Vibration device control apparatus, vibration device control method, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a vibration device control apparatus capable of allowing a vibration device to vibrate in a favorable manner which meets a user's needs.SOLUTION: A vibration device control apparatus comprises; a vibration drive section for supplying a drive signal to a vibration device for giving a vibration to a user via a support member which supports the user; and an information acquisition section for acquiring information including a value related to a load on the support member. The vibration drive section performs: supplying, to the vibration device, a signal indicating a reference vibration intensity as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is within the range of a reference value; supplying, to the vibration device, a signal indicating a vibration intensity weaker than the reference vibration intensity as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is larger than the reference value; and supplying, to the vibration device, a signal indicating a vibration intensity stronger than the reference vibration intensity as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is smaller than the reference value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vibration device that allows a user to sense vibration, a control method for a vibration device, a program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known vibration devices that give vibrations to a user for various purposes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vibration seat and its control device that can be used as a seat for a driver in a vehicle to prevent the driver from falling asleep while driving and can also function as a lumbar support that massages the lower back. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-266935 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even when a vibrating device itself vibrates, in many cases the vibration is not directly perceived by the user (the user's brain). For example, when a vibrating device is embedded in a seat on which a user sits or in a bed on which a user sleeps, the vibration of the vibrating device propagates to the surface of the seat or bed, and then to the user's skin, and is then perceived by the user.

[0005] Here, the intensity of the vibration perceived by the user when the vibration device vibrates may vary depending on, for example, the user's weight, the user's posture on the seat, the positional relationship between the user and the vibration device, and the material of the parts of the seat or the like that come into contact with the user.

[0006] The vibration device is preferably configured to provide a consistent vibration intensity to the user, even when used under conditions in which the intensity of vibration perceived by the user may vary, such as those described above.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and one of its objects is to provide a vibration device control device, a vibration device control method, a program, and a recording medium that are capable of vibrating a vibration device in a preferred manner that is tailored to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 comprises a vibration driving unit that supplies a driving signal to a vibration device that transmits vibrations to a user via a support member that supports the user, and an information acquiring unit that acquires information including a value related to the load on the support member, wherein the vibration driving unit supplies a signal indicating a reference vibration strength as a driving signal to the vibration device when the value related to the load on the support member is within a reference value range, supplies a signal indicating a vibration strength weaker than the reference vibration strength as a driving signal to the vibration device when the value related to the load on the support member is greater than the reference value, and supplies a signal indicating a vibration strength stronger than the reference vibration strength as a driving signal to the vibration device when the value related to the load on the support member is smaller than the reference value.

[0009] The invention described in claim 7 has a vibration drive unit that supplies a drive signal to a vibration device that transmits vibrations to a user via a support member that supports the user, and an information acquisition unit that acquires information including a value related to the load on the support member, and is characterized in that the vibration drive unit supplies a signal to the vibration device indicating a vibration intensity that decreases as the value related to the load on the support member increases.

[0010] The invention described in claim 8 is characterized by including the steps of: acquiring information including a value relating to the load applied to a support member that supports the user; and supplying a drive signal indicating a reference vibration intensity to a vibration device that transmits vibrations to the user via the support member when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is within a reference value range; supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity weaker than the reference vibration intensity when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is greater than the reference value; and supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity stronger than the reference vibration intensity when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is smaller than the reference value.

[0011] The invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that it has a computer execute the steps of acquiring information including a value relating to the load applied to a support member that supports a user, and supplying a drive signal indicating a reference vibration intensity to a vibration device that transmits vibrations to the user via the support member when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is within a reference value range, supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity weaker than the reference vibration intensity when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is greater than the reference value, and supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity stronger than the reference vibration intensity when the value relating to the load applied to the support member is smaller than the reference value.

[0012] The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that the program described in claim 9 is recorded therein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vibration system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 3 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the vibration system according to the first embodiment and a user. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram of a control device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing a control mode of a control device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing a control mode of a control device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a control device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a control device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a model of the relationship between the seat and the user of the vibration device in the vibration system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the vibration strength of the vibration device and the vibration mode of the seat in the vibration system according to the first embodiment, and the weight of the user. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vibration system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a control device in the vibration system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vibration system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control device in a vibration system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow of a control device in the vibration system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments. EXAMPLES

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic layout diagram of a vibration system 10 according to a first embodiment. The vibration system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The vibration system 10 includes a seat 20 on which a subject (hereinafter, referred to as a user) sits, a sound generating device 30 that generates sound, and a vibration device 4 that transmits vibrations to the user. 0, a user condition detection device 50 that detects the physiological condition of the user, and a control device 60 that controls these.

[0016] The vibration system 10 obtains an acoustic signal AS, which is an electric signal indicating data expressing sound, from a sound source SC. For example, the sound source SC includes a recording medium on which data for playing music is recorded and a device for reading the data from the recording medium. The vibration system 10 generates sound from a sound generating device 30 based on the acoustic signal AS, and vibrates the seat 20 with a vibration device 40.

[0017] In this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the operation of each of the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40. In this embodiment, the control device 60 adjusts the operation modes of the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40 based on the physiological state of the user detected by the user state detection device 50. In this embodiment, the control device 60 functions as a playback device that plays music in the vibration system 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, the seat 20 includes a seat portion 21 configured to support the buttocks and thighs of a user when the user sits on the seat 20, and a backrest portion (backrest, hereinafter referred to as the back portion) 22 configured to support the back and waist of the user. In this embodiment, the seat 20 also includes a head portion (headrest) configured to support the head of the user.

[0019] In this embodiment, the sound generating device 30 includes a center speaker (first sound generating unit) 31 arranged in front of the seat 20 and a user sitting on the seat 20, and a side speaker (second sound generating unit) 32 arranged on the side of the seat 20. The side speaker 32 is made up of a plurality of speakers, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. The center speaker 31 and the side speaker 32 each generate sounds in a different range from each other, for example.

[0020] In this embodiment, the vibration device 40 is embedded in the seat 40. The vibration device 40 includes a seat vibration unit (first vibration unit) 41 embedded in the seat 21 of the seat 20, and a back vibration unit (second vibration unit) 42 embedded in the back 22 of the seat 20.

[0021] The seat vibration unit 41 vibrates the surface (hereinafter referred to as the seat surface or the first contact portion) 21S or a part thereof that contacts the user in the seat 21 of the seat 20. The back vibration unit 42 vibrates the surface (hereinafter referred to as the back surface or the second contact portion) 22S or a part thereof that contacts the user in the back 22 of the seat 20. Each of the seat vibration unit 41 and the back vibration unit 42 may include a plurality of vibrators.

[0022] In this embodiment, the user state detection device 50 detects at least one of the user's heart rate, brain waves, respiratory rate, eye movement, blinking, and gaze, and detects changes therein. For example, the user state detection device 50 includes an imaging device, a biological information detection device, etc.

[0023] In this embodiment, the control device 60 drives the center speaker 31 and the side speaker 32 of the sound generating device 30 and the seat vibration unit 41 and the back vibration unit 42 of the vibration device 40 based on the acoustic signal AS. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40 perform sound generating operation and vibration operation, respectively, corresponding to the acoustic signal AS.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of the seat 20 in the vibration system 10. The user OB sitting on the seat is indicated by a dashed line. The positional relationship between the vibration system 10 and the user OB will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] In this embodiment, the buttocks and thighs of the user OB come into contact with the seat surface 21S of the seat 20. Moreover, the back and waist of the user OB come into contact with the rear surface 22S of the seat 20.

[0026] In this specification, a body part BP1 of the user OB that comes into contact with the seat surface 21S of the seat 20 may be referred to as a first part. Also, a body part BP2 of the user OB that comes into contact with the back surface 22S of the seat 20 may be referred to as a second part. In this embodiment, the second part BP2 is a body part of the user OB that is closer to the head HD of the user OB than the first part BP1.

[0027] Note that when the body of the user OB is described as being in contact with the seat 20, this includes both cases where a part of the body of the user OB is in direct contact with the seat 20 and cases where the part is in indirect contact with the seat 20. For example, when the buttocks or thighs of the user OB as the first part BP1 are in contact with the seat surface 21S of the seat 20, this includes cases where the buttocks or thighs are in contact with the seat surface 21S of the seat 20 through the clothes of the user OB, and cases where the buttocks or thighs are in contact with the seat surface 21S through the cover of the seat 20.

[0028] Meanwhile, the center speaker 31 and the side speaker 32 of the sound generating device 30 are not in contact with the user OB. That is, the sound generating device 30 is a part that generates sound waves that travel in space toward the user OB (i.e., the ears of the user OB) and can be said to be a part that gives the user OB hearing.

[0029] The vibration system 10 can be used to configure a vehicle-mounted vibration system by configuring a plurality of (e.g., four) seats 20 as seats in a car. However, the vibration system 10 can be used in various other environments as long as the seats 20 are configured to support a user. For example, the vibration system 10 can be used to configure a home vibration system by configuring the seats 20 as a home sofa or bed.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the control device 60. The configuration of the control device 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. First, the control device 60 has an awakening level determination unit 61 that determines the awakening level of the user OB.

[0031] The degree of arousal of the user OB is, for example, a measure for distinguishing or classifying the degree of arousal of the physiological state of the user OB. For example, the higher the degree of arousal, the more tense (excited) the user OB is, and the lower the degree of arousal, the more sleepy the user OB is. In this embodiment, the arousal degree determination unit 61 determines the degree of arousal of the user OB based on the physiological state of the user detected by the user state detection unit 50.

[0032] The control device 60 also includes a music selection and acquisition unit 62 that selectively acquires music from the music source SC based on the awakening level of the user OB. For example, the music source SC includes a plurality of music pieces. The music selection and acquisition unit 62 acquires a music piece that matches the awakening level of the user OB from among the plurality of music pieces included in the music source SC.

[0033] The control device 60 has a music playback unit 63 that plays the music acquired by the music selection acquisition unit 62. The music playback unit 63 has an audio signal generation unit 63A that generates an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as an audio signal) for generating a sound from the sound generation device 30 in response to the music.

[0034] For example, when generating sounds of the entire range of a piece of music from the sound generating device 30, the audio signal generating unit 63A generates the audio signal AS as an audio signal. When generating sounds of only the midrange and treble ranges of a piece of music from the sound generating device 30, the audio signal generating unit 63A extracts components of a predetermined frequency or higher from the audio signal AS to generate an audio signal.

[0035] The music playback unit 63 also has a vibration signal generation unit 63B that generates an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as a vibration signal) for vibrating the vibration device 40 in response to music. The vibration signal generation unit 63B extracts low-frequency components from the audio signal AS to generate a vibration signal. That is, in this embodiment, the vibration signal generation unit 63B generates a vibration signal that causes the vibration device 40 to vibrate to express the low-pitched sound of the music, for example.

[0036] In this embodiment, the vibration signal generating unit 63B extracts a frequency component (sound range) in the range of 20 to 200 Hz from the sound signal AS to generate a vibration signal. This is because vibrations with frequencies lower than 20 Hz may be uncomfortable vibrations that resonate with internal organs. Also, vibrations with frequencies higher than 200 Hz may be uncomfortable vibrations that cause tickling sensations. However, the configuration of the vibration signal generated by the vibration signal generating unit 63B is not limited to this.

[0037] The control device 60 has a load-related information acquisition unit (hereinafter simply referred to as information acquisition unit) 64 that acquires information including values ​​related to the load on the seat 20. The information acquisition unit 64 acquires in advance information including values ​​related to the load on the seat 20 when the user OB is not sitting on the seat 20, for example. Then, when the load on the seat 20, for example, when the user OB sits on the seat 20, changes, in this embodiment, the load on the portion of the seat 20 between the vibration device 40 and the user OB, the information acquisition unit 64 acquires information indicating that the load has changed and the value of the load.

[0038] In this embodiment, the information including a value related to the load on the seat 20 is information including a value related to the vibration state of the vibration device 40. For example, the information acquiring unit 64 acquires information including a value related to the actual vibration strength of the vibration device 40. Note that the value related to the vibration strength of the vibration device 40 is a value that can be calculated based on, for example, the actual displacement, speed, and acceleration of the vibration device 40.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the vibration device 40 has a displacement sensor, a speed sensor, or an acceleration sensor. The information acquisition unit 64 acquires, for example, detection values ​​of these sensors from the vibration device 40 to acquire the actual vibration intensity when the vibration device 40 is vibrating, as well as the difference from a reference intensity, which will be described later. Note that information related to the load applied to the seat 20 can also be calculated using information other than the vibration intensity of the vibration device 40. Therefore, if other calculable values ​​are acquired, they can be processed as values ​​related to the load applied to the seat 20.

[0040] The control device 60 has a drive unit 65 that drives the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40 based on information acquired by the information acquisition unit 64. The drive unit 65 has an audio drive unit 65A that generates electric signals (hereinafter referred to as audio drive signals) S1 and S2 that drive the sound generating device 30, and a vibration drive unit 65B that generates electric signals (hereinafter referred to as vibration drive signals) V1 and V2 that drive the vibration device 65B.

[0041] More specifically, the audio drive unit 65A generates an audio drive signal (first audio drive signal) V1 that drives the center speaker 31, and an audio drive signal (second audio drive signal) V2 that drives the side speaker 32. The vibration drive unit 65B generates a vibration drive signal (first vibration drive signal) V1 that drives the seat vibration unit 41, and a vibration drive signal (second vibration drive signal) V2 that drives the back vibration unit 42. The drive unit 65 controls these drives. A signal is provided to the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40 .

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, the vibration drive unit 65B corresponds to the vibration signal generated by the vibration signal generation unit 63B of the music playback unit 63, and supplies vibration drive signals V1 and V2 to the vibration device 40 so that the vibration device 40 vibrates at a frequency within the range of 20 to 200 Hz.

[0043] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the music playback unit 63. In this embodiment, the music playback unit 63 selects and plays music with different tempos depending on the alertness of the user OB. In this embodiment, when the alertness of the user OB is less than the first alertness (i.e., when it is determined that the user OB is sleepy, for example), the music playback unit 63 selects and plays an up-tempo music to encourage the user OB to wake up (generates an audio signal and a vibration signal). Also, when the alertness of the user OB is greater than the second alertness (i.e., when it is determined that the user OB is tense, for example), the music playback unit 63 selects and plays a slow-tempo music to encourage the user OB to relax.

[0044] In this embodiment, the music player 63 may select and play a song with a normal tempo when the awakening level of the user OB is between the first awakening level and the second awakening level. Note that, when music is already being played and the awakening level of the user OB is between the first awakening level and the second awakening level, the music player 63 may continue playing the music that is being played.

[0045] In this way, the music player 63 plays music at a tempo according to the awakening level of the user OB. In this embodiment, the music player 63 plays music at a slower tempo as the awakening level of the user OB increases. This makes it possible to provide music that stabilizes the awakening level of the user OB, i.e., the physiological state.

[0046] Note that the operation mode of the music playback unit 63 is not limited to this. For example, the music playback unit 63 may adjust the tempo during playback even for the same piece of music. For example, if music is already being played, the music playback unit 63 may adjust the tempo by speeding up the tempo of the music being played, instead of playing an up-tempo piece of music.

[0047] The first and second alertness levels, which are the criteria for tempo selection by the music playback unit 63, can be adjusted in various ways. For example, the first and second alertness levels may be the same value. In this case, the music playback unit 63 may select and adjust the tempo of the music based on whether or not a predetermined alertness level serving as a threshold value is exceeded.

[0048] In other words, the music playback unit 63 may be configured, for example, to play music at a fast tempo when the user OB has a low level of alertness, and to play music at a slow tempo when the user OB has a high level of alertness.

[0049] 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode of the vibration drive section 65B in the drive section 65. The vibration drive section 65B adjusts the vibration intensity of the vibration device 40 based on the magnitude of the load applied to the seat 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vibration drive unit 65B vibrates the vibration device 40 at a strength greater than the standard strength when a value related to the load applied to the seat (hereinafter referred to as the seat load) is less than a first load (first reference value). Moreover, the vibration drive unit 65B vibrates the vibration device 40 at a strength less than the standard strength when the seat load is greater than a second load (second reference value). Moreover, the vibration drive unit 65B vibrates the vibration device 40 at the standard strength when the seat load is between the first and second loads (within the range of the reference values).

[0051] Here, the reference strength refers to, for example, a value relating to the load applied to the seat 20 when a user OB under reference conditions (e.g., a user OB weighing 50 kg) sits on the seat 20, which is set as a reference load value, and the actual vibration strength of the vibration device 40 when the vibration device 40 is vibrated by drive signals V1 and V2 having predetermined characteristics (e.g., gain) in order to vibrate the seat 20 subjected to a load corresponding to the reference value.

[0052] Specifically, when the seat load is less than the first load, this corresponds to a case where the seat 20 is not heavily loaded, for example, when the weight of the user OB is relatively small (light). In this case, the force pressing down on the vibration device 40 via the cushion section 21 is small, so when the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 are supplied to the vibration device 40 with a gain that causes the vibration device 40 to vibrate at a reference intensity, the vibration device 40 actually vibrates at an intensity stronger than the reference intensity. In such a case, the vibration drive section 65B adjusts the gain of the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 so as to generate even stronger vibrations.

[0053] On the other hand, when the seat load is larger than the second load, this corresponds to a case where a large load is applied to the seat 20, for example, when the weight of the user OB is relatively large (heavy). In this case, when the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 are supplied to the vibration device 40 with a gain that causes the vibration device 40 to vibrate at the reference strength, the vibration device 40 often actually vibrates at a strength weaker than the reference strength. In such a case, the vibration drive unit 65B adjusts the gain of the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 so that an even weaker vibration is generated.

[0054] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of an operation flow of the control device 60. An operation routine of the control device 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. First, as shown in Fig. 6, the control device 60 acquires physiological information of the user OB by the awakening level determination unit 61 (step S11). Next, the awakening level determination unit 61 determines the awakening level of the user OB based on the physiological information (step S12).

[0055] The music player 63 determines whether the awakening level of the user OB is less than the first awakening level (step S13). If the awakening level of the user OB is less than the first awakening level, the music player 63 generates an audio signal and a vibration signal from the audio signal AS to play an up-tempo piece of music (step S14).

[0056] On the other hand, when the awakening level of the user OB is equal to or higher than the first awakening level, the music player 63 determines whether or not it is higher than the second awakening level (step S15). When the awakening level of the user OB is higher than the second awakening level, the music player 63 generates an audio signal and a vibration signal from the acoustic signal AS to play a slow tempo song (step S16). When the awakening level of the user OB is between the first and second awakening levels, the music player 63 plays a normal tempo song (step S17).

[0057] Next, the operation routine of the information acquisition unit 64 and the driving unit 65 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, after steps S14, S16, and S17 are executed by the music playback unit 63, the information acquisition unit 64 acquires information on the actual vibration intensity of the vibration device 40 as load information (information on the seat load) (step S21). Also, for example, the information acquisition unit 64 acquires information on the difference between the reference intensity and the actual vibration intensity.

[0058] Next, the vibration driving unit 65B judges whether the seat load is less than the first load (step S22). If the seat load is less than the first load, the vibration driving unit 65B drives the vibration device 40 so that the vibration device 40 vibrates with an intensity stronger than the reference intensity (step S23). For example, the vibration driving unit 65B drives the vibration driving signals V1 and V2 so that the gain of the vibration driving signals V1 and V2 is greater than the reference intensity. The vibration drive signals V1 and V2 are adjusted to be greater than the corresponding gains.

[0059] On the other hand, when the seat load is equal to or greater than the first load, the vibration drive unit 65B determines whether or not the seat load is greater than the second load (step S24). When the seat load is greater than the second load, the vibration drive unit 65B drives the vibration device 40 so that the vibration device 40 vibrates at an intensity weaker than the reference intensity (step S25). For example, the vibration drive unit 65B adjusts the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 so that the gains of the vibration drive signals V1 and V2 are greater than the gain corresponding to the reference intensity.

[0060] Also, when the seat load is between the first and second loads, the vibration driving unit 65B drives the vibration device 40 so that the vibration device 40 vibrates at the reference intensity (step S26). In this routine, the control device 60 controls the operation of each device and performs music playback operation.

[0061] Next, the relationship between the driving mode of the vibration device 40 by the vibration drive unit 65B and the vibration intensity transmitted to the user OB will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a diagram in which the seat 20, the vibration device 40, and the user OB are modeled to define the transmission characteristics of vibration. Fig. 8 shows a part of the seat 21 of the seat 20, the seat vibration unit 41 of the vibration device 40, and the first part BP1 of the user. Fig. 8 is also a schematic cross-sectional view of these.

[0062] The transmission characteristics of the vibration generated by the vibration device 40 until it is transmitted to the user OB can be considered by modeling it as a viscoelastic model as shown in Fig. 8. More specifically, the seat part 21 of the seat 20 is composed of a rigid plate 21A and a cushion part (a part that easily deforms when a load is applied) 21B.

[0063] A load is applied by the first part BP1 of the user OB to the surface 21S of the seat 21 (the surface of the cushion part 21B in this embodiment). The seat vibration unit 41 of the vibration device 40 includes a vibrator (e.g., a magnetic body) 41A and a case 41B that supports the vibrator 41A and applies a vibration force (e.g., a magnetic force) to the vibrator 41A, and is embedded in the cushion part 21B as a whole.

[0064] Here, the mass of the vibrator 41A of the seat vibration unit 41 is taken as mass m1, and the vibrator 41A is supported by the case 41B with a spring constant k1 and a damping coefficient c1. The mass of the case 41B is taken as mass m2, and the case part 41B is placed between the rigid plate 21A and the surface 21S and is supported by the cushion part 21B with a spring constant k2 and a damping coefficient c2. The weight of the user OB is taken as mass m3.

[0065] In this case, it is assumed that the vibrator 41A performs a reciprocating motion in the direction toward the user OB within the case 41B with a displacement x1, a velocity v1, and an acceleration a1. It is also assumed that a force f1 is generated by this reciprocating motion.

[0066] The vibration of the vibrator 41A is transmitted to the case 41B, and reciprocates in the direction toward the user OB with a displacement x2, a velocity v2, and an acceleration a2. This reciprocating motion generates a force f2.

[0067] The reciprocating motion of the case 41B becomes vibration of the vibration device 40, which is transmitted within the cushion part 21B, vibrating the entire cushion part 21B. The vibration of the cushion part 21B becomes vibration (reciprocating motion) of the surface 21S of the seat part 21. The surface 21S of the seat part 21 reciprocates with a displacement x3, a speed v3, and an acceleration a3. The reciprocating motion generates a force f3.

[0068] In such a case, the strength of the vibration perceived by the user OB corresponds to, for example, the magnitude of the force f3 generated by the reciprocating motion of the surface 21S of the seat 20. For example, the greater the force f3, the greater the vibration strength perceived by the user OB.

[0069] 9 is a diagram showing a simulation result of the relationship between the weight of the user OB, i.e., mass m3, and the acceleration a1 of the vibrator 41A, and the relationship between the mass m3 and the excitation force (force corresponding to force f3) of the seat 20. Note that, to perform this simulation, the masses m1 and m2 were set to 0.05 kg, the spring constant k1 was set to 1000 N / m, and the damping coefficient c1 was set to 10 N / (m / s).

[0070] In addition, when the mass m3 (i.e., the weight of the user OB) changes within a range of 40 to 120 kg, the spring constant k2 of the cushion part 21B changes within a range of 2000 to 6000 N / m, and the damping coefficient c2 changes within a range of 4 to 12 N / (m / s). Note that these exemplary values ​​were defined with reference to the materials of seats in general vehicles, movie theaters, etc.

[0071] In addition, in such a case, the changes in the acceleration a1 and the excitation force (force f3) of the vibrator 41A when an AC voltage of a predetermined amplitude at a frequency F of 60 Hz is applied as a vibration drive signal V1 to the vibration device 40 (seat vibration unit 41) were simulated using the following equation of motion.

[0072] First, the equation of motion of the transducer 41A can be expressed, for example, by the formula m1·a1=f1-k1(x1-x2)-c1(v1-v2). The equation of motion of the case 41B can be expressed, for example, by the formula m2·a2=f2-(c2·v2)-(k2·x2)-c1(v2-v1)-k1(x2-x1)-c2(v2-v3)-k2(x2-x3). The equation of motion of the surface 21S of the seat 21 can be expressed, for example, by the formula m3·a3=f3-k2(x3-x2)-x2(v3-v2).

[0073] In this case, if A is a constant, t is the time variable, and g is the gravitational acceleration, the force f1 can be expressed as f1 = A sin(2πft) - m1 g. Additionally, the force f2 can be expressed as f2 = -A sin(2πft) + f1 + f3. Additionally, the force f3 can be expressed as f3 = m3 g. By substituting the above numerical values ​​into these formulas, the simulation results shown in Figure 9 can be obtained.

[0074] First, referring to the graph at the top of the figure, if the vibration drive unit 65B does not adjust the vibration intensity (in the case of "no control"), it can be seen that the actual acceleration a1 of the vibrator 41A (i.e., the actual vibration intensity of the vibration device 40) becomes smaller as the weight of the user OB increases.

[0075] On the other hand, referring to the graph at the bottom of the figure, it can be seen that the greater the weight of the user OB, the greater the excitation force, i.e., the vibration strength perceived by the user. This is because the greater the load (the weight of the user OB in this embodiment) on the cushion part 21B, the greater the compression of the cushion part 21, and the greater both the spring constant k2 and the damping coefficient c2 become, resulting in a greater excitation force (force f3).

[0076] In other words, the inventors of the present application have found that when vibrations are generated in the seat 20 and transmitted (perceived) by the user OB, if the load on the seat 20 is large, such as if the user OB is heavy, the vibrations can be sufficiently perceived by the user OB even if the vibration device 40 does not vibrate strongly. Similarly, the inventors of the present application have found that if the load on the seat 20 is small, such as if the user OB is light, the vibrations can be sufficiently perceived by the user OB even if the vibration device 40 does not vibrate strongly. It was found that the vibration could not be perceived.

[0077] In response to this, the vibration driving unit 65B obtains information regarding the seat load from the actual vibration strength (i.e., the difference from the reference strength) of the vibration device 40. Then, as shown in "with control" in the upper graph of Fig. 9, the vibration driving unit 65B drives the vibration device 40 to generate weak vibrations when the seat load is large and strong vibrations when the seat load is small.

[0078] As a result, as shown in "With control" in Figure 9, even if, for example, the weight of user OB is different, or in other cases, the posture of user OB on seat 20 is different, or the load on seat 20 changes due to the moving state of the vehicle, etc., it is possible to generate and transmit vibrations of a stable intensity that is tailored to the user OB.

[0079] In this embodiment, the vibration system 10 has a sound generating device 30 and a vibration device 40, and music is played by these devices. Also, the vibration device 40 vibrates in response to music. However, the configuration of the vibration system 10 is not limited to this. For example, the vibration system 10 does not need to have a sound generating device 30. In this case, the control device 60 functions as a control device for the vibration device 40.

[0080] Also, the case where the vibration device 40 is composed of the seat vibration unit 41 and the back vibration unit 42 has been described. However, the configuration of the vibration device 40 is not limited to this. The vibration device 40 may have other vibration units, or may be composed of only one vibration unit. Furthermore, the vibration device 40 may be configured to give vibration to the user OB via a member other than the seat 20. For example, the vibration device 40 may be configured to transmit vibration to the user OB via various support members that support the user OB.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the control device 60 adjusts the tempo of the music to be played according to the awakening level of the user OB. However, the control device 60 is not limited to adjusting the tempo. In addition, in this case, the vibration system 10 is not limited to having the user state detection unit 50.

[0082] Furthermore, the control device 60 can perform the same operation with a vibration device other than the vibration device 40 as long as the vibration device transmits vibrations to the user OB via various support members such as the seat 20.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the vibration drive unit 65B adjusts the vibration intensity of the vibration device 40 depending on whether the seat load is less than the first load or greater than the second load. However, for example, the vibration drive unit 65B may set a load between the first and second loads as a reference load (reference value) and adjust the vibration intensity depending on whether the seat load is within the range of the reference load.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the control device 60 has a vibration drive unit 65B that supplies drive signals (vibration drive signals V1 and V2) to the vibration device 40 that transmits vibrations to the user OB via a support member (seat 20) that supports the user OB, and an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires information including values ​​related to the load applied to the support member.

[0085] Furthermore, when the value relating to the load on the support member is within the range of the reference value, vibration drive unit 65B supplies a signal indicating a reference vibration strength (reference strength) to vibration device 40 as a drive signal, when the value relating to the load on the support member is greater than the reference value, a signal indicating a vibration strength weaker than the reference vibration strength to vibration device 40 as a drive signal, and when the value relating to the load on the support member is smaller than the reference value, a signal indicating a vibration strength stronger than the reference vibration strength to vibration device 40 as a drive signal. to the vibration device 40. Therefore, it is possible to provide a control device 60 that is capable of vibrating the vibration device 40 in a manner that is suitable for the user.

[0086] Also, for example, in this embodiment, the control device 60 has a vibration drive unit 65B that supplies drive signals (vibration drive signals V1 and V2) to the vibration device 40 that transmits vibrations to the user via a support member (seat 20) that supports the user OB, and an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires information including a value related to the load on the support member, and the vibration drive unit 65B supplies a signal indicating a vibration intensity that decreases as the value related to the load on the support member increases to the vibration device 40. Therefore, it is possible to provide a control device 60 that can vibrate the vibration device 40 in a preferred manner tailored to the user.

[0087] In addition, this embodiment can also be implemented as a method for controlling the vibration device 40 by executing the steps shown in FIG. 7, for example. More specifically, for example, the control method for the vibration device 40 according to this embodiment includes a step S21 of acquiring information including a value related to the load applied to the support member (seat 20) supporting the user OB, and a step (steps S26, S23, and S25, respectively) of supplying a drive signal (vibration drive signals V1 and V2) indicating a reference vibration intensity (reference intensity) to the vibration device 40 that transmits vibration to the user OB via the support member when the value related to the load applied to the support member is within a reference value range, supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity weaker than the reference vibration intensity when the value related to the load applied to the support member is greater than the reference value, and supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity stronger than the reference vibration intensity when the value related to the load applied to the support member is smaller than the reference value. Thus, it is possible to provide a control method for a vibration device that can vibrate the vibration device 40 in a preferred manner tailored to the user.

[0088] In addition, this embodiment can be implemented as, for example, a program that causes a computer that controls the vibration device to operate like the control device 60, or a program that executes the above-mentioned control method. More specifically, the program according to this embodiment causes the computer to execute the steps of: acquiring information including a value related to the load on the support member (seat 20) that supports the user OB in step S21; and supplying a drive signal (vibration drive signals V1 and V2) indicating a reference vibration intensity (reference intensity) to the vibration device 40 that transmits vibration to the user OB via the support member when the value related to the load on the support member is within a reference value range; supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity weaker than the reference vibration intensity when the value related to the load on the support member is greater than the reference value; and supplying a drive signal indicating a vibration intensity stronger than the reference vibration intensity when the value related to the load on the support member is smaller than the reference value (steps S26, S23, and S25, respectively). Thus, it is possible to provide a control program for the vibration device that can vibrate the vibration device 40 in a preferred mode tailored to the user. In addition, for example, this embodiment can be implemented as a recording medium by recording the program. EXAMPLES

[0089] 10 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a vibration system 10A according to Example 2. The vibration system 10A has a similar configuration to the vibration system 10, except that the vibration system 10A has a pressure gauge 70 as means for detecting the seat load.

[0090] In the vibration system 10A, the value related to the seat load is detected as a pressure applied to the seat, not as an actual vibration strength of the vibration device 40. In this case, the information acquisition unit 64 of the control device 60 acquires information related to the pressure applied to the seat as the load information. That is, in this embodiment, the value related to the load applied to the seat 20 is a value related to the pressure applied to the seat 20.

[0091] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the operation flow of the control device 60. In this embodiment, the control device 60 executes the following steps instead of step S21. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 64 acquires information related to the measurement value of the pressure gauge 70 as the load information (step S21A). Note that the operation flow before and after this step S21A is the same as that in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0092] As in this embodiment, the information regarding the load on the seat 20 acquired by the information acquisition unit 64 may be information regarding the pressure on the seat 20. In this case, it is determined that the load on the seat 20 is greater as the pressure on the seat 20 is greater.

[0093] For example, when the pressure on the seat 20 is less than (or greater than) the reference pressure, the vibration drive unit 65B supplies vibration drive signals V1 and V2 to the vibration device 40 so as to vibrate with a strong (or weak) intensity. This makes it possible to provide a control device 60 (control method, program, or recording medium) capable of vibrating the vibration device 40 in a preferred mode suited to the user, similar to the first embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0094] 12 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a vibration system 10B according to Example 3. The vibration system 10B has an expansion device 80 that changes the position of the vibration device 40 in the seat 20 by expanding and contracting. The vibration system 10B also has a control device 60A that controls the expansion device 80, in addition to the sound generating device 30 and the vibration device 40. In other respects, the vibration system 10B has the same configuration as the vibration system 10.

[0095] In this embodiment, the expansion device 80 has a seat expansion unit 81 that changes the position between the seat vibration unit 41 and the surface 21S of the seat 21 by expanding and contracting, and a back expansion unit 82 that changes the position between the back vibration unit 42 and the surface 22S of the back 22. For example, each of the seat expansion unit 81 and the back expansion unit 82 includes a bladder.

[0096] 13 is a block diagram of the control device 60A. The control device 60A has the same configuration as the control device 60, except for the configuration of the drive unit 65M. In this embodiment, the drive unit 65M has, in addition to the sound drive unit 65A and the vibration drive unit 65B, an expansion drive unit 65C that drives the expansion device 80 by supplying electrical signals (hereinafter referred to as first and second expansion drive signals) E1 and E2 to the expansion device 80 to expand and contract the expansion device 80.

[0097] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation flow of the control device 60A. Fig. 14 shows a part of the operation flow of the control device 60A. The control device 60A executes the following steps instead of steps S23, S25, and S25.

[0098] Specifically, when it is determined in step S22 that the seat load is less than the first load, the expansion drive unit 65C expands the expansion device 80 to bring the vibration device 40 closer to the user OB (step S23A). Here, as the vibration device 40 approaches the user OB, a situation similar to that in which the seat 20 is further crushed occurs, and the vibration of the vibration device 40 is transmitted to the user OB more strongly.

[0099] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S24 that the seat load is greater than the second load, the inflation drive unit 65C contracts the inflation device 80 to move the user OB away from the vibration device 40 (step S25A). In this case, the situation is similar to that in the case where the seat 20 is no longer crushed, and the vibration of the vibration device is transmitted to the user OB weaker.

[0100] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S24 that the seat load is equal to or less than the second load, the expansion drive section 65C maintains the state of the expansion device 80, thereby maintaining the relative position between the vibration device 40 and the user OB.

[0101] Thus, in this embodiment, the vibration system 10B has an expansion device 80 that adjusts the position of the vibration device 40 relative to the user OB (surfaces 21S and 22S of the seat 20). The control device 60A drives the expansion device 80 to adjust the position of the vibration device 40 relative to the user OB, and adjusts the strength of the vibration transmitted by the vibration device 40 to the user OB.

[0102] In this way, even when the inflation device 80 is controlled, it is possible to provide vibration of stable intensity to the user OB even when the load applied to the seat 20 is different, such as when the weight of the user OB is different, as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vibration drive unit 65B does not need to change the vibration intensity by adjusting the vibration drive signals V1 and V2.

[0103] In this embodiment, the case where the vibration device 40 is moved by expanding and contracting the expansion device 80 has been described. However, as long as the position of the vibration device 40 can be changed, the invention is not limited to the case where the expansion device 80 is installed. For example, the vibration system 10B may have an actuator that changes the position of the vibration device 40 relative to the user OB.

[0104] Thus, in this embodiment, the control device 60A has a vibration driving unit 65B that drives the vibration device 40 that transmits vibrations to the user OB via the support member (seat 20) that supports the user OB, an actuator driving unit (expansion driving unit 65C) that drives an actuator (expansion device 80) that changes the relative position between the vibration device 40 and the part of the support member that transmits vibrations to the user OB (surface 21S or 22S), and an information acquisition unit 64 that acquires information including values ​​related to the load applied to the support member.

[0105] For example, when the value of the load on the support member is smaller than a reference value, the actuator driving unit moves the vibration device 40 closer to the part of the support member that transmits vibration to the user OB, and when the value of the load on the support member is larger than the reference value, the actuator driving unit moves the vibration device 40 away from the part of the support member that transmits vibration to the user OB. Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide a control device 60A that can vibrate the vibration device 40 in a preferred mode tailored to the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 40 Vibration device 60, 60A Control Device

Claims

[Claim 1] a vibration driving unit that supplies a driving signal to a vibration device that transmits vibrations to a user via a support member that supports the user; An information acquisition unit that acquires information including a value related to a load applied to the support member, The control device is characterized in that the vibration drive unit supplies a signal indicating a standard vibration strength to the vibration device as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is within a standard value range, supplies a signal indicating a vibration strength weaker than the standard vibration strength to the vibration device as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is greater than the standard value, and supplies a signal indicating a vibration strength stronger than the standard vibration strength to the vibration device as the drive signal when the value related to the load on the support member is smaller than the standard value.

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