JP2003080987A - Seating posture determination method, fatigue determination method and posture/fatigue warning device for vehicular seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect seating, a seating posture and also a posture imbalance from an appropriate posture adapted to the seat, and warn and advise the seated person correspondingly. SOLUTION: An electrostatic capacity change between a lumbar vertebra detecting electrode 12-1 arranged in a lumbar vertebra contact region of a seat back of the objective vehicular seat and a buttock region detecting electrode 12-2 arranged in a buttock region contact region of a seat cushion is detected and monitored through conversion into a detection voltage E as an output value. The output value is compared with given criterion values K and ks respectively, and presence or absence of seating, a seating posture and also fatigue are determined. If the output value E between the detecting electrodes does not satisfy given conditions, a corresponding warning and advice is displayed in characters 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 lumbar spine detection electrode disposed in the lumbar spine contact region of the seat back of the target vehicle seat, and the target seat seat. A high-frequency electric field is generated between the seat cushion and the buttocks detection electrode arranged in the buttocks contact region, and the change in capacitance is converted into a detection voltage, which is detected and monitored as an output value. And
The output value is compared with a predetermined seating judgment value, and when the output value exceeds the seating judgment value, the seating on the target seat is determined, and after the seating on the target seat is determined, the output value is seated. If the output value is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value, the sitting posture is determined to be an inappropriate posture that is less than the proper posture, and the corresponding warning and recommendation are given. The warning output means is used.

In the seating posture determining method for a vehicle seat according to a second aspect of the present invention, a lumbar spine detecting electrode disposed in a lumbar spine contact region of a seat back of the vehicle seat as a target and a lumbar spine detecting electrode for the target seat are provided. A high-frequency electric field is alternately generated from one side of the seat cushion to the other side in the rear contact area of the seat cushion, and the change in capacitance in each direction is converted into a detection voltage. By detecting this as an output value in each direction,
Monitor. Then, each output value is compared with a predetermined seating determination value, respectively, when both output values exceed the seating determination value, while determining seating on the target seat,
After determining the seating on the target seat, each output value is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and when both output values are equal to or less than the proper posture determination value, the seating posture is determined to be proper. It is determined that the posture is less than the proper posture, and a warning and a recommendation corresponding thereto are issued by a predetermined warning output means.

Further, in the seating posture determining method for a vehicle seat according to claim 3 of the present invention, the common electrode in the vicinity of the target vehicle seat and the lumbar contact region of the seat back of the target seat are provided. Lumbar vertebra detection electrode,
A high-frequency electric field is generated between the target seat and the bottom detection electrodes arranged in the bottom contact area of the seat cushion of the target seat, and the change in the electrostatic capacitance is converted into a detection voltage. The output values of the detection electrodes are detected and monitored, and the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with predetermined seating determination values, and both output values correspond to the seating determination. When the value exceeds the value, seating on the target seat is determined.

After the seating on the target seat is discriminated, the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with the proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value,
When at least one of the output values is equal to or less than the corresponding proper posture determination value, the sitting posture at that time is determined to be an inappropriate posture that is less than the proper posture, and the output value is equal to or less than the proper posture determination value. A warning and a recommendation corresponding to the part of the detection electrode are issued by a predetermined warning output means.

In the seating posture determining method for a vehicle seat according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, after the sitting on the target seat is determined in the seating posture determining method according to the third aspect, the lumbar spine detecting electrode and the hip portion are provided. Each output value at the detection electrode is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and when both output values are equal to or less than the corresponding proper posture determination value, the sitting posture at that time is determined to be the proper posture. When the posture is determined to be less than, the warning and recommendation corresponding to the posture are issued by a predetermined warning output means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle seat fatigue determining method, in addition to the sitting posture determining method according to the first aspect, an output value between the lumbar spine detecting electrode and the hip detecting electrode is increased. The output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is set to a predetermined fatigue level when the vehicle is determined to be seated in an appropriate posture, which exceeds the appropriate posture determination value, and after the traveling determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling. Compared with the judgment value, when this output value falls below the fatigue judgment value, it is judged that the posture collapse due to fatigue due to the change of the trunk angle, and the warning output means gives a warning and a recommendation to alleviate the fatigue. I am trying.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sitting posture determining method according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sitting posture determining method, both outputs between the lumbar spine detecting electrode and the hip detecting electrode are provided. When the value exceeds the proper attitude determination value, the seating is determined in the proper attitude, and after the vehicle is determined to be traveling by the traveling determination means, both output values are compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value. When each output value falls below the fatigue determination value, it is determined that the posture is collapsed due to fatigue due to a change in the trunk angle, and the warning output means issues a warning and a recommendation to alleviate fatigue.

Further, in the vehicle seat fatigue judging method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sitting posture judging method according to the third aspect, output values of both the lumbar spine detecting electrode and the hip detecting electrode are provided. Is greater than the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, when the seating is determined in the proper posture, and after the vehicle is discriminated by the traveling discriminating means, the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode Was compared with a predetermined fatigue judgment value, and when at least one of the output values at the lumbar spine detection electrode and at the hip detection electrode fell below the corresponding fatigue judgment value, fatigue accompanying changes in the trunk angle A warning that prompts you to relieve fatigue by distinguishing from posture collapse due to
It is supposed that the recommendation will be given by the warning output means.

In the fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 8 of the present invention, after the seating on the target seat is determined in the fatigue determination method according to claim 7, the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are provided. Each of the output values in Fig. 2 is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and when both of the output values are equal to or less than the corresponding proper posture determination value, the seating posture at this time is satisfied with the proper posture. A predetermined warning output means issues a warning and a recommendation corresponding to the determined inappropriate posture.

In addition to this, at the time of determination of seating in an appropriate posture in which the output values of both the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode exceed the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, and when the vehicle is discriminated by the traveling discrimination means. After the running time is determined, the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are compared with the predetermined fatigue determination value, respectively, and both the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are both compared. When the value falls below the corresponding fatigue determination value, it is determined that the posture is collapsed due to fatigue due to a change in the trunk angle.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat fatigue determining method, wherein seat belt detection means detects and determines whether or not a seat belt for a target seat is inserted.
When the insertion of the seat belt is detected, the seating on the target seat and the seating posture thereof are detected. When the seat belt is not detected to be inserted, the warning output unit gives a warning and a recommendation for the seat belt.

Further, in the fatigue determining method for a vehicle seat according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of output value data obtained after the traveling discriminating means discriminates when the vehicle is traveling are acquired and the plurality of output values are obtained. A sitting average value is calculated from the value data, and a proper posture range of output values that specify a range regarded as a proper posture is set from the variation reference value calculated based on the sitting average value. Then, the subsequent output value after setting the proper posture range is compared with the proper posture range, and when at least one output value of each detection electrode deviates from the corresponding proper posture range, the posture collapse from the proper posture is detected. to decide.

Further, after determining the posture collapse from the proper posture, a plurality of output value data of the lumbar spine detection electrodes and the hip detection electrodes 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 fatigue accompanying the change of the trunk angle, 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 claim 11 of the present invention, the traveling determination means is vehicle speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and the traveling speed of the vehicle is preset. When the vehicle speed detecting means detects that the vehicle speed exceeds the reference value, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling.

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

Further, according to the vehicle seat attitude / fatigue warning device of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
Lumbar detection electrodes in the lumbar contact area of the seat back,
The butt portion detection electrodes are provided in the butt portion contact area of the seat cushion, respectively, on the target vehicle seat.

Then, a high-frequency electric field is generated between the detection electrodes, and a high-frequency oscillation circuit capable of detecting a change in the capacitance between the detection electrodes based on the change, and a change in the capacitance between the detection electrodes. Is detected and monitored as its output value after being converted into a detection voltage, and the output / value is output according to the comparison / discrimination means by comparing the output value with a predetermined determination value. At least a warning output means for a seated person on the target seat and a traveling discrimination means for detecting and discriminating the traveling of the vehicle are provided and are compared with the output value.
From the result of comparison with the seating determination value set in advance in the determining means, when the sitting posture is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, a corresponding warning or recommendation is issued by the warning output means, and the output value and When it is determined from the result of comparison with the fatigue determination value generated and processed by the comparison / determination means that the sitting posture has collapsed from the proper posture to a degree greater than a certain value, the warning output means issues a warning and a recommendation to alleviate fatigue. The vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device is configured to be performed.

Further, in the vehicle seat attitude / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to claim 14 of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the vehicle seat attitude / fatigue warning device for claim 13, Switching means for switching the generation direction of the high-frequency electric field from the high-frequency oscillator circuit from the hip detection electrode to the lumbar spine detection electrode is further provided.
Both output values are respectively compared with a predetermined judgment value.

Further, in the posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat of a vehicle seat according to claim 15 of the present invention, the position / fatigue warning device according to claim 13 is provided with a position near the target vehicle seat. Further, a common electrode defined and set in step 1 is added. Then, from the comparison result of each output value between the common electrode, the lumbar spine detection electrode, and the hip detection electrode, and the seating determination value preset in the comparing / determining means, the sitting posture is appropriate. When it is determined that the posture is less than the proper posture, the corresponding warning and recommendation are issued by the alert output means, and the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are processed and generated by the comparison / determination means. When it is determined from the comparison result with the determined fatigue determination value that the sitting posture has collapsed from the proper posture more than a certain amount, the warning output means issues a warning and a recommendation for easing fatigue.

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

In the posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat of a vehicle seat according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a seat belt switch for detecting seat belt insertion is used as seat belt detection means. I am trying.

Further, in the vehicle seat attitude / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the traveling discriminating means is a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle. An automatic door lock speed sensor is used as a means.

[0032]

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 sitting posture and the collapse of the sitting posture due to the change of 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 the posture / fatigue warning device 10 for a vehicle seat according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 is a target vehicle seat.
The lumbar spine contact area of the seat back 16 of 14 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are arranged in the hip contact area of the seat cushion 18 of the vehicle seat.

According to the present invention, the proximity of the human body to the seat back 16 or the seat cushion 18 is judged to be the seating on the vehicle seat 14, and the posture of sitting deeply on the seat cushion is determined by the seat cushion of the vehicle seat. It is determined that the seating posture is appropriate according to the seat shape. That is, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 disposed in the lumbar contact region of the seat back 16 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 disposed in the hip contact region of the seat cushion 18 allow the vehicle seat 14 and the human body, particularly around the buttocks. The posture / fatigue warning device 10 is configured to estimate the distance between and, and its positional relationship.

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 lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2
Can be embodied as an arrangement.

As the lumbar spine detecting electrode 12-1 and the hip detecting electrode 12-2, a conductive and flexible material such as a conductive film or a conductive cloth can be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this posture / fatigue warning device 10, the hip detection electrode 12-2 to the hip detection electrode 12-2.
The bottom detection electrode is connected to the high-frequency oscillator 32 via the detection resistor R1-1 so that a high-frequency electric field can be generated to -1.
Then, the capacitance change due to the change of the high-frequency electric field between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 is detected by the frequency signal, and this can be converted into an electric signal. The circuit 36 is connected, and the difference signal detection circuit is connected to the comparison / determination circuit 34 including, for example, a CPU via a smoothing circuit 38 for smoothing the electric signal so that the electric signal can be input as an output value. ing.

That is, in the present invention, the frequency signal between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 is converted into an electric signal by the differential signal detection circuit 36 and smoothed by the smoothing circuit 38. , The detection voltage (electrical signal) E
Is detected and monitored as an output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the lumbar spine detection electrode
Detection voltage E that is the output value between 12-1 and the bottom detection electrode 12-2
Has a characteristic that it becomes larger as the human body (seat) approaches the high frequency electric field during that time, and becomes smaller as the distance increases. Therefore, by utilizing this characteristic, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 1, in the present invention, at least it can be recognized as sitting on the vehicle seat 14, for example, the distance between the human body and the hip detection electrode 12-2. Is set in advance in the CPU 34 as a seating determination value K, and a value corresponding to the distance between the human body and the buttocks detection electrodes that can be recognized as being appropriate as the sitting posture as the proper posture determining value Ks. Then, by comparing each of the determination values with the monitored output value (detection voltage) E, it is possible to determine whether or not the vehicle seat is seated, and to determine the proper posture of the vehicle seat. It is said that.

In this posture / fatigue warning device 10, the output value E between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 and each judgment value, that is, the seating judgment value K and the proper posture judgment value Ks.
Etc., and the output signal that is the comparison / judgment result is
Generated and output by CPU 34.

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

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) as shown in FIG. By using it, the seated person will be warned by displaying characters
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, for example, the output value initialization (initialization) in the CPU 34 is performed under the processing in the initialization routine. Done (102),
Next, under the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine, the presence / absence of seating on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, and the seating posture at that time is appropriately optimized (104).

As shown in FIG. 6, in this seating confirmation / posture optimization routine, first, it is determined whether or not the seat belt is properly inserted, 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).

If the seated person inserts the seat belt according to this recommendation comment and it is judged Yes in step (202), then the output between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 is performed. The value E is compared with the seating determination value K, and it is determined whether the output value exceeds the seating determination value, that is, whether the seated person's hips are located at a position where seating can be recognized (206).

At this time, the hip portion of the seated person is separated from the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip portion detection electrode 12-2 of the vehicle seat 14 by the front hanging on the seat cushion 18, and the seat belt is inserted. As a result, the lumbar spine detection electrode,
If the output value E between the buttocks detection electrodes does not exceed the seating determination value K, it is determined as Yes in this step (206), assuming that the seated person's buttocks do not exist at the position where seating can be recognized, and the Comment made, for example, "Unable to detect posture / position"
The warning and the advisory comment are displayed in characters on the display 42 (208).

When the output value E exceeds the seating determination value K due to the proximity of the hip between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 as the posture of the seated person is corrected. , Step
In (206), No, that is, it is determined that the vehicle seat 14 is seated, and then, for example, the output value E is the proper attitude determination value Ks.
Compared with (210).

As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the present invention, when the output value E exceeds the seating determination value K and further exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks, the hip of the seated person corresponds to the proper posture. Therefore, if the output value E is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value Ks, the proper sitting posture is not recognized. That is, even if the seating on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1, the hip detection electrode
If the output value E between 12 and 2 is an improper posture that does not exceed the proper posture judgment value Ks, it is judged No in step (210) of FIG. Warnings and advisory comments such as "Please" are displayed in characters on the display 42 (212).

When the seated person is deeply seated on the seat cushion 18 by the recommendation comment, and the output value E exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks by this, Yes in this step (210), that is, the proper position of the hip is determined. Comments that have been certified and are shown in text on display 42 are deleted (21
Four).

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 running (216). 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 (216), 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 (216) by exceeding the value, the output value E is compared with the seating determination value K to determine whether or not the vehicle seat 14 is seated, as shown in FIG. Is judged again (218).

If the seating posture is maintained in a substantially proper state and the seating posture is detected normally, this step (21
It is determined to be Yes in 8), a comment such as "Fatigue detection system starts operation" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (220), and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. However, for example, when the output value E between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 becomes equal to or less than the seating determination value K due to abnormal detection of the sitting posture, etc., this step of FIG. If it is determined as No in (218), a warning comment such as "Fatigue detection system does not work" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (22
2), the detection operation ends.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing in the sitting confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (104) is completed, the vehicle is then subjected to the processing in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine. Detection of a sitting posture during running and specification of a determination value for determining fatigue during sitting are appropriately performed (106).

As shown in FIG. 8, in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine, first, the lumbar spine detection electrodes
12-1, the time for acquiring the output value E between the hip detection electrodes 12-2 as data, for example, a time delay of 3 minutes is set (302), and next, as the number of data n to be acquired within that time, A predetermined number, for example 20 is set (304). Then, after adding the data count number i (306), the output value E is stored.
(308), next, the number of data n that the count number i acquires,
In other words, it is judged whether the number has reached 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 elapse of seconds (312), the data count number i is added again in step (306), and the output value E is added in step (308).
To store.

This is repeated, and when the count number i reaches 20 and it is judged Yes in step (310), the average value of the acquired data is set as the sitting average value Ei ', as shown in FIG. Calculated (314), then output value data E
From i and the seated average Ei ′ of this output value data,
A variation reference value S of the output value is calculated in consideration of the vibration of the body during traveling, etc., and the shaking of the body due to driving operation, etc. (316).

Then, based on the variation reference value S of the output value, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the proper posture range, which serve as a criterion for determining whether or not the sitting posture is in the proper posture, are calculated, It is specified (318). As the upper limit value of the proper posture range and the limit coefficient used for calculating the lower limit value, a numerical value in consideration of body vibration during traveling, etc., and body shaking due to driving operation, etc., for example, 1.5 can be exemplified.
Variation of output value S2 is multiplied by the limit coefficient of 1.5,
The appropriate posture range is specified by subtracting this from the sitting average value Ei ′ or adding it to the sitting average value. After the specification of the appropriate posture range, the main routine shown in FIG. Will be returned.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing in the sitting posture detecting / appropriate posture range specifying routine in step (106) is completed, then the sitting posture is changed under the processing in the fatigue discrimination routine. Whether or not is due to fatigue is appropriately determined (108).

As shown in FIG. 10, in the fatigue determination routine, the output value E between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 is the proper value specified in step (318) in FIG. First, it is judged whether or not it is within the posture range (402).
If the sitting posture is in a proper posture and the output value E is within the proper posture range, it is determined as Yes in step (402) of FIG. 10, but the output value is changed due to the variation of the sitting posture. Is outside the proper posture range, this step (40
It is judged No in 2).

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. When it is determined No in step (402) of FIG. 10, a predetermined number, for example, 10 is set to the data number m of the output value E to be acquired (404), and the count number j of the output value data is added. Posterior (406), lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1, hip detection electrode 12-
The output value E between 2 is 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.
j is added and the output value E is stored in step (408). When this is repeated and when the count number j reaches 10 and it is determined to be Yes in step (410), the average value of the acquired output value data, that is, the collapse average value Ej ′ is calculated (414).

As shown in FIG. 11, this collapse average value E
j'is compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value (416). This fatigue determination value is, as in step (416), the sitting average Ei ′ calculated in step (314) of FIG.
It is calculated by multiplying a specific judgment coefficient kp, and when the sitting posture is collapsed due to a change in the trunk angle or the like such that the collapse average value Ej ′ exceeds the fatigue judgment value, the step ( It is judged No in 416), and a comment prompting to alleviate 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).

If the seated person is urged by this warning and recommendation comment, for example, the sitting posture is once corrected to the proper posture, and the collapse average value Ej 'becomes equal to or greater than the fatigue judgment value due to the resumption of the proper posture, the step is performed. In (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,
If the output value E between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 falls within the proper posture range, it is determined as Yes in step (402) of FIG.
The comment displayed in text on display 42 is deleted
(422).

After the warning and recommendation comment are displayed in step (418) in FIG. 11, the collapse average value Ej 'is compared with the seating determination value K (424). In this step (424), it is determined whether or not the seated person has left the seat, and the collapse average value Ej ′ is the seating determination value K.
The value is determined to be No here until the value falls below, that is, until the posture of the seated person changes. Then, if the seated person takes a break, for example, in accordance with the warning or recommendation comment in step (418) and moves away from the vehicle seat 14, the output value E greatly decreases, and accordingly, the collapse average value Ej ′ of If the average value at the time of collapse falls below the seating determination value K due to a decrease,
Depending on the judgment of Yes in step (424), a comment such as “This is a non-detection zone” is displayed.
It is displayed in characters at (426).

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 sitting posture associated with the change in the trunk angle.
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.

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.

Furthermore, 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 14. is doing. That is, the display
Since the sitting posture of the seated person is automatically optimized by simply sitting according to the character display by 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 its seating posture 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 lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 and a predetermined judgment 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, according to the present invention, the determination as to whether or not the vehicle seat 14 is seated and the seated posture thereof is made before the determination of the running of the vehicle, and thereafter the proper posture according to the change of the trunk angle is made. It is classified as when judging the posture collapse from the. In this way, if the judgment contents are clearly divided,
Before the vehicle travels, the seated person can take an appropriate posture suitable for the vehicle seat 14, and when the posture collapses from this proper posture, it is clarified that the vehicle is traveling. It is possible to reliably prevent complication of judgment, complication of warning and recommendation.

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, according to the present invention, even if the output value deviates from the specific range of the proper posture, fatigue is determined from the average value (average value during 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 seating on the vehicle seat is to be detected before the detection between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2. . 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.

Further, 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 a recommendation may be given, for example, by a dedicated display or LED display.

By the way, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the generation direction of the high-frequency electric field is set to the tail detection electrode 12-2.
Although it is illustrated as only one direction from the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1 to the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1, it is not limited to this. Good. Further, it is not limited to one direction, for example,
By providing the switching means 50, the generation direction of the high frequency electric field between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 may be switched alternately.

As can be seen from the posture / fatigue warning device 110 shown in FIG. 12, as the changeover means 50, for example, a triple changeover switch whose automatic changeover operation is controlled can be used. The lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are connected to the switch units 50-1 and 50-2, which have alternating switching contacts, through detection resistors R1-1 and R1-2, respectively. There is. The lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are connected to the switch unit 50-3 of the changeover switch via the differential signal detection circuit 36, and this switch unit is further connected via the smoothing circuit 38. Connected to CPU 34.

The changeover of the changeover switch (changeover means) 50 is made under the changeover signal from the CPU 34.
Under the automatic switching, the thoracic spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are alternately and repeatedly connected to the high frequency oscillator 32.

The lumbar spine detection electrode 12 repeatedly connected to the high frequency oscillator 32 by the switching of the switch units 50-1 and 50-2.
-1, and each frequency signal at the hip detection electrode 12-2 is converted into an electric signal by the differential signal detection circuit 36, and the switch unit 50-3
This detection voltage (electrical signal) smoothed by the smoothing circuit 38 connected to, that is, the output value E1 when the high frequency electric field is generated from the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12
-The output value E2 when a high-frequency electric field is generated from -2 is input to the CPU 34 as the output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode, and each determination value preset in the CPU, that is, the seating determination The value K and the proper attitude determination value ks are compared with each other.

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, the description of the components having common reference numerals will be omitted. The description with reference to FIG.

The operation of the posture / fatigue warning device 110 thus constructed will be described with reference to the corresponding subroutines of FIGS.
This will be described below.

It should be noted that the posture / fatigue warning device 110 of this configuration is
The basic operation of the above is the same as that of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 in the above-described embodiment. For the parts to be described, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are attached, and the detailed description of the operation here may be omitted.

Steps (10) of the main routine shown in FIG.
4) That is, in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine,
As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined Yes in the determination of seat belt insertion in step (202), next, the output value when the high frequency electric field is generated from the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1
E1 (output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode) and hip detection electrode
The output value E2 when the high-frequency electric field is generated from 12-2 (output value E2 at the hip detection electrode) is individually compared with the seating determination value K, and these output values exceed the seating determination value K. It is determined whether or not there is (232).

At this time, the hip of the seated person is separated from the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 of the vehicular seat 14 by the front hanging on the seat cushion 18, and the seat belt is inserted. As a result, the lumbar detection electrode 12
-1, If both the output values E1 and E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2 do not exceed the seating determination value K, it is assumed that there is no seated hip of the seated person at the position where seating can be recognized. ) Y
It is judged as es, and according to it, for example, "posture / position
Warnings such as "Undetectable" and advisory comments are displayed.
The characters are displayed at (208).

Then, the output values E1 and E2 become the seating determination value K due to the proximity of the hip or the like between the lumbar spine detecting electrode 12-1 and the hip detecting electrode 12-2 in accordance with the posture correction of the seated person. If it exceeds, it is determined No in step (232), and then these output values E1 and E2 are respectively compared with the proper attitude determination value Ks (23
Four).

As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the present invention, when the output values E1 and E2 exceed the seating determination value K and further exceed the proper posture determination value Ks, at least the lumbar portion of the seated person is appropriate. Since it is determined that the vehicle is in the proper position corresponding to the posture, if the output values E1 and E2 are equal to or less than the proper posture determination value Ks, the proper sitting posture is not recognized. That is, even if the seating on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, both the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the output value E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2 are equal to or greater than the proper posture determination value Ks. If the posture is not proper, then in step (234) of Fig. 13, No
It is determined that the comment corresponding thereto, for example, a warning such as “please sit down deeply” or a recommendation comment is displayed in characters on the display 42 (212).

The seated person is deeply seated on the seat cushion 18 as prompted by this recommendation comment, and the output values E1, E
If both 2 exceed the proper posture judgment value Ks, this step
Yes in (234), that is, the proper position of the hip portion is recognized, and the comment displayed in characters on the display 42 is deleted (214).

Next, in step (216), it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a traveling state, that is, whether or not the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km / h, and it is determined Yes when the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km / h. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the output value at the lumbar spine detection electrode
Whether or not the vehicle seat 14 is seated is again determined based on the comparison between the seating determination value K and the output value E2 at E1 and the hip detection electrode (236).

If the seating posture is maintained in an almost proper position and the seating posture is not abnormally detected, this step (23
It is determined to be Yes in 6), and a comment such as "Fatigue detection system starts operation" is displayed in characters on the display 42 (220), and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. However, when any of the output values E1 and E2 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 becomes less than or equal to the seating determination value K due to abnormal detection of the sitting posture, for example, No. 14 in this step (236)
It is judged that the warning comment such as “Fatigue detection system does not work” is displayed in step (222).
It is displayed on 42.

When the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (104) is completed, the routine proceeds to the seating posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of step (106).

As shown in FIG. 15, in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine, first, step (3
In 02), a time delay of 3 minutes is set, and in step (304), as the number of data n to be acquired within that time,
20 is set, and after the data count number i is added in step (306), the output values of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and hip detection electrode 12-2 in step (308)
E1 and E2 are stored respectively, and this is repeated until the count number i reaches 20 based on the determination in step (310).

When the number of counts i reaches 20, and it is judged Yes in step (310), the average values of the acquired data are set as sitting average values E1i 'and E2i', respectively, as shown in FIG. Calculated (322), then output value data E1i, E
2i, and the average seated value E1i ′ of these output value data,
From E2i ′, the variation reference values S1 and S2 of the output values are calculated in consideration of the vibration of the body during traveling, etc. and the shaking of the body due to the driving operation, etc. (324).

Then, next, the output value of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1
E1, and based on the variation reference value S1, S2 of the output value E2 at the buttocks detection electrode 12-2, the upper limit value of the proper posture range that serves as a criterion for determining whether the sitting posture is the proper posture, Lower limits are calculated and specified (326). 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. By multiplying the variation reference value S1, S2 by a limit coefficient of 1.5, and subtracting this from the sitting average E1i ', E2i', or by adding to the sitting average, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 The proper posture range is specified and the proper posture range of the hip detection electrode 12-2 is specified. After the proper posture range is specified, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

When the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (106) is completed, the next step
Proceed to the fatigue determination routine in (108).

As shown in FIG. 17, in the fatigue discrimination routine, both the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the output value E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2 are determined in step (3) in FIG.
First, it is judged whether or not it is within the proper posture range specified in 26) (432). If the sitting posture is substantially proper and the output values E1 and E2 are within the proper posture range, it is determined as Yes in step (432) of FIG. 17,
If the output value deviates from the proper posture range due to the variation of the sitting posture, it is determined as No in this step (432).

If it is determined No at this step (432), 10 is set as the number of data m to be acquired after that, and at the same time, the data count number j is added at the step (406). After that, the output values E1 and E2 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are respectively stored (434), and until the count number j reaches 10 under the judgment in step (410). This is repeated after a time delay of 5 seconds in step (412).

When the count number j reaches 10 and it is judged Yes in step (410), the average values of the acquired data are calculated as collapse average values E1j 'and E2j' (436), and As shown in FIG. 18, the collapse average values E1j ′ and E2j ′ are compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value (43
8). This fatigue judgment value is, as in this step (438), calculated by multiplying the previously calculated sitting average values E1i ′, E2i ′ by a specific judgment coefficient kp, and the collapse average value.
When the sitting posture collapses due to changes in the trunk angle, etc., so that E1j ′, E2j ′ exceeds the corresponding fatigue judgment value,
It is judged No in step (466) of FIG. 18, and in step (418), a warning such as "The driving posture / position has collapsed Please take a break", etc.
The advisory comment is displayed in characters on the display 42.

After displaying the warning and the recommendation comment in step (418), the collapse average value E1j'E2j 'is compared with the seating determination value K (440). In this step (440), it is determined whether the seated person is away from the seat, etc., and the average value E1 during collapse is calculated.
If any of j′E2j ′ falls below the seating determination value K, then Y
It is determined to be es, and in step (426), a comment such as “This is a non-detection zone” is displayed on the display 42 in characters.

Thus, this posture / fatigue warning device 110
Also in this case, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment is surely obtained, and thus the above-described effects are similarly obtained.

In addition, in this configuration, both the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are alternately switched as the source of the high frequency electric field, so that a comparison is made with a high frequency electric field in one direction. As a result, erroneous detections and the like due to human body movements and the like are sufficiently eliminated. Therefore, the output values to be judged, especially various average values are sufficiently stabilized, and the certainty of their detection is further improved.

By the way, any of the above-described embodiments is configured to generate a high-frequency electric field between the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 2, the common electrode 52 is provided in the vicinity of the vehicle seat 14, and the common electrode and the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-
1, and the output value obtained from the change in the capacitance by generating a high-frequency electric field between each of them and the bottom detection electrode 12-2.
Seating determination, posture determination, and fatigue determination may be performed based on E1 and E2.

Examples of the common electrode 52 include a vehicle body frame 52-1 of an automobile and a seat frame 52-2 of a vehicle seat. The common electrode and the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1,
This posture / fatigue warning device 210 is configured so as to detect the approach of the dielectric, that is, the approach of the human body, and the like to and between the buttocks detection electrode 12-2.

Lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and hip detection electrode 12
As shown in FIG. 1, -2 is connected to the high-frequency oscillator 32 and the CPU 34, respectively, via a switching means 54 composed of, for example, two series of changeover switches whose switching operation is automatically controlled.

In this posture / fatigue warning device 210,
The thoracic vertebra detection electrode 12-1 and the buttock detection electrode 12-2 are connected to one of the high frequency oscillator side switches 54-1 of the changeover switch (switching means) 54 via the detection resistors R1-1 and R1-2. Under the automatic switching of this switch, the high frequency oscillator 32 is alternately and repeatedly connected. By switching this high-frequency oscillator switch 54-1, the high-frequency oscillator
Lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 connected to 32, and hip detection electrode
The frequency signal of 12-2 is converted into an electric signal by the differential signal detection circuit 36, and the electricized detection voltages E1 and E2 are output values of the respective detection electrodes, and the other CPU-side switch 54-2 of the changeover switch. , And the smoothing circuit 38 to the CPU 34.

In this configuration, the lumbar spine detection electrode
Output value E1 at 12-1 and output value at hip detection electrode 12-2
Since E2 is compared with, for example, an individual judgment value, the CPU 34 indicates to the CPU 34 that the human body to the lumbar spine detection electrode that can be recognized as sitting on the vehicle seat 14 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
Values corresponding to the distance between 12-1 and the distance between the human body and the buttocks detection electrodes 12-2 can be recognized as appropriate seating determination values K1 and K2 and the sitting posture-each detection electrode Values corresponding to the distance between them are preset as appropriate posture determination values Ks1 and Ks2.

Since the basic configuration of the posture / fatigue warning device 210 shown in FIG. 19 is the same as that of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 in the above-described embodiment, the description of the components having common reference numerals will be omitted. The description with reference to FIG.

The operation of the posture / fatigue warning device 210 of this configuration will be described with reference to the corresponding subroutines of FIGS.
This will be described below.

It should be noted that the posture / fatigue warning device 210 of this configuration is
The basic operation of the posture / fatigue warning device 10 of the above-described embodiment is
Since it is the same as the above, the description will be given here centering on the operation of the part different from the posture / fatigue warning device 10, and the parts having the same operation will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those described in the above embodiment. Depending on the case, detailed description of the operation here may be omitted.

Steps (10) of the main routine shown in FIG.
4) That is, in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine,
As shown in FIG. 20, when it is determined Yes when the seat belt is fastened in step (202), next, the output value E1 of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode are detected. The output value E2 at 12-2 is individually compared with the seating determination values K1 and K2 corresponding thereto, and it is determined whether these output values are higher than the corresponding seating determination values (242).

At this time, the occupant's buttocks are separated from the lumbar spine detection electrodes 12-1 and 12-2 of the vehicle seat 14 by seating on the seat cushion 18, and the seat belt is inserted. However, as a result, both the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the output values E1 and E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2 do not exceed the corresponding sitting determination values K1 and K2,
Assuming that there is no seated person's hips at the position where seating can be recognized, Yes is determined in this step (242), and accordingly, warnings and advisory comments such as "posture / position cannot be detected" are displayed on the display 42. Displayed as (2
08).

The proximity of the lumbar vertebra part to the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1 in association with the posture correction of the seated person, and the buttocks part detection electrode
If the output values E1 and E2 exceed the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2 due to the proximity of the hip to 12-2, it is determined as No in step (242), and then the hip detection electrode is first detected. The output value E2 at is compared with the corresponding proper posture determination value ks2 (244).

As can be seen from FIG. 4, in the present invention, when the output value E2 exceeds the seating determination value K2 and further exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks2, at least the buttock of the seated person is in the proper posture. Since it is determined that the vehicle is in the corresponding proper position, if the output value E2 is equal to or less than the proper posture determination value Ks2, the proper sitting posture is not recognized. In other words, even if it is determined that the vehicle seat 14 is seated, the hip detection electrode 12
If the output value E2 at -2 is an improper posture that does not exceed the proper posture determination value Ks2, No in step (244) of FIG.
It is determined that the comment corresponding thereto, for example, a warning such as “please sit down deeply” or a recommendation comment is displayed in characters on the display 42 (212).

If the seated person is deeply seated on the seat cushion 18 in response to the recommendation comment, and the output value E2 exceeds the appropriate posture determination value Ks2 corresponding thereto, Yes in this step (244), that is, the hip portion The proper position is recognized, and then the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 is compared with the corresponding proper posture determination value ks1 (246).

Similarly to the above, in the present invention, when the output value E1 exceeds the seating determination value K1 and further exceeds the proper posture determination value Ks1, at least the lumbar portion of the seated person corresponds to the proper posture. Since it is determined that the vehicle is in the proper position, if the output value E1 is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value Ks1, the proper sitting posture is not recognized. That is, even if the seating on the vehicle seat 14 is determined, the lumbar spine detection electrode 12
If the output value E1 at -1 is an improper posture that does not exceed the proper posture determination value Ks1, No in step (246) of FIG.
It was judged that, and the comment which followed, for example, "Is lumbar support appropriate? ], Warnings and advisory comments are displayed in characters on the display 42 (248).

The occupant is prompted by this recommendation comment to bring the lumbar portion into contact with the lumbar vertebra contact region of the seat back 16, whereby the output value E1 corresponds to the appropriate posture determination value Ks.
If it exceeds 1, Yes in this step (246), that is, the proper position of the lumbar vertebra is confirmed, and the comment displayed in characters on the display 42 is deleted (214).

Next, in step (216), it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a traveling state, that is, whether or not the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km / h, and it is determined Yes when the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km / h. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the output value E of the lumbar spine detection electrode E
1, and based on the comparison between the output value E2 of the buttocks detection electrode and the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2, it is again determined whether or not the vehicle seat 14 is seated (250). .

If the seating posture is maintained in an almost proper posture and the seating posture is not abnormally detected, normally, this step (25
When it is determined to be Yes in 0), a comment such as "fatigue detection system starts operation" is displayed on the display 42 as characters (220), and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. However, due to abnormal detection of the sitting posture, for example, either of the output values E1 and E2 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 corresponds to the sitting determination value K1,
When it becomes K2 or less, it is determined as No in this step (250) of FIG. 21, and a warning comment such as “Fatigue detection system does not operate” is displayed on the display 42 in step (222). .

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, step (104)
When the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine is finished, the routine proceeds to the seating posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine in step (106).

As shown in FIG. 22, in the sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine, first, step (3
In 02), a time delay of 3 minutes is set, and in step (304), as the number of data n to be acquired within that time,
20 is set, and after the data count number i is added in step (306), the output values E of the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2 are calculated in step (308).
1 and E2 are stored respectively, and this is repeated until the count number i reaches 20 based on the determination in step (310).

When the count number i reaches 20, and it is judged Yes in step (310), the average values of the acquired data are set as sitting average values E1i 'and E2i', respectively, as shown in FIG. Calculated (332), then output value data E1i, E
2i, and the average seated value E1i ′ of these output value data,
From E2i ′, the variation reference values S1 and S2 of the output values are calculated in consideration of the vibration of the body during traveling, etc., and the shaking of the body due to the driving operation, etc. (334).

Then, based on the variation reference values S1 and S2 of the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the output value E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2, the sitting posture is appropriate. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the proper posture range, which are the criteria for determining whether or not the posture is present, are calculated and specified (336). 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. Variation of value The limit value of 1.5 for the standard value S1, S2
By multiplying by and subtracting this from the sitting averages E1i ′, E2i ′ or adding to the sitting averages to specify the proper posture range in the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12 The proper posture range is specified in -2, and after the proper posture range is specified, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

When the processing in the seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of step (106) is completed, the next step
Proceed to the fatigue determination routine in (108).

As shown in FIG. 24, in the fatigue discrimination routine, both the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the output value E2 at the hip detection electrode 12-2 are determined in step (3) in FIG.
First, it is judged whether or not it is within the proper posture range specified in 36) (452). If the sitting posture is almost the proper posture and both output values E1 and E2 are within the proper posture range, it is determined as Yes in step (452) of FIG. 24. If the output value deviates from the proper posture range, it is determined No in this step (452).

If it is determined No at this step (452), 10 is set as the number of data m to be acquired after that, and at the same time, the data count number j is added at the step (406). After, step (45
In 4), the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1 and the hip detection electrode 12-2
The output values E1 and E2 of step (410) are stored until the count number j reaches 10 under the judgment of step (410).
This is repeated after a 5-second time delay in 2).

When the count number j reaches 10 and it is determined Yes in step (410), the average values of the acquired data are calculated as collapse-time average values E1j ′ and E2j ′ (456), and As shown in FIG. 25, the collapse average values E1j ′ and E2j ′ are compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value (45
8). This fatigue judgment value is calculated by multiplying the previously calculated sitting average values E1i ′, E2i ′ by specific judgment coefficients kp1 and kp2, as in this step (458), and the average during collapse. When the sitting posture collapses along with the change in the trunk posture so that the values E1j ′, E2j ′ exceed the corresponding fatigue judgment values, it is determined as No in step (458) of FIG. 25,
At step (418), warnings and advisory comments such as "Driving posture / position has collapsed, please take a break" to encourage fatigue reduction are displayed on the display 42 in characters.

After the warning and recommendation comment are displayed in step (418), the collapse average values E1j'E2j 'are compared with the seating determination values K1, K2, respectively (460). This step (46
In (0), it is determined whether the seated person is away from the seat, etc., and any of the collapse average values E1j′E2j ′ is the corresponding seating determination value.
If it falls below K1 and K2, it is determined here to be Yes, and step (4
In 26), a comment such as “This is a non-detection zone” is displayed in characters on the display 42.

Thus, this posture / fatigue warning device 210
Also in this case, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment is surely obtained, and thus the above-described effects are similarly obtained.

In addition to this, in this configuration, the lumbar vertebra detection electrode 12-1 is close to the lumbar vertebra part and the hip part detection electrode
The proximity of the hips at 12-2 can be detected and determined individually. In particular, since the proximity of the lumbar vertebra part to the lumbar vertebra contact region of the seat back 16 can be clearly discriminated, it is possible to easily optimize the position of the lumbar vertebra part. That is, according to this configuration, by optimizing the position of the lumbar portion, the lumbar support corresponding to the seat shape of the vehicle seat 14 is appropriately performed,
Further reduction of fatigue due to proper posture can be expected.

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

When detailed detection and discrimination of the proximity of the lumbar vertebrae are not required, the step (2
44) the judgment, the output value E1 at the lumbar spine detection electrode 12-1,
Instead of determining whether or not both output values E2 at the buttocks detection electrodes 12-2 exceed the corresponding seating determination values K1 and K2, both output values E1 and E2 correspond to the seating determination values. When the value is K1 or K2 or less, the comment “Please sit down deeply” in step (212) is displayed in characters, and if the judgment in step (246) and the comment display in step (248) are omitted, The same determination and operation as those of the above-described embodiment can be easily obtained.

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 the same. Needless to say, it is included in the invention.

[0143]

As described above, according to the seating posture determining method, the fatigue determining method, and the posture / fatigue warning apparatus for a vehicle seat according to the present invention, the seating posture according to the change in the body posture can be determined. 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, by warning and recommending the occurrence of fatigue to the seated person,
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.

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

In the present invention, the presence / absence of the seat 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, according to the present invention, the determination as to whether or not the vehicle seat is seated and the sitting posture thereof is made before the determination of the running of the vehicle, and thereafter the appropriate posture according to the change of the trunk angle is determined. It is categorized as when judging the posture collapse. 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, Since it is clarified that the vehicle is running, it is possible to reliably prevent complication of the determination, complication of the warning and recommendation.

Further, if both the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are alternately switched as the source of the high frequency electric field, erroneous detection due to the movement of the human body or the like is sufficient as compared with the high frequency electric field in one direction. Be eliminated by. Therefore, the output values to be judged, especially various average values are sufficiently stabilized, and the certainty of their detection is further improved.

Further, if a common electrode is provided and the output values between the common electrode and the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode are detected and monitored, respectively, the proximity of the lumbar spine portion to the lumbar spine contact area and the hip portion will be detected. The proximity of the hip to the contact area
Each can be detected and determined individually. In particular, the proximity of the lumbar part to the lumbar contact area of the seat back can be clearly discriminated, and the position of the lumbar part can be easily optimized,
Further reduction of fatigue due to proper posture can be expected.

Since the lumbar vertebrae 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, the support device will not adequately support it. Therefore, it is possible to easily bring out the function of the support device.

Further, if the proper posture during running of the vehicle is specified as a predetermined range, the output value fluctuation 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.

Furthermore, 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 seating on the vehicle seat other than 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 seatbelt switch is used as the seatbelt detecting means for detecting the seatbelt insertion, the complication of the structure can be surely prevented.

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 warnings and recommendations are displayed in characters on the display serving as a warning output means, the details of the warnings and recommendations can be clarified. Therefore, the sitting posture is corrected and fatigue is reduced in accordance with the details of the warnings and recommendations. Etc. can be done smoothly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a posture / fatigue warning device according to an embodiment of 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 in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which includes the vehicle seat sitting posture determination method.

FIG. 7 is a seating confirmation / posture optimization routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention, which includes the vehicle seat sitting posture determination method.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a seating posture detection / statement of a fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a proper posture range specification routine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a seating posture detection / flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a proper posture range specification routine.

FIG. 10 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat seating posture determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a posture / fatigue warning device in a modification of the embodiment 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 corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 14 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 corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 15 is a sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 16 is a sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 17 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 18 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method corresponding to this modification.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of a posture / fatigue warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 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 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 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 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a sitting posture detection / appropriate posture range specification routine of a flowchart in the vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to another embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a fatigue determination routine of a flowchart in a vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10,110,210 Vehicle seat posture / fatigue warning device 12-1 Lumbar detection electrode 12-2 Bottom detection electrode 14 Vehicle seat 34 Comparison / discrimination circuit 42 Display (warning output means) 44 Vehicle speed sensor (travel determination means) 46 Seat belt switch (seat belt detection means) 50,54 switching means 52 (52-1,52-2) common electrode

Claims (18)

[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. A high-frequency electric field between the lumbar spine detection electrode disposed in the lumbar contact region of the seat back of the target vehicle seat and the hip detection electrode disposed in the hip contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat. Is generated, and the change in the capacitance is converted into a detection voltage, which is detected and monitored as an output value, the output value is compared with a predetermined seating judgment value, and the output value exceeds the seating judgment value. At the same time, it determines whether or not the seat is seated on the target seat, and after determining whether or not the seat is seated on the target seat, the output value is compared with a proper attitude determination value different from the seating determination value, and the output value is equal to or less than the proper attitude determination value When, A seating posture determination method for a vehicle seat, which determines that the posture is less than the proper posture, and issues a warning and a recommendation corresponding thereto by a predetermined warning output means. 2. 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 approach of a dielectric to a detection electrode and the electrostatic capacitance change according to the distance. A high-frequency wave between the lumbar spine detection electrode arranged in the lumbar spine contact area of the seat back of the target vehicle seat and the hip detection electrode arranged in the hip contact area of the seat cushion of the target seat. An electric field is alternately generated from one side to the other side, and a change in capacitance in each direction is converted into a detection voltage, which is detected and monitored as an output value in each direction. Each output value is compared with a predetermined seating determination value, and when both output values exceed the seating determination value, the seating on the target seat is determined, and the seating on the target seat is determined. Each output value When the output values of both of them are compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value and the output values of both are equal to or less than the proper posture determination value, the sitting posture is determined to be an improper posture which is less than the proper posture, and it is dealt with. A seating posture determination method for a vehicle seat, which issues a warning and a recommendation by a predetermined warning output means. 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 high-frequency electric field is generated between each of the lumbar spine detection electrodes arranged in the lumbar contact region of the seat back of the target seat and the hip detection electrodes arranged in the hip contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat. By converting the change in capacitance into a detection voltage, this is detected and monitored as an output value at each detection electrode, and each output value at the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is seated in a predetermined position. Compared with the judgment value respectively, when both of the output values exceed the corresponding seating judgment value, it is assumed that the seating on the target seat is determined, and after the seating on the target seat is determined, the lumbar spine detection electrode, And each output value at the buttocks 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 is equal to or less than the corresponding proper posture determination value. , The warning and recommendation corresponding to the part of the detection electrode whose output value is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value is determined by the predetermined warning output means by determining the sitting posture at that time as an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture. A seating posture determination method for a vehicle seat. 4. After determining the seating on the target seat, each output value of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is compared with an appropriate posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and each output value thereof is compared. When both of them are equal to or less than the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, the sitting posture at that time is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, and a warning and a recommendation corresponding thereto are issued by a predetermined warning output means. 3. The seating posture determination method for a vehicle seat according to item 3. 5. 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 approach of a dielectric to a detection electrode and the electrostatic capacitance change according to the distance. A high-frequency electric field between the lumbar spine detection electrode disposed in the lumbar contact region of the seat back of the target vehicle seat and the hip detection electrode disposed in the hip contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat. This is detected and monitored by converting the change in capacitance into a detection voltage that is an output value, and the output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is compared with a predetermined seating determination value. However, when the output value exceeds this seating determination value, the seating on the target seat is determined.After determining the seating on the target seat, the output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is determined. Appropriate appearance different from the seating judgment value When this output value is less than or equal to the proper posture determination value, the sitting posture at this time is determined to be an improper posture that is less than the proper posture, and a corresponding warning or recommendation is output as a predetermined warning output means. In addition to the above, the output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode exceeds the proper posture determination value, at the time of seating determination in a proper posture, and after the traveling determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling, The output value between the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is compared with a predetermined fatigue judgment value, and when this output value falls below the fatigue judgment value, it is determined that the posture collapses due to a change in the trunk angle due to fatigue. Then, a method for determining fatigue of a vehicle seat, in which a warning and a recommendation for easing fatigue are issued by a warning output means. 6. 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 corresponding to the distance. A high-frequency wave between the lumbar spine detection electrode arranged in the lumbar spine contact area of the seat back of the target vehicle seat and the hip detection electrode arranged in the hip contact area of the seat cushion of the target seat. An electric field is alternately generated from one side to the other side, and a change in capacitance in each direction is converted into a detection voltage, which is detected and monitored as an output value in each direction. Each output value is compared with a predetermined seating determination value, and when both output values exceed the seating determination value, seating on the target seat is determined, and after determining seating on the target seat, This output value When the output values of both of them are compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value and the output values of both are equal to or less than the proper posture determination value, the sitting posture is determined to be an improper posture which is less than the proper posture, and it is dealt with. Warnings and recommendations are given by a predetermined warning output means, and the output values of both the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode exceed the appropriate posture determination value. After the running time of the vehicle is determined by, the output values of both of them are compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value, and when each of these output values is below the fatigue determination value, a change in the trunk angle due to fatigue occurs. A method for determining the fatigue of a vehicle seat, in which a warning and a recommendation for easing fatigue are determined by the warning output means. 7. 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 high-frequency electric field is generated between each of the lumbar spine detection electrode arranged in the lumbar spine contact region of the seat back of the target sheet and the hip detection electrode arranged in the hip contact region of the seat cushion of the target seat. Detecting and monitoring this by converting the change in capacitance into a detection voltage that becomes an output value, and comparing each output value at this lumbar spine detection electrode and hip detection electrode with a predetermined seating determination value, respectively. However, when at least one of the output values exceeds the corresponding seating determination value, the seating on the target seat is determined, and after the seating on the target seat is determined, the lumbar spine detection electrode and hip detection are performed. Each output value at the electrode is compared with a proper posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and when at least one of the output values is equal to or less than the corresponding proper posture determination value, When the sitting posture at this time is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, warnings and recommendations corresponding to the parts of the detection electrode that have fallen below the proper posture determination value are given by the predetermined warning output means, and the lumbar spine detection electrode, The output values of both the buttocks and the buttocks detection electrodes exceed the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, at the time of determination of seating in an appropriate posture, and after the traveling determination unit determines that the vehicle is traveling, the lumbar spine detection electrodes, And each output value at the hip detection electrode is compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value, and at least one of the output values at the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode falls below the corresponding fatigue determination value. A method for determining a fatigue of a vehicle seat, which determines a posture collapse due to a change in a trunk angle due to fatigue, and issues warnings and recommendations to reduce fatigue by warning output means. 8. After determining the seating on the target seat, each output value of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode is compared with an appropriate posture determination value different from the seating determination value, and each output value thereof is compared. When both are equal to or less than the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, it is determined that the sitting posture at this time is an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, and the corresponding warning and recommendation are given by the predetermined warning output means, The output values of both the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode exceed the appropriate posture determination value corresponding thereto, at the time of determining seating in an appropriate posture, and after the traveling determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling, Each output value at the lumbar spine detection electrode and hip detection electrode is compared with a predetermined fatigue determination value, and both output values at the lumbar spine detection electrode and hip detection electrode fall below the corresponding fatigue determination value. When Fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein determining the orientation collapsed accompanied to the change of the trunk angle due to fatigue. 9. A seat belt for a target seat is inserted and 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. 9. The method for determining fatigue of a vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the warning and the recommendation regarding the insertion of the sheet are issued by a warning output means. 10. A plurality of output value data obtained after the traveling discriminating means discriminates the traveling time of the vehicle are acquired, an average sitting value is calculated from the plurality of output value data, and the average sitting value is also calculated. From the variation reference value calculated as, set the proper posture range of the output value that specifies the range regarded as the proper posture, and compare the subsequent output value after setting the proper posture range with the proper posture range, 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, and after determining the posture collapse from the proper posture, the lumbar spine detection electrodes,
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. Compared with the fatigue judgment value calculated based on the above, when the collapse average value is less than the fatigue judgment value, the collapse of the sitting posture at this time is the posture collapse due to the change of the trunk angle due to fatigue. 10. The fatigue determination method for a vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the warning output unit issues a warning and a recommendation for easing fatigue by making a determination. 11. The traveling speed of the vehicle is detected when the traveling speed determining means is a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a traveling speed of the vehicle, and the traveling speed of the vehicle exceeds a preset reference value. The vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle seat fatigue determination method determines the time. 12. A warning issued by a warning output means,
The recommendation is at least a character display.
5. A vehicle seat fatigue determination method according to any one of 1. 13. A lumbar spine detection electrode arranged in a lumbar spine contact region of a seat back of a target vehicle seat; a hip detection electrode arranged in a hip contact region of a seat cushion of the target seat; Generate a high frequency electric field between the electrodes,
A high-frequency oscillating circuit that can detect the capacitance change between each detection electrode from the change; and the capacitance change between each detection electrode is converted into a detection voltage and then detected and monitored as its output value. A comparing / determining means for outputting an output signal corresponding to the output value by comparing the output value with a predetermined determination value; a warning output means for issuing a warning and a recommendation to at least a seated person on the target seat; A traveling discriminating means for detecting and discriminating the traveling of the vehicle; and based on the result of comparison between the output value and the seating discriminating value preset in the comparing / discriminating means, the seating posture is not proper posture. When the posture is determined, the corresponding warning and recommendation are issued by the warning output means, and the sitting posture is determined to be the proper posture from the comparison result of the output value and the fatigue determination value generated and processed by the comparison / determination means. Specific A posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat, which, when it is determined that the vehicle has collapsed, issues warnings and recommendations to reduce fatigue by warning output means. 14. A switching means for switching the direction of generation of a high-frequency electric field from the high-frequency oscillating circuit between one from the hip detection electrode and one from the lumbar spine detection electrode, and the output values of both are determined by a predetermined determination. The posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to claim 13, which is respectively compared with a value. 15. A common electrode defined and set in the vicinity of a target vehicle seat; a lumbar spine detection electrode disposed in a lumbar contact region of a seat back of the target seat; and a seat cushion of the target seat. A high frequency electric field is generated between each of the hip detection electrode disposed in the hip contact area; the common electrode, the lumbar spine detection electrode, and the hip detection electrode, and the lumbar spine detection electrode and hip detection based on the change A high-frequency oscillation circuit that can detect the capacitance change at the electrodes; and the capacitance change at the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode,
After converting to detection voltage, detected as each output value,
Comparison / determination means for monitoring and comparing each output value with a predetermined determination value corresponding thereto to output an output signal corresponding thereto; a warning and a recommendation to at least a seated person on the target seat. A warning output means for detecting the traveling of the vehicle; and a traveling discrimination means for discriminating the traveling of the vehicle; each output value of the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode, and a seating preset in the comparison / discrimination means. From the result of comparison with the judgment value, when the sitting posture is determined to be an unsuitable posture that is less than the proper posture, a corresponding warning or recommendation is given by the warning output means, and the lumbar spine detection electrode and the hip detection electrode When it is determined from the result of comparison between each output value and the fatigue determination value processed and generated by the comparison / determination means that the sitting posture has collapsed from the proper posture more than a certain amount, a warning and recommendation for easing fatigue is provided. A posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat that performs the warning output means. 16. The warning output means is a display which gives warnings and recommendations by displaying characters.
The posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to any one of 5 above. 17. The posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to claim 13, wherein a seat belt switch that detects insertion of a seat belt is used as seat belt detection means. 18. The vehicle speed determining means is a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle traveling speed, and an automatic door lock speed sensor is used as the vehicle speed detecting means.
The posture / fatigue warning device for a vehicle seat according to any one of 3 to 17.