Data glove and data glove set

Abstract

To provide a data glove and a data glove set which can perform preferred input.SOLUTION: A data glove includes: first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 which are provided at first finger parts and which detect contact of fingers; and second sensors L9, R9 which are provided at second finger parts and which detect a direction of movement of the contacted fingers. Preferably, the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are plurally provided at the first finger parts. More preferably, the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are provided at parts corresponding to areas between joints of the first finger parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a data glove and a data glove set. [Background technology]

[0002] A glove-type input device worn on the hand, i.e., a data glove, has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an input device that includes a switch that is attached to at least one of the five fingers on the hand, and a canceller that is attached to the finger next to the finger on which the switch is attached and that disables input to the switch when the switch is touched. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6044723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a data glove or the like that allows suitable input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the data glove includes a first sensor provided on a first finger portion for detecting finger contact, and a second sensor provided on a second finger portion for detecting a direction of movement of the contacting finger. Effect of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, input can be preferably performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the appearance of a data glove set according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a data glove according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the area around the second sensor of the right glove. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input operation using a data glove according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 11 is a table showing an example of characters and symbols corresponding to combinations of operations on a first sensor and operations on a second sensor. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a system schematic diagram showing an example of a control system including a data glove. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic external view of a data glove set according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The data glove according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. However, the use of the data glove according to the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples. (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior of a data glove set according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data glove 1 according to the present disclosure. The data glove set consists of a pair of data gloves. Data glove 1 consists of gloves and various components mounted on the gloves. For ease of understanding in this disclosure, the data glove 1 for the left hand (first data glove) will also be referred to as left hand glove 1L, and the data glove 1 for the right hand (second data glove) will also be referred to as right hand glove 1R.

[0009] The left and right gloves are for fixing various members to the user's hands. The shape and material of the left and right gloves are not particularly limited as long as they can be worn by the user's fingers. For example, the example of FIG. 1 shows a glove that completely covers the user's hand, but the glove may have holes in the fingertips, the back of the hand, and / or evenly distributed over the hand. For example, the tip of the thumb of the glove may be exposed or may be made of conductive fibers. The left and right gloves may also be divided into multiple parts. For example, the part covering the back and palm of the hand may be separate from the part covering the fingers.

[0010] In addition, the left and right gloves may each have a double structure. In this case, the part that comes into contact with the user's hand may be waterproofed. When the gloves have a double structure, at least a part of the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9 may be fixed so as to be sandwiched between the two layers of gloves. Specifically, the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9 may be arranged in the space between the inner layer (the side that comes into contact with the user's hand) and the outer layer of the gloves, and the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9 may be fixed to either or both of these two layers. In addition, the part of the gloves on which the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the second sensors L9, R9 are mounted may be made of conductive fibers, or the detection surfaces of the sensors may be partially exposed from the gloves.

[0011] The left glove 1L and the right glove 1R each include a battery 11, a control unit 12, a communication unit 13, a vibration device 14 and / or a tactile device 15, a tracking sensor 16, first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8, and second sensors L9 and R9. The battery 11, the control unit 12, and the communication unit 13 are housed in a first housing 20 provided on the back of the hand. The vibration device 14 and / or the tactile device 15, and the tracking sensor 16 are housed in a second housing 30 provided on the back of the hand. Note that the tracking sensor 16, the vibration device 14, and the tactile device 15 are not essential components of the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R. In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R may also include circuits for pre-processing and / or post-processing of the signals of the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9, as well as a memory unit.

[0012] Battery 11 is a power source for left glove 1L and right glove 1R. There are no particular limitations on the type of battery 11, but for example, a lithium ion battery or the like can be used.

[0013] The communication unit 13 performs processing related to communication between the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R. The physical configuration and communication method of the communication unit 13 are not particularly limited. For example, the communication unit 13 may be a device with a built-in antenna compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark), particularly BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or Wi-fi (registered trademark).

[0014] The vibration device 14 is a device that generates vibrations to allow a user wearing the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R to feel the vibrations. The specific number, configuration, and arrangement of the vibration devices 14 are not particularly limited. For example, the vibration device 14 may be a resonant device that uses resonance or an electromagnet to vibrate.

[0015] The left glove 1L and the right glove 1R may be equipped with a tactile device 15. The tactile device 15 is a device that allows a user wearing the left glove 1L or the right glove 1R to experience a tactile sensation by some kind of output (including vibration by a vibration device). Methods of transmitting a tactile sensation other than vibration include changes in physical structure (such as changing the unevenness of the device surface by driving a motor), temperature (hot and cold sensations), and weak electric current. The number, configuration, and arrangement of the tactile devices 15 are not particularly limited, as are the vibration devices 14.

[0016] The tracking sensor 16 is a sensor for capturing (motion capture) the movement in real space of each of the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R. The tracking sensor 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 12. The method of motion capture and a specific example of the tracking sensor 16 are not particularly limited.

[0017] For example, when performing infrared motion capture, an infrared sensor or a CMOS (Complementary-MOS) sensor is used as tracking sensor 16. Then, by detecting infrared rays output from another infrared output device using tracking sensor 16, it is possible to identify the distance and angle between the infrared output device and left glove 1L or right glove 1R.

[0018] For example, a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor are combined as the tracking sensor 16. A geomagnetic sensor may also be combined as the tracking sensor 16. When using these tracking sensors 16, calibration is performed in advance to set the initial positions of the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R. Then, the tracking sensor 16 acquires the change in acceleration and rotation amount (and orientation information) from the initial positions. This makes it possible to identify the position and posture of the left glove 1L or the right glove 1R.

[0019] Alternatively, a conventional tracking method such as Microsoft Kinect (registered trademark) and a tracking sensor for the method may be used. Also, without providing tracking sensors 16 to the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R, motion capture may be performed by photographing the left glove 1L and / or the right glove 1R with a camera or the like.

[0020] The first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8 are sensors for detecting contact with the user's fingers (mainly the thumbs of both hands). The first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8 are each electrically connected to the control unit 12. Specific examples of the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8 are not particularly limited. For example, the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8 are realized by pressure sensors such as capacitance sensors, semiconductor sensors, and strain sensors. In the case of a capacitance sensor, the contact of a finger is detected as a change in capacitance. In the case of a semiconductor sensor, the contact of a finger is detected as a change in pressure. In the case of a strain sensor, the strain caused by the contact of a finger is detected. The first sensors L1 to L8 worn on the left glove each output a signal to the control unit 12 mounted on the left glove. The first sensors R1 to R8 worn on the right glove each output a signal to the control unit 12 mounted on the right glove.

[0021] The first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are provided on the first finger parts of the left and right gloves, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, the "first fingers" are the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger. The "first finger parts" are the parts of the gloves that correspond to the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger. In FIG. 1, three first sensors L1 to L6 and R1 to R6 are provided on the parts of the left and right gloves that correspond to the third finger (middle finger) and the fourth finger (ring finger), respectively, and two first sensors L7, L8 and R7, R8 are provided on the parts of the left and right gloves that correspond to the fifth finger (little finger). In the data gloves according to the present disclosure, it is desirable that the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9 are provided on the parts that correspond to the side of any finger of the glove. For example, in this embodiment, the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are provided on the side of the thumb side so that they can be easily touched by the thumb. In this way, it is more preferable that the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9 are provided on the side of the finger that touches or moves on the sensor (i.e., the finger that performs the input operation). Also, the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are provided so as to be located at the portion (distal phalanges, middle phalanges, or proximal phalanges) corresponding to the portion between the joints of each finger of the glove. However, the arrangement positions and the number of the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 are not limited to the example in FIG. 1.

[0022] The second sensors L9 and R9 are sensors for identifying the direction of movement of the user's fingers that are in contact with the detection surfaces of the second sensors L9 and R9. The second sensors L9 and R9 are provided on the second finger parts of the left and right gloves, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, the "second finger" is the index finger. The "second finger part" is the part of the glove that corresponds to the index finger. The second sensors L9 and R9 are electrically connected to the control unit 12. The second sensors L9 and R9 may be different from the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8, or may be the same type of sensor. When the second sensors L9 and R9 are realized by the same type of sensor as the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8, they can be realized by using, for example, a pressure sensor similar to the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8, and a sensor having a larger area than the detection surfaces of the first sensors L1 to L8 and R1 to R8.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second sensor R9 of the right glove 1R. In FIG. 3, the circles indicate an example of the contact points of the fingers, and the arrows indicate an example of the direction of the finger movement after contact (for example, the direction of flick input). The second sensors L9 and R9 are arranged with a predetermined detection area, for example, between the tip and the second joint of the thumb side of the index finger of the left and right gloves. The second sensor R9 is designed to have a detection surface wider than the first sensors R1 to R8, and can detect the movement of the contact pressure of the user's fingers (for example, the thumb of the right hand). As a result, the second sensor R9 provides an output indicating the movement of the user's fingers. The second sensor L9 attached to the left glove outputs a signal to the control unit 12 mounted on the left glove. The second sensor R9 attached to the right glove outputs a signal to the control unit 12 mounted on the right glove. Each control unit 12 identifies the movement of the user's fingers from the output of the second sensors L9 and R9. The type of movement to be identified is not particularly limited, but for example, a flick in the up, down, left, or right direction may be identified. In addition, each control unit 12 may determine that the user's finger is not moving (is stationary) on the detection surface of the second sensor L9, R9 from the output of the second sensor L9, R9.

[0024] The detection method of the second sensors L9 and R9 described above is merely an example, and the method by which the second sensors L9 and R9 identify the movement of the user's finger is not limited to this. For example, the second sensors L9 and R9 may be realized as a small touch screen. In this case, the second sensors L9 and R9 detect the trajectory of the finger on the detection surface and output it to the control unit 12.

[0025] Control unit 12 comprehensively controls the operation of left glove 1L and right glove 1R. For example, control unit 12 is realized by a microcomputer or an IC (integrated circuit), etc. Control units 12 of the left and right gloves respectively acquire output signals from first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or second sensors L9, R9.

[0026] In this disclosure, the control unit 12 that executes the main control process for identifying an input operation is referred to as the "main control unit," and the control unit 12 that does not execute the control process is referred to as the "sub-control unit." As an example, the control unit 12 mounted on the right glove 1R is the main control unit, and the control unit 12 mounted on the left glove 1L is the sub-control unit.

[0027] The sub-controller acquires output signals from the first sensors L1 to L8 and / or the second sensor L9 provided in the glove on which it is mounted (the glove for the left hand), and transmits the output signals to the main controller via the communication unit 13.

[0028] The main control unit acquires output signals from the first sensors R1-R8 and / or the second sensor R9 provided in the glove (the glove for the right hand) on which the main control unit is installed. The main control unit receives output signals from the first sensors L1-L8 and / or the second sensor L9 acquired in the other gloves from the sub-controller. The main control unit identifies the operation performed by the user with the left hand and the operation performed by the right hand from the output signals from the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and / or the second sensors L9, R9. Note that the "operation" referred to here may include the results of "no contact" and / or "no movement (or trajectory)".

[0029] The main control unit further identifies the user's input contents from a combination of the operations of the left and right hands. For example, the main control unit may identify the characters input by the user from a combination of the input contents of the right hand and the input contents of the left hand. Character input using the data glove will be described below with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input operation using the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure. The arrow in FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the direction of movement of a finger touching the second sensor R9. In FIG. 4, the notation is simplified for members other than the first sensor L2 and the second sensor R9 touched by the user. FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of characters and symbols corresponding to combinations of operations on the first sensors L1 to L8, R1 to R8 and operations on the second sensors L9, R9. In addition, blanks and diagonally shaded areas in the table indicate that no characters or symbols are assigned. A glove equipped with a main control unit may be equipped with a memory unit that stores such a data table. In addition to each column in the table, or instead of the column of "no input", a character or symbol when the second sensors L9, R9 detect a "resting" state may be assigned. Furthermore, the correspondence between the characters or symbols and operations shown in FIG. 5 may be freely changeable by the user.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the second sensors L9, R9 are mainly operated with the thumb of the hand on which the respective sensors are located. In the example of FIG. 4, the user holds (contacts) the first sensor L2 with the thumb of the left hand, and performs an upward flick input on the second sensor R9 with the thumb of the right hand. When such an input is performed, the main control unit determines the input character according to which of the first sensors L1-L8 has been contacted and the type of finger movement detected by the second sensor R9. In the case of the operation shown in FIG. 4, since "there is an output from the first sensor L2 and the flick direction detected by the second sensor R9 is upward," the hiragana character "ku" is identified as the input character as shown in the table of FIG. 5.

[0032] The main control unit transmits the identified input contents to another control device (for example, a control unit of an HMD (head mounted display), a personal computer (PC), a game machine, a server, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.) via the communication unit 13. The main control unit and / or the sub-control unit may also receive control instructions from other control devices via the communication unit 13 and cause the left and right gloves to perform operations according to the control instructions. For example, the main control unit and / or the sub-control unit may vibrate the vibration device 14 of the glove in which the control unit is mounted, based on a control instruction received from a game machine, etc. The main control unit and / or the sub-control unit may also execute other processes related to the tracking function.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a system schematic diagram showing an example of a control system including the data glove 1. As shown in FIG.

[0034] The data glove 1 according to this embodiment communicates between the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R. In the example of Figs. 1 to 6, the communication unit 13 of the left glove 1L, which is equipped with the sub-control unit, transmits output signals of the first sensors L1 to L8 and / or the second sensor L9 to the communication unit 13 of the right glove 1R, which is equipped with the main control unit. The main control unit of the right glove 1R identifies the operation and / or input contents from the output signal received from the left glove 1L and the output signal of the first sensors R1 to R8 and / or the second sensor R9 of the right glove 1R, and transmits the identified operation and / or input contents to the control device 2.

[0035] The control device 2 is a device that receives input from the data glove 1 and executes processing. The content of the "processing" referred to here is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, character input and / or cursor operation. The control device 2 may be, for example, a personal computer (PC), a game machine, a server, a smartphone, or a tablet. The control device 2 has a communication unit 21 that communicates with the data glove 1, and a control unit 22 that executes control processing according to the output from the data glove 1.

[0036] The control device 2 may be connected to a display 3 as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the control device 2 and the display 3 may be integrated. The display 3 displays the processing results of the control device 2, etc. This makes it possible to present the processing results according to the input from the data glove 1 to the user. The display 3 may be a wearable device such as an HMD or a glasses-type display.

[0037] Although the above example describes a method for inputting Japanese hiragana, the use of the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure can be used as a controller for VR (virtual reality) games or ordinary home games. The data glove 1 according to the present disclosure can also be used as a controller for remotely operating an object to be operated, such as inputting instructions to a robot in a clean room or operating a drone.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the control system.

[0039] The sub-controller of the left glove 1L acquires output signals from the first sensors L1 to L8 or the second sensor L9 (step S11). The sub-controller transmits the acquired output signals to the right glove 1R (step S12).

[0040] The main control unit of the right glove 1R acquires the output signal from the first sensor R1-R8 or the second sensor R9 (step S13). The main control unit identifies the input content based on a combination of the output signal of the first sensor L1-L8 or the second sensor L9 received from the left glove 1L and the output signal of the first sensor R1-R8 or the second sensor R9 acquired in step S13 (step S14). The main control unit transmits the identified input content to the control device 2 (step S15).

[0041] The control unit 22 of the control device 2 executes a control process according to the input contents received from the right-hand glove 1R (step S16). The control unit 22 displays the processing result on the display 3 (step S17) and ends the series of processes.

[0042] In this embodiment, the main control unit mounted on the right hand glove 1R identifies the input contents from the output signals of the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the second sensors L9, R9, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the data glove 1 may simply send the output signals of each sensor to the control device 2, and the control device 2 may identify the input contents.

[0043] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a pair of data gloves 1, 1 is used to perform input by combining operations of both hands. However, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure may be for only one hand, either the right hand or the left hand. Alternatively, input may be possible using only the data glove 1 for one hand out of the pair of data gloves 1.

[0044] For example, input may be received only from the right glove 1R. Specifically, the main control unit of the right glove 1R may identify the input contents depending on which of the first sensors R1 to R8 arranged on the right glove detects contact, and send it to the control device 2. The control device 2 may then execute control processing according to the input contents. The main control unit of the right glove 1R may also identify the input contents depending only on the finger movement detected by the second sensor R9, and send it to the control device 2. The control device 2 may then execute control processing according to the input contents.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the left glove 1L and the right glove 1R are each equipped with the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the second sensors L9, R9. However, the first sensors L1-L8 or R1-R8 and the second sensor L9 or R9 may be equipped only in one glove. For example, the data glove set of the present disclosure may be configured as a set of the left glove 1L equipped with the first sensors L1-L8 and the right glove 1R equipped with the second sensor R9.

[0046] (Variation 2) As described in the above embodiment, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure is capable of motion capture. Therefore, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure is also capable of input operations that combine the sensor output of the left hand glove 1L and the right hand glove 1R with the hand position and / or posture determined by motion capture. This allows the user to easily perform a wider variety of input operations.

[0047] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the input contents are identified based on a combination of the presence or absence of a finger touching the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the type (direction) of the movement of the finger touching the second sensors L9, R9. Alternatively, the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and the second sensors L9, R9 may be integrated into one sensor, allowing input of characters, etc. with one hand.

[0048] 8 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the exterior of a data glove set according to Modification 3. A left glove 1L and a right glove 1R according to this modification include sensors L11-L18 and R11-R18, respectively. Sensors L11-L18 and R11-R18 are configured with pressure sensors such as capacitance sensors, similar to the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 and second sensors L9, R9 of the above-described embodiment.

[0049] The sensors L11 to L18, R11 to R18 are provided on specific finger parts of the left and right gloves. Specifically, the sensors L11, L12, R11, and R12 are provided on the second finger (index finger) of the left and right gloves, the sensors L13, L14, R13, and R14 are provided on the third finger (middle finger) of the left and right gloves, the sensors L15, L16, R15, and R16 are provided on the fourth finger (ring finger) of the left and right gloves, and the sensors L17, L18, R17, and R18 are provided on the fifth finger (little finger) of the left and right gloves. Each of the sensors L11 to L18, R11 to R18 is provided on the side of the thumb side of the second finger to the fifth finger so that it is easy to contact with the thumb, for example.

[0050] The sensors L11-L18, R11-R18 are designed to have a wider detection surface than the first sensors L1-L8, R1-R8 of the above-mentioned embodiment. The sensors L11-L18, R11-R18 detect the contact of a finger (thumb) and the type (direction) of the movement of the contacting finger. The main control unit of the right hand glove 1R identifies the input contents (characters, symbols, etc.) according to the combination of the presence or absence of finger contact with each sensor L11-L18, R11-R18 and the type of movement of the contacting finger.

[0051] In the case of this modification, for example, the input contents can be specified according to a combination of the type of sensor pressed (contacted by a finger) by the user among the sensors L11-L18 and R11-R18 and the direction of subsequent movement (flick direction) on the detection surface of the pressed sensor. For example, in FIG. 5 of the embodiment, the character written at the intersection of the row corresponding to the first sensor L1-L8, R1-R8 where the input was made and the column corresponding to the input direction to the second sensor L9, R9 is specified as the input character. In the case of this modification, each row of FIG. 5 may be replaced with the row of the sensors L11-L18. That is, the character written at the intersection of the row corresponding to the sensor where the input was made among the sensors L11-L18 and the column corresponding to the input direction to the sensor may be specified as the input character. For example, when inputting the hiragana "I", the user touches the thumb to the sensor L11 of the left hand glove 1L assigned to input "A row" and performs an input by flicking leftward. When a leftward flick input is detected by the sensor L11, the main control unit identifies the input character as "I."

[0052] In this way, by detecting the contact of a finger and the movement of the contacting finger with each of the sensors L11 to L18 and R11 to R18, input can be performed using only one sensor. This eliminates the need to use both hands as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and allows input of characters, etc., using only one hand. Even when the data glove and data glove set of this modification are used, as shown in the embodiment, the operation and / or input contents may be determined according to the combination of the presence or absence of a finger touching one of the sensors L11 to L18 and the direction of the movement of the finger touching another sensor. That is, although the sensor configurations in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8 are different, the method of determining the operation and / or input contents may be the same. The user may be free to switch between these determination methods.

[0053] The effects of the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0054] First, a comparison between the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure and a stick controller will be described. A stick controller is an input device for realizing virtual reality (VR) and the like. Since a stick controller is used by holding it in the hand, the number of buttons that can be arranged on it is limited. Therefore, when using a stick controller to realize input with many types of selection candidates such as character input, or input related to playing a game that requires complex and diverse operations, a list of selection candidates and a virtual keyboard are displayed on the display, and cursor operation and decision operation are performed with the stick controller, which makes the input cumbersome.

[0055] On the other hand, it is also possible to arrange many buttons on a stick-type controller by reducing the size of each button. However, when the buttons are made small, in order to input accurately, the user must check the buttons at hand every time they input. Checking the buttons at hand every time to input is troublesome and time-consuming. Furthermore, when an HMD and a stick-type controller are used together, it is difficult for the user to check the buttons at hand because the user is wearing the HMD. Note that, although a "stick-type" controller has been given as an example in the above explanation, the above problem also occurs with controllers that are held with both hands, such as general controllers for consumer games.

[0056] On the other hand, in the case of the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly input a desired one from among many kinds of input candidates (characters, symbols, etc.) as in the character input described in the embodiment. Also, since character input can be performed by simply touching the left and right fingers (mainly the thumbs) to the sensor or moving them while keeping them in contact, there is no need to check your hands to input characters.

[0057] Therefore, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure can realize an input operation such as selecting a desired candidate from a large number of selection candidates, which was difficult to do with a stick-type controller.

[0058] Next, a comparison will be made between the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure and a keyboard. When a general keyboard is used for character input, functions that can be realized in the form of a data glove (for example, a tracking function, etc.) may not be realized. In addition, a user who cannot touch type must input characters by looking at his / her hands. In addition, when a keyboard and an HMD are used together, it is difficult for the user to check the keys at hand, as with a stick-type controller, and it is difficult to input characters using the keyboard.

[0059] On the other hand, in the case of the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly input a desired item from among a wide variety of input candidates (characters, symbols, etc.) as in the character input described in the embodiment. Also, since character input can be performed by simply touching the left and right fingers (mainly the thumbs) to the sensor or moving them while keeping them in contact, there is no need to check your hands to input. Therefore, the data glove 1 according to the present disclosure allows for easier input with more functions than a keyboard.

[0060] Thus, according to the data glove 1 of the present disclosure, a wide variety of input operations can be quickly performed. In addition, even when the user cannot see his / her hands, such as when wearing an HMD, the user can perform input operations accurately and easily. The data glove 1 of the present disclosure can be used for input operations in general, but can be particularly suitably used as a VR input device for experiencing the metaverse space, for example.

[0061] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

[0062] The features described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. In addition, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations regardless of the reference form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Data Glove 1L Left hand glove 1R Right hand glove 11. Battery 12 Control section 13. Communications Department 14 Vibration Devices 15 Haptic Devices 16 Tracking Sensors L1~L8, R1~R8 First sensor L9, R9 Second sensor L11~L18, R11~R18 Sensors 2. Control device 21 Communications Department 22 Control section 23 Memory section 3. Display

Claims

1. Gloves and a first sensor provided on a first finger portion of the glove for detecting a touch of the finger; a second sensor provided on a second finger portion of the glove for detecting a direction of movement of the contacting finger; A data glove comprising:

2. The first sensor is provided in plurality on the first finger portion. The data glove of claim 1 .

3. The first sensor is provided at a portion between the joints of the first finger portion.

3. The data glove according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The detection surface of the second sensor has an area larger than that of the detection surface of the first sensor. The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first sensor and / or the second sensor are provided at a portion corresponding to a side surface of the finger of the glove. The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first finger portion and the second finger portion correspond to fingers other than the thumb of the glove. The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first sensor and the second sensor are provided on the glove at portions corresponding to the thumb side of the first and second fingers. The data glove of claim 6.

8. A communication unit is provided for transmitting and / or receiving an output signal of the first sensor or the second sensor between the data gloves and other data gloves. The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a control unit that identifies input contents based on a combination of output signals from the first sensor and the second sensor; The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Equipped with a vibration device or a tactile device The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Equipped with a tracking sensor for tracking hand movements The data glove according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A data glove set comprising a first and a second data glove, a first sensor provided on a first finger portion of the first and / or second data glove for detecting a touch of a finger; a second sensor provided on a second finger portion of the first and / or second data glove for detecting a direction of movement of the touching finger; A data glove set comprising:

13. the first sensor is provided in one of the first and second data gloves; The second sensor is provided in one of the first and second data gloves, which is not provided with the first sensor. The data glove set according to claim 12.

14. Gloves and A sensor is provided on a specific finger of the glove to detect the touch of the finger and the direction of the movement of the touched finger. Data globe.

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