JP2015098244A - Respiration support device and respiration support method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a respiration support device which can properly support the respiration of a passenger of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A respiration support device includes running state detection means 300,600 that detects the running state of a vehicle including the respiration support device, movable means 100,200 that changes the posture of a passenger so that the respiration state of the passenger changes by changing the shape of a seat on which the passenger sits, and control means 600 that controls the operation of the movable means 100,200 on the basis of the vehicle running state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a respiratory assistance device and a respiratory assistance method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus for performing massage while guiding a user about a predetermined breathing method (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-250895 A

  For example, when the occupant has been in the vehicle for a long time, to restore fatigue and maintain health, the occupant's current breathing state (expiration time, It is preferable to support a predetermined breathing state (including breathing time and air ventilation). On the other hand, when the vehicle is running, the posture of the occupant changes greatly when the breathing support hinders the driving of the driver, or because the inertial force or centrifugal force is applied to the occupant by the running of the vehicle. In some cases, the breathing of the occupant cannot be supported as in the case where the vehicle is not running. The prior art does not assume that the occupant is in the vehicle, and may not be able to provide breathing support suitable for the occupant in the vehicle.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a breathing support device capable of appropriately supporting the breathing of an occupant riding in a vehicle.

  The present invention includes movable means for changing the posture of the occupant so that the breathing state of the occupant changes by changing the shape of the seat on which the occupant is seated, and based on the traveling state of the host vehicle, The above problem is solved by controlling the operation.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to support the breathing of the occupant according to the traveling state of the host vehicle, it is possible to appropriately support the breathing of the occupant riding the vehicle.

It is a block diagram which shows the breathing assistance apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a seat back movable apparatus and a seat lumbar movable apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the breathing assistance process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the breathing assistance apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the breathing assistance apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the breathing assistance apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the breathing assistance apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a breathing support device mounted on an automobile will be described as an example. Note that the respiratory assistance device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one mounted on the automobile, and may be mounted on a mobile body other than the automobile, for example.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a respiratory assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the respiratory assistance device 1 includes a seat back movable device 100, a seat lumbar movable device 200, a vehicle controller 300, an input device 400, an information providing device 500, and a control device 600. These devices are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) or other in-vehicle LAN, and exchange information with each other.

  The seat back movable device 100 changes the inclination angle of the seat back 2 of the seat on which the occupant sits by driving a motor provided in the seat back movable device 100 as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the seat back movable device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 2A tilts the seat back 2 backward (substantially in the positive direction in the X-axis direction), so that FIG. As shown, the shape of the sheet can be changed. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 2B, the seat back movable device 100 raises the seat back 2 forward (substantially in the negative direction in the X-axis direction), so that the seat back moves as shown in FIG. The shape can be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat lumbar movable device 200 is provided in a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary between the thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar vertebra (near the diaphragm) of the seat back 2 of the seat on which the occupant is seated. Yes. More specifically, the seat lumbar movable device 200 is lower than the ninth or tenth thoracic vertebra of the occupant (the negative direction in the Y-axis direction) and above the central part of the lumbar vertebra (positive in the Y-axis direction). (Direction).

  Then, in the state shown in FIG. 2 (A), the seat lumbar movable device 200 projects the actuator 210 provided in the seat lumbar movable device 200 in the occupant direction (substantially the negative direction of the X-axis direction), so that FIG. ), The shape of the sheet can be changed. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 2B, the seat lumbar movable device 200 can change the shape of the seat as shown in FIG. 2A by reducing the protruding amount of the actuator 210.

  The vehicle controller 300 acquires information indicating the traveling state of the host vehicle as vehicle information. Specifically, the vehicle controller 300 acquires vehicle speed information of the host vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), acquires acceleration information in three axial directions from a gyro sensor (not shown), and determines a steering angle by a steering sensor ( Further, an accelerator opening degree and a brake pedal depression amount are obtained from an accelerator opening sensor (not shown) and a brake sensor (not shown). The vehicle information acquired by the vehicle controller 300 is transmitted to the control device 600.

  The input device 400 is a device for an occupant to input, such as a rotatable dial switch or a touch panel provided on a display. In the present embodiment, the occupant can select a breathing support mode such as a relaxation mode, a stress reduction (heart rate reduction) mode, a blood pressure reduction mode, a metabolism improvement mode, and a wakefulness improvement mode via the input device 400. It has become. Information on the breathing support mode selected via the input device 400 is transmitted to the control device 600.

  The information providing device 500 provides the occupant with presentation information for supporting the occupant's breathing. As such an information providing device 500, for example, provided in an audio or navigation device, presentation information such as a speaker that presents presentation information by voice, or that breathing support is being executed by turning on a lamp is provided. Examples include a breathing support operation lamp to be presented, or a liquid crystal display that displays presentation information on a screen.

  The control device 600 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a program for supporting breathing of the occupant, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the program stored in the ROM, and an accessible storage device. And a functioning RAM (Random Access Memory). As an operation circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like can be used instead of a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  The control device 600 acquires a vehicle information acquisition function for acquiring vehicle information from the vehicle controller 300 and a breathing support mode selected by the occupant via the input device 400 by executing a program stored in the ROM by the CPU. Based on the breathing support mode acquisition function to perform, the running state determination function to determine the traveling state of the host vehicle, and the breathing support mode selected by the occupant, a target value obtained by quantifying the breathing state targeted by the occupant is set. A target value setting function and a control function for controlling operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 based on the target value are realized. Below, each function with which the control apparatus 600 is provided is demonstrated.

  The vehicle information acquisition function of the control device 600 acquires vehicle information indicating the traveling state of the host vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition function acquires vehicle speed information of the host vehicle, triaxial acceleration information, steering angle information, and information on the accelerator opening and the brake pedal depression amount from the vehicle controller 300.

  The breathing support mode acquisition function of the control device 600 acquires information on the breathing support mode selected by the occupant via the input device 400. For example, the breathing support mode acquisition function is selected by the occupant through the input device 400 among the breathing support modes including the metabolic improvement mode, the blood pressure reduction mode, the relaxation mode, the fatigue reduction mode, the stress reduction mode, and the arousal level improvement mode. The information of the performed breathing support mode is acquired from the input device 400.

  The traveling state determination function determines the traveling state of the host vehicle based on the vehicle information of the host vehicle acquired by the vehicle information acquisition function. For example, the traveling state determination function can determine whether or not the host vehicle is traveling based on the vehicle speed information of the host vehicle in the vehicle information. The running state determination function can determine whether the host vehicle is accelerating or decelerating based on the acceleration information of the host vehicle in the vehicle information. Furthermore, the traveling state determination function can determine whether or not the host vehicle is turning based on the steering information of the host vehicle in the vehicle information.

  The target value setting function of the control device 600 sets a target value obtained by quantifying the breathing state targeted by the occupant based on the information on the breathing support mode acquired by the breathing support mode acquisition function. For example, in the present embodiment, a table indicating the relationship between the breathing support mode and each target value is stored in the RAM of the control device 600, and the target value setting function refers to this table and the occupant sets a target. The target values for the expiration time, the inspiration time, and the air ventilation amount are set as the target expiration time, the target inspiration time, and the target air ventilation amount, respectively.

  The control function of the control device 600 controls the operation of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 based on the target value set by the target value setting function.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 200 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 becomes small, and the seat back 2 moves forward (a negative direction in the substantially X-axis direction). ), The seat back movable device 100 is operated. Thereby, a passenger | crew's attitude | position can be changed so that a passenger | crew's lung may be pushed upward by the abdominal cavity. As a result, it becomes easier for the occupant to exhale, and the exhalation by the occupant can be supported. Further, the control function adjusts the operation speed of the seat lumbar movable device 200 and the seat back movable device 100 and operates the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 by taking the expiration time targeted by the occupant. Thus, it is possible to support the occupant's exhalation so that the occupant can easily exhale at the expiration time targeted by the occupant.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the control function increases the protruding amount of the actuator 210, and the seat lumbar movable device 200 so that the actuator 210 protrudes in the occupant direction (substantially in the negative direction of the X-axis direction). And the seat back movable device 100 is operated so that the seat back 2 tilts backward (substantially in the positive direction of the X-axis direction). Thereby, the pressure on the lungs by the abdominal cavity is eliminated, and the occupant's posture can be changed so that the occupant's lungs expand about 10 cm downward. As a result, the occupant can easily inhale and can assist the occupant to inhale. In addition, the control function adjusts the operation speed of the seat lumbar movable device 200 and the seat back movable device 100 and operates the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 by multiplying the inspiration time targeted by the occupant. Thus, it is possible to assist the occupant to inhale so that the occupant can easily inhale during the inhalation time targeted by the occupant.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 200 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is small, and the seat back 2 moves forward (in the negative direction of the substantially X-axis direction). 2), the exhalation support operation for operating the seat back movable device 100, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is increased so that the actuator 210 moves in the occupant direction (substantially in the X-axis direction). The seat lumbar movable device 200 is operated so as to protrude in the negative direction), and the inspiration support operation is performed so that the seat back movable device 100 is operated so that the seat back 2 tilts backward (approximately the positive direction in the X-axis direction). And are repeated alternately. Here, it is known that the occupant's breathing can be guided to abdominal breathing by alternately moving the occupant's diaphragm vertically, and in this embodiment, the occupant's diaphragm is moved by the exhalation support operation. Since the occupant's diaphragm can be moved upward (positive direction in the Y-axis direction) by moving downward (the negative direction in the Y-axis direction) and inhalation support operation, the occupant's breathing should be abdominal breathing. Can help.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control function supports the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar during the inspiration time as shown in FIG. The operation amount of the movable device 200 is controlled. Specifically, the control function increases the protrusion amount of the actuator 210 and increases the inclination angle of the seat back 2 as the target value set according to the air ventilation amount targeted by the occupant is larger. For example, in this embodiment, when the control function supports the breathing of the occupant, the actuator 210 protrudes from the surface of the seat back 2 within a range of 30 to 80 mm, and the inclination angle of the seat back 2 is set to exhale. The seat back 2 is tilted within a range of 2 to 10 degrees from the tilt of the seat back 2 during the support operation. In addition, the inclination angle of the seat back 2 during the exhalation support operation is not particularly limited, but may be within a range of 90 to 110 degrees, for example.

  Next, the breathing assistance process according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a breathing support process according to the first embodiment.

  First, in step S101, the control function of the control device 600 determines whether or not to support occupant breathing. For example, if an occupant is inquired about whether or not to support breathing via the information providing device 500 such as a display, and the occupant instructs the start of the breathing support, the breathing support of the occupant is performed. Judgment can be made. In step S101, if it is determined to support the occupant's breathing, the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined not to support the occupant's breathing, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S102, a breathing support start process is performed by the control function of the control device 600. For example, the control function notifies the start of breathing support through the information providing device 500, such as turning on a breathing support operation lamp or displaying characters or icons such as “in breathing support operation” on the display screen. To do.

  In step S103, the vehicle information acquisition function of the control device 600 acquires vehicle speed information, triaxial acceleration information, steering angle information, and vehicle information including the accelerator opening and the brake pedal depression amount.

  In step S104, whether or not the host vehicle is traveling is determined based on the vehicle information of the host vehicle acquired in step S103 by the traveling state determination function of the control device 600. If it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling, the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that the host vehicle is not traveling, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S105, since it is determined in step S104 that the host vehicle is running, a standby process for a breathing support operation is performed by the control function of the control device 600. For example, the control function returns the inclination angle of the seat back 2 to the angle before the breathing support by the seat back movable device 100 and returns the protrusion amount of the actuator 210 to zero by the seat lumbar movable device 200. The control function is such that when the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated to return the seat back 2 and the actuator 210 to the initial state, the uncomfortable feeling given to the occupant is reduced. The operation speed of the movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is suppressed (the same applies to steps S110, S211, S213, S312 and S313 described later).

  In step S106, the control function determines whether or not to end the breathing support. For example, the control function determines that the breathing support is to be terminated when the passenger is instructed to terminate the breathing support through the input device 400. If it is determined that the breathing support is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the breathing support is not to be terminated, the process returns to step S103, and vehicle information is acquired again. A determination is made whether or not the vehicle is traveling.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the host vehicle is not traveling, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the information on the respiratory support mode selected by the occupant is acquired via the input device 400 by the respiratory support mode acquisition function. For example, in the present embodiment, the breathing support mode acquisition function is selected by the occupant from the breathing support modes including the metabolism improvement mode, the blood pressure reduction mode, the relaxation mode, the fatigue reduction mode, the stress reduction mode, and the arousal level improvement mode. Acquire information on the breathing support mode.

  In step S108, the target value setting function of the control device 600 sets target values for the expiration time, the inspiration time, and the air ventilation amount based on the breathing support mode acquired in step S107. .

  For example, when the metabolic enhancement mode is selected as the breathing support mode, the target value setting function can set the expiration time as 4 seconds, the inspiration time as 10 seconds, and the air ventilation amount as 1500 ml. Further, the target value setting function may set the expiration time as 3 seconds, the inspiration time as 7 seconds, and the air ventilation amount as 1350 ml, for example, when the blood pressure reduction mode is selected as the breathing support mode. it can. Further, the target value setting function can set the expiration time as 3 seconds, the inspiration time as 5 seconds, and the air ventilation amount as 1200 ml, for example, when the relaxation mode is selected as the breathing support mode. . Similarly, the target value setting function can set target values in other respiratory support modes. For example, when the fatigue reduction mode is selected, the expiration time can be set to 5 seconds and the inspiration time can be set to 10 seconds. When the stress reduction mode is selected, the expiration time is set to The inspiration time can be set as 3 seconds and 10 seconds. The exhalation time, the inspiration time, and the air ventilation amount described above are examples, and are not particularly limited.

  In step S109, the breathing support is executed by the control function based on the target value set in step S108. Specifically, the control function operates the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 based on the expiration time, the inspiration time, and the air ventilation amount set in step S108.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the control function sets the protrusion amount of the actuator 210 of the seat lumbar movable device 200 to zero during the expiration time, and at the same time the seat back 2 moves forward (negative in the X-axis direction). The seat back movable device 100 is operated so as to occur in the direction). As a result, the occupant's lungs are pushed by the abdominal cavity during the exhalation time, making it easier for the occupant to exhale, so that the occupant's exhalation can be supported.

  When the expiration time has elapsed, the control function then causes the actuator 210 to project in the occupant direction (approximately the negative direction of the X axis direction) as shown in FIG. 2B during the inspiration time. The seat lumbar movable device 200 is operated so as to push the vicinity of the boundary between the thoracic vertebra and the lumbar vertebra of the occupant, and at the same time, the seat back movable device 100 is moved so that the seat back 2 is tilted backward (positive direction in the X axis direction). Make it work. As a result, the lungs of the occupant spread downward and the occupant can easily inhale during the inspiration time, so that the occupant can inhale.

  Further, when the inspiration time has elapsed, the control function operates the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 to support the breathing of the occupant as shown in FIG. After the elapse of time, as shown in FIG. 2B, the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated to assist the occupant inhaling. As described above, the control function repeats the operation shown in FIG. 2A and the operation shown in FIG. 2B in accordance with the expiration time and the inhalation time, whereby the breathing of the occupant is performed by abdominal breathing. Can help.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2B, the control function, when operating the seat lumbar movable device 200 and the seat back movable device 100, is based on the air ventilation amount set according to the breathing support mode. The operation amount of the seat back movable device 100 (inclination angle of the seat back 2) and the operation amount of the seat lumbar movable device 200 (projection amount of the actuator 210) are calculated.

  For example, in the control function, when the metabolism improvement mode is selected as the breathing support mode and the target value of the air ventilation amount is set as 1500 ml, the inclination angle of the seat back 2 is 10 degrees and the protrusion of the actuator 210 is performed. The seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated so that the amount is 80 mm. Further, for example, when the blood pressure reduction mode is selected as the breathing support mode and the air ventilation amount is set as the target value, the control function has an inclination angle of the seat back 2 of 8 degrees and the actuator 210. The seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated so that the protrusion amount of the air is 50 mm, the relax mode is selected as the breathing support mode, and the air ventilation amount is set as the target value of 1200 ml. In this case, the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated so that the inclination angle of the seat back 2 is 6 degrees and the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is 30 mm.

  Further, if it is determined in step S101 not to support the occupant's breathing, or if it is determined in step S106 to end the breathing support, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, a breathing support end process is performed by the control function. For example, the control function returns the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 to the initial state before the breathing support, and, for example, turns off the breathing support operation lamp and presents the operation end sound or voice. The end of breathing support is notified via the providing device 500.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, by operating the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 so that the effect of the breathing support mode selected by the occupant can be obtained, the occupant's breathing is abdominal breathing. Provide support so that Specifically, during the expiration time targeted by the occupant, as shown in FIG. 2A, the seat lumbar movable device 200 is operated so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is reduced, and the seat back is movable. As shown in FIG. 2B, during the exhalation support operation for causing the seat back 2 to move forward (substantially in the negative direction in the X-axis direction) and the inhalation time targeted by the occupant. The seat lumbar movable device 200 is operated so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is increased, and the seat back movable device 100 is operated so that the seat back 2 is tilted backward (approximately the positive direction of the X-axis direction). Repeat the breath support operation. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), when performing an exhalation support operation, the occupant's lungs are pushed upward (positive direction in the Y-axis direction) by the occupant's abdominal cavity, and FIG. ) When performing an inspiration support operation, as the occupant's lungs expand downward (negative direction in the Y-axis direction), the occupant's diaphragm moves up and down, and the occupant takes abdominal breathing. Can be done. And, in this way, by making the occupant perform abdominal breathing, it is possible to stimulate the parasympathetic nerve, thereby relaxing the occupant, reducing the occupant's stress, reducing the blood pressure, The effect of improving the wakefulness and metabolism of the passenger can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the expiration time and the inspiration time (the operation time of the seat back movable device 100 and the operation time of the seat lumbar movable device 200), and the air ventilation are selected according to the breathing support mode selected by the occupant. By setting the amount (the movement amount of the seat back movable device 100 and the movement amount of the seat lumbar movable device 200), it is possible to effectively obtain the effect of breathing support desired by the occupant, such as relaxation and stress reduction. . In particular, in the present embodiment, the seat lumbar movable device 200 is installed in a portion of the seat back 2 that corresponds to the vicinity of the boundary between the thoracic vertebra and the spine of the occupant (near the diaphragm). Compared with the case where 200 is installed in the portion corresponding to the lumbar region of the occupant, the occupant's diaphragm can be moved greatly up and down, and the occupant can more effectively support the abdominal breathing. Further, in the present embodiment, the actuator 210 is protruded from the surface of the seat back 2 in a range of 30 to 80 mm, and the inclination angle of the seat back 2 is inclined in a range of 3 to 10 degrees from a normal angle. The occupant can appropriately perform abdominal breathing without imposing a heavy burden on the occupant's body.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the passenger's breathing is not guided only by voice, but by operating the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 to directly change the posture of the passenger, It is possible to assist more effectively so that the breathing becomes abdominal breathing.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the vehicle is traveling, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is interrupted, so that when the vehicle is traveling, the vehicle is driven by breathing support. Can effectively prevent the passenger's posture from changing significantly during breathing support because the driver's driving is disturbed and inertial force or centrifugal force is applied to the passenger by driving the vehicle. Can maintain safety.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The breathing assistance device 1a according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, except that it differs from the breathing assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment in the points described below. Works as well.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a respiratory assistance device 1a according to the second embodiment. The respiratory assistance device 1a according to the second embodiment includes a database 700 in addition to the configuration of the respiratory assistance device 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, as the database 700, a database mounted on a navigation device, a smartphone, or the like that stores map information including road information can be used. The road information stored in the database 700 is appropriately referred to by the control device 600.

  In addition to the function of the control device 600 according to the first embodiment, the control device 600 according to the second embodiment includes a route search function that searches for a route to the destination, and travel that predicts the travel state of the vehicle. A state prediction function is provided.

  The route search function of the control device 600 refers to the map information stored in the database 700 to search for a route to the destination input by the occupant via the input device 400, for example. Further, the route search function presents the searched route to the occupant via the information providing apparatus 500, and when the route is confirmed or approved by the occupant, the route search function determines the route as a travel route.

  The travel state prediction function of the control device 600 predicts the future travel state of the vehicle based on the road information of the travel route searched by the route search function among the road information stored in the database 700. For example, the travel state prediction function is based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle controller 300 and the road information of the travel route, the current vehicle position, the vehicle speed, the distance to the intersection where the vehicle turns next, and the driving history. From the above, a time until reaching a point where the vehicle posture is highly likely to change greatly, for example, an intersection that turns right or left next is predicted.

  Further, the control function of the control device 600 according to the second embodiment controls the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 based on the prediction result of the running state of the vehicle predicted by the vehicle information prediction function. To do. Specifically, the control function shortens the operation amount and the operation time of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 before, for example, a left / right turn that is highly likely to cause a significant change in the posture of the vehicle. As described above, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are controlled.

  Next, the breathing assistance process according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a breathing support process according to the second embodiment.

  In steps S201 to S203, as in steps S101 to S103 of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not to support the breathing of the occupant (step S201). Respiration support start processing is performed (step S202), and thereafter vehicle information is acquired (step S203).

  In steps S204 and S205, as in steps S107 and S108 of the first embodiment, information on the breathing support mode selected by the occupant is acquired via the input device 400 (step S204). Based on the information, target values for the expiration time, the inspiration time, and the air ventilation amount are set (step S205).

  In steps S206 and S207, as in steps S104 and S109 of the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle is traveling, and if it is determined that the host vehicle is not traveling. Based on the target value set in step S205, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are controlled.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the host vehicle is traveling, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the control function of the control device 600 determines whether the host vehicle is traveling on a highway. Specifically, the control function can determine whether or not the host vehicle is traveling on an expressway based on the vehicle information acquired in step S203 and the map information stored in the database 700. . If it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling on the expressway, the process proceeds to step S209. If it is determined that the host vehicle is not traveling on the expressway, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S209, since it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling on the highway, the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 200 is suppressed by the control function. Specifically, the control function is such that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is smaller than the protruding amount of the actuator 210 when the seat lumbar movable device 200 is operated based on the target value set in step S205 ( For example, when the target value is 50 mm, it is about 30 mm), and the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 100 is suppressed by operating the seat lumbar movable device 200. The seat back movable device 100 can be operated based on the target value set in step S205.

  For example, when the metabolic enhancement mode is selected as the breathing support mode in step S207, the control function determines that the inclination angle of the seat back 2 is 10 degrees during the inspiration time targeted by the occupant, and the actuator 210 The seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated so that the protrusion amount is 80 mm. On the other hand, in step 209, when the metabolic enhancement mode is selected as the breathing support mode in step 209, the inclination angle of the seat back 2 remains the same 10 degrees, and the protrusion amount of the actuator 210 is smaller than 80 mm. The seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated so that the protruding amount is, for example, 0 mm. Similarly, in the other breathing support modes, the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is reduced while the inclination angle of the seat back 2 remains unchanged.

  In step 209, after the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 100 is suppressed and the respiratory support is performed, the respiratory support process shown in FIG. 5 is terminated, and the process returns to step S201. As a result, while the host vehicle is traveling on the highway, it is possible to support the breathing of the occupant while the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 100 is suppressed.

  If it is determined in step S208 that the host vehicle is not traveling on the highway, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, it is determined whether or not the posture of the host vehicle changes by a certain amount or more within a certain time. Specifically, first, a search for a route to the destination is determined by the route search function of the control device 600, and then, the vehicle in the travel route searched for by the route search function is determined by the travel state prediction function of the control device 600. The attitude of the vehicle is predicted. For example, the traveling state prediction function calculates the time until the next intersection where a right / left turn is to be made based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle controller 300 and the road information of the traveling route stored in the database 700. Predict. When the host vehicle turns right or left, the control function determines that the posture of the host vehicle changes by a certain amount or more, and the time to reach the next right / left turn intersection is within a certain time. In this case, it is determined that the attitude of the host vehicle changes by a certain amount or more within a certain time. If it is predicted that the posture of the host vehicle will change by a certain amount or more within a certain time, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if it is predicted that the posture of the own vehicle will not change by a certain amount or more within a certain time, Proceed to step S212.

  In addition, the running state prediction function is based on the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle controller 300 and the road information of the running route stored in the database 700, and the current running state of the host vehicle and the own vehicle after a certain time. A configuration may be used in which the running state of the vehicle is quantitatively calculated, and the amount of change when the current running state of the host vehicle changes to the running state of the host vehicle after a predetermined time is calculated. In this case, when the amount of change in the traveling state of the host vehicle is a certain amount or more, the control device can predict that the posture of the host vehicle will change by a certain amount or more within a certain time, and can proceed to step S211.

  In step S211, processing for stopping the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is performed by the control function. For example, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 200 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 becomes zero, and the seat back movable device 100 so that the inclination angle of the seat back 2 becomes the angle before the breathing support. To work. And a control function stops operation | movement of the seat back movable apparatus 100 and the seat lumbar movable apparatus 200, after returning the seat back 2 and the actuator 210 to an initial state. As a result, for example, when the vehicle is making a right or left turn, when the centrifugal force or inertial force accompanying the traveling of the vehicle is likely to be applied to the occupant, or when the driving load on the driver is high, Stabilize and focus the driver on driving.

  If it is predicted in step S210 that the posture of the host vehicle does not change by a certain amount within a certain time, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the control function determines whether the host vehicle is accelerating / decelerating or the host vehicle is being steered. Specifically, the control function can determine whether the host vehicle is accelerating / decelerating or the host vehicle is steering based on the vehicle information acquired from the vehicle controller 300. When the host vehicle is accelerating / decelerating or the host vehicle is steering, the process proceeds to step S211 and the seat lumbar movable device 100 is operated so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 becomes zero, The seat back movable device 100 is operated so that the inclination angle of the seat back 2 becomes the angle before the breathing support. As a result, even when the vehicle is accelerating / decelerating or being steered, the posture of the occupant can be stabilized even when the posture of the occupant is likely to change due to centrifugal force or inertial force associated with traveling of the vehicle.

  If it is determined in step S212 that the host vehicle is not accelerating or decelerating and the host vehicle is not being steered, the process proceeds to step S213. In step S213, it can be determined that the vehicle is traveling on a general road or the like, and in order to safely support the occupant's breathing while traveling, the seat back 2 is tilted before the breathing support by the control function. After the seat back movable device 100 is operated so as to have an angle, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is stopped. At the same time, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 100 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is small (for example, about 30 mm). Thereby, when the own vehicle is traveling, breathing of the occupant can be safely supported.

  Then, after stopping the operation of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 in step 211 or after suppressing the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 200 in step S212, the breathing support process shown in FIG. To return to step S201. Thereby, for example, when the host vehicle turns right at the intersection of a general road, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are stopped before entering the intersection and when entering the intersection. Then, after the host vehicle has advanced from the intersection, the occupant's breathing can be safely supported by operating in a state where the seat lumbar movable device 200 is suppressed.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, even when the host vehicle is traveling, when the host vehicle is traveling on the highway, the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is reduced, and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is By suppressing the operation, it is possible to safely support the occupant's breathing in a driving situation in which the occupant's posture is unlikely to change due to the behavior of the host vehicle and the driver's driving load is small.

  In the second embodiment, the future traveling state of the host vehicle is predicted. For example, when the traveling state of the host vehicle is predicted to change greatly, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are performed. Can stop the breathing support of the occupant before the occupant's posture actually changes due to the behavior of the host vehicle or before the driver's driving load actually increases. , To ensure the safety of the passengers.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the host vehicle is traveling straight on a general road, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is stopped and the operation of the seat lumbar movable device 200 is suppressed, so that the host vehicle travels. Even if you are, you can safely support the breathing of the occupant.

«Third embodiment»
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The respiratory assistance device 1b according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment except that the respiratory assistance device 1b according to the third embodiment is different from the respiratory assistance device 1a according to the second embodiment in the points described below. Works as well.

  FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a respiratory assistance device 1b according to the third embodiment. The respiratory assistance device 1b according to the third embodiment includes an occupant posture detection device 800 in addition to the configuration of the respiratory assistance device 1a according to the second embodiment. The occupant posture detection device 800 is a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to a seat or a seat belt on which the occupant is seated, an in-vehicle camera that images the occupant, and the like. The detection data of the occupant's posture detected by the occupant posture detection device 800 is transmitted to the control device 600. The pressure sensor used as the occupant posture detection device 800 can also be used as a seat or seat belt for opening and closing the airbag, and the vehicle camera is used as a drive recorder. Can also be used.

  In addition to the function of the control device 600 according to the second embodiment, the control device 600 according to the third embodiment includes an occupant posture detection function that detects the posture of the occupant and an occupant posture according to the behavior of the vehicle. Equipped with an occupant posture prediction function for prediction.

  The passenger posture detection function of the control device 600 detects the posture of the passenger based on the detection result of the passenger posture detection device 800. Specifically, the occupant posture detection function is based on the detection result of the occupant posture detection device 800, such as the detection result of a pressure sensor installed on a seat or a seat belt, or image data captured by an in-vehicle camera. The center of gravity position and the dimensions of each part of the body are detected. The occupant posture detection function also calculates the amount of change in the occupant posture based on the detection result of the pressure sensor, the image data captured by the in-vehicle camera, and the like. For example, the occupant posture detection function determines the physical ability when the occupant responds to the behavior of the vehicle from the vehicle information such as lateral acceleration acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit and the occupant posture detected by the occupant posture detection device 800. Based on the estimation result, the change amount of the occupant's posture according to the behavior of the vehicle can be calculated using human body simulation software or the like. Then, the occupant posture detection function stores the detected occupant posture information in the database 700 as history data in association with the behavior of the host vehicle estimated based on the vehicle information of the vehicle controller 300.

  The occupant posture prediction function of the control device 600 predicts the probability and amount of change of the occupant posture in the traveling state of the host vehicle predicted by the traveling state prediction function. Specifically, the occupant posture prediction function is based on the traveling state (behavior) of the host vehicle predicted by the traveling state prediction function and the occupant posture history data stored in the database 700 in association with the behavior of the host vehicle. Based on the travel state of the host vehicle predicted by the travel state prediction function, the probability and amount of change of the occupant's posture are predicted. For example, when the traveling state prediction function predicts that the host vehicle will turn right, the occupant posture prediction function refers to the history data and the probability and change that the occupant posture has changed when the host vehicle has made a right turn so far. The amount is predicted as the probability and amount of change that the occupant's posture changes. The occupant posture prediction function can predict, for example, an average value of the amount of change in the occupant's posture so far as a change amount of the occupant's posture, and the occupant's posture has changed more than a predetermined amount until now. This probability can be predicted as the probability that the posture of the occupant changes.

  Further, the control function of the control device 600 according to the third embodiment controls the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 based on the change amount of the occupant posture predicted by the occupant posture prediction function. . Specifically, the control function determines whether the occupant's posture changes by a certain amount or more within a certain time based on the prediction result of the occupant posture prediction function, and the occupant's posture is a certain amount within the certain time. When the above changes, the operation amounts of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are suppressed.

  Next, the breathing assistance process according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a breathing support process according to the third embodiment.

  In steps S301 to S307, as in steps S201 to S207 of the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not to support the breathing of the occupant (step S301). Respiration support start processing is performed (step S302), and vehicle information is acquired (step S303). Then, the information on the breathing support mode is acquired (step S304), and the target values for the expiration time, the inhalation time, and the air ventilation amount are set based on the acquired information on the breathing support mode (step S304). Step S305). Further, it is determined whether or not the host vehicle is traveling, and if it is determined that the host vehicle is not traveling, the seat back movable device 100 and the vehicle are set based on the target value set in step S305. The operation of the seat lumbar movable device 200 is controlled (step S307).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the host vehicle is traveling, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the probability that the occupant's posture changes and the amount of change are predicted. Specifically, first, the future driving state of the host vehicle is predicted by the driving state prediction function, and then the occupant posture changes in the future in the predicted driving state of the host vehicle by the passenger posture prediction function. The probability and the amount of change in the posture of the occupant are predicted.

  For example, when the traveling state prediction function predicts that the host vehicle makes a right turn within a certain time (for example, within 20 seconds), the occupant posture prediction function The probability that the posture changes and the amount of change in the posture of the occupant are predicted. For example, the occupant posture prediction function refers to the occupant posture history data stored in the database 700 when the occupant has made a right turn in the past among the occupant postures detected by the occupant posture detection function. Thus, the probability that the posture of the occupant will change when the occupant makes a right turn in the future can be calculated. Furthermore, the occupant posture prediction function also calculates the amount of change in the occupant posture when the occupant makes a right turn in the future by referring to the history data of the occupant posture when the occupant has made a right turn in the past.

  In step S309, the control function determines whether or not the probability that the occupant's posture changes is greater than or equal to a predetermined probability based on the prediction result in step S308. When it is determined that the probability that the occupant's posture changes is equal to or higher than the predetermined probability, the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability that the occupant's posture changes is less than the predetermined probability, The process proceeds to S310. The predetermined probability is not particularly limited, but may be 50%, for example.

  In step S310, since it is determined that the probability that the posture of the occupant changes is less than the predetermined probability, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is suppressed by the control function. Specifically, the control function is such that the angle of the seat back movable device is smaller than the inclination angle of the seat back 2 when the seat back movable device 100 is operated based on the target value set in step S305. By operating 100, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is suppressed. Further, the seat lumbar movable device 200 can be operated based on the target value. Thus, when it is predicted that the occupant's posture is unlikely to change, the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is suppressed, so that the occupant can safely breathe even when the host vehicle is traveling. Can help.

  In step S311, since it is determined that the probability that the occupant's posture changes is equal to or greater than a predetermined probability, the amount of change in the occupant's posture is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the prediction result in step S308 by the control function. A determination is made whether or not. If it is determined that the change amount of the occupant's posture is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S312, while if it is determined that the change amount of the occupant's posture is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S313. move on.

  In step S312, since it is determined that the amount of change in the occupant's posture is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, processing for stopping the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is performed by the control function. For example, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 100 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 becomes zero, and the seat back movable device 100 so that the inclination angle of the seat back 2 becomes the angle before the breathing support. Then, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are stopped.

  In step S313, as in step S213 according to the second embodiment, the seat back movable device 100 is operated after the seat back movable device 100 is operated so that the seat back 2 has an inclination angle before the breathing support. Stop operation. At the same time, the control function operates the seat lumbar movable device 100 so that the protruding amount of the actuator 210 is small (for example, about 30 mm). As a result, when it is predicted that the occupant's posture will not change more than a predetermined value, even if the host vehicle is running, the occupant's breathing Can support safely.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the occupant's future posture is predicted, and the occupant's breathing support is controlled based on the probability and amount of change of the occupant's future posture. For example, if it is predicted that the occupant's posture will change significantly, the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are stopped, so that the occupant's posture is actually changed, or the driver It is possible to stop the breathing support of the occupant before the driving load of the vehicle actually increases, and to ensure the safety of the occupant.

  The embodiment described above is described for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the operation amounts of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are determined based on the air ventilation amount set in advance according to the breathing support mode is exemplified. For example, a seat back movable switch (not shown) and a seat lumbar movable switch (not shown) are provided in the vicinity of the seat, and the operation of the seat back movable device 100 is performed by an occupant operating these switches. The amount and the operation amount of the seat lumbar movable device 200 may be set.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 may be operated during the target expiration time or the target inspiration time, or the passenger's preference, physical ability, etc. Accordingly, the operation speed of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 is increased, and the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated in a time shorter than the target expiration time or the target inspiration time. May be. Thereby, according to the preference and physical ability of each occupant, it is possible to appropriately support the occupant's breathing.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are operated simultaneously is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the seat back movable device 100 or the seat lumbar movable device 200 Alternatively, only one of them may be operated. The seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 may be configured to operate at different times (asynchronously). Furthermore, the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 may be configured to operate at different operation times and operation speeds.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the breathing of the occupant is supported by operating the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 to change the posture of the occupant is illustrated. In accordance with the operations of the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200, the timing of breathing and the length of breathing are advised by voice or the like via the information providing device 500 to assist the occupant's breathing. It is good also as a structure. In particular, when the host vehicle is running, or when the host vehicle is accelerating / decelerating or steering, the voice information “inhale and exhale” via the speaker of the information providing apparatus 500. Alternatively, it is possible to more effectively support the breathing of the occupant by providing a human breathing sound (for example, “He” for inhalation and “Foo” for exhalation) by voice or the like.

  Note that the vehicle controller 300 of the above-described embodiment is a traveling state detection unit of the present invention, the seat back movable device 100 and the seat lumbar movable device 200 are movable units of the present invention, and the control function of the control device 600 is In addition, the traveling state prediction function of the control device 600 is the map information acquisition means and the traveling state prediction means of the present invention, the occupant posture detection device 800 is the occupant posture detection unit of the present invention, and the occupant posture prediction function of the control device 600 is In the map information acquisition means and occupant posture prediction means of the present invention, the target value setting function of the control device 600 corresponds to the setting means of the present invention, and the information providing device 500 corresponds to the presenting means of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b ... Respiration assistance apparatus 100 ... Seat back movable apparatus 200 ... Seat lumbar movable apparatus 210 ... Actuator 300 ... Vehicle controller 400 ... Input apparatus 500 ... Information providing apparatus 600 ... Control apparatus 700 ... Database 800 ... Crew attitude detection apparatus 2 ... Seat back

Claims (12)

Traveling state detection means for detecting the traveling state of the host vehicle;
Movable means for changing the posture of the occupant so that the breathing state of the occupant changes by changing the shape of the seat on which the occupant sits;
And a control means for controlling the operation of the movable means based on the running state of the host vehicle. The respiratory support device according to claim 1,
The movable means changes the shape of the seat by causing a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary between the thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar vertebra of the occupant to protrude in the occupant direction of the backrest portion of the seat. apparatus. The respiratory support device according to claim 1 or 2,
The breathing support apparatus, wherein the movable means changes the shape of the seat by changing an inclination angle of a backrest portion of the seat. The respiratory support device according to claim 1,
The movable means tilts the backrest portion of the seat backward, and projects the portion of the backrest portion of the seat corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary between the thoracic vertebra of the occupant and the lumbar vertebra in the occupant direction. The breathing support device is characterized in that the posture is changed so that the occupant can easily inhale. The respiratory support device according to claim 1 or 4,
The movable means raises the backrest portion of the seat forward, and reduces the protrusion amount in a portion corresponding to the vicinity of the boundary portion between the thoracic vertebra of the occupant and the lumbar vertebra in the backrest portion of the seat. A breathing support device, wherein the occupant is changed to a posture that makes it easy to exhale. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The breathing support apparatus, wherein the control means stops the operation of the movable means when the host vehicle is running. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Road information acquisition means for acquiring road information;
Based on the road information, further comprising a driving state prediction means for predicting a future driving state of the host vehicle,
The breathing support apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the movable unit based on a future driving state of the host vehicle predicted by the driving state prediction unit. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Road information acquisition means for acquiring road information;
Occupant posture predicting means for predicting the future posture of the occupant based on the road information,
The breathing support device, wherein the control means controls the operation of the movable means based on the future posture of the occupant predicted by the occupant posture prediction means. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A setting means for setting a breathing cycle and / or a breathing depth of a breathing state targeted by the occupant;
The vehicular breathing support apparatus, wherein the control means controls the operation of the movable means based on a breathing cycle and / or a breathing depth of a breathing state targeted by an occupant. The respiratory support device according to claim 9,
The control means sets the operation time of the movable means to a time shorter than a breathing cycle targeted by the occupant. The respiratory support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A breathing support apparatus, further comprising a presentation unit that presents a sound or voice for assisting the breathing of an occupant in synchronization with the operation of the movable unit. A breathing support method for changing the posture of the occupant so as to change the shape of the seat on which the occupant is seated by operating the movable means, and to change the breathing state of the occupant,
A breathing support method, comprising: detecting a traveling state of the host vehicle and controlling the operation of the movable unit based on the detected traveling state of the host vehicle.

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