U.S. patent application number 17/436120 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for notification system and vehicle comprising notification system.
The applicant listed for this patent is TS TECH CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yuichiro HOSHI, Takayoshi ITO, Kohei KOWATA, Hayato SHIMAZAKI.
Application Number | 20220144168 17/436120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220144168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ITO; Takayoshi ; et
al. |
May 12, 2022 |
NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE COMPRISING NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A notification system includes a seat; a luggage detection unit
that detects a presence of luggage on the seat or in the vicinity
of the seat, the luggage being held by a user; a seating detection
unit that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat; a
notification unit that notifies the user of presence or absence
information of the luggage; and a control unit that is connected to
and controls the luggage detection unit and the notification unit.
When the luggage detection unit detects the luggage after an elapse
of a predetermined time from when the seating detection unit has
detected that the user has left the seat, the control unit causes
the notification unit to notify the user that the luggage has been
detected.
Inventors: |
ITO; Takayoshi; (Tochigi,
JP) ; HOSHI; Yuichiro; (Tochigi, JP) ; KOWATA;
Kohei; (Tochigi, JP) ; SHIMAZAKI; Hayato;
(Tochigi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TS TECH CO., LTD. |
Asaka-shi, Saitama |
|
JP |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/436120 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
March 3, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2020/008891 |
371 Date: |
September 3, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 9/00 20060101
B60Q009/00; G08B 21/24 20060101 G08B021/24; B60N 2/00 20060101
B60N002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 4, 2019 |
JP |
2019-039020 |
Claims
1. A notification system, comprising: a seat; a luggage detection
unit that detects a presence of luggage on the seat or in the
vicinity of the seat, the luggage being held by a user; a seating
detection unit that detects whether or not the user is seated on
the seat; a notification unit that notifies the user of presence or
absence information associated with the luggage; and a control unit
that is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit, the
seating detection unit, and the notification unit, wherein, when
the luggage detection unit detects the luggage after an elapse of a
predetermined time from when the seating detection unit has
detected that the user has left the seat, the control unit causes
the notification unit to notify the user that the luggage has been
detected.
2. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
luggage is a mobile terminal owned by the user, the luggage
detection unit includes a charging device that charges the mobile
terminal, and the luggage detection unit detects a state of
connection between the charging device and the mobile terminal to
detect a presence of the mobile terminal.
3. The notification system according to claim 2, wherein the
charging device is configured to supply electricity to the mobile
terminal wirelessly via an electromagnetic wave, and the luggage
detection unit detects whether or not the charging device is
charging the mobile terminal to detect a presence of the mobile
terminal.
4. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
luggage detection unit is a load sensor that detects a load of the
luggage disposed on the seat or in the vicinity of the seat, and
the luggage detection unit detects the load to detect a presence of
the luggage.
5. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
luggage detection unit includes an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic
sensor, and the infrared sensor or the ultrasonic sensor detects a
presence of the luggage.
6. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
notification unit is a speaker provided in the seat and, when the
luggage detection unit detects a presence of the luggage, the
control unit causes the speaker to issue a sound to notify the user
that the luggage has been detected.
7. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
notification unit is a lamp or a display provided in the seat and,
when the luggage detection unit detects a presence of the luggage,
the control unit causes the lamp to emit light or causes the
display to display a message to notify the user that the luggage
has been detected.
8. The notification system according to claim 1, wherein the
notification unit is a communication device and, when the luggage
detection unit detects a presence of the luggage, the control unit
causes the communication device to transmit a predetermined message
to a mobile terminal to notify that the luggage has been detected,
the mobile terminal being owned by the user.
9. A vehicle, comprising: the notification system according to
claim 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system and a
vehicle equipped with the notification system, and particularly, to
a notification system that notifies a user of misplacement of
luggage, and a vehicle equipped with the notification system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In recent years, as a method for using an automobile, a
vehicle sharing system has been used in which a plurality of users
(members) use one automobile in common. The automobile used in
common is referred to as a shared vehicle.
[0003] The vehicle sharing system includes a host computer of a
management center that manages shared vehicles; terminal devices
such as computers or mobile phones owned by users who are members;
and a communication network that connects the terminal devices and
the host computer. When a user uses a shared vehicle, the user
connects to the host computer via the communication network using a
terminal device. Then, the user inquires whether or not a shared
vehicle is available, and transmits reservation information
including the date and time of use, personal information, and the
like to the host computer to make a reservation for the available
vehicle (for example, refer to PATENT LITERATURE 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] PATENT LITERATURE 1: JP 2007-183749 A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] By the way, in the vehicle sharing system, since a plurality
of users use one vehicle, unlike vehicles owned by individuals,
luggage or the like of the individuals cannot be placed in the
vehicle at all times. Therefore, after the end of the use of the
shared vehicle, in order to bring out all his or her own luggage,
paying attention to misplacement of the luggage is required.
[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to
provide a notification system that, when a user misplaces luggage
or a mobile terminal on a seat, promptly notifies the user of the
misplaced luggage or the misplaced mobile terminal, and a vehicle
equipped with the notification system.
Solution to Problem
[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to an aspect
of the present invention, there is provided a notification system
including: a seat; a luggage detection unit that detects a presence
of luggage on the seat or in the vicinity of the seat, the luggage
being held by a user; a seating detection unit that detects whether
or not the user is seated on the seat; a notification unit that
notifies the user of presence or absence information of the
luggage; and a control unit that is connected to and controls the
luggage detection unit and the notification unit. When the luggage
detection unit detects the luggage after an elapse of a
predetermined time from when the seating detection unit has
detected that the user has left the seat, the control unit causes
the notification unit to notify the user that the luggage has been
detected.
[0008] In the notification system of the present invention
configured as described above, when the luggage detection unit
detects the luggage after the elapse of the predetermined time from
after the user has left the seat, the notification unit notifies
the user that the luggage has been detected. Therefore, the
misplacement of the luggage can be suppressed.
[0009] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the luggage is a mobile terminal owned by the user, the
luggage detection unit includes a charging device that charges the
mobile terminal, and the luggage detection unit detects a state of
connection between the charging device and the mobile terminal to
detect a presence of the mobile terminal.
[0010] The misplacement of the mobile terminal can be detected with
a simple device.
[0011] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the charging device is configured to supply electricity to the
mobile terminal wirelessly by means of an electromagnetic wave, and
the luggage detection unit detects whether or not the charging
device is charging the mobile terminal, to detect a presence of the
mobile terminal.
[0012] Even when electricity is wirelessly supplied to the mobile
terminal, a presence of the mobile terminal can be detected, and
the misplacement of the mobile terminal can be detected.
[0013] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the luggage detection unit is a load sensor that detects a
load of the luggage disposed on the seat or in the vicinity of the
seat, and the luggage detection unit detects the load to detect a
presence of the luggage.
[0014] Since the load sensor is used as the luggage detection unit,
luggage other than the mobile terminal can also be detected, and
since a notification about a presence of the luggage is made, the
misplacement of the luggage can be suppressed.
[0015] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the luggage detection unit includes an infrared sensor or an
ultrasonic sensor, and the infrared sensor or the ultrasonic sensor
detects a presence of the luggage.
[0016] Since the infrared sensor or the ultrasonic sensor is used,
a presence of the luggage can be more simply detected.
[0017] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the notification unit is a lamp or a display provided in the
seat, and when the luggage detection unit detects a presence of the
luggage, the control unit causes the lamp to emit light or causes
the display to display a message to notify the user that the
luggage has been detected.
[0018] Since the lamp or the display is used as the notification
unit, the user can be visually notified of misplacement of the
luggage.
[0019] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the notification unit is a speaker provided in the seat, and
when the detection unit detects a presence of the luggage, the
control unit causes the speaker to issue a sound to notify the user
that the luggage has been detected.
[0020] Since the speaker is used as the notification unit, the user
can be notified of misplacement of the luggage by means of the
sense of hearing.
[0021] In addition, in the notification system, it is preferable
that the notification unit is a communication device, and when the
luggage detection unit detects a presence of the luggage, the
control unit causes the communication device to transmit a
predetermined message to a mobile terminal to notify that the
luggage has been detected, the mobile terminal being owned by the
user.
[0022] Since the communication device is used as the notification
unit, even when the user is away from the vehicle, a notification
about misplacement of the luggage can be made.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0023] According to the present invention, when the luggage
detection unit detects the luggage after the elapse of the
predetermined time from after the user has left the seat, the
notification unit notifies the user that the luggage has been
detected. Therefore, the misplacement of the luggage can be
suppressed.
[0024] In addition, when the luggage is the mobile terminal of the
user, the luggage detection unit detects the state of connection to
the charging device, so that the misplacement of the mobile
terminal can be detected with a simple configuration.
[0025] In addition, even when electricity is wirelessly supplied to
the mobile terminal, it is detected whether or not the mobile
terminal is being charged, so that a presence of the mobile
terminal can be detected and the misplacement of the mobile
terminal can be detected.
[0026] In addition, since the load sensor is used as the luggage
detection unit, luggage other than the mobile terminal can also be
detected, and since a notification about a presence of the luggage
is made, the misplacement of the luggage can be suppressed.
[0027] In addition, since the infrared sensor or the ultrasonic
sensor is used as the luggage detection unit, a presence of the
luggage can be more simply detected.
[0028] In addition, since the lamp or the display is used as the
notification unit, the user can be visually notified of
misplacement of the luggage.
[0029] In addition, since the speaker is used as the notification
unit, the user can be notified of misplacement of the luggage by
means of the sense of hearing.
[0030] In addition, since the communication device is used as the
notification unit to transmit a message to the mobile terminal of
the user, even when the user is away from the vehicle, a
notification about misplacement of the luggage can be made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a
notification system according to the present embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic control
unit (ECU) of the notification system and control targets of the
ECU.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a notification process.
[0034] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a
vehicle seat and a seat apparatus provided with a shell device.
[0035] FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of
another example of a seat apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating an operation
switch provided in an armrest of the shell device.
[0037] FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating another example
of an operation switch provided in the armrest of the shell
device.
[0038] FIG. 6A is a view illustrating a method for supplying cold
and warm air in an air conditioning device.
[0039] FIG. 6B is a view illustrating another example of a method
for supplying cold and warm air in the air conditioning device.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the ECU of a reserved
seat notification system and control targets of the ECU.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state of a seat
apparatus linked with a mobile terminal.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a notification process of notifying
a user of a reserved seat.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat apparatus provided
with a vehicle seat including an ottoman.
[0044] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of
the ottoman during getting in and out.
[0045] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of
the ottoman during seating.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Hereafter, a notification system according to an embodiment
of the present invention (hereafter, the present embodiment) will
be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0047] Incidentally, the embodiment to be described below is merely
one example to facilitate understanding of the present invention,
and does not limit the present invention. Namely, the shapes,
dimensions, dispositions, and the like of members to be described
below can be changed or improved without departing from the concept
of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the
present invention includes equivalents thereof. In addition, in the
following embodiment, the same or similar components are denoted by
common reference signs, and in order to facilitate understanding,
the scales of the drawings are appropriately changed.
[0048] In the following description, a "front to back direction"
means a front to back direction when seen from a seated occupant
(user) of a vehicle seat S as illustrated in FIG. 1, and is a
direction coinciding with a travel direction of a vehicle. A "seat
width direction" means a lateral width direction of the vehicle
seat S, and coincides with a right to left direction when seen from
the seated occupant of the vehicle seat S. In addition, an "up to
down direction" means a height direction of the vehicle seat S, and
coincides with an up to down direction of the vehicle seat S as
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0049] A notification system 1 includes the vehicle seat S (seat);
a luggage detection unit 31 that detects a presence of luggage 6 on
the vehicle seat S or in the vicinity of the vehicle seat S, the
luggage 6 being held by a user; a seating detection unit 32 that
detects whether or not the user is seated on the vehicle seat S; a
notification unit 33 that notifies the user of presence or absence
information of the luggage 6; and an electronic control unit (ECU)
20 that is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit 31,
the seating detection unit 32, and the notification unit 33. When
the luggage detection unit 31 detects the luggage 6 (also including
a mobile terminal 5) after the elapse of a predetermined time from
when the seating detection unit 32 has detected that the user has
left the seat, the ECU 20 causes the notification unit 33 to notify
the user that the luggage 6 has been detected.
[0050] The vehicle seat S of the notification system 1 is a seat
used in a shared vehicle or the like. In FIG. 1, only one vehicle
seat S is illustrated, but a plurality of the vehicle seats S can
be mounted in the shared vehicle, and a plurality of users can use
and get in and out of one shared vehicle. In the shared vehicle,
the vehicle seats S having the same configuration are disposed in
front of, behind, or on the right or left of the vehicle seat S
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S includes a seat
back 10, a seat cushion 11, a headrest 12, and a seat support
portion 14. A shell device 2 is provided around the vehicle seat S,
specifically, is provided in the vicinity of the vehicle seat S to
surround the vehicle seat S. The shell device 2 is an enclosure
provided with the aim of blocking the eyes of a neighboring user
and securing the privacy of the user, and is formed in a shape to
cover right, left, and upper portions of the vehicle seat S. In
addition, the vehicle seat S and the shell device 2 are
collectively referred to as a seat apparatus 100. The shell device
2 will be described in detail later.
[0052] The notification system 1 of the present embodiment is a
system mounted in the seat apparatus 100 including the vehicle seat
S and the shell device 2, and the ECU 20 is installed in the shell
device 2 of the seat apparatus 100. A location where the ECU 20 is
installed is not limited to the shell device 2, and may be the
inside of the vehicle seat S or on a floor or under the floor of
the shared vehicle.
[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the notification
system 1. The ECU 20 operates as a control unit of the present
embodiment, is connected to and controls the luggage detection unit
31, the seating detection unit 32, and the notification unit 33,
and receives and processes signals transmitted from the luggage
detection unit 31 and the seating detection unit 32. In addition,
the ECU 20 is connected to and controls a speaker 41, a vibration
device 42, a display 43, a seat lamp 44, and a communication device
45 that are the notification units 33. The ECU 20 includes a
processor 21, a memory 22 that stores data, and an input and output
interface 23.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the speaker 41 is provided in an
upper portion of the shell device 2, and is capable of making a
notification to the user seated in the vehicle seat S by means of
the sense of hearing. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vibration
device 42 is provided in the seat cushion 11 of the vehicle seat S,
and is capable of making a notification to the user by means of
vibration. The display 43 is provided in an armrest 3 of the shell
device 2, and makes a notification to the user by means of a
message or light. The seat lamp 44 is an LED 44a provided in a side
portion of the shell device 2, an LED 44b provided in a side
portion (for example, in the vicinity of a bead edge) of the
vehicle seat S, or an LED 44c provided in a part of the armrest 3,
and emits light to make a notification to the user visually.
[0055] The processor 21 is a central processing unit that executes
various arithmetic processes based on programs or data stored in
the memory 22 or signals received from each device connected
thereto via the input and output interface 23, and that controls
each part of the notification system 1. The memory 22 is, for
example, a semiconductor memory, and also functions as a work
memory of the processor 21 in addition to storing various programs
or data. The input and output interface 23 is connected to the
luggage detection unit 31, the seating detection unit 32, and the
speaker 41, the vibration device 42, the display 43, the seat lamp
44, and the communication device 45 that are the notification units
33, and communicates with each device.
[0056] The seat apparatus 100 includes a luggage storage place 16
in a space below the vehicle seat S. In addition, as illustrated in
FIG. 1, a mobile terminal accommodation portion 15 is provided in
the armrest 3 of the shell device 2. Incidentally, the luggage 6 in
the present embodiment is held and can be carried into the vehicle
by the user, and is, for example, a bag. Examples of the luggage 6
also include the mobile terminal 5 such as a smartphone, a mobile
phone, a laptop computer, or a tablet terminal. In addition,
communicable terminals such as smartphones and mobile phones may be
referred to as communication terminals.
[0057] The mobile terminal accommodation portion 15 includes a
charging device 15a that charges the mobile terminal 5. During
getting in, the user connects the mobile terminal 5 to the charging
device 15a. The notification unit 33 constantly monitors the state
of connection between the charging device 15a and the mobile
terminal 5, and checks whether or not the mobile terminal 5 is
connected. The charging device 15a may be a wireless electric power
supply that charges a mobile phone with electromagnetic waves. In
this case, the luggage detection unit 31 detects whether or not the
charging device 15a is charging the mobile terminal 5.
[0058] When the luggage 6 carried into the vehicle by the user is a
bag, a laptop computer, or a tablet terminal, the user can place
the luggage 6 in the luggage storage place 16 provided below the
vehicle seat S. A load sensor 31a is provided under the luggage
storage place 16 and detects the load of the luggage 6, so that the
luggage detection unit 31 checks the presence or absence of the
luggage 6. The load sensor 31a may also be provided in the seat
cushion 11 of the vehicle seat S. In this case, not only a seated
occupant but also the luggage 6 misplaced on the seat cushion 11
may be detected. The load sensor 31a may also be provided in the
mobile terminal accommodation portion 15, and may detect the load
of the mobile terminal 5 to detect a presence of the mobile
terminal 5 even when a charge state or the connection state of a
charger is not detected.
[0059] In addition to the load sensor 31a, infrared sensors 31b or
ultrasonic sensors 31c may be installed in the mobile terminal
accommodation portion 15 and the luggage storage place 16,
respectively, to check the presence or absence of the luggage 6
using infrared rays or ultrasound waves.
[0060] In addition, as described above, the notification unit 33
may be the speaker 41 provided in the shell device 2. When the
luggage detection unit 31 detects the misplaced luggage 6, the ECU
20 causes the speaker 41 to issue a warning sound to notify the
user that there is the misplaced mobile terminal 5 or the misplaced
luggage 6.
[0061] As described above, the notification unit 33 in the present
embodiment is, for example, the display 43 or the seat lamp 44 of
the shell device 2. When the luggage detection unit 31 detects the
misplaced mobile terminal 5 or the misplaced luggage 6, the ECU 20
causes the seat lamp 44 to emit light or causes the display 43 to
display a message to notify the user that there is the misplaced
mobile terminal 5 or the misplaced luggage 6.
[0062] The notification unit 33 may be the communication device 45
provided in the notification system 1. When the luggage detection
unit 31 detects the misplaced luggage, the ECU 20 transmits a
predetermined message to the mobile terminal 5 to notify the user
that the misplaced mobile terminal 5 or the misplaced luggage 6 has
been detected, the mobile terminal 5 being owned by the user.
[0063] Next, a notification process executed by the notification
system 1 will be described using the flowchart in FIG. 3.
[0064] First, the ECU 20 causes the luggage detection unit 31 to
detect a presence of the mobile terminal 5 or the luggage 6 (S101).
Next, the shared vehicle arrives a destination (S102). The ECU 20
causes the seating detection unit 32 to detect whether or not the
user has left the vehicle seat S. When it is detected that the user
has left the seat, for example, when it is detected that a load
applied to the seat cushion 11 has been reduced, the ECU 20
measures a time T from when the user has left the seat (S103). When
a predetermined time from the start of the measurement, for
example, two seconds have elapsed, the ECU 20 causes the luggage
detection unit 31 to detect whether or not the mobile terminal 5 or
the luggage 6 is present, namely, determines whether or not the
luggage detection unit 31 is OFF (S104). When the luggage detection
unit 31 does not detect the mobile terminal 5 or the luggage 6 (in
the case of YES in S104), the ECU 20 determines that there is no
misplaced mobile terminal 5 or misplaced luggage 6, and ends the
notification process.
[0065] When the luggage detection unit 31 detects the mobile
terminal 5 or the luggage 6 (in the case of NO in S104), the ECU 20
determines that there is the misplaced mobile terminal 5 or the
misplaced luggage 6, and commands the notification unit 33 to make
a notification (S105). For example, the ECU 20 commands the speaker
41 to issue a predetermined sound. In addition, for example, the
ECU 20 commands the display 43 to display a predetermined message
or commands the seat lamp 44 to blink. In addition, the ECU 20 may
command the communication device 45 to send a message to the mobile
terminal 5 of the user.
[0066] After the notification unit 33 makes a notification
indicating that there is a misplaced item, the ECU 20 checks
whether or not the luggage detection unit 31 does not detect the
luggage 6 (whether or not the luggage detection unit 31 is not OFF)
(S106). When the user carries the misplaced luggage, and detection
of the luggage detection unit 31 is OFF (in the case of YES in
S106), the ECU 20 determines that there is no misplaced luggage 6,
and ends the process. When the luggage detection unit 31 detects
the luggage 6 (in the case of NO in S106), the ECU 20 returns to
S105, and causes the user to be notified of misplacement of the
luggage again. This notification is performed until the luggage
detection unit 31 does not detect the mobile terminal 5 or the
luggage 6, but after the notification process is performed for a
predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, the
notification process may be ended.
[0067] Next, a shell device 402A of a seat apparatus 101 will be
described with respect to FIG. 4A. As described above, the shell
device 402A is an enclosure provided with the aim of blocking the
eyes of a neighboring user and securing the privacy of the user
seated in the vehicle seat S. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the shell
device 402A includes a shell portion 2a formed to cover the right,
left, and upper portions of the vehicle seat S, and a shade portion
2b disposed to hide a user who is neighbored laterally when the
user is seated.
[0068] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the armrest 3 is
provided to be located on a right side of the seated user. The
armrest 3 may be provided to be located on a left side of the
user.
[0069] The shade portion 2b is formed to cover also a lateral side
of the arm of the user. Therefore, a screen of the mobile terminal
can be prevented from being viewed when the mobile terminal is
operated. The shade portion 2b can be accommodated or transparent.
A partition formed by the shade portion 2b may be an electronic
shade (electronic curtain) or may be configured to become
nontransparent when the user turns on and off a switch to apply a
voltage. In addition, the accommodation and transparency of the
shade portion 2b may be enabled only when both neighboring users
perform an operation. Since the shade portion 2b is provided, the
privacy of the user who is an occupant can be secured.
[0070] A partition 3a that is low may be provided in an upper
portion of the armrest 3. Since the partition 3a is provided in the
armrest 3, the hands of neighboring users can be prevented from
touching each other. The partition 3a may be storable or may be
provided so as to be retractable by the user.
[0071] The ease of getting in and out is improved by lowering the
height of a portion on a side opposite the armrest 3, namely,
usually on a door side (not neighbored to another user).
Incidentally, the portion on the side opposite the armrest 3, of
which the height is lowered, may be configured such that the
portion is stored when the user gets in and out, and after getting
in and out, the portion is deployed to cover a side portion and an
upper portion of the vehicle seat S.
[0072] Since the shell portion 2a also covers the upper portion of
the vehicle seat S and an upper portion of the user seated therein,
the speaker 41 can be disposed such that a sound can be heard only
by the seated user.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the armrest 3 of the shell device
402A may be provided with an air conditioning device 51. Since the
air conditioning device 51 is provided in the shell device 2,
cooling and heating can be performed from a position close to the
user. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, an air blowing duct 51b of the air
conditioning device 51 is disposed inside the shell device 402A to
be capable of supplying warm air or cold air to the vicinities of
the feet and the neck of the seated user. Warm air and cold air may
be supplied from an air conditioning device (A/C) installed in a
vehicle body of the shared vehicle. Warm air and cold air may be
supplied from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) 51c
that is built in a lower inside of the armrest 3 as illustrated in
FIG. 6B.
[0074] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the armrest 3 may be
provided with an operation switch 35. In a state where the vehicle
seat S is reclined, the position of an operation panel (instrument
panel) such as the display 43 is distant therefrom. Therefore, when
the operation switch 35 is provided in the armrest 3 such that the
operation switch 35 can be performed in the vicinity of the hand at
a seated position, the user can perform an operation in the
vicinity of the hand. The operation switch 35 may be configured
such that switches having different functions are provided in
different surfaces, for example, an upper surface and a side
surface of the armrest 3. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, a
cross key 35a and a determination key 35b may be disposed in an
inner side surface and the upper surface, respectively. In
addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the determination key 35b and
a touchpad 35c may be disposed in the side surface and the upper
surface, respectively. Since the keys are disposed in different
surfaces of the armrest 3, grasping according to a shape along the
shape of the hand is facilitated, and operation is also
facilitated.
[0075] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the shell device
402A may be provided with an odor eliminating and deodorizing
device 52. Since the shared vehicle is used by a plurality of
users, odor may be a concern. Therefore, in order to eliminate or
deodorize odor inside the vehicle, the odor eliminating and
deodorizing device 52 is provided in the upper portion of the shell
device 2.
[0076] A massage device 53 may be provided in the seat back 10 of
the vehicle seat S. In addition, a heater or an adaptive variable
suspension system (AVS) may be provided in the seat back 10. A
non-contact sensing device 50 that measures a heart rate or the
like may be provided in the seat back 10. Health can also be
managed by measuring data such as heart rate whenever used.
[0077] In addition, spot lamps 54 to be used as reading lamps or
the like may be provided in the shell device 402A on both sides of
the seat back 10. Since a user sitting around may sleep, during
traveling of the shared vehicle, a light inside the vehicle may be
turned off. In addition, also when the mobile terminal 5 is
operated, lighting may be adjustable for each seat. Since the spot
lamps 54 that can be individually lighted up are provided, users
can individually perform work such as reading.
[0078] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, a work table 55 that
is storable in the armrest 3 may be built in the shell device 2.
Since the work table 55 is provided, the user can perform work
using, for example, a computer or the like, or have a meal.
[0079] Incidentally, the shell device 2 illustrated in FIG. 4A is
provided to surround the upper portion and the side portion of the
vehicle seat S, however, as in a seat apparatus 102 illustrated in
FIG. 4B, a shell device 402B that includes the shade portion 2b and
surrounds only a right part of the user may be provided in the
vehicle seat S (side portion facing an adjacent seat). The shade
portion 2b of the shell device 402B is provided to block the line
of sight from the adjacent seat.
[0080] Next, a reserved seat notification system 701 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0081] When the shared vehicle is used, the user himself or herself
may not find which seat is reserved since there are the plurality
of seats. Therefore, a system that makes a notification about the
reserved seat is established.
[0082] A configuration of the reserved seat notification system 701
is illustrated in FIG. 7. Components having the same functions as
those of the notification system 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 are
denoted by the same reference signs, and a detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0083] The reserved seat notification system 701 includes the
vehicle seat S; the ECU 20 (control unit) that stores reservation
information of the user; the communication device 45 capable of
communicating with a communication terminal (mobile terminal 5)
held by the user; and the notification unit 33 provided on the
vehicle seat S or in the vicinity of the vehicle seat S. The
communication device 45 receives personal information of the user
for specifying the user from the communication terminal (mobile
terminal 5), and the ECU 20 compares the personal information of
the user with the reservation information, and notifies the
notification unit 33 of user identification information, for
example, the location of the reserved seat or the like when the
personal information of the user coincides with the reservation
information.
[0084] The notification unit 33 of the reserved seat notification
system 701 is, for example, the seat lamp 44, and the seat lamp 44
provided in the vehicle seat S emits light to notify the user that
the vehicle seat S is the reserved seat (seat apparatus 103). For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the seat lamp 44 is the LED 44a
provided in the side portion of the vehicle seat S, 44b provided in
the side portion of the shell device 2, or the LED 44c provided in
a part of the armrest 3. Since the seat lamp 44 is located so as to
be easily visible to the user, the user easily finds his or her own
seat.
[0085] In addition, color displayed on the mobile terminal 5 and
color of light emitted by the seat lamp 44 may be the same color.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when blue color is displayed
on a screen of the mobile terminal 5, the ECU 20 that has received
the reservation information or the like causes the seat lamp 44 to
emit light of the same blue color. When a plurality of users uses
the reserved seat notification system 701 at the same time, a
different color is displayed for each seat. Therefore, the user can
easily find the location of his or her own reserved seat (seat
apparatus 103).
[0086] The seat lamp 44 is turned off when the seating detection
unit 32 provided in the vehicle seat S detects that the user has
been seated and the ECU 20 detects that the correct user has been
seated. For example, the ECU 20 detects that the correct user has
been seated, based on a determination as to whether or not the user
owns the mobile terminal 5 used for reservation. More specifically,
the mobile terminal 5 is placed in the mobile terminal
accommodation portion 15 (luggage detection unit 31), so that the
mobile terminal accommodation portion 15 reads and detects personal
information or the like of the mobile terminal 5. When the user who
has made a reservation is different from the seated user, for
example, when the seated user owns the mobile terminal 5 different
from that used for reservation, the notification unit 33 notifies
the seated user of a warning.
[0087] The notification unit 33 may be the seat lamp 44, and for
example, the seat lamp 44 blinks to notify that the user is seated
in a wrong seat. In addition, when the notification unit 33 is, for
example, the display 43, the display 43 displays a message telling
that the user is seated in a wrong seat. When the notification unit
33 is the speaker 41, the speaker 41 issues a sound to notify the
user of a warning by means of the sense of hearing. The
notification unit 33 may be the vibration device 42 provided in the
seat cushion 11, and in this case, the vibration device 42 makes
vibration to notify the user that the user is seated in a wrong
seat.
[0088] A notification process performed by the reserved seat
notification system 701 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
First, the user makes a reservation for a ride share using the
mobile terminal 5 owned by the user (S701). The user gets in a
reserved shared vehicle (S702). The ECU 20 receives personal
information of the user for specifying the user from the mobile
terminal 5 of the user via the communication device 45. Then,
reservation information stored in the memory 22 and the personal
information of the user are compared with each other to check
whether or not both information coincide with each other, and the
seat lamp 44 of a reserved seat blinks (S703).
[0089] The seating detection unit 32 confirms that the user has
been seated. At this time, the ECU 20 receives the personal
information of the user again, and determines whether or not
information of a reservation person of the vehicle seat S coincides
with the personal information of the seated user (S704). When it is
determined that the seated user is a correct user (YES in S704),
the seat lamp 44 is turned off (S705). When the information of the
reservation person does not coincide with the personal information
of the user (NO in S704), the ECU 20 determines whether or not it
is detected that the user is seated in the different vehicle seat S
(S706). When it is detected that the user has been seated in the
different seat (in the case of NO in S706), the process returns to
S703, and the seat lamp 44 of the correct reserved seat blinks.
Accordingly, the user is guided to the correct seat. In addition,
when it is detected that the user has been seated in the different
seat (YES in S706), the speaker 41, the vibration device 42, the
display 43, or the seat lamp 44 that is the notification unit 33
notifies the seated user that the seat is a wrong seat (S707).
[0090] The ECU 20 causes the seating detection unit 32 to check
whether or not the user has left the different seat (S708). When
the seating detection unit 32 cannot confirm that the user has left
the seat (NO in S708), the process returns to S707, and the ECU 20
causes the notification unit 33 to notify the seated user of a
warning again. When it is confirmed that the user has left the
seat, the process returns to S703, and the seat lamp 44 of the
reserved seat blinks to notify the user of the position of the
correct seat.
[0091] Next, an ottoman 13 provided in the vehicle seat S provided
in a seat apparatus 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.
10 to 11B. It is assumed that the user using the shared vehicle is
seated in a state where the vehicle seat S is reclined. Therefore,
when the vehicle seat S is provided with the ottoman 13 that
supports the legs of the user during seating, the user can be
seated in a more relaxed state. However, when a surface of the
ottoman 13 on which the legs are placed is flat, the legs may be
shifted by a lateral acceleration (lateral G) induced by the sharp
turning of the vehicle body when a steering wheel is steered during
movement. Therefore, it is desirable that even when the lateral G
is applied in the reclined state, the shift of the legs is
suppressed.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the vehicle seat S includes the
ottoman 13. Since the seat apparatus is the same as the seat
apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except for including the
ottoman 13, a description of configurations other than the ottoman
13 will be omitted.
[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the ottoman 13 is attached to a
front of the seat cushion 11, and depending on a seated state of
the user, can be inclined and extended by, for example, a drive
mechanism provided in the ottoman 13. In addition, retractable step
portions 13a are provided on both side portions of the ottoman 13.
When the user gets in and out, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the step
portions 13a are stored, and a seat surface 13b on which the legs
are placed is substantially flat. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11B,
when the user gets in and is seated in the seat, the step portions
13a are deployed to protrude from the seat surface 13b. Even when
the vehicle body is sharply turned, the legs of the user abut
against the step portions 13a, so that the legs are suppressed from
being shifted from the ottoman 13. The deployment of the step
portions 13a may be realized using air or mechanical means.
[0094] In the above embodiment, as a specific example, the
notification system used in the shared vehicle has been described,
however, the notification system is not limited to being applied to
the shared vehicle, and the notification system of this application
can be provided as a seat of trains, buses, or the like, and can
also be used in a seat of airplanes or ships.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0095] 1: notification system [0096] 100, 101, 102, 104: seat
apparatus [0097] 701: reserved seat notification system [0098] 2,
402A, 402B: shell device [0099] 2a: shell portion [0100] 2b: shade
portion [0101] 3: armrest [0102] 3a: partition [0103] 5: mobile
terminal [0104] 6: luggage [0105] 10: seat back [0106] 11: seat
cushion [0107] 12: headrest [0108] 13: ottoman [0109] 13a: step
portion [0110] 15: mobile terminal accommodation portion [0111]
15a: charging device [0112] 16: luggage storage place [0113] 20:
control unit (ECU) [0114] 21: processor [0115] 22: memory [0116]
23: input and output interface [0117] 31: luggage detection unit
[0118] 32: seating detection unit [0119] 33: notification unit
[0120] 35: operation switch [0121] 35a: cross key [0122] 35b:
determination key [0123] 35c: touchpad [0124] 41: speaker
(notification unit) [0125] 42: vibration device (notification unit)
[0126] 43: display (notification unit) [0127] 44: seat lamp
(notification unit) [0128] 44a, 44b, 44c: LED [0129] 45:
communication device (notification unit) [0130] 50: sensing device
[0131] 51: air conditioning device [0132] 51b: air blowing duct
[0133] 51c: HVAC [0134] 52: odor eliminating and deodorizing device
[0135] 53: massage device [0136] 54: spot lamp [0137] 55: work
table [0138] S: vehicle seat
* * * * *