JP2003070774A - Method to discriminate sitting posture and fatigue on vehicle seat and posture/fatigue alarm thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To alarm a sitting person and recommend a right posture by detecting sitting on a seat, a sitting posture, a posture deviated from the posture suitable for the seat. SOLUTION: Variation of static capacity between a common electrode 12-1 in the vicinity of an objective vehicle seat and a spine detecting electrode 12-1 set on a spine contact area on the seat back and a hip detecting electrode 12-2 set on the hip contact area on the seat cushion is converted to detection voltages E1, E2 to be outputted values to detect and monitor a condition. The values outputted by the detecting electrodes are compared to prescribed detecting values K (K1, K2), Ks (Ks1, Ks2) to discriminate sitting or not, the sitting posture, and fatigue. If the outputted values E1, E2 do not satisfy a prescribed condition, an alarm and a recommendation therefore are displayed by letters on a display 42.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention detects a seating on a target vehicle seat and its seating posture, and determines whether or not the seating posture at that time is an appropriate posture on the target seat. The present invention relates to a discrimination method, a fatigue discrimination method for discriminating whether or not fatigue occurs during sitting, and a posture / fatigue warning device thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, it is said that the spinal column shape which causes the least amount of fatigue when sitting is a generally S-shaped lateral side of the lumbar vertebrae, which is a major cause of the fatigue of the seated person. It is said that the shape of the spine collapses from the shape, that is, the sitting posture collapses accordingly.

The seat has a proper sitting posture adapted to the seat shape, that is, a proper posture. Normally, by sitting in this proper posture, fatigue at the time of sitting can be sufficiently reduced. ing.

[0004]

By the way, naturally, a vehicle seat such as an automobile also has an appropriate posture corresponding to the seat shape. However, there are many cases where the user is sitting without knowing the proper posture, and in such a case, it can be easily estimated that the fatigue reducing function of the seat is not fully utilized.

Further, even if a person is seated in an appropriate posture at the beginning of riding, the trunk angle may change due to fatigue caused by long-time driving, etc., and this may cause the sitting posture to gradually collapse from the proper posture. It can happen. Such a change in the trunk angle due to fatigue, and the accompanying posture collapse gradually change and progress without being aware of it.
It is difficult for the seated person to notice it. Then, since a feeling of fatigue due to posture collapse is added to fatigue over time due to long-time driving or the like, there is an undeniable possibility that the feeling of fatigue is further increased due to collapse of the sitting posture.

Here, in the conventional vehicle seat,
It is generally known that a seatback is provided with a support device, such as a lumbar support device, which assists in maintaining the shape of the spine in a substantially S-shaped side surface. However,
Even in a vehicle seat equipped with such a support device, a sufficient effect cannot be expected unless the seat has an appropriate posture according to the seat shape or seat configuration.

The present invention is directed to a seat and its seating posture,
Further, the present invention provides a seating posture determination method for a vehicle seat, a fatigue determination method, and a posture / fatigue warning device that warns a seated person by detecting a posture collapse from an appropriate posture adapted to the seat. It is an object.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, in the present invention, the principle of the electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch is utilized, whereby the proximity of the human body to the target vehicle seat and its distance. Can be detected and monitored, whereby the seating on the vehicle seat and the seating posture are detected and determined.

In the present invention, attention is paid to the fact that when fatigue occurs during sitting, the torso angle of the seated person changes, and the sitting posture collapses from the proper posture accordingly. The degree of fatigue of the occupant is determined by detecting using the principle of the capacitance type proximity switch.

Therefore, in the vehicle seat seating posture determination method according to claim 1 of the present invention, the common electrode in the vicinity of the target vehicle seat and the thoracic vertebra contact region of the seat back of the target seat are provided. Converting each capacitance change between the arranged thoracic spine detection electrode and the buttock detection electrode arranged in the buttock contact area of the seat cushion of the target seat into a detection voltage as an output value. Detected and monitored by, each output value of this thoracic spine detection electrode, and hip detection electrode is compared with a predetermined seating determination value, respectively,
When the output value of at least one of the detection electrodes exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, seating on the target seat is determined.

After the seating on the target sheet is discriminated, the output values of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with the proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and the output of each detection electrode is compared. When at least one of the values is below the corresponding appropriate posture determination value, the sitting posture at this time is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, and the position of the detection electrode that falls below the appropriate posture determination value is determined. A corresponding warning,
The recommendation is given by a predetermined warning output means.

Further, in the seating posture determining method for a vehicle seat according to a second aspect of the present invention, the static between the common electrode and the lumbar spine detecting electrode arranged in the lumbar spine contact region of the seat back of the target seat. By converting the change in capacitance into a detection voltage that is an output value, the output value of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the output value of the hip detection electrode are detected and monitored.

Then, the output values of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are compared with predetermined seating determination values, and the output value of at least one of the detection electrodes corresponds to the seating determination value. When the seated position of the occupant on the target sheet is determined and the seated position on the target sheet is determined, the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are set to the seating determination value. When the output value of each detection electrode is lower than the corresponding proper posture judgment value, the sitting posture at this time is not appropriate posture. It is determined that the posture is determined, and the warning output unit issues a warning and a recommendation corresponding to the portion of the detection electrode that has fallen below the appropriate posture determination value.

Furthermore, in the fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 3 of the present invention, in addition to the sitting posture determination method according to claim 1, outputs of both the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode. Each output value of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode when the seating is determined in the proper posture and the vehicle is traveling by the traveling discriminating means, the value of which exceeds the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto. When the at least one of the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode falls below the corresponding fatigue judgment value, the posture associated with the change in the trunk angle due to fatigue is compared. The warning output means gives a warning and a recommendation to alleviate fatigue by discriminating the collapse.

In the vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, similarly to the seating posture determination method according to the second aspect, the common electrode and the lumbar contact region of the seat back of the target seat are provided. By converting the change in capacitance between the disposed lumbar spine detection electrode and the detected voltage that is the output value, the output value of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the output value of the hip detection electrode are detected and monitored. .

Then, the respective output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are compared with predetermined seating determination values, and the output value of at least one of the detection electrodes corresponds to the seating determination value. When the seated position of the occupant on the target sheet is determined and the seated position on the target sheet is determined, the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are set to the seating determination value. When the output value of each detection electrode is lower than the corresponding proper posture judgment value, the sitting posture at this time is not appropriate posture. It is determined that the posture is determined, and the warning output unit issues a warning and a recommendation corresponding to the portion of the detection electrode that has fallen below the appropriate posture determination value.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the seat belt fatigue detecting method detects and determines whether or not the seat belt for the target seat is inserted. When the seat belt is detected to be seated, the seating on the target seat and its seating posture are detected, and when the seat belt is not detected to be seated, a warning and a recommendation for seat belt insertion are output. It is supposed to be done by means.

Further, in the fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 6 of the present invention, output value data of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the hip detection electrode after the traveling discrimination means discriminates when the vehicle is traveling. Obtain a plurality of each, and calculate the sitting average value for each detection electrode from this multiple output value data, and consider that it is the proper posture from the variation reference value calculated based on the sitting average value. The proper posture range of the output value that specifies the range is set for each detection electrode, and the subsequent output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode after setting the proper posture range are set to the appropriate posture range corresponding to that. When the output value of at least one of the detection electrodes deviates from the corresponding proper posture range, it is determined that the posture collapses from the proper posture.

Then, after determining the posture collapse from the proper posture, a plurality of output value data of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are respectively obtained, and from the plurality of output value data, the output value data of each detection electrode is obtained. Calculate the collapse average value and compare this collapse average value with the fatigue judgment value calculated based on the sitting average value, and when the collapse average value falls below the fatigue judgment value, The collapse of the sitting posture is determined to be the posture collapse due to the change in the trunk angle due to fatigue, and the warning output unit issues a warning and a recommendation to alleviate the fatigue.

Further, in the fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the traveling determination means is vehicle speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle. When the vehicle speed detection means detects that the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds a preset reference value, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling.

Further, in the fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 8 of the present invention, at least the warning and recommendation made by the warning output means are displayed in characters.

In the vehicle seat posture / fatigue discriminating apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention, the common electrode is defined and set in the vicinity of the target vehicle seat, and the thoracic vertebra detection electrode is provided. The thoracic vertebra contact region of the seat back of the target seat and the hip detection electrodes are respectively arranged in the hip contact regions of the seat cushion of the target seat.

This posture / fatigue discriminating apparatus detects and monitors a change in capacitance between the common electrode and each detection electrode as an output value of each detection electrode after converting it into a detection voltage, and outputs each output. A comparison / determination means for outputting an output signal corresponding to each of the values and a predetermined determination value corresponding thereto, and a warning output means for issuing a warning and a recommendation to at least a seated person on the target seat. Further, the vehicle further includes a travel determination unit that detects and determines the travel of the vehicle. Then, from the result of comparison between the output values of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the hip detection electrode and the seating determination value preset in the comparing / determining means, the sitting posture is determined to be an inappropriate posture that is less than the proper posture. At this time, the corresponding warning and recommendation are issued by the warning output means, and the sitting value is determined based on the comparison result between the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode and the fatigue judgment value generated and processed by the comparison / determination means. This posture / fatigue warning device is configured so that when it is determined that the posture has collapsed from the proper posture more than a certain amount, a warning and a recommendation for easing fatigue are issued by the warning output means.

According to a tenth aspect of the vehicle seat posture / fatigue discriminating apparatus of the present invention, the above-mentioned ninth aspect is used.
In addition to the configuration shown in (1), a lumbar spine detection electrode disposed in the lumbar spine contact region of the seat back of the target sheet is further provided. Then, based on the result of comparison between the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode and the predetermined sitting determination value, when the sitting posture is determined to be an inappropriate posture that is less than the proper posture, the corresponding Warnings and recommendations are issued by warning output means.

Furthermore, in the posture / fatigue discriminating device for a vehicle seat according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the warning output means is formed as a display for giving warnings and recommendations by displaying characters.

In the vehicle seat posture / fatigue discriminating apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the seat belt switch for detecting the seat belt insertion is used as the seat belt detecting means.

Further, in the vehicle seat posture / fatigue discriminating apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the traveling discriminating means serves as vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle. As the vehicle speed detecting means, A speed sensor with an automatic door lock is used.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The present invention relates to the approach of the dielectric to the detection electrode,
And by using the principle of so-called electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch, which can output command signals such as ON / OFF by changing the electrostatic capacitance according to its distance, sitting on the target vehicle seat, its The seated posture and the collapse of the seated posture due to the change in the trunk angle from the proper posture are detected, and the fatigue of the seated person is determined based on the posture collapse, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As described above, in the vehicle seat attitude / fatigue warning device 10 according to the present invention, the detection electrode
12 (12-1, 12-2) is provided on the seat back 16 and the seat cushion 18 of the target vehicle seat 14, respectively, and the common electrode 20 paired with the detection electrode is provided for the vehicle seat. It is defined and arranged in the vicinity.

Examples of the common electrode 20 include a vehicle body frame 20-1 of an automobile and a seat frame 20-2 of a vehicle seat. The common electrode and the detection electrode 12 (1
The posture / fatigue warning device 10 is configured so as to detect the approach of the dielectric body to (2-1, 12-2), that is, the approach of the human body.

In the present invention, the proximity of the human body to the seat back 16 or the seat cushion 18 is determined to be the seating on the vehicle seat 14, and the seat cushion is deeply seated and the upper body is suitable for the seat back. The posture brought into contact with the vehicle seat is determined to be an appropriate sitting posture that conforms to the seat shape of the vehicle seat. Therefore, FIG.
As can be seen, in the present invention, in the thoracic vertebrae contact region of the seat back 16, the thoracic vertebrae detection electrode 12-1 is arranged, and in the buttocks contact region of the seat cushion 18,
By disposing the hip detection electrode 12-2, it is possible to estimate the distance between the vehicle seat 14 and the human body and the positional relationship thereof.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the seat back
16 and the seat cushion 18 are usually formed by covering the seat pad 22 that is an elastic body with the trim cover 28 that is formed by bonding the outer skin 24 and the wadding 26. The interposition between the wadding and the seat pad, that is, the internal structure,
Detection electrode for seat back and seat cushion 1
2, that is, the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1, and the hip detection electrode 12-2
Can be embodied as an arrangement.

As the detection electrodes 12 (12-1, 12-2),
For example, a conductive film or a conductive cloth having conductivity and flexibility can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2, which are arranged and provided in a specific portion of the vehicle seat 14 as shown in FIG. Switching means 30 comprising two automatic changeover changeover switches
Are connected to the high frequency oscillator 32 and the comparison / determination circuit 34 including, for example, a CPU.

Since the switching targets to be connected are only the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2, the two changeover switches serving as the changeover means 30 may be two changeover contacts. It's enough.

In the posture / fatigue warning device 10 of the present invention, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are connected to the changeover switch (changeover means) via the detection resistors R1-1 and R1-2. ) 3
It is connected to one of the high frequency oscillator side switches 30-1 of 0 and is alternately and repeatedly connected to the high frequency oscillator 32 under the automatic switching of this switch. The frequency signals of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 connected to the high frequency oscillator 32 by the switching of the high frequency oscillator side switch 30-1 are the CP signals of the other switch of the changeover switch 30.
The detection voltages (electrical signals) E1 and E2, which are converted into electric signals by the differential signal detection circuit 36 connected to the U-side switch 30-2 and smoothed by the smoothing circuit 38, are output to the detection electrodes by the CPUs. (Comparison / discrimination circuit) Input to 34, this CPU
Be monitored in.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the thoracic spine detection electrode
12-1, and the detection voltage that becomes the output value of the bottom detection electrode 12-2
E1 and E2 have the characteristics that they become larger as the human body (seat) approaches the detection electrodes and become smaller as the distance increases. Therefore, by utilizing this characteristic, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 1, in the present invention, at least the human body that can be recognized as sitting on the vehicle seat 14 to the detection electrodes 12 (12-1, 12-2). A value according to the distance between the human body and the detection electrode that can be recognized as a proper sitting posture is used as a seating determination value K (K1, K2), and an appropriate posture determination value Ks (Ks1, Ks2 ), The CPU 34 is set in advance for each detection electrode, and each judgment value is compared with the monitored output value (detection voltage) E (E1, E2) of each detection electrode. The determination is based on whether or not the vehicle seat is seated, and whether or not the vehicle seat has an appropriate posture.

In this posture / fatigue warning device 10, the output values E1 and E of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 14-1 and the hip detection electrode 14-2 are used.
2 is compared with each judgment value, that is, the seating judgment value K (K1, K2), the proper posture judgment value Ks (Ks1, Ks2), etc., and an output signal as the comparison / judgment result is generated by the CPU 34. Is output.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the output signal from the CPU 34 is output to warning output means such as the display 42 connected via the communication circuit 40.

As the display (warning output means) 42, for example, it is effective to use a display which is a part of a car navigation system (car navigation system) as shown in FIG. By using it, the seated occupant will be warned by the text display,
Recommendations are easily possible.

The contents of warnings and recommendations on the display 42 will be described later.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the posture / fatigue warning device 10 is provided with a traveling discriminating means 44 for detecting the traveling of the vehicle and a seat belt detecting means 46 for detecting the insertion of the seat belt. The posture / fatigue warning device is configured so that an output signal corresponding to the information from them can be output, that is, a warning and a recommendation can be given on the display 42.

As shown in FIG. 2, the traveling discriminating means 44 is, for example, a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, for example, a so-called automatic door lock for automatically locking the door when a vehicle speed higher than a specific speed is detected. For example, a speed sensor (displayed as Body ECU in the figure) can be used. Further, as the seatbelt detecting means 46, a seatbelt switch for detecting the insertion and attachment of the tongue to the seatbelt buckle and the lock can be used.
It is connected to enable signal input to 34 (see Fig. 1).

The operation of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of the main routine of FIG. 5 and the subroutine of FIGS. 6 to 11, and the block diagram of FIG. 1 and the layout diagram of FIG. Further, it will be described below with reference to the characteristic curve of FIG.

As can be seen from the main routine of FIG. 5, in this posture / fatigue warning device 10, first, seating confirmation /
Based on the processing in the posture optimization routine, the presence / absence of sitting on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, and the sitting posture at that time is appropriately optimized (102).

As shown in FIG. 6, in this seating confirmation / posture optimization routine, first, it is determined whether or not the seat belt is properly seated, that is, the seat belt switch 46 is set.
It is determined whether it is ON (202). For example,
If the seatbelt is not yet attached, it is determined as No in this step (202), and a recommendation comment such as "fasten the seatbelt" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (204).

When the seated person inserts the seat belt according to this recommendation comment and it is judged Yes in step (202), next, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12 are detected.
-The output values E1 and E2 of -2 are compared with the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2, respectively, and whether or not at least one of the output values exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, that is, the position where seating can be recognized. It is determined whether the occupant has a thoracic vertebrae and a hip (206).

At this time, the thoracic vertebrae and hips of the seated person are detected from the thoracic vertebrae detection electrode 12-1 and the hips detection electrode 12-2 of the vehicle seat 14 even though the seat belt is inserted. If the output values E1 and E2 of each detection electrode do not exceed the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2 as a result, there is no seated person's thoracic vertebrae and hips at a position where seating can be identified. Is judged as No in this step (206), and a comment in accordance with it is judged, for example, "posture / position
Warnings such as "Undetectable" and advisory comments are displayed.
The characters are displayed at (208).

At least one of the output values E1 and E2 of each detection electrode is caused by the approach of the corresponding portion to the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 accompanying the posture correction of the seated person. However, if the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2 are exceeded, Yes is determined in step (206), that is, the vehicle seat 14
Seated on the thoracic spine detection electrode 12
The output value E1 of -1 is the seating judgment value K1 and the proper posture judgment value Ks
Compared to both 1's (210).

As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the present invention, when the output value E1 of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 exceeds the sitting determination value K1 and further exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks1,
Since it is determined that at least the thoracic vertebra part of the seated person is in the proper position corresponding to the proper posture, even if the output value E1 exceeds the seating determination value K1, the proper posture determination value Ks1 due to partial separation of the upper body, etc. If it is less than the following, it is not recognized as a proper sitting posture. That is, even if it is determined that the vehicle seat 14 is seated, if the output value E1 of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 is in an improper posture below the proper posture determination value Ks1, Yes in step (210) of FIG. It is determined that the comment corresponding thereto, for example, a warning such as "I feel like a cat" and a recommendation comment is displayed in characters on the display 42 (212).

A seated person is urged by this recommendation comment to bring the upper body, particularly the thoracic vertebra part, close to the seat back 16, whereby the output value E1 of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 exceeds the seating determination value K1 and the proper posture is maintained. If the judgment value Ks1 is further exceeded, No in this step (210), that is, the proper position of the thoracic vertebra part is recognized, then the output value E2 of the hip detection electrode 12-2 is the seating judgment value K2, and the proper posture. The judgment value Ks2 is compared in the same manner with both (214).

As shown in FIG. 4, this seat cushion
Also in the hip contact area of 18, the output value E2 of the hip detection electrode 12-2 exceeds the sitting determination value K2, and the proper posture determination value Ks2
When the seated person's hips are determined to be in the proper position corresponding to the proper posture, the output value E2 is output by the apron to the seat cushion 18 even if the output value E2 exceeds the seating determination value K2. If the value E2 is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value Ks2, it is not recognized as a proper sitting posture, and it is judged as Yes in step (214) of FIG. 6, and a comment according to it, for example, "please sit deeply" ], Warnings and advisory comments are displayed in characters on the display 42 (216).

The seated person is urged by this recommendation comment to sit deeply on the seat cushion 18, whereby the output value E2 of the hip detection electrode 12-2 exceeds the seating determination value K2 and further exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks2. For example, in this step (214), No, that is, the proper position of the hip portion is recognized, and the comment displayed in characters on the display 42 is deleted (218).

As described above, in the present invention, when it is determined that the seating posture is an unsuitable posture in the vehicle seat 14, a comment prompting the correction of the seating posture is displayed in characters. That is, the occupant corrects the sitting posture according to the comment displayed on the display 42,
It is possible to easily take an appropriate posture adapted to the seat shape.

Next, it is determined whether the vehicle is in a running state (220). In the present invention, since the speed sensor (Body ECU) 44 for automatic door lock is used as the traveling determination means, until the vehicle speed exceeds, for example, 10 km / h,
In this step (220), it is determined as No. That is,
In the present invention, the above-described seating confirmation and seating posture optimization are the targets until the vehicle is detected and determined to be traveling.

After the vehicle has run, the vehicle speed is 10 km / h.
If it is determined Yes in step (220) by exceeding the value of at least one of the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the buttocks detection electrode 12-2, as shown in FIG. Whether or not the corresponding seating determination values K1, K2 are exceeded, that is, whether or not there is a seat on the vehicle seat 14,
It will be judged again (222).

If the seating posture is maintained in an almost proper position and there is no abnormality in the detection of the seating posture, this step (22
It is determined to be Yes in 2), and a comment such as "fatigue detection system starts operation" is displayed on the display 42 in characters (224), and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. However, the thoracic vertebrae detection electrode 12-1 and the buttocks part detection electrode 12 are detected due to, for example, an abnormal detection of the sitting posture.
When at least one of the output values E1 and E2 of -2 becomes equal to or lower than the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2, it is determined as No in this step (222) of FIG. A warning comment such as "The system does not operate" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (226), and the detection operation ends.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (102) is completed, the vehicle is then subjected to the processing in the seating posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine. Detection of a sitting posture during traveling and specification of a determination value for determining fatigue during sitting are appropriately performed (104).

As shown in FIG. 8, in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine, first, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode is detected.
12-1, and the time to acquire the output values E1 and E2 of the hip detection electrode 12-2 as data, for example, a time delay of 3 minutes is set (302), and then the number of data to be acquired n within that time is set.
A predetermined number, for example, 20 is set as (304). Then, after adding the count number i of the data (306), the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are individually stored (308), and then the It is judged whether or not the count number i has reached the number n of acquired data, that is, 20 (310).

If the count number i is less than 20, it is determined as No in this step (310), and the time delay is 5
After the lapse of seconds (312), the count number i of the data is added again in step (306), and the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are calculated in step (308). Store each.

When this is repeated and the count number i reaches 20 and it is determined Yes in step (310), the average value of the acquired data is the sitting average value E1i ', as shown in FIG. E2i 'is calculated for each detection electrode (314), and then the output value data E1i, E2i, and the sitting average E1i', E2i 'of this output data are used to measure the vibration of the body during running, etc., and Variance reference values S1 and S2 of the output values are calculated in consideration of body shaking due to driving operation, etc. (316).

Then, based on the variation reference values S1 and S2 of the output values, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the proper posture range serving as a criterion for judging whether or not the sitting posture is in the proper posture are respectively determined. Calculated and specified (318). As the limit coefficient used to calculate the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the proper posture range, a numerical value in consideration of vibration of the body during traveling, etc., and body shaking due to driving operation, etc., such as 1.5, can be exemplified. Variance of values By multiplying the reference values S1 and S2 by a limit coefficient of 1.5 and subtracting this from the sitting averages E1i ′ and E2i ′, or adding to the sitting averages, the proper posture range can be specified. After the proper posture range is specified, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specifying routine in step (104) is completed, then the sitting posture is changed under the processing in the fatigue determination routine. Whether or not the fatigue is due to fatigue is appropriately determined (106).

As shown in FIG. 10, in the fatigue determination routine, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2
It is first determined (402) whether or not both output values E1 and E2 of are within the proper posture range specified in step (318) of FIG. If the sitting posture is almost proper and both the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are within the proper posture range, the step (402) in FIG. 10 is performed. Is judged to be Yes, but changes in sitting posture,
Alternatively, if at least one of the output values of the detection means deviates from the proper posture range due to a change in the trunk angle or the like, it is determined as No in this step (402).

Here, in the present invention, an average value is obtained from a plurality of output value data after being out of the proper posture range, and fatigue is determined based on this average value. If No is determined in step (402) of FIG. 10, next, a predetermined number is set to the data number m of the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 to be acquired, for example,
10 is set (404), after adding the count number j of the output value data (406), the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 1
The output values E1 and E2 of 2-2 are individually stored (408). Then, next, it is judged whether or not the count number j reaches the acquired data number m, that is, 10 (410).

If the count number j is less than 10, it is determined as No in this step (410), and the time delay is 5
After the lapse of seconds (412), the count number is returned to in step (406) again.
Add j, and in step (408), the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-
1 and the output values E1 and E2 of the hip detection electrode 12-2 are stored.
Repeating this, when the count number j reaches 10 and it is determined as Yes in step (410), the average value of the acquired output value data, that is, the collapse average value E1j ′, E2j ′,
It is calculated for each detection electrode (414).

As shown in FIG. 11, this collapse average value E1
j ′ and E2j ′ are compared with a predetermined fatigue judgment value (416). This fatigue judgment value is, as in this step (416), the sitting average E1 calculated in step (314) of FIG.
i ', E2i' is calculated by multiplying the specific judgment coefficient kp1, kp2, and the sitting posture is such that at least one of the collapse average values E1j ', E2j' exceeds the corresponding fatigue judgment value. Is collapsed, in step (416) of FIG.
It is judged as o, and a comment prompting the user to relieve fatigue, for example, a warning such as “The driving posture / position has collapsed, please take a break” and a recommendation comment are displayed in characters on the display 42 (418).

The seated person is urged by this warning and recommendation comment, for example, once corrects the sitting posture to the proper posture, and by re-continuing the proper posture, the collapse average values E1j ′, E2j ′ become the fatigue judgment values or more. For example, in step (416), Yes, that is, the proper sitting posture is recognized, and the comment displayed in characters on the display 42 is deleted (420).

By returning the sitting posture to the proper posture,
Output value E of thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and hip detection electrode 12-2
If 1 and E2 are within the proper posture range, step (4
Based on the determination of Yes in 02), in this case as well, the comment displayed in characters on the display 42 is deleted (422).

After the warning and recommendation comment are displayed in step (418) of FIG. 11, the collapse average values E1j ', E2j' are compared with the seating determination values K1, K2, respectively (424). This step (42
In 4), it is determined whether or not the seated person has left the seat, and at least one of the average values E1j ′ and E2j ′ at the time of collapse is determined to be the seating determination value K1, K2.
It is judged No until it falls below. That is, step (418)
If there is no great change in the sitting posture even after the warning and recommendation comment are displayed in step (424), the warning and recommendation comment in step (418) on the display 42 are continued based on the determination in step (424).

Then, the seated person, for example, steps (41
If you take a break according to the warning and recommendation comment in 8) and move away from the vehicle seat 14, both the output values E1 and E2 of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 will drop significantly. , If the collapse average value E1j ′, E2j ′ is reduced accordingly, and if at least one of the collapse average values is lower than the seating determination values K1, K2, it is determined as Yes in step (424). A comment such as "It is a non-detection zone" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (426),
After that, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 5 and ends.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the seated person is fatigued based on the degree of collapse of the seated posture that accompanies the change in the trunk angle of the seated person. The warning and recommendation should be given to the seated person. In other words, even if the seated person is not aware of the occurrence of fatigue, the seated person can recognize the degree of his / her own fatigue by warning of the fatigue on the display 42, recommendations for rest, etc. The increase in fatigue is surely prevented.

While the degree of fatigue is small, a seated person is warned and advised of the occurrence of fatigue, so that adverse effects on driving operation due to fatigue, such as arousal or deterioration of judgment, can be prevented in advance. Therefore, according to the present invention, much improvement in comfort and safety during driving can be expected.

The present invention not only warns and notifies the occurrence of fatigue while the vehicle is running, but also has the function of notifying the seated person of the proper posture corresponding to the seat shape of the vehicle seat 14. is doing. In other words, the sitting posture of the seated person is automatically optimized by simply sitting in accordance with the characters displayed on the display 42. From this point as well, fatigue during traveling of the vehicle can be sufficiently reduced.

Further, since the present invention has a non-contact type structure utilizing the principle of the capacitance type proximity switch, both the presence / absence of seating on the vehicle seat 14 and the seating posture thereof are simultaneous or continuous. Can be detected. That is, since the members required for the detection can be made common, the structure is not complicated.

Therefore, the vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device 10 of the present invention using the vehicle seat seating posture determination method and the fatigue determination method of the present invention can be easily performed without complicating the configuration. Can be secured.

In the present invention, whether or not the vehicle seat 14 is seated based on the comparison between the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 and a predetermined determination value, and Since the sitting posture is determined, each determination value can be appropriately changed and selected depending on the shape of the vehicle seat, the material of the seat back 16, the seat cushion 18, and the like. Therefore, it is sufficient to preset the determination value according to the vehicle seat 14, and the versatility is surely improved.

Further, in the present invention, before the discrimination during the running of the vehicle is determined as the presence / absence of seating on the vehicle seat 14 and the determination of the sitting posture thereof, and thereafter is determined as the determination of the posture collapse from the proper posture. is doing. In this way, if the contents of the judgment are clearly divided, the seated person can take an appropriate posture suitable for the vehicle seat 14 before the vehicle travels,
In addition, when the posture is collapsed from the proper posture, it is clarified that the vehicle is traveling, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the determination from being complicated, the warning, and the recommendation from being complicated.

Here, in the present invention, the proper posture when the vehicle is traveling is specified as a predetermined range.
In this way, if the proper posture when the vehicle is traveling is regarded as a specific range, output value fluctuations due to factors other than fatigue such as body vibration during traveling and body shaking due to driving operation etc. are clearly ignored. Since it can be eliminated, the malfunction of the detection can be surely prevented.

Further, in the present invention, even if the output value deviates from the specific range of the proper posture, the fatigue is determined from the average value (average value at the time of collapse) of a plurality of data after the deviation. Also, the detection thereof and the accompanying malfunction of the warning and the recommendation are surely prevented.

In the embodiment of the present invention,
By detecting the insertion of the seat belt for the vehicle seat 14, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are detected.
The seating on the vehicle seat is to be detected before the detection in. With such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate the approach to the vehicle seat 14 other than the seating, the detection of the temporary seating when the vehicle is not intended to travel, the warning, and the recommended operation, and thus unnecessary comment The annoyance due to the output is surely prevented.

In this embodiment, the conventional seatbelt switch 46 is used as the seatbelt detecting means for detecting and discriminating the seatbelt insertion, but the invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the seat belt insertion may be detected by a separate switch or the like. However, if the conventional seat belt switch 46 is used as the seat belt detecting means, it is possible to surely prevent the structure from becoming complicated.

In the embodiment of the present invention,
By using the vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle as the traveling discriminating means, the vehicle has a predetermined speed, for example, a vehicle speed of 10 km / h.
When the vehicle has traveled as described above, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling. However, it is sufficient if the vehicle can be clearly separated when it is stopped and when it is running, so it is not limited to classification by vehicle speed.
For example, whether or not the vehicle is traveling may be determined based on the position of the shift lever, the position of the handbrake lever, and the like.

Further, in the present invention, since the speed sensor of the automatic door lock is used as the traveling discriminating means, that is, the vehicle speed detecting means, it is possible to surely prevent the structure from becoming complicated.

In the embodiment of the present invention,
The display 42 is used as a warning output means to give warnings and recommendations by character display, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by using a buzzer or the like as the warning output means, sound warnings, recommendations, etc. are given to the seated person. It may be done. However, according to the character display on the display 42,
Since the content of the warning and recommendation can be clarified, the sitting posture can be corrected and fatigue can be alleviated smoothly according to the content of the warning and recommendation.

Although the display forming a part of the car navigation system is illustrated as the display 42, the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning or recommendation may be given by, for example, a dedicated display or LED display.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12 are provided.
-2 is disposed on the seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 14 and the seat cushion 18 to detect the thoracic vertebra part of the seated person,
It is also possible to detect the buttocks. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, for example, by disposing the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 in the lumbar vertebra contact region of the seat back 16 under its internal position, the thoracic spine position and the hip position can be obtained. In addition to this, a configuration in which the lumbar spine position is detected may be used (see FIG. 3).

As can be seen from FIG. 12, this posture /
In the fatigue warning device 110, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 has the same structure as the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2.
It is connected to the high-frequency oscillator 32 and the comparison / determination circuit 34, which is, for example, a CPU, via a switching means 130, which is a series of change-over switches.

In this case, the switching targets to be connected are the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1, the hip detection electrode 12-2, and the lumbar spine detection electrode 12.
Since there are three points of -3, as the two-way changeover switch serving as the changeover means 130, a switch having three changeover contacts is used.

In the posture / fatigue warning device 110 of the present invention, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1, the hip detection electrode 12-2, and the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-3 are the detection resistors R1-1, R1-2, R1. -Through 3
It is connected to the high-frequency oscillator side switch 130-1 of the changeover switch 130, and alternately and repeatedly connected to the high-frequency oscillator 32 under the automatic switching of this switch. The frequency signals of the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1, the hip detection electrode 12-2, and the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 are output by the differential signal detection circuit 36 connected to the CPU side switch 130-2 of the changeover switch 130. The detection voltages E1, E2, E3 which have been converted into electric signals and smoothed by the smoothing circuit 38 are input to the CPU 34 as output values at the respective detection electrodes.

Since the basic configuration of the posture / fatigue warning device 110 shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 in the above-described embodiment, description of components having common reference numerals will be omitted. The description with reference to FIG.

Also in this posture / fatigue warning device 110,
Although the operation based on the main routine of FIG. 5 is performed,
Here, the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (102) to which a new operation is added will be described.

As can be seen from the main routine of FIG. 5, even in this posture / fatigue warning device 110, steps
Based on the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of (102), the presence / absence of seating on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, and the seating posture at that time is appropriately optimized.

Incidentally, the judgment in the step of the same code,
Since the operation and the operation are the same as the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 of FIG. 6, description thereof may be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 13, a posture / fatigue warning device
In the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine at 110, first, it is determined whether or not the seat belt switch 46 is ON (202), and then the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12- 2, and the output values E1, E2, E3 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 are compared with the corresponding seating determination values K1, K2, K3, respectively,
It is determined whether or not at least one of the output values exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, that is, whether there is a seated person's thoracic vertebrae, hips, or lumbar vertebrae in a position where seating can be identified ( 232).

The thoracic vertebrae, buttocks, and lumbar vertebrae of the seated person are the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the buttock detection electrode 12 of the vehicle seat 14.
-2, and by separating from the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3,
As a result, each of the output values E1, E2, E3 of each detection electrode does not exceed the corresponding seating determination values K1, K2, K3, the thoracic vertebra part of the seated person at the position where seating can be identified, the buttocks,
And this step as there is no lumbar part (232)
Is determined as No, and a comment corresponding to it, for example, a warning such as "posture / position cannot be detected" or a recommendation comment is displayed in characters on the display 42 (208).

Then, the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1, the hip detection electrode 12-2, and the lumbar vertebra detection electrode associated with the posture correction of the seated person, etc.
Output value E of each detection electrode due to the approach of the corresponding part to 12-3
If at least one of 1, E2, E3 exceeds the corresponding seating determination values K1, K2, K3, then in step (232), Ye
s, that is, it is determined that the vehicle seat 14 is seated, then, first, the output value E3 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 is the seating determination value K
3 and the proper posture determination value Ks3 (23
Four).

In the present invention, the output value E3 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 exceeds the seating determination value K3, and the proper posture determination value is obtained.
When Ks3 is further exceeded, it is determined that the lumbar portion of the seated person is in the proper position corresponding to the proper posture, so even if the output value E3 exceeds the seating determination value K3, the proper posture determination value Ks
If it is 3 or less, it is not recognized as a proper sitting posture (see Fig. 4). In other words, even if it is determined that the vehicle seat 14 is seated, if the output value E3 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-3 is in an improper posture that is equal to or less than the proper posture determination value Ks3, Yes in step (234) of FIG. It was judged that, and a comment according to it, such as "Is the lumbar support appropriate? ], Warnings and advisory comments are displayed in characters on the display 42.
(236).

The seated person is urged by this recommendation comment to bring the lumbar vertebra part close to the seat back 16, whereby the output value E3 of the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-3 exceeds the seating judgment value K3, and the proper posture judgment value Ks3 is set. If it is further exceeded, No, that is, the proper position of the lumbar vertebra portion is recognized in this step (236).

After recognizing the proper position of the lumbar vertebra, the output value E1 of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 is both the seating determination value K1 and the proper posture determination value Ks1, and the output value of the hip detection electrode 12-2. E2 is both the seating determination value K2, and the proper posture determination value Ks2, respectively, are sequentially compared (210), (214), if it is determined Yes in any step, comments according to it,
For example, warnings and advisory comments such as "I feel like a cat" or "please sit down" are displayed in letters on the display 42 (212), (216).

Thus, this posture / fatigue warning device 110
In the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine, the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 is used to approach the thoracic spine and
In addition to the detection of hip proximity by 12-2, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12
The position of the lumbar spine is optimized by detecting the proximity of the lumbar spine by -3. That is, according to this configuration, the lumbar vertebrae is appropriately supported to properly support the lumbar vertebrae corresponding to the seat shape of the vehicle seat 14, so that fatigue due to the proper posture can be further reduced.

Since the lumbar portion is appropriately positioned with respect to the seat back 16, if the vehicle seat 14 is provided with a support device such as a lumbar support device, proper support by the support device is not sufficient. Yea, so
It is possible to easily bring out the function of this support device.

The operations in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine and the fatigue determination routine other than the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine are the same as those in the posture / fatigue warning device 10 described above. Descriptions of these operations will be omitted here.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle seat is exemplified as the vehicle seat, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to other vehicle seats such as trains, airplanes and ships. May be applied.

The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the present invention in any way, and all the modifications and alterations made within the technical scope of the present invention are also included in this embodiment. Needless to say, it is included in the invention.

[0106]

As described above, according to the seating posture determining method, the fatigue determining method, and the posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to the present invention, the sitting posture according to the change in the trunk angle of the seated person. Whether or not the seated person is tired is determined based on the degree of collapse, and when the fatigue is determined, the warning and recommendation are given to the seated person. In other words, even if the seated person is not aware of the occurrence of fatigue, the seated person can recognize the degree of his or her fatigue by warning of fatigue by the warning output means, recommendation of rest, etc. It is possible to reliably prevent an increase in fatigue due to the above.

Then, while the degree of fatigue is low, the seated person is warned and advised of the occurrence of fatigue.
Negative effects on driving operations due to fatigue, such as arousal level,
Alternatively, since it is possible to prevent deterioration of the judgment ability in advance, according to the present invention, it can be expected that many improvements in comfort and safety during driving.

In addition, the present invention not only warns and notifies the occurrence of fatigue when the vehicle is running, but also has the function of notifying the seated person of the proper posture corresponding to the seat shape of the vehicle seat. ing. That is, the seated posture of the seated person is automatically optimized by simply sitting in accordance with the display by the warning output means. From this point as well, fatigue during traveling of the vehicle can be sufficiently reduced.

Further, since the present invention has a non-contact type structure utilizing the principle of the capacitance type proximity switch, both the presence / absence of seating on the vehicle seat and the seating posture thereof are the same or consecutive. Can be detected. That is, since the members required for the detection can be made common, the structure is not complicated.

Therefore, the vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device of the present invention using the vehicle seat seating posture determination method and the fatigue determination method of the present invention can be easily secured without complicating the configuration. It will be possible.

In the present invention, the presence / absence of seating and the seating posture of the vehicle seat are determined based on the comparison between the output value of each detection electrode and a predetermined determination value. Each judgment value can be appropriately changed and selected depending on the shape of the seat, the seat back, the material of the material forming the seat cushion, and the like. Therefore, it is sufficient to preset the determination value according to the vehicle seat, and the versatility is surely improved.

Further, in the present invention, before the discrimination during the vehicle running is judged as the presence / absence of the seat on the vehicle seat and the seated posture thereof is judged, and after that is judged as the posture collapse from the proper posture. ing. In this way, if the judgment contents are clearly divided, the seated person can take an appropriate posture suitable for the vehicle seat before the vehicle travels, and if the posture collapses from this proper posture, Because it is clarified that the vehicle is running,
It is possible to reliably prevent complications of warnings and recommendations.

If the proper posture during running of the vehicle is specified as a predetermined range, fluctuations in output value due to factors other than fatigue, such as vibration of the body during running, shaking of the body due to driving operation, etc. Can be clearly ignored or eliminated, and the malfunction of the detection can be surely prevented. Furthermore, even if the output value deviates from the specific range of the proper posture,
By determining the fatigue from the average value of the collapsed data of a plurality of data after the deviation, the detection and the accompanying malfunction of the warning and the recommendation are surely prevented also in this respect.

Further, in addition to the detection of the proximity of the thoracic vertebra part by the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the detection of the proximity of the buttock part by the buttock detection electrode, if the proximity of the lumbar vertebra part by the lumbar vertebra detection electrode can also be detected, the position of the lumbar vertebra part can be detected. Since the optimization of the above is sufficiently performed, it is possible to expect further reduction of fatigue due to the proper posture. Then, since the lumbar portion is appropriately positioned with respect to the seat back, if the vehicle seat is provided with a support device such as a lumbar support device, proper support by the support device is sufficiently achieved, and thus, It is possible to easily bring out the function of this support device.

Further, if the seating on the vehicle seat is detected before the detection by each detection electrode by detecting the insertion of the corresponding seat belt, if the seating on the vehicle seat other than the seating is detected. Since it is possible to eliminate the detection, warning, and recommendation operation when the vehicle is approaching or temporarily seated without the purpose of running the vehicle, unnecessary warnings and annoyances due to the recommendation can be reliably prevented.

If a conventional seat belt switch is used as the seat belt detecting means for detecting the seat belt insertion, it is possible to surely prevent the structure from becoming complicated.

Further, if the speed sensor of the automatic door lock is used as the traveling judging means, that is, the vehicle speed detecting means,
Also in this respect, complication of the configuration can be surely prevented.

Furthermore, if the warning and the recommendation are displayed in characters on the display serving as the warning output means, the content of the warning and the recommendation can be clarified. Therefore, the sitting posture is corrected and the fatigue is alleviated in accordance with the content of the warning and the recommendation. Etc. can be done smoothly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a posture / fatigue warning device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an interior of an automobile in which a vehicle seat is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a seat back and a seat cushion.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic curve of a detection voltage that is an output value.

FIG. 5 is a main routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method of the present invention, including the vehicle seat sitting posture determination method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of a flowchart of a vehicle seat fatigue determination method including a vehicle seat sitting posture determination method.

FIG. 7 is a seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of a flowchart of a vehicle seat fatigue determination method including a vehicle seat sitting posture determination method.

FIG. 8 is a seating posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method.

FIG. 9 is a routine for seating posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method.

FIG. 10 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method.

FIG. 11 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a posture / fatigue warning device according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method including a vehicle seat sitting posture determination method, which corresponds to a modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10,110 Vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device 12 (12-1 to 12-3) detection electrode 14 Vehicle seat 20 common electrode 34 Comparison / discrimination circuit 42 Display (warning output means) 44 Vehicle speed sensor (travel determination means) 46 Seat belt switch (seat belt detection means)

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI theme code (reference) B60R 22/48 B60R 22/48 E 4C038 FZ G01B 7/00 G01B 7/00 ZF term (reference) 2F063 AA37 BA29 DA05 HA03 KA01 LA23 3B087 DE08 3D018 QA02 3D054 EE10 4C027 EE01 4C038 PP01 PQ03

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A method using the principle of an electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch, which makes it possible to output a command signal such as ON / OFF by the proximity of a dielectric to a detection electrode and the electrostatic capacitance change according to the distance. And the common electrode near the target vehicle seat,
A capacitance change between the thoracic spine detection electrode disposed in the thoracic vertebra contact region of the seat back of the target sheet and the buttock detection electrode disposed in the buttock contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat is performed. The output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with predetermined seating determination values, and the output of at least one of the detection electrodes is detected. When the value exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, the seating on the target seat shall be determined.After determining the seating on the target seat, the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are seated. Each of the output values of each detection electrode is compared with the appropriate posture determination value different from the determination value, and when at least one of the output values of the detection electrodes is below the corresponding appropriate posture determination value, the sitting posture at this time is determined. It is determined that the non-proper posture less than normal posture, corresponding to the site of the detection electrodes below the proper posture determination value warning, recommendations and sitting attitude determination method of the vehicle seat to perform a predetermined warning output means. 2. A thoracic vertebra detection electrode by converting a capacitance change between a common electrode and a lumbar vertebra detection electrode arranged in a lumbar vertebra contact region of a seat back of a target sheet into a detection voltage as an output value. Of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the buttock detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are compared with a predetermined seating determination value, and at least one of them is detected. When the output value of the detection electrode of the above exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, the seating of the occupant on the target seat is determined, and after the seating on the target seat is determined, the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection Each output value of the electrode and the lumbar spine detection electrode is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and if at least one of the output values of the respective detection electrodes is below the corresponding proper posture determination value. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sitting posture at this time is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, and a warning and a recommendation corresponding to a portion of the detection electrode having a value lower than the proper posture determination value are issued by the warning output means. Seating posture determination method. 3. A method using the principle of an electrostatic capacitance type proximity switch, which makes it possible to output a command signal such as ON / OFF by the proximity of a dielectric to a detection electrode and the electrostatic capacitance change according to the distance. And the common electrode near the target vehicle seat,
A capacitance change between the thoracic spine detection electrode disposed in the thoracic vertebra contact region of the seat back of the target sheet and the buttock detection electrode disposed in the buttock contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat is performed. The output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with predetermined seating determination values, and the output of at least one of the detection electrodes is detected. When the value exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, the seating on the target seat shall be determined.After determining the seating on the target seat, the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are seated. Each of the output values of each detection electrode is compared with the appropriate posture determination value different from the determination value, and when at least one of the output values of the detection electrodes is below the corresponding appropriate posture determination value, the sitting posture at this time is determined. A warning and recommendation corresponding to the part of the detection electrode that has fallen below the appropriate posture judgment value when it is determined to be an improper posture that is less than the correct posture is given by a predetermined warning output means, and the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode The output values of both of the thoracic spine detection electrodes and the buttock detection electrodes are determined at the time of determining whether the vehicle is seated in an appropriate posture and when the vehicle is traveling by the traveling discriminating means. Each output value of each is compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value, and when at least one of the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode falls below the corresponding fatigue determination value,
Judging from the posture collapse due to the change in trunk angle due to fatigue,
A method for determining fatigue of a vehicle seat, which issues warnings and recommendations to alleviate fatigue by warning output means. 4. A thoracic spine detection electrode by converting a capacitance change between a common electrode and a lumbar spine detection electrode arranged in a lumbar spine contact region of a seat back of a target sheet into a detection voltage as an output value. Of the thoracic spine detection electrode, the buttock detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode are compared with a predetermined seating determination value, and at least one of them is detected. When the output value of the detection electrode of 1 exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, the seating on the target sheet is determined, and after the seating on the target sheet is determined, the thoracic spine detection electrode, the hip detection electrode, and Each output value of the lumbar spine detection electrode is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and when at least one of the output values of the respective detection electrodes is below the corresponding proper posture determination value, this 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the seating posture of the vehicle is determined to be an unsuitable posture which is less than the proper posture, and the warning output means issues a warning and a recommendation corresponding to the portion of the detection electrode which is below the proper posture determination value. How to determine fatigue. 5. A seat belt for a target seat is attached,
When the seatbelt detection means detects and discriminates the seatbelt, the seatbelt is seated on the target seat and its seating posture is detected, and when the seatbelt is not seated, the seatbelt is detected. The method for determining fatigue of a vehicle seat according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the warning and recommendation regarding the insertion of the vehicle seat is performed by a warning output means. 6. A plurality of output value data of the thoracic vertebra detection electrode and the hip detection electrode after the vehicle is discriminated by the traveling discriminating means are obtained, and the respective detection electrodes are obtained from the plurality of output value data. Calculates the sitting average value for each, and sets the proper posture range of the output value for each detection electrode that specifies the range regarded as the proper posture from the variation reference value calculated based on the sitting average value. In addition, the output values of the thoracic spine detection electrode and hip detection electrode after setting the proper posture range are compared with the corresponding proper posture range, respectively, and at least one output value of each detection electrode corresponds to it. When it is out of the proper posture range, it is judged that the posture collapses from the proper posture, and after judging the posture collapse from the proper posture, the thoracic spine detection electrode,
And multiple output value data of the bottom detection electrode is obtained respectively, and the average value at collapse for each detection electrode is calculated from the output value data, and the average value at collapse and the average value at sitting are calculated. When the average value during collapse falls below the fatigue judgment value, it is determined that the collapse of the sitting posture at this time is the posture collapse due to the change in the trunk angle due to fatigue. 6. The method of determining fatigue of a vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the warning output unit issues a warning and a recommendation for reducing fatigue. 7. The traveling determination means is a vehicle speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and when the vehicle speed detection means detects that the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds a preset reference value, the traveling of the vehicle 7. The vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to claim 3, wherein the determination is made as time. 8. The method for judging fatigue of a vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the warning and the recommendation issued by the warning output means are at least displayed in characters. 9. A common electrode defined and set in the vicinity of a target vehicle seat; a thoracic spine detection electrode disposed in a thoracic vertebra contact region of a seat back of the target seat; and a seat cushion of the target seat. A butt part detection electrode disposed in the butt part contact region; a change in capacitance between the common electrode and each detection electrode is converted into a detection voltage and then detected and monitored as an output value of each detection electrode, Comparison / discrimination means for outputting an output signal corresponding to each output value by comparing each output value with a corresponding predetermined determination value; a warning and a warning for giving a recommendation to at least a seated person on the target seat. Output means; and a travel discriminating means for detecting and discriminating the traveling of the vehicle;
When it is determined from the result of comparison with the seating determination value set in advance by the determining means that the sitting posture is less than the proper posture, a corresponding warning or recommendation is issued by the warning output means, and the thoracic spine detecting electrode , And the fatigue detection value processed and generated by the comparison / discrimination means and the fatigue determination value generated by the comparison / discrimination means, when it is determined that the sitting posture has collapsed from the proper posture more than a certain amount, the fatigue is alleviated. A posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat, which issues warnings and recommendations for prompting by means of warning output means. 10. A lumbar vertebra detection electrode disposed in a lumbar vertebra contact region of a seat back of a target seat, further comprising: comparing output values of a thoracic vertebra detection electrode, a hip detection electrode, and a lumbar vertebra detection electrode with a predetermined seating determination value. From the results, when it is determined that the sitting posture is less than the proper posture,
10. A corresponding warning or recommendation is issued by a warning output means.
The vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device described. 11. The warning output means is a display which gives warnings and recommendations by displaying characters.
The vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device described. 12. The posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein a seat belt switch for detecting seat belt insertion is used as seat belt detection means. 13. The traveling speed determining means is a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a traveling speed of the vehicle, and an automatic door lock speed sensor is used as the vehicle speed detecting means.
13. A posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to any one of 1 to 12.