Seat experience system

Abstract

To provide a seat experience system which allows a user to manipulate manipulation targets on a screen of a terminal using a seat in order to propose a new value of a seat.SOLUTION: A seat experience system 1 is provided, comprising a seat body S10, a seat S having a plurality of sensors (pressure sensors 21-26) for acquiring information for detecting motions of a seated person sitting on the seat body S10, a controller (ECU 100) configured to acquire the information from the sensors, and a terminal (smartphone SP) with a screen (display DSP).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat experience system including a seat having sensors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat having a plurality of pressure sensors disposed thereon has been known for detecting the seating posture of an occupant (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat experience system that can operate an operation target on the screen of a terminal with a seat in order to propose a new value of the seat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention for solving the above problems is a seat experience system including a seat main body, a seat having a plurality of sensors for acquiring information for detecting the actions of a seated person sitting on the seat main body, a control unit for acquiring the information from the sensors, and a terminal having a screen. Based on the information acquired from the sensors, the control unit operates an operation target on the screen.

[0007] With this configuration, the control unit operates the control object on the screen based on information acquired from the sensor, so that the control object on the terminal screen can be operated from the seat in response to the movements of the person sitting in the seat.

[0008] Furthermore, the control unit may be provided on the seat body and, based on information acquired from the sensor, set a command to operate the target of operation, output the command to the terminal, and the terminal may operate the target of operation based on the command.

[0009] According to this, there is no need for the terminal to process the information from the sensor into commands, which allows for faster processing on the terminal. Furthermore, for example, in games run on the terminal, a separate controller can be used in conjunction with the seat.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit may be provided in the terminal and set a command to operate the target of operation based on information acquired from the sensor, and operate the target of operation based on the command.

[0011] According to this, there is no need for the spreadsheet to process the information from the sensor into commands, which can speed up the processing on the spreadsheet.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit can determine, based on information from multiple sensors, whether the seated person's posture is a forward-leaning posture with weight shifted forward compared to the standard posture, or a backward-leaning posture with weight shifted backward compared to the standard posture. If it determines that the person is in a forward-leaning posture, it may set a first command, and if it determines that the person is in a backward-leaning posture, it may set a second command.

[0013] Furthermore, the multiple sensors include a first pressure sensor that outputs a first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture; or a second pressure sensor that outputs a second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and a second high pressure value greater than the second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture, and the control unit may determine that the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture when it obtains the first high pressure value from the first pressure sensor or the second low pressure value from the second pressure sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the multiple sensors include a first pressure sensor that outputs a first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture; or a second pressure sensor that outputs a second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and a second high pressure value greater than the second standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture, and the control unit may determine that the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture when it obtains the first low pressure value from the first pressure sensor or the second high pressure value from the second pressure sensor.

[0015] Furthermore, the first command may be a command indicating that an upward operation has been performed on the target of operation on the screen, and the second command may be a command indicating that a downward operation has been performed on the target of operation on the screen.

[0016] Furthermore, the first command may be a command to cause the object being operated on the screen to jump to a first height, and the second command may be a command to cause the object being operated on the screen to jump to a second height greater than the first height.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit can determine, based on information from multiple sensors, whether the seated person's posture is a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left of the standard posture, or a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right of the standard posture. If it determines that the person is in a left-leaning posture, it may set a third command, and if it determines that the person is in a right-leaning posture, it may set a fourth command.

[0018] Furthermore, the multiple sensors include a third pressure sensor that outputs a third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture; or a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and a fourth high pressure value greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture, and the control unit may determine that the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture when it obtains the third high pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth low pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor.

[0019] Furthermore, the multiple sensors include a third pressure sensor that outputs a third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture; or a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and a fourth high pressure value greater than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture, and the control unit may determine that the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture when it obtains the third low pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth high pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the third command may be a command indicating that a leftward operation has been performed on the target of operation on the screen, and the fourth command may be a command indicating that a rightward operation has been performed on the target of operation on the screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the object to be operated on the terminal screen can be operated using a sheet.

[0022] Furthermore, by providing a control unit on the seat itself that sets commands to operate the target based on information acquired from sensors, there is no need for the terminal to process the sensor information into commands. This allows for faster processing on the terminal, and for example, in games run on the terminal, the seat can be used in conjunction with a separate controller.

[0023] Furthermore, by providing a control unit in the terminal that sets commands to operate the target based on information acquired from the sensor, it is not necessary for the sheet to process the information from the sensor into commands, thus increasing the processing speed on the sheet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a seat experience system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the processing in the ECU. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the processing on the smartphone. [Figure 4] It is a diagram (a) showing the start screen and a diagram (b) showing the screen for setting the standard posture. [Figure 5] It is a diagram (a) showing the screen for selecting a music and a diagram (b) showing the screen during the dance game. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the screen during the obstacle game. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing in the ECU.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat experience system 1 of the present embodiment includes a seat S and a seat experience device 10. The seat S includes a seat body S10 and pressure sensors 21 to 26. The seat body S10 is, for example, a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle such as a car, and has a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. A plurality of pressure sensors 21 to 26 are provided under the skin of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2. The pressure sensors 21 to 26 are sensors for detecting the movements of the seated person sitting on the seat body S10.

[0026] Pressure sensors 21-26 are positioned to detect the state of the seat surface facing the occupant sitting on the seat body S10, and acquire pressure values ​​from the occupant sitting on the seat body S10. The ECU (electronic control unit) 100 is a device that controls the operation of the seat body S10 (for example, the motor and heater of an electric reclining mechanism, not shown), and is connected to each of the pressure sensors 21-26 so that measurement values ​​can be acquired from them.

[0027] Each of the pressure sensors 21-26 is provided in pairs, symmetrically positioned with respect to the left and right centers of the sheet S. In the following description and drawings, the pressure sensors 21-26 located on the left side may be distinguished by adding "L" to the end of their reference numeral, and the pressure sensors 21-26 located on the right side may be distinguished by adding "R" to the end of their reference numeral.

[0028] The seat cushion S1 is equipped with pressure sensors 21 to 23. The pressure sensor 21 is positioned at the lowest point of the seated person's ischial tuberosities. This position is where the seated person's weight is greatest.

[0029] The pressure sensor 22 is positioned slightly in front of the pressure sensor 21.

[0030] Both pressure sensors 21 and 22 are for measuring the pressure from the seated person's buttocks, and either one of them may be provided.

[0031] The pressure sensor 23 is positioned significantly in front of the pressure sensors 21 and 22. The pressure sensor 23 is located under the seated person's thighs and is capable of measuring the pressure from the seated person's thighs.

[0032] The seatback S2 is equipped with pressure sensors 24-26. Pressure sensor 24 is located at a position corresponding to the lower back of the seated person.

[0033] The pressure sensor 25 is positioned slightly above the pressure sensor 24.

[0034] Both pressure sensors 24 and 25 are for measuring the pressure from the seated person's waist, and either one or the other may be provided.

[0035] The pressure sensor 26 is positioned significantly above and away from the pressure sensors 24 and 25. The pressure sensor 26 is positioned corresponding to the seated person's shoulders and is capable of measuring the pressure value from the seated person's shoulders.

[0036] In this embodiment, the seat experience system 1 provides a dance game using the pressure sensors 21 to 26. In this embodiment, the pressure sensors 21 to 26 are examples of sensors that acquire measured values ​​to detect the movements of a person sitting on the seat body S10. The dance game is a game in which a person sitting on the seat body S10 moves according to the instructions of arrow icons displayed on the display DSP, which is the screen of a smartphone SP, to make a character on the display DSP dance.

[0037] The seat body S10 is provided with a holder 4 for holding a smartphone SP. The holder 4 is formed by bending a wire, with one end fixed to the seat back S2 and the other end having a fixing part 4A for fixing the smartphone SP. By fixing the smartphone SP to the fixing part 4A, the seated person can view the smartphone SP's display DSP without having to hold the smartphone SP in their hand. Therefore, the seated person can perform the movements instructed in the dance game using their whole body while looking at the display DSP.

[0038] The seat experience device 10 comprises an ECU 100 as an example of a control unit and a smartphone SP as an example of a terminal. The ECU100 is connected to a short-range communication device 3A that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. The ECU100 is also connected to pressure sensors 21-26. In this embodiment, the ECU100 and the short-range communication device 3A are provided in the seat body S10.

[0039] The ECU100 and smartphone SP have a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and execute pre-stored programs. The smartphone SP also includes a display DSP. The smartphone SP functions as a means of executing a dance game by operating according to the program.

[0040] The ECU100 has the function of operating the target on the smartphone SP's display DSP based on the measured values ​​obtained from each pressure sensor 21 to 26. Specifically, the ECU100 sets a command to operate the target based on the information obtained from each pressure sensor 21 to 26, and outputs the set command to the smartphone SP, thereby operating the target on the smartphone SP's display DSP.

[0041] Specifically, the ECU100 can determine, based on measurements from each pressure sensor 21-26, whether the seated person's posture is a forward-leaning posture with weight shifted forward or a backward-leaning posture with weight shifted backward compared to the standard posture. Furthermore, the ECU100 can determine, based on measurements from each pressure sensor 21-26, whether the seated person's posture is a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left or a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right compared to the standard posture.

[0042] The ECU100 determines whether the seated person's posture is leaning forward based on measurements taken from two pressure sensors 23 (hereinafter also referred to as "front cushion sensors SE1") located on the front side of the seat cushion S1. Here, the front cushion sensors SE1 are an example of a first sensor, and they output a first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is in a standard posture, a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is leaning forward, and a first low pressure value smaller than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is leaning backward.

[0043] Here, the first standard pressure value is a value with a certain range. More specifically, the first standard pressure value is a value that falls within the standard range, which is calculated by adding a margin to the positive and negative sides of the value output from the pressure sensor 23 during the standard posture setting process in the dance game, i.e., during calibration, as described later. The first high pressure value is a value greater than the standard range, and the first low pressure value is a value smaller than the standard range. The same applies to the other standard pressure values, high pressure values, and low pressure values ​​(e.g., the second standard pressure value, second high pressure value, and second low pressure value) described later.

[0044] When the ECU100 obtains a first high pressure value from the front cushion sensor SE1, it determines that the seated person is in a forward-leaning posture. In this embodiment, the pressure value obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1 is the larger of the measured values ​​obtained from multiple front cushion sensors SE1. The pressure value obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1 may be, for example, the average value of multiple measured values ​​obtained from multiple front cushion sensors SE1. The same applies to pressure values ​​obtained from other sensors (for example, the rear cushion sensor SE2, which will be described later).

[0045] The ECU100 determines whether the seated person is in a reclined position based on measurements obtained from two pressure sensors 21 (hereinafter also referred to as "rear cushion sensors SE2") located on the rear side of the seat cushion S1. Here, the rear cushion sensors SE2 are an example of a second sensor, and they output a second standard pressure value when the seated person is in a standard position, a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in a forward-leaning position, and a second high pressure value larger than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in a reclined position. The ECU100 determines that the seated person is in a reclined position when it obtains a second high pressure value from the rear cushion sensors SE2.

[0046] The ECU100 determines whether the occupant's posture is tilted to the left based on measurements taken from three pressure sensors 24L, 25L, and 26L (hereinafter also referred to as the "left-side back sensor SE3") located on the left side of the seat back S2. Here, the left-side back sensor SE3 is an example of a third sensor, outputting a third standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is in a standard posture, outputting a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is tilted to the left, and outputting a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is tilted to the right. The ECU100 determines that the occupant's posture is tilted to the left when it obtains a third high pressure value from the left-side back sensor SE3.

[0047] Here, a left-leaning posture refers to a posture in which the seated person's center of gravity is shifted to the left of the body's center, and includes, for example, a posture in which the seated person has twisted their body to the left. A right-leaning posture, which will be discussed later, is similar; a right-leaning posture refers to a posture in which the seated person's center of gravity is shifted to the right of the body's center, and includes, for example, a posture in which the seated person has twisted their body to the right.

[0048] The ECU100 determines whether the occupant's posture is tilted to the right based on measurements taken from three pressure sensors 24R, 25R, and 26R (hereinafter also referred to as the "right-side back sensor SE4") located on the right side of the seat back S2. Here, the right-side back sensor SE4 is an example of a fourth sensor, outputting a fourth standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is in the standard posture, outputting a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is tilted to the left, and outputting a fourth high pressure value larger than the fourth standard pressure value when the occupant's posture is tilted to the right. The ECU100 determines that the occupant's posture is tilted to the right when it obtains a fourth high pressure value from the right-side back sensor SE4.

[0049] The ECU100 sets a first command if it determines that the vehicle is leaning forward, and a second command if it determines that the vehicle is leaning backward. Furthermore, the ECU100 sets a third command if it determines that the vehicle is leaning left, and a fourth command if it determines that the vehicle is leaning right.

[0050] Each command is an instruction to move the target object in the dance game executed on the smartphone SP's display DSP. Specifically, the first command indicates that an upward movement has been made to the target object on the display DSP. The second command indicates that a downward movement has been made to the target object on the display DSP. The third command indicates that a leftward movement has been made to the target object on the display DSP. The fourth command indicates that a rightward movement has been made to the target object on the display DSP. In the following explanation, the first command will also be referred to as the "up command," the second as the "down command," the third as the "left command," and the fourth as the "right command."

[0051] The smartphone SP has the function of executing a dance game based on commands received from the ECU 100. More specifically, when the smartphone SP receives a command from the ECU 100, it has the function of operating the target on the display DSP based on the received command. Here, the target of operation in the dance game is the cursor CS for selecting a song in the screen for selecting a song in the dance game shown in Figure 5(a), and the arrow icons IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4 that move from the bottom to the top of the screen in the screen during dance game execution shown in Figure 5(b) (hereinafter also referred to as the "game screen").

[0052] When the smartphone SP is displaying the music selection screen, if it receives a down command from sheet S, it moves the cursor CS to the bottom of the screen, and if it receives an up command from sheet S, it moves the cursor CS to the top of the screen.

[0053] On the game screen, four target icons T1, T2, T3, and T4 are displayed, corresponding to four arrow icons IC1 to IC4. During the execution of the dance game, when a predetermined arrow icon (e.g., IC2) among the arrow icons IC1 to IC4 moves to a position where it overlaps with the target icon (e.g., T2) corresponding to that predetermined arrow icon, the smartphone SP receives a command (e.g., a down command) corresponding to that predetermined arrow icon and changes the predetermined arrow icon. Here, the change of the predetermined arrow icon includes, for example, changing the color or shape of the predetermined arrow icon, or making the predetermined arrow icon disappear from the screen. In this embodiment, the predetermined arrow icon is made to disappear from the screen.

[0054] Next, we will explain in detail the operation of the ECU100 and the smartphone SP. The ECU100 constantly repeats the process shown in Figure 2.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the ECU 100 acquires pressure values ​​from each sensor SE1 to SE4 (S11). After step S11, the ECU 100 determines whether the third detected value acquired from the left back sensor SE3 is greater than the third standard pressure value, that is, whether it is the third high pressure value (S12).

[0056] If, in step S12, the third detection value is determined to be greater than the third standard pressure value (Yes), the ECU 100 determines that the seated person's posture is leaning to the left (S13). After step S13, the ECU 100 sets a left command as the third command, outputs the set left command to the smartphone SP (S14), and terminates this process.

[0057] If step S12 determines that the third detected value is not greater than the third standard pressure value (No), then ECU 100 determines whether the fourth detected value obtained from the right back sensor SE4 is greater than the fourth standard pressure value, that is, whether it is the fourth high pressure value (S15).

[0058] If, in step S15, the ECU 100 determines that the fourth detection value is greater than the fourth standard pressure value (Yes), then the ECU 100 determines that the seated person's posture is leaning to the right (S16). After step S16, the ECU 100 sets a right command as the fourth command, outputs the set right command to the smartphone SP (S17), and terminates this process.

[0059] If step S15 determines that the fourth detected value is not greater than the fourth standard pressure value (No), then ECU 100 determines whether the first detected value obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1 is greater than the first standard pressure value, that is, whether it is the first high pressure value (S18).

[0060] If, in step S18, the first detected value is determined to be greater than the first standard pressure value (Yes), the ECU 100 determines that the seated person is in a forward-leaning posture (S19). After step S19, the ECU 100 sets an up command as the first command, outputs the set up command to the smartphone SP (S20), and terminates this process.

[0061] If step S18 determines that the first detected value is not greater than the first standard pressure value (No), then ECU 100 determines whether the second detected value obtained from the rear cushion sensor SE2 is greater than the second standard pressure value, that is, whether it is the second high pressure value (S21).

[0062] If step S21 determines that the second detected value is greater than the second standard pressure value (Yes), the ECU 100 determines that the seated person is in a reclined position (S22). After step S22, the ECU 100 sets a down command as the second command, outputs the set down command to the smartphone SP (S23), and terminates this process. If step S21 determines that the second detected value is not greater than the second standard pressure value (No), the ECU 100 terminates this process as is.

[0063] When the seated person launches the application for playing the dance game, the smartphone SP starts the process shown in Figure 3 (START). In this process, the smartphone SP first determines whether or not it is able to communicate with the seat S (S41).

[0064] If it is determined in step S41 that communication is not possible (No), the smartphone SP terminates this process. If it is determined in step S41 that communication is possible (Yes), the smartphone SP displays the dance game start screen (see Figure 4(a)) on the display DSP (S42).

[0065] As shown in Figure 4(a), the start screen displays a start button B1 for starting the dance game and a button B2 for ending the dance game.

[0066] After step S42, the smartphone SP determines whether the start button B1 has been selected (S43). If it is determined in step S43 that the start button B1 has been selected (Yes), the smartphone SP determines whether flag F, which indicates whether the standard posture setting mode for the dance game has been executed in the past, is 0 (S44).

[0067] Here, the standard posture setting mode is a mode in which the seated person's normal sitting posture is set as the standard posture. In the standard posture setting mode, the smartphone SP obtains each pressure value in the seated person's standard posture from the ECU100 and sets each standard pressure value for setting each command in the dance game from each pressure value. The smartphone SP also outputs each set standard pressure value to the ECU100. The ECU100 then executes the process shown in Figure 2 above based on each standard pressure value received from the smartphone SP.

[0068] If it is determined in step S44 that F=0 (No), meaning that the standard posture setting mode has been executed in the past, the smartphone SP skips the standard posture setting mode (S45~S47) and starts the dance game (S48). If it is determined in step S44 that F=0 (Yes), meaning that the standard posture setting mode has never been executed in the past, the smartphone SP starts the standard posture setting mode (S45).

[0069] When the smartphone SP starts the standard posture setting mode, it displays the screen shown in Figure 4(b) on the display DSP. The screen in Figure 4(b) displays the message, "Sit deeply in the seat. Press your thighs, buttocks, waist, back, and shoulders against the seat," and a countdown display showing the time required to acquire pressure values ​​from each sensor SE1 to SE4. In this embodiment, the number "16" indicating a 16-beat countdown is displayed as the countdown display when the standard posture setting mode starts.

[0070] The smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​from each sensor SE1 to SE4 during the execution of a 16-beat countdown. Specifically, the smartphone SP does not acquire pressure values ​​during the first 8 beats, but acquires them during the remaining 8 beats of the countdown. In other words, the smartphone SP does not acquire pressure values ​​for a predetermined period of time after starting the standard posture setting mode, and acquires pressure values ​​after the predetermined period has elapsed. By having the smartphone SP not acquire pressure values ​​for a predetermined period of time after starting the standard posture setting mode, it is possible to eliminate unstable pressure values, for example, when a seated person readjusts their position on the seat S, and to acquire more accurate pressure values.

[0071] In more detail, the smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​from each sensor SE1 to SE4 at predetermined intervals while counting down 8 beats. For example, if the period at which the smartphone SP acquires pressure values ​​is 20Hz and one beat is 1 second, then the number of pressure values ​​acquired from one pressure sensor will be 161.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the smartphone SP sets a numerical range obtained by adding a margin on the positive and negative sides of the average value of each pressure value acquired by each sensor SE1 to SE4 as the standard pressure value for each sensor SE1 to SE4 (S46).

[0073] After step S46, the smartphone SP sets flag F to 1 (S47) and starts the dance game (S48). In the dance game, the smartphone SP first displays the song selection screen shown in Figure 5(a). When the song selection screen is displayed, if the smartphone SP receives an up command or a down command from the ECU 100, it moves the cursor CS on the screen to the top or bottom of the screen.

[0074] The method for determining the song selected by the cursor CS can be any method. For example, when the smartphone SP receives a left command or a right command from the ECU100, it can determine the song selected by the cursor CS to be used in the dance game.

[0075] After selecting a song, the smartphone SP displays the game screen shown in Figure 5(b). On the game screen, the selected song is played, and in addition to the aforementioned target icons T1-T4 and arrow icons IC1-IC4, the character CT, which dances in time with the music, is also displayed. On the game screen, the smartphone SP either makes the arrow icons disappear from the screen or keeps them visible depending on the timing of receiving commands output from the ECU100 and the timing of when the arrow icons overlap with the target icons.

[0076] Specifically, if the direction of operation indicated by the command from ECU100 (for example, right) matches the direction of the overlapping target icon and arrow icon (for example, right), the smartphone SP will make the arrow icon disappear from the screen. If the direction of operation indicated by the command from ECU100 (for example, right) does not match the direction of the overlapping target icon and arrow icon (for example, left), the smartphone SP will not make the arrow icon disappear, but will instead move it past the target icon.

[0077] When the arrow icon disappears from the screen, the smartphone SP receives a command output from the ECU100 and displays an evaluation value on the screen as a message, such as "Bad," "Good," "Great," or "Excellent," based on the degree of overlap between the arrow icon and the target icon. The smartphone SP displays a better evaluation value the greater the degree of overlap between the arrow icon and the target icon.

[0078] When the dance game ends, the smartphone SP displays the start screen shown in Figure 4(a). Returning to Figure 3, after step S48, or if No was determined in step S43, the smartphone SP determines whether button B2 for ending the dance game was selected (S49). If it is determined in step S49 that button B2 was not selected (No), the smartphone SP returns to the process in step S42. If it is determined in step S49 that button B2 was selected (Yes), the smartphone SP terminates this process.

[0079] Next, we will explain in detail an example of the specific operation of the seat experience system 1. As shown in Figure 1, when each device (S, SP) constituting the seat experience system 1 is in a state where communication is possible, and the seated person operates the smartphone SP to start the dance game, the process shown in Figure 3 is executed sequentially from step S41: Yes to step S42. As a result, the start screen shown in Figure 4(a) is displayed on the display DSP.

[0080] If the seated person selects the start button B1, step S43 determines it to be Yes, and the process proceeds to step S44. If the seated person has never previously performed the standard posture setting mode, step S44 determines it to be Yes, and the standard posture setting mode is executed (S45-S47).

[0081] In standard posture setting mode, the screen shown in Figure 4(b) is displayed on the display DSP. The sitter readjusts their posture so that their entire body is in close contact with the seat S, following the instructions on the screen. While the countdown display on the screen counts down from 16 to 0, the sitter maintains this posture, and pressure values ​​are acquired from each sensor SE1 to SE4 on the smartphone SP.

[0082] The smartphone SP sets the standard pressure values ​​for each command in the dance game based on the pressure values ​​acquired in the standard posture setting mode, and transmits each standard pressure value to the ECU 100. After transmitting each standard pressure value, the smartphone SP displays the song selection screen shown in Figure 5(a) on the display DSP (S48).

[0083] On the music selection screen, when a sitter in seat S leans forward, the cursor CS moves to the top of the screen; when they lean backward, the cursor CS moves to the bottom of the screen. In this case, the direction of cursor CS movement and the sitter's posture are aligned with human perception, allowing the sitter to intuitively operate the cursor CS.

[0084] After a song is selected, the smartphone SP displays the game screen shown in Figure 5(b) on the display DSP. On the game screen, the smartphone SP plays the song selected by the seated person and moves arrow icons IC1 to IC4 from the bottom to the top of the screen in the order corresponding to the song.

[0085] In the game screen, for example, when the downward-pointing arrow icon IC2 moves to a position where it overlaps with the downward-pointing target icon T2, the occupant leans their body backward on the seat S. This causes the ECU100 to output a downward command.

[0086] When the smartphone SP receives a down command from the ECU100, if the downward-pointing arrow icon IC2 overlaps with the downward-pointing target icon T2, the smartphone SP will make the arrow icon IC2 disappear and display an evaluation value according to the degree of overlap between the arrow icon IC2 and the target icon T2.

[0087] In this way, the seated person can enjoy the dance game while seated on seat S by leaning their body forward, backward, left, or right when the arrow icon aligns with the target icon. Therefore, even elderly people with weak leg strength can move their bodies sufficiently and enjoy the dance game. Furthermore, the orientation of the arrow icons IC1 to IC4 during the dance game matches the seated person's posture, allowing the seated person to intuitively enjoy the dance game.

[0088] The vehicle seat of this embodiment, as described above, can achieve the following effects. The ECU100 outputs commands based on information acquired from sensors SE1 to SE4, thereby operating the controllable objects on the screen (cursor CS, arrow icons IC1 to IC4). This allows the user to control the controllable objects on the smartphone SP screen using the seat S, in accordance with the movements of the person seated on the seat S.

[0089] Since commands are set using the ECU100 located in the seat body S10, there is no need for the smartphone SP to process the pressure values ​​from each sensor SE1 to SE4 into commands. This allows for faster processing on the smartphone SP, and also enables the use of a separate controller in addition to the seat S in dance games.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be implemented by modifying it as appropriate, as shown in the following other embodiments. In the following description, components that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the commands output from sheet S were used in a dance game, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used in any game. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the commands output from sheet S may be used in an obstacle course game in which a car-themed character CR aims for the goal while avoiding obstacles BL1, BL2, and BL3.

[0092] In the obstacle game, the background, including obstacles BL1-BL3, automatically moves to the left of the screen, causing character CR to move to the right relative to the background. Character CR avoids obstacles BL1-BL3 by performing large and small jumps depending on their position.

[0093] The first obstacle, BL1, is an obstacle such as a tall building. Character CR can avoid the first obstacle, BL1, by making a large jump when it approaches.

[0094] The second obstacle, BL2, is a smaller obstacle such as a tree than the first obstacle, BL1. The third obstacle, BL3, is an obstacle such as a bird flying in the air and is located to the upper right of the second obstacle, BL2. When the character CR approaches the second obstacle, BL2, they can perform a small jump to jump over it and then pass under the third obstacle, BL3.

[0095] In this type of obstacle game, the first command can be a command to make the on-screen character CR jump to a first height. The second command can be a command to make the on-screen character CR jump to a second height, which is greater than the first height.

[0096] In this configuration, for example, the command setting process shown in Figure 7 can be executed by the ECU 100. In the command setting process, the ECU 100 first obtains pressure values ​​from the front cushion sensor SE1 and the rear cushion sensor SE2 (S61). After step S61, the ECU 100 determines whether the second detected value detected by the rear cushion sensor SE2 is smaller than the second standard pressure value (S62).

[0097] If, in step S62, the second detection value is determined to be smaller than the second standard pressure value (Yes), the ECU 100 determines that the seated person is in a forward-leaning posture (S63). In other words, in this configuration, the rear cushion sensor SE2 is used to determine the forward-leaning posture. After step S63, the ECU 100 sets a first command, outputs the set first command to the smartphone SP (S64), and terminates this process.

[0098] If step S62 determines that the second detected value is not smaller than the second standard pressure value (No), then ECU 100 determines whether the first detected value detected by the front cushion sensor SE1 is smaller than the first standard pressure value (S65).

[0099] If, in step S65, the first detected value is determined to be smaller than the first standard pressure value (Yes), the ECU 100 determines that the seated person is in a reclined position (S66). In other words, in this configuration, the front cushion sensor SE1 is used to determine the reclined position. After step S66, the ECU 100 sets a second command and outputs the set second command to the smartphone SP (S67), and then terminates this process. If, in step S65, the first detected value is determined not to be smaller than the first standard pressure value (No), the ECU 100 terminates this process without setting a command.

[0100] Even in this form, the size of the character CR's jumps and the posture of the seated player match human perception, allowing the seated player to intuitively enjoy the obstacle course game.

[0101] The determination of the seated person's posture using pressure values ​​obtained from multiple pressure sensors 21-26 provided on the seat S is not limited to the methods of each embodiment described above. For example, the ECU 100 may determine that the seated person's posture is tilted to the left when it obtains a fourth low pressure value from the right back sensor SE4. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that the seated person's posture is tilted to the right when it obtains a third low pressure value from the left back sensor SE3.

[0102] Alternatively, forward and backward tilting may be determined based on pressure values ​​from a single sensor, or left and right tilting may be determined. For example, forward tilting may be determined when a first high pressure value is obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1, and backward tilting may be determined when a first low pressure value is obtained from the front cushion sensor SE1.

[0103] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth sensors are not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, a sensor provided on the seat back S2 may be the second sensor, or a sensor provided on the seat cushion S1 may be the third or fourth sensor.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the control unit (ECU100) is provided on the seat S, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit may be provided on the terminal. In this case, the control unit sets a command to operate the target device based on information acquired from the sensor, and operates the target device based on the command.

[0105] According to this, there is no need for sheet S to perform the processing to convert information from the sensor into commands, so the processing speed on sheet S can be increased.

[0106] The content of the commands is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the first command may be a command to fire a bullet from a fighter jet in a shooting game.

[0107] The results of each of the aforementioned games can be uploaded to the cloud. In this case, you can view world rankings and other information via the cloud. You can also store your own records in the cloud and review them later. Furthermore, you can view other people's records and compare your own with others' records.

[0108] The aforementioned seat experience system can also be applied to autonomous vehicles. In this case, it is advisable to enable the seat experience system when autonomous driving is in operation. Furthermore, while the seat experience system is in use, it is advisable to restrict its use before disengaging autonomous driving. In this case, to prevent sudden restrictions, advance notification may be activated, and the vehicle may be notified via voice or display that its use will be restricted after a predetermined time.

[0109] Alternatively, the seat experience system may be configured to be usable only when the vehicle is stopped. Stopping can be determined by checking if the vehicle speed is 0 or if the shift lever is in the parking position.

[0110] The control unit of the seat experience system may be capable of acquiring abnormalities in the external environment or the seat experience system itself. In this case, it is advisable to restrict the use of the seat experience system when an abnormality is acquired. Abnormalities in the seat experience system itself include, for example, sensor abnormalities, harness abnormalities (disconnection), ECU abnormalities, communication abnormalities (including terminal abnormalities), abnormalities in temperature control devices such as heaters and fans installed in the seat, abnormalities in actuators that move part or all of the seat, abnormalities in other sensors such as seat weight sensors and temperature sensors, abnormalities related to the remaining amount or usage of consumables such as low capacity of the air freshener used in the seat, and abnormalities in the seat control unit itself. Abnormalities in the external environment include, for example, situations undesirable for running the application, such as other cars approaching, poor road conditions, high vehicle speed, an earthquake occurring, approaching the destination, arriving at the destination, it is predicted that the game will not end until the destination is reached, low fuel remaining, low battery capacity remaining, high temperature or humidity inside or outside the vehicle, etc.

[0111] Methods for restricting usage include restricting it after a single anomaly or after multiple anomalies. The restriction method can also be set in several stages. For example, in the first stage, a message or voice notification would advise that it would be preferable to stop using the system; in the second stage, a message or voice notification would strongly suggest prohibiting its use; and in the third stage, the system would be forcibly shut down.

[0112] Furthermore, the seat experience system can be configured to recommend games using sensors that are not malfunctioning when an abnormality is detected in a designated sensor. For example, if a sensor on the seat surface of the seat cushion is malfunctioning, the system can recommend games using sensors on the raised side surfaces on both the left and right sides of the seat cushion.

[0113] In the above embodiment, pressure sensors 21 to 26 were exemplified as sensors, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensors may be, for example, optical sensors or capacitive sensors.

[0114] The sensors may also be installed on the left and right sides of the seat cushion or seat back (the parts that protrude from the seat surface), the headrest, the armrest, or on parts around the seat (instrument panel, door, floor), etc.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was exemplified as seat S, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to other vehicle seats, such as seats used in ships or aircraft. Furthermore, the seat is not limited to vehicle seats, but may also be, for example, a floor chair.

[0116] In the above embodiment, a smartphone SP was used as an example of a terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the terminal may be a mobile device other than a smartphone SP, such as a tablet. Furthermore, the terminal may be a terminal attached to the seat, or it may be integrated with the seat. Furthermore, the terminal may be a terminal that constitutes a car navigation system.

[0117] The elements described in the above embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Seat Experience System 21-26 Pressure Sensor 100 ECU DSP Display S Seat S1 Seat Cushion S10 Seat Body SP Smartphone

Claims

1. A seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, and a seat having a plurality of sensors for acquiring information to detect the movements of a person sitting in the seat, A control unit that acquires the information from the sensor, A seat experience system comprising a terminal having a screen, The holder further comprises one end fixed to the upper part of the seat back and the other end having a fixing part for fixing the terminal, The control unit operates the target to be operated on the screen based on the information acquired from the sensor. The holder has a wire bent into a U shape, The aforementioned wire is A first portion extending outward in the left-right direction from the side of the seat back to a position away from the side of the seat, A second portion extending forward from the left-right outer end of the first portion, It has a third portion extending inward in the left-right direction from the front end of the second portion, The seat experience system is characterized in that the fixing part is located at the left-right inner end of the third part.

2. The seat experience system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing part holds the terminal in a state in which the screen is facing backward.

3. The control unit, Based on the information acquired from the aforementioned sensor, a standard posture setting mode can be executed to set the occupant's normal sitting posture as the standard posture. The seat experience system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the standard posture setting mode is started, an instruction is output to the seated person to sit in their normal seating posture, no information is acquired for a predetermined time after the instruction is output, and information is acquired after the predetermined time has elapsed.

4. The control unit, Based on information from multiple sensors, it is possible to determine whether the seated person's posture is a forward-leaning posture with weight shifted forward compared to the standard posture, or a backward-leaning posture with weight shifted backward compared to the standard posture. If it is determined that the person is in the forward-leaning posture, a first command is set to indicate that an upward operation has been performed on the target being operated on the screen. The seat experience system according to claim 3, wherein, when it is determined that the user is in the aforementioned reclined posture, a second command is set to indicate that a downward operation has been performed on the target of the operation on the screen.

5. Multiple of the aforementioned sensors are A first pressure sensor that outputs a first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, outputs a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and outputs a first low pressure value less than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture. or The system includes a second pressure sensor that outputs a second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the standard posture, outputs a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the forward-leaning posture, and outputs a second high pressure value larger than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the backward-leaning posture. The control unit, The seat experience system according to claim 4, characterized in that when the first high pressure value is obtained from the first pressure sensor, or when the second low pressure value is obtained from the second pressure sensor, it is determined that the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture.

6. Multiple of the aforementioned sensors are A first pressure sensor that outputs a first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, outputs a first high pressure value greater than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the forward-leaning posture, and outputs a first low pressure value less than the first standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the backward-leaning posture. or The system includes a second pressure sensor that outputs a second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the standard posture, outputs a second low pressure value smaller than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the forward-leaning posture, and outputs a second high pressure value larger than the second standard pressure value when the seated person is in the backward-leaning posture. The control unit, The seat experience system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that when the first low pressure value is obtained from the first pressure sensor, or when the second high pressure value is obtained from the second pressure sensor, it is determined that the seated person's posture is the reclined posture.

7. The control unit, Based on information from multiple sensors, it is possible to determine whether the seated person's posture is a left-leaning posture with weight shifted to the left compared to the standard posture, or a right-leaning posture with weight shifted to the right compared to the standard posture. If it is determined that the posture is tilted to the left, set a third command. The seat experience system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a fourth command is set when it is determined that the person is in the aforementioned rightward-leaning posture.

8. Multiple of the aforementioned sensors are A third pressure sensor that outputs a third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, outputs a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and outputs a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture. or The system includes a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the standard posture, outputs a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the left-leaning posture, and outputs a fourth high pressure value larger than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the right-leaning posture. The seat experience system according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit determines that the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture when it obtains the third high pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth low pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor.

9. Multiple of the aforementioned sensors are A third pressure sensor that outputs a third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the standard posture, outputs a third high pressure value greater than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the left-leaning posture, and outputs a third low pressure value smaller than the third standard pressure value when the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture. or The system includes a fourth pressure sensor that outputs a fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the standard posture, outputs a fourth low pressure value smaller than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the left-leaning posture, and outputs a fourth high pressure value larger than the fourth standard pressure value when the seated person is in the right-leaning posture. The seat experience system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control unit determines that the seated person's posture is the right-leaning posture when it obtains the third low pressure value from the third pressure sensor or the fourth high pressure value from the fourth pressure sensor.

10. The aforementioned sensor is a pressure sensor. The control unit, The seat experience system according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that, in the standard posture setting mode, a numerical range obtained by taking margins on the positive and negative sides of the average value of a plurality of pressure values ​​obtained from a plurality of sensors is set as the standard pressure value corresponding to the standard posture.

11. The aforementioned seat body further includes a headrest, The seat experience system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of the sensors are provided under the surface of the seat cushion and the seat back.

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