Environmental simulation device and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an environmental simulation device and method, wherein the environmental simulation device includes a cabin, a display device, an air storage assembly, a detection assembly, and an analog output module. The cabin has a seating area; the display device is used to play videos; the air storage assembly includes an air storage box and an air mixing box, the air storage box stores air, the air storage box and the air mixing box are connected by a pipeline, and a regulating valve is provided on the pipeline; the detection assembly is provided in the air mixing box, and the detection assembly is used to detect the pressure and temperature of the compressed air in the air mixing box; the analog output module is provided outside the seating area, and the analog output module has multiple openings facing air outlets, and the air outlets are connected to the air mixing box. In the present invention, gas is sprayed toward the seating area at a preset pressure and temperature through the air outlets according to the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image. The user can experience environmental changes in real time both visually and physically. There are no special requirements for the user's carrying items, and the method can reduce or avoid harm to the human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of environmental simulation systems, and in particular to an environmental simulation device and method. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of virtual and real-world technologies, the challenge of experiencing environmental changes in virtual scenes in real life is to enable users to experience them beyond just visually. Currently, low-frequency electronic pulse signals are commonly used to induce muscle contraction through electrodes in the human body, with varying intensity achieved by varying the power of the electronic pulse signal. However, electronic pulse methods have the following disadvantages: prolonged use can lead to the accumulation of pulse currents, which can be harmful to the human body; and metal objects cannot be carried on the body, as they can generate an induced electromotive force between the metal and the user. When the induced electromotive force accumulates to a level greater than the pulse voltage, a discharge can occur, posing a dangerous risk.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new environmental simulation device and method to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an environmental simulation device and method, aiming to solve the problem that electronic pulses are prone to causing harm to the human body.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention proposes an environmental simulation device, which includes a cabin, a display device, an air storage component, a detection component and an analog output module, wherein the cabin has a seating area; the display device is used to play videos; the air storage component includes an air storage box and an air mixing box, wherein air is stored in the air storage box, and the air storage box and the air mixing box are connected by a pipeline, and a regulating valve is provided on the pipeline; the detection component is arranged in the air mixing box, and the detection component is used to detect the pressure and temperature of the compressed air in the air mixing box; the analog output module is arranged on the outside of the seating area, and the analog output module has multiple openings facing the air outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air mixing box, and the air outlet is used to spray gas toward the seating area at a preset pressure and temperature according to the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video screen.

[0006] In one embodiment, the environmental simulation device further comprises an air intake assembly, one end of which is in communication with the external environment, and the other end of which passes through the cabin and is in communication with the air storage assembly.

[0007] In one embodiment, the air intake assembly includes a first air pump, a first air duct and a heater, wherein the first air duct connects the air storage box and the external environment, the first air pump is used to pump air into the air storage box, and the heater is used to heat the air flowing through the first air duct.

[0008] In one embodiment, the air intake assembly further includes a second air pump, a second air duct and a refrigerator, wherein the second air duct connects the air storage box and the external environment, the second air pump is used to pump air into the air storage box, and the refrigerator is used to cool the air flowing through the second air duct.

[0009] In one embodiment, a plurality of the air outlets are distributed on a side of the analog output module facing the seating area, and a control valve is correspondingly provided on each of the air outlets.

[0010] In one embodiment, the display device is a head-mounted VR device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the temperature of the air in the air storage box is 13°C to 46.5°C.

[0012] In one embodiment, the seating area is provided with a seat and a motion mechanism, an output end of the motion mechanism is connected to the seat, and the motion mechanism is used to adjust the posture of the seat according to position parameters corresponding to the video screen.

[0013] In addition, the present invention also provides an environment simulation method, which is applied to the above-mentioned environment simulation device, and the method comprises:

[0014] Get the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the playback image on the display device;

[0015] Set the preset air temperature and preset air pressure according to the body sensor parameters;

[0016] Open the regulating valve to adjust the air in the mixing box to the preset air temperature and preset air pressure;

[0017] opening the air outlet to form a jet of gas toward the seating area;

[0018] The somatosensory parameters include temperature parameters and force parameters.

[0019] In one embodiment, the somatosensory parameter further includes a position parameter, and the step of opening the air outlet to form a jet of gas toward the seating area includes:

[0020] Establish a coordinate system and record the coordinate position of each vent;

[0021] Obtaining the projection of the position parameters on the coordinate system;

[0022] Open the control valve of the air outlet corresponding to the coordinate position covered by the projection.

[0023] In the technical solution of the present invention, a user can enter the seating area, and a display device plays a video to provide a visual image, thereby allowing the user to enter a virtual scene. The air storage tank is pre-stored with air at a preset temperature and pressure, and the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image are obtained. Air is then filled into the mixing box, and the detection component detects the pressure and temperature of the air in the mixing box in real time. When the pressure and temperature of the air in the mixing box match the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image, the air outlet is opened, and the air outlet is caused to spray gas toward the user, allowing the user to obtain a somatosensory experience that matches the video image. The somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image after the environment changes can be obtained again, and the above steps are repeated until the air outlet sprays gas toward the user. The user can experience the environmental changes in real time both visually and physically, thereby improving the realism of the environmental simulation and enhancing the user's user experience. The environmental simulation device provided by this application does not directly discharge electricity to the user, has no special requirements for the user's carrying items, can better protect the user's privacy, and can reduce or avoid harm to the human body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the environment simulation device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the environment simulation device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the gas path structure of the environment simulation device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the process of the environment simulation method in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0030] Label name Label name 100 Environmental simulation device 51 vent 1 cabin 61 First air pump 2 Display devices 62 First air duct 3 Gas storage components 63 heater 31 Air tank 64 Second air pump 32 Gas mixing box 65 Second air duct 4 Detection components 66 Refrigerator 5 Analog output module

[0031] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0034] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referenced. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0035] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0036] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the environment simulation device 100 includes a cabin 1, a display device 2, an air storage component 3, a detection component 4 and an analog output module 5, the cabin 1 has a seating area; the display device 2 is used to play videos; the air storage component 3 includes an air storage box 31 and an air mixing box 32, the air storage box 31 stores air, the air storage box 31 and the air mixing box 32 are connected by a pipeline, and a regulating valve is provided on the pipeline; the detection component 4 is arranged in the air mixing box 32, and the detection component 4 is used to detect the pressure and temperature of the compressed air in the air mixing box 32; the analog output module 5 is arranged on the outside of the seating area, and the analog output module 5 has multiple openings facing the air outlet 51, the air outlet 51 is connected to the air mixing box 32, and the air outlet 51 is used to spray gas toward the seating area at a preset pressure and temperature according to the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video screen.

[0038] In this embodiment, a user can enter the seating area, and the display device 2 plays a video to provide a visual image, thereby allowing the user to enter a virtual scene. The air storage tank 31 is pre-stored with air at a preset temperature and pressure. The somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image are obtained, and air is filled into the air mixing box 32. The detection component 4 detects the pressure and temperature of the air in the air mixing box 32 in real time. When the pressure and temperature of the air in the air mixing box 32 match the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image, the air outlet 51 is opened, causing the air outlet 51 to spray air toward the user, allowing the user to obtain a somatosensory experience that matches the video image. The somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video image after the environmental change can be obtained again. The above steps are repeated until the air outlet 51 sprays air toward the user. The user can experience the environmental changes in real time both visually and physically, thereby improving the realism of the environmental simulation and enhancing the user's user experience. The environmental simulation device 100 provided in this application does not directly discharge electricity to the user, has no special requirements for the user's belongings, can better protect the user's privacy, and can reduce or avoid harm to the human body.

[0039] The simulation output module 5 is evenly distributed on the side facing the seating area, with each air outlet 51 equipped with a corresponding control valve. Specifically, the air outlets 51 are evenly distributed around the user's body, and each air outlet 51 is equipped with a separate control valve, enabling air to be discharged from a single air outlet or simultaneously from air outlets within a certain area, thereby matching the corresponding position parameters and cross-sectional parameters in the video image. Specifically, a camera installed in the cabin 1 can be used to obtain the user's position information, establish a coordinate system based on the user, assign coordinate values to each air outlet 51, and obtain the coordinates of the user's force-bearing area based on the corresponding position parameters and cross-sectional parameters in the video image, thereby obtaining the corresponding coordinates of the air outlet 51. Opening the control valve at the aforementioned coordinate point causes the air outlet 51 to spray gas toward the specified position and cross-sectional area, thereby improving the accuracy of the environmental simulation.

[0040] In other embodiments, the simulation output module 5 may include a moving mechanism and an air outlet head, and the position of the air outlet head is moved by the moving mechanism, so that the position of the air outlet 51 matches the corresponding position parameters in the video image.

[0041] In one embodiment, display device 2 is a head-mounted VR device. Display device 2 is used to construct a virtual environment model. Head-mounted VR devices can provide better simulation effects and are less likely to fall. Because the head-mounted VR device covers the user's head, it requires customization. Air vents 51 are provided on the inside of the head-mounted VR device and connected to the gas mixing box 32 via a pipe, thereby achieving somatosensory simulation in the head area. In other embodiments, a full-view screen may also be used.

[0042] In one embodiment, the environmental simulation device 100 further includes an air intake assembly, one end of which communicates with the external environment, and the other end of which passes through the cabin 1 and communicates with the air storage assembly 3. The air intake assembly is used to draw external air to replenish the air in the air storage tank 31, thereby ensuring the air volume within the air storage tank 31. In another embodiment, the air intake assembly can also be connected to an air source or to the cabin 1 to form a circulation system. When the air intake assembly is connected to the cabin 1 to form a circulation system, it must also be connected to an air supply tank. When the pressure in the cabin 1 is too high, air enters the air supply tank. When the pressure in the cabin 1 is insufficient, air is released from the air supply tank to replenish the pressure.

[0043] Based on the above embodiment, the air intake assembly includes a first air pump 61, a first air duct 62, and a heater 63. The first air duct 62 connects the air storage tank 31 with the external environment and is used to pump air into the air storage tank 31. The heater 63 is used to heat the air flowing through the first air duct 62. The first air pump 61 draws external air and delivers it to the air storage tank 31 through a second air duct 65, thereby increasing the air temperature within the air storage tank 31. Similarly, the air intake assembly also includes a second air pump 64, a second air duct 65, and a cooler 66. The second air duct 65 connects the air storage tank 31 with the external environment and is used to pump air into the air storage tank 31. The cooler 66 is used to cool the air flowing through the second air duct 65. The first air pump 61 draws external air and delivers it to the air storage tank 31 through the second air duct 65, thereby reducing the air temperature within the air storage tank 31. In actual applications, the use of the heater 63 or the cooler 66 will depend on the ambient temperature.

[0044] The heater 63 and the refrigerator 66 can adopt a refrigeration circuit filled with refrigerant, with the condenser generating heat and the evaporator cooling. The use of a refrigeration circuit for heating or cooling has the advantage of high efficiency. Of course, the heater 63 can also use a heating wire, and the refrigerator 66 can also use a refrigeration chip. The advantage is that it takes up little space.

[0045] In other embodiments, the air storage box 31 can be directly connected to the outside through an air duct, and an air pump draws external air to replenish air in the air storage box 31; in this embodiment, a heater 63 and a refrigerator 66 need to be set in the air storage box 31 to directly heat or cool the air in the air storage box 31 to meet the temperature requirements.

[0046] The air temperature within the air tank 31 ranges from 13°C to 46.5°C. The air in the air tank 31 directly impacts the user after passing through the mixing box 32, so safety considerations must be taken into account. An air temperature threshold is set to maintain the air temperature within the acceptable temperature range for human skin. This temperature range is not significantly different from the ambient temperature, allowing for rapid adjustment via the heater 63 and refrigerator 66. The temperature within the air tank 31 is pre-adjusted. After the air outlet 51 completes a single jet, the required sensory parameters for the next environment are pre-acquired and adjusted accordingly. This improves the timeliness and sensitivity of the air ejected from the air outlet 51, ensuring synchronization between the visuals and the sensory experience, and enhancing the realism of the environmental simulation. During initial use, the air within the air tank 31 must be ventilated to ensure the cleanliness of the ejected air. The air temperature is also adjusted via the heater 63 or refrigerator 66 to maintain a temperature of approximately 30°C. This allows for rapid temperature adjustment while the environmental simulation device 100 is in operation.

[0047] The detection assembly 4 includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Both the air storage tank 31 and the air mixing tank 32 are equipped with temperature sensors, while the air mixing tank 32 is equipped with a pressure sensor. The temperature of the air in the air mixing tank 32 determines the temperature of the jet gas when it impacts the user, while the pressure of the air in the air mixing tank 32 determines the force of the jet gas when it impacts the user. An entrance and exit are defined on the front side of the cabin 1 to facilitate user entry. The entrance and exit are provided with a door that can rotate, slide, or raise or lower relative to the cabin 1 to open the entrance and exit.

[0048] In one embodiment, to enhance the realism of the environmental simulation, the seating area is equipped with seats and a motion mechanism. The output of the motion mechanism is connected to the seats, and the motion mechanism is used to adjust the seat's posture based on position parameters corresponding to the video image. The motion mechanism can drive the seat to move with full freedom and rotate 360 degrees within the cabin 1, thereby changing the user's position and simulating motion states such as slopes, turns, falls, and ascents, further enhancing the richness of the environmental simulation.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the environment simulation device 100 also includes components such as a communication module, a memory, and a processor. The processor is connected to the memory and the communication module, respectively. The memory stores a computer program, which is simultaneously executed by the processor. The environment simulation device 100 may also include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine certain components or arrange the components differently.

[0050] The communication module can connect to external devices via the network. The communication module can receive data from external devices and can also send data, instructions and information to the external devices. The external devices can be electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.

[0051] The memory can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory can mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area can store an operating system, at least one application required for a function (real-time reception of audio and video data and somatosensory parameter data sent by the server), etc.; the data storage area can store data or information created based on the use of the environment simulation device 100. In addition, the memory can include a high-speed random access memory and a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0052] The processor is the control center of the environment simulation device 100. It connects the various components of the entire environment simulation device 100 using various interfaces and circuits. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in memory and accessing data stored in memory, it performs various functions of the environment simulation device 100 and processes data, thereby providing overall monitoring of the environment simulation device 100. The processor may include one or more processing units; preferably, the processor may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor primarily processes the operating system, user interface, and application programs, while the modem processor primarily handles wireless communications. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor.

[0053] The above-mentioned environment simulation device 100 may further include a circuit control module, which is used to connect to the mains to implement power supply control and ensure the normal operation of other components.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides an environment simulation method, which is applied to the environment simulation device as described above, and the method includes:

[0055] S10, obtaining somatosensory parameters corresponding to the playback image on the display device;

[0056] The memory stores audio and video data and somatosensory parameter data, and the somatosensory parameter data is associated with the time node data of the audio and video data, wherein the somatosensory parameters include temperature parameters and force parameters. The display device plays the audio and video data, allowing the user to enter the virtual scene, and the processor directly reads the somatosensory parameter data for the next time. Somatosensory parameter data can also be obtained based on video images or lines, such as video images or lines involving temperature, weather, season, etc. It can be understood that directly written somatosensory parameter data is more accurate.

[0057] S20, setting a preset air temperature and a preset air pressure according to the body sensor parameters;

[0058] S30, opening the regulating valve to adjust the air in the mixing box to a preset air temperature and a preset air pressure;

[0059] The temperature of the air in the mixing box determines the temperature of the jet gas when it acts on the user, and the pressure of the air in the mixing box determines the force of the jet gas when it acts on the user.

[0060] S40, opening the air outlet to form a jet of gas toward the seating area;

[0061] The air storage box is pre-stored with air of preset temperature and pressure, and the somatosensory parameter data is obtained in advance. The air mixing box is filled with air, and the detection component detects the pressure and temperature of the air in the mixing box in real time. When the pressure and temperature of the air in the mixing box match the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video screen, the air mixing box is stopped and restarted. When the video is played to the time node corresponding to the somatosensory parameter data, the air outlet is opened, and the air outlet is made to spray gas toward the user, so that the user obtains a somatosensory experience that matches the video screen. And the somatosensory parameters corresponding to the video screen after the environment changes (i.e., the next stored somatosensory parameter data) can be obtained again, and the above steps are repeated until the air outlet sprays gas toward the user. The user can feel the environmental changes in real time both visually and physically, thereby improving the realism of the environmental simulation and enhancing the user's experience. The environmental simulation device provided by the present application does not discharge directly to the user, has no special requirements for the user's carried items, can better protect the user's privacy, and can reduce or avoid harm to the human body.

[0062] In one embodiment, the somatosensory parameter further includes a position parameter, and the step of opening the air outlet to form a jet of gas toward the seating area includes:

[0063] Establish a coordinate system and record the coordinate position of each vent;

[0064] Obtaining the projection of the position parameters on the coordinate system;

[0065] Open the control valve of the air outlet corresponding to the coordinate position covered by the projection.

[0066] The simulation output module features multiple air outlets on the side facing the passenger area, each equipped with a corresponding control valve. The air outlets are evenly distributed around the user's body, each equipped with a separate control valve. This allows for single-hole airflow or simultaneous airflow from all air outlets within a specific area, thereby matching the corresponding position and cross-sectional parameters in the video image. Specifically, a camera installed within the cabin captures the user's position information, establishes a coordinate system based on the user, and assigns coordinate values to each air outlet. The coordinates of the user's force-bearing area are then determined based on the corresponding position and cross-sectional parameters in the video image, thereby obtaining the corresponding air outlet coordinates. Opening the control valves at these coordinates allows the air outlets to spray gas toward the designated locations and cross-sectional areas, improving the accuracy of the environmental simulation.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An environmental simulation method, characterized in that: The invention is applied to an environmental simulation device, comprising a cabin, a display device, an air storage assembly, and a simulation output module. The cabin has a seating area. The display device is used to play videos. The air storage assembly comprises an air storage tank and an air mixing box connected to the air storage tank via a pipeline. The pipeline is provided with a pressure regulating valve. The air stored in the air storage tank is compressed by the pressure regulating valve and then enters the air mixing box. The simulation output module is provided outside the seating area and has a plurality of air outlets opening toward the seating area. The air outlets are connected to the air mixing box. The environmental simulation method comprises: Acquiring corresponding somatosensory parameters according to the video screen played by the display device, wherein the somatosensory parameters include temperature parameters and force parameters; Setting a preset temperature and a preset pressure according to the somatosensory parameters; Opening the pressure regulating valve to allow the air in the air storage tank to enter the gas mixing box; Closing the pressure regulating valve until the air in the gas mixing box reaches the preset temperature and the preset pressure; The analog output module is controlled to open the air outlet to form a jet gas toward the seating area.

2. The environmental simulation method according to claim 1, wherein: The environmental simulation method further comprises: Establishing a coordinate system to record the coordinate position of each of the air outlets; The body-sensing parameter also includes a position parameter, and the step of opening the air outlet to form a jet of gas toward the seating area includes: Obtaining the position parameter and projecting it onto the coordinate system to form a projection area; The air outlet corresponding to the coordinate position covered by the projection area is opened.

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