Vehicle interior system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle interior system that makes it easy for an occupant in a second seat located behind a first seat to easily ascertain a notification which is provided by a robot. A vehicle interior system (SY1) comprises: a first seat (SH1) and a second seat (SH2) in which an occupant is seated; a seating detection unit (seating sensor 70) which detects that an occupant is seated in the second seat (SH2); a first robot (R1) which is positioned between a dashboard (D) and the second seat (SH2) in the front-rear direction of a vehicle; and a control unit (CN). The second seat (SH2) is located behind the first seat (SH1). The first robot (R1) has a first display unit for displaying information. Upon determining, on the basis of information from the seating detection unit, that an occupant is seated in the second seat (SH2), the control unit (CN) moves the first robot (R1) to direct the first display unit toward the second seat (SH2).

Description

Vehicle Interior Systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle interior system including trim and controls.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle interior system has been known that includes a robot placed on the dashboard, a detection unit that detects the movement of objects inside and outside the vehicle, and a control unit that causes the robot to perform related operations that are related to the movement (see JP 2023-167327 A).

[0003] However, in the conventional technology, since the robot is placed on the dashboard, there is a problem that it is difficult for passengers in seats behind the first row of seats to understand notifications from the robot.

[0004] Therefore, the present disclosure is expected to provide a vehicle interior system that makes it easier for an occupant in the second seat located behind the first seat to understand notifications from a robot.

[0005] In view of the above background, one aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle interior system including a first seat and a second seat for an occupant to sit on, an occupancy detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated on the second seat, a first robot positioned between the dashboard and the second seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a control unit. The second seat is positioned behind the first seat. The first robot has a first display unit that displays information. When the control unit determines that an occupant is seated on the second seat based on information from the occupancy detection unit, it moves the first robot to orient the first display unit toward the second seat.

[0006] According to this configuration, when the control unit determines that an occupant is seated in the second seat based on information from the seating detection unit, it moves the first robot to point the first display unit toward the second seat, making it easier for the occupant in the second seat to see the first display unit and understand notifications from the robot.

[0007] The first robot may also be provided on the first seat.

[0008] The vehicle interior system may further include an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat, and the control unit may display the face imaged by the imaging unit on the first display unit.

[0009] By configuring the face of the occupant in the seat located in front of the second seat to be displayed on the first display unit, the occupant in the second seat can know the facial expression of the occupant in the front seat via the first robot.

[0010] The vehicle interior system may further include a second robot provided on the dashboard and an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of the occupant in the second seat. In this case, the second robot has a second display that displays information. The control unit may display the image of the face of the occupant in the second seat captured by the imaging unit on the second display.

[0011] By configuring the face of the occupant in the second seat to be displayed on the second display unit, an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat can know the facial expression of the occupant in the second seat through the second robot.

[0012] The vehicle interior system may further include an imaging unit that captures an image of an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat. The control unit may determine a movement of the occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and may move the first robot in response to the movement.

[0013] By configuring the first robot to move in response to the movements of an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can learn the movements of the occupant in the front seat via the first robot.

[0014] The vehicle interior system may further include a second robot mounted on the dashboard and an imaging unit that captures an image of an occupant in the second seat. In this case, the second robot has a second display that displays information. The control unit may determine a movement of the occupant in the second seat based on the image captured by the imaging unit and move the second robot in response to the movement.

[0015] By configuring the second robot to move in response to the movement of the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the front seat can know the movement of the occupant in the second seat via the second robot.

[0016] The vehicle interior system may further include an audio acquisition unit that acquires audio, and an imaging unit that can capture images of the occupant in the seat located in front of the second seat and the occupant in the second seat, and the control unit may determine the occupant making the audio based on information acquired from the audio acquisition unit, and display the occupant making the audio on the first display unit based on an image captured by the imaging unit.

[0017] By configuring the first display unit to display the occupant who is making a sound, the occupant in the second seat can know, for example, the facial expression of the occupant who is speaking.

[0018] The vehicle interior system may further include an electric device that operates the first seat, and the control unit may operate the electric device in conjunction with the operation of the first robot.

[0019] By configuring the electric device to operate in conjunction with the movement of the first robot, the occupant can feel as if the first robot and the first seat are moving as a single robot, thereby improving the entertainment value.

[0020] The vehicle interior system may further include an electric device that operates the first seat, and the control unit may be capable of estimating the physique of an occupant seated in the second seat based on information from the seating detection unit, and may operate the electric device based on the estimated physique.

[0021] By configuring the first seat to operate based on the physique of the occupant in the second seat, for example, if the occupant in the second seat is a small child, the first seat can be operated so that the first robot approaches the occupant in the second seat, making it easier for the occupant in the second seat to see the display of the first robot.

[0022] In addition, the vehicle interior system further includes a seating detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated in the first seat, and the control unit does not need to change the orientation of the first display unit of the first robot when an occupant is seated in the first seat.

[0023] By configuring the first robot so that the orientation of the first display unit does not change when an occupant is sitting in the first seat, it is possible to prevent the occupant in the first seat from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the first robot.

[0024] The first seat also has an airbag and a skin having a tear line that breaks when the airbag is deployed, and the first robot does not have to overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed.

[0025] By configuring the first robot so that it does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag from interfering with the first robot when the airbag is deployed.

[0026] Furthermore, in the conventional technology, the robot does not notify the other passengers of the driver's driving operations, such as braking, making it difficult for the other passengers to understand the driver's driving operations. Therefore, it is conceivable that the other passengers will feel uneasy because they will not know information such as whether the driver is braking or steering firmly.

[0027] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle interior system that allows passengers other than the driver to understand the driving operations of the driver.

[0028] In consideration of the above background, another aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle interior system including a first seat for a driver, a second seat for a passenger other than the driver, an ornament attached to an interior member of the vehicle, an operation detection unit that detects driving operations by the driver, and a control unit. The ornament has a movable body that is moved by an actuator. The control unit notifies the passenger seated in the second seat of the driver's driving operations by moving the movable body based on the driving operations detected by the operation detection unit.

[0029] According to this configuration, the control unit moves the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit, thereby notifying the occupant sitting in the second seat of the driver's driving operation, so that occupants other than the driver can understand the driver's driving operation.

[0030] The movable body may be movable by an actuator so as to come into contact with an occupant seated in the second seat.

[0031] By configuring the movable body operated by the actuator to come into contact with the occupant in the second seat, the occupant in the second seat can easily notice the movement of the movable body. Also, even if the occupant in the second seat is visually impaired, they can understand the driver's driving operations.

[0032] In addition, the operation detection unit can detect the amount of operation of the brake pedal, and the control unit can execute a pressing process to press a movable body against the occupant when the brake pedal is operated, and in the pressing process, the greater the amount of operation of the brake pedal, the greater the pressing force of the movable body.

[0033] By configuring the brake pedal so that the pressing force of the movable body on the occupant in the second seat increases as the amount of brake pedal operation increases, the occupant in the second seat can understand the amount of brake pedal operation from the magnitude of the pressing force of the movable body.

[0034] Furthermore, in the pressing process, when the pressing force of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit may return the movable body to an initial position where the movable body does not press against the occupant.

[0035] By configuring the movable body to return to its initial position when the pressing force of the movable body exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when pressed by a force exceeding the predetermined threshold.

[0036] The movable body may have a cushion at least at its tip, and the control unit may bring the cushion into contact with the occupant based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit.

[0037] By configuring the cushion at the tip of the movable body to come into contact with the occupant, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when the movable body comes into contact with the occupant.

[0038] The operation detection unit may be capable of detecting an amount of steering operation, and the control unit may turn the movable body in accordance with the amount of steering operation.

[0039] By configuring the movable body to turn in accordance with the amount of steering operation, the occupant can grasp the steering operation of the driver.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit does not need to move the movable body when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode.

[0041] Since it is expected that occupants will have little interest in driving operations during autonomous driving, by configuring the movable body not to move when the vehicle is in autonomous driving, it is possible to prevent occupants who are less interested in driving operations from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0042] Furthermore, the second seat can rotate around a vertical axis, and the control unit does not need to move the movable body when the second seat is facing backward.

[0043] Since it is expected that rearward-facing passengers will have little interest in driving operations, by configuring the movable body not to move when the second seat is rearward-facing, it is possible to prevent rearward-facing passengers who have little interest in driving operations from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body.

[0044] The movable body may also have a pressure sensor, and the control unit may stop the movement of the movable body when a pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0045] By configuring the movable body to stop moving when the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the movable body reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is possible to prevent the occupant from being pushed by pressure exceeding the predetermined threshold and feeling uncomfortable.

[0046] In addition, the operation detection unit has a first detection unit that detects the operation of the brake pedal and a second detection unit that detects the amount of steering operation, and the control unit is capable of executing a turning process that turns the movable body according to the amount of steering operation, and in the turning process, the amount of movement of the movable body may be changed according to whether or not the brake pedal is operated.

[0047] By configuring the vehicle to change the amount of movement of the movable body in the turning process depending on whether or not the brake pedal is operated, the movable body can be prevented from turning when the brake is applied, and can be turned in accordance with the steering operation when the brake is not applied. In this case, for example, when traveling at high speed, the safety of the occupants can be ensured by not turning the movable body when the brake is applied, and when the brake is not applied, the occupants can be notified of minute steering operations during high-speed traveling by the movable body.

[0048] In addition, when both the brake pedal and the steering wheel are operated, the control unit may not perform turning processing if the steering operation amount is less than a predetermined threshold, and may perform turning processing if the steering operation amount is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0049] Since it is considered unimportant to notify the occupant of minute steering operations during braking, the system is configured so that turning processing is not performed when the steering operation amount during braking is less than a predetermined threshold, thereby preventing the moving body from moving to notify unimportant information, which would cause the occupant discomfort.

[0050] The movable body may also have a first movable part extending from a first pivot axis and pivoting around the first pivot axis, and a second movable part pivoting around a second pivot axis located at the end of the first movable part opposite the first pivot axis, and the control unit may rotate the first movable part and the second movable part around the first pivot axis when the brake pedal is not operated and the steering is operated, and rotate the second movable part around the second pivot axis when both the brake pedal and the steering are operated.

[0051] In addition, the decorative item is provided on the second sheet, which has an airbag and a skin having a tear line that breaks when the airbag is activated, and the decorative item does not have to overlap with the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed.

[0052] By configuring the decorative element so that it does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag from interfering with the decorative element when the airbag is deployed.

[0053] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the driver would be prompted to switch from automated driving to manual driving by using the voice or movement of a robot, as in the prior art. However, there is a problem in that the driver would not easily notice the notification when using the voice or movement of a robot.

[0054] Therefore, it is desirable to make it easier for occupants to notice the switch notification that prompts them to switch from automatic driving to manual driving.

[0055] In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle interior system including a seat, an electric device that deforms the seating surface of the seat, an ornament attached to an interior member of the vehicle, and a control unit. The ornament has a movable body. The movable body is moved by an actuator and is capable of coming into contact with an occupant seated in the seat. The control unit is capable of executing a first notification process that operates the electric device and a second notification process that brings the movable body into contact with the occupant seated in the seat. When executing a switch notification process that prompts the occupant to switch from autonomous driving to manual driving, the control unit executes the first notification process and the second notification process.

[0056] By configuring the system to execute the first notification process and the second notification process when executing the switching notification process, the deformation of the seating surface by the electric device and the contact of the decorative item with the occupant can make the occupant more aware of the switching notification.

[0057] Furthermore, after executing the first notification process, if the control unit determines that the occupant is not manually driving the vehicle, the control unit may execute the second notification process.

[0058] If it is determined that the occupant is not manually driving after the first notification process is executed, the second notification process is executed, which allows the switching notification to be sent in stages, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification.

[0059] The seat may have a seat cushion and a seat back, and the electric device may deform at least one of the upper surface of the seat cushion, the front surface of the seat cushion, and the front surface of the seat back as the seating surface.

[0060] The movable body may also be capable of coming into contact with the head of the occupant.

[0061] By configuring the movable body to be able to come into contact with the occupant's head, the movable body can be brought into contact with the occupant's head in the second notification process, making it easier for the occupant to notice the switching notification compared to a configuration in which the movable body is brought into contact with a part of the body that is likely to be covered by clothing, such as the occupant's arm.

[0062] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include an alertness detection unit that acquires information for determining the level of alertness of the occupant, and the control unit may simultaneously execute the first notification process and the second notification process on the condition that the level of alertness determined based on the information acquired from the alertness detection unit is below a predetermined threshold.

[0063] By configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the level of alertness is below a predetermined threshold, two types of notifications can make it easier for occupants with low levels of alertness to notice the switching notification.

[0064] In addition, the vehicle interior system may further include a speed detection unit that detects the speed of the vehicle, and the control unit may simultaneously execute the first notification process and the second notification process on the condition that the speed obtained from the speed detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0065] By configuring the system to execute the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the speed is above a predetermined threshold, it is possible to make it easier for occupants to notice the switch notification when driving at high speeds, when it is necessary to switch to manual driving quickly.

[0066] In addition, the decorative element may be detachable from the seat, multiple decorative elements may be provided on the seat, the seat may have multiple mounting portions to which the decorative elements may be attached, and the control unit may change the movement of the movable body depending on the mounting position of the decorative element.

[0067] The decorative item may also have an airbag, and the movable body may be movable between a first position and a second position that is more suitable for deploying the airbag than the first position, and the control unit may move the movable body to the second position if a predetermined time has elapsed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification process and the second notification process.

[0068] By configuring the movable body to move to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed after the first notification process and the second notification process have been executed, without the occupant manually driving the vehicle, if the occupant does not notice the switching notification, the movable body will move to the second position and preparations for airbag deployment can be made.

[0069] In addition, if the control unit predicts a vehicle collision while the switching notification process is being executed, it may terminate the switching notification process, move the movable body to the second position, and then activate the airbag.

[0070] If a vehicle collision is predicted while the switching notification process is being executed, the switching notification process is terminated, the movable body is moved to the second position, and then the airbag is activated, thereby enabling the airbag to be activated quickly after a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0071] A seat equipped with a garbage bag bracket capable of suspending a garbage bag is also known (see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 6-45851). In this technology, the garbage bag bracket is movable between a storage position stored in the armrest and a use position pulled out from the tip of the armrest.

[0072] In the prior art, when a passenger wants to hang a garbage bag on the garbage bag bracket, the passenger must manually pull the garbage bag bracket out to the use position, which is time-consuming.

[0073] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle interior system that can reduce the effort required to prepare a structure on which items can be hung.

[0074] In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention discloses a vehicle interior system including an ornamental item provided on a seat and a control unit. The ornamental item is positioned to avoid the seating surface of the seat. The ornamental item has a movable body that is moved by an actuator. The movable body is deformable between a bent holding shape and a shape that is less bent than the holding shape. The holding shape is a shape that allows an object to be hung. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit operates the actuator to change the movable body into the holding shape.

[0075] By configuring the control unit to operate the actuator to put the movable body into the holding shape, the occupant does not need to manually put the movable body into the holding shape, thereby reducing the effort required to prepare the movable body into the holding shape.

[0076] The ornament may further comprise a weight detection unit that detects the weight of an object held by the movable body, and the control unit may move the movable body based on the weight obtained from the weight detection unit.

[0077] The control unit may also increase the degree of bending of the movable body in the held shape as the weight acquired from the weight detection unit increases.

[0078] By configuring the movable body in the holding shape to bend more as the weight obtained from the weight detection unit increases, it is possible to prevent a heavy object from falling off the movable body.

[0079] The decorative item may further include lighting, and the control unit may control the lighting based on the weight obtained from the weight detection unit.

[0080] The vehicle may further include an acceleration detection unit that detects acceleration applied to the vehicle, and the control unit may move the movable body based on the acceleration obtained from the acceleration detection unit when the movable body is in the holding shape.

[0081] Furthermore, when the direction of acceleration acquired from the acceleration detection unit is the vertical direction, the control unit may move the movable body in the vertical direction.

[0082] The vehicle interior system may further include a recognition unit that recognizes the occupant's belongings, and the movable body may be deformable into a first holding shape in which a first item can be hung and a second holding shape in which a second item can be hung, and the control unit may change the movable body to the first holding shape when it determines that the belongings recognized by the recognition unit are the first item, and change the movable body to the second holding shape when it determines that the belongings recognized by the recognition unit are the second item.

[0083] By configuring the control unit to change the movable body to a first holding shape when it determines that the personal item recognized by the recognition unit is a first item, and to change the movable body to a second holding shape when it determines that the personal item recognized by the recognition unit is a second item, the effort required by the occupant can be reduced.

[0084] The vehicle interior system may further include an object information acquisition unit that acquires object information regarding an object hung on the movable body, and a display unit that displays a character, and the control unit may move the character according to the object information acquired from the object information acquisition unit.

[0085] By configuring the character to move in accordance with the object information acquired from the object information acquisition unit, the entertainment value can be increased.

[0086] The seat has an airbag and a cover having a tear line that breaks when the airbag is deployed, and the decorative item does not need to overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag deploys.

[0087] By configuring the decorative element so that it does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag from interfering with the decorative element when the airbag is deployed.

[0088] The control unit may also operate the actuator to bring the movable body into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, on the condition that no object is hung on the movable body.

[0089] The entertainment value can be increased by configuring the process to bring the movable body into contact with the occupant seated in the seat. Also, by setting the condition for the process to bring the movable body into contact with the occupant as being that no object is hung on the movable body, it is possible to prevent the object from falling off the movable body when the movable body moves with an object hung on it.

[0090] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a top view of the vehicle system; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure around the robot; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the robot; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the first robot and the second robot from the rear seat side; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the control unit, with FIG. 6(a) showing a state in which only the driver is in the vehicle and FIG. 6(b) showing a state in which an occupant has gotten into the rear seat of the vehicle with the driver in it; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a vehicle system according to a second embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bracket for attaching the first robot to the back frame, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the tear line and the first robot; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the first robot and the like when an occupant is seated only in the driver's seat; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the first robot and the like when an occupant is seated only in the driver's seat and the passenger seat; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the second seat; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the tail member positioned in the initial position, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the tail member positioned in the contact position. 10A is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a tail member according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10D is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10E is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a flowchart showing a modified example of the operation of the control unit according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a tail member according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 10F is a diagram showing the front seat and the rear seat from the left and right directions. FIG. 10F is a diagram showing the front seat from the rear. FIG. 10G is a diagram showing the relationship between the movable body of the front seat and the child seat. FIG. 10H is a diagram showing a configuration in which cameras are provided in the front seat and the rear seat.10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a camera is provided at the tip of the tail member. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a camera is provided at the tip of the tail member, as viewed from the left and right. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the tail member positioned at the separated position (a), and diagrams (b) and (c) showing the tail member positioned at the contact position. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a twelfth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a fourteenth embodiment, (a) a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a movable body, (b) a diagram showing the movable body positioned at a second position, and (d) a diagram showing a state in which an airbag is deployed. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit according to the fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing airbag processing. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a fifteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the tail member positioned at the separated position, and diagrams (b) and (c) showing the tail member positioned at the contact position. 10A is a diagram showing a state in which the movable body is in a holding shape, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a state in which an object is hung on the movable body. A flowchart showing the operation of the control unit. A flowchart showing the contact mode. A flowchart showing the holding mode. A perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the movable body. A diagram showing a state in which the light on the movable body is turned on, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an image displayed on a monitor. A flowchart showing the holding mode of the sixteenth embodiment. A perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to a seventeenth embodiment. A diagram showing a state of the movable body when the vehicle moves up, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the movement of the movable body when the vehicle moves down. A flowchart showing the holding mode of the seventeenth embodiment. A perspective view showing a vehicle interior system according to an eighteenth embodiment. A diagram showing a state in which an occupant carrying a bag approaches the vehicle, a diagram showing a state in which the movable body is in a first holding shape corresponding to the bag, a diagram showing a state in which an occupant carrying clothes approaches the vehicle, and a diagram showing a state in which the movable body is in a second holding shape corresponding to the clothes.It is a flowchart showing a riding state holding mode. It is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior system relating to a 19th embodiment. It is a perspective view (a) and a side view (b) showing a vehicle interior system relating to a 20th embodiment.

[0091] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a vehicle interior system SY1 includes a first seat SH1, a second seat SH2, a third seat SH3, a fourth seat SH4, a first robot R1, a second robot R2, and a control unit CN. In this embodiment, the first seat SH1 is a passenger seat, and the second seat SH2 is a seat behind the passenger seat. The third seat SH3 is a driver's seat, and the fourth seat SH4 is a seat behind the driver's seat.

[0092] The first seat SH1 and the third seat SH3 are aligned in the left-right direction. The second seat SH2 and the fourth seat SH4 are aligned in the left-right direction. In the following description, the first seat SH1 and the third seat SH3 will also be referred to as the "front seats," and the second seat SH2 and the fourth seat SH4 will also be referred to as the "rear seats."

[0093] The first seat SH1, the second seat SH2, the third seat SH3, and the fourth seat SH4 are seats in which passengers sit. Since the first seat SH1, the second seat SH2, the third seat SH3, and the fourth seat SH4 have substantially the same structure, the following description will focus on the structure of the first seat SH1, and will omit descriptions of the other seats.

[0094] The first seat SH1 has a seat body 10, an electric height mechanism HT, an electric reclining mechanism RC and an electric slide mechanism SL as examples of electric devices, a height switch 64, a reclining switch 61 and a slide switch 62, and a seat sensor 70 as an example of a seat detection unit.

[0095] The seat body 10 is a member having a seating surface that supports the user. The seat body 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 have a metal frame that forms the framework, a pad that covers the frame, and a surface that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The surface is made of synthetic leather, fabric, or the like. The upper surface of the seat cushion 11 forms the seating surface. The front surfaces of the seat back 12 and the headrest 13 each form the seating surface.

[0096] The electric height mechanism HT is a mechanism that moves up and down the seat body 10. The electric height mechanism HT is equipped with a motor that is activated by energization.

[0097] The electric reclining mechanism RC is a mechanism that tilts the seat back 12. The electric reclining mechanism RC includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0098] The electric slide mechanism SL is a device that moves the seat body 10 in the front-rear direction. The seat body 10 is supported on slide rails SR so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The electric slide mechanism SL includes a motor that is activated by energization.

[0099] The height switch 64 is an operating unit for operating the electric height mechanism HT. The height switch 64 is, for example, slidable in the vertical direction. When the height switch 64 is slid upward, it outputs an upward command to the control unit CN to move the seat body 10 upward. When the height switch 64 is slid downward, it outputs a downward command to the control unit CN to move the seat body 10 downward.

[0100] The reclining switch 61 is an operating unit for operating the electric reclining mechanism RC. 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 CN to tilt the seat back 12 forward. When tilted rearward, the reclining switch 61 outputs a rearward tilt command to the control unit CN to tilt the seat back 12 rearward.

[0101] The slide switch 62 is an operating unit for operating the electric slide mechanism SL. 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 CN for moving the seat body 10 forward. When the slide switch 62 is slid rearward, it outputs a backward movement command to the control unit CN for moving the seat body 10 rearward.

[0102] The seating sensor 70 is a sensor that detects that an occupant is seated on the seat body 10. The seating sensor 70 detects the load from the occupant and outputs the detected load to the control unit CN.

[0103] The first robot R1 is disposed in a position visible to a user seated in the second seat SH2. Specifically, the first robot R1 is located between the dashboard D and the second seat SH2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the first robot R1 is provided in the first seat SH1. More specifically, the first robot R1 is provided on the right side of the upper part of the seat back 12 of the first seat SH1, adjacent to the headrest 13 in the lateral direction.

[0104] The second robot R2 is disposed in a position visible to a user seated on the first seat SH1 or the third seat SH3. In this embodiment, the second robot R2 is disposed on the dashboard D. More specifically, the second robot R2 is disposed in the center of the dashboard D in the left-right direction.

[0105] The first robot R1 and the second robot R2 have the same structure. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first robot R1 and the second robot R2, these robots will be simply referred to as robot 80.

[0106] 3, the robot 80 has a robot main body 81, two arms 82, a screen 83, and a camera 84. The screen 83 of the first robot R1 corresponds to a first display unit, and the screen 83 of the second robot R2 corresponds to a second display unit. The camera 84 of the first robot R1 corresponds to an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2. The camera 84 of the second robot R2 corresponds to an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of the occupant in the seat (SH1, SH3) located in front of the second seat SH2.

[0107] The imaging unit that captures the face of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 may be, for example, a camera provided on the ceiling of the vehicle. Also, the imaging unit that captures the face of the occupant in the seat (SH1, SH3) located in front of the second seat SH2 may be, for example, a camera provided on the dashboard.

[0108] The robot body 81 has a body case 81A, two arm driving devices 81B, and a vibration device 81C.

[0109] The main body case 81A is made of resin, metal, or the like. The main body case 81A is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape (see FIG. 4(d)). The arm driving device 81B is a device that rotates the arm 82 up and down when energized. The vibration device 81C is a device that vibrates when energized.

[0110] Each arm 82 is rotatably supported by the main body case 81A. Each arm 82 extends upward from the left and right sides of the main body case 81A. As shown in Fig. 4(a) , each arm 82 can be rotated by an arm driving device 81B between a first arm position where the tip thereof faces upward and a second arm position where the tip thereof faces outward in the left-right direction from the first arm position.

[0111] The screen 83 can display information such as images showing the eyes and mouth of the robot 80. The camera 84 is located above the screen 83. The camera 84 faces in the same direction as the screen 83.

[0112] The robot 80 is supported by a robot support device RM. The robot support device RM has a rotation mechanism RM1 that rotatably supports the robot body 81, an elevation mechanism RM2 that moves the rotation mechanism RM1 in the up and down direction, a front-to-back movement mechanism RM3 that moves the elevation mechanism RM2 in the front-to-back direction, and a left-to-right movement mechanism RM4 that moves the front-to-back movement mechanism RM3 in the left-to-right direction.

[0113] The rotation mechanism RM1 has a function of tilting the robot 80 left and right as shown in Fig. 4(c) . The rotation mechanism RM1 also has a function of tilting the robot 80 forward and backward as shown in Fig. 4(d) . The rotation mechanism RM1 also has a function of rotating the robot 80 around a vertical axis.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 4(b), the lifting mechanism RM2 has a function of moving the rotation mechanism RM1 in the vertical direction to move the robot 80 in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 4(d), the front-rear movement mechanism RM3 has a function of moving the lifting mechanism RM2 in the vertical direction to move the robot 80 and the rotation mechanism RM1 in the vertical direction.

[0115] 4(a), the left-right movement mechanism RM4 has a function of moving the front-rear movement mechanism RM3 in the left-right direction, thereby moving the robot 80, the turning mechanism RM1, and the lifting mechanism RM2 in the left-right direction. Note that in this embodiment, the robot support device RM that supports the first robot R1 does not include the lifting mechanism RM2, the front-rear movement mechanism RM3, and the left-right movement mechanism RM4.

[0116] The control unit CN has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit CN is connected to the sensors, electric devices, and operation units of each seat (SH1 to SH3), as well as the robot 80. The control unit CN may be provided in the seat, or may be provided in a member other than the seat.

[0117] The control unit CN can execute a robot mode that moves the robots 80. The robot mode can be started and ended, for example, by the crew operating a switch. When the control unit CN receives a command to start the robot mode, it operates each robot 80 according to various conditions. When the control unit CN receives a command to end the robot mode, it returns each robot 80 to its initial state and ends the robot mode.

[0118] In this embodiment, the initial state of the first robot R1 is a state in which the screen 83 faces forward, and the initial state of the second robot R2 is a state in which the screen 83 faces backward and is located in the center of the dashboard D in the left-right direction.

[0119] In the robot mode, the control unit CN can execute the following processes. When the control unit CN determines that an occupant P2 is seated in the second seat SH2 based on information from the seating sensor 70 of the second seat SH2, the control unit CN moves the first robot R1 to face the screen 83 of the first robot R1 toward the second seat SH2. The control unit CN displays the face of the front seat occupant, captured by the camera 84 of the second robot R2, on the screen 83 of the first robot R1. The control unit CN displays the face of the rear seat occupant P2, captured by the camera 84 of the first robot R1, on the screen 83 of the second robot R2.

[0120] 5, the control unit CN captures an image of the face of the driver P3, who is an occupant of the third seat SH3, using the camera 84 of the second robot R2, and deforms (processes) the captured facial image before displaying it on the screen 83 of the first robot R1. An avatar reflecting the facial expression of the driver P3 is displayed on the screen 83 of the first robot R1.

[0121] The control unit CN also captures an image of the face of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 using the camera 84 of the first robot R1, deforms (processes) the captured image of the face, and displays it on the screen 83 of the second robot R2. An avatar reflecting the facial expression of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 is displayed on the screen 83 of the second robot R2.

[0122] The facial image displayed on each screen 83 may be a photographic image or an icon.

[0123] The control unit CN determines the movement of the driver P3 based on images captured by the camera 84 of the second robot R2 and moves the first robot R1 in response to that movement. The control unit CN moves the first seat SH1 by operating the electric height mechanism HT, the electric reclining mechanism RC, or the electric slide mechanism SL in conjunction with the movement of the first robot R1. The control unit CN determines the movement of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 based on images captured by the camera 84 of the first robot R1 and moves the second robot R2 in response to that movement.

[0124] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. When the control unit CN receives a command to start the robot mode, it executes the process shown in FIG.

[0125] 6, the control unit CN first determines whether or not an occupant P2 is seated on the second seat SH2 based on information acquired from the seating sensor 70 of the second seat SH2 (S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the occupant P2 is not seated (No), the control unit CN ends this process.

[0126] If it is determined in step S1 that the driver P3 is seated (Yes), the control unit CN rotates the first robot R1 around the vertical axis to orient the screen 83 of the first robot R1 toward the second seat SH2 (S2). After step S2, the control unit CN captures an image of the driver P3's face with the camera 84 of the second robot R2 and displays the captured image of the driver P3's face on the screen 83 of the first robot R1 (S3).

[0127] After step S3, the control unit CN captures an image of the face of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 with the camera 84 of the first robot R1 and displays the captured image of the face of the occupant P2 on the screen 83 of the second robot R2 (S4). After step S4, the control unit CN determines the movement of the driver P3 based on the image captured by the camera 84 of the second robot R2 (S5).

[0128] After step S5, the control unit CN determines whether the driver P3 has moved (S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the driver P3 has moved (Yes), the control unit CN controls the first robot R1 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the driver P3 (S7).

[0129] After step S7, the control unit CN moves the first seat SH1 in conjunction with the movement of the first robot R1 (S8). After step S8, or if it is determined in step S6 that the driver P3 is not moving (No), the control unit CN determines the movement of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 based on the image captured by the camera 84 of the first robot R1 (S9).

[0130] After step S9, the control unit CN determines whether the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 has moved (S10). If it is determined in step S10 that the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 has moved (Yes), the control unit CN moves the second robot R2 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 (S11), and ends this process.

[0131] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Fig. 7(a), when the driver P3 is driving the vehicle alone or when the control unit CN is not executing the robot mode, the first robot R1 and the second robot R2 are in an initial state in which the screen 83 of the first robot R1 faces forward and the screen 83 of the second robot R2 faces backward.

[0132] When the driver P3 is driving the vehicle alone, the control unit CN receives a robot mode start command by operating a switch, and the control unit CN determines whether the occupant P2 is seated in the second seat SH2. As shown in Figure 7(a), if the occupant P2 is not seated in the second seat SH2, the control unit CN keeps the screen 83 of the first robot R1 facing forward.

[0133] 7B, when the occupant P2 sits on the second seat SH2, the control unit CN rotates the first robot R1 so that the screen 83 of the first robot R1 faces the second seat SH2 behind it. The control unit CN then captures an image of the driver P3's face with the second robot R2 and displays the deformed image on the screen 83 of the first robot R1, as shown in FIG. 5. If the driver P3 has a blank expression, the control unit CN displays an image of the blank expression on the screen 83 of the first robot R1.

[0134] Furthermore, the control unit CN causes the first robot R1 to capture an image of the face of the occupant P2, and deforms the captured face before displaying it on the screen 83 of the second robot R2. When the occupant P2 smiles upon seeing the image of the expressionless face, the control unit CN displays an image of the smiling face on the screen 83 of the second robot R2.

[0135] When the driver P3 tilts his / her head to the left, wondering why the occupant P2 laughed at him / her, the control unit CN tilts the first robot R1 to the left (to the right as seen from the occupant) as shown in Fig. 4(c) to move the first robot R1 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the driver P3. Furthermore, at this time, the control unit CN moves the first seat SH1 forward, for example, to move the first seat SH1 in a manner corresponding to the movement of the first robot R1.

[0136] If the occupant P2 smiles and turns his head upwards after seeing the movements of the first robot R1 and the first seat SH1, the control unit CN tilts the second robot R2 so that the screen 83 of the second robot R2 faces upwards, as shown in Figure 4 (d), in order to move the second robot R2 in a manner corresponding to the movements of the occupant P2.

[0137] The relationship between the movement of the occupant and the movement of the robot 80, and the relationship between the movement of the first robot R1 and the movement of the first seat SH1 can be freely set. Specific examples are given below. - The arm 82 of the robot 80 is moved up and down in response to the up and down movement of the occupant's hand. - The second robot R2 is moved forward and backward, left and right, up and down in response to the forward and backward, left and right, up and down movement of the body of the occupant P2. - The seat back 12 of the first seat SH1 is tilted forward and backward in response to the forward and backward tilting of the first robot R1. - If the robot support device RM that supports the first robot R1 is equipped with a lifting mechanism RM2, the seat body 10 is moved up and down in response to the up and down movement of the first robot R1.

[0138] As described above, the present embodiment can provide the following advantages: When the control unit CN determines that an occupant is seated on the second seat SH2 based on information from the seating sensor 70 of the second seat SH2, the control unit CN moves the first robot R1 to face the screen 83 of the first robot R1 toward the second seat SH2, making it easier for the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 to view the screen 83 of the first robot R1 and understand notifications from the first robot R1.

[0139] By configuring the face of the driver P3 to be displayed on the screen 83 of the first robot R1, the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 can see the facial expression of the driver P3 via the first robot R1.

[0140] By configuring the face of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 to be displayed on the screen 83 of the second robot R2, the driver P3 can see the facial expression of the occupant P2 through the second robot R2. Furthermore, the driver P3 can talk to the occupant P2 while looking at his face on the screen 83 without having to look back, making communication easier.

[0141] By configuring the first robot R1 to move in response to the actions of the driver P3, the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 can know the actions of the driver P3 via the first robot R1.

[0142] By configuring the second robot R2 to move in response to the movement of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2, the driver P3 can know the movement of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 via the second robot R2.

[0143] By configuring the electric device of the first seat SH1 to operate in conjunction with the operation of the first robot R1, the occupant P2 can feel as if the first robot R1 and the first seat SH1 are moving as a single robot, thereby improving the entertainment value.

[0144] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY1 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.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 8 , the vehicle interior system SY2 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first robot R1 includes a sound sensor 85 as an example of a sound acquisition unit. The sound sensor 85 is a sensor that acquires sound. The sound sensor 85 has multiple microphones oriented in different directions and acquires information that can identify the location where the sound is generated (the direction of the sound source). The sound sensor 85 outputs the acquired information to the control unit CN.

[0146] The control unit CN has a function of determining the occupant making the sound based on the sound acquired by the sound sensor 85. The control unit CN has a function of displaying the occupant making the sound on the screen 83 of the first robot R1 based on the image captured by the camera 84 of each robot 80.

[0147] Here, the second robot R2 can simultaneously capture images of the faces of the front seat occupants (P1, P3) while facing backward (initial state). The first robot R1 can simultaneously capture images of the faces of the rear seat occupants P2, P4 while facing backward. When occupants (P1 to P4) are seated in each of the seats SH1 to SH4, the control unit CN acquires facial images of all four occupants.

[0148] The control unit CN identifies the direction from which the sound is coming based on the information acquired from the sound sensor, and identifies the facial image of the occupant making the sound based on the identified direction. For example, when the control unit CN determines that the sound is coming from the driver's seat located in front of the first robot R1, it selects the facial image of the driver P3 from the plurality of facial images and displays the selected facial image of the driver P3 on the screen 83 of the first robot R1.

[0149] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. When the control unit CN receives a command to start the robot mode, it executes the process shown in FIG.

[0150] 9, the control unit CN executes steps S1 and S2 similar to those in the first embodiment, and then acquires information from the sound sensor 85 (S31). After step S31, the control unit CN determines the occupant who is making the sound based on the information acquired from the sound sensor 85 (S32). After step S32, the control unit CN displays a facial image of the occupant who is making the sound on the screen 83 of the first robot R1 (S33), and ends this process.

[0151] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Figure 8, when an occupant is seated in each of the seats SH1 to SH4 and the robot mode is active, for example, when occupant P1 in the first seat SH1 starts to speak, the control unit CN displays the face of occupant P1 on the screen 83 of the first robot R1. This allows occupants P2 and P4 in the rear seats to listen to what the occupant P1 in the front seat is saying while looking at his or her face.

[0152] In this embodiment, the face of the occupant making the sound is displayed only on the screen 83 of the first robot R1, but it may also be displayed on the screen 83 of both the first robot R1 and the second robot R2, or it may be displayed only on the screen 83 of the second robot R2.

[0153] In addition, the control unit CN may identify the occupant making the sound based on information obtained from the sound sensor 85, and then move the first robot R1 or the second robot R2 to capture an image of the occupant making the sound using the camera 84 of the first robot R1 or the second robot R2.

[0154] The operation of the control unit CN is not limited to the operation in the above-described embodiment. For example, the control unit CN may be capable of estimating the physique of the occupant P2 seated in the second seat SH2 based on information from the seating sensor 70 of the second seat SH2. The control unit CN may operate an electric device of the first seat SH1 based on the estimated physique of the occupant P2. Furthermore, the control unit CN may not change the orientation of the screen 83 of the first robot R1 when the occupant P1 is seated in the first seat SH1. In other words, the control unit CN may be configured not to move the first robot R1, specifically, not to rotate or move it, when the occupant P1 is seated in the first seat SH1. Specifically, the control unit CN may execute the process shown in FIG. 10 when receiving a command to start the robot mode.

[0155] 10, the control unit CN first determines whether or not an occupant P1 is seated on the first seat SH1 based on information from the seating sensor 70 of the first seat SH1 (S51). If it is determined in step S51 that an occupant P1 is seated (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process without moving the first robot R1.

[0156] If it is determined in step S51 that the occupant P2 is not seated (No), the control unit CN performs the same processes of steps S1 and S2 as in the first embodiment. After step S2, the control unit CN estimates the physique of the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 based on information from the seating sensor 70 of the second seat SH2 (S52).

[0157] For example, in step S52, the control unit CN determines whether the load acquired from the seating sensor 70 is within a predetermined range. If the load is within the predetermined range, the control unit CN estimates that the occupant P2 has a standard build, if the load is smaller than the predetermined range, the control unit CN estimates that the occupant P2 has a small build, and if the load is larger than the predetermined range, the control unit CN estimates that the occupant P2 has a large build.

[0158] After step S52, the control unit CN operates the electric slide mechanism SL to move the first seat SH1 forward or backward according to the estimated physique (S53), and then ends this process. For example, the control unit CN can move the first seat SH1 between a first position, a second position behind the first position, and a third position behind the second position. If the control unit CN estimates that the physique is small, it moves the first seat SH1 to the third position.

[0159] If the controller CN estimates that the physique is standard, it moves the first seat SH1 to the second position. If the controller CN estimates that the physique is large, it moves the first seat SH1 to the first position. If the position of the first seat SH1 is already at the target position, the controller CN ends this process without moving the first seat SH1 in step S52.

[0160] By performing this type of control, for example, if the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2 is a small child, the first seat SH1 can be moved so that the first robot R1 approaches the occupant P2 in the second seat SH2, making it easier for the occupant P2 to see the display of the first robot R1. Also, by configuring the orientation of the screen 83 of the first robot R1 to not change when the occupant P1 is sitting in the first seat SH1, it is possible to prevent the occupant P1 in the first seat SH1 from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the first robot R1.

[0161] The operation of the first seat SH1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the physique of the occupant P2. For example, if the control unit CN determines that the occupant P2 is large, it may operate the electric reclining mechanism RC and the electric slide mechanism SL to slide the first seat SH1 forward and recline the seat back 12 of the first seat SH1 backward. This allows the first robot R1 to be moved to a position where it is easy for the occupant P2 to see, while ensuring sufficient legroom for the occupant P2.

[0162] 11A, the first seat SH1 may include a bracket BR to which the first robot R1 is fixed. The bracket BR is fixed, for example, by welding to an upper portion of a back frame F1 constituting the seat back 12.

[0163] The back frame F1 has an upper frame F11 made of a U-shaped bent pipe and side frames F12 made of sheet metal. The upper frame F11 is positioned so that both ends face downward. The side frames F12 are joined to each end of the upper frame F11 by welding or the like.

[0164] The bracket BR has a first portion BR1 that supports the first robot R1 and a second portion BR2 that extends downward from the front end of the first portion BR1. For example, a rotation mechanism RM1 that rotatably supports the first robot R1 is fixed to the first portion BR1.

[0165] The first part BR1 is located above the upper frame F11. The second part BR2 is located in front of the upper frame F11. At least one of the first part BR1 and the second part BR2 is fixed to the upper frame F11 by welding or the like.

[0166] The first seat SH1 may be provided with an airbag AB. In this case, the airbag AB is fixed to, for example, the side frame F12. As shown in Fig. 11(b) , the cover 120 of the seat back 12 has a tear line 121 that breaks when the airbag AB is deployed.

[0167] The tear line 121 is located, for example, at the upper right front corner of the seat back 12. When the airbag AB is deployed, the airbag AB breaks the tear line 121 and deploys forward. In other words, the deployment direction of the airbag AB is forward.

[0168] The first robot R1 does not overlap the tear line 121 in the deployment direction of the airbag AB, i.e., when viewed from the front. Also, as shown in Figure 11(c), the first robot R1 is located behind the tear line 121, i.e., upstream in the deployment direction. The first robot R1 is spaced apart from the tear line 121 in the up-down direction.

[0169] By configuring the first robot R1 so that it does not overlap the tear line 121 when viewed from the direction in which the airbag AB is deployed, it is possible to prevent the airbag AB from interfering with the first robot R1 when the airbag AB is deployed.

[0170] 12 , when only one driver P3 is in the vehicle, the control unit CN may execute the following process: Whether only one driver P3 is in the vehicle may be determined based on information from all of the seating sensors 70, for example.

[0171] When starting navigation processing for route guidance, the control unit CN moves the second robot R2 to the right, i.e., toward the driver's seat, and turns the screen 83 of the second robot R2 toward the driver's seat.

[0172] The control unit CN transmits information such as route guidance to the driver P3 by voice from speakers provided in each robot 80. For example, the control unit CN uses the second robot R2 to give route guidance instructions such as "The next road is on the left." The control unit CN also uses the first robot R1 to have everyday conversations such as "What did you have for dinner yesterday?"

[0173] When the control unit CN causes the second robot R2 to converse with the driver P3, it slides the first seat SH1 forward, tilts the seatback 12 of the first seat SH1 forward to an upright position (a position in which the seatback 12 is more upright than the position shown in FIG. 1 ), and faces the screen 83 of the first robot R1 toward the driver's seat. In this way, when the second robot R2 converses with the driver P3, moving the passenger seat closer to the driver P3 makes it easier for the driver P3 to notice the presence of the second robot R2. In addition, the driver P3 does not need to bend his / her neck excessively.

[0174] When the control unit CN causes the second robot R2 to converse with the driver P3, the control unit CN may operate the passenger seat in accordance with the content of the conversation. For example, the control unit CN may tilt the seat back of the passenger seat, move the passenger seat forward and backward, or move the passenger seat up and down in accordance with the content of the conversation. Furthermore, if the passenger seat is provided with an armrest and a drive device for rotating the armrest, the control unit CN may rotate the armrest in accordance with the content of the conversation. This allows the driver P3 to feel as if the passenger seat is alive.

[0175] It is also possible to provide a headrest speaker in the passenger seat headrest 13 instead of providing a speaker in the first robot R1. In this case, the control unit CN may output the sound that should originally be emitted from the first robot R1 from the passenger seat headrest speaker. Even in this case, since the first robot R1 is attached to the side of the headrest 13 and the first robot R1 and the headrest speaker are close to each other, the driver can feel as if the first robot R1 is uttering the sound.

[0176] The control unit CN may change the position of each robot and the orientation of the screen based on information acquired from the seating sensor of each seat. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the occupant may sit in any seat, so by changing the position of the robot and the orientation of the screen relative to the seat where the occupant is, communication between the occupant and the robot can be improved.

[0177] 13, when occupants P1 and P3 are seated only in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the control unit CN may execute the following process: Whether occupants P1 and P3 are seated only in the driver's seat and the passenger seat may be determined based on information from all of the seating sensors 70, for example.

[0178] When the control unit CN uses the second robot R2 to navigate a road in a case where only the occupants P1 and P3 are seated in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the control unit CN may position the second robot R2 at the center in the left-right direction of the dashboard D, which is the reference position, and may face the screen 83 of the second robot R2 toward the space between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.Furthermore, when the control unit CN uses only the occupants P1 and P3 in the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the control unit CN may face the screen 83 of the first robot R1 forward in a case where the control unit CN causes the first robot R1 to converse with the occupants in the front seats.

[0179] The first robot R1 and the second robot R2 may each have a voice detection unit. The voice detection unit may recognize the voice of each occupant and respond to the conversation. In this case, the second robot R2 serves as an agent robot for the driver P3, and the first robot R1 serves as an agent robot for the passenger seat occupant P1. For example, the second robot R2 may provide route guidance to the driver P3, such as "The next road is on the left," while the first robot R1 may explain the congestion situation at the destination to the passenger P1, such as "The destination is congested." Because the driver P3 and the passenger P1 require different information while driving the vehicle, having two agent robots allows each occupant to receive the information simultaneously.

[0180] The control unit CN may also change the image on the display unit in conjunction with the movement of the occupant's face.The control unit CN may also operate the arm unit of the robot in conjunction with the movement of the occupant's hand.

[0181] The control unit CN may also operate an electric device of the seat to which the first robot is fixed based on the seating position of the occupant. For example, if the control unit CN determines that an occupant is seated in the rear seat located behind the front seat to which the first robot is fixed, the control unit CN may slide the front seat forward and recline the seatback of the front seat backward. In this way, the comfort of the rear seat occupants can be improved by moving the robot to a position where the rear seat occupants can easily see the robot while making arrangements to ensure space for the rear seat occupants.

[0182] The control unit CN may use a sensor to detect whether the ISOFIX bar is in use, and when it determines that a child seat is present in the second seat SH2, it may operate the electric height adjustment mechanism HT of the second seat SH2 to raise the seat body 10 so that the eye level of the occupant in the child seat matches the eye level of the first robot R1. This allows the eye level of the child seated in the child seat to be closer to the eye level of the first robot R1, allowing the first robot R1 to soothe the child. In this case, the first seat SH1 may be operated in conjunction with the operation of the first robot R1.

[0183] The orientation of the screen 83 of the first robot R1 may be changed by rotating the first seat SH1 itself. In this case, the first seat SH1 includes a mechanism for rotating the seat body 10.

[0184] The first robot R1 may operate in conjunction with the second robot R2 in terms of movement and voice output. For example, if the first robot R1 points its arm 82 to the right as seen by the occupant, the second robot R2 may also imitate it and point its arm 82 to the right as seen by the occupant. Since the movements of the first robot R1 are difficult for rear seat occupants to see, the second robot R2 imitates the movements of the first robot R1, allowing the rear seat occupants to know the movements of the first robot R1.

[0185] The second robot R2 may act as an agent for the front seat passengers, and the second robot R2 may act as an agent for the rear seat passengers, and may recommend air conditioning, seat operation (massage), etc. for each of them.

[0186] Furthermore, when the contact sensors (banks or sides of the headrests) on the front seats are touched, the first robot R1 may react and perform an action such as rotation, and when the contact sensors (banks or sides of the headrests) on the rear seats are touched, the second robot R2 may react and perform an action such as rotation. The bank portions are located on the left and right sides of the seat and protrude from the seat surface. Here, the contact sensors are sensors that detect when an occupant touches them. The contact sensors may be capacitive touch sensors or pressure sensors.

[0187] The robots themselves may have contact sensors, so that touching one of the first robot R1 and the second robot R2 will activate the other robot. For example, if a passenger in the front seat touches the second robot R2, the first robot R1 can soothe a child in a child seat in the back seat.

[0188] The camera for capturing images of at least one of the front and rear seat occupants may be located on the back of the seat, the ceiling of the vehicle, the dashboard, or the like.

[0189] The first robot R1 may be provided in the driver's seat, or in a console box between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The first seat may be the driver's seat.

[0190] The seating detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated in the seat may be, for example, an imaging device such as a camera.

[0191] The trigger for the robot to start operating can be set arbitrarily. For example, the control unit may operate the robot at a predetermined time, or may operate the robot based on biometric information of the occupant or external information of the vehicle. The robot may also operate autonomously.

[0192] The movements of the robot and the seat's electric device are not limited to those of the above embodiment, and may be the following movements: When the robot waves its hand, the armrest of the seat moves. Specifically, when the robot rotates one of the left or right arms multiple times, the mechanism that rotates the armrest is activated. When the robot moves the arm multiple times, the seat's vibration device is activated. The reclining mechanism tilts in accordance with the robot's movements to rest. Specifically, when the robot leans back, the electric reclining mechanism is activated so that the seat back tilts back. When the robot moves the arm multiple times, the air cell is activated.

[0193] The seat is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment. For example, the seat may have an ottoman and an armrest. Also, a console box may be provided next to the seat.

[0194] The electric device may be any of the following devices: A movable device that changes the shape of a seat by driving a bag (air cell) or plate member that is operated by the inflow of air A side frame front end lifting mechanism that switches the front end of the side frame of the seat cushion between an up position where it is raised and a down position where it is 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-rear adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the front end of the seat cushion A mechanism that rotates an ottoman up and down A mechanism that rotates an armrest up and down A mechanism that extends and retracts an 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 directions of front-rear, left-right, up-down) A heater provided in the seat back or seat cushion A seat blower that is a seat air conditioning device that circulates air on the surface of the seat cushion and seat back

[0195] 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.

[0196] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be any other vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0197] 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 seat on which an occupant sits; a second seat on which an occupant sits, the second seat being located behind the first seat; an occupancy detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated on the second seat; a first robot located between a dashboard and the second seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the first robot having a first display unit that displays information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit moves the first robot to face the first display unit toward the second seat when it determines, based on information from the occupancy detection unit, that an occupant is seated on the second seat, the method comprising the steps of: attaching the first seat, the second seat, and the control unit to a vehicle;

[0198] The rotation of the robot about the vertical axis and the rotation of the seat about the vertical axis may be linked.

[0199] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of a vehicle interior system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 14, the vehicle interior system SY3 includes a first seat SH11, a second seat SH12 as an example of an interior member, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, a brake sensor 31 as an example of an operation detection unit, and a control unit CN. The first seat SH11, the second seat SH12, and the tail member 20 are arranged in the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment.

[0200] The first seat SH11 is a seat in which the driver P11 sits. The second seat SH12 is a seat in which passengers P12, P13, and P14 other than the driver P11 sit. In this embodiment, the second seats SH12 include a passenger seat, a rear seat behind the driver's seat, and a rear seat behind the passenger seat.

[0201] The brake sensor 31 is a sensor that detects a brake operation, which is a driving operation performed by the driver P11. The brake sensor 31 can detect the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP. Here, the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP may be the stroke amount of the brake pedal BP or the amount of depression force applied to the brake pedal BP. The brake sensor 31 outputs the detected amount of operation of the brake pedal BP (hereinafter also referred to as the "brake operation amount") to the control unit CN.

[0202] 15, the second seat SH12 includes a seat body 10 and a tail member 20. The first seat SH11 includes the same seat body 10 as the second seat SH12, but does not include the tail member 20.

[0203] The seat body 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 have a seating surface F. The seating surface F is a surface that comes into contact with an occupant seated in the seat body 10 and supports the occupant.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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 buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0206] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 12B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the occupant and supports the back from behind. The protruding portions 12B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0207] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0208] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat body 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13. The side surface FL is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side surface FL.

[0209] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0210] The movable body 22 extends from the base 21, and is configured so that its tip can move freely in all directions, including forward, backward, left, right, and up and down. The movable body 22 is shaped, for example, to resemble a cat's tail. The movable body 22 has, for example, a joint mechanism with multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a skin that covers the cushioning material. The skin is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric. It is sufficient that the movable body 22 has a cushion (cushioning material covered with a skin) at least at its tip.

[0211] The joint mechanism has a plurality of links (serial links) that are rotatably connected to one another, and the plurality of links are moved by an actuator.

[0212] The joint mechanism can be configured, for example, like a robot arm. In this case, the actuators for moving the multiple links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0213] The joint mechanism can also be configured to include, for example, multiple links, a spring that biases the multiple links so that they are aligned in a straight rod shape, a wire that pulls the distal link in a direction that causes the multiple links to fold against the biasing force of the spring, and a winch for pulling the wire. In this case, the actuator for moving the multiple links is a winch, and when the winch pulls the wire, the joint mechanism moves in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to fold, and when the winch releases the wire, the spring moves the joint mechanism in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to extend straight. In this case, using multiple wires allows the joint mechanism to be moved so as to fold in different directions, and the distal end of the movable body 22 can be freely moved in any direction.

[0214] The movable body 22 protrudes from the side surface FL. The movable body 22 has a pressure sensor 22A, which is an example of a contact sensor, at the tip thereof. The pressure sensor 22A is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material.

[0215] The movable body 22 is movable between an initial position shown in Fig. 16(a) and contact positions shown in Fig. 16(b) and (c). The movable body 22 located at the initial position is separated from the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 located at the contact position is capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 is moved from the initial position to the contact position by an actuator, thereby being capable of coming into contact with the occupant seated in the second seat SH12. In this embodiment, the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant's face.

[0216] The control unit CN has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit CN may be provided in the seat body 10 or in a member other than the seat body 10.

[0217] The control unit CN has a function of notifying the occupant seated on the second seat SH12 of the brake operation by the driver P11 by moving the movable body 22 based on the brake operation detected by the brake sensor 31. More specifically, when the control unit CN determines that the brake pedal BP has been operated based on information obtained from the brake sensor 31, it can execute a pressing process of pressing the tip of the movable body 22 against the occupant.

[0218] In the pressing process, a cushion constituting the tip of the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant. In the pressing process, the control unit CN increases the pressing force of the movable body 22 as the operation amount of the brake pedal BP increases. In the pressing process, the control unit CN stops the movement of the movable body 22 when the pressure value acquired from the pressure sensor 22A becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0219] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG.

[0220] 17A, the control unit CN determines whether or not a brake operation is being performed (S101) based on information obtained from the brake sensor 31. If it is determined in step S101 that a brake operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit CN sets the threshold value Pth according to the amount of brake operation obtained from the brake sensor 31 (S102). More specifically, in step S102, the control unit CN sets the threshold value Pth to a larger value as the amount of brake operation is larger.

[0221] After step S102, the control unit CN moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S103). After step S103, the control unit CN determines whether the pressure P acquired from the pressure sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the threshold value Pth (S104).

[0222] If it is determined in step S104 that P<Pth (No), the control unit CN repeats the process of step S104. If it is determined in step S104 that P≧Pth (Yes), the control unit CN stops the tail member 20 (S105). Note that if the condition of step S104 is not satisfied even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S104, the control unit CN proceeds to the process of step S105.

[0223] After step S105, the control unit CN returns to the process of step S101. If it is determined in step S101 that the brake operation has not been performed (No), the control unit CN returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the initial position (S106) and ends this process.

[0224] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Figure 14, in a situation where the driver P11 is seated in the first seat SH11 and the occupants P12 to P14 are seated in the second seats SH12, when the driver P11 steps on the brake pedal BP, the control unit CN moves the tip of the tail member 20 of each second seat SH12 from the initial position to the contact position, as shown in Figure 16. Note that the movement of the tail member 20 of each second seat SH12 is the same, so in the following explanation, the operation of the tail member 20 for the occupant P12 sitting in the passenger seat will be described as a representative example.

[0225] The tail member 20 pushes the face of the occupant P12 with a force corresponding to the amount of brake operation. Specifically, after coming into contact with the face of the occupant P12, the tail member 20 continues to push the face and stops when the pressure P applied to the occupant P12 from the tail member 20 reaches or exceeds a threshold Pth. This allows the occupant P12 to know how much the driver P11 has depressed the brake pedal BP.

[0226] Thereafter, when the driver P11 releases his / her foot from the brake pedal BP, the tail member 20 returns from the contact position to the initial position.

[0227] As described above, the present embodiment can provide the following advantages: The control unit CN moves the movable body 22 based on the brake operation detected by the brake sensor 31, thereby notifying the occupant seated in the second seat SH12 of the brake operation by the driver P11, so that occupants other than the driver P11 can be aware of the brake operation by the driver P11.

[0228] By configuring the movable body 22, which is moved by the actuator, to come into contact with the occupant in the second seat SH12, the occupant in the second seat SH12 can easily notice the movement of the movable body 22. Furthermore, even if the occupant in the second seat SH12 is visually impaired, they can understand the driving operation of the driver P11.

[0229] The greater the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP, the greater the pressing force of the movable body 22 on the occupant in the second seat SH12, so that the occupant in the second seat SH12 can understand the amount of operation of the brake pedal BP from the magnitude of the pressing force of the movable body 22.

[0230] By configuring the cushion at the tip of the movable body 22 to come into contact with the occupant, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when the movable body 22 comes into contact with the occupant.

[0231] In addition, when the pressing force of the movable body 22 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in the pressing process, the control unit CN may return the movable body 22 to an initial position where the movable body 22 does not press the occupant. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 17(b), step S109 for determining whether the pressure P is equal to or greater than a limit threshold Pmax may be provided between steps S104 and S105 in the process of Fig. 17(a). Here, the limit threshold Pmax can be set to a value greater than the maximum value of the threshold Pth that is set according to the amount of brake operation.

[0232] In this case, if the control unit CN determines in step S109 that P≧Pmax is satisfied (Yes), the control unit CN proceeds to the process of step S106. If the control unit CN determines in step S109 that P≧Pmax is not satisfied (No), the control unit CN proceeds to the process of step S105.

[0233] By performing such processing, the movable body 22 returns to its initial position when the pressing force on the movable body 22 exceeds the limit threshold Pmax, thereby preventing the occupant from feeling uncomfortable when pressed by a force exceeding the limit threshold Pmax.

[0234] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY3 according to the third embodiment described above. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0235] As shown in Figure 18, the vehicle interior system SY4 of the fourth embodiment includes a first seat SH11, a second seat SH12, and a control unit CN that are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment, and further includes a tail member 220 and a steering angle sensor 32 that are different from those of the third embodiment.

[0236] The steering angle sensor 32 is a sensor that detects a steering operation, which is a driving operation of the driver P11. The steering angle sensor 32 is capable of detecting the operation amount of the steering ST.

[0237] 19, the tail member 220 is located on the left side surface of the seat back 12. The tail member 220 protrudes from the left side surface of the seat back 12.

[0238] The tail member 220 has a base portion 221 and a movable body 222. The base portion 221 is a portion that is fixed to the seat back 12. The base portion 221 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the seat back 12 and fixed to the frame of the seat back 12.

[0239] The base 221 has a first motor M1 that rotates around a first axis X1 that extends in the left-right direction. The first motor M1 is a motor that can rotate forward and reverse. The base 221 rotatably supports a movable body 222 via the first motor M1.

[0240] The movable body 222 is rotatable about the first axis X1 between an initial position indicated by a two-dot chain line in Figure 19(a) and an operating position indicated by a solid line. In the initial position, the movable body 222 overlaps with the side surface of the seat back 12 and does not protrude forward of the seat back 12. In the operating position, the movable body 222 protrudes forward of the seat back 12.

[0241] The movable body 222 has a first part 222A and a second part 222B. The first part 222A has a first link L1 and a second motor M2. The first link L1 is connected to the shaft of the first motor M1 and extends from the first axis X1 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis X1. The first link L1 is covered with a cushion and a skin. A second motor M2, which can rotate forward and backward, is provided at the end of the first link L1 opposite the first motor M1.

[0242] When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the first portion 222A protrudes forward of the seat back 12, more specifically, forward of the body of the occupant. When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the second axis X2, which is the rotation axis of the second motor M2, is aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0243] When the movable body 222 is in the operating position, the second part 222B extends downward from the tip of the first part 222A. The second part 222B has a second link L2 connected to the shaft of the second motor M2. The second link L2 is covered with a cushion and a cover. The second link L2 has a pressure sensor 22A at its tip. When the second motor M2 is activated with the movable body 222 in the operating position, the second link L2 rotates about a second axis X2 along the front-to-rear direction.

[0244] The control unit CN is capable of executing a turning process to turn the movable body 222 in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering ST. Specifically, after moving the movable body 222 to the operating position, the control unit CN rotates the second part 222B, which is a part of the movable body 222, about the second axis X2 in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering ST.

[0245] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 20 while the vehicle power supply is ON.

[0246] 20, the control unit CN determines whether or not a steering operation is being performed based on information obtained from the steering angle sensor 32 (S111). If it is determined in step S111 that a steering operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit CN sets the amount of rotation Rth (angle) and the direction of rotation of the second part 222B of the tail member 220 according to the amount and direction of operation of the steering ST (S112).

[0247] After step S112, the control unit CN drives the first motor M1 to rotate the movable body 222 from the initial position to the operating position, and then drives the second motor M2 to rotate the second part 222B in the set rotation direction (S113). After step S113, the control unit CN determines whether the rotation amount R of the second part 222B is equal to or greater than the set rotation amount Rth (S114).

[0248] If it is determined in step S114 that R≧Rth is not true (No), the control unit CN determines whether the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 22A is equal to or greater than the limit threshold value Pmax (S115). If it is determined in step S115 that P≧Pmax is not true (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S114.

[0249] If it is determined in step S114 that R≧Rth is satisfied (Yes), or if it is determined in step S115 that P≧Pmax is satisfied (Yes), the control unit CN stops the second part 222B (S116). After step S116, the control unit CN returns to the process of step S111.

[0250] If it is determined in step S111 that no steering operation has been performed (No), the control unit CN returns the tail member 220 to the initial position (S117) and ends this process. More specifically, in step S117, the control unit CN orients the second part 222B downward, and then rotates the movable body 222 from the operating position to the initial position.

[0251] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Fig. 18, in a situation where the driver P11 is seated in the first seat SH11 and the occupant P12 is seated in the second seat SH12, for example, in the passenger seat, when the driver P11 turns the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle, the control unit CN first turns the movable body 222 from the initial position to the operating position, as shown in Fig. 19(a).

[0252] 19B, the control unit CN rotates the second part 222B counterclockwise by a predetermined angle as viewed from the driver P11, thereby enabling the occupant P12 to know that the driver P11 has rotated the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by the predetermined angle.

[0253] Thereafter, when the driver P11 releases the steering wheel ST, the second part 222B returns to the initial downward position, and then the movable body 222 returns from the operating position to the initial position.

[0254] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: By configuring the second portion 222B of the movable body 222 to turn in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering wheel ST, the occupant P12 can grasp the steering operation of the driver P11.

[0255] By configuring the movable body 222 to stop moving when the pressure P detected by the pressure sensor 22A becomes equal to or greater than the limit threshold Pmax, it is possible to prevent the occupant P12 from being pushed by a pressure exceeding the limit threshold Pmax and feeling uncomfortable.

[0256] In the fourth embodiment, the second part 222B of the movable body 222 is rotated in the same direction as the operating direction of the steering ST, but the second part 222B of the movable body 222 may also be rotated in the opposite direction to the operating direction of the steering ST.

[0257] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY4 according to the fourth embodiment described above. Therefore, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0258] As shown in Fig. 21 , the vehicle interior system SY5 according to the fifth embodiment is obtained by adding the brake sensor 31 according to the third embodiment to the vehicle interior system SY4 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the brake sensor 31 corresponds to a first detection unit that detects the operation of the brake pedal BP, and the steering angle sensor 32 corresponds to a second detection unit that detects the operation amount of the steering ST. Note that the first detection unit may be any unit that can detect whether or not the brake is being operated, and may be, for example, a switch that is turned ON when the brake pedal BP is being operated and turned OFF when the brake pedal BP is not being operated.

[0259] The control unit CN can execute a turning process substantially similar to that of the fourth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the control unit CN changes the amount of movement of the movable body 222 in the turning process depending on whether or not the brake pedal BP is operated. More specifically, the control unit CN changes the amount of turning of the second portion 222B of the movable body 222 depending on whether or not the brake pedal BP is operated.

[0260] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 22 while the vehicle power supply is ON. The process of Fig. 22 is the process of Fig. 20 with new steps S131 and S132 added between steps S112 and S113.

[0261] After step S112, the control unit CN determines whether or not a brake operation is being performed based on information from the brake sensor 31 (S131). If it is determined in step S131 that a brake operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit CN corrects the turning amount Rth set in step S113 to a smaller value. For example, the control unit CN corrects the turning amount Rth to a smaller value by multiplying the turning amount Rth by a coefficient less than 1 or by subtracting a predetermined value from the turning amount Rth.

[0262] If it is determined in step S131 that the brake operation is not performed (No), or after step S132, the control unit CN executes the processes from step S113 onward.

[0263] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Fig. 21, in a situation where the driver P11 is seated in the first seat SH11 and the occupant P12 is seated in the second seat SH12, for example, in the passenger seat, when the driver P11 turns the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle without operating the brakes, the control unit CN turns the second part 222B of the movable body 222 counterclockwise by the predetermined angle, as shown in Fig. 19(b).

[0264] On the other hand, when the driver P11 turns the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle while braking, the control unit CN turns the second part 222B of the movable body 222 counterclockwise by an angle smaller than the predetermined angle. By reducing the amount of rotation of the second part 222B when the brakes are applied in this manner, the safety of the occupant P12 can be ensured when the brakes are applied, for example, during high-speed driving, because the amount of rotation of the second part 222B is small, and when the brakes are not applied, the movable body 222 can notify the occupant P12 of fine steering operations during high-speed driving.

[0265] In addition, when both the brake pedal BP and the steering wheel ST are operated, the control unit CN may not perform the turning process if the operation amount of the steering wheel ST is less than a predetermined threshold, and may perform the turning process if the operation amount of the steering wheel ST is equal to or greater than the threshold. Specifically, for example, step S132 of the process in Figure 22 may be replaced with a new step S141 as shown in Figure 23.

[0266] 23, when the control unit CN determines in step S131 that a brake operation has been performed (Yes), it determines whether the turning amount Rth set in step S112 is equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1 (S141). When the control unit CN determines in step S141 that Rth is not equal to or greater than TH1 (No), it returns to the processing of step S111 without performing the processing of step S113. In other words, when the turning amount Rth is not equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1, the control unit CN does not perform the turning processing.

[0267] When it is determined in step S141 that Rth≧TH1 (Yes), the control unit CN executes the process of step S113. That is, when the turning amount Rth is equal to or greater than the turning threshold value TH1, the control unit CN performs turning process.

[0268] Here, it is considered that it is not important to notify the occupant P12 of minute steering operations during braking. Therefore, by configuring the system not to perform turning processing when the turning amount Rth corresponding to the operation amount of the steering wheel ST during braking is less than the turning threshold TH1, it is possible to prevent the movable body 222 from moving to notify unimportant information, which would cause the occupant P12 to feel uncomfortable.

[0269] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY3 according to the third embodiment described above. Therefore, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0270] As shown in Figure 24, the vehicle interior system SY6 of the sixth embodiment includes, in addition to the vehicle interior system SY3 of the fourth embodiment, an automatic driving switch 410, a rotation mechanism 420, and a seat orientation detection sensor 430.

[0271] The automatic driving changeover switch 410 is a switch for switching between automatic driving and manual driving. The automatic driving changeover switch 410 may be a button on the screen of the navigation system, or may be provided on the steering wheel ST.

[0272] The rotation mechanism 420 supports the second sheet SH12 so that the second sheet SH12 can rotate about a vertical axis. The sheet orientation detection sensor 430 is a sensor that detects the orientation of the second sheet SH12.

[0273] The control unit CN has a function of not moving the movable body 22 when the vehicle is in automatic driving mode. The control unit CN has a function of not moving the movable body 22 when the second seat SH12 faces rearward.

[0274] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process shown in Fig. 25 while the vehicle power supply is ON. The process shown in Fig. 25 is the process shown in Fig. 17 with the addition of new steps S151 and S152.

[0275] 25, the control unit CN first determines whether the vehicle is in autonomous driving based on information acquired from the autonomous driving changeover switch 410 (S151). If it is determined in step S151 that the vehicle is in autonomous driving (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. Here, if the tail member 20 is already in the initial position when the control unit CN executes the process of step S106, the control unit CN ends this process without doing anything.

[0276] If it is determined in step S151 that the vehicle is not in automatic driving mode (No), the control unit CN determines whether the second seat SH12 is rear-facing or not (S152) based on information acquired from the seat orientation detection sensor 430. If it is determined in step S152 that the second seat SH12 is rear-facing (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S152 that the second seat SH12 is not rear-facing (No), the control unit CN proceeds to the process of step S101.

[0277] Here, it is expected that the occupant P12 will have little interest in the driving operation during automatic driving. Therefore, by configuring the movable body 22 not to move when the vehicle is in automatic driving, it is possible to prevent the occupant P12, who has little interest in the driving operation, from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body 22.

[0278] Furthermore, when the second seat SH12 faces backward, it is expected that the occupant P12 in the second seat SH12 will have little interest in driving operations. Therefore, by configuring the movable body 22 not to move when the second seat SH12 faces backward, it is possible to prevent the occupant P12, who has little interest in driving operations, from feeling uncomfortable due to the movement of the movable body 22.

[0279] When the automatic driving changeover switch 410 is operated to switch from manual driving to automatic driving, or when the automatic driving changeover switch 410 is operated to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, the movable body 22 may be moved to notify the occupant P12. The notification of the switch between automatic driving and manual driving may be made by activating a light, a vibration unit, an acoustic device, or the like provided on the movable body 22.

[0280] According to this, even if the driver P11 is not aware of the automatic / manual driving switching operation, the occupant P12 can notice it by the movement of the movable body 22.

[0281] [Seventh embodiment] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY3 according to the third embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0282] 26(a), the vehicle interior system SY7 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the second seat SH12 has an airbag 510. The tail member 20 is provided on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13 of the second seat SH12, as in the third embodiment.

[0283] The airbag 510 is embedded in the left overhang 12B of the seat back 12. The airbag 510 is located at an upper portion of the left overhang 12B. The cover 520 of the seat back 12 has a tear line 521 that breaks when the airbag 510 is deployed. The tear line 521 is located at the front end of the left overhang 12B.

[0284] When the airbag 510 is activated, the airbag 510 ruptures the tear line 521 and deploys forward. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag 510 is forward.

[0285] As shown in Figure 26(b), the tail member 20 is located rearward of the tear line 521, that is, upstream in the deployment direction. The tail member 20 is spaced apart from the tear line 521 in the up-down direction. As shown in Figure 26(a), the tail member 20 does not overlap with the tear line 521 in the deployment direction of the airbag 510, that is, when viewed from the front. By configuring the tail member 20 so that it does not overlap with the tear line 521 when viewed from the deployment direction of the airbag 510, it is possible to prevent the airbag 510 from interfering with the tail member 20 when the airbag 510 is deployed.

[0286] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the tail member 220 according to the fourth embodiment described above, and therefore, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0287] As shown in Figure 27(a), the tail member 620 according to the eighth embodiment has a base portion 221 similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and a movable body 622 different from that of the fourth embodiment. The movable body 622 further has a third portion 222C in addition to a first portion 222A and a second portion 222B that are substantially similar to those of the fourth embodiment.

[0288] The second part 222B differs from the fourth embodiment in that it does not have a pressure sensor 22A. A third motor M3 is provided at the tip of the second link L2 of the second part 222B. When the movable body 622 is in the operating position, the third axis X3, which is the rotation axis of the third motor M3, is aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0289] When the movable body 622 is in the operating position, the third part 222C extends downward from the lower end of the second part 222B. The third part 222C has a third link L3 connected to the shaft of the third motor M3. The third link L3 is covered with a cushion and a cover. The third link L3 has a pressure sensor 22A at its tip. When the third motor M3 is activated with the movable body 622 in the operating position, the third link L3 rotates around a third axis X3 that extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0290] Here, the second axis X2 corresponds to the first rotation axis, and the third axis X3 corresponds to the second rotation axis. The second part 222B corresponds to the first movable part, and the third part 222C corresponds to the second movable part. When the brake pedal BP is not operated and the steering wheel ST is operated, the control unit CN rotates the second part 222B and the third part 222C around the second axis X2. When both the brake pedal BP and the steering wheel ST are operated, the control unit CN rotates the third part 222C around the third axis X3.

[0291] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 28 while the vehicle power supply is ON. The process of Fig. 28 is the same as the process of Fig. 22 except that new steps S161 and S162 are added instead of step S132.

[0292] If it is determined in step S131 that the brake operation is being performed (Yes), the control unit CN sets the third motor M3 as the control target in the turning process (S161). If it is determined in step S131 that the brake operation is not being performed (No), the control unit CN sets the second motor M2 as the control target in the turning process (S162). After step S161 or step S162, the control unit CN performs the turning process in step S113 by operating the motor set in step S161 or step S162.

[0293] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. In a situation where the driver P11 is seated in the first seat SH11 and the occupant P12 is seated in the second seat SH12, when the driver P11 turns the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle without operating the brakes, the control unit CN turns the second part 222B and the third part 222C of the movable body 622 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the second axis X2, as shown in Figure 27(b).

[0294] On the other hand, when the driver P11 rotates the steering wheel ST counterclockwise by a predetermined angle while braking, the control unit CN rotates the third part 222C of the movable body 622 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle about the third axis X3. When both braking and steering are performed in this manner, the size of the moving part of the movable body 622 is smaller than when only steering is performed. Therefore, for example, when braking during high-speed driving, the safety of the occupant P12 can be ensured because the moving part of the movable body 622 is small, and when braking is not performed, the movable body 622 can notify the occupant P12 of fine steering operations during high-speed driving.

[0295] [Ninth Embodiment] Next, a ninth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that, since this embodiment is configured such that the control unit CN of the vehicle interior system SY3 according to the third embodiment described above is provided with a new function, components and processes that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0296] As shown in FIG. 29 , the vehicle interior system SY8 according to the ninth embodiment has a child seat CS installed in the rear seat (second seat SH12) located behind the passenger seat. Here, if a passenger PC, specifically an infant, is seated in the child seat CS installed in the rear seat, the following problem occurs. If the passenger PC starts crying or fussing, the other passengers in the vehicle will need to comfort the passenger PC. However, for example, the driver P11 needs to concentrate on driving, making it difficult to comfort the passenger PC. Similarly, even if the driver P11 is not the driver, but for example, a passenger P12 is seated in the passenger seat, comforting the passenger PC directly behind him / her is relatively difficult.

[0297] The control unit CN according to the ninth embodiment can execute a control method that solves the above-described problems. Note that the control method according to the ninth embodiment and the control method according to the ninth embodiment can be switched between by, for example, a switch.

[0298] When the control unit CN determines that an occupant PC is seated in a child car seat CS installed in the rear seat behind the seat (second passenger seat SH12) on which the tail member 20 is installed, the control unit CN controls the front seat movable body 22 to point the tip of the movable body 22 toward the rear seat. The determination of whether an occupant PC is seated in a child car seat CS installed in the rear seat may be made based on, for example, information from a seating sensor installed in the rear seat, or information from an imaging device such as a camera. Furthermore, the determination of whether a child car seat CS is installed may be made comprehensively by combining information from a sensor installed in a fastener such as an ISOFIX wire with any of the above-mentioned information.

[0299] When the control unit CN determines that the occupant PC is seated in a child seat CS installed in the rear seat, the control unit CN may cause the movable body 22 of the front seat to protrude from the back of the front seat (passenger seat). Furthermore, the control unit CN may move the tip of the movable body 22 of the front seat in the up-down, left-right, or front-rear direction after pointing the tip toward the rear seat.

[0300] By performing this control, it is possible to attract the attention of the occupant PC in the child seat CS. When moving the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat, the control unit CN should move the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat in an area that does not overlap with the child seat CS when viewed from above and below. This makes it possible to prevent the tip of the movable body 22 in the front seat from giving the occupant PC riding in the child seat CS a sense of danger. It is also possible to prevent the movable body 22 in the front seat from colliding with the child seat CS in the event of a vehicle collision, etc.

[0301] In the ninth embodiment, a monitor 710 is provided on the back of the front seat. As shown in Fig. 30 , the screen of the monitor 710 faces the rear seat. As shown in Fig. 31 , the control unit CN may display an animal character, such as a cat, on the screen of the monitor 710 and move the movable body 22 in the front seat in conjunction with the character's movements. For example, the control unit CN displays on the monitor 710 a tail extending from the animal's body that is cut off at the edge of the screen, and positions the movable body 22 in the front seat in accordance with the position of the tail on the monitor 710 so that the movable body 22 in the front seat appears as the remaining tip of the cut tail.

[0302] That is, in this embodiment, the control unit CN displays on the monitor 710 a portion of the movable portion of the body of an animal character that can bend and stretch to be shown to the occupant PC, and the remaining portion of the movable portion is made up of the movable body 22 in the front seat. In more detail, a portion of the movable portion is displayed on the screen so as to extend to the edge of the screen of the monitor 710, and at least a portion of the movable body 22 in the front seat is positioned along the direction in which the portion of the movable portion extends, so that the portion of the movable portion displayed on the screen appears connected to the remaining portion of the movable portion made up of the movable body 22 in the front seat. The movable portion may be the hands, feet, or ears of an animal, or the body of a snake, the trunk of an elephant, etc.

[0303] When the base of the tail on the monitor 710 is to be moved up, the control unit CN moves the movable body 22 in the front seat up. When the base of the tail on the monitor 710 is to be moved down, the control unit CN moves the movable body 22 in the front seat down. This causes the tail of the virtual animal on the screen to jump out of the screen and move as if it were real, entertaining the occupant PC in the child seat CS.

[0304] The above-described control is for the case where the child seat CS faces forward. As shown in Fig. 32, when the child seat CS faces backward, the following control may be performed.

[0305] When the control unit CN determines that the child seat CS is facing rearward, the control unit CN may move the movable body 22 in the front seat in an area that overlaps with the child seat CS when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Specifically, the control unit CN performs the above-mentioned control on the condition that the front end of the child seat CS is positioned forward of the rear limit position PL, which is the position of the tip of the movable body 22 when it is positioned at the rearmost position.

[0306] The orientation of the child seat CS may be determined based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or from information from another sensor that detects the orientation of the child seat CS. Whether the front end of the child seat CS is located in front of the rear limit position PL may be determined based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or from information from a sensor that detects the fore-and-aft position of the rear seat.

[0307] By performing this control, even if the child seat CS is facing backward, the movable body 22 in the front seat can attract the attention of the occupant PC in the child seat CS.

[0308] Furthermore, the control unit CN may move the movable body 22 provided in the rear seat when it determines that the child seat CS is rear-facing and that the child seat CS and the movable body 22 do not overlap when viewed from above and below. By performing this control, even when the child seat CS is rear-facing and the movable body 22 in the front seat is out of the field of view of the occupant PC of the child seat CS, the movable body 22 in the rear seat can attract the attention of the occupant PC of the child seat CS.

[0309] 33, the vehicle interior system SY8 may further include a camera 720 that captures an image of an occupant PC in a child car seat CS. The camera 720 may be installed in the front seat, the rear seat, or another location such as the ceiling of the vehicle.

[0310] The control unit CN may determine whether the occupant PC of the child car seat CS is asleep based on information from the camera 720, and if it determines that the occupant PC is asleep, may stop the movement of the movable body 22. By performing this control, it is possible to prevent the operating noise of the movable body 22 from disturbing the sleep of the occupant PC of the child car seat CS.

[0311] 34 and 35, the vehicle interior system SY8 may further include a monitor 730 that can be viewed by occupants (P11 to P13) seated in seats other than the seat in which the child seat CS is installed, and a camera 740 provided at the tip of the movable body 22. The monitor 730 may be provided on the dashboard or behind the driver's seat.

[0312] The control unit CN may move the movable body 22 to point the camera 740 at the occupant PC of the child car seat CS, and display the image captured by the camera 740 on the monitor 730 provided on the dashboard or in the driver's seat. By performing this control, an occupant seated in a seat other than the seat where the child car seat CS is provided can check the state of the occupant PC of the child car seat CS.

[0313] 34, the control unit CN determines whether an adult occupant P13 is seated in a seat adjacent to the seat where the child seat CS is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the "adjacent seat"), and if it determines that the adult occupant P13 is seated, it does not need to move the movable body 22. In this embodiment, since the child seat CS is installed in the left rear seat, the adjacent seat is the right rear seat.

[0314] The determination of whether an adult occupant P13 is seated in the adjacent seat may be made based on information from an imaging device such as a camera, or based on information from a seating sensor provided in the adjacent seat. The camera for seating determination may be located next to the headrest of the front row, in the center console, on the roof, or the like.

[0315] By performing this control, if there is someone in the adjacent seat who can look after the occupant PC of the child seat CS, the movable body 22 does not move unnecessarily, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0316] Furthermore, when the load acquired from the seating sensor of the seat on which the child seat CS is installed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit CN may not move the movable body 22. By performing this control, for example, when a child who no longer needs care is sitting in the child seat CS, the movable body 22 does not move unnecessarily, thereby saving energy.

[0317] Furthermore, when moving the movable body 22, the control unit CN may move the movable body 22 so that the tip of the movable body 22 does not face the face of the occupant PC of the child car seat CS. By performing this control, it is possible to prevent the tip of the movable body 22 from facing the face of the occupant PC of the child car seat CS, thereby preventing the occupant PC of the child car seat CS from feeling a sense of danger.

[0318] The direction of the face of the occupant PC in the child car seat CS may be determined based on information from an in-vehicle camera or the like.

[0319] The vehicle interior system can be used in various forms, as exemplified below.

[0320] The driving operation may be the operation of a switch related to autonomous driving, or the operation of a clutch pedal, a shift lever, or a paddle shift in a manual vehicle. The operation detection unit may detect the operation of a switch related to autonomous driving, or the operation of a clutch pedal, a shift lever, or a paddle shift in a manual vehicle.

[0321] The vehicle interior system may include a seating detection sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in the second seat. Examples of the seating detection sensor include a seating sensor on the second seat and a camera that photographs the occupant. In this case, the control unit may execute a pressing process or a turning process when it determines that an occupant is seated in the second seat based on information from the seating detection sensor, and may prohibit the pressing process or the turning process when it determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat. In this way, the pressing process or the turning process is executed only after the control unit recognizes that an occupant is seated in the second seat, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0322] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. When the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0323] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member), etc. In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0324] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0325] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform a pressing process or a turning process after issuing a notification using the notification device. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the notified information.

[0326] The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0327] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0328] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0329] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0330] A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of coming into contact with the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0331] The control unit may change the position of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, before performing the pressing process or the turning process, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes: - A process of tilting up the front end of the seat cushion using a tilt-up mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward. - A process of rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can come into contact with the occupant by moving the seat back in a direction toward the occupant using a reclining mechanism. Note that whether the seat back has reached a position where it can come into contact with the occupant may be determined based on information from a pressure sensor provided on the seat back, for example. - A process of raising the ottoman using an ottoman drive mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward.

[0332] Before executing the pressing process or the turning process, the control unit may activate a vibration device provided on the seat to notify that the movable body will start moving.

[0333] The movable body may be provided with a heater. In this case, the heater can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be provided with a heater.

[0334] The interior member to which the decorative item is attached is not limited to the headrest, but may also be a seat cushion or a seat back. If the seat has an armrest or an ottoman, the interior member may also be the armrest or the ottoman.

[0335] Other examples of interior components include a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard, inner panels of doors and vehicle side walls, a roof lining, an interior opening / closing cover of a sunroof, etc. The decorative item may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging portions that bulge out above the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard or above the meter hood, the center console box, etc.

[0336] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. Other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0337] The change in shape of the ornamental item is not limited to a change between a straight state and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornamental item is acceptable. For example, if the ornamental item is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornamental item may be changed between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornamental item may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornamental item.

[0338] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-008896.

[0339] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0340] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0341] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit of a seat, a door, a navigation system, etc.

[0342] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0343] 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 seat on which a driver is seated, a second seat on which a passenger other than the driver is seated, an ornament attached to an interior member of the vehicle and having a movable body moved by an actuator, an operation detection unit that detects driving operations by the driver, and a control unit, wherein the control unit notifies a passenger seated in the second seat of the driving operation of the driver by moving the movable body based on the driving operation detected by the operation detection unit, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member and connecting the actuator to the control unit.

[0344] [Tenth Embodiment] A tenth embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 36, the vehicle interior system SY9 includes a seat body 10 as an example of an interior member, a vibration device VD as an example of an electric device, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, and a control unit CN. The seat body 10 and the tail member 20 are arranged inside the vehicle, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat body 10 is a driver's seat.

[0345] The seat body 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 and supports an occupant (e.g., a driver) seated in the seat body 10.

[0346] 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.

[0347] 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 buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0348] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 12B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the occupant and supports the back from behind. The protruding portions 12B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0349] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0350] The vibration device VD is a device that deforms the seating surface F of the seat body 10. More specifically, the vibration device VD vibrates the seating surface F of the seat body 10. In this embodiment, the vibration device VD vibrates the seating surface F of the seat back 12. The vibration device VD may be provided in the seat cushion 11 or the headrest 13.

[0351] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat body 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13. The side surface FL is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side surface FL.

[0352] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0353] The movable body 22 extends from the base 21, and its tip is configured to be able to move freely in all directions. The movable body 22 is shaped, for example, to resemble a cat's tail. The movable body 22 includes, for example, a joint mechanism having multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a surface covering that covers the cushioning material. The surface is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0354] The joint mechanism has a plurality of links (serial links) that are rotatably connected to one another, and the plurality of links are moved by an actuator.

[0355] The joint mechanism can be configured, for example, like a robot arm. In this case, the actuators for moving the multiple links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0356] The joint mechanism can also be configured to include, for example, multiple links, a spring that biases the multiple links so that they are aligned in a straight rod shape, a wire that pulls the distal link in a direction that causes the multiple links to fold against the biasing force of the spring, and a winch for pulling the wire. In this case, the actuator for moving the multiple links is a winch, and when the winch pulls the wire, the joint mechanism moves in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to fold, and when the winch releases the wire, the spring moves the joint mechanism in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to extend straight. In this case, using multiple wires allows the joint mechanism to be moved so as to fold in different directions, and the distal end of the movable body 22 can be freely moved in any direction.

[0357] The movable body 22 protrudes from the side surface FL. The movable body 22 has a pressure sensor 22A at its tip, which is an example of a contact sensor that detects contact between the movable body 22 and an occupant. The contact sensor may be, for example, a capacitance-type touch sensor. The pressure sensor 22A is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material.

[0358] The movable body 22 is movable between a separated position shown in Figure 37(a) and a contact position shown in Figures 37(b) and (c). The movable body 22 positioned at the separated position is separated from the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 positioned at the contact position can come into contact with the head of the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. More specifically, the movable body 22 positioned at the contact position can come into contact with the face of the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 does not have a seating surface that supports the occupant seated in the seat main body 10.

[0359] The control unit CN has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit CN may be provided in the seat body 10 or in a member other than the seat body 10.

[0360] The control unit CN can execute a first notification process that activates the vibration device VD and a second notification process that causes the movable body 22 to come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat body 10. The control unit CN executes the first notification process and the second notification process when executing a switch notification process that prompts the occupant to switch from automatic driving to manual driving. In detail, after executing the first notification process, the control unit CN executes the second notification process when it determines that the occupant is not performing manual driving.

[0361] The control unit CN can communicate with a vehicle control device (not shown). The vehicle control device has a function of automatically driving the vehicle. The vehicle control device has a function of judging the vehicle's status and surrounding conditions and determining whether or not to switch from automatic driving to manual driving. For example, if a traffic jam occurs during automatic driving, the vehicle control device determines that automatic driving should be switched to manual driving.

[0362] When the vehicle control device determines that the vehicle should be switched to manual driving, it outputs a switching command indicating that the vehicle should be switched to manual driving to the control unit CN. Upon receiving the switching command, the control unit CN executes a switching notification process. Note that the control unit CN may also have the functions of the vehicle control device described above.

[0363] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 38 while the vehicle is in automatic driving mode.

[0364] 38, the control unit CN first determines whether or not a condition for switching from automatic driving to manual driving is satisfied (S201). In this embodiment, the control unit CN determines whether or not a switching command has been received from the vehicle control device in step S201.

[0365] If it is determined in step S201 that a switching command has not been received (No), the control unit CN terminates this process. If it is determined in step S201 that a switching command has been received (Yes), the control unit CN activates the vibration device VD to prompt the driver to switch to manual driving (S202).

[0366] The timing for stopping the vibration device VD can be set arbitrarily. For example, the vibration device VD may be stopped before or after step S205, which will be described later.

[0367] After step S202, the control unit CN determines whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual driving (S203). The determination of whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual driving may be made based on information from, for example, a sensor that detects whether the steering wheel is being gripped, a sensor that detects the operation of the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal, a switch that switches between automatic driving and manual driving, a camera inside the vehicle, etc.

[0368] If it is determined in step S203 that the operation has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S203 that the operation has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit CN determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S204).

[0369] If it is determined in step S204 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S203. If it is determined in step S204 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit CN brings the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face to prompt the driver to switch to manual driving (S205).

[0370] Specifically, for example, in step S205, the control unit CN moves the tail member 20 toward the contact position and determines whether the tail member 20 has contacted the driver's face based on information obtained from the pressure sensor 22A. If it is determined that contact has occurred, the control unit CN returns the tail member 20 to the separated position. Note that if the conditions of step S205 are not satisfied even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S205, the control unit CN proceeds to the next step S206.

[0371] After step S205, the control unit CN determines whether or not the vehicle has been switched to manual operation (S206). If it is determined in step S206 that the vehicle has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S206 that the vehicle has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit CN determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S207).

[0372] If it is determined in step S207 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S206. If it is determined in step S207 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit CN determines whether or not the first notification process by vibration and the second notification process by touching the face have each been repeated a predetermined number of times (S208).

[0373] If it is determined in step S208 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S202. If it is determined in step S208 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit CN outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S209) and ends this process.

[0374] Upon receiving the vehicle stop command, the vehicle control device automatically drives the vehicle to a waiting area (for example, a service area or a parking lot) and stops the vehicle.

[0375] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. When the control unit CN receives a switching command from the vehicle control device during automatic driving of the vehicle, the vibration device VD in the seat body 10 shown in Fig. 36 is activated. In addition to activating the vibration device VD, the control unit CN may also provide a notification to switch to manual driving by voice or on-screen display.

[0376] For example, if the driver is asleep, the vibration from the vibration device VD may not wake them up. In this case, after a predetermined time has passed since the vibration device VD started to operate, the tail member 20 will move and touch the driver's face as shown in Figure 37. In this way, the tail member 20 will touch the face of the driver who is not wearing any clothes, making it easier for the driver to notice that the tail member 20 has come into contact with them.

[0377] When the driver wakes up due to contact with the tail member 20, the driver can check the situation around the vehicle and a display on the screen or the like indicating that the vehicle should be switched to manual driving, and then switch to manual driving.

[0378] As described above, the present embodiment can provide the following advantages: By configuring the device to execute the first notification process and the second notification process when executing the switching notification process, the driver can be made more aware of the switching notification by the deformation of the seating surface F caused by the vibration device VD and the contact of the tail member 20 with the driver.

[0379] If it is determined that the driver is not driving manually after the first notification process is executed, the second notification process is executed. This allows the switching notification to be sent in stages, making it easier for the driver to notice the switching notification.

[0380] By configuring the movable body 22 to be able to come into contact with the driver's head, the movable body 22 can be brought into contact with the driver's head in the second notification process, making it easier for the driver to notice the switching notification compared to a configuration in which the movable body 22 comes into contact with a part of the body that is likely to be covered by clothing, such as the driver's arm.

[0381] [Eleventh Embodiment] Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY9 according to the tenth embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those according to the tenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0382] As shown in FIG. 39, the vehicle interior system SY10 according to the eleventh embodiment further includes a heart rate sensor 41 and a breathing sensor 42 as examples of an awakening detection unit.

[0383] The heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 are sensors capable of detecting biological information of a user seated in the seat body 10. The heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42 are capable of acquiring information for determining the alertness level of the user seated in the seat body 10. In the following description, the user seated in the seat body 10 is also referred to as the "seat occupant."

[0384] 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 CN.

[0385] 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.

[0386] Here, when pressure is applied to the electrode on the upper surface of the breathing sensor 42, the electrode on the upper surface deforms downward, increasing the contact area and decreasing the electrical resistance between the electrodes. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance is output from the breathing sensor 42 to the control unit CN. The control unit CN calculates pressure based on the electrical signal related to the electrical resistance, and obtains breathing data based on the calculated pressure.

[0387] 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.

[0388] The control unit CN has a function of estimating the level of alertness of the seated occupant based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heartbeat sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42. For example, the control unit CN determines the level of alertness (at least a level indicating whether the occupant is in an alert state or a low alert state) based on information (breathing intervals and breathing) acquired from the breathing sensor 42. For example, the control unit CN determines the level of alertness based on information (heartbeat) acquired from the heartbeat sensor 41.

[0389] The wakefulness detection unit may be a camera that captures an image of the driver, and the control unit CN may determine the wakefulness level from an image of the driver's face captured by the camera.

[0390] The control unit CN executes the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the determined wakefulness level is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value.

[0391] Next, the operation of control unit CN will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode, control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 40. The process of Fig. 40 includes the processes of steps S201 to S204 and S2049 of Fig. 38, as well as new processes of steps S231 to S236.

[0392] 40, if the determination in step S201 is Yes, the control unit CN determines the driver's level of alertness based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 41 and the breathing sensor 42, and determines whether the determined level of alertness is equal to or lower than a threshold (S231). If the determination in step S231 is that the level of alertness is equal to or lower than the threshold (Yes), the control unit CN simultaneously performs a first notification process of activating the vibration device VD and a second notification process of bringing the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face (S232). The first notification process and the second notification process are substantially the same as those in the tenth embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0393] After step S232, the control unit CN determines whether or not the operation has been switched to manual operation (S233). If it is determined in step S233 that the operation has been switched to manual operation (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S233 that the operation has not been switched to manual operation (No), the control unit CN determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (S234).

[0394] If it is determined in step S234 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S233. If it is determined in step S234 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit CN determines whether or not the first notification process by vibration and the second notification process by touching the face have each been repeated a predetermined number of times (S235).

[0395] If it is determined in step S235 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S232. If it is determined in step S235 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit CN outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S209) and ends this process.

[0396] If it is determined in step S231 that the level of wakefulness is not equal to or less than the threshold (No), the control unit CN executes the processes of steps S202 to S204, which are substantially the same as those in embodiment 10. That is, if the level of wakefulness is not equal to or less than the threshold, the control unit CN activates only the vibration device VD (S202), and determines whether the operation has been switched to manual operation within a predetermined time period (S203, S204).

[0397] If it is determined in step S204 that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the control unit CN determines whether the first notification process has been repeated a predetermined number of times (S236).

[0398] If it is determined in step S236 that the process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S202. If it is determined in step S236 that the process has been repeated the predetermined number of times (Yes), the control unit CN outputs a vehicle stop command to the vehicle control device (S209) and ends this process.

[0399] The eleventh embodiment can achieve the following effects: By configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the wakefulness level is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, two types of notifications can be provided to make it easier for a driver with a low wakefulness level to notice the switching notification.

[0400] Note that the level of wakefulness may be set to three or more levels, and notification processing may be performed according to the level of wakefulness. For example, the control unit performs only the first notification processing when the level of wakefulness is less than a first threshold. The control unit simultaneously performs the first notification processing and the second notification processing when the level of wakefulness is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. When the level of wakefulness is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit performs the third notification processing and the fourth notification processing, which are different from the first notification processing and the second notification processing performed when the level of wakefulness is less than the second threshold.

[0401] For example, the vibration device may be vibrated at a first strength in the first notification process, and at a second strength greater than the first strength in the third notification process. The pressing force of the tail member on the occupant may be a first pressing force in the second notification process, and the pressing force of the tail member on the occupant may be a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force in the fourth notification process. Also, the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the second notification process may be a first number, and the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the fourth notification process may be a second number greater than the first number.

[0402] [Twelfth Embodiment] Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the structure and processing of the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processing as those of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0403] 41 , the vehicle interior system SY11 according to the twelfth embodiment further includes a speed sensor 91 as an example of a speed detection unit in addition to the configuration of the tenth embodiment. The speed sensor 91 is a sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle. The speed sensor 91 may be, for example, a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed.

[0404] The control unit CN executes the first notification process and the second notification process simultaneously on the condition that the speed acquired from the speed sensor 91 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0405] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, the control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 42. In the process of Fig. 42, the process of step S231 in Fig. 40 is replaced with a new process of step S251.

[0406] 42, if the determination in step S201 is Yes, the control unit CN determines whether the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a threshold based on information from the speed sensor 91 (S251). If the determination in step S251 is that the speed is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes), the control unit CN activates the vibration device VD and brings the tail member 20 into contact with the driver's face (S232). If the determination in step S251 is that the speed is not equal to or greater than the threshold (No), the control unit CN activates only the vibration device VD (S202).

[0407] The twelfth embodiment can achieve the following effects: By configuring the first notification process and the second notification process to be executed simultaneously on the condition that the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to make the driver more aware of the switch notification when driving at high speeds, when it is necessary to switch to manual driving quickly.

[0408] Note that the speed may be set to three or more levels, and notification processing may be performed according to the speed. For example, the control unit performs only the first notification processing when the speed is less than a first threshold. The control unit simultaneously performs the first notification processing and the second notification processing when the speed is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. When the speed is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit performs a third notification processing and a fourth notification processing that are different from the first notification processing and the second notification processing performed when the speed is less than the second threshold.

[0409] For example, the vibration device may be vibrated at a first strength in the first notification process, and at a second strength greater than the first strength in the third notification process. The pressing force of the tail member on the occupant may be a first pressing force in the second notification process, and the pressing force of the tail member on the occupant may be a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force in the fourth notification process. Also, the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the second notification process may be a first number, and the number of times the tail member comes into contact with the occupant in the fourth notification process may be a second number greater than the first number.

[0410] [Thirteenth Embodiment] Next, a thirteenth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the tenth embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those in the tenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0411] 43 , the vehicle interior system SY12 according to the thirteenth embodiment further includes two ear members 50 as decorative elements in addition to the configuration of the tenth embodiment. The two ear members 50 are detachably attached to the top surface of the headrest 13, and the tail member 20 is detachably attached to the left side surface of the headrest 13.

[0412] By configuring the ornament so that it can be attached to multiple locations on the headrest 13, it is possible to attach the ornament to a location that is easily noticeable by passengers. Also, for those who want to keep their hairstyle intact, the ornament can be attached to a location where the movable body of the ornament will not come into contact with the head, for example, on the side of the headrest 13.

[0413] The ear member 50 has a base portion 51 and a movable body 52. ​​The base portion 51 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 51 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0414] The movable body 52 extends from the base 51, and its tip is configured to be able to move freely in all directions. The movable body 52 is shaped, for example, to resemble cat ears. The movable body 52 has, for example, a joint mechanism with multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a surface covering that covers the cushioning material. The surface is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0415] The joint mechanism can be, for example, the same joint mechanism as the tail member 20. The movable body 52 has a contact sensor 52A at its tip, which is substantially the same as the pressure sensor 22A of the tail member 20.

[0416] The headrest 13 has one first attachment part 13A located on the left side and two second attachment parts 13B located on the top surface. The first attachment part 13A has a recessed shape, and the base part 21 of the tail member 20 can be fitted into it. A connector that connects to the connector of the base part 21 of the tail member 20 is provided inside the first attachment part 13A.

[0417] The second attachment portion 13B has a recessed shape, and the base portion 51 of the ear member 50 can be fitted into the recessed shape. A connector that connects to the connector of the base portion 51 of the ear member 50 is provided inside the second attachment portion 13B.

[0418] The control unit CN has a function to change the movement of the movable bodies 22, 52 depending on the attachment position of the ornament. Specifically, the control unit CN changes the strength of contact between the movable bodies 22, 52 and the occupant and the movement pattern of the movable bodies 22, 52 depending on the attachment position of the ornament.

[0419] For example, when the ear member 50 is attached to the second attachment portion 13B of the headrest 13, the control unit CN causes the movable body 52 to strongly contact the occupant in the second notification process. In detail, the control unit CN determines whether the pressure applied to the occupant from the movable body 52 is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and when the pressure is equal to or greater than the first threshold, stops the movement of the movable body 52 or returns the movable body 52 to the separated position.

[0420] Furthermore, when the tail member 20 is attached to the first attachment portion 13A, the control unit CN causes the movable body 22 to weakly contact the occupant in the second notification process. Specifically, the control unit CN determines whether the pressure applied to the occupant from the movable body 22 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, and when the pressure is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, stops the movement of the movable body 22 or returns the movable body 22 to the separated position.

[0421] More specifically, the control unit CN may move the movable body 22 so that the tail member 20 strokes the occupant, or the control unit CN may move the movable body 52 so that the ear members 50 fall down and hit the occupant on the head.

[0422] For example, the control unit CN may use the tail member 20 to send a notification urging the driver to switch from automatic driving to manual driving, and may use the ear member 50 to send a notification to the driver informing the driver of biological information such as the driver's fatigue level.

[0423] The upholstery may be detachable from the seat cushion or seat back.

[0424] [Fourteenth embodiment] Next, a fourteenth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that since this embodiment is a partial modification of the tenth embodiment, components that are substantially the same as those in the tenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0425] As shown in Figures 44(a) and (b), the vehicle interior system SY13 according to the fourteenth embodiment further includes a tail member 820 and a camera C that are different from those of the tenth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the tenth embodiment.

[0426] The tail member 820 has an airbag 810 inside the movable body 22. The tail member 820 is provided on the left side surface of the seat back 12. The surface of the movable body 22 is provided with a tear line 811 that breaks when the airbag 810 is deployed.

[0427] An inflator 812 that inflates an airbag 810 is provided inside the seat back 12. The inflator 812 and the airbag 810 are connected by a tube through which gas generated from the inflator 812 passes.

[0428] As shown in Figure 44(c), the movable body 22 of the tail member 820 can rotate between a first position indicated by a two-dot chain line and a second position indicated by a solid line. The second position is a position that is more suitable for deploying the airbag 810 than the first position. When the movable body 22 is in the second position, the tear line 811 faces upward. As a result, as shown in Figure 44(d), the driver's head is protected by the airbag 810 when it is deployed.

[0429] The camera C is a camera that captures images 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 CN.

[0430] When the control unit CN predicts a vehicle collision based on information acquired from the camera C while the switching notification process is being executed, the control unit CN has a function of terminating the switching notification process, moving the movable body 22 to the second position, and then activating the airbag 810. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has passed without the occupant manually driving the vehicle after executing the first notification process and the second notification process, the control unit CN performs an activation preparation operation for the airbag 810, such as moving the movable body 22 to the second position.

[0431] When the control unit CN performs the second notification process, for example, it moves the movable body 22 from the first position shown by the solid line in Figure 44 (a) to the second position shown by the dashed line, and then moves the tip of the movable body 22 from the second position to the right side (driver's side) to the contact position shown by the dotted line.

[0432] Next, the operation of control unit CN will be described. When the vehicle is in autonomous driving, control unit CN repeatedly executes the process of Fig. 45. The process of Fig. 45 is the process of Fig. 38 with the addition of new steps S271 and S272.

[0433] If the determination in step S201 of the process in Fig. 45 is Yes, the control unit CN determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision based on the information acquired from the camera C (S271). If it is determined in step S271 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit CN executes airbag processing (S272). The airbag processing will be described in detail later.

[0434] If it is determined in step S208 that each notification process has not been repeated the predetermined number of times (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S271. That is, during the execution of the switching notification process (S202 to S208), the control unit CN determines the possibility of a collision (S271), and if it determines that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), executes the airbag process (S272). Furthermore, after outputting the vehicle stop command in step S209, the control unit CN executes the airbag process (S272).

[0435] 46, in the airbag processing, the control unit CN first moves the movable body 22 of the tail member 820 to the second position (S291). That is, after executing the first notification processing and the second notification processing (steps S202 to S205 in FIG. 45), if a predetermined time has passed without the occupant performing manual driving, the control unit CN moves the movable body 22 to the second position in step S291.

[0436] After step S291, the control unit CN determines whether or not there is a possibility of a vehicle collision (S292) based on the information acquired from the camera C. If it is determined in step S292 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit CN activates the airbag 810 (S293).

[0437] After step S293, or when it is determined in step S292 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit CN determines whether the vehicle has stopped (S294). When it is determined in step S294 that the vehicle has not stopped (No), the control unit CN returns to the process of step S292. When it is determined in step S294 that the vehicle has stopped (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process.

[0438] The fourteenth embodiment can provide the following effects: By configuring the movable body 22 to move to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed without the driver manually driving the vehicle after the first notification process and the second notification process are executed, if the driver does not notice the switching notification, the movable body 22 can move to the second position and prepare for the deployment of the airbag 810.

[0439] If a vehicle collision is predicted while the switching notification process is being executed, the switching notification process is terminated, the movable body 22 is moved to the second position, and then the airbag 810 is activated, thereby enabling the airbag 810 to be activated quickly after a vehicle collision is predicted.

[0440] The vehicle interior system can be used in various forms, as exemplified below.

[0441] The electric device may deform at least one of the upper surface of the seat cushion, the front surface of the seat cushion, and the front surface of the seat back as the seating surface. The electric device may be, for example, an inflatable / deflate air cell. In this case, for example, the air cell may deform the surface of the protruding portion of the seat cushion or the seat back.

[0442] In the second notification process, the tail member may be moved as follows: - The tail member attached to the headrest hits the top of the occupant's head (the tail member moves up and down). - The vibration device of the tail member attached to the headrest vibrates the occupant's face. - The tail member attached to the seatback hits the top of the occupant's shoulder. - The tail member attached to the seat cushion hits the side of the occupant's thigh (the tail member moves left and right).

[0443] The electric device may be a device that moves at least a part of the seat. For example, the electric device may be any of the following devices: - A reclining device that tilts the seat back - A height mechanism that moves the seat up and down - A sliding device that moves the seat back and forth - A movable device that changes the shape of the seat by driving a bag (air cell) or a 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 seat cushion or the seating surface of the seat back, or a device that moves a part of the seat back or the seating surface of the 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 back and forth - A rotation mechanism that rotates the seat on a vertical axis - A cushion front-rear 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 back and forth - A mechanism that extends and retracts the armrest - A mechanism that switches the armrest between an extended state and a bent state - Lighting - Headrest speaker (The headrest speaker may be rotatable or move in at least one direction of front / back, left / right, up / down). - Heater provided in the seat back or seat cushion. - Seat blower, which is a seat air conditioning device that circulates air on the surface of the seat cushion and seat back.

[0444] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. When the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0445] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member), etc. In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0446] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0447] The control unit may change the contact time, which is the time during which the movable body is in contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the contact time to a first time when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the contact time to a second time, which is longer than the first time, when a second condition is satisfied.

[0448] The control unit may change the number of contacts, which is the number of times the movable body comes into contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the number of contacts to a first number when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the number of contacts to a second number greater than the first number when a second condition is satisfied.

[0449] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0450] The control unit may cause the movable body to come into contact with the occupant based on vehicle information acquired by the vehicle. In this case, the movable body can contact the occupant to notify the occupant of any information. Examples of the vehicle information include the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle, information on whether the preceding vehicle has started moving while the host vehicle is stopped, information on whether the host vehicle will deviate from its lane, lane change timing for lane change assistance, and steering and acceleration / deceleration information for vehicle driving assistance.

[0451] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform a switching notification process after issuing a notification by the notification device. In this way, when notifying information by voice or display, a contact action is added as an auxiliary form of communication, so that notification can be given by both vision or hearing and touch. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the information to be notified.

[0452] The control unit may change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0453] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0454] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0455] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0456] The contact strength (the strength with which the movable body pushes the occupant) may be changed depending on the contact position. For example, the contact strength may be strong on the top of the head and weak on the face.

[0457] The contact position may be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be set so as not to contact the face or head of the occupant so as not to ruin their hair or makeup. For example, the head may be set as the first position, the side of the face as the second position, the ears as the third position, and the shoulders as the fourth position. A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of contacting the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0458] The control unit may change the position of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, before performing the switching notification process, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes: - A process of tilting up the front end of the seat cushion using a tilt-up mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward. - A process of rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can come into contact with the occupant by moving the seat back in a direction toward the occupant using a reclining mechanism. Note that whether the seat back has reached a position where it can come into contact with the occupant may be determined based on information from a pressure sensor provided on the seat back, for example. - A process of raising the ottoman using an ottoman drive mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward.

[0459] The movable body may be provided with a heater. In this case, the heater can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be provided with a heater.

[0460] The interior member on which the decorative item is provided is not limited to the headrest of the driver's seat, but may also be a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) constituting another seat such as the passenger seat. If the seat has an armrest or ottoman, the interior member may be the armrest or ottoman.

[0461] Other examples of interior components include a center console box located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard, inner panels of doors and vehicle side walls, a roof lining, an interior opening / closing cover of a sunroof, etc. The decorative item may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulging portions that bulge out above the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard or above the meter hood, the center console box, etc.

[0462] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. Other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0463] The change in shape of the ornamental item is not limited to a change between a straight state and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornamental item is acceptable. For example, if the ornamental item is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornamental item may be changed between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornamental item may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornamental item.

[0464] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-008896.

[0465] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0466] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0467] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit of a seat, a door, a navigation system, etc.

[0468] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be other vehicles such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0469] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system: A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system including a seat, an electric device that deforms the seating surface of the seat, an ornament attached to an interior member of a vehicle, the ornament being moved by an actuator and having a movable body that can come into contact with an occupant seated in the seat, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a first notification process that operates the electric device and a second notification process that causes the occupant seated in the seat to come into contact with the movable body, and the control unit executes the first notification process and the second notification process when executing a switch notification process that prompts the occupant to switch from autonomous driving to manual driving, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member and connecting the electric device and the actuator to the control unit.

[0470] [Fifteenth Embodiment] A fifteenth embodiment of a vehicle interior system will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 47, a vehicle interior system SY14 includes a seat body 10, a tail member 20 as an example of a decorative item, a selector switch SW, and a control unit CN. The seat body 10 and the tail member 20 are disposed inside the vehicle, more specifically, in a position facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat body 10 is the driver's seat or passenger seat.

[0471] The seat body 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 and supports an occupant (e.g., a driver) seated in the seat body 10.

[0472] 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.

[0473] 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 buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The protruding portions 11B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 11A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's thighs and buttocks.

[0474] Similarly, the seat back 12 has a base portion 12A located in the left-right center and protruding portions 12B located on both the left and right outer sides of the base portion 12A. The base portion 12A has a seating surface F that contacts the back of the occupant and supports the back from behind. The protruding portions 12B protrude from the seating surface F of the base portion 12A toward the occupant to support the sides of the occupant's upper body.

[0475] The front surface of the headrest 13 serves as a seating surface F that supports the head of the occupant.

[0476] The tail member 20 is provided on the upper part of the seat body 10. More specifically, the tail member 20 is located on the left side FL of the headrest 13. The side FL is the outer surface of the headrest 13 other than the seating surface F. The tail member 20 is positioned to avoid the seating surface F of the seat body 10. The tail member 20 protrudes from the side FL.

[0477] The tail member 20 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22. The base portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the headrest 13. The base portion 21 is, for example, embedded in the pad of the headrest 13 and fixed to the frame of the headrest 13.

[0478] The movable body 22 extends from the base 21, and its tip is configured to be able to move freely in all directions. The movable body 22 is shaped, for example, to resemble a cat's tail. The movable body 22 includes, for example, a joint mechanism having multiple joints, a cushioning material such as cotton or sponge that covers the joint mechanism, and a surface covering that covers the cushioning material. The surface is made of, for example, cloth or brushed fabric.

[0479] The joint mechanism has a plurality of links (serial links) that are rotatably connected to one another, and the plurality of links are moved by an actuator.

[0480] The joint mechanism can be configured, for example, like a robot arm. In this case, the actuators for moving the multiple links are multiple motors arranged near the multiple joints.

[0481] The joint mechanism can also be configured to include, for example, multiple links, a spring that biases the multiple links so that they are aligned in a straight rod shape, a wire that pulls the distal link in a direction that causes the multiple links to fold against the biasing force of the spring, and a winch for pulling the wire. In this case, the actuator for moving the multiple links is a winch, and when the winch pulls the wire, the joint mechanism moves in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to fold, and when the winch releases the wire, the spring moves the joint mechanism in a direction that causes the joint mechanism to extend straight. In this case, using multiple wires allows the joint mechanism to be moved so as to fold in different directions, and the distal end of the movable body 22 can be freely moved in any direction.

[0482] The movable body 22 protrudes from the side surface FL. The movable body 22 has a pressure sensor 22A as an example of a contact sensor and a pressure sensor 22B as an example of a weight detection unit. The pressure sensor 22A is located at the tip of the movable body 22. The contact sensor may be, for example, a capacitive touch sensor. The pressure sensor 22A is located, for example, between the surface and the cushioning material. The pressure sensor 22B is located between the tip and base ends of the movable body 22.

[0483] The movable body 22 is movable between a separated position shown in Figure 48(a) and a contact position shown in Figures 48(b) and (c). The movable body 22 positioned at the separated position is separated from the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The tip of the movable body 22 positioned at the contact position can come into contact with the head of the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. More specifically, the tip of the movable body 22 positioned at the contact position can come into contact with the face of the occupant seated in the seat main body 10. The movable body 22 does not have a seating surface that supports the occupant seated in the seat main body 10.

[0484] The movable body 22 can be deformed between a reference shape shown in Fig. 48(a) and a holding shape shown in Fig. 49(a). The holding shape is a shape on which an object can be hung. In the holding shape, the movable body 22 is bent at approximately 90°. Specifically, when the movable body 22 is in the holding shape, the movable body 22 extends diagonally downward to the left from the left side surface FL of the headrest 13, then bends and extends diagonally upward to the left.

[0485] When the movable body 22 is in the holding shape, the tip of the movable body 22 faces upward. In this embodiment, when the movable body 22 is in the holding shape, the tip of the movable body 22 faces diagonally upward to the left.

[0486] The upper surface of the movable body 22 in the holding shape forms a V-shaped groove that opens upward. The pressure sensor 22B is located at a position corresponding to the bottom of the V-shaped groove. In other words, the pressure sensor 22B is located at the bent portion of the movable body 22 in the holding shape. When the movable body 22 is in the holding shape, the pressure sensor 22B detects the weight of the object being held by the movable body 22 as pressure and outputs it to the control unit CN.

[0487] When the movable body 22 is in the reference shape, the degree of bending of the movable body 22 is smaller than when it is in the held shape.

[0488] The changeover switch SW is a switch for switching the mode of the control unit CN to a normal mode, a contact mode, or a hold mode, which will be described later. The changeover switch SW is tiltable between a normal position corresponding to the normal mode, a contact mode position corresponding to the contact mode, and a hold mode position corresponding to the hold mode. The changeover switch SW is provided on the seat body 10. Note that the changeover switch SW may be provided on a member other than the seat body 10.

[0489] The control unit CN has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit CN may be provided in the seat body 10 or in a member other than the seat body 10.

[0490] The control unit CN can execute a normal mode, a holding mode, and a contact mode. In the normal mode, the tail member 20 remains in the separated position without moving.

[0491] The holding mode is a mode in which the movable body 22 is in a holding shape. In the holding mode, it is possible to hang an object such as a bag B on the movable body 22, as shown in Fig. 49(b).

[0492] The contact mode is a mode in which the tip of the tail member 20 is moved from the separated position to the contact position depending on the conditions. In the contact mode, the tail member 20 comes into contact with the occupant, which can increase the entertainment value.

[0493] When the changeover switch SW is switched to the holding mode, the control unit CN operates the actuator of the tail member 20 to put the movable body 22 into the holding shape.

[0494] In the holding mode, the control unit CN has a function of moving the movable body 22 based on the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B. Specifically, the control unit CN increases the degree of bending of the movable body 22 in the holding shape as the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B increases.

[0495] 49(b), for example, when an object B1 of a first weight is contained in a bag B hung on the movable body 22, the control unit CN changes the shape of the movable body 22 to a first shape bent at approximately 90° as shown by the solid line. When an object B2 of a second weight greater than the first weight is contained in the bag B hung on the movable body 22, the control unit CN changes the shape of the movable body 22 to a second shape (for example, a shape bent at approximately 70°) that is more bent than the first shape.

[0496] The control unit CN executes the contact mode on the condition that no object is hung on the movable body 22. More specifically, when the changeover switch SW is switched to the contact mode, the control unit CN determines whether or not an object is hung on the movable body 22 based on the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B, and executes the contact mode when it determines that no object is hung on the movable body 22. In the contact mode, the control unit CN moves the actuator of the movable body 22 at predetermined time intervals to bring the tip of the movable body 22 into contact with the face of the occupant.

[0497] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. The control unit CN repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 50 while the vehicle power supply is ON.

[0498] 50, the control unit CN first determines whether the selector switch SW is in the contact mode position (S301). If it is determined in step S301 that the selector switch SW is in the contact mode position (Yes), the control unit CN determines whether an object is hanging on the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 based on the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B (S302). Specifically, in step S302, the control unit CN determines whether the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0499] If it is determined in step S302 that an object is hung (Yes), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S302 that an object is not hung (No), the control unit CN executes the contact mode (S303).

[0500] If it is determined in step S301 that the switch SW is not in the contact mode position (No), the control unit CN determines whether the switch SW is in the hold mode position (S304). If it is determined in step S304 that the switch SW is in the hold mode position (Yes), the control unit CN executes the hold mode (S305). If it is determined in step S304 that the switch SW is not in the hold mode position (No), the control unit CN executes the normal mode (S306).

[0501] When the contact mode is started, the control unit CN starts counting up by the timer. As shown in Fig. 51, in the contact mode, the control unit CN determines whether the timer value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S321). If it is determined in step S321 that the timer value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (No), the control unit CN ends this process.

[0502] If it is determined in step S321 that the timer value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Yes), the control unit CN moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position (S322). After step S322, the control unit CN determines whether the tip of the tail member 20 has touched the occupant based on information from the pressure sensor 22A (S323).

[0503] If it is determined in step S323 that the tip of the tail member 20 is not touching the occupant (No), the control unit CN repeats the process of step S323 (No). If it is determined in step S323 that the tip of the tail member 20 is touching the occupant (Yes), the control unit CN returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position (S324). Note that if the condition of step S323 is not satisfied even after a predetermined time has elapsed in step S323, the control unit CN proceeds to the process of step S324 and returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position.

[0504] After step S324, control unit CN resets the timer and starts counting up again (S325), and then ends this process.

[0505] As shown in Figure 52, in the holding mode, the control unit CN first operates the actuator of the tail member 20 to put the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 into the holding shape (341). After step S341, the control unit CN obtains the pressure corresponding to the weight of the object applied to the movable body 22 from the pressure sensor 22B (S342).

[0506] After step S342, the control unit CN increases the degree of bending of the movable body 22 as the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B increases (S343), and ends this process. Specifically, in step S343, if the pressure is less than a threshold, the control unit CN causes the movable body 22 to assume a first shape bent at a predetermined degree of bending. If the pressure is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit CN causes the movable body 22 to assume a second shape bent to a greater degree than the first shape.

[0507] The number of types of shapes with different degrees of bending is not limited to two, and may be three or more. Furthermore, the holding shape may be an annular shape in which the tip of the movable body 22 contacts a portion other than the tip of the movable body 22.

[0508] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. When an occupant seated in the seat body 10 shown in Figure 47 switches the changeover switch SW from the normal position to the contact mode position, a timer starts counting up. When a time corresponding to the timer threshold has elapsed since the changeover switch SW was switched, the control unit CN moves the tip of the tail member 20 from the separation position toward the contact position, as shown in Figures 48(a) and 48(b) in that order.

[0509] When the tip of the tail member 20 touches the occupant's face, the control unit CN returns the tip of the tail member 20 to the separated position, resets the timer, and starts counting up the timer from 1. After that, when the time corresponding to the timer threshold has elapsed since the tip of the tail member 20 returned to the separated position, the control unit CN performs contact processing again and moves the tip of the tail member 20 toward the contact position.

[0510] Therefore, the tail member 20 of the seat body 10 periodically touches the face of the occupant seated in the seat body 10, so the occupant feels the seat body 10 like a pet, develops an attachment to the seat body 10, and is comforted by the contact with the tail member 20.

[0511] When an occupant switches the selector switch SW from the normal position to the hold mode position, the movable body 22 transforms from the shape shown in Fig. 48(a) to the hold shape (first shape) shown in Fig. 49(a). This allows the occupant to hang a bag B containing an item B1 on the movable body 22. Furthermore, when the occupant hangs a bag B containing an item B2 that is heavier than item B1 on the movable body 22, the movable body 22 transforms from the first shape to the second shape shown by the two-dot chain line. This prevents the bag B containing the heavy item B2 from falling off the movable body 22.

[0512] Furthermore, when the occupant switches the selector switch SW from the hold mode position to the contact mode position while the bag B is hung on the movable body 22 in the hold shape, the control unit CN does not execute the contact mode, thereby preventing the bag B from falling off the movable body 22 due to movement of the movable body 22 on which the bag B is hung.

[0513] The control unit CN may determine whether the selector switch SW has been switched from the hold mode position to another position, and if it is determined that the switch SW has been switched, may determine whether an object is hanging on the movable body 22. If it is determined that an object is hanging on the movable body 22, the control unit CN may notify the occupant of this information by voice from a speaker or by displaying on a screen, or may be configured to issue a warning sound and not execute another mode. Furthermore, if it is determined that an object is not hanging on the movable body 22, the control unit CN may return the movable body 22 to the reference shape and the separated position shown in FIG. 48( a) and execute another mode.

[0514] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: By configuring the control unit CN to operate the actuator to put the movable body 22 into the held shape, the occupant does not need to manually put the movable body 22 into the held shape, and therefore the effort required to prepare the movable body 22 into the held shape can be reduced.

[0515] By configuring the movable body 22 to bend more in the holding shape as the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B increases, it is possible to prevent a heavy object from falling off the movable body 22.

[0516] The configuration that allows the contact mode to be executed can enhance entertainment value. Also, by setting the condition for performing the process of bringing the movable body 22 into contact with the occupant as being that no object is hung on the movable body 22, it is possible to prevent the object from falling off the movable body 22 when the movable body 22 moves with an object hung on it.

[0517] [16th embodiment] Next, a 16th embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the 15th embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those in the 15th embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0518] As shown in Figures 53(a) and (b), the vehicle interior system SY15 of the 16th embodiment differs from the 15th embodiment in that it is equipped with a monitor 310 as an example of a display unit, a movable body 320 that has a partially different structure from the 15th embodiment, and a camera 330.

[0519] The monitor 310 has a screen for displaying images. The monitor 310 is disposed in front of the seat body 10. The screen of the monitor 310 faces the seat body 10.

[0520] The movable body 320 has a base portion 21 and a movable body 22 that are substantially the same as those in the fifteenth embodiment, and further has a light 321. The light 321 is provided at the tip of the movable body 22.

[0521] The camera 330 is a camera that captures an image of the area around the movable body 22. The camera 330 captures an image of the area around the movable body 22, thereby acquiring an image of the object hung on the movable body 22 in the holding shape.

[0522] 54( a), in the hold mode, the control unit CN has a function of controlling the light 321 based on the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B of the movable body 22. In this embodiment, the control unit CN turns on the light 321 in a color corresponding to the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B. Specifically, the control unit CN turns on the light 321 in blue when the pressure is less than a first threshold, turns on the light 321 in yellow when the pressure is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, and turns on the light 321 in red when the pressure is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0523] The second threshold value can be set to a value corresponding to the maximum weight that the movable body 22 in the holding shape can withstand. The light color of the lighting 321 is not limited to three types, but may be two, four, or more, and can be set arbitrarily. However, it is preferable that the color of light corresponding to the threshold value corresponding to the maximum weight is red. Furthermore, the method of changing the color is not limited to this, and for example, the light intensity may be increased as the pressure (weight) increases.

[0524] As shown in Fig. 54(b), the control unit CN has a function of moving a character on the screen of the monitor 310 in accordance with the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B. In this embodiment, the character is a cat character. Also, in this embodiment, the pressure sensor 22B corresponds to an object information acquisition unit that acquires object information related to an object hung on the movable body 22. The pressure sensor 22B acquires the weight (pressure) of the object as object information.

[0525] For example, the greater the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B, the more distressed the cat's face on the screen becomes. The greater the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B, the more the control unit CN lowers the cat's tail on the screen. The greater the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B, the more the control unit CN increases the amount of sweat the cat on the screen produces.

[0526] Furthermore, when the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B exceeds the second threshold (limit threshold), the control unit CN may move the cat on the screen in a manner that emphasizes that the cat is heavy. When the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B exceeds the limit threshold, the control unit CN may issue a voice notification such as "It's heavy" from a speaker built into the monitor, and the cat's tail may gradually change from a bent shape to a straight shape, thereby presenting the impression that it cannot withstand the weight.

[0527] The control unit CN also has a function of displaying on the screen an image of the object hung on the movable body 22 acquired from the camera 330. The control unit CN determines the size of the image of the object relative to the cat's tail to be displayed on the screen based on the size of the movable body 22 and the object captured by the camera 330, and displays the image of the object so that it overlaps the image of the cat's tail.

[0528] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the control unit CN executes the hold mode shown in Fig. 55. The hold mode shown in Fig. 55 is obtained by adding new steps S361 and S362 to the process shown in Fig. 52.

[0529] 55, after step S343, the control unit CN turns on the light 321 in a color corresponding to the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B (S361). After step S361, the control unit CN moves the character on the screen in a manner corresponding to the pressure (weight) acquired from the pressure sensor 22B (S362), and ends this process.

[0530] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Fig. 54(a), when a bag B containing an object weighing more than the second threshold (limit threshold) is hung on the movable body 22 in the holding shape, the control unit CN turns on the light 321 in red. Thereafter, the control unit CN displays on the monitor 310 an image of a sweating cat with a pained expression.

[0531] Although not shown in the figures, an example of control when a bag B containing an object weighing less than the first threshold is hung on the movable body 22 in the holding shape will be described below. When a bag B containing an object weighing less than the first threshold is hung on the movable body 22 in the holding shape, the control unit CN turns on the light 321 in blue. Thereafter, the control unit CN displays on the monitor 310 an image of a cat whose tail is positioned higher and which is not sweating compared to the image of the cat in Fig. 54(a).

[0532] According to the sixteenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: By configuring the character to move in accordance with the pressure acquired from the pressure sensor 22B, the entertainment value can be increased.

[0533] The object information acquisition unit may be a camera. In this case, the control unit CN may move the character on the screen according to the size of the object (the object hung on the movable body 22) captured by the camera. For example, the larger the size of the object, the more distressed the cat's face on the screen may be, the lower its tail may be, or the amount of sweat the cat on the screen may increase.

[0534] [Seventeenth embodiment] Next, a seventeenth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the fifteenth embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those of the fifteenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0535] 56, a vehicle interior system SY16 according to the seventeenth embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the fifteenth embodiment, an acceleration sensor 92 as an example of an acceleration detection unit. The acceleration sensor 92 is capable of detecting vertical acceleration applied to the vehicle.

[0536] When the movable body 22 is in the holding shape, that is, in the holding mode, the control unit CN has a function of moving the movable body 22 based on the acceleration acquired from the acceleration sensor 92. Specifically, in the holding mode, when the control unit CN acquires downward acceleration from the acceleration sensor 92, it moves the movable body 22 downward.

[0537] 57(a) and 57(b), when a vehicle drives up a step with bags B hanging from movable body 22 and then descends due to gravity, bags B that fall behind the descent of the vehicle can be lowered while being supported by movable body 22 moving downward, thereby preventing excessive load from being applied to movable body 22. The timing at which control unit CN starts to move movable body 22 downward can be set appropriately through experiments or simulations, and can be, for example, a predetermined time after downward acceleration is detected by acceleration sensor 92.

[0538] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the control unit CN executes the hold mode shown in Fig. 58. The hold mode shown in Fig. 58 has step S341, which is substantially the same as in the fifteenth embodiment, and new steps S381 to S384.

[0539] As shown in Figure 58, in the tail mode, the control unit CN sets the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 to the holding shape (S341), and then acquires acceleration from the acceleration sensor 92 (S381). After step S381, the control unit CN determines whether the acquired acceleration is downward acceleration (S382).

[0540] If it is determined in step S382 that the acceleration is not downward (No), the control unit CN ends this process. If it is determined in step S382 that the acceleration is downward (Yes), the control unit CN lowers the movable body 22 by a predetermined amount at a predetermined timing (S383).

[0541] After step S383, control unit CN returns movable body 22 to its original position after a predetermined time (S384), and ends this process. Here, the original position is the position of movable body 22 when movable body 22 was set to the holding shape in step S341.

[0542] According to the seventeenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: When a vehicle runs over a step with bags B hanging from the movable body 22 and then descends due to gravity, the bags B that fall behind the descent of the vehicle can be lowered while being supported by the movable body 22 moving downward, thereby preventing excessive load from being applied to the movable body 22.

[0543] The acceleration detection unit may be a sensor capable of detecting acceleration in the forward / backward direction or the left / right direction. For example, the control unit may recognize the left / right acceleration of the vehicle and adjust the position of the movable body to prevent the bag from falling. Specifically, for example, when the bag is swaying left and right due to successive left and right curves, the control unit may stabilize the bag by moving the movable body so as to counteract the acceleration (by increasing the bending angle or moving it up and down). In this case, the control unit may display an image of a character holding the bag on a display unit such as a monitor. Furthermore, the character's movement may be linked to the acceleration mitigation action of the movable body.

[0544] [Eighteenth embodiment] Next, an eighteenth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the fifteenth embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components and processes as those of the fifteenth embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0545] 59, the vehicle interior system SY17 according to the 18th embodiment differs from the 15th embodiment in that it includes a camera C as an example of a recognition unit, and that two tail members 20, substantially the same as those in the 15th embodiment, are provided on each of the left and right sides of the headrest 13. In this embodiment, the seat body 10 provided with two tail members 20 serves as a driver's seat.

[0546] Camera C is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the vehicle. Camera C can capture images of the outside of the vehicle, specifically, in all directions, including the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 60(a) and 60(c), camera C can recognize belongings of a passenger who is about to get into the vehicle from outside the vehicle.

[0547] The left and right movable bodies 22 can be transformed into a first holding shape shown in Fig. 60(b) and a second holding shape shown in Fig. 60(d). The first holding shape is a shape that allows a bag BG, which is an example of a first item, to be hung. In this embodiment, the first holding shape is the same as the holding shape in the fifteenth embodiment. Furthermore, of the left and right movable bodies 22, the right movable body 22 can be changed into the first holding shape.

[0548] The second holding shape is a shape that allows for hanging clothes CL as an example of a second article. Specifically, the left movable body 22 extends diagonally upward to the left from the left side of the headrest 13, then bends, and extends diagonally upward to the right. The right movable body 22 extends diagonally upward to the right from the right side of the headrest 13, then bends, and extends diagonally upward to the left. The bent portions of the left and right movable bodies 22 are capable of holding the shoulders of the clothes CL.

[0549] When the control unit CN determines that the belongings recognized by the camera C are a bag BG, it sets the movable body 22 to the first holding shape. When the control unit CN determines that the belongings recognized by the camera C are clothes CL, it sets the movable body 22 to the second holding shape.

[0550] Next, the operation of the control unit CN will be described in detail. When an occupant approaches the vehicle, the control unit CN executes the onboard hold mode shown in Fig. 61. Here, whether an occupant has approached the vehicle can be determined based on information from a smart key carried by the occupant, for example.

[0551] 61, in the on-board holding mode, the control unit CN first acquires an image from the camera C (S401). After step S401, the control unit CN determines whether the belongings of the occupant approaching the vehicle are bags BG based on the image acquired from the camera C (S402).

[0552] If it is determined in step S402 that the personal item is a bag BG (Yes), the control unit CN sets the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 to the first holding shape (S403), and ends this process. If it is determined in step S402 that the personal item is not a bag BG (No), the control unit CN determines whether the personal item is clothes CL (S404).

[0553] If it is determined in step S404 that the item is clothing CL (Yes), the control unit CN sets the movable body 22 of the tail member 20 to the second holding shape (S405) and ends this process. If it is determined in step S404 that the item is not clothing CL (No), the control unit CN ends this process while leaving the left and right movable bodies 22 in the reference shape.

[0554] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit CN will be described. As shown in Fig. 60(a), when the driver approaches the vehicle carrying a bag BG, the right-side movable body 22 assumes the first holding shape as shown in Fig. 60(b). Therefore, when the driver opens the driver's side door of the vehicle, the tip of the movable body 22 in the first holding shape faces the driver (outside in the left-right direction of the vehicle), making it easier for the driver to hang the bag BG on the movable body 22.

[0555] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 60(c), when the driver approaches the vehicle carrying the clothes CL, the left and right movable bodies 22 assume the second holding shape as shown in Fig. 60(d), allowing the driver to hang the clothes CL on the left and right movable bodies.

[0556] According to the eighteenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained: When the control unit CN determines that the belongings recognized by the camera C are a bag BG, the control unit CN sets the movable body 22 to the first holding shape, and when the control unit CN determines that the belongings recognized by the camera C are clothes CL, the control unit CN sets the movable body 22 to the second holding shape, thereby reducing the effort required of the occupant.

[0557] In the 18th embodiment, the left and right movable bodies 22 on the outer side of the vehicle in the left-right direction (the side farther from the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction) are made into the first holding shape, but the movable body 22 on the inner side of the vehicle in the left-right direction (the side closer to the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction) may be made into the first holding shape, or both the left and right movable bodies 22 may be made into the first holding shape.

[0558] [Nineteenth embodiment] Next, a nineteenth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the fifteenth embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those according to the fifteenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0559] As shown in Figure 62(b), the vehicle interior system SY18 according to the 19th embodiment includes seat bodies 10 lined up on the left and right, and a tail member 20 provided on each seat body 10. The left seat body 10 includes the tail member 20 on the right side surface of the headrest 13. The right seat body 10 includes the tail member 20 on the left side surface of the headrest 13.

[0560] The movable body 22 of the tail member 20 provided on each seat main body 10 can be deformed into a connected shape shown in Figure 62(b). In the connected shape, the tips of the left and right movable bodies 22 are in contact with each other so that the left and right movable bodies 22 appear to be connected. Furthermore, the left and right movable bodies 22 each incline to be positioned downward as they approach the left-right center of the vehicle, and then incline to be positioned upward as they approach the left-right center.

[0561] As shown in FIG. 62(a), when the control unit CN determines that the belongings recognized by the camera C are umbrellas UM, it causes each movable body 22 to assume a connected shape.

[0562] The 19th embodiment can be combined with, for example, the 18th embodiment. In this case, for example, the left and right seat bodies 10 each include two tail members 20, as shown in FIG. 60( b) and other figures. The control unit CN sets the right movable body 22 on the driver's seat to the first holding shape when the belongings of the occupant outside the vehicle are bags BG, sets the two movable bodies 22 on the driver's seat to the second holding shape when the belongings are clothes CL, and sets the two movable bodies 22 on the left and right seat bodies 10 closer to the center of the vehicle in the left-right direction to a connected shape that allows the umbrella UM to be hung on them when the belongings are umbrellas UM.

[0563] In this way, by deforming the movable body 22 into various shapes according to the belongings of the occupant outside the vehicle, the movable body 22 can hold the belongings in a shape suitable for the belongings.

[0564] In the coupled configuration, the two movable bodies may not simply contact each other, but the claws provided on each movable body may hook together. Also, a locking device provided on one movable body may lock a part of the other movable body.

[0565] [Twentieth Embodiment] Next, a twentieth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that this embodiment is a modification of the vehicle interior system SY14 according to the fifteenth embodiment, and therefore, the same components and processes as those according to the fifteenth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0566] 63(a), the vehicle interior system SY19 according to the twentieth embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment in that the seat body 10 has an airbag 510. The tail member 20 is provided on the left side surface FL of the headrest 13 of the seat body 10, as in the fifteenth embodiment.

[0567] The airbag 510 is embedded in the left overhang 12B of the seat back 12. The airbag 510 is located at an upper portion of the left overhang 12B. The cover 520 of the seat back 12 has a tear line 521 that breaks when the airbag 510 is deployed. The tear line 521 is located at the front end of the left overhang 12B.

[0568] When the airbag 510 is activated, the airbag 510 ruptures the tear line 521 and deploys forward. That is, the deployment direction of the airbag 510 is forward.

[0569] As shown in Figure 63(b), the tail member 20 is located rearward of the tear line 521, that is, upstream in the deployment direction. The tail member 20 is spaced apart from the tear line 521 in the up-down direction. As shown in Figure 63(a), the tail member 20 does not overlap with the tear line 521 in the deployment direction of the airbag 510, that is, when viewed from the front. By configuring the tail member 20 so that it does not overlap with the tear line 521 when viewed from the deployment direction of the airbag 510, it is possible to prevent the airbag 510 from interfering with the tail member 20 when the airbag 510 is deployed.

[0570] The vehicle interior system can be used in various forms, as exemplified below. The decorative item may be provided not only on the headrest, but also on the back or side of the seat back or armrest. The decorative item may be detachable from the seat and may be attachable to various positions on the seat.

[0571] The transition to the holding mode may be made, for example, when the ornament is pulled a number of times, for example, three times, in which case a sensor may be provided to detect when the ornament is pulled.

[0572] The weight sensor may be attached to the base of the movable body. When an occupant has forgotten their luggage and is about to lock the vehicle door, a reminder may be issued by moving an ornament. For example, the reminder may be issued by a light provided on the ornament. Specifically, the control unit may determine whether the door is open, and if it determines that the door is open and that an object is hanging on the movable body, it may turn on the light on the ornament.

[0573] The weight detection unit may be a camera, and the control unit may analyze an image of the object captured by the camera to estimate the weight of the object.

[0574] The vehicle interior system may include a seating detection sensor that detects whether an occupant is seated in the seat. Examples of the seating detection sensor include a seating sensor on the seat and a camera that photographs the occupant. In this case, the control unit may execute the contact process when it determines that an occupant is seated in the seat based on information from the seating detection sensor, and may prohibit the contact process when it determines that an occupant is not seated in the seat. In this way, the control unit executes the contact process only after recognizing that an occupant is seated in the seat, thereby preventing malfunction and creating a sense of exclusivity that communication can only be achieved within the vehicle interior.

[0575] The decorative item may be located on an upper part of the seat other than the headrest. For example, the decorative item may be located on the upper surface of the seat back, on either the left or right side, or on the back. The decorative item may also be located on either the left or right side or the underside of the seat cushion. When the decorative item is located on the upper part of the seat, the movable body can come into contact with the occupant's head, making it easier for the occupant to notice the movable body coming into contact.

[0576] The contact sensor may be a camera placed in a position where it can capture an image of the occupant, or a camera provided on a movable body (for example, the tip of a tail member), etc. In this case, the control unit may determine whether or not the movable body has touched the occupant based on information from the camera.

[0577] The control unit may change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may move the movable body so as to contact the head of the occupant when a first condition is satisfied, and may move the movable body so as to contact the shoulder of the occupant when a second condition is satisfied.

[0578] The control unit may change the contact time, which is the time during which the movable body is in contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the contact time to a first time when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the contact time to a second time, which is longer than the first time, when a second condition is satisfied.

[0579] The control unit may change the number of contacts, which is the number of times the movable body comes into contact with the occupant, depending on the conditions. For example, the control unit may set the number of contacts to a first number when a first condition is satisfied, and may set the number of contacts to a second number greater than the first number when a second condition is satisfied.

[0580] The control unit may determine the contact time or the number of contacts based on information from a contact sensor, for example.

[0581] The control unit may cause the movable body to come into contact with the occupant based on vehicle information acquired by the vehicle. In this case, the movable body can contact the occupant to notify the occupant of any information. Examples of the vehicle information include the distance between the host vehicle and another vehicle, information on whether the preceding vehicle has started moving while the host vehicle is stopped, information on whether the host vehicle will deviate from its lane, lane change timing for lane change assistance, and steering and acceleration / deceleration information for vehicle driving assistance.

[0582] The vehicle interior system may include a notification device that notifies the occupant of information by voice or display. The notification device may be, for example, an agent device such as a robot, or a navigation system. The control unit may perform contact processing after notifying the occupant using the notification device. In this way, when notifying the occupant of information by voice or display, a contact action is added as a supplementary form of communication, so that notification can be performed using both vision or hearing and touch. The control unit may, for example, change the destination (contact position) of the movable body depending on the information to be notified.

[0583] The control unit may randomly execute the contact process within a predetermined time period. The control unit may also change the moving distance, moving speed, etc. of the movable body.

[0584] The control unit may execute the contact process based on the content of the voice acquired from the occupant.

[0585] The vehicle interior system includes a physical information acquisition unit that acquires the physique of the occupant, and the control unit may estimate the position of body parts such as the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on the physical information acquired from the physical information acquisition unit.

[0586] Examples of the physical information acquisition unit include a camera capable of photographing the occupant, a device that stores the occupant's physical information such as a smartphone or a wearable device, and multiple pressure sensors provided on the seat.

[0587] The camera may be, for example, an in-vehicle camera, an exterior camera, or a camera mounted on a movable body. In the case of an exterior camera, the control unit estimates the position of the head and shoulders of the occupant sitting in the seat based on an image of the occupant captured by the exterior camera before getting in the vehicle.

[0588] The contact strength (the strength with which the movable body pushes the occupant) may be changed depending on the contact position. For example, the contact strength may be strong on the top of the head and weak on the face.

[0589] The contact position may be set arbitrarily. For example, it may be set so as not to contact the face or head of the occupant so as not to ruin their hair or makeup. For example, the head may be set as the first position, the side of the face as the second position, the ears as the third position, and the shoulders as the fourth position. A plurality of movable bodies may be provided, and may be capable of contacting the thighs, abdomen, or arms of the occupant.

[0590] The control unit may estimate the physical and mental state of the occupant based on the biological information. The control unit may increase the frequency of contact processing when the occupant's mental state is deteriorating.

[0591] The control unit may change the position of the seat so that the movable body is more likely to come into contact with the occupant. For example, before performing the contact process, the control unit may perform at least one of the following processes: - A process of tilting up the front end of the seat cushion using a tilt-up mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward. - A process of rotating the seat back to a position where the tail member of the headrest can come into contact with the occupant by moving the seat back in a direction toward the occupant using a reclining mechanism. Note that whether the seat back has reached a position where it can come into contact with the occupant may be determined based on information from a pressure sensor provided on the seat back, for example. - A process of raising the ottoman using an ottoman drive mechanism to tilt the occupant's body backward.

[0592] Before executing the contact process, the control unit may activate a vibration device provided on the seat to notify that the movable body will start moving.

[0593] The movable body may be provided with a heater. In this case, the heater can warm the part of the occupant's body that comes into contact with the movable body, thereby improving the comfort of the occupant. The headrest may be provided with a heater.

[0594] The ornament is not limited to a cat's tail. Other examples of ornaments include models imitating body parts (ears, limbs, whiskers) of animals such as dogs and cats, stuffed toys imitating the entire body of a human or animal, models imitating characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models imitating plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, and robots. The movable body may be the arms or legs of a robot, or a device that rotates or raises and lowers the entire robot.

[0595] The change in shape of the ornamental item is not limited to a change between a straight state and a bent state, and any change that changes the external shape of the ornamental item is acceptable. For example, if the ornamental item is made up of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornamental item may be changed between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the actuator that changes the shape of the ornamental item may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornamental item.

[0596] The actuator may be an artificial muscle such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-008896.

[0597] The ornament may also have a plurality of stacked air cells. In this case, by selecting the air cells to inflate, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages.

[0598] The decorative item may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the decorative item. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is below a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is above the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

[0599] The decorative item may have a display unit, a communication unit, a speaker, etc. The decorative item may be operable by an operation input unit of a seat, a door, a navigation system, etc.

[0600] The vehicle is not limited to an automobile, but may be any other vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a train.

[0601] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system: A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior system comprising: an ornament that is provided on a seat and placed at a position that avoids the seating surface of the seat, the ornament having a movable body that is moved by an actuator; and a control unit, the movable body being deformable into a bent holding shape that can be changed into a holding shape on which an object can be hung and a shape that is less bent than the holding shape, and the control unit moving the actuator to change the movable body into the holding shape when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the method comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the seat and connecting the actuator to the control unit.

[0602] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior system comprising: a first seat on which an occupant sits; a second seat on which an occupant sits, the second seat being located behind the first seat; an occupancy detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated on the second seat; a first robot that is located between the dashboard and the second seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the first robot having a first display unit that displays information; and a control unit, wherein when the control unit determines that an occupant is seated on the second seat based on information from the occupancy detection unit, it moves the first robot to face the first display unit towards the second seat.

2. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, wherein the first robot is provided in the first seat.

3. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat, and the control unit displays the face captured by the imaging unit on the first display unit.

4. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1 further comprises: a second robot provided on the dashboard, the second robot having a second display unit that displays information; and an imaging unit that captures an image of the face of the occupant in the second seat, wherein the control unit displays the image of the face of the occupant in the second seat captured by the imaging unit on the second display unit.

5. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat, wherein the control unit determines the movement of the occupant in the seat located in front of the second seat based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and moves the first robot in response to that movement.

6. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1 further comprises: a second robot provided on the dashboard, the second robot having a second display unit that displays information; and an imaging unit that images an occupant in the second seat, wherein the control unit determines the movement of the occupant in the second seat based on the image captured by the imaging unit and moves the second robot in response to that movement.

7. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1 further comprises: an audio acquisition unit that acquires audio; and an imaging unit that is capable of imaging an occupant in a seat located in front of the second seat and an occupant in the second seat, wherein the control unit determines the occupant making the audio based on information acquired from the audio acquisition unit, and displays the occupant making the audio on the first display unit based on an image captured by the imaging unit.

8. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1, further comprising an electric device that operates the first seat, wherein the control unit operates the electric device in conjunction with the operation of the first robot.

9. The vehicle interior system described in claim 1, further comprising an electric device that operates the first seat, wherein the control unit is capable of estimating the physique of an occupant seated in the second seat based on information from the seating detection unit, and operates the electric device based on the estimated physique.

10. The vehicle interior system described in claim 2, further comprising a seating detection unit that detects that an occupant is seated in the first seat, wherein the control unit does not change the orientation of the first display unit of the first robot when an occupant is seated in the first seat.

11. The vehicle interior system described in claim 2, characterized in that the first seat has an airbag and a skin having a tear line that breaks when the airbag is deployed, and the first robot does not overlap the tear line when viewed from the direction in which the airbag deploys.

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