JP7709072B2 - Vehicle Interior Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior system that includes interior components and a control unit.

Conventionally, there is known a seat equipped with an alertness maintaining device and an indicator lamp that shows that the alertness maintaining device is operating (see Patent Document 1). The alertness maintaining device includes a breathing sensor, a control device, and a vibration unit. The control device receives the breathing signal of the seated occupant detected by the breathing sensor to determine the alertness state of the occupant, and activates the vibration unit if it determines that the occupant is not in an alert state. This technology can notify the seated occupant and those around that the alertness maintaining device is operating normally, thereby more reliably preventing the seated occupant from falling asleep.

JP 2016-193656 A

However, in conventional technology, the operating status of the wakefulness maintaining device is indicated by lighting up an indicator lamp. In situations where the light of the indicator lamp is difficult to see, such as when the environment around the seat is bright, there is a risk that people nearby may find it difficult to grasp the operating status of the wakefulness maintaining device, and therefore the status of the seated occupant.

Therefore, the present invention aims to notify surrounding people of a user's biometric information in a way that is easy to understand.

In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle interior system of the present invention comprises an interior member to be placed inside the vehicle, an ornament attached to the interior member, an electric device that changes the shape of the ornament, a sensor that acquires biometric information of the user, and a control unit.
The control unit operates the electric device based on the biological information acquired from the sensor to change the shape of the ornament.

With this configuration, the shape of the accessory changes according to the user's biometric information, so even if the environment around the user is bright, the user's biometric condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

The decorative item may also protrude from the interior material.

By having the ornament protrude from the interior material, the ornament can be made to stand out, making it easier for people around the user to understand the user's biological condition.

The ornament may be deformable between a first shape that extends in one direction and a second bent shape, and when the control unit determines that the user is tired based on biometric information acquired from the sensor, it may operate the electric device to deform the ornament from the first shape to the second shape.

When something that was straight bends, it is easy to associate something that was once healthy withering, such as a healthy plant withering, withering, and so by bending an accessory when the user becomes tired, it is easier for people around the user to recognize that the user is tired.

The interior member may also be a headrest of a seat, and the decorative item may protrude upward from the headrest.

By having the ornament protrude upward from the headrest, the ornament stands out, making it easier for people around to know the user's biological condition.

The vehicle interior system may further include a display unit, and the control unit may display an image showing the user's biological condition on the display unit based on the biological information acquired from the sensor.

By doing this, the user's biological condition is expressed by the image on the display unit and the accessory, so that the user's biological condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

The control unit can also display a character image on the display unit, and may change the character image based on biometric information acquired from the sensor.

With this, for example, by changing the facial expression of the character image according to the biometric information, the user's biometric condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

The ornament may also have a touch sensor that outputs a signal when touched by the user, and the control unit may move the ornament based on the signal from the touch sensor.

With this configuration, the ornament moves when the user touches it, enhancing entertainment value.

The control unit may also change the number of times the accessory operates per given time period based on biometric information obtained from the sensor.

This allows the user's level of fatigue to be expressed in multiple stages by changing the number of times the accessory moves.

The accessory may also have lighting, and the control unit may turn on the lighting based on biometric information acquired from the sensor.

By doing this, the user's biological condition is expressed through lighting and changes in the shape of the accessory, making it possible to notify those around the user of the user's biological condition in a more understandable manner.

The ornament may also be shaped to resemble a part of an animal's body.

For example, if the accessory is shaped like an animal's ear, the user can bend the accessory when tired, making it easier for people around the user to recognize that they are tired.

In addition, when the control unit predicts a vehicle collision based on information from a collision detection unit provided in the vehicle, the control unit may prohibit changes to the shape of the ornament based on the biometric information, and may predict the vehicle collision by moving the ornament before the vehicle collision.

With this, if a vehicle collision is imminent, the movement of the ornaments can warn people nearby of the vehicle collision.

The present invention makes it possible to inform people around the user of their biological condition in a manner that is easier to understand.

In addition, by having the ornament protrude from the interior member, the ornament can be made to stand out, making it easier for people around the user to understand the user's biological condition.

In addition, by bending the accessory when the user becomes tired, people around the user can easily recognize that the user is tired.

In addition, by configuring the ornament to protrude upward from the headrest, the ornament can be made to stand out, making it easier for people around the user to understand the user's biological condition.

In addition, by expressing the user's biological condition through images on the display unit and ornaments, the user's biological condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

In addition, by configuring the character image to change based on biometric information, the user's biometric condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

In addition, the control unit can be configured to move the ornament based on a signal from the touch sensor, so that the ornament moves when the user touches it, enhancing entertainment value.

In addition, the number of times the accessory moves per given time period can be changed based on biometric information, allowing the user's level of fatigue to be expressed in multiple stages.

In addition, by expressing the user's biological condition through lighting and changes in the shape of the ornament, the user's biological condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

Also, by making the ornaments shaped to resemble parts of an animal's body, it is easier for people around the user to recognize when they are tired.

In addition, the control unit can be configured to predict a vehicle collision by moving the ornament before the vehicle crashes, allowing people in the vicinity to be warned of the vehicle collision by the movement of the ornament.

1 is a diagram showing a vehicle interior system according to a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a sensor, an ornament, a monitor, and a control unit. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing the structure of a decorative item, in which FIG. 1A shows the decorative item in a first shape, and FIG. 1B shows the decorative item in a second shape. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the state of the accessory and the monitor display, with FIG. 11A showing the state when the user is not tired, FIG. 11B showing the state when the user is slightly tired, and FIG. 11C showing the state when the user is quite tired. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a decorative item according to a fourth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit according to the fourth embodiment. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing an ornamental item relating to a fifth embodiment, in which (a) shows the state when the movable part of the ornamental item is in the lower position, and (b) shows the state when the movable part is in the upper position. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing modified examples of the position where a decorative item is provided.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1, the vehicle interior system 1 includes a seat 10 as an example of an interior member, an ornament 20 provided on the seat 10, a camera 30 as an example of a collision detection unit, a monitor 40 as an example of a display unit, and a control unit 50. The seat 10, the camera 30, and the monitor 40 are disposed in a vehicle C, more specifically, in positions facing the passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the seat 10 is a driver's seat.

Camera 30 is a camera that captures images of the area ahead of vehicle C. Image information captured by camera 30 is output to control unit 50.

The monitor 40 has a screen for displaying images. The image displayed on the monitor 40 can be changed by the control unit 50. The monitor 40 can be placed on the dashboard, for example, below the rearview mirror.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat 10 has a seat body 10A and a heart rate sensor 61 and a breathing sensor 62 as examples of sensors.

The seat body 10A is a member having a seating surface that supports the user. The seat body 10A 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 skin that covers the pad. The pad is made of urethane foam or the like. The skin 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 form the seating surfaces.

The heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62 are sensors that acquire biometric information of a user seated in the seat 10. In the following description, the user seated in the seat 10 is also referred to as the "seater."

The heart rate sensor 61 is a sensing device that measures the electrocardiogram of the seated occupant in a non-contact manner using capacitively coupled electrodes. Here, the electrocardiogram signal refers to an action potential signal that occurs in conjunction with the beating of the heart of the seated occupant.
The heartbeat sensor 61 is provided on the seat back 12. An electrocardiogram signal detected by the heartbeat sensor 61 is output to the control unit 50.

The breathing sensor 62 is provided on the seat cushion 11. The breathing sensor 62 has electrodes on the top and bottom. The breathing sensor 62 is a resistance pressure-sensitive sensor (pressure sensor) that detects the current flowing through an electrical resistance that changes in response to the breathing of the seated person.

Here, when pressure is applied to the electrode on the upper surface of the breathing sensor 62, the electrode on the upper surface deforms downward, increasing the contact resistance and decreasing the electrical resistance value between the electrodes. An electrical signal related to this electrical resistance value is output from the breathing sensor 62 to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 calculates the pressure based on the electrical signal related to the electrical resistance value, and obtains breathing data based on the calculated pressure.

The heart rate sensor 61 may be provided on the seat cushion 11, and the breathing sensor 62 may be provided on the seat back 12.

The control unit 50 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, rewritable non-volatile memory, etc. (not shown), and executes pre-stored programs. The control unit 50 has a function of estimating the fatigue level of the seated occupant based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the respiration sensor 62.

As an example, the control unit 50 measures the sympathetic nerve activity of the seated occupant based on the heart rate information acquired from the heart rate sensor 61. Specifically, the control unit 50 obtains the ratio (LF/HF) of the low frequency fluctuation wave (LF) to the high frequency fluctuation wave (HF) in the heart rate fluctuation as the sympathetic nerve activity. The control unit 50 then determines the sympathetic nerve activity (LF/HF) as the fatigue level.
That is, according to the above index, it is estimated that the more active the sympathetic nervous activity is relative to the parasympathetic nervous activity, the higher the fatigue level of the seated occupant.

The method of estimating the seated occupant's level of fatigue is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 50 may determine the seated occupant's level of fatigue based on the information acquired from the breathing sensor 62, such as the interval between breaths or the alertness level determined based on the breath (at least a level indicating whether the occupant is in an alert or low alert state). Specifically, the shorter the interval between breaths of the seated occupant, the higher the level of fatigue may be determined, or the level of fatigue may be determined to be high if the occupant's level of alertness is in a low alert state.

The control unit 50 may also use the sum of each individual fatigue level determined based on the sympathetic nerve activity level based on the heart rate, breathing interval, and alertness level as the fatigue level of the seated occupant.

Two ornaments 20 are provided on the headrest 13 so as to protrude upward from the headrest 13. The two ornaments 20 are arranged side by side with a gap between them.

The ornament 20 is shaped to resemble a part of an animal's body. In this embodiment, the ornament 20 is shaped to resemble a cat's ears. More specifically, the ornament 20 is triangular when viewed from the front, with its width in the left-right direction gradually decreasing from bottom to top.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ornament 20 has a first link 21, a second link 22, a winch 23 as an example of an electric device, a wire 24, a pad 25, and a skin 26. The ornaments 20 on the left and right have the same structure.

The first link 21 is fixed to the upper surface of the winch 23 so as to extend upward from the winch 23.

The second link 22 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first link 21. The second link 22 is rotatable between the upright position shown in FIG. 3(a) and the tilted position shown in FIG. 3(b).

When the second link 22 is in the upright position, the upper end is positioned slightly forward of the lower end. When the second link 22 is in the tilted position, the upper end is positioned lower than the lower end. The angle between the front surface of the first link 21 and the front surface of the second link 22 (hereinafter also referred to as the "link angle") is smaller when the second link 22 is in the tilted position than when it is in the upright position.

When the second link 22 is in the upright position, the link angle is greater than 90°. When the second link 22 is in the tilted position, the link angle is less than 90°.

The second link 22 is biased from the upright position toward the tilted position by a spring (not shown). One end of the wire 24 is fixed to the upper end of the second link 22.

The winch 23 has the function of rotating the second link 22 between the upright position and the tilted position by winding up the wire 24 or releasing the tension of the wire 24. In more detail, when the winch 23 is rotated forward to wind up the wire 24 while the second link 22 is in the tilted position, the second link 22 rotates from the tilted position to the upright position against the biasing force of the spring. When the winch 23 is rotated backward to release the tension of the wire 24 while the second link 22 is in the upright position, the second link 22 rotates from the upright position to the tilted position due to the biasing force of the spring.

In addition, the second link 22 may be configured to rotate from the upright position to the tilted position by its own weight without providing a spring. Also, contrary to this embodiment, a spring may urge the second link 22 from the tilted position toward the upright position. In this case, the second link 22 may be rotated from the upright position to the tilted position by winding up the wire 24 with the winch 23.

The pad 25 is made of urethane foam or the like, and covers the first link 21, the second link 22, and the winch 23. The outer shape of the pad 25 resembles cat ears.
The cover 26 is made of synthetic leather, cloth, or the like, and covers the pad 25 .
The pad 25 and the cover 26 are deformable in accordance with the rotation of the second link 22 .

The ornament 20 configured as described above can be transformed into a first shape shown in FIG. 3(a) and a second shape shown in FIG. 3(b). When in the first shape, the ornament 20 extends in one direction, specifically upward, from the headrest 13. When in the second shape, the ornament 20 bends so that its tip faces diagonally downward and forward. The shape of the ornament 20 is changed by the operation of the winch 23 and the spring described above.

The headrest 13 has a recess 13A into which the ornament 20 fits. The ornament 20 is detachable from the headrest 13. The ornament 20 and the headrest 13 each have a connector. When the connectors are connected, the winch 23 and the control unit 50 are electrically connected.
The decorative item 20 may be fixed to the headrest 13 in an undetachable manner.

Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 50 has the function of activating at least one of the left and right winches 23 to change the shape of the ornament 20 based on biometric information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62. Specifically, when the control unit 50 determines that the user is tired based on the biometric information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62, it activates the winch 23 to transform the ornament 20 from the first shape to the second shape. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 bends only one side of the ornament 20 or bends both the left and right ornaments 20 depending on the degree of fatigue estimated from the biometric information (see FIG. 5).

The control unit 50 has a function of displaying a character image indicating the user's biological condition on the monitor 40 based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62. In detail, the control unit 50 changes the facial expression of the character image displayed on the monitor 40 according to the degree of fatigue estimated from the biological information (see FIG. 5).

The control unit 50 also has a function of predicting whether or not the vehicle C is about to collide, based on information from the camera 30 installed on the vehicle C. If the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it prohibits changes to the shape of the ornament 20 based on the biometric information, and predicts a collision of the vehicle C by moving the ornament 20 before the collision of the vehicle C.

In more detail, when the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it moves the ornament 20 in a manner that differs from the movement of the ornament 20 based on the biometric information. In this embodiment, when the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it performs bending and stretching movements of the ornament 20, alternating multiple times for the left and right ornaments 20.

Next, the operation of the control unit 50 will be described in detail. In the following description, the ornament 20 will also be referred to simply as "cat ears." In the following description, the fatigue level will be estimated using both the heart rate information detected by the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing information detected by the breathing sensor 62.

The control unit 50 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG.
In the process shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 50 first acquires heart rate information from the heart rate sensor 61 and respiratory information from the respiratory sensor 62 (S1).

After step S1, the control unit 50 estimates the fatigue level based on the heart rate information and the respiration information (S2). After step S2, the control unit 50 determines whether the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a first threshold value TH1 (S3).

If it is determined in step S3 that the fatigue level is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (No), the control unit 50 changes the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to a normal state as shown in Figure 5 (a) (S13).

If it is determined in step S3 that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (Yes), the control unit 50 determines whether the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a second threshold value TH2 that is greater than the first threshold value TH1 (S4). If it is determined in step S4 that the fatigue level is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), the control unit 50 operates only the winch 23 on one side to bend only the cat ears on one side (S11).

After step S11, the control unit 50 changes the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to a first fatigue state as shown in FIG. 5(b) (S12). Note that the facial expression in the first fatigue state may be any facial expression as long as it is slightly more tired than the normal state.

If it is determined in step S4 that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), the control unit 50 operates the left and right winches 23 to bend the left and right cat ears (S5). Note that in step S5, if one of the cat ears is already bent, the control unit 50 bends the left and right cat ears by operating only the winch 23 corresponding to the cat ear that is not bent.

After step S5, the control unit 50 changes the facial expression of the character on the screen of the monitor 40 to a second fatigue state as shown in FIG. 5(c) (S6). Note that the facial expression in the second fatigue state may be any facial expression as long as it is more tired than the first fatigue state.

After step S6, step S12, or step S13, the control unit 50 acquires information from the camera 30 (S7). After step S7, the control unit 50 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a collision of the vehicle C based on the information acquired from the camera 30 (S8).

If it is determined in step S8 that there is no possibility of a collision (No), the control unit 50 ends this process. If it is determined in step S8 that there is a possibility of a collision (Yes), the control unit 50 operates the left and right winches 23 alternately multiple times, thereby bending and straightening the left and right cat ears alternately multiple times (S9).

After step S9, the control unit 50 displays a collision forecast on the screen of the monitor 40 (S10), and ends this process. The collision forecast may be, for example, an image of text such as "Please be careful as there is a risk of a collision," or an image of two cars colliding with each other.

The condition for returning the bent cat ears to their original upright state may be any condition. For example, the control unit 50 may operate the winch 23 to return the bent cat ears to their upright state when the user leaves the seat 10. The determination of whether the user has left the seat 10 may be made based on information from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62, for example, or based on a signal from a seating sensor that detects the user being seated.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 50 will be described.
When a user in a healthy state sits on the seat 10, the control unit 50 determines that the fatigue level is less than the first threshold value TH1 based on information from the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62, and keeps both cat ears erect, as shown in FIG. 5(a), and changes the facial expression of the character on the screen to a normal state (S1 to S3: No→S13).

When the user's fatigue level due to driving vehicle C becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2, the control unit 50 bends one of the cat ears and changes the facial expression of the character on the screen to the first fatigue state, as shown in FIG. 5(b) (S1-S3: Yes→S4: No→S11, S12). By bending one of the cat ears in this way, even someone sitting in the back seat who has difficulty seeing the screen of the monitor 40 can notice something is wrong with the user and encourage the user to take a break. In addition, the user or the person sitting in the passenger seat can know the user's degree of fatigue by looking at the facial expression of the character displayed on the monitor 40.

The user who is prompted to take a break may continue driving, thinking that he or she is still in good health. In this case, when the user's fatigue level becomes equal to or exceeds the second threshold value TH2 due to long driving hours, the control unit 50 bends both the left and right cat ears and changes the facial expression of the character on the screen to the second fatigue state, as shown in FIG. 5(c) (S1-S3: Yes→S4: Yes→S5, S6). This allows the person sitting in the back seat to understand that the user's fatigue level has reached its peak because both the left and right cat ears are bent, and strongly recommends that the user take a break. In addition, when the user knows that the facial expression of the character displayed on the monitor 40 is quite tired, he or she will be forced to take a break for the safety of the passengers, which can prevent accidents caused by the user's overconfidence.

Furthermore, if the control unit 50 predicts a collision of the vehicle C, it will alternately bend and straighten the cat ears. A person sitting in the back seat will sense an uneasy atmosphere from the abnormal movement of the cat ears, and will be able to naturally correct their posture and prepare for the collision.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
Since the shape of the ornament 20 is changed in response to the user's biometric information, the user's biometric condition can be more clearly notified to those around the user even if the user is in a bright environment.

By protruding the ornament 20 upward from the headrest 13, the ornament 20 can be made to stand out, making it easier for people around to know the user's biological condition.

When something that was straight is bent, it is easy to associate that something that was once healthy has become exhausted, for example a healthy plant withers, so by bending the ornament 20 when the user becomes tired, it is easy for those around the user to recognize that the user is tired. In particular, in this embodiment, the ornament 20 is made into cat ears, so when straight cat ears bend, it is easy to associate that a cat has become exhausted, so it is easy for those around the user to recognize that the user is tired.

The user's biological condition is expressed by the deformation of the accessory 20 and the facial expression of the character on the screen, so the user's biological condition can be more clearly communicated to those around them.

If vehicle C is about to collide, the movement of the ornament 20 can warn people nearby of the impending collision of vehicle C.

By using a simple structure that allows the ornament to bend and extend using the first link 21, second link 22, winch 23, and wire 24, the ornament can be made compact and lightweight.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Note that, since this embodiment is a slight modification of the structure of the ornament 20 and the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, the same components and processing as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The decorative item 20 according to the second embodiment has lighting, although not shown in the figures. The lighting may be, for example, a lighting device disposed inside the surface 26, or the surface 26 may be made of electronic paper and the surface 26 itself may function as the lighting. The lighting is capable of changing the color of light.

The control unit 50 has a function of turning on the lighting based on biological information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 estimates the degree of fatigue based on the heart rate information and breathing information, as in the first embodiment, and changes the color of the lighting according to the degree of fatigue.

More specifically, the control unit 50 according to the second embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 6. The process shown in FIG. 6 is the process shown in FIG. 4 to which new steps S31 and S32 have been added.

When the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (Yes), it bends both cat ears and changes the character's facial expression to a second fatigued state (S5, S6), and then emits red light from the lighting to make the cat ears glow red (S31). After step S31, the control unit 50 executes the process of step S7.

If the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the fatigue level is not equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2 (No), it bends one of the cat ears and changes the character's facial expression to a first fatigued state (S11, S12), and then emits blue light from the lighting to make the cat ears glow blue (S32). After step S32, the control unit 50 executes the process of step S7.

According to the second embodiment, the user's level of fatigue is expressed by the lighting and the change in shape of the ornament 20, so that the user's level of fatigue can be more clearly communicated to those around the user.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment is a slight modification of the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, the same components and processing as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 50 according to the third embodiment has a function of changing the number of operations of the ornament 20 per given time based on biometric information acquired from at least one of the heart rate sensor 61 and the breathing sensor 62. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 estimates the degree of fatigue based on the heart rate information and breathing information, as in the first embodiment, and changes the number of operations of the ornament 20 per given time according to the degree of fatigue.

More specifically, the control unit 50 according to the third embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 7. The process shown in FIG. 7 adds new steps S51 and S52 instead of steps S5 and S11 in the process shown in FIG. 4.

If the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (Yes), it operates the winch 23 to bend and straighten the cat ears three times within a predetermined time period (S51) and proceeds to processing in step S6. If the control unit 50 determines in step S4 that the fatigue level is not equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2 (No), it operates the winch 23 to bend and straighten the cat ears once within a predetermined time period (S52) and proceeds to processing in step S12.

It should be noted that the cat ears moved in steps S51 and S52 may be either the left or right ears, or both the left and right ears.
According to the third embodiment, by changing the number of movements of the decorative item 20, the user's level of fatigue can be expressed in multiple stages.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Note that, since this embodiment is a slight modification of the structure of the ornament 20 and the processing of the control unit 50 according to the first embodiment, the same components and processing as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ornament 320 according to the third embodiment has a movable part 320A and a base part 320B. The movable part 320A is supported by the base part 320B so as to be rotatable about an axis along the vertical direction.

The movable part 320A has the first link 21, the second link 22, the winch 23, the wire 24, the pad 25, and the cover 26 similar to those in the first embodiment, and further has a touch sensor 321. The touch sensor 321 is a sensor that outputs a signal when the user touches it directly or indirectly. For example, a pressure sensor or a capacitance sensor can be used as the touch sensor 321.

The base portion 320B includes a motor 322 , a pad 323 , and a cover 324 .
The motor 322 is a motor for rotating the movable part 320A. The output shaft of the motor 322 is fixed to the winch 23.

The pad 323 is made of urethane foam or the like, and covers the motor 322 .
The cover 324 is made of synthetic leather, cloth, or the like, and covers the pad 323 .
The base portion 320B is fitted into a recess 13A of the headrest 13.

The control unit 50 has the function of moving the ornament 320 based on a signal from the touch sensor 321. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 rotates the movable part 320A by operating the motor 322 based on a signal from the touch sensor 321.

More specifically, the control unit 50 executes the process shown in FIG. 9. The process shown in FIG. 9 is the process shown in FIG. 4 to which new steps S71 and S72 have been added.

In the process shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 first determines whether or not the user has touched the cat ears based on a signal from the touch sensor 321 (S71). If it is determined in step S71 that the user has not touched the cat ears (No), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1.

If it is determined in step S71 that the user has touched the cat ears (Yes), the control unit 50 activates the motor 322 to rotate the movable part 320A of the cat ears (S72). After step S72, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S7.

According to the third embodiment, when the user touches the ornament 320, the movable part 320A of the ornament 320 moves, thereby enhancing entertainment value.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the vehicle interior system according to the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment is a slight modification of the structure of the decorative item 320 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the decorative item 420 according to the fourth embodiment has a movable portion 320A similar to that of the third embodiment, and also has a base portion 420B different from that of the third embodiment.
The base portion 420B is provided with an electric cylinder 422 instead of the motor 322 of the base portion 320B of the third embodiment. The electric cylinder 422 moves the movable portion 320A up and down.

The control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment operates the electric cylinder 422 to move the movable part 320A up and down based on a signal from the touch sensor 321. Specifically, the process of step S72 in the process shown in FIG. 9 can be replaced with a process of moving the movable part 320A of the cat ears up and down.

The structures of the third and fourth embodiments may be combined to create a structure in which the movable part of the ornament rotates and moves up and down.

The interior member on which the decorative item is provided is not limited to the driver's seat headrest. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the interior member may be a member (seat cushion, seat back, headrest) that constitutes at least one of the first row seat 101, the second row seat 102, or the third row seat 103. Although not shown in the figures, if the seat has an armrest or ottoman, the interior member may be the armrest or ottoman.

Other examples of interior components include a center console box 71 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a dashboard 72, inner panels 73 such as doors and vehicle side walls, a roof 74, and a lid 75 for opening and closing a sunroof. The ornament 20 may be provided, for example, on the upper part of the rear surface of the seat back, the left and right bulges that bulge upward from the seat surface of the seat cushion, the sides of the headrest, the top surface of the dashboard 72 or above the meter hood, the center console box 71, etc.

The accessories are not limited to cat ears. Other examples of accessories include models that imitate body parts of animals such as dogs and cats (limbs, whiskers, tails), stuffed toys that imitate the entire body of a person or animal, models that imitate characters that anthropomorphize objects or living things, models that imitate plants such as flowers and trees, models of buildings such as castles, etc.

The change in shape of the ornament is not limited to a change between a straight state and a bent state, and may be any change that changes the external shape of the ornament. For example, if the ornament is composed of air cells that can expand and contract with air, the shape of the ornament may be changed between a normal state and a state that is more deflated than the normal state. In this case, the electric device that changes the shape of the ornament may be a pump that switches between supplying and discharging air to the ornament.

The ornament may also have multiple stacked air cells. In this case, the shape of the ornament can be changed in multiple stages by selecting the air cell to fill with air.

The ornament may also have a shape memory alloy. In this case, a heater is provided on or around the ornament. The shape memory alloy may be configured, for example, to assume a first straight shape when the temperature of the shape memory alloy is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and assume a second bent shape when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature. The control unit may change the shape of the shape memory alloy by controlling the heater.

As a sensor for acquiring biometric information, a sensor that detects at least one of brain waves, facial expression, gaze, breathing, heart rate, pulse, voice, etc. can be used. As a sensor for detecting facial expression and gaze, a camera or the like can be used. The camera can be placed in a position where it can capture the face of the user seated in the seat.

The condition for transforming the accessory is not limited to the level of fatigue, and may be any biometric information or information estimated from the biometric information. For example, the control unit may estimate the user's physical condition based on the pulse rate, etc., and transform the accessory if it determines that the user is in poor physical condition.

The control unit may estimate the user's emotions based on heart rate, breathing, facial expressions, pulse waves, etc., and may deform the accessory according to the emotion. Furthermore, if the accessory has lighting, the control unit may change the color of the accessory according to the emotion. For example, if the control unit determines that the user's emotion is anger, it may set the color of the accessory to red, and if it determines that the user's emotion is calm, it may set the color of the accessory to blue. In this case, the image showing the user's biological state displayed on the screen may be an image of a character's facial expression or an image of text that show the user's joy, anger, sadness, or happiness.

When the control unit determines that there is something wrong with the physical condition based on the pulse wave, heart rate, etc., the control unit may notify the user of the abnormality by flashing the lights, or may make the accessory move faster than normal. In this case, the control unit may also output a display, sound, or light to notify the user of the abnormality.

The control unit may also execute a first process (e.g., change the lighting color) when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a first threshold and equal to or less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, and execute a second process (operate an accessory) when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

The control unit may also move the cat ears up and down or rotate them when the fatigue level is less than the first threshold, i.e., when the user is in good health.

The display of the fatigue level by the display unit is not limited to the character's facial expression, but may be a numerical value or gauge indicating the fatigue level, or the color or movement of the character, or the color or movement of an image imitating an accessory. For example, the control unit may display on the screen an image of the user's avatar character with cat ears (an image imitating an accessory) on the face of the character, and display the color of the cat ears in a color that corresponds to the color of the lighting of the accessory. In other words, the state of the lighting color of the accessory may be displayed by the display unit.

The control unit may display a cat on the screen as a character. Note that the character may be an animal other than a cat, or may be an anthropomorphized object, living thing, etc.

If the character is a cat, the control unit may display a video of a cat hopping on the screen and move the movable part of the accessory up and down when the user's fatigue level is less than a first threshold. The control unit may also display an image of a cat sleeping on the screen and rotate the movable part of the accessory by a predetermined angle when the user's fatigue level is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

When the user's emotion is a happy emotion, the control unit may change the expression of the cat on the screen to a smiling expression and move the cat ears, which are an accessory, up and down for a predetermined period of time. When the user's emotion is a sad emotion, the control unit may change the expression of the cat on the screen to a depressed expression and bend the cat ears, which are an accessory.

The control unit may determine whether the user is surprised based on the heart rate, etc. In this case, for example, if the control unit determines that the user is not surprised, the cat ears, which are accessories, are slightly bent. Also, if the control unit determines that the user is surprised, the cat ears, which are accessories, are made to stand up more than when the user is not surprised.

The control unit may also set the lighting color of the ornament to a warm color and rotate and stop the movable part of the ornament at regular time intervals when the user's fatigue level is less than a first threshold. The control unit may also rotate the movable part of the ornament at a slower speed when the user's fatigue level is equal to or greater than the first threshold, compared to when the control unit determines that the fatigue level is less than the first threshold.

The control unit may control the display unit and the accessory based on the voice information acquired as biometric information. For example, when the control unit determines that the conversation is lively based on the voice information, it may display a character with a smiling expression on the screen and rotate a movable part of the accessory.

The display unit may be a projection device that projects an image. The display unit may be a rearview mirror that can display an image.

The movement of the ornament based on the signal from the touch sensor is not limited to rotation or vertical movement, but may also be bending and straightening, or movement in a direction other than vertical.

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 such as a seat, a door, or a navigation system.

The control unit may notify the user of biometric information by blinking the lights of the accessory. For example, the control unit may decrease the interval between blinking lights as the user becomes more fatigued (or as the user becomes less physically well).

The control unit may notify the user of biometric information by varying the intensity of the light from the lighting. For example, the control unit may increase the intensity of the light from the lighting the more fatigued the user is (or the worse his or her physical condition is).

The collision warning may be made by sound or lighting. For example, when the control unit predicts a collision, it may change the lighting color to red and make a message that a collision has been predicted by sound and by displaying it on the screen. In addition, when the control unit predicts a collision, it may rotate an ornament that is illuminated in red. In this case, the movement of the ornament is more noticeable, making it easier for the user to notice.

When the ornament is made to protrude upward from the headrest, the control unit may limit the movement of the movable part of the ornament up and down depending on the angle of the seat back. For example, when the reclining angle, which is the angle between the seat cushion surface and the seat back surface, is equal to or less than a predetermined angle, that is, when the seat back is upright, the control unit does not limit the movement of the movable part of the ornament up and down. When the reclining angle is greater than the predetermined angle, that is, when the seat back is reclined, the control unit does not move the movable part up and down even if the conditions for moving the movable part of the ornament up and down are met. This makes it possible to prevent the movable part of the ornament from hitting a person sitting in the back seat due to the up and down movement of the movable part. Note that when the reclining angle is greater than the predetermined angle, the control unit may cause the facial expression of the character on the screen to look impatient.

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

Examples of methods for manufacturing a vehicle interior system include the following methods.
A manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising an interior member to be placed within a vehicle, an ornament attached to the interior member, an electric device that changes the shape of the ornament, a sensor that acquires a user's biometric information, and a control unit, wherein the control unit operates the electric device and changes the shape of the ornament based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor, the manufacturing method for a vehicle interior system comprising the steps of attaching the ornament to the interior member, attaching the sensor in a position where the user's biometric information can be detected, and connecting the electric device and the sensor to the control unit.

The elements described in the above embodiments and variations may be combined in any manner.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle interior system 10 Seat 20 Decoration 23 Winch 50 Control unit 61 Heart rate sensor 62 Breathing sensor C Vehicle

Claims (11)

A seat to be placed in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest;
A decorative item protruding from the seat and provided on the seat back or the headrest;
an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament;
A sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
activating the electrically-driven device and changing the shape of the ornament based on the biological information acquired from the sensor;
A vehicle interior system characterized in that , when a reclining angle, which is an angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion and the seat surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle, the movement of the decorative item is restricted. Further comprising a display unit,
The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an image showing the user's biological condition based on the biological information acquired from the sensor. The control unit is
A character image can be displayed by the display unit,
The vehicle interior system according to claim 2, characterized in that the character image is changed based on biometric information obtained from the sensor, and also when the reclining angle, which is the angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion and the seat surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle . the ornament has a touch sensor that outputs a signal when touched by a user;
The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit moves the ornament based on a signal from the touch sensor. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes the number of times the ornament operates per predetermined time based on the biometric information acquired from the sensor. The decorative item has lighting,
The vehicle interior system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit turns on the light based on the biological information acquired from the sensor. The vehicle interior system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ornament is shaped to resemble a part of an animal's body. A seat to be placed in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest;
A decorative item protruding from the seat and provided on the seat back or the headrest;
an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament;
A control device for controlling a vehicle interior system including a sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user,
activating the electrically-driven device and changing the shape of the ornament based on the biological information acquired from the sensor;
A control device which limits the movement of the decorative item when a reclining angle, which is an angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion and the seat surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle . A seat to be placed in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest;
A decorative item protruding from the seat and provided on the seat back or the headrest;
an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament;
A sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
activating the electrically-driven device and changing the shape of the ornament based on the biological information acquired from the sensor;
The movement of the upholstery is limited by the angle of the seat back;
The headrest has a recess into which the decorative item fits,
The decorative item is detachable from the headrest, and two decorative items are provided on the seat;
The two ornaments are arranged side by side at a distance from each other, and each of the ornaments is deformable into a first shape extending in one direction and a second shape bent in one direction;
The control unit is
A fatigue level is estimated from biological information acquired from the sensor;
When the fatigue level is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, the decorative item on one side is transformed from the first shape to the second shape,
a vehicle interior system, characterized in that, when the fatigue level is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the left and right decorative items are transformed from the first shape to the second shape. A seat to be placed in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest;
A decorative item protruding from the seat and provided on the seat back or the headrest;
an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament;
A sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
activating the electrically-driven device and changing the shape of the ornament based on the biological information acquired from the sensor;
The movement of the upholstery is limited by the angle of the seat back;
The decorative article is
A headrest is provided on the headrest and protrudes upward from the headrest.
A deformable movable part;
An electric member that moves the movable part up and down,
The vehicle interior system is characterized in that the control unit does not move the movable unit up and down when a reclining angle, which is an angle between the seat surface of the seat cushion and the seat surface of the seat back, is greater than a predetermined angle. A seat to be placed in a vehicle, the seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest;
A decorative item protruding from the seat and provided on the seat back or the headrest;
an electric device for changing the shape of the ornament;
A sensor for acquiring biometric information of a user;
A vehicle interior system comprising:
The control unit is
activating the electrically-driven device and changing the shape of the ornament based on the biological information acquired from the sensor;
The movement of the upholstery is limited by the angle of the seat back;
A vehicle interior system which, when a vehicle collision is predicted based on information from a collision detection unit installed in the vehicle , prohibits changes to the shape of the ornament based on biometric information, and predicts a vehicle collision by moving the ornament before the vehicle collision.