting position 263, slide setting position 264, height setting position 265, tilt setting position 266, and headrest setting position 267 each differ for each user (member of the car-sharing service).

[0089] The mirror setting position data 268 indicates the mirror setting position that will be set as the mirror position when the vehicle 10 is in use for each user who has access to the vehicle 10. This mirror setting position includes the side mirror setting position 269A and the rear mirror setting position 269B.

[0090] The side mirror setting position 269A is set as the side mirror position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. The rear mirror setting position 269B is set as the rear mirror position when the corresponding user uses the vehicle 10. Each of the side mirror setting position 269A and the rear mirror setting position 269B is different for each user. Mirror position adjustment commands for the mirror adjuster 155 to adjust the positions of the side mirrors 125 and the rear mirrors 130 are generated by the processing unit 202 of the server 20.

[0091] User-defined location data 260 is generated for each vehicle type of vehicle 10. Similar data to user-defined location data 260 is generated for each vehicle type that can be reserved in the car-sharing service and stored in the storage device 206.

[0092] The user-defined location data 260 is stored in the storage device 206 of the server 20. Therefore, even if the data size of the user-defined location data 260 increases (for example, if there are many users using the vehicle 10), as long as the storage device 206 is designed to have a large data storage capacity, it is possible to avoid a situation where there is insufficient data storage capacity to store the user-defined location data 260. For example, if the storage device 206 is provided as part of a cloud service, a large data storage capacity can be easily achieved.

[0093] The seat position data 262 and mirror position data 268 for each user are determined by user operation when the user first uses the vehicle 10. For example, when this user first uses the vehicle 10, they manually adjust the seat position and mirror position using the reclining lever 175 and slide lever 177, etc. Then, this user performs user operation to set the adjusted seat position and mirror position as the seat position and mirror position, respectively. This user performs operation to store information indicating these setting positions and their user ID in the memory of the ECU 195. Subsequently, the ECU 195 transmits this setting position, user ID, and information indicating the vehicle type of the vehicle 10 to the server 20. As a result, the seat position data 262 and mirror position data 268 for this user and the vehicle type of the vehicle 10 are registered (added) to the user setting position data 260.

[0094] Depending on the timing of the seat 170 position adjustment, user U may be required to wait unnecessarily after boarding until the seat 170 position adjustment is complete. For example, if both the recline and slide positions of the seat 170 begin to be adjusted after user U boards, user U may be required to wait unnecessarily until both of these positions are adjusted. Alternatively, if both of these positions are already adjusted before user U boards, the slide position adjustment may be complete when user U boards, potentially resulting in a narrower space available for user U to board (the space between the front end FEP and panel P). As a result, user U may find it difficult to board.

[0095] The server 20 according to the embodiment has a configuration to address the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the processing unit 202 generates a position adjustment command CV such that when user U, one of several users who can use the vehicle 10 (i.e., several members of the car-sharing service), reserves the use of the vehicle 10, the reclining position of the seat 170 is adjusted to user U's reclining setting position 263 before user U gets in, and the sliding position of the seat 170 is adjusted to user U's sliding setting position 264 after user U gets in.

[0096] With this configuration, the recline position is adjusted to user U's recline setting position 263 (Figure 4) before user U boards the vehicle (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the recline position is adjusted to RSP1). As a result, the recline position is already adjusted when the user boards the vehicle. Consequently, it is possible to avoid a situation where user U has to wait unnecessarily after boarding until the recline position adjustment is complete. In addition, with the above configuration, the slide position is adjusted to user U's slide setting position 264 after user U boards the vehicle (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the slide position is adjusted to SSP1). As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the slide position adjustment is already completed when the user boards the vehicle (a situation where the space available to user U for boarding is narrowed). Consequently, it is possible to make it easier for user U to board the vehicle.

[0097] In this embodiment, the processing unit 202 generates a position adjustment command CV so that the slide position moves to a predetermined rear end RE (Figure 4) before the user U boards the vehicle. Specifically, the rear end RE corresponds to the slide limit position LMP, or the vicinity of the slide limit position LMP. The vicinity of the slide limit position LMP is a position less than a predetermined distance PD in the +X direction from the slide limit position LMP. The predetermined distance PD is appropriately predetermined as a distance at which the user can easily board the vehicle as long as the slide position is in the vicinity of the slide position.

[0098] When the position adjustment command CV is generated in this way, the sliding position has already moved to the rear end RE when the user U gets on. This increases the space available to the user U during the boarding process. As a result, it becomes particularly easier for the user U to get on.

[0099] The processing unit 202 preferably generates a position adjustment command CV such that the first slide speed is faster than the second slide speed. The first slide speed is the slide speed of the seat 170 when the slide position moves to the rear end RE before the user U gets on. The second slide speed is the slide speed of the seat 170 when the slide position is adjusted to the user U's slide setting position 264 after the user U gets on.

[0100] If the first sliding speed is faster than the second sliding speed, the second sliding speed is slower than the first sliding speed. Therefore, when user U is in the vehicle (for example, when sitting on seat 170), seat 170 slides slowly. This allows the sliding position to be adjusted without compromising user U's comfort.

[0101] It is preferable that the processing unit 202 generates the aforementioned mirror position adjustment commands so that, when user U reserves the use of vehicle 10, the side mirror position and rear mirror position are adjusted to user U's side mirror setting position 269A and rear mirror setting position 269B, respectively, before user U gets into the vehicle.

[0102] When a mirror position adjustment command is generated in this manner, the side mirror position and rear mirror position are adjusted to the user U's set side mirror position 269A and rear mirror position 269B, respectively, before user U gets in the vehicle (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the side mirror position and rear mirror position are adjusted to SMP1 and RMP1, respectively). As a result, the adjustment of the positions of the side mirrors 125 and rear mirror 130 is already completed when the user gets in the vehicle. Consequently, it is possible to avoid a situation where user U has to wait unnecessarily after getting in the vehicle until the adjustment of these mirror positions is completed. The processing unit 202 may also generate a mirror position adjustment command so that the positions of these mirrors are adjusted after user U gets in the vehicle.

[0103] It is preferable that the processing unit 202 generates a position adjustment command CV so that the reclining position is adjusted to the user U's set reclining position 263 while the vehicle 10 is stopped before user U boards.

[0104] "While vehicle 10 is stopped before user U boards" refers to a situation where, for example, in a case where user U immediately uses vehicle 10 after another member of a car-sharing service has used it, vehicle 10 is stopped for reasons such as waiting at a traffic light on the route it is automatically driving from the other member's drop-off location to user U's pick-up location. "While vehicle 10 is stopped before boarding" may also refer to a state where vehicle 10 is stationary in a parking lot.

[0105] As described above, adjusting the reclining position while the vehicle is stopped prevents the reclining position from being adjusted while the vehicle 10 is in motion before user U boards. In other words, it prevents the vehicle 10 from moving and the reclining position from being adjusted simultaneously. This prevents a temporary increase in power consumption in the vehicle 10 due to the adjustment of the reclining position.

[0106] The processing unit 202 may generate a position adjustment command CV so that the reclining position is adjusted to the user U's set reclining position 263 while the vehicle 10 is being externally charged.

[0107] If the reclining position adjustment is completed while external charging is in progress, the seat adjuster 180 will not be activated to adjust the reclining position after external charging is complete. This prevents a decrease in the power of the auxiliary battery 150 and the main battery 140 used for charging it from being used for reclining adjustment after external charging is complete. As a result, the amount of charge stored in the main battery 140 and the auxiliary battery 150 during riding can be maximized.

[0108] The processing unit 202 may generate a position adjustment command CV so that the slide position moves in the -X direction (so that the seat 170 moves backward) when the vehicle 10 arrives at the user U's destination after the user U has boarded. The slide position after the backward movement is predetermined as a position from which the user can easily disembark as long as the slide position is in that backward movement position.

[0109] Once the position adjustment command CV is generated in this manner, after arrival at the destination, the ECU 195 controls the seat adjuster 180 (adjusts the slide position) to widen the space available to the user U when disembarking (the space between the front end FEP and the panel P). This makes it particularly easy for the user U to disembark. The ECU 195 determines, for example, that the vehicle 10 has arrived at its destination when the position of the vehicle 10 detected by the GPS system 132 is at the user U's destination (determined using the HMI device 190) and the vehicle 10's driving system is turned off using the start / stop button 115.

[0110] In this example, after user U gets in, vehicle 10 travels to the destination by manual driving by user U, but it may also travel to the destination autonomously. After arriving at the destination, vehicle 10 returns to its original position (for example, a parking space for vehicle 10) autonomously.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the server 20 (more specifically, the processing device 202) according to the embodiment. This flowchart starts when the server 20 receives the reservation information RI from the mobile terminal 30.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, the server 20 reads from the storage device 206 the seat setting position data 262 and the mirror setting position data 268 corresponding to the user U according to the user ID included in the reservation information RI and the user setting position data 260 (FIG. 5) (step S102). The server 20 generates a position adjustment command CV according to the read data (step S105). The position adjustment command CV includes commands CV1 to CV4.

[0113] The command CV1 includes information indicating the reclining setting position 263 of the user U, and is generated to adjust the reclining position to the reclining setting position 263 of the user U before boarding (preferably, while parked or during external charging).

[0114] The command CV2 includes information indicating the speed V1 corresponding to the aforementioned first slide speed, and is generated to move the slide position to the rear end RE at the speed V1 before boarding.

[0115] The command CV3 includes information indicating the slide setting position 264 of the user U and the speed V2 (<V1) corresponding to the aforementioned second slide speed, and is generated to adjust the slide position to the slide setting position 264 of the user U at the speed V2 after boarding.

[0116] The command CV4 is generated to move the slide position in the backward direction (-X direction) after arrival at the destination, and includes information indicating the slide position after backward movement. After step S105, the processing proceeds to step S110.

[0117] The server 20 generates a mirror position adjustment command MCV including the commands MCV1 and MCV2 (step S110).

[0118] Command MCV1 includes information indicating the user U's side mirror setting position 269A and is generated to adjust the side mirror position to the user U's side mirror setting position 269A. Command MCV2 includes information indicating the user U's rear mirror setting position 269B and is generated to adjust the rear mirror position to the user U's rear mirror setting position 269B. After step S110, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0119] The server 20 transmits the position adjustment command CV and the mirror position adjustment command MCV to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 204 (step S115). After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is completed.

[0120] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the vehicle 10 in this embodiment. This flowchart begins when the vehicle 10 receives a position adjustment command CV and a mirror position adjustment command MCV.

[0121] Referring to Figure 7, the vehicle 10 adjusts its recline position according to command CV1 while stationary (or during external charging) (step S205).

[0122] Vehicle 10 adjusts the position of the side mirrors according to command MCV1 (step S210). Vehicle 10 adjusts the position of the rear mirrors according to command MCV2 (step S215).

[0123] Vehicle 10 moves its sliding position to the rear end RE according to command CV2 (step S220).

[0124] Vehicle 10 moves to the location of user U (reserved user) by autonomous driving (step S225). Subsequently, vehicle 10 detects that user U has boarded the vehicle by detecting that user U's mobile terminal 30 has been placed on the mounting platform 185A (step S230).

[0125] After detecting a passenger, vehicle 10 adjusts the sliding position of seat 170 according to command CV3 (step S235). Then, vehicle 10 begins driving towards the destination.

[0126] When vehicle 10 arrives at its destination (step S240), it moves its sliding position in the -X direction (reverses) according to command CV4 (step S245). After user U disembarks, vehicle 10 returns to the parking lot by autonomous driving.

[0127] The order of steps S205 to S220 is not limited to the order shown in the diagram and may be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, these steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0128] The passenger detection in step S230 may be performed using a seat sensor 187, a distance sensor 189, a tilt sensor of the mobile terminal 30, a start / stop button 115, an NFC chip-equipped device, or a fingerprint authentication device. The ECU 195 may, for example, establish short-range communication between the communication device 160 and the mobile terminal 30, and receive a tilt detection value from the mobile terminal 30 via short-range communication, and detect passenger boarding if the tilt is greater than a predetermined tilt. Alternatively, the ECU 195 may detect passenger boarding in response to the press of the start / stop button 115.

[0129] In the sequence of processes shown in Figures 6 and 7, the server 20 sends a command CV3 for adjusting the slide position to the vehicle 10 before detecting a passenger (step S230), but it may also send the command CV3 to the vehicle 10 after detecting a passenger. In this case, the position adjustment command CV generated in step S105 does not include command CV3. When boarding by user U is detected (step S230), the ECU 195 sends a notification to the server 20 indicating this. In response to this notification, the server 20 sends command CV3 to the vehicle 10. As a result, command CV3 is received by the vehicle 10, and then step S235 is executed.

[0130] As described above, the server 20 generates a position adjustment command CV such that the recline position is adjusted to the user U's set recline position 263 before the user U boards, and the slide position is adjusted to the user U's set slide position 264 after the user U boards. This avoids the situation where the user U has to wait unnecessarily until the recline position adjustment is complete after boarding. The user U only needs to wait until the slide position adjustment is complete after boarding, and can start driving immediately after the slide position adjustment is complete. Furthermore, since the recline position adjustment starts after boarding, it avoids the situation where the slide position adjustment is already complete when the user boards. As a result, it avoids the situation where the space available to the user U for boarding is narrowed when boarding. From the above, the time the user U has to wait until the position adjustment of the seat 170 is complete is shortened, while making it easier for the user U to board.

[0131] The following describes other advantages of the embodiment. When multiple users can each use the same vehicle (vehicle 10), other users who used vehicle 10 before user U (previous reservation users) adjust the seat position and mirror position to a position suitable for them, respectively. The seat position and mirror position suitable for the previous reservation user is generally different from the seat position and mirror position suitable for user U. Therefore, user U may need to change the seat position and mirror position to a position suitable for themselves each time they use vehicle 10. For example, user U needs to operate the reclining lever 175 and the slide lever 177 each time they use vehicle 10. In the embodiment, the seat position and mirror position are automatically adjusted to a position suitable for user U. This eliminates the need for the above-mentioned adjustment operation. Furthermore, it improves the safety of user U when using vehicle 10.

[0132] [Example 1] In this embodiment, the sheet setting position data 262 and mirror setting position data 268 for each user (Figure 5) are determined by user operation. In contrast, the sheet setting position data 262 and mirror setting position data 268 for each user may be determined without requiring user operation.

[0133] In this modified example 1, the ECU 195 transmits information to the server 20 indicating the reclining position and sliding position when the vehicle 10 used by user U is traveling at a predetermined speed (for example, 10 km / h) or higher. The server 20 then performs a setting process to set the reclining position and sliding position as user U's reclining position 263 and sliding position 264, respectively.

[0134] When the vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed above a predetermined speed, it is assumed that user U is pressing the accelerator 110 because the reclining position and slide setting position have already been adjusted to suit user U. Therefore, the reclining position and slide setting position at this time are considered to be suitable for user U's reclining position 263 and slide setting position 264.

[0135] According to the above setting process, the user U's reclining position 263 and slide position 264 are automatically set (registered). As a result, when user U uses the vehicle 10 for the first time, user operation to determine the reclining position 263 and slide position 264 is not required.

[0136] The ECU 195 may transmit information to the server 20 indicating the height position, tilt-up position, and headrest position when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed above a predetermined speed. The server 20 may then set these positions as the user U's height setting position 265, tilt setting position 266, and headrest setting position 267, respectively.

[0137] The ECU 195 may transmit information to the server 20 indicating the position of the side mirrors and rear mirrors when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed above a predetermined speed. The server 20 may then set these positions as the user U's side mirror setting position 269A and rear mirror setting position 269B, respectively.

[0138] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed in relation to setting the recline and slide positions in this modified example 1. This flowchart begins when user U switches the shift range to the D range using the shift lever 105.

[0139] Referring to Figure 8, the vehicle 10 (more specifically, the ECU 195) determines whether the vehicle speed is above a predetermined speed according to the value detected by the vehicle speed sensor 120 (step S305). If the vehicle speed is below the predetermined speed (NO in step S305), this determination process is repeated until the vehicle speed becomes above the predetermined speed. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is above the predetermined speed (YES in step S305), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0140] Vehicle 10 transmits information to the server 20 indicating the current slide position and recline position (step S310). Vehicle 10 further transmits information to the server 20 indicating the user ID of user U and the vehicle type of vehicle 10. This user ID is included in the aforementioned reservation completion notification received by vehicle 10. After that, processing of vehicle 10 is completed.

[0141] The server 20 sets the slide position and recline position indicated by the information received from the vehicle 10 as the user U's recline setting position 263 and slide setting position 264, respectively (step S315).

[0142] The server 20 registers the set reclining position 263 and slide position 264 in the storage device 206 (user-set position data 260), associating them with the user ID transmitted from the vehicle 10.

[0143] According to this modified example 1, when user U uses the vehicle 10 for the first time, it is possible to eliminate the need for user operation to set the reclining position 263 and the sliding position 264. As a result, the convenience of user U can be improved.

[0144] [Differentiation 2] Server 20 may ask user U when booking vehicle 10 for the conditions necessary for detecting user U's boarding (a trigger for starting the adjustment of the slide position) and have user U select them.

[0145] Figure 9 illustrates a screen displayed on the HMI device 307 of the mobile terminal 30 when a vehicle 10 is reserved. Referring to Figure 9, screen 370 includes a message 372 and a mode selection section 374.

[0146] Message 372 prompts user U to select a passenger detection mode. The passenger detection mode is a mode of vehicle 10 that defines the method for detecting passengers.

[0147] The mode selection section 374 allows user U to select their preferred mode from among several passenger detection modes. When user U touches a number included in the mode selection section 374 (one of 1 to 7 in this example), the mode corresponding to that number is selected.

[0148] Seating mode 376A is a passenger detection mode that uses the seating sensor 187. Seating mode 376A is effective, for example, when the mobile terminal 30 is not near the user U's body, when the user U is wearing trousers or a skirt without pockets, when the mobile terminal 30 is in the breast pocket of the user U's clothing, when the mobile terminal 30 is a wearable device and is worn on the user U's arm, or when the mobile terminal 30 is in the user U's bag.

[0149] Distance mode 376B is a passenger detection mode using distance sensor 189. Distance mode 376B is effective, for example, when the trousers or skirt worn by user U do not have pockets.

[0150] The three-axis mode 376C is a ride detection mode that uses the tilt sensor of the mobile terminal 30 when short-range communication is established between the communication device 160 and the mobile terminal 30. Similar to the distance mode 376B, the three-axis mode 376C is effective, for example, when the trousers or skirt worn by user U do not have pockets.

[0151] Button press mode 376D is a passenger detection mode using the start / stop button 115. Button press mode 376D is effective in cases where user U wants the adjustment of the slide position to start in response to user operation after boarding.

[0152] The mounting mode 376E is a passenger detection mode using the mounting base 185A. The NFC authentication mode 376F is a passenger detection mode using an NFC chip-equipped device. The fingerprint authentication mode 376G is a passenger detection mode using a fingerprint authentication device. These authentication modes are effective when user U desires a passenger detection mode other than seating mode 376A to mounting mode 376E. The fingerprint authentication mode is also effective when the battery of the mobile terminal 30 has already been depleted.

[0153] Of the seating modes 376A to fingerprint authentication modes 376G, all modes except button-press mode 376D are effective in cases where user U desires that the adjustment of the slide position begin automatically without requiring complex user operations.

[0154] When server 20 receives reservation information RI, it sends a signal to mobile terminal 30 requesting that screen 370 be displayed. As a result, screen 370 is displayed on mobile terminal 30.

[0155] According to this modified example 2, user U can determine the method for detecting passenger boarding (step S230 in Figure 7). This allows user U to determine the trigger for initiating adjustment of the slide position (step S235 in Figure 7). As a result, the convenience and comfort of user U can be improved.

[0156] [Difference 3] Server 20 may generate position adjustment commands CV so that the height, tilt-up position, and headrest position are adjusted before user U boards the vehicle. This will be explained in detail below.

[0157] When user U reserves the use of vehicle 10, server 20 may generate a position adjustment command CV so that the height position is adjusted to user U's height setting position 265 (Figure 5) before user U boards the vehicle.

[0158] As a result, the height position is adjusted to user U's height setting position 265 before user U gets in (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the height position is adjusted to HSP1). Consequently, the height adjustment of the seat cushion 171 is already completed when the user gets in. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where user U has to wait unnecessarily after getting in until this height adjustment is completed.

[0159] Similarly, if user U reserves the use of vehicle 10, server 20 may generate a position adjustment command CV so that the tilt-up position is adjusted to user U's tilt setting position 266 before user U boards the vehicle.

[0160] As a result, the tilt-up position is adjusted to user U's tilt setting position 266 before user U boards the vehicle (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the tilt-up position is adjusted to TSP1). Consequently, the adjustment of the front end FEP position is already completed when the vehicle is boarded. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where user U has to wait unnecessarily after boarding until this position adjustment is completed.

[0161] Similarly, if user U reserves the use of vehicle 10, server 20 may generate a position adjustment command CV so that the headrest position is adjusted to user U's headrest setting position 267 before user U boards the vehicle.

[0162] As a result, the headrest position is adjusted to user U's headrest setting position 267 before user U gets in the vehicle (for example, if user U's ID is 001, the headrest position is adjusted to HSP1). Consequently, the adjustment of the headrest position 173 is already completed when the user gets in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where user U has to wait unnecessarily after getting in the vehicle until this position adjustment is complete.

[0163] Preferably, the processing unit 202 generates position adjustment commands CV while the vehicle 10 is stopped or receiving external power before user U boards, so that the height position, tilt-up position, and headrest position are adjusted to user U's recline setting position 263, height setting position 265, tilt setting position 266, and headrest setting position 267, respectively.

[0164] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the server 20 (more specifically, the processing unit 202) according to this modified example 3. This flowchart begins when the server 20 receives reservation information RI from the mobile terminal 30.

[0165] Referring to Figure 10, this flowchart differs from the flowchart in Figure 6 in that steps S105A and S115A are performed in place of steps S105 and S115. Steps S102 and S110 are the same as those shown in Figure 6.

[0166] Server 20 generates a position adjustment command CVA according to the data read in S102 (step S105A). The position adjustment command CVA includes commands CV1 to CV4. The position adjustment command CVA differs from the position adjustment command CV (Figure 6) in that it further includes commands CV1A to CV1C.

[0167] Command CV1A includes information indicating the user U's height setting position 265 and is generated to adjust the height position to the user U's height setting position 265 before boarding.

[0168] Command CV1B includes information indicating the user U's tilt setting position 266 and is generated to adjust the tilt-up position to the user U's tilt setting position 266 before boarding.

[0169] Command CV1C includes information indicating the user U's headrest setting position 267 and is generated to adjust the headrest position to the user U's headrest setting position 267 before boarding.

[0170] The server 20 transmits the position adjustment command CVA and the mirror position adjustment command MCV to the vehicle 10 (step S115A). After that, the process shown in Figure 10 is completed.

[0171] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the vehicle 10 in this modified example 3. This flowchart begins when the vehicle 10 receives the position adjustment command CVA and the mirror position adjustment command MCV.

[0172] Referring to Figure 11, this flowchart differs from the flowchart in Figure 7 in that steps S206 to S208 are added. Steps S205 and S210 to S245 are the same as those shown in Figure 7.

[0173] Vehicle 10 adjusts its height position according to command CV1A (step S206). Vehicle 10 adjusts its tilt-up position according to command CV1B (step S207). Vehicle 10 adjusts its headrest position according to command CV1C (step S208).

[0174] The order of steps S205 to S220 is not limited to the order shown in the diagram and may be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, these steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0175] According to this modification 3, the height, tilt-up position, and headrest position are further adjusted before user U gets in (these positions are already adjusted). Then, only the slide position is adjusted after the user gets in. With the seat position adjusted in this way, user U does not need to wait after getting in until the height, tilt-up position, and headrest position adjustments are complete. As a result, user U only needs to wait after getting in until the slide position adjustment is complete, and can start driving immediately after the slide position adjustment is complete. Thus, the time user U has to wait until the seat 170 position adjustment is complete can be reduced.

[0176] [Differentiation Example 4] In this modified example 4, both User U (First User) and their companion (Second User) use Vehicle 10. The companion is a different user of Vehicle 10 from User U, and like User U, is a member of a car-sharing service that allows them to use Vehicle 10. The seat setting position data 262 and mirror setting position data 268 for the companion are registered in the user setting position data 260. The companion possesses the aforementioned companion terminal.

[0177] Figure 12 shows the screen displayed on the HMI device 307 of user U's mobile terminal 30 when user U reserves vehicle 10. Referring to Figure 12, screen 375 includes message 377 and input fields 378, 379.

[0178] Message 377 prompts user U to decide which seat 170 they will sit in and which seat 170 their companion will sit in. Input fields 378 and 379 receive user input indicating which seats 170 user U and their companion will sit in, respectively. Information indicating the results of the user input into input fields 378 and 379 is sent from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 20 as seating arrangement information. The following describes the case in which user U is scheduled to sit in the driver's seat 170A (Figure 3) and the companion is scheduled to sit in the passenger seat 170B.

[0179] In this case, the server 20 generates a position adjustment command CV such that the recline position of the driver's seat 170A is adjusted to the user U's set recline position 263 before the user U gets in, and the slide position of the driver's seat 170A is adjusted to the user U's set slide position 264 after the user U gets in.

[0180] In addition, the server 20 generates a position adjustment command CV such that the reclining position of the passenger seat 170B is adjusted to the passenger's set reclining position 263 before the passenger boards the vehicle, and the sliding position of the passenger seat 170B is adjusted to the passenger's set sliding position 264 after the passenger boards the vehicle. For example, if the passenger's user ID is 002 (Figure 5), the reclining position of the passenger seat 170B is adjusted to RSP2 before the passenger boards the vehicle, and the sliding position of the passenger seat 170B is adjusted to SSP2 after the passenger boards the vehicle.

[0181] The method for detecting the presence of a companion is determined as appropriate, similar to the method for detecting the presence of user U. For example, when a companion's mobile device is placed on the mounting base 185B, the presence of the companion is detected, and the adjustment of the sliding position of the passenger seat 170B begins.

[0182] As described above, when the position of the passenger seat 170B is adjusted in addition to the position of the driver's seat 170A, the waiting time for both user U and their companion until the corresponding seat position adjustments are completed can be reduced. In other words, the waiting time for user U to adjust the position of the driver's seat 170A and the waiting time for the companion to adjust the position of the passenger seat 170B can both be reduced. Furthermore, it becomes easier for both user U and their companion to get into the vehicle.

[0183] [Difference 5] Server 20 may obtain a user image from the mobile terminal 30 representing the clothing worn by user U when the vehicle 10 was reserved, and correct at least one of user U's recline setting position 263 or slide setting position 264 according to the user image.

[0184] This allows at least one of the reclining position 263 or the sliding position 264 to be corrected depending on the user U's clothing. As a result, even if the user U's clothing changes, the seat position can be appropriately fine-tuned without requiring user operation to make fine adjustments to the seat position. For example, the user U does not need to manually operate the reclining lever 175 and the sliding lever 177 to fine-tune the seat position. Consequently, the user U's convenience can be improved.

[0185] Figure 13 illustrates how the user-defined position on the seat 170 is corrected depending on the clothing worn by user U.

[0186] Referring to Figure 13, the user image UI is generated by the camera 308 of the mobile terminal 30 when user U reserves vehicle 10. The user image UI is transmitted from the mobile terminal 30 to the server 20 along with the reservation information RI. Images 502 and 504 are the user image UIs generated in cases A and B, respectively.

[0187] In Case A, User U is wearing normal clothing, and it is assumed that the user-defined position relative to Sheet 170 does not need to be corrected.

[0188] In Case B, user U is wearing a hooded parka, and the user-set position relative to the seat 170 needs to be corrected. In Case B, the reclining position 263, as the user-set position, is corrected according to Image 504 so that the angle θ (Figure 2) is larger than in Case A (so that the seat back 172 is more tilted). The side mirror position 269A and the rear mirror position 269B may each be further corrected according to Image 504. The slide position may also be further corrected according to Image 504.

[0189] In the example above, the reclining setting position 263 is corrected when user U is wearing a hooded parka, but the slide setting position 264 may be corrected when user U is wearing thick clothing (for example, ski wear). Specifically, when user U is wearing thick clothing, the slide setting position 264 may be corrected so that it moves in the -X direction more than when user U is not wearing thick clothing.

[0190] Alternatively, if user U is female and wearing high heels, the height setting position 265 may be corrected by the server 20 so that it rises in the +Z direction compared to cases where user U is not wearing high heels. This makes it easier for user U to press the accelerator 110 even when wearing high heels.

[0191] The server 20 transmits to the vehicle 10 the position adjustment command CV, including information indicating the corrected slide setting position 264 or height setting position 265.

[0192] The clothing of user U (for example, whether user U is wearing normal clothes, a hooded sweatshirt, thick clothing, or high heels) is determined by server 20 using known image recognition technology according to the user image UI.

[0193] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in relation to the correction of the user-defined position. This flowchart begins when user U inputs reservation information RI using the HMI device 190 of the mobile terminal 30.

[0194] Referring to Figure 14, the mobile terminal 30 causes the HMI device 307 to display a screen prompting user U to generate a user image UI representing user U's clothing (step S405).

[0195] User U responds to the display on this screen by taking a picture of themselves using camera 308. Mobile terminal 30 generates a user image UI according to the result of the capture (step S410) and sends the user image UI to server 20 (step S415). In this example, the user image UI is assumed to be image 504 (Case B in Figure 13). After that, processing on mobile terminal 30 is completed.

[0196] When the server 20 obtains a user image UI from the mobile terminal 30 (step S420), it corrects the user-set position for user U according to the user image UI (step S425). In this example, the server 20 corrects the reclining setting position 263 as the user-set position so that the seat back 172 is tilted more than when the user image UI is image 502 (case A in Figure 13).

[0197] The server 20 transmits a position adjustment command CV to the vehicle 10, which includes information indicating the corrected user-set position (reclining setting position 263) (step S430), and terminates the process.

[0198] According to this modified version 5, the seat position can be appropriately fine-tuned depending on the user U's clothing. As a result, the user U's convenience can be improved.

[0199] [Other variations] Each user who can use vehicle 10 is not limited to a member of a car-sharing service using vehicle 10. In cases where vehicle 10 is used for a rental car service, each user may be a member of that service. Alternatively, in cases where vehicle 10 is used as a company vehicle (e.g., a taxi, police car, ambulance, or commercial vehicle), each user may be a staff member of that company.

[0200] The terminal device for reserving the use of vehicle 10 is not limited to a mobile terminal 30, but may be another computer such as a desktop or laptop computer.

[0201] Each of the above-described embodiments and their modified examples 1 to 5 may be combined as appropriate.

[0202] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 seat adjustment system, 10 vehicles, 20 servers, 30 mobile terminals, 170 seats, 180 seat adjusters, 202, 302 processing units, 206, 303 storage devices, 160, 204, 304 communication devices.

Claims

1. A server configured to communicate with a vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is The seat and Energy storage device, It includes an adjustment device which operates by consuming the power of the aforementioned energy storage device and is configured to adjust the position of the seat, The vehicle is configured to perform external charging, which involves charging the energy storage device using power supplied from an external power facility. The adjustment device is configured to allow the seat to slide relative to the floor of the vehicle and to allow the seat to recline. The position of the seat includes the sliding position and the reclining position of the seat. The aforementioned server, The adjustment device includes a processing device that generates a position adjustment command for adjusting the position of the seat, The vehicle includes a storage device that stores information indicating a user-defined position set as the seat position when the vehicle is in use for each of a plurality of users who can use the vehicle. The user-defined location is, The reclining position set as the aforementioned reclining position, Includes the slide setting position which is set as the slide position, When a user among the multiple users makes a reservation to use the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command such that the reclining position is adjusted to the user's preferred reclining position before the user boards the vehicle, and the sliding position is adjusted to the user's preferred sliding position after the user boards the vehicle. The processing device is a server that generates position adjustment commands so that the reclining position is adjusted to the reclining setting position of the reserved user during external charging.

2. A server configured to communicate with a vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is The seat and Includes an adjustment device configured to adjust the position of the seat, The adjustment device is configured to allow the seat to slide relative to the floor of the vehicle and to allow the seat to recline. The position of the seat includes the sliding position and the reclining position of the seat. The aforementioned server, The adjustment device includes a processing device that generates a position adjustment command for adjusting the position of the seat, The vehicle includes a storage device that stores information indicating a user-defined position set as the seat position when the vehicle is in use for each of a plurality of users who can use the vehicle. The user-defined location is, The reclining position set as the aforementioned reclining position, Includes the slide setting position which is set as the slide position, When a user among the multiple users makes a reservation to use the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command such that the reclining position is adjusted to the user's preferred reclining position before the user boards the vehicle, and the sliding position is adjusted to the user's preferred sliding position after the user boards the vehicle. The processing device is a server that sets the reclining position and the sliding position when the vehicle is traveling at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher as the reclining setting position and the sliding setting position, respectively.

3. A server configured to communicate with a vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is The seat and Includes an adjustment device configured to adjust the position of the seat, The adjustment device is configured to allow the seat to slide relative to the floor of the vehicle and to allow the seat to recline. The position of the seat includes the sliding position and the reclining position of the seat. The aforementioned server, The adjustment device includes a processing device that generates a position adjustment command for adjusting the position of the seat, The vehicle includes a storage device that stores information indicating a user-defined position set as the seat position when the vehicle is in use for each of a plurality of users who can use the vehicle. The user-defined location is, The reclining position set as the aforementioned reclining position, Includes the slide setting position which is set as the slide position, When a user among the multiple users makes a reservation to use the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command such that the reclining position is adjusted to the user's preferred reclining position before the user boards the vehicle, and the sliding position is adjusted to the user's preferred sliding position after the user boards the vehicle. The processing device is a server that, when a reservation is made for a vehicle, queries the reservation user for the conditions necessary for detecting the reservation user's boarding.

4. A server configured to communicate with a vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle is The seat and Includes an adjustment device configured to adjust the position of the seat, The adjustment device is configured to allow the seat to slide relative to the floor of the vehicle and to allow the seat to recline. The position of the seat includes the sliding position and the reclining position of the seat. The aforementioned server, The adjustment device includes a processing device that generates a position adjustment command for adjusting the position of the seat, The vehicle includes a storage device that stores information indicating a user-defined position set as the seat position when the vehicle is in use for each of a plurality of users who can use the vehicle. The user-defined location is, The reclining position set as the aforementioned reclining position, Includes the slide setting position which is set as the slide position, When a user among the multiple users makes a reservation to use the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command such that the reclining position is adjusted to the user's preferred reclining position before the user boards the vehicle, and the sliding position is adjusted to the user's preferred sliding position after the user boards the vehicle. The aforementioned processing apparatus is An image representing the clothing of the reservation user at the time of reservation of the vehicle is obtained from the reservation user's terminal device. A server that corrects at least one of the reclining position or the sliding position according to the image.

5. The aforementioned seat includes a seat cushion, The adjustment device is configured to adjust the position of the seat cushion in the height direction relative to the floor, The user-defined position includes a height setting position that is set as the position of the seat cushion in the height direction when the vehicle is in use. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the seat cushion is adjusted to the height setting position of the reserved user before the reserved user boards the vehicle.

6. The aforementioned seat includes a seat cushion having a front end and a rear end, The adjustment device is configured to allow the front end to tilt up relative to the rear end, and to allow adjustment of the position of the front end in the tilt-up direction of the front end. The user-defined position includes a tilt setting position which is set as the position of the front end in the tilt-up direction when the vehicle is in use. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the front end is adjusted to the reserved user's tilt setting position before the reserved user boards the vehicle.

7. The aforementioned sheet is The seatback and Includes a headrest connected to the seatback, The adjustment device is configured to allow the headrest to move in a direction extending from the seat back to the headrest, and to allow the position of the headrest in the direction of movement of the headrest to be adjusted. The user-defined position includes the headrest setting position, which is set as the position of the headrest in the direction of movement when the vehicle is in use. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the reserved user reserves the use of the vehicle, the processing device generates a position adjustment command so that the position of the headrest is adjusted to the reserved user's headrest setting position before the reserved user boards the vehicle.

8. The vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat, each of which is the aforementioned seat. The aforementioned plurality of users include a first user as the reserved user and a second user as a user different from the reserved user, The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when both the first user and the second user are using the vehicle, and the first user is scheduled to sit in the first seat and the second user is scheduled to sit in the second seat, the processing device generates a position adjustment command such that the reclining position of the second seat is adjusted to the second user's reclining setting position before the second user boards the vehicle, and the sliding position of the second seat is adjusted to the second user's sliding setting position after the second user boards the vehicle.

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