Seat system and vehicle interior system

Abstract

A seat system 1 comprises: a seat 10; a weight sensor 40 for detecting the weight of a user seated on the seat 10; an electric powered device (electric powered slide mechanism 30) for moving at least a portion of the seat 10; an operating unit (sliding switch 62) for operating the electric powered device; and a control unit 100. Upon accepting an operation command from the operation unit, the control unit 100 executes device operation restriction processing for restricting the operation of the electric powered device by stopping the operation of the electric powered device for a predetermined period of time on the basis of the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40.

Description

Seat systems and vehicle interior systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat system including a seat and a control unit, and a vehicle interior system including the seat system.

[0002] A vehicle seat control device is known that moves a seat between a position where the seat protrudes outward from the door opening and a position where the seat is stored inside the vehicle (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-151117). This technology improves ease of entry and exit of the vehicle by increasing the distance between the door and the entry / exit position as the weight of the passenger increases.

[0003] However, conventional techniques have not been able to notify the weight of an occupant sitting in a seat.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a seat system that can notify the weight of a user seated in the seat.

[0005] In consideration of the above background, a seat system is disclosed that includes a seat, a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat, an electric device that moves at least a part of the seat, an operation unit for operating the electric device, and a control unit. When the control unit receives an operation command from the operation unit, the control unit executes a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor.

[0006] According to this configuration, when a user operates the operating unit to move at least a portion of the seat (hereinafter also referred to as the "movable unit"), the operation of the electric device is limited based on the user's weight, making the movement of the movable unit awkward. This allows the user to know their approximate weight based on the awkwardness of the movement of the movable unit. In other words, the seat system can notify the user of their weight by executing the device operation limiting process. Furthermore, limiting the movement of the movable unit based on the user's weight can also increase the entertainment value.

[0007] In addition, in the device operation restriction process, the control unit may change the ratio of the stop time of the electric device per predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor.

[0008] According to this configuration, for example, the greater the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the greater the proportion of the stopped time, so that the moving part becomes less likely to move the heavier the user is, and the user can feel their own weight through the movement of the moving part.

[0009] In addition, in the device operation restriction process, the control unit may set a waiting time from when an operation command is received from the operation unit until the start of operation of the electric device based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

[0010] According to this configuration, for example, the greater the weight obtained from the weight sensor, the longer the waiting time is, and since the heavier a person is, the longer it takes for the moving part to start moving after operating the device, the user can feel their own weight through the length of the waiting time.

[0011] The seat system may further include a display unit, and the control unit may be capable of displaying a character on the display unit, and when executing the device operation restriction process, the control unit may cause the character to move in a manner that corresponds to the operation of the electric device.

[0012] With this configuration, the character moves in accordance with the operation of the electric device, allowing the user to understand why the moving part is difficult to move, so the user can have fun while understanding their own weight.

[0013] The control unit may also change the character based on the operation history of the user on the operation unit.

[0014] According to this configuration, the character is changed based on the operation history, so the user can enjoy operating the seat.

[0015] The control unit may also change the proportion of the stop time per predetermined time based on the operation history of the operation unit.

[0016] According to this configuration, for example, the more times the operating part is operated in the operation history, the smaller the proportion of stop time, and the more the user operates it, the smoother the movement of the moving part becomes, so the user can feel as if the seat is growing, which increases the entertainment value.

[0017] The seat may also have a vibration device, and the control unit may activate the vibration device when the weight acquired from the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value in the device operation restriction process.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the user's weight is equal to or greater than a certain level, the vibration device is activated, thereby increasing the effectiveness of notifying the user of the weight.

[0019] The seat may also be equipped with at least one of a speaker, an air conditioner, lighting, and a heater, and the control unit may link the operation of at least one of the speaker, air conditioner, lighting, and heater with the movement of the character in the device operation restriction process.

[0020] According to this configuration, for example, by operating the air conditioner in conjunction with the character's exhalation, the user can feel the wind from the air conditioner as the character's breath, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0021] Furthermore, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, the control unit may not execute the device operation restriction process.

[0022] According to this configuration, if there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the device operation restriction process is not executed, thereby improving safety.

[0023] Furthermore, a conventional vehicle interior system is known that aims to prevent drowsy driving by vibrating a vibration mechanism each time the vehicle travels at a speed exceeding a set speed and reaches a set distance (see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 5-16455).

[0024] However, while conventional technology can prevent drowsy driving by using vibrations, it lacks entertainment value.

[0025] Therefore, it is desired to provide a vehicle interior system that can enhance entertainment value.

[0026] In view of the above, a vehicle interior system is disclosed that includes a mileage acquisition unit that acquires a mileage of a vehicle, a first electric device provided in an interior member, a display unit that displays a character, and a control unit, wherein the control unit changes the operation of the first electric device and the display of the character based on the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit.

[0027] According to this configuration, the operation of the first electric device and the display of the character change depending on the distance traveled, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

[0028] The vehicle interior system may further include a second electric device that is activated by energization and a first operation unit for activating the first electric device, and the control unit may be capable of selecting and executing a first control or a second control. The first control is control for placing the first electric device in a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit. The second control is control for placing the first electric device in a second operating state not corresponding to the first operation command and / or activating the second electric device when the first operation command is received from the first operation unit. The control unit may change a probability of selecting the first control based on a mileage obtained from the mileage acquisition unit.

[0029] In addition, the control unit may increase the probability of selecting the first control when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit exceeds a threshold value compared to when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0030] According to this configuration, the probability of selecting the first control increases when the traveled distance exceeds the threshold, so a user who is tired from traveling long distances can be prevented from becoming irritated when the second control is executed.

[0031] In addition, as the second control, the control unit selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of candidates including a first process for putting the first electric device into a second operating state and a second process for operating the second electric device, and when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit is equal to or less than a threshold, sets the number of candidates to a first value, and when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit exceeds the threshold, sets the number of candidates to a second value smaller than the first value.

[0032] According to this configuration, when the traveled distance exceeds a threshold value, the number of processes to be selected as the second control decreases, so that, for example, when moving a character with an action corresponding to the second control, the number of patterns in which the character performs an incorrect action decreases, allowing the user to feel that the character is growing.

[0033] In addition, the character may be an image that resembles a living creature, and when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit exceeds a threshold, the control unit may display an image of a grown living creature as the character, rather than when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0034] With this configuration, when the traveled distance exceeds the threshold, a grown character is displayed, thereby enhancing entertainment value. Also, if the probability of selecting the first control increases when the traveled distance exceeds the threshold, the user can recognize that the number of times they make a mistake in entering an operation command is decreasing due to the character's growth.

[0035] The first electric device is an air conditioning unit, and when the control unit receives an instruction to increase the interior temperature of the vehicle as the first operation instruction and executes the second control, the control unit may put the air conditioning unit into a second operating state to lower the interior temperature of the vehicle.

[0036] In addition, the first electric device is a device that moves a movable part that is at least a part of the seat, and when the control unit acquires an instruction to move the movable part in a predetermined direction as a first operation instruction and executes the second control, it may put the first electric device into a second operating state and move the movable part in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0037] According to this configuration, the movable part is moved in the direction opposite to the operation command, so that the user can clearly know that an incorrect operation is being performed in response to the operation command.

[0038] In addition, at least one of the first electric device and the second electric device is a device that moves a movable part that is at least a part of the seat, and in the second control, the control unit may increase the amount of operation of the movable part when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit exceeds a threshold value compared to when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit is equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0039] In addition, a plurality of vibration devices may be provided as the second electrically driven device, and the control unit may select a vibration device to be activated from among the plurality of vibration devices in the second control.

[0040] The vehicle may further include a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, and the control unit may not execute the second control when it predicts a vehicle collision based on information from the collision detection unit.

[0041] According to this configuration, the second control is not executed when there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, thereby improving safety.

[0042] Furthermore, a seat system has been known that includes an electric slide mechanism that slides the seat forward and backward, a forward switch that commands the seat to move forward, a rear switch that commands the seat to move backward, and a control unit that moves the seat in the direction desired by the user based on instructions from the forward switch or the rear switch (see JP 2022-185254 A).

[0043] However, in the conventional technology, the seat can only be moved in the direction desired by the user, which is problematic in that it lacks entertainment value.

[0044] Therefore, it is desirable to enhance the entertainment value of a vehicle interior system that includes an electrically powered device and a control unit.

[0045] In consideration of the above background, a vehicle interior system is disclosed that includes a first electric device that is activated by energization, a second electric device that is activated by energization, a first operation unit that operates the first electric device, a biometric information detection unit that can detect biometric information of a user, and a control unit. The control unit is capable of selecting and executing a first control or a second control. The first control is a control that, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, causes the first electric device to enter a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command. The second control is a control that, when the first operation command is received from the first operation unit, causes the first electric device to enter a second operating state that does not correspond to the first operation command and / or causes the second electric device to operate. The control unit changes a probability of selecting the second control based on the biometric information received from the biometric information detection unit.

[0046] According to this configuration, when the control unit executes the second control, if the user operates the first operation unit, at least one of the first electric device and the second electric device enters an operating state that the user does not intend, thereby enhancing entertainment value. Furthermore, since the probability of selecting the second control is changed based on biological information, for example, when the user is highly fatigued, the probability of selecting the second control can be lowered to prevent the user from becoming irritated, or when the user is highly excited, the probability of selecting the second control can be increased to provide more enjoyment to the user.

[0047] In addition, the control unit may be capable of estimating the user's level of fatigue based on information obtained from the biometric information detection unit, and if it determines that the level of fatigue is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it may lower the probability of selecting the second control compared to when it determines that the level of fatigue is lower than the first threshold.

[0048] With this configuration, the probability of selecting the second control is low when the fatigue level is high, which can prevent tired users from becoming irritated by the second control. Also, the probability of selecting the second control is high when the fatigue level is low, which can allow users who are not tired to enjoy the second control.

[0049] In addition, the vehicle interior system further includes a third electric device that moves a portion of the seating surface of the seat or emits a fragrance, and the control unit can execute a fatigue suppression process to suppress the user's fatigue by operating the third electric device, and may execute the fatigue suppression process as a second control when it determines that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value.

[0050] According to this configuration, when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the fatigue reduction process is executed, thereby achieving both entertainment value for the user and fatigue reduction.

[0051] The vehicle interior system may further include a display unit that displays a character, and the control unit may move the character in accordance with the operation of the first electric device or the second electric device.

[0052] According to this configuration, the character moves in accordance with the operation of the first electric device or the second electric device, which increases the entertainment value.

[0053] In addition, the control unit may be capable of estimating the user's level of excitement based on the biometric information acquired from the biometric information detection unit, and if it determines that the level of excitement is equal to or higher than a third threshold, it may have a higher probability of selecting the second control than if it determines that the level of excitement is lower than the third threshold.

[0054] According to this configuration, the second control is executed with a high probability for a user who is highly excited, so that the user who is excited by the second control can be made to enjoy it even more.

[0055] In addition, the control unit can select and execute, as the second control, a first process that puts the first electric device into a second operating state and a second process that operates the second electric device, and if it determines that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it may have a higher probability of selecting the first process than if it determines that the fatigue level is lower than the first threshold.

[0056] In addition, when the first electric device is a device that moves the movable part, and the control unit acquires an instruction to move the movable part in a predetermined direction as the first operation instruction and executes the second control, the control unit may put the first electric device into a second operating state and move the movable part in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0057] According to this configuration, the movable part is moved in the direction opposite to the operation command, so that the user can clearly know that an incorrect operation is being performed in response to the operation command.

[0058] The third electric device may also be a device that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat.

[0059] According to this configuration, part of the seating surface of the seat moves during the fatigue reduction process, which can, for example, massage the user or put the user in a more comfortable position, thereby reducing the user's fatigue.

[0060] The third electromotive device may also be a vibration device.

[0061] According to this configuration, in the fatigue reduction process, the user's body can be relaxed by the vibration of the vibration device, so fatigue can be reduced without the user having to change their posture.

[0062] In addition, the vehicle interior system further includes a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, and the control unit does not need to execute the second control when it predicts a vehicle collision based on information from the collision detection unit.

[0063] According to this configuration, the second control is not executed when there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, thereby improving safety.

[0064] 1 is a diagram showing a seat system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 shows a map (a) showing the relationship between weight and processing, FIG. 1 shows normal processing, FIG. 1 shows first restriction processing, and FIG. 1 shows second restriction processing; FIG. 1 shows an image displayed in normal processing, and FIG. 1 shows a seat operating according to normal processing; FIG. 1 shows an image displayed in first restriction processing, and FIG. 1 shows a seat operating according to the first restriction processing; FIG. 1 shows an image displayed in second restriction processing, and FIG. 1 shows a seat operating according to the second restriction processing; and FIG. 1 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control unit; and FIG. 1 shows images according to a second embodiment, including an image (a) of a cat in a baby state, an image (b) of a cat in an adult state, and an image (c) of a cat in a muscular state. A map showing the relationship between a character's level, weight, and the number of operations. 12(a) shows a screen display in the embodiment of FIG. 12, and FIG. 12(b) shows the operation of the seat and the air conditioning system. It is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment. It is a diagram showing a cat character displayed on the screen that changes depending on the mileage. It is a diagram showing an image of a cat reclining the seat back, and FIG. 12(b) shows the operation of the seat back reclining by the electric reclining mechanism. It is a diagram showing a relationship between the mileage and the probability of selecting the first control or the second control, and a first map showing a relationship between an operation command and each process, the first map being selected when the mileage is less than a first threshold. 10A is a diagram showing a second map indicating the relationship between an operation command and each process, the second map being selected when the mileage is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a third map indicating the relationship between an operation command and each process, the third map being selected when the mileage is equal to or greater than a second threshold. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10D is a diagram showing a first map according to a fourth embodiment.10 is a diagram showing a second map according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third map according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image when the vibration device is operated in the second control; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a form in which the strength of the vibration device is changed according to the mileage, in which (a) and (b) show an image and operation of the vibration device when the mileage is less than a first threshold; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a form in which the strength of the vibration device is changed according to the mileage, in which (a) and (b) show an image and operation of the vibration device when the mileage is equal to or greater than a second threshold; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first map in which the control unit selects the first control or the second control based on an operation command from the air conditioning unit; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an image of a cat reclining a seat back, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the operation of the seat back reclining by the electric reclining mechanism; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between fatigue level and the probability of selecting the first control or the second control; and FIG. 19 is a first map showing the relationship between operation commands and each process, in which the first map is selected when the fatigue level is less than a first threshold. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a second map showing the relationship between operation commands and each process, the second map being selected when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a third map showing the relationship between operation commands and each process, the third map being selected when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10D is a diagram showing a first map according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10E is a diagram showing a second map according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a diagram showing a fourth map showing the relationship between operation commands and each process, the fourth map being selected when the excitement level is equal to or greater than a third threshold. FIG. 10F is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a diagram showing a first map when the control unit selects first control or second control based on an operation command from an air conditioning device.

[0065] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of a seat system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the seat system 1 includes a seat 10, a camera C as an example of a collision detection unit, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the monitor M, and the camera C are arranged in a vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is a driver's seat or a passenger seat.

[0066] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0067] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The cover is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0068] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0069] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend outward from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0070] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, a plurality of vibration devices 23, an electric slide mechanism 30, a weight sensor 40, and a plurality of speakers 50. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12, which is part of the seat 10, forward and backward. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0071] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that vibrates when energized, thereby reciprocating only a portion of the surface of the seat 10. A plurality of, for example, four, vibration devices 23 are provided on the base portion 12A of the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are, for example, embedded in a pad.

[0072] The electric slide mechanism 30 is an electric device that slides the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. The seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0073] The weight sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat 10. The weight sensor 40 is, for example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure from the user. The weight sensor 40 is, for example, located between the cover and the pad.

[0074] The slide rail may be composed of an upper rail and a lower rail, and the weight sensor may be located between the slide rail and the side frame of the seat cushion 11. In particular, the weight sensor may be fixed to the upper surface of the upper rail, and a link mechanism that connects the side frame and the slide rail may be connected to the weight sensor, thereby allowing the weight sensor to detect the load acting on the seat.

[0075] The speakers 50 are devices that generate sound when energized. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper part of the seat back 12. One speaker 50 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. The speakers 50 are embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0076] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61 , a slide switch 62 , and a mode changeover switch 63 .

[0077] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the forward and backward directions. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

[0078] The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward movement command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward movement command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 rearward.

[0079] The mode selector switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which the device operation suppression process described below can be executed. Furthermore, the second mode is a mode in which the device operation suppression process is not executed. The mode selector switch 63 is, for example, a push button switch. The mode selector switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the mode selector switch 63 is pressed by the user. In this embodiment, when the mode selector switch 63 is in the OFF state, the mode is the second mode, and when the mode selector switch 63 is in the ON state, the mode is the first mode.

[0080] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 3) that displays an image. The image displayed on the monitor M can be changed by the control unit 100. The monitor M can be placed on the dashboard, for example, below the rearview mirror.

[0081] The camera C is a camera that captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle. The camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0082] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0083] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61 to 63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, each vibration device 23, the electric slide mechanism 30, the weight sensor 40, and each speaker 50. The control unit 100 can individually operate each vibration device 23 and each speaker 50.

[0084] The control unit 100 has a function of executing a device operation restriction process that, when receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62, restricts the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 by stopping the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30 for a predetermined time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. Here, the operation command from the slide switch 62 means either the forward command or the backward command described above.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the control unit 100 receives an operation command from the slide switch 62 in the first mode, the control unit 100 selects and executes one of the normal process, the first restriction process, and the second restriction process based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. Here, the first restriction process and the second restriction process are device operation restriction processes. In the following description, the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40 will also be simply referred to as the "user's weight W."

[0086] 2B when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1. In the normal processing, the control unit 100 constantly operates the electric slide mechanism 30 while receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62. In other words, in the normal processing, the control unit 100 starts operating the electric slide mechanism 30 upon receiving an operation command from the slide switch 62, and if the output of the operation command continues for a predetermined time thereafter, the control unit 100 continues operating the electric slide mechanism 30 for the predetermined time without stopping the electric slide mechanism 30.

[0087] When the weight W is greater than the first threshold TH1 and equal to or less than the second threshold TH2 (TH1<TH2), the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process shown in Fig. 2(c). In the first restriction process, the control unit 100 executes a standby process and an intermittent operation process.

[0088] In the standby process, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 for a first standby time Tw1 from when it receives an operation command from the slide switch 62. If the output of the operation command is still ongoing after the first standby time Tw1 has elapsed, the control unit 100 executes an intermittent operation process. In the intermittent operation process, the control unit 100 cyclically activates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30.

[0089] In the intermittent operation process, a first operation time Td1 during which operation of the electric sliding mechanism 30 is permitted and a first stop time Ts1 during which operation of the electric sliding mechanism 30 is prohibited are set for a predetermined cycle T. In the present embodiment, the first stop time Ts1 is set after the first operation time Td1, but conversely, the first operation time Td1 may be set after the first stop time Ts1. In the intermittent operation process in the first restriction process, the proportion of the first stop time Ts1 in the predetermined cycle T is set to a first proportion (for example, 1 / 2).

[0090] If the time during which the operation command is output is less than the first waiting time Tw1, the control unit 100 keeps the electric sliding mechanism 30 stopped from the start to the end of the first restriction process. If the time during which the operation command is output is equal to or longer than the first waiting time Tw1 and less than Tw1 + Td1, the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 for the first waiting time Tw1, then activates the electric sliding mechanism 30, and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 at the timing when the output of the operation command is stopped.

[0091] When the time during which the operation command is being output is equal to or longer than Tw1 + T, the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first waiting time Tw1, then operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first operating time Td1, and then stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 for a first stop time Ts1. Thereafter, the control unit 100 repeatedly operates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 at every cycle T until the output of the operation command is stopped, and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 at the timing when the output of the operation command is stopped.

[0092] Furthermore, when the weight W is greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 executes the second restriction process shown in Fig. 2(d). The second restriction process has a standby process and an intermittent operation process that are substantially the same as the first restriction process, but the standby time, operation time, and stop time are set to different values ​​than those in the first restriction process.

[0093] The standby time in the second restriction process is set to a second standby time Tw2 that is longer than the first standby time Tw1. The activation time in the second restriction process is set to a second activation time Td2 that is shorter than the first activation time Td1. The stop time in the second restriction process is set to a second stop time Ts2 that is longer than the first stop time Ts1. That is, in the second restriction process, the proportion of the second stop time Ts2 in the predetermined cycle T is set to a second proportion (e.g., 2 / 3) that is larger than the first proportion in the first restriction process.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 100 has a function of activating the vibration device 23 when the weight W is greater than a second threshold value TH2. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2D, the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 while the electric sliding mechanism 30 is stopped in the second restriction process. Note that it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple vibration devices 23 is activated.

[0095] 3A, the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a sheet image G1, which is an image of a sheet, and a cat image G2, which is an image of a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. When the control unit 100 executes any one of the normal process, the first restriction process, and the second restriction process, the control unit 100 moves the cat image G2 in accordance with the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30, and links the operation of the speaker 50 with the movement of the cat image G2.

[0096] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes the normal process, it displays on the screen M1 a video of a cat smoothly pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, as shown in Fig. 3(a). Furthermore, in conjunction with the video display, the control unit 100 operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 without stopping while the operation command is being output, as shown in Fig. 3(b), thereby smoothly moving the actual seat 10 in the direction corresponding to the operation command. When the normal process is executed, the control unit 100 may output from the speaker 50 a sound expressing the cat's reaction, such as "It's light, meow."

[0097] When the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process, it displays on the screen M1 a video of a sweating cat pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, causing the seat to repeatedly move and stop, as shown in Fig. 4(a). Furthermore, the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 based on the first waiting time Tw1, the first operation time Td1, and the first stop time Ts1, in conjunction with the video display, as shown in Fig. 4(b), thereby intermittently moving the actual seat 10 in the direction corresponding to the operation command. When the first restriction process is executed, the control unit 100 may output from the speaker 50 a sound stating the cat's thoughts, such as "It's heavy, meow."

[0098] When executing the second restriction process, the control unit 100 displays on the screen M1 a video of a sweating cat pushing the seat in a direction corresponding to the operation command, causing the seat to repeatedly move and stop, and punching the seat while the seat is stopped, as shown in FIG. 5( a). In addition, the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 and the vibration device 23 based on the second waiting time Tw2, the second operation time Td2, and the second stop time Ts2, in conjunction with the video display, as shown in FIG. 5( b). This causes the actual seat 10 to intermittently move in the direction corresponding to the operation command and activates the vibration device 23. When executing the second restriction process, the control unit 100 may output from the speaker 50 a voice expressing the cat's thoughts, such as "It's too heavy, meow," or the sound of the cat punching.

[0099] The control unit 100 also has a function of predicting a vehicle collision based on information from the camera C shown in Fig. 1. The control unit 100 has a function of not executing the device operation restriction process when a vehicle collision is predicted. For example, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision in the first mode, the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode and does not execute the device operation restriction process.

[0100] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 6. In the process of Fig. 6, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S11) and ends this process.

[0101] If it is determined in step S1 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (S2) based on information from the camera C. If it is determined in step S2 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S11) and ends this process.

[0102] If it is determined in step S2 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S3) and determines whether or not an operation command has been output from the slide switch 62 (S4). If it is determined in step S4 that an operation command has not been output (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0103] If it is determined in step S4 that an operation command has been output (Yes), the control unit 100 acquires the user's weight W from the weight sensor 40 (S5). After step S5, the control unit 100 determines whether the weight W is equal to or less than a first threshold value TH1 (S6).

[0104] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 in the normal process (S7) and displays an image corresponding to the normal process on the screen M1 (S8). After step S8, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S9).

[0105] If it is determined in step S9 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S7. If it is determined in step S9 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 if it is operating (S10), and ends this processing.

[0106] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the weight W is equal to or less than a second threshold value TH2 (S12). If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 is satisfied (Yes), the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 in a first restriction process (S13) and displays an image corresponding to the first restriction process on the screen M1 (S14). After step S14, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S15).

[0107] If it is determined in step S15 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S13. If it is determined in step S15 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 (S10) and ends this processing. Note that in step S10, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 if it is operating, and does nothing if it is stopped, leaving the electric slide mechanism 30 stopped.

[0108] If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 activates and stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 and the vibration device 23 in the second restriction process (S16), and displays an image corresponding to the second restriction process on the screen M1 (S17). After step S17, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S18).

[0109] If it is determined in step S18 that the output of the operation command is continuing (Yes), the control unit 100 returns to the process of step S16. If it is determined in step S18 that the output of the operation command is not continuing (No), the control unit 100 stops the vibration device 23 (S19).

[0110] In step S19, if the vibration device 23 is operating, the control unit 100 stops the vibration device 23, and if the vibration device 23 is stopped, the control unit 100 does nothing but keeps the vibration device 23 stopped. After step S19, the control unit 100 stops the electric slide mechanism 30 (S10) and ends this process.

[0111] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, when a user whose weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the normal process shown in Fig. 2(b) to operate the electric slide mechanism 30 without stopping while receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62. As a result, the seat 10 moves smoothly forward, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0112] In addition, in normal processing, the control unit 100 displays an animation of a cat smoothly pushing the seat forward, as shown in Fig. 3(a) , so that the user can know that his or her weight is light from the smooth movement of the seat 10 and the animation displayed on the screen M1.

[0113] When a user whose weight W is greater than the first threshold value TH1 and equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process shown in Fig. 2(c) to stop the electric slide mechanism 30 for a first waiting time Tw1 after receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62, and then repeatedly activates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30 at a predetermined cycle T. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the seat 10 remains stopped for the first waiting time Tw1, and then repeatedly moves and stops at the predetermined cycle T.

[0114] 4A, the control unit 100 alternately displays an animation of the cat sweating because the seat does not move when the cat pushes on it, and an animation of the cat sweating and pushing on the seat, causing the seat to move forward a predetermined distance. Therefore, the user can know that he or she is heavy from the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10, the amount of movement of the seat 10 relative to the operation time of the slide switch 62, and the animation displayed on the screen M1.

[0115] When a user whose weight W is greater than the second threshold value TH2 sits on the seat 10 and slides the slide switch 62 forward, the control unit 100 executes the second restriction process shown in Fig. 2(d) to stop the electric slide mechanism 30 for a second waiting time Tw2 after receiving a forward movement command from the slide switch 62, and then repeatedly activates and stops the electric slide mechanism 30 at a predetermined cycle T, and vibrates the vibration device 23 while the seat 10 is stopped. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the seat 10 remains stopped for the second waiting time Tw2, and then repeatedly moves and stops at the predetermined cycle T, and the vibration device 23 vibrates while the seat 10 is stopped.

[0116] 5A, the control unit 100 alternates between displaying an animation of the cat sweating and punching the seat in anger because the cat is pushing the seat but the seat does not move, and an animation of the cat sweating and pushing the seat, causing the seat to move forward a predetermined distance. Therefore, the user can know that he or she is very heavy from the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10, the amount of movement of the seat 10 relative to the operation time of the slide switch 62, the vibration of the vibration device 23, and the animation displayed on the screen M1. In particular, a user who has previously experienced the first restriction process will perceive that the second restriction process has a longer waiting time and stop time and a shorter movement distance of the seat 10 than the first restriction process, and therefore can know that he or she is very heavy.

[0117] As described above, the present embodiment can achieve the following effects. When a user operates the slide switch 62 to move the seat 10, the movement of the power sliding mechanism 30 is limited based on the user's weight, which makes the movement of the seat 10 awkward. This allows the user to know their approximate weight based on the awkwardness of the movement of the seat 10. In other words, the seat system 1 can notify the user of their weight by executing the device operation limiting process. Furthermore, limiting the movement of the seat 10 based on the user's weight can also enhance entertainment value.

[0118] The larger the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40, the larger the proportion of the stop time in the period T is, so that the seat 10 becomes less likely to move as the user's weight increases, allowing the user to feel his or her own weight through the movement of the seat 10.

[0119] The greater the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40, the longer the waiting time is set, and since the heavier a person is, the longer the time from operation until the seat 10 starts to move is, the user can feel his or her own weight through the length of the waiting time.

[0120] The cat character moves in response to the operation of the electric slide mechanism 30, allowing the user to understand the reason why the seat 10 is difficult to move, and the user can have fun while knowing his or her own weight.

[0121] If the user's weight is greater than the second threshold value TH2, the vibration device 23 is activated, thereby increasing the effectiveness of notifying the user of the weight.

[0122] If there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the device operation restriction process is not executed, thereby improving safety.

[0123] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, since this embodiment is a modification of the operation and screen display of the control unit 100 according to the first embodiment, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0124] 7A to 7C, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment has a function of changing the cat character based on the user's operation history of the operation unit. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 changes the cat character to one that appears stronger the more times the slide switch 62 has been operated within a predetermined time period in the past. Here, the predetermined time period in the past may be, for example, the time from when the ignition switch that starts the vehicle was turned on to the present (i.e., the time per ride), or the time from when the vehicle was new to the present.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the number of operations N within the past predetermined time is less than a first predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat as shown in Fig. 7(a) on the screen M1 as a level 1 cat. When the number of operations N within the past predetermined time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays an adult cat as shown in Fig. 7(b) on the screen M1 as a level 2 cat. When the number of operations N within the past predetermined time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the control unit 100 displays a muscular cat as shown in Fig. 7(c) on the screen M1 as a level 3 cat.

[0126] 8, the first and second predetermined values ​​are set according to the weight of the user. When the user's weight is light (W≦TH1), the first predetermined value is set to "N1" and the second predetermined value is set to "N2."

[0127] When the user's weight is heavy (TH1<W≦TH2), the first predetermined value is set to "N3" and the second predetermined value is set to "N4." When the user's weight is very heavy (TH2<W), the first predetermined value is set to "N5" and the second predetermined value is set to "N6."

[0128] The relationships between N1 to N6 are set as follows: N1>N3>N5 N2>N4>N6 By setting them in this way, the heavier a person is, the higher the character's level will be even if the number of operations N within the past specified time is smaller.

[0129] 9A, the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment selects and executes one of the first, second, and third restriction processes depending on the user's weight. When the user's weight W is equal to or less than a first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 executes the first restriction process shown in FIG. 9B.

[0130] In the first restriction process of the second embodiment, a standby time is not set as in the first embodiment, and a first operation time Td3 and a first stop time Ts3 are set for a predetermined cycle T. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric slide mechanism 30 based on the first operation time Td3 and first stop time Ts3 set for the predetermined cycle T.

[0131] 9(b), the waveform indicated by the solid line is the waveform when the character's level is level 1. The higher the character's level, the smaller the ratio of the pause time to the period T is set by the control unit 100. In other words, the larger the number of operations N within the past predetermined time, the smaller the ratio of the pause time is set by the control unit 100.

[0132] More specifically, when the character's level is level 2, as shown by the dashed lines, the control unit 100 increases the proportion of active time and decreases the proportion of inactive time compared to level 1. Here, the waveform for level 2 is a waveform in which the width of the peak of the solid line active time waveform is widened to the position shown by the dashed line.

[0133] When the character's level is level 3, the control unit 100 increases the proportion of active time and decreases the proportion of inactive time compared to level 2, as shown by the two-dot chain line. Here, the waveform for level 3 is a waveform in which the width of the peak of the solid line active time waveform is widened to the position shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0134] In this embodiment, when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 and the character's level is level 3, the stop time is set to 0. As a result, when the user's weight W is equal to or less than the first threshold value TH1 and the character's level is level 3, the control unit 100 performs processing similar to the normal processing of the first embodiment.

[0135] In the second restriction process of the second embodiment, a standby time is not set as in the first embodiment. Instead, a second operation time Td4 and a second stop time Ts4 are set for a predetermined cycle T. The second operation time Td4 is shorter than the first operation time Td3, and the second stop time Ts4 is longer than the first stop time Ts3. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric slide mechanism 30 based on the second operation time Td4 and the second stop time Ts4 set for the predetermined cycle T. Also, in the second restriction process, as in the first restriction process, the ratio of the stop time to the cycle T decreases as the character level increases. Although detailed explanations are omitted, the solid line waveform in the figure corresponds to level 1, the dashed line waveform corresponds to level 2, and the two-dot chain line waveform corresponds to level 3.

[0136] In the third restriction process of the second embodiment, a standby time is not set as in the first embodiment. Instead, a third operation time Td5 and a third stop time Ts5 are set for a predetermined cycle T. The third operation time Td5 is shorter than the second operation time Td4, and the third stop time Ts5 is longer than the second stop time Ts4. The control unit 100 repeatedly stops and operates the electric slide mechanism 30 based on the third operation time Td5 and the third stop time Ts5 set for the predetermined cycle T. Also, in the third restriction process, as in the first restriction process, the ratio of the stop time to the cycle T decreases as the character level increases. Although not described further, the solid line waveform in the figure corresponds to level 1, the dashed line waveform corresponds to level 2, and the two-dot chain line waveform corresponds to level 3.

[0137] The control unit 100 executes the process of Fig. 10. The process of Fig. 10 includes new steps S31 to S38 in addition to steps S1 to S6, S9 to S12, S15, and S18 of Fig. 6.

[0138] When it is determined in step S4 that an operation command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 counts up the number of times of operation N (S31). Here, the counting up of the number of times of operation N may be performed each time a forward command is received and a reverse command is received, or may be performed only when a forward command is received, or may be performed only when a reverse command is received.

[0139] After step S31, the control unit 100 acquires the weight W in step S5, and sets the character's level based on the weight W, the number of operations N, and the map of Fig. 8 (S32). After step S32, the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0140] If it is determined in step S6 that W≦TH1 (Yes), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 using a first restriction process according to the level (S33). After step S33, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the first restriction process on the screen M1 (S34).

[0141] The display in step S34 may be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of Fig. 4(a) is replaced with a baby cat corresponding to level 1. After step S34, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S9), and if so, returns to the processing of step S33, and if not, stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in step S10.

[0142] If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 (Yes), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 using a second restriction process according to the level (S35). After step S35, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the second restriction process on the screen M1 (S36).

[0143] The display in step S36 may be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of Fig. 4(a) is replaced with an adult cat corresponding to level 2. After step S36, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S15), and if so, returns to the processing of step S35, and if not, stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in step S10.

[0144] If it is determined in step S12 that W≦TH2 is not satisfied (No), the control unit 100 activates or stops the electric sliding mechanism 30 using a third restriction process according to the level (S37). After step S37, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the level and the third restriction process on the screen M1 (S38).

[0145] The display in step S38 may be, for example, an image in which the cat in the image of Fig. 4(a) is replaced with a muscular cat with a physique corresponding to level 3. After step S38, the control unit 100 determines whether the output of the operation command is continuing (S18), and if so, returns to the processing of step S37, and if not, stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in step S10.

[0146] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. When a user with a light weight (W≦TH1) operates the slide switch 62, if the number of operations within a predetermined time period in the past is small (N<N1), the control unit 100 displays the cat character of level 1 shown in Fig. 7(a) on the screen M1. Then, the control unit 100 activates or deactivates the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform of level 1 shown by the solid line in Fig. 9(a).

[0147] When a user with a light weight (W≦TH1) operates the slide switch 62, if the number of operations within a predetermined time period in the past is large (N1≦N<N2), the control unit 100 displays a cat character of level 2 shown in Fig. 7(b) on the screen M1 and activates or stops the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform of level 2 shown by the dashed line in Fig. 9(a). When a user with a light weight (W≦TH1) operates the slide switch 62, if the number of operations within a predetermined time period in the past is very large (N2≦N), the control unit 100 displays a cat character of level 3 shown in Fig. 7(c) on the screen M1 and activates the electric slide mechanism 30 in accordance with the waveform of level 3 shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 9(a).

[0148] This allows the user to know that the more times the operation is performed, the more the cat grows, and the user can feel that the movement of the seat 10 becomes smoother as the seat is pushed by the grown-up cat, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0149] Furthermore, when a heavy user (TH1<W) operates the slide switch 62, the character's level increases with fewer operations than when a light user (W≦TH1) operates the slide switch 62. Therefore, for example, when a light user who has previously experienced the first mode sees a heavy user playing the first mode, the light user can know that the character is growing faster than the user, and can infer that the reason for the faster growth is that the cat is carrying the heavy user, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the game.

[0150] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: The character is changed based on the operation history, so the user can operate the seat 10 in a fun way.

[0151] The more the number of times the slide switch 62 is operated, the smaller the proportion of the stop time, so that the more the user operates it, the smoother the movement of the seat 10 becomes, allowing the user to feel as if the seat 10 is growing, and enhancing the entertainment value.

[0152] In the second embodiment, the sheet image may also be displayed as moving in a large scale in accordance with the character's growth.

[0153] 11 , the seat 10 may include an ottoman 14 that supports the user's calves, an ottoman operating device 15 that rotates the ottoman 14, and an ottoman switch 16 that operates the ottoman operating device 15. In this case, when the control unit 100 receives an operation command from the ottoman switch 16, the control unit 100 may execute a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the ottoman operating device 15 by stopping the operation of the ottoman operating device 15 for a predetermined period of time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor 40. In other words, in this configuration, the ottoman operating device 15 corresponds to the electric device, and the ottoman switch 16 corresponds to the operation unit.

[0154] 12 , the seat system may include a first air conditioner 310 and a second air conditioner 320. The first air conditioner 310 is provided in the vehicle and discharges temperature-adjusted air into the vehicle interior from an air outlet 331 arranged on a dashboard 330.

[0155] The second air conditioner 320 is provided in, for example, the seat cushion 11 of the seat 10. The second air conditioner 320 causes air to flow through a passage formed in the pad of the seat cushion 11, and supplies the air to the user through holes in the surface of the seat cushion 11.

[0156] As shown in Fig. 13(b), when the control unit 100 operates the electric sliding mechanism 30 in the first restriction process (step S13 in Fig. 6), it also operates the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13(a), when the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the first restriction process on the screen M1 (step S13 in Fig. 6), it also displays the cat's breathing action. Furthermore, wind flowing from the front of the seat toward the seat and wind flowing upward from the seat cushion are displayed by arrow-shaped images.

[0157] This allows the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320 to operate in conjunction with the cat's breathing action on the screen M1, so that the user can feel the wind from the first air conditioner 310 and the second air conditioner 320 as the cat's breath, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0158] In the device operation linkage process, the device linked to the character's movement is not limited to an air conditioner, but may also be a light or a heater. The device linked to the character's movement may be at least one of a speaker, an air conditioner, a light, and a heater, or may be multiple devices. Furthermore, the speaker, air conditioner, light, and heater may be provided in the seat, or may be provided in a member other than the seat.

[0159] In addition, if the weight W is greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 may display on the screen M1 an action of the character bracing and exhaling, and may increase the airflow of the air conditioning unit more than when W≦TH2.

[0160] The control device may adjust the direction of airflow from the air conditioner so that the airflow from the air conditioner is directed toward the occupants. If the device to be linked with the character's movement is lighting, the control unit may, in the device operation linkage process, display a video of a dizzy cat on the screen M1 and blink the lighting device in linkage with the video.

[0161] If the device linked to the character's movement is a seat heater, the control unit may, in the device operation linkage processing, display on screen M1 an animation of the character bracing and sweating, and activate the seat heater in conjunction with this animation to gradually increase the temperature.

[0162] The control unit may execute a device operation linkage process in response to the weight of the occupant when the operation button for the seat memory function is pressed. In this case, the control unit may execute the device operation linkage process for multiple electric devices such as an electric reclining mechanism, an electric slide mechanism, and a steering position adjustment device.

[0163] The seat system may include a physique detection unit that detects the user's physique. The physique detection unit may be, for example, a camera facing outside the vehicle that can capture an image of the user standing outside the vehicle. In this case, the control unit may calculate the user's obesity level (body mass index, BMI) based on the physique (height) detected by the physique detection unit and the weight detected by the weight sensor, and compare the calculated obesity level with a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The height and weight may be acquired by the control unit through input by the user, or may be acquired by the control unit through communication between the vehicle and a scale used at home.

[0164] In this case, the first and second thresholds can be set as follows, for example: BMI less than 18.5 is set to the first threshold or less; BMI between 18.5 and 24.5 is set to the first threshold or more and the second threshold or less; BMI greater than 24.5 is set to the second threshold or more.

[0165] The heavier the user's weight, the smaller the proportion of the time the electric device is stopped per predetermined time. The heavier the user's weight, the shorter the standby time.

[0166] The proportion of the time during which the electric device is stopped per predetermined time may be increased as the number of operations increases.

[0167] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing a seat system: A method for manufacturing a seat system including a seat, a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat, an electric device that moves at least a portion of the seat, an operation unit for operating the electric device, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, upon receiving an operation command from the operation unit, executes a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined period of time based on the weight acquired from the weight sensor, the method comprising the steps of attaching the weight sensor, the electric device, and the operation unit to the seat, and connecting the weight sensor, the electric device, and the operation unit to the control unit.

[0168] Third Embodiment A vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 14 , the vehicle interior system 101 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, a camera C as an example of a collision detection unit, a mileage acquisition unit 200, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the camera C, and the monitor M are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the passenger seat. The vehicle interior system 101 may or may not have the configuration of the seat system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0169] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0170] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The cover is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0171] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0172] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend outward from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0173] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21 and an electric slide mechanism 30. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0174] The electric slide mechanism 30 is an electric device that slides the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. The seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0175] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61 , a slide switch 62 , and a mode changeover switch 63 .

[0176] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the forward and backward directions. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

[0177] The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 rearward.

[0178] The mode selector switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which a second control, which will be described later, can be executed. The second mode is a mode in which the second control is not executed. The mode selector switch 63 is, for example, a push-button switch. The mode selector switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the mode selector switch 63 is pressed by the user. In this embodiment, when the mode selector switch 63 is in the OFF state, the mode is the second mode, and when the mode selector switch 63 is in the ON state, the mode is the first mode.

[0179] The camera C is a camera that captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle. The camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0180] The mileage acquisition unit 200 has a function of acquiring the mileage of the vehicle. The mileage acquisition unit 200 acquires the mileage from, for example, an odometer. The mileage acquired by the mileage acquisition unit 200 may be, for example, the mileage from when the ignition switch that starts the vehicle is turned on to the present (i.e., the mileage per ride), or the mileage from when the vehicle is new to the present.

[0181] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 15) that displays an image. The image displayed on the monitor M can be changed by the control unit 100. The monitor M can be placed on the dashboard, for example, below the rearview mirror.

[0182] The control unit 100 is configured to include, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10.

[0183] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61 to 63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, the electric sliding mechanism 30, the camera C, the mileage acquisition unit 200, and the monitor M. As shown in Fig. 16(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a seat image G1, which is an image of a seat, and a cat image G2, which is an image imitating a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. The control unit 100 has a function of selecting and executing a first control or a second control.

[0184] The first control is control that, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, causes the first electric device to enter a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command. In other words, the first control is control that causes the electric device to operate in an operating state as intended by the user.

[0185] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes the first control based on a command from the reclining switch 61, if the command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 forward, and if the command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 backward. In this case, the reclining switch 61 corresponds to the first operation unit, and the electric reclining mechanism 21 corresponds to the first electric device.

[0186] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 executes the first control based on a command from the slide switch 62, if the command is a forward command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 forward, and if the command is a backward command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 backward. In this case, the slide switch 62 corresponds to the first operation unit, and the electric slide mechanism 30 corresponds to the first electric device.

[0187] The second control is control for, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, putting the first electric device into a second operating state that does not correspond to the first operation command, or for operating the second electric device. In other words, the second control is control for operating the electric device in an operating state contrary to the user's intention.

[0188] As the second control, the control unit 100 selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of candidates including a first process for putting the first electric device into a second operating state and a second process for operating the second electric device.

[0189] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes the first process based on a command from the reclining switch 61, if the command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 backward, and if the command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 executes the first process based on a command from the slide switch 62, if the command is a forward move command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 backward, and if the command is a backward move command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 forward. In other words, in the first process, the control unit 100 controls the electric device to perform an operation opposite to that of the operation command.

[0190] Here, the seat back 12 and the seat 10 correspond to a movable part that is at least a part of the seat 10. When the control unit 100 acquires a command to move the movable part in a predetermined direction as a first operation command and executes the second control (first process), the control unit 100 sets the first electric device to a second operating state and moves the movable part in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0191] When the control unit 100 executes the second process based on a command from the reclining switch 61, it activates the electric slide mechanism 30, which is an electric device separate from the electric reclining mechanism 21, to move the seat 10 forward or backward, regardless of the content of the command. When the control unit 100 executes the second process based on a command from the slide switch 62, it activates the electric reclining mechanism 21, which is an electric device separate from the electric slide mechanism 30, to tilt the seat back 12 forward or backward, regardless of the content of the command.

[0192] The control unit 100 has a function of changing the probability of selecting the first control based on the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200. Specifically, when the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 exceeds a threshold, the control unit 100 increases the probability of selecting the first control compared to when the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0193] Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control and the probability of selecting the second control based on the map shown in Fig. 17(a). Note that the numerical values ​​shown in this specification, such as Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, are merely examples and can be changed as desired.

[0194] When the travel distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 50% and the probability of selecting the second control to 50%.

[0195] When the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 70% and the probability of selecting the second control to 30%. Here, the second threshold TH2 is greater than the first threshold TH1. When the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 90% and the probability of selecting the second control to 10%.

[0196] The control unit 100 has a function of changing the number of multiple candidates selectable as the second control based on the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200. Specifically, when the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 is equal to or less than a threshold, the control unit 100 sets the number of candidates to a first value, and when the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 exceeds the threshold, the control unit 100 sets the number of candidates to a second value smaller than the first value.

[0197] Specifically, based on the map shown in Figure 17(a), when the traveled distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 40% and the probability of selecting the second process to 10%. When the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 30% and the probability of selecting the second process to 0%. When the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 10% and the probability of selecting the second process to 0%.

[0198] The maps in Figures 17(b) and 18(a) and (b) show the map in Figure 17(a) in more detail. The control unit 100 sets each probability based on the maps in Figures 17(b) and 18(a) and (b).

[0199] 17(b) is a map that the control unit 100 refers to when the travel distance D is less than the first threshold value TH1. In the figure, the values ​​in the columns indicated by diagonal hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the first control, the values ​​in the columns indicated by dotted hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the first process as the second control, and the values ​​in the columns without hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the second process as the second control.

[0200] When the travel distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control for one operation command (e.g., reclining forward) is one first process and two second processes. In other words, when the travel distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is three.

[0201] 18A and 18B, when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the probabilities of selecting the two second processes are both set to 0%, so the number of candidates that can be selected as the second control for one operation command (e.g., reclining forward) is limited to one, i.e., the first process. Therefore, when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates that can be selected as the second control is limited to one.

[0202] 17(b) and 18(a) and 18(b), the control unit 100 gradually increases the probability of selecting the first control from 50%, 70%, and 90% in that order as the traveled distance D increases, and gradually decreases the probability of selecting the first process of the second control from 40%, 30%, and 10% in that order. The first control is a control for moving the first electric device in accordance with an operation command, and the first process is a process for moving the first electric device in accordance with an operation command that does not correspond to the operation command. Therefore, the control unit 100 changes the operation of the first electric device based on the traveled distance D acquired from the traveled distance acquisition unit 200. In other words, the control unit 100 changes the operation of the first electric device based on the traveled distance D so that the larger the traveled distance D, the higher the probability of moving the first electric device in the correct operation.

[0203] 15, the control unit 100 has a function of changing the display of the character based on the running distance D acquired from the running distance acquisition unit 200. Specifically, when the running distance D acquired from the running distance acquisition unit 200 exceeds a threshold, the control unit 100 displays an image of a grown-up cat as the character, rather than when the running distance D acquired from the running distance acquisition unit 200 is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0204] Specifically, when the traveled distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 15(a). When the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat that has grown a little on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 15(b). When the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat that has grown into an adult on the screen M1.

[0205] The control unit 100 also has a function of predicting a vehicle collision based on information from the camera C shown in Fig. 14. The control unit 100 has a function of not executing the second control when a vehicle collision is predicted. For example, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision in the first mode, the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode and does not execute the second control.

[0206] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 19. In the process of Fig. 19, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (S101). If it is determined in step S101 that the mode changeover switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S109) and ends this process.

[0207] If it is determined in step S101 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (S102) based on information from the camera C. If it is determined in step S102 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S109) and ends this process.

[0208] If it is determined in step S102 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the control unit 100 switches the mode to the first mode (S103). After step S103, the control unit 100 displays one of the images shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c) on the screen M1 as a home screen in accordance with the mileage D acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 (S104).

[0209] After step S104, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is an operation command (S105). If it is determined in step S105 that there is no operation command (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0210] If it is determined in step S105 that an operation command is present (Yes), the control unit 100 sets a probability of selecting each process (first control, first process as second control, and second process as second control) (S106) based on the operation command and the traveling distance D. More specifically, in step S106, the control unit 100 selects one of the maps shown in Figures 17(b), 18(a), and 18(b) based on the traveling distance D, and sets each probability based on the selected map and the operation command.

[0211] After step S106, the control unit 100 randomly selects a process based on the set probabilities (S107). After step S107, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the selected process and the travel distance D on the screen M1 (S108), and then ends this process. Specifically, for example, if a process for tilting the seatback 12 backward using the electric reclining mechanism 21 is selected in step S107, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat reclining the seatback backward on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 16( a), and also operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to actually reclining the seatback 12 backward, as shown in FIG. 16( b). Although not shown, an image corresponding to the process is also displayed, and the seat 10 moves in a manner corresponding to the process, when a process for tilting the seatback 12 forward, moving the seat 10 forward, or moving the seat 10 backward is selected.

[0212] The image in Fig. 16(a) is an image when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, and shows an image when a baby cat is set as the character. Note that when the traveled distance D is less than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 replaces the cat in the image in Fig. 16(a) with a baby cat and displays it. Also, when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 replaces the cat in the image in Fig. 16(a) with an adult cat and displays it.

[0213] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. In the following description, the map in Fig. 17(b) will also be referred to as the "first map," the map in Fig. 18(a) will also be referred to as the "second map," and the map in Fig. 18(b) will also be referred to as the "third map."

[0214] When the mode is the first mode and the travel distance D is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat as a home screen on the screen M1 as shown in FIG. 15A. Thereafter, when a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the first map shown in FIG. 17B and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 50%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 40%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 5%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 5%.

[0215] Thereafter, the control unit 100 randomly selects a process based on the set probabilities. For example, when the control unit 100 selects a process (first process) for tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21, the control unit 100 displays the video shown in FIG. 16A on the screen M1 and tilts the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21.

[0216] When the mode is the first mode and the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays a baby cat as a home screen on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 15B. Thereafter, when a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the second map of FIG. 18A and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 70%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 30%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%.

[0217] In this way, when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the probability that the first control will be selected is higher than when the traveled distance D is less than the first threshold value TH1, and the processes selected as the second control are narrowed down to only the first process. Therefore, the first control is selected more likely when the cat on screen M1 is a child than when it is a baby, allowing the user to feel that the cat has become smarter, which increases the entertainment value.

[0218] When the mode is the first mode and the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 displays an image of an adult cat as a home screen on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 15C. Thereafter, when a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the third map shown in FIG. 18B and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 90%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 10%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%.

[0219] In this way, when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the probability that the first control will be selected is higher than when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 but less than the second threshold TH2. Therefore, the first control is selected with a higher probability when the cat on screen M1 is an adult than when it is a child, which allows the user to feel that the cat has become smarter, thereby increasing the entertainment value.

[0220] As described above, the present embodiment can provide the following advantages: The operation of the first electric device and the display of the character change depending on the traveled distance D, which can enhance entertainment value.

[0221] When the travel distance D exceeds the threshold value, the probability of selecting the first control increases, so it is possible to prevent a user who is tired from traveling a long distance from becoming irritated when the second control is executed.

[0222] When the distance traveled D exceeds the threshold, the number of processes to be selected as the second control decreases, thereby reducing the number of patterns in which the cat on screen M1 performs incorrect actions, allowing the user to feel that the cat is growing.

[0223] When the running distance D exceeds the threshold, the grown cat is displayed on the screen M1, which increases the entertainment value. In addition, the growth of the cat on the screen M1 allows the user to recognize that the number of times he or she makes a mistake in operating commands is decreasing.

[0224] In the first process, the movable part is moved in the direction opposite to the operation command, so that the user can clearly know that an incorrect operation is being performed in response to the operation command.

[0225] If there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the second control is not executed, thereby improving safety.

[0226] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system according to the third embodiment, and therefore, the same components as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 20, a vehicle interior system 201 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a plurality of vibration devices 23 and an air conditioning unit 300 in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment.

[0228] The vibration device 23 is an electric device that vibrates when energized, thereby reciprocating only a portion of the surface of the seat 10. Four vibration devices 23 are provided on the seat cushion 11, and six are provided on the seat back 12.

[0229] More specifically, a pair of vibration devices 23 arranged side by side are arranged front to back in the seat cushion 11. A pair of vibration devices 23 arranged side by side are arranged top to bottom in the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0230] The air conditioner 300 is an electrically powered device that discharges heated or cooled air into the vehicle interior from an air outlet 331 provided on the dashboard or the like.

[0231] The control unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment selects a process by referring to a first map, a second map, and a third map that are different from those in the third embodiment. Specifically, when the travel distance D is less than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 refers to the first map shown in FIG. 21. The first map in FIG. 21 includes three new second processes in addition to the first map in FIG. 17(b).

[0232] The newly added second process includes the following three processes: 1. A process for activating the vibration device 23. 2. A process for raising the temperature inside the vehicle by sending out heated air from the air conditioner 300. 3. A process for lowering the temperature inside the vehicle by sending out cooled air from the air conditioner 300.

[0233] In the first map, the probability of selecting the first control is set to 50%, the probability of selecting the first process is set to 25%, and the probability of selecting each of the five second processes is set to 5%. As a result, in the fourth embodiment, when the mileage D is less than the first threshold value TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is six. Also, in the fourth embodiment, when the mileage D is less than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 targets, as targets for the second control, not only the multiple electric devices provided in the seat 10 but also an electric device (air conditioning unit) provided in an interior member other than the seat 10 (dashboard).

[0234] When the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 refers to the second map shown in FIG. 22 . In the second map, the probability of selecting the two second processes for operating the air conditioning device 300 is set to 0%. As a result, when the travel distance D is TH1≦D<TH2, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is four. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when the travel distance D is TH1≦D<TH2, the control unit 100 targets only the electric devices provided in the seat 10 for the second control.

[0235] When the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 refers to the third map shown in FIG. 23. In the third map, the first process and four of the five second processes other than the process that activates the vibration device 23 are each set to 0%. As a result, when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the number of candidates that can be selected as the second control is one. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 subjects only the vibration device 23 to the second control.

[0236] In this way, the number of electric devices that are subject to the second control is gradually reduced from all electric devices, to the multiple electric devices provided on the seat 10, to only the vibration device 23, so the user can feel that the cat is growing.

[0237] When the control unit 100 activates the vibration device 23 as the second control, it can display, for example, a video of a cat running around on the seat on the screen M1 as shown in Fig. 24. In this case, the control unit 100 can exclude the vibration device 23 from being a target of the second control when the travel distance D is less than the second threshold value TH2, and can include the vibration device 23 as a target of the second control when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2.

[0238] Specifically, for example, the probability of selecting the process of activating the vibration device in the first and second maps shown in Figures 21 and 22 can be set to 0%, and the 5% allocated to the process of activating the vibration device can be allocated to other processes. In this way, if the vibration device 23 is subject to the second control only when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, a user who watches the video shown in Figure 24 can feel as if the cat is running around in irritation due to the long travel distance, and can experience the actual long travel distance.

[0239] In this case, the control unit 100 may select, in the second control, a vibration device 23 to be activated from among the plurality of vibration devices 23. Specifically, when the travel distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 may activate the plurality of vibration devices 23 on the seat back 12 in sequence from top to bottom, and then activate the plurality of vibration devices 23 on the seat cushion 11 in sequence from back to front. In this way, the seating surface of the seat 10 vibrates in a wavy manner in conjunction with a display showing a cat running around annoyed after a long-distance journey, allowing the user to feel the cat's irritability more clearly.

[0240] 25 and 26 , in the second control, when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 exceeds a threshold, the control unit 100 may increase the amount of movement of the movable part compared to when the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit 200 is equal to or less than the threshold. Here, the movable part in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 is a part of the surface of the seat 10 that is moved by the vibration device 23.

[0241] For example, when the control unit 100 executes the second control to activate the vibration device 23 when the traveled distance D is less than the first threshold value TH1, it displays a baby cat as a character and vibrates the vibration device 23 at a predetermined first strength, as shown in Figures 25(a) and (b).

[0242] When the control unit 100 executes the second control to activate the vibration device 23 when the traveled distance D is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, it displays an adult cat as a character and vibrates the vibration device 23 at a second strength greater than the first strength, as shown in Figures 26(a) and (b).

[0243] As a vibration device capable of changing the vibration intensity, for example, a vibration device that changes the frequency and amplitude of vibration to change the vibration intensity can be used. Also, instead of the vibration intensity, the vibration pattern may be changed according to the travel distance.

[0244] 27 , the control unit 100 may execute the first control or the second control based on an operation command from an operation unit for operating the air conditioning device 300. In other words, the control unit 100 may execute the first control or the second control based on an operation command from an operation unit for operating an electric device provided in an interior member other than the seat 10.

[0245] Specifically, when the control unit 100 receives a command to increase the interior temperature as the first operation command and executes the second control, the control unit 100 may set the air conditioner 300 to the second operation state to decrease the interior temperature. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 receives a command to decrease the interior temperature as the first operation command and executes the second control, the control unit 100 may set the air conditioner 300 to the second operation state to increase the interior temperature.

[0246] When the travel distance reaches or exceeds a threshold, the character may perform an action display in time with music played by the passenger on an in-car sound system, and a vibration device may be activated in time with the sound.

[0247] The travel distance acquisition unit may calculate and acquire the travel distance based on information from a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed, for example.

[0248] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system: A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system including a mileage acquisition unit that acquires a mileage of a vehicle, a first electric device provided in an interior member, a display unit that displays a character, and a control unit, wherein the control unit changes the operation of the first electric device and the display of the character based on the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit, the method comprising the steps of attaching the first electric device to the interior member and connecting the mileage acquisition unit, the first electric device, and the display unit to the control unit.

[0249] Fifth Embodiment A vehicle interior system according to a fifth embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 28 , the vehicle interior system 301 includes a seat 10, a camera C as an example of a collision detection unit, a monitor M as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 100. The seat 10, the camera C, and the monitor M are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is the driver's seat or the passenger seat. The vehicle interior system 301 may or may not have the configuration of the seat system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0250] The seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, and a headrest 13. The seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, and the headrest 13 each constitute a seat body having a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with a user seated on the seat 10 and supports the user.

[0251] The seat cushion 11, seat back 12, and headrest 13 each have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a cover that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The cover is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like.

[0252] The seat cushion 11 has a base portion 11A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 11B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 11A. The base portion 11A has a seating surface F that contacts and supports the user's buttocks and thighs from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the user to support the sides of the user's thighs and buttocks.

[0253] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the center of the seat back and extension portions 12B located on both the left and right sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the user's back and supports the back from behind. The extension portions 12B extend outward from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the user to support the sides of the user's upper body.

[0254] The seat 10 further includes an electric reclining mechanism 21, an electric sliding mechanism 30, and a heart rate sensor 41 and a breathing sensor 42 as examples of a biological information detector. The electric reclining mechanism 21 is an electric device that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism 21 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0255] The electric slide mechanism 30 is an electric device that slides the seat 10 in the front-rear direction. The seat 10 is supported on a slide rail (not shown) so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism 30 includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0256] The heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 are sensors capable of detecting biological information of a user seated in the seat 10. In the following description, the user seated in the seat 10 will also be referred to as a "seat occupant."

[0257] The heartbeat sensor 41 is a sensing device that uses capacitively coupled electrodes to non-contactly measure the electrocardiogram signal of the seated occupant. Here, the electrocardiogram signal refers to an action potential signal that occurs in conjunction with the heartbeat of the seated occupant. The heartbeat sensor 41 is provided on the seat back 12. The electrocardiogram signal detected by the heartbeat sensor 41 is output to the control unit 100.

[0258] The breathing sensor 42 is provided on the seat cushion 11. The breathing sensor 42 has electrodes on the top and bottom. The breathing sensor 42 is a resistance pressure sensor (pressure sensor) that detects a current flowing through an electrical resistance that changes in response to the breathing of a seated occupant.

[0259] Here, when pressure is applied to the electrode on the top surface of the breathing sensor 42, the electrode on the top surface deforms downward, increasing contact resistance and decreasing the electrical resistance value between the electrodes. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance value is output from the breathing sensor 42 to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 calculates pressure based on the electrical signal related to the electrical resistance value and obtains breathing data based on the calculated pressure.

[0260] The heart rate sensor 41 may be provided on the seat cushion 11, and the breathing sensor 42 may be provided on the seat back 12. Alternatively, both the heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 may be provided on either the seat cushion 11 or the seat back 12.

[0261] The seat 10 further includes a reclining switch 61 , a slide switch 62 , and a mode changeover switch 63 .

[0262] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism 21. The reclining switch 61 can be tilted, for example, in the forward and backward directions. When tilted forward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a forward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit 100 to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

[0263] The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism 30. The slide switch 62 is slidable, for example, in the front-to-rear direction. When the slide switch 62 is slid forward, it outputs a forward command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward command to the control unit 100 to move the seat 10 rearward.

[0264] The mode selector switch 63 is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit 100 between a first mode and a second mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which a second control, which will be described later, can be executed. The second mode is a mode in which the second control is not executed. The mode selector switch 63 is, for example, a push-button switch. The mode selector switch 63 alternates between an ON state and an OFF state each time the mode selector switch 63 is pressed by the user. In this embodiment, when the mode selector switch 63 is in the OFF state, the mode is the second mode, and when the mode selector switch 63 is in the ON state, the mode is the first mode.

[0265] The camera C is a camera that captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle. The camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Image information captured by the camera C is output to the control unit 100.

[0266] The monitor M has a screen M1 (see FIG. 29) that displays an image. The image displayed on the monitor M can be changed by the control unit 100. The monitor M can be placed on the dashboard, for example, below the rearview mirror.

[0267] The control unit 100 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit 100 may be provided in the seat 10, or may be provided in a member other than the seat 10. The control unit 100 has a function of estimating the fatigue level of the seated occupant based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 41 and the respiration sensor 42.

[0268] As an example, the control unit 100 measures the sympathetic nerve activity of the seated occupant based on heart rate information acquired from the heart rate sensor 41. Specifically, the control unit 100 obtains the ratio (LF / HF) of the low-frequency fluctuation wave (LF) to the high-frequency fluctuation wave (HF) in the heart rate fluctuation as the sympathetic nerve activity. The control unit 100 then determines the sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) as the fatigue level. That is, according to the above index, the more active the sympathetic nerve activity is relative to the parasympathetic nerve activity, the higher the fatigue level of the seated occupant is estimated to be.

[0269] The method for estimating the fatigue level of the seated occupant is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 100 may determine the fatigue level of the seated occupant based on the interval between breaths or the arousal level determined based on the breath (at least a level indicating whether the occupant is in an arousal state or a low arousal state) based on information acquired from the breathing sensor 42. Specifically, the shorter the interval between breaths of the seated occupant, the higher the fatigue level may be determined to be, or the fatigue level may be determined to be high when the arousal level of the seated occupant is in a low arousal state.

[0270] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may use the sum of the individual fatigue levels determined based on the sympathetic nerve activity level based on the heart rate, the breathing interval, and the alertness level as the fatigue level of the seated occupant.

[0271] The control unit 100 is connected to the monitor M, various switches (61-63), the electric reclining mechanism 21, the electric sliding mechanism 30, the heart rate sensor 41, the breathing sensor 42, and the camera C. As shown in Fig. 29(a), the control unit 100 has a function of displaying a seat image G1, which is an image of a seat, and a cat image G2, which is an image imitating a cat as an example of a character, on the screen M1 of the monitor M. The control unit 100 has a function of selecting and executing a first control or a second control.

[0272] The first control is control that, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, causes the first electric device to enter a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command. In other words, the first control is control that causes the electric device to operate in an operating state as intended by the user.

[0273] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes the first control based on a command from the reclining switch 61, if the command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 forward, and if the command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 backward. In this case, the reclining switch 61 corresponds to the first operation unit, and the electric reclining mechanism 21 corresponds to the first electric device.

[0274] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 executes the first control based on a command from the slide switch 62, if the command is a forward command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 forward, and if the command is a backward command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 backward. In this case, the slide switch 62 corresponds to the first operation unit, and the electric slide mechanism 30 corresponds to the first electric device.

[0275] The second control is control for, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, putting the first electric device into a second operating state that does not correspond to the first operation command, or for operating the second electric device. In other words, the second control is control for operating the electric device in an operating state contrary to the user's intention.

[0276] As the second control, the control unit 100 selects and executes at least one process from a plurality of candidates including a first process for putting the first electric device into a second operating state and a second process for operating the second electric device.

[0277] Specifically, when the control unit 100 executes the first process based on a command from the reclining switch 61, if the command is a forward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 backward, and if the command is a backward tilt command, the control unit 100 operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to tilt the seat back 12 forward. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 executes the first process based on a command from the slide switch 62, if the command is a forward move command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 backward, and if the command is a backward move command, the control unit 100 operates the electric slide mechanism 30 to move the seat 10 forward. In other words, in the first process, the control unit 100 controls the electric device to perform an operation opposite to that of the operation command.

[0278] Here, the seat back 12 and the seat 10 correspond to a movable part that is at least a part of the seat 10. When the control unit 100 acquires a command to move the movable part in a predetermined direction as a first operation command and executes the second control (first process), the control unit 100 sets the first electric device to a second operating state and moves the movable part in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0279] When the control unit 100 executes the second process based on a command from the reclining switch 61, it activates the electric slide mechanism 30, which is an electric device separate from the electric reclining mechanism 21, to move the seat 10 forward or backward, regardless of the content of the command. When the control unit 100 executes the second process based on a command from the slide switch 62, it activates the electric reclining mechanism 21, which is an electric device separate from the electric slide mechanism 30, to tilt the seat back 12 forward or backward, regardless of the content of the command.

[0280] The control unit 100 has a function of changing the probability of selecting the first control and the probability of selecting the second control based on the estimated fatigue level. Specifically, when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than a first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 increases the probability of selecting the first control compared to when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines that the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 decreases the probability of selecting the second control compared to when the fatigue level FD is determined to be less than the first threshold TH1.

[0281] Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control and the probability of selecting the second control based on the map shown in Fig. 30(a). Note that the numerical values ​​shown in this specification, such as Fig. 30 and Fig. 31, are merely examples and can be changed as desired.

[0282] When the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 50% and the probability of selecting the second control to 50%.

[0283] When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 70% and the probability of selecting the second control to 30%. Here, the second threshold TH2 is greater than the first threshold TH1. When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first control to 90% and the probability of selecting the second control to 10%.

[0284] The control unit 100 has a function of changing the number of candidates selectable as the second control based on the fatigue level FD. Specifically, when the fatigue level FD is lower than a threshold, the control unit 100 sets the number of candidates to a first value, and when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 100 sets the number of candidates to a second value smaller than the first value.

[0285] Specifically, based on the map shown in Figure 30(a), when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 40% and the probability of selecting the second process to 10%. When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 30% and the probability of selecting the second process to 0%. When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 100 sets the probability of selecting the first process to 10% and the probability of selecting the second process to 0%.

[0286] The maps in Figures 30(b) and 31(a) and (b) are detailed versions of the map in Figure 30(a). The control unit 100 sets each probability based on the maps in Figures 30(b) and 31(a) and (b).

[0287] 30(b) is a map that the control unit 100 refers to when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1. In the figure, the values ​​in the columns indicated by diagonal hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the first control, the values ​​in the columns indicated by dotted hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the first process as the second control, and the values ​​in the columns without hatching represent the probability (%) of selecting the second process as the second control.

[0288] When the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control for one operation command (e.g., reclining forward) is one first process and two second processes. In other words, when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is three.

[0289] 31(a) and 31(b), when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the probabilities of selecting two second processes are both set to 0%, so that only one first process can be selected as the second control for one operation command (e.g., reclining forward). Therefore, when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the number of candidates that can be selected as the second control is one.

[0290] As a result, when the control unit 100 determines that the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the probability of selecting the first process in the second control is higher than when the control unit 100 determines that the fatigue level FD is lower than the first threshold TH1. In other words, when the second control is selected when the fatigue level FD is lower than the first threshold TH1, the ratio of the processes in the second control is 40:5:5, so the first process is selected with an 80% probability. However, when the second control is selected when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the ratio of the processes in the second control is 30:0:0 or 10:0:0, so the first process is selected with a 100% probability.

[0291] 30(b) and 31(a), (b), the control unit 100 gradually increases the probability of selecting the first control (50%, 70%, 90%) as the fatigue level FD increases, and gradually decreases the probability of selecting the first process of the second control (40%, 30%, 10%) as the fatigue level FD increases. The first control is a control that moves the first electric device in a manner corresponding to the operation command, and the first process is a process that moves the first electric device in a manner not corresponding to the operation command. Therefore, the control unit 100 changes the operation of the first electric device based on the fatigue level FD. In other words, the control unit 100 changes the operation of the first electric device based on the fatigue level FD so that the first electric device is moved in the correct manner with a higher probability as the fatigue level FD increases.

[0292] When the control unit 100 executes the first control or the second control, the control unit 100 has a function of moving the character in accordance with the operation of the first electric device or the second electric device.

[0293] The control unit 100 has a function of predicting a vehicle collision based on information from the camera C shown in Fig. 28. The control unit 100 has a function of not executing the second control when a vehicle collision is predicted. For example, when the control unit 100 predicts a vehicle collision in the first mode, the control unit 100 switches the mode to the second mode and does not execute the second control.

[0294] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 32. In the process of Fig. 32, the control unit 100 first determines whether the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (S201). If it is determined in step S201 that the mode changeover switch 63 is not ON (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S209) and ends this process.

[0295] If it is determined in step S201 that the mode changeover switch 63 is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (S202) based on information from the camera C. If it is determined in step S202 that there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the second mode (S209) and ends this process.

[0296] If it is determined in step S202 that there is no possibility of a vehicle collision (No), the control unit 100 sets the mode to the first mode (S203). After step S203, the control unit 100 displays a home screen on the screen M1 (S204). Here, the home screen may be, for example, an image including an image of a cat sitting next to the seat and an image of text indicating the mode, such as "cat mode."

[0297] After step S204, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is an operation command (S205). If it is determined in step S205 that there is no operation command (No), the control unit 100 ends this process.

[0298] If it is determined in step S205 that an operation command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 estimates the fatigue level FD based on information from at least one of the heart rate sensor 41 and the respiration sensor 42, and sets the probability of selecting each process (the first control, the first process as the second control, and the second process as the second control) based on the estimated fatigue level FD and the operation command (S206). More specifically, in step S206, the control unit 100 selects one of the maps shown in Figures 30(b), 31(a), and 31(b) based on the fatigue level FD, and sets each probability based on the selected map and the operation command.

[0299] After step S206, the control unit 100 randomly selects a process based on the set probabilities (S207). After step S207, the control unit 100 displays an image corresponding to the selected process on the screen M1 (S208) and terminates this process. Specifically, for example, if a process for tilting the seatback 12 backward using the electric reclining mechanism 21 is selected in step S207, the control unit 100 displays a video of a cat reclining the seatback backward on the screen M1, as shown in FIG. 29( a), and also operates the electric reclining mechanism 21 to actually reclining the seatback 12 backward, as shown in FIG. 29( b). Although not shown, an image corresponding to the process is also displayed, and the seat 10 moves in a manner corresponding to the process, when a process for tilting the seatback 12 forward, moving the seat 10 forward, or moving the seat 10 backward is selected.

[0300] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. In the following description, the map in Fig. 30(b) will also be referred to as the "first map," the map in Fig. 31(a) as the "second map," and the map in Fig. 31(b) as the "third map."

[0301] When the mode is the first mode and the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1, and a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the first map in Figure 30(b) and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 50%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 40%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 5%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 5%.

[0302] Thereafter, the control unit 100 randomly selects a process based on the set probabilities. For example, when the control unit 100 selects a process (first process) for tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21, the control unit 100 displays the video shown in Fig. 29(a) on the screen M1 and tilts the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21.

[0303] When the mode is the first mode and the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, and a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the second map of Figure 31(a) and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 70%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 30%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%.

[0304] In this way, when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the probability that the first control will be selected is higher than when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1, and the processing selected as the second control is narrowed down to only the first processing.

[0305] When the mode is the first mode and the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, and a forward tilt command is output from the reclining switch 61, the control unit 100 selects the third map in Figure 31(b) and sets the probability of each process corresponding to the forward tilt command. Specifically, the control unit 100 sets the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 forward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first control) will be selected to 90%, the probability that the process of tilting the seat back 12 backward by the electric reclining mechanism 21 (first process) will be selected to 10%, the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 forward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%, and the probability that the process of moving the seat 10 backward by the electric sliding mechanism 30 (second process) will be selected to 0%.

[0306] In this way, when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the probability that the first control will be selected is higher than when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2.

[0307] As described above, the present embodiment can achieve the following effects. When the control unit 100 executes the second control, if the user operates the first operation unit, the first electric device or the second electric device enters an operating state that the user does not intend, thereby enhancing entertainment value. Furthermore, since the probability of selecting the second control is changed based on the fatigue level FD, when the user's fatigue level is high, the probability of selecting the second control is lowered, thereby preventing the user from becoming annoyed.

[0308] Furthermore, when the fatigue level FD is low, the probability of selecting the second control is high, so a user who is not tired can enjoy the second control.

[0309] The character moves in accordance with the operation of the first or second electric device, which enhances entertainment value.

[0310] When the fatigue level FD exceeds the threshold, the number of processes to be selected as the second control is reduced, thereby preventing the user from becoming irritated.

[0311] In the first process, the movable part is moved in the direction opposite to the operation command, so that the user can clearly know that an incorrect operation is being performed in response to the operation command.

[0312] If there is a possibility of a vehicle collision, the second control is not executed, thereby improving safety.

[0313] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system according to the fifth embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those according to the fifth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0314] As shown in FIG. 33, a vehicle interior system 401 according to the sixth embodiment further includes a plurality of vibration devices 23 and an air conditioning unit 300 in addition to the configuration of the fifth embodiment.

[0315] The vibration device 23 is an example of a third electric device, and vibrates when energized, thereby reciprocating only a portion of the seating surface F of the seat 10. Four vibration devices 23 are provided on the seat cushion 11, and six are provided on the seat back 12.

[0316] More specifically, a pair of vibration devices 23 arranged side by side are arranged front to back in the seat cushion 11. A pair of vibration devices 23 arranged side by side are arranged top to bottom in the seat back 12. The vibration devices 23 are embedded in, for example, a pad.

[0317] The air conditioner 300 is an electrically powered device that discharges heated or cooled air into the vehicle interior from an air outlet 331 provided on the dashboard or the like.

[0318] The control unit 100 according to the sixth embodiment has a function for estimating the excitement level of the seated occupant. Examples of methods for estimating the excitement level include methods based on information from a second camera capturing an image of the seated occupant's face or a voice capture unit (microphone) capturing the seated occupant's voice. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether the seated occupant is smiling based on information from the second camera, and if it determines that the occupant is smiling, determines that the excitement level E is equal to or greater than a third threshold value TH3. Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines whether the volume of the seated occupant's voice is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on information from the voice capture unit, and if it determines that the volume of the voice is equal to or greater than the threshold value, determines that the excitement level E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3. In this case, the second camera or the voice capture unit corresponds to the biometric information detection unit.

[0319] The control unit 100 has a function of increasing the probability of selecting the second control when it determines that the excitement level E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3 compared to when it determines that the excitement level E is lower than the third threshold value TH3. The control unit 100 is capable of executing a fatigue reduction process to reduce fatigue in the user by activating the vibration device 23. The control unit 100 is capable of executing a fatigue reduction process as the second control when it determines that the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2.

[0320] Specifically, the control unit 100 according to the sixth embodiment selects processing by referring to a first map shown in Fig. 34, a second map shown in Fig. 35, a third map shown in Fig. 36, and a new fourth map shown in Fig. 37, which are different from those in the fifth embodiment. The control unit 100 selects one map from the four maps based on the fatigue level FD and the excitement level E.

[0321] When the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 selects either the first map or the fourth map based on the excitement level E. Specifically, when the control unit 100 determines that the excitement level E is less than the third threshold value TH3, it selects the first map. When the control unit 100 determines that the excitement level E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, it selects the fourth map.

[0322] When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1, the control unit 100 selects either the second map or the third map based solely on the fatigue level FD without referring to the excitement level E. Specifically, when TH1≦FD<TH2, the control unit 100 selects the second map. When FD≧TH2, the control unit 100 selects the third map.

[0323] Each of the four maps according to the sixth embodiment includes three new second processes in addition to the first map shown in FIG.

[0324] The newly added second processes are the following three processes: 1. A process of activating the vibration device 23 (fatigue reduction process), 2. A process of raising the temperature inside the vehicle by sending out heated air from the air conditioner 300, and 3. A process of lowering the temperature inside the vehicle by sending out cooled air from the air conditioner 300.

[0325] In the first map, the probability of selecting the first control is set to 50%, the probability of selecting the first process is set to 30%, the probability of selecting the fatigue reduction process is set to 0%, and the probability of selecting each of the other four second processes is set to 5%. Thus, in the sixth embodiment, when the excitement level E is less than the third threshold value TH3 and the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is set to five. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, when the excitement level E is less than the third threshold value TH3 and the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 100 targets, in addition to the plurality of electric devices provided in the seat 10, an electric device (air conditioner) provided in an interior member other than the seat 10 (dashboard) as a target of the second control.

[0326] In the second map, compared to the first map, the probability of selecting two second processes for operating the air conditioner 300 is set to 0% for both. As a result, when the fatigue level FD is TH1≦FD<TH2, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is three. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, when the fatigue level FD is TH1≦FD<TH2, the control unit 100 targets only the electric devices provided in the seat 10 as targets for the second control.

[0327] In the third map, of the five second processes, four processes other than the process of activating the vibration device 23 (fatigue reduction process) are each set to 0%, and the first process and fatigue reduction process are each set to 5%. As a result, when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the number of candidates selectable as the second control is two. In other words, in the sixth embodiment, when the control unit 100 selects the second control when the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the control unit 100 selects the first process and the fatigue reduction process at a ratio of 50% each.

[0328] In the fourth map, the probability of selecting the first control is set to 0%, and the probability of selecting the second control is set to 100%. The allocation of each process of the second control is set to 50% for the first process and 10% for each of the five second processes.

[0329] The control unit 100 executes the process of Fig. 38. The process of Fig. 38 includes a new process of step S231 instead of the process of step S206 of Fig. 32.

[0330] If the control unit 100 determines in step S205 that an operation command has been received (Yes), it estimates the fatigue level FD and the excitement level E, selects one of the first, second, third, and fourth maps based on the estimated fatigue level FD and excitement level E and the operation command, and sets the respective probabilities based on the selected map and the operation command (S231). After step S231, the control unit 100 randomly selects a process based on the set probabilities (S207).

[0331] As described above, the sixth embodiment can provide the following advantages: When the fatigue level FD is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the fatigue reduction process is executed, thereby achieving both entertainment value and fatigue reduction for the user.

[0332] When the excitement level E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value TH3, the second control is executed with a high probability (100%), which makes it possible to further entertain the user who is excited and enjoying the second control.

[0333] In the fatigue reduction process, a portion of the seating surface F of the seat 10 moves, thereby massaging the user and reducing fatigue of the user. In this embodiment, in the fatigue reduction process, the vibration of the vibration device 23 can relax the user's body, so fatigue can be reduced without changing the user's posture.

[0334] 39 , the control unit 100 may execute the first control or the second control based on an operation command from an operation unit for operating the air conditioning device 300. In other words, the control unit 100 may execute the first control or the second control based on an operation command from an operation unit for operating an electric device provided in an interior member other than the seat 10.

[0335] Specifically, when the control unit 100 receives a command to increase the interior temperature as the first operation command and executes the second control, the control unit 100 may set the air conditioner 300 to the second operation state to decrease the interior temperature. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 receives a command to decrease the interior temperature as the first operation command and executes the second control, the control unit 100 may set the air conditioner 300 to the second operation state to increase the interior temperature.

[0336] 39, the control unit 100 may be capable of executing the fatigue suppression process when the fatigue level FD is less than the first threshold TH1 and the excitement level E is less than the third threshold TH3. Although not shown, the control unit 100 may also be capable of executing the fatigue suppression process when TH1≦FD<TH2. In these cases, the proportion of times the fatigue suppression process is selected may increase as the fatigue level increases.

[0337] The third electric device may be any device that moves a part of the seating surface of the seat, such as an electric reclining mechanism, a mechanism for moving an ottoman, an air cell, etc. The third electric device may also be a device that emits a fragrance when energized.

[0338] The excitement level may be estimated by, for example, determining that the excitement level is equal to or greater than a third threshold value when it is determined that the heart rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0339] The second control may be any of the following: - Control in which a heater is started or heated air is exhausted from an air conditioner when an operation to close a window is performed. - Control in which an ottoman is raised when an input to tilt the reclining chair backward is performed. - Control in which an electric device operates in the opposite direction to the operation input (for example, control in which an operation to move the ottoman in a specified direction causes the ottoman to move in the opposite direction to the specified direction. For example, control in which an operation to close a window opens the window. For example, control in which an operation to increase the temperature of a seat heater decreases the temperature of the seat heater).

[0340] The fatigue reduction process may be the following: When the reclining seat is tilted back, the air cells expand and contract to perform a massage action. When the window is opened, the seat blower is activated.

[0341] The number of electric devices operated in the second control is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, in the second control, the control unit may set the first electric device to the second operating state and operate the second electric device.

[0342] The interior member may be an instrument panel, a center console, a steering wheel, an inner door panel, or the like.

[0343] When the control unit predicts a vehicle collision, the control unit may execute a collision prediction notification process to notify the user of the possibility of a vehicle collision.

[0344] The electrically powered device may be any of the following devices:・Height mechanism that moves the seat up and down ・A movable device that changes the shape of the seat by driving a bag (air cell) or plate member that is operated by the inflow of air (for example, a device that moves the left and right protrusions that protrude from the seating surface of the seat cushion or seat back, or a device that moves a part of the seat back or seat cushion) ・A side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front ends of the side frames of the seat cushion between an up position where they are raised and a down position where they are lowered ・A tilt mechanism that moves the cushion pan of the seat cushion up and down ・A center folding mechanism that tilts the upper part of the seat back forward and backward ・A rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis ・A cushion front-to-back adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the front end of the seat cushion ・A mechanism that rotates the ottoman up and down or moves it forward and backward ・A mechanism that rotates the armrest up and down ・A mechanism that extends and retracts the armrest ・A mechanism that switches the armrest between an extended state and a bent state ・Lighting ・A headrest speaker (The headrest speaker may rotate or move in at least one of the forward / backward, left / right, up / down directions.)・Heaters installed in seat backs or seat cushions ・Seat blowers, which are seat air conditioners that circulate air on the surfaces of the seat cushions and seat backs ・Window drive devices that drive windows ・Electric reclining mechanisms that tilt seat backs ・Vibration devices

[0345] The air cell may be connected to an air pump by an air tube, and may expand and press against the occupant when air is pumped in. The air cell may be located in the lower back like a lumbar support, or multiple air cells may be provided on the seat to allow for more localized changes in shape.

[0346] The vibration device may be any type, such as one having a motor and harness that emits vibrations, one having an eccentric motor, or one having a linear motor. The vibration device may be provided on a seat cushion, a headrest, etc. The vibration device may be provided on the left and right protrusions of the seat cushion or seat back.

[0347] The display unit may be located anywhere, such as on the instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, meter, seat back, door side, or decorative element. The display unit may also be a projection device that projects an optical image onto another component. The display unit may also be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet carried by the seat occupant.

[0348] The movable part (at least a part of the seat) may be a member that resembles an animal's body part, such as cat ears. The movable part may be made of a raised material. The movable part may also be an interior member other than a seat, such as a vehicle window.

[0349] The character may be an animal other than a cat, a living thing such as a plant, or an anthropomorphized object or living thing. The character may be set in advance, and may be, for example, an image of a deformed passenger.

[0350] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0351] The collision detection unit may be an inter-vehicle distance sensor that detects the distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead.

[0352] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system: A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system including a first electric device that operates when energized, a second electric device that also operates when energized, a first operation unit that operates the first electric device, a biometric information detection unit that detects biometric information of a user, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of selecting and executing, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, a first control that places the first electric device in a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command, and a second control that places the first electric device in a second operating state that does not correspond to the first operation command and / or operates the second electric device, when the first operation command is received from the first operation unit, and the probability of selecting the second control is changed based on the biometric information received from the biometric information detection unit, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the first electric device, the second electric device, the first operation unit, and the biometric information detection unit to the control unit.

[0353] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination.

Claims

1. A seat system comprising: a seat; a weight sensor that detects the weight of a user seated on the seat; an electric device that moves at least a part of the seat; an operation unit for operating the electric device; and a control unit, wherein the control unit, upon receiving an operation command from the operation unit, executes a device operation restriction process that restricts the operation of the electric device by stopping the operation of the electric device for a predetermined period of time based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

2. The seat system described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit, during the device operation restriction process, changes the proportion of the stop time of the electric device per specified time based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

3. The seat system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit, in the device operation restriction process, sets the waiting time from when an operation command is received from the operation unit until the operation of the electric device starts based on the weight obtained from the weight sensor.

4. The seat system described in claim 3, further comprising a display unit, wherein the control unit is capable of displaying a character on the display unit, and when executing the device operation restriction process, moves the character in a manner corresponding to the operation of the electric device.

5. The seat system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the character based on the user's operation history of the operation unit.

6. The seat system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the ratio of the stop time per predetermined time based on the operation history of the operation unit.

7. The seat system described in claim 1, characterized in that the seat has a vibration device, and the control unit activates the vibration device when the weight obtained from the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold during the device operation restriction process.

8. The seat system described in claim 5, characterized in that the seat is equipped with at least one of a speaker, an air conditioning unit, lighting, and a heater, and the control unit, in the device operation restriction processing, links the operation of at least one of the speaker, the air conditioning unit, the lighting, and the heater with the movement of the character.

9. The seat system described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit does not execute the device operation restriction process when it predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit installed in the vehicle.

10. A vehicle interior system comprising: a seat system as described in claim 1; a mileage acquisition unit that acquires the mileage of the vehicle; a first electric device provided in an interior member; and a display unit that displays a character, wherein the control unit changes the operation of the first electric device and the display of the character based on the mileage acquired from the mileage acquisition unit.

11. A vehicle interior system comprising: a seat system as described in claim 1; a first electric device that operates when current is applied; a second electric device that operates when current is applied; a first operation unit that operates the first electric device; and a biometric information detection unit that can detect a user's biometric information, wherein the control unit is capable of selecting and executing, when a first operation command is received from the first operation unit, a first control that places the first electric device in a first operating state corresponding to the first operation command, and a second control that places the first electric device in a second operating state that does not correspond to the first operation command and / or operates the second electric device, when the first operation command is received from the first operation unit, and wherein the probability of selecting the second control is changed based on the biometric information received from the biometric information detection unit.

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