Vibration generation control device, vibration generation control program, vibration generation control method, and vibration generation system

Abstract

To provide a vibration generation control device, a vibration generation control program, a vibration generation control method, and a vibration generation system that enable the texture expression using a pseudo tractional force illusion.SOLUTION: A vibration generation control device for controlling a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibrations has an acceleration acquisition unit for acquiring the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor provided on the device and a vibration generation control unit for generating a force in any direction on the device by causing the device to vibrate in response to the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration generation control device, a vibration generation control program, a vibration generation control method, and a vibration generation system.

Background Art

[0002] A device used while being held by a user may have, for example, a vibration mechanism (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a vibration mechanism) that vibrates the device itself. Specifically, such a device can cause a user to perceive an illusion (hereinafter, also referred to as a pseudo-traction illusion) as if a traction force (hereinafter, also referred to as a pseudo-traction force) is generated in any direction by causing the vibration mechanism to generate vibrations corresponding to a predetermined waveform (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the above fields, for example, the realization of various texture expressions by using the pseudo-traction illusion is required.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration generation control device, a vibration generation control program, a vibration generation control method, and a vibration generation system that enable texture expression using the pseudo-traction illusion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vibration generation control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a vibration generation control device that controls a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibration, and includes an acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor included in the device, and a vibration generation control unit that causes the device to vibrate according to the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit, thereby generating a gravitational force on the device in any direction.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vibration generation control device, vibration generation control program, vibration generation control method, and vibration generation system of the present invention, it is possible to achieve texture expression using the pseudo-gravitational force illusion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Configuration Example of Information Processing System 10 in the First Embodiment] First, a configuration example of the information processing system 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as the vibration generation system 10) in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 10 in the first embodiment.

[0010] The information processing system 10 includes, for example, an information processing apparatus 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as the vibration generation control apparatus 1), a device 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as the vibration generation device 2), and a controller 3. And the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the device 2 by wire or wirelessly, for example, and can communicate with the device 2. Also, the information processing apparatus 1 is connected to the controller 3 by wire or wirelessly, for example, and can communicate with the controller 3.

[0011] Device 2 is a device having a size and shape that can be held by user OB. Specifically, device 2 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like member. Also, device 2 is a device having a size and shape that can be worn on the hand, body, etc. of user OB.

[0012] And device 2 has an acceleration sensor 2a that measures data indicating the acceleration of the device itself (hereinafter also simply referred to as acceleration data). The acceleration sensor 2a is, for example, a sensor that continuously measures the acceleration data generated in device 2. Specifically, the acceleration sensor 2a continuously measures the acceleration data generated when user OB shakes device 2 while holding (wearing) device 2. And the acceleration sensor 2a continuously transmits the measured acceleration data to the information processing device 1, for example.

[0013] Also, device 2 has a vibration mechanism 2b that generates vibration in the device itself, for example. The vibration mechanism 2b is composed of a plurality of actuators (not shown), for example. And the vibration mechanism 2b generates a pseudo-gravitational force in device 2 by operating each of the plurality of actuators to vibrate device 2, and as a result, causes user OB who is holding (wearing) device 2 to perceive a pseudo-gravitational force illusion.

[0014] Specifically, the vibration mechanism 2b controls the operation of each actuator so that vibration (asymmetric vibration) corresponding to data regarding a waveform (hereinafter also simply referred to as waveform data) continuously transmitted from the information processing device 1 occurs in device 2. The waveform data is, for example, waveform data regarding the magnitude of the current input to each actuator. More specifically, the vibration mechanism 2b generates vibration in device 2 by inputting a current of the magnitude indicated by the waveform data continuously transmitted from the information processing device 1 to each actuator.

[0015] Note that, in the device 2, other objects such as a container capable of accommodating various liquids, solids, etc. (hereinafter, also simply referred to as other objects) may be attached. Specifically, in the device 2, for example, other objects may be fixed. Hereinafter, the device 2 and other objects attached to the device 2 are collectively also simply referred to as the device 2.

[0016] The controller 3 is, for example, a device that receives an input of parameters (hereinafter, also simply referred to as parameters) used when the information processing device 1 generates waveform data. Specifically, for example, when the user OB inputs parameters via an input screen (not shown) that the controller 3 has, the controller 3 transmits the input parameters to the information processing device 1.

[0017] Note that, hereinafter, the case where the controller 3 is separate from the information processing device 1 will be described, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, the controller 3 may be, for example, a device integrated with the information processing device 1 (for example, a device built into the information processing device 1).

[0018] The information processing device 1 continuously generates waveform data corresponding to vibrations generated in the device 2 based on, for example, acceleration data continuously transmitted from the device 2 (that is, time-series data of acceleration data) and parameters transmitted from the controller 3. Then, the information processing device 1 continuously transmits the generated waveform data to the device 2, for example.

[0019] That is, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment generates waveform data capable of generating a pseudo-gravitational force illusion corresponding to the acceleration data at each timing (hereinafter also simply referred to as timing) at which the acceleration data in the acceleration sensor 2a is measured. Then, for example, each time the information processing apparatus 1 generates waveform data, it transmits the generated waveform data to the device 2. Thereafter, for example, each time the device 2 receives the waveform data from the information processing apparatus 1, it generates vibrations corresponding to the received waveform data to cause the user OB to perceive a pseudo-gravitational force illusion.

[0020] Accordingly, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment can continuously change the pseudo-gravitational force illusion perceived by the user OB in accordance with the continuous change in the acceleration data in the device 2 (that is, the change in the swinging motion performed by the user OB with respect to the device 2).

[0021] In this regard, the pseudo-gravitational force illusion perceived by the user OB is an illusion that presents the user OB with a sensation equivalent to, for example, the case where a change in the center of gravity of the device 2 occurs (a sensation accompanying the occurrence of shear in the user OB's hand or fingers). Also, the texture of the device 2 perceived by the user OB is, for example, a sensation perceived along with the change in the center of gravity of the device 2.

[0022] Therefore, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 can present the user OB with the texture of the device 2 by continuously generating vibrations corresponding to the waveform data at each timing. Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 can present the user OB with a texture as if a liquid or a solid is contained in another object.

[0023] Furthermore, for example, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment generates the waveform data at each timing by using not only the acceleration data at each timing but also the parameters transmitted from the controller 3.

[0024] As a result, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment can, for example, cause the device 2 to generate vibrations according to parameters transmitted from the controller 3. Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 1, for example, by appropriately changing the parameters, it becomes possible to present various textures related to the device 2 to the user OB. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 can, for example, sequentially present to the user OB a texture as if various types of liquids and solids are contained in other objects.

[0025] Note that, for example, when the information processing apparatus 1 is preset in the parameters, the information processing apparatus 1 may generate waveform data without receiving the parameters from the controller 3.

[0026] [Configuration Example of Device 2 in the First Embodiment] Next, a configuration example of the device 2 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the device 2 in a state where the object 4 is fixed. FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams for explaining specific examples when the user OB moves the device 2.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 2 has, for example, a device main body 21 that is a rectangular plate-like member, and a cable 22 that wired-connects the device main body 21 and the information processing apparatus 1. And, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, an object 4 having, for example, a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape is fixed to the device 2. The object 4 is, for example, a container that can accommodate various liquids and solids.

[0028] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, after the user OB holds the device 2 (object 4) from the Z2 direction side (downward side), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the user OB swings the device 2 in the directions of the X1 direction side and the X2 direction side, respectively.

[0029] Specifically, user OB alternately repeats the operation of swinging device 2 toward the X1 direction side (Fig. 4) and the operation of swinging device 2 toward the X2 direction side (Fig. 5).

[0030] As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, for example, when device 2 is swung toward the X1 direction side, a pseudo-traction force F1 directed toward the X1 direction side is generated in device 2.

[0031] That is, in this case, the acceleration sensor 2a measures, for example, the acceleration data of device 2 in the state shown in Fig. 4 and transmits it to the information processing device 1. Then, in this case, the information processing device 1 generates waveform data using, for example, the acceleration data transmitted from the acceleration sensor 2a, and transmits the generated waveform data to the vibration mechanism 2b. After that, the vibration mechanism 2b generates the pseudo-traction force F1 shown in Fig. 4 in device 2 (object 4) by performing vibrations according to the waveform data received from the information processing device 1, for example.

[0032] Also, as shown in Fig. 5, for example, when device 2 is swung toward the X2 direction side, a pseudo-traction force F2 directed toward the X2 direction side is generated in device 2.

[0033] That is, in this case, the acceleration sensor 2a measures, for example, the acceleration data of device 2 in the state shown in Fig. 5 and transmits it to the information processing device 1. Then, in this case, the information processing device 1 generates waveform data using, for example, the acceleration data transmitted from the acceleration sensor 2a, and transmits the generated waveform data to the vibration mechanism 2b. After that, the vibration mechanism 2b generates the pseudo-traction force F2 shown in Fig. 5 in device 2 (object 4) by performing vibrations according to the waveform data received from the information processing device 1, for example.

[0034] When device 2 is worn on the hand of user OB, user OB may, for example, perform an operation of swinging object 4 while holding object 4 via device 2. And in this case as well, the information processing device 1 may similarly generate a pseudo-traction force in device 2, for example.

[0035] [Configuration Example of Information Processing Apparatus 1 in the First Embodiment] Next, a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 1 in the first embodiment.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 1 includes, for example, a CPU 101 which is a processor, a memory 102, a communication device 103, a storage medium 104, and an output device 105. Each unit is connected to each other via a bus 106.

[0037] The storage medium 104 has, for example, a program storage area (not shown) that stores a program 110 for performing a process of controlling vibrations generated in the device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as a vibration generation control process). That is, the vibration generation control process is, for example, a process of generating waveform data at each timing.

[0038] Further, the storage medium 104 has, for example, a storage unit 130 (hereinafter also referred to as an information storage area 130) that stores information used when performing the vibration generation control process. Note that the storage medium 104 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0039] The CPU 101 executes, for example, the program 110 loaded from the storage medium 104 to the memory 102 to perform the vibration generation control process.

[0040] The communication device 103 makes a wired or wireless connection with the device 2, for example, and communicates with the device 2. Further, the communication device 103 makes a wired or wireless connection with the controller 3, for example, and communicates with the controller 3.

[0041] The output device 105 is, for example, a device such as a display, and is a device that outputs (displays) information indicating the result of the vibration generation control process.

[0042] Hereinafter, the case where the information processing system 10 has one information processing apparatus 1 will be described. However, the information processing system 10 may have, for example, a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1. And the vibration generation control process may be performed, for example, distributively in a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1.

[0043] [Outline of Vibration Generation Control Process in the First Embodiment] Next, an outline of the vibration generation control process in the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the vibration generation control process in the first embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 1 realizes each function including, for example, a parameter acquisition unit 111, an information management unit 112, an acceleration acquisition unit 113, and a vibration generation control unit 114.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, acceleration data 131, parameters 132, and waveform data 133 are stored in the information storage area 130.

[0046] The parameter acquisition unit 111 acquires, for example, the parameter 132 input via the controller 3 (the parameter 132 transmitted from the controller 3). The parameter 132 is, for example, a parameter related to the waveform corresponding to the vibration generated in the device 2 (vibration mechanism 2b). Specifically, the parameter 132 may include, for example, at least any one of the type, frequency, and output intensity (amplitude) of the waveform corresponding to the vibration generated in the device 2. The parameter 132 may include, for example, the time (hereinafter also referred to as the delay time) from the timing at which the acceleration data is measured in the acceleration sensor 2a (hereinafter also referred to as the measurement timing) to the timing at which the vibration is generated in the device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the generation timing). And the information management unit 112 stores, for example, the parameter 132 acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 111 in the information storage area 130.

[0047] The acceleration acquisition unit 113 acquires, for example, the acceleration data 131 transmitted from the device 2 (acceleration sensor 2a). Then, the information management unit 112 stores, for example, the acceleration data 131 acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 113 in the information storage area 130.

[0048] The vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, waveform data 133 according to the parameter 132 (parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130) acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 111 and the acceleration data 131 (acceleration data 131 stored in the information storage area 130) acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 113. Specifically, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, the waveform data 133 (i.e., the latest waveform data 133) by using the acquired acceleration data 131 (i.e., the latest acceleration data 131) each time the acceleration acquisition unit 113 acquires the acceleration data 131. Then, the vibration generation control unit 114 transmits, for example, the generated waveform data 133 to the device 2.

[0049] [Details of Vibration Generation Control Processing in the First Embodiment] Next, the details of the vibration generation control processing in the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9 to 17 are diagrams for explaining the details of the vibration generation control processing in the first embodiment.

[0050] [Parameter Acquisition Processing] First, among the vibration generation control processing, the processing for acquiring the parameter 132 (hereinafter also referred to as parameter acquisition processing) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the parameter acquisition processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the parameter acquisition processing in the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, the parameter acquisition unit 111 waits, for example, until it acquires the parameter 132 (parameter 132 transmitted from the controller 3) input via the controller 3 (NO in S11).

[0052] When the parameter 132 is acquired (YES in S11), the information management unit 112 stores, for example, the acquired parameter 132 in the information storage area 130 (S12). Hereinafter, specific examples of the parameter 132 will be described.

[0053] [Specific Examples of Parameter 132] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the parameter 132. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the parameter 132 including the type, frequency, output intensity (amplitude), and delay time of the waveform corresponding to the vibration generated in the device 2.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the parameter 132 has items such as "output intensity" indicating the output intensity (amplitude) of the waveform corresponding to the vibration generated in the device 2 (vibration mechanism 2b), "frequency" indicating the frequency of the waveform, "delay time" indicating the delay time of the waveform, and "type" indicating the identification number for the type of the waveform.

[0055] Specifically, in the parameter 132 shown in FIG. 10, for example, "100 (%)" is set as the "output intensity", "230 (Hz)" is set as the "frequency", "0.2 (seconds)" is set as the "delay time", and "3" is set as the "type".

[0056] [Main Process of Vibration Generation Control Process] Next, the main process of the vibration generation control process (hereinafter also simply referred to as the main process) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the main process in the first embodiment. FIGS. 12 to 17 are diagrams for explaining the main process in the first embodiment. Note that the main process is a process performed, for example, after the parameter acquisition process.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11, the acceleration acquisition unit 113 waits until, for example, it acquires acceleration data 131 (hereinafter also referred to as acceleration data 131a) transmitted from the device 2 (acceleration sensor 2a) (NO in S11). That is, the acceleration data 131a is the latest acceleration data 131 transmitted from the device 2.

[0058] When the acceleration data 131a is acquired (YES in S11), the vibration generation control unit 114 specifies basic data DT (hereinafter also simply referred to as basic data DT) for a waveform corresponding to the type of waveform indicated by the parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130, for example (S12). That is, in this case, the vibration generation control unit 114 specifies, for example, the basic data DT used when generating the waveform data 133 among the parameters 132 stored in the information storage area 130.

[0059] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when basic data DT with an identification number of "1" (hereinafter also referred to as basic data DT1), basic data DT with an identification number of "2" (hereinafter also referred to as basic data DT2), basic data DT with an identification number of "3" (hereinafter also referred to as basic data DT3), and basic data DT with an identification number of "4" (hereinafter also referred to as basic data DT4) are stored in the information storage area 130, and the identification number of the type of waveform indicated by the parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130 is "1", the vibration generation control unit 114 specifies the basic data DT1.

[0060] Next, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133a) by modifying the basic data DT specified in S12 according to the frequency of the waveform indicated by the parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130, for example (S13).

[0061] Specifically, for example, when the basic data DT1 shown in FIG. 13(A) is specified in S12, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates the waveform data 133a shown in FIG. 13(B) by changing the frequency of the basic data DT1.

[0062] Note that in step S13, the vibration generation control unit 114 may extract, for example, a part of the basic data DT1 shown in (A) of FIG. 13 (hereinafter also referred to as basic data DT1a), and generate a part of the waveform data 133a (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133a1) from the extracted basic data DT1a. Specifically, the vibration generation control unit 114 may extract, for example, a part of the basic data DT1 corresponding to the same time as the acquisition interval of the acceleration data 131a in step S11 as the basic data DT1a, and generate the waveform data 133a1 from the extracted basic data DT1a.

[0063] Also, the frequency of the basic data DT1 shown in FIG. 13(A) may be, for example, 40 (Hz). On the other hand, the frequency of the waveform data 133a shown in FIG. 13(B) may be, for example, 120 (Hz).

[0064] Subsequently, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates new waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133b) by deforming the waveform data 133a generated in S13 according to the output intensity (amplitude) of the waveform indicated by the parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130 (S14).

[0065] Specifically, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates the waveform data 133b shown in FIG. 14 by changing the amplitude of the waveform data 133a shown in FIG. 13(B), for example.

[0066] Note that in step S14, the vibration generation control unit 114 may generate, for example, a part of the waveform data 133b (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133b1) from the waveform data 133a1 generated in step S13.

[0067] Also, in step S14, the vibration generation control unit 114 may generate the waveform data 133b such that the amplitude becomes smaller so that the vibration generated by the vibration mechanism 2b does not exceed the output limit of the vibration mechanism 2b, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, according to the delay time of the waveform indicated by the parameter 132 stored in the information storage area 130, among the acceleration data 131 (time-series data of the acceleration data 131) stored in the information storage area 130, other acceleration data 131 (hereinafter also referred to as acceleration data 131b) acquired earlier than the acceleration data 131a acquired in S11 by the time indicated by the delay time is specified (S15).

[0069] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, specifies acceleration data 131b acquired earlier than the acceleration data 131a as the acceleration data 131 to be used in the subsequent process.

[0070] Then, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, according to the acceleration data 131b specified in S15, deforms the waveform data 133b generated in S14 to generate new waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133c) (S16).

[0071] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, specifies other acceleration data 131 (hereinafter also referred to as acceleration data 131c) that is a predetermined time (\"Δt\" in FIG. 16) earlier than the acquisition timing of the acceleration data 131b. Then, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, calculates the time difference (\"Difference\" in FIG. 16) between the acceleration data 131c and the acceleration data 131b. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17, the vibration generation control unit 114, for example, generates the waveform data 133c from the waveform data 133b according to the calculated time difference.

[0072] More specifically, the vibration generation control unit 114 generates the waveform data 133c, for example, by multiplying the calculated time difference by the waveform data 133b.

[0073] Note that the vibration generation control unit 114 may generate, for example, a part of the waveform data 133c (hereinafter also referred to as waveform data 133c1) from the waveform data 133b1 generated in step S14 in step S16.

[0074] Further, the vibration generation control unit 114 may, for example, use a low-pass filter to change the acceleration data 131 into time-series data indicating a global change and then perform S16.

[0075] Thereafter, the vibration generation control unit 114 transmits, for example, the waveform data 133 generated in S16 to the device 2 (vibration mechanism 2b) (S17).

[0076] Note that, for example, when producing a texture as if a liquid such as water or jelly is contained in the object 4, it is preferable for the user OB to input to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying the basic data DT3 as the type of waveform. Further, for example, when producing a texture as if a solid such as sand or rubber is contained in the object 4, it is preferable for the user OB to input to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying the basic data DT1 or the basic data DT4 as the type of waveform. Further, for example, when producing a texture between a texture as if a liquid is contained in the object 4 and a texture as if a solid is contained in the object 4, it is preferable for the user OB to input to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying the basic data DT2 as the type of waveform.

[0077] Further, for example, when producing a texture as if a non-viscous liquid such as water is contained in the object 4, it is preferable for the user OB to input to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 230 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform. Further, for example, when producing a texture as if a viscous liquid such as jelly is contained in the object 4, it is preferable for the user OB to input to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 40 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform.

[0078] Also, for example, when creating a texture that gives the impression that a non-viscous solid such as sand is contained in the object 4, the user OB preferably inputs to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 230 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform. Also, for example, when creating a texture that gives the impression that a viscous solid such as rubber is contained in the object 4, the user OB preferably inputs to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 40 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform.

[0079] Also, for example, when creating a texture that gives the impression that a viscous liquid such as jelly is contained in the object 4, the user OB preferably inputs to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a time of about 0.2 (seconds) as the delay time.

[0080] Also, for example, when creating a texture that gives the impression that a viscous solid such as rubber is contained in the object 4, the user OB preferably inputs to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a time of about 0.2 (seconds) as the delay time.

[0081] That is, the user OB can create a texture that gives the impression that a non-viscous liquid such as water is contained in the object 4 by, for example, inputting to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying the basic data DT3 as the type of waveform and inputting to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 230 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform.

[0082] Also, the user OB can create a texture that gives the impression that a viscous liquid such as jelly is contained in the object 4 by, for example, inputting to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying the basic data DT3 as the type of waveform, inputting to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a frequency of about 40 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform, and inputting to the information processing apparatus 1 a parameter specifying a time of about 0.2 (seconds) as the delay time.

[0083] Further, the user OB inputs, for example, parameters for specifying basic data DT1 or basic data DT4 as the type of waveform to the information processing apparatus 1, and inputs parameters for specifying a frequency of about 230 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform to the information processing apparatus 1, whereby it becomes possible to enhance a texture as if a solid having no viscosity such as sand is accommodated in the object 4.

[0084] Further, the user OB inputs, for example, parameters for specifying basic data DT1 or basic data DT4 as the type of waveform to the information processing apparatus 1, inputs parameters for specifying a frequency of about 40 (Hz) as the frequency of the waveform to the information processing apparatus 1, and inputs parameters for specifying a time of about 0.2 (seconds) as the delay time to the information processing apparatus 1, whereby it becomes possible to enhance a texture as if a solid having viscosity such as rubber is accommodated in the object 4.

[0085] As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is, for example, a device that controls a device 2 having a vibration mechanism 2b capable of generating vibration, and includes an acceleration acquisition unit 113 that acquires acceleration data 131 of the device 2 measured by an acceleration sensor 2a included in the device 2, and a vibration generation control unit 114 that generates a gravitational force (pseudo-tractive force) in any direction on the device 2 by vibrating the device 2 according to the acceleration data 131 acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 113.

[0086] Specifically, the vibration mechanism 2b in the present embodiment is, for example, a mechanism capable of generating asymmetric vibration in the device 2.

[0087] Further, the device 2 in the present embodiment is, for example, fixed to the object 4. And the acceleration sensor 2a in the present embodiment measures acceleration data 131 generated, for example, when the user OB moves the device 2 and the object 4 (swings the device 2 and the object 4) while holding the device 2 or the object 4.

[0088] Also, the device 2 in the present embodiment is, for example, worn on the hand of user OB. And the acceleration sensor 2a in the present embodiment measures, for example, acceleration data 131 generated when user OB moves the device 2 and the object 4 (swings the object 4) while holding the object 4 via the device 2.

[0089] Also, the information processing device 1 in the present embodiment has, for example, a parameter acquisition unit 111 that acquires a parameter 132 indicating the waveform of vibration. And the vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, vibration according to the acceleration data 131 acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 113 and the parameter 132 acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 111. More specifically, the vibration generation control unit 114 calculates, for example, the output intensity of the waveform data 133 from the acceleration data 131 acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit 113, generates the waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as the first waveform data 133) corresponding to the calculated output intensity, and generates vibration corresponding to the generated first waveform data 133 on the device 2.

[0090] Also, the parameter 132 in the present embodiment includes, for example, the type of waveform. The vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, the waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as the second waveform data 133) corresponding to the type of waveform, and generates vibration corresponding to the generated second waveform data 133 on the device 2.

[0091] Also, the parameter 132 in the present embodiment includes, for example, the frequency of the waveform. The vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, the waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as the third waveform data 133) corresponding to the frequency of the waveform, and generates vibration corresponding to the generated third waveform data 133 on the device 2.

[0092] Also, the parameter 132 in the present embodiment includes, for example, the output intensity of the waveform. The vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, the waveform data 133 (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth waveform data 133) corresponding to the output intensity, and generates vibration corresponding to the generated fourth waveform data 133 on the device 2.

[0093] In addition, parameter 132 in the present embodiment includes, for example, a delay time regarding the generation timing of vibrations corresponding to a waveform. The vibration generation control unit 114 generates, for example, waveform data 133 corresponding to the delay time (hereinafter also referred to as fifth waveform data 133), and generates vibrations corresponding to the generated fifth waveform data in device 2.

[0094] Thereby, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment can present to user OB a texture as if a liquid, a solid, or the like is contained in the object 4, for example, by continuously generating vibrations corresponding to the waveform data 133 at each timing.

[0095] That is, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment can cause user OB to perceive a pseudo-gravitational force illusion and can present to user OB a texture as if a liquid, a solid, or the like is contained in the object 4, for example, by generating waveform data 133 corresponding to the change amount of the acceleration data 131 within a predetermined time and continuously generating vibrations corresponding to the generated waveform data 133. Further, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment can sequentially present to user OB a texture as if various types of liquids and solids are contained in the object 4.

[0096] Note that, in the above example, the case of presenting a texture as if various types of liquids and solids are contained in the object 4 attached to the outside of device 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment may present a texture as if various types of liquids and solids are contained in device 2. That is, for example, when device 2 is a device such as a smartphone, a game controller, or a VR (Virtual Reality) controller, the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment may generate waveform data 133 capable of presenting a texture as if various types of liquids and solids are contained in device 2, and may transmit the generated waveform data 133 to device 2.

Description of Symbols

[0097] 1: Information processing device 2: Device 2a: Acceleration sensor 2b: Vibration mechanism 3: Controller 4: Object 10: Vibration generation system 21: Device body 22: Cable 101: CPU 102: Memory 103: Communication device 104: Storage medium 105: Output device 106: Bus 110: Program 111: Parameter acquisition unit 112: Information management unit 113: Acceleration acquisition unit 114: Vibration generation control unit 130: Information storage area 131: Acceleration data 132: Parameter 133: Waveform data OB: User

Claims

1. A vibration generation control device for controlling a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibrations, comprising: an acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor included in the device; a vibration generation control unit that generates a gravitational force in any direction on the device by vibrating the device according to the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit.

2. The vibration generation control device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration mechanism is a mechanism capable of generating asymmetric vibrations in the device.

3. The device is fixed to another object, and the acceleration sensor measures an acceleration generated by moving the device and the other object while a user holds the device. The vibration generation control device according to claim 1.

4. The device is fixed to another object, and the acceleration sensor measures an acceleration generated by moving the device and the other object while a user holds the other object. The vibration generation control device according to claim 1.

5. The device is worn on a user's hand, and the acceleration sensor measures an acceleration generated by moving the device and the other object while the user holds the other object via the device. The vibration generation control device according to claim 1.

6. Further comprising a parameter acquisition unit that acquires a parameter indicating the waveform of the vibration, wherein the vibration generation control unit generates the vibration according to the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit and the parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit. The vibration generation control device according to claim 1.

7. The vibration generation control unit: calculates an output intensity of a waveform from the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit; generates a first waveform corresponding to the calculated output intensity; and generates the vibration corresponding to the generated first waveform in the device. The vibration generation control device according to claim 6.

8. The parameter includes a type of waveform, and the vibration generation control unit: generates a second waveform corresponding to the type; and generates the vibration corresponding to the generated second waveform in the device. The vibration generation control device according to claim 6.

9. The parameter includes a frequency of the waveform, and the vibration generation control unit: generates a third waveform corresponding to the frequency; The vibration generation control device according to claim 6, which causes the device to generate the vibration corresponding to the generated third waveform.

10. The parameter includes the output intensity of the waveform, The vibration generation control unit, Generates a fourth waveform corresponding to the output intensity, The vibration generation control device according to claim 6, which causes the device to generate the vibration corresponding to the generated fourth waveform.

11. The parameter includes a delay time regarding the generation timing of the vibration corresponding to the waveform, The vibration generation control unit, Generates a fifth waveform corresponding to the delay time, The vibration generation control device according to claim 6, which causes the device to generate the vibration corresponding to the generated fifth waveform.

12. A vibration generation control program that causes a computer to execute a process of controlling a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibration, Obtains the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor included in the device, A vibration generation control program that generates a gravitational force on the device in any direction by vibrating the device according to the obtained acceleration.

13. A vibration generation control method in which a computer executes a process of controlling a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibration, Obtains the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor included in the device, A vibration generation control method that generates a gravitational force on the device in any direction by vibrating the device according to the obtained acceleration.

14. A vibration generation system including a device having a vibration mechanism capable of generating vibration and a vibration generation control device that controls the device, The vibration generation control device, An acceleration acquisition unit that acquires the acceleration of the device measured by an acceleration sensor included in the device, A vibration generation control system including a vibration generation control unit that generates a gravitational force on the device in any direction by vibrating the device according to the acceleration acquired by the acceleration acquisition unit.

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