Operation system

Abstract

To improve fidelity of operation training.SOLUTION: An operation system comprises an operation unit operated by an operator, a wearable device worn by the operator, and an operation control unit that executes an action corresponding to operation of the operation unit operated by the operator wearing the wearable device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, simulator devices used for training and the like are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of simulator device, the operation unit may be configured as a touch panel (touch screen) to reduce costs. In this case, the operator cannot feel the touch when operating. As a result, it is difficult for the operator to grasp the amount of operation and to operate without visually checking the operation unit, leaving room for improvement in the fidelity (reproducibility) of training. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-123166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to improve the fidelity of operational training. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is an operation system, an operation unit operated by an operator; a wearable device worn by an operator; an operation control unit that executes an operation in response to an operation of the operation unit by an operator while wearing the wearable device; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when an operator operates the operation unit while wearing the wearable device, an action corresponding to the operation is executed. This allows the operator to perform training with an operation feel closer to that of a real device than when a touch panel is used for the operation unit. Therefore, the fidelity of operation training can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a training simulator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a trainee wearing the wearable device according to the first embodiment is holding an operation switch. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a training simulator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a trainee wearing a wearable device according to a second embodiment is holding an operation switch. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a trainee wearing a wearable device according to a modified example of the embodiment is holding an operation switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a training simulator 100 according to the first embodiment. The training simulator 100 according to this embodiment is an example of an operation system according to the present invention, and is a flight simulator, flight trainer, or procedure trainer for aircraft pilot training. As shown in FIG. 1, the training simulator 100 includes a simulator main body 20, a piloting device 30, and a wearable device 40.

[0010] The simulator main body 20 controls the overall operation of the training simulator 100 and simulates various flight situations. The simulator main body 20 includes a display unit 21, a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a main body control unit 25. The display unit 21 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or other displays. The display unit 21 displays various information, images, and the like based on display signals input from the main body control unit 25. The display unit 21 may also include various meters related to altitude, position (latitude, longitude), speed, vertical movement rate, turning rate, attitude, azimuth angle, acceleration, engine meters, fuel meters, power supply voltage meters, communication and navigation meters, warning and caution lights, and the like. The communication unit 23 is a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the wearable device 40 and the like.

[0011] The storage unit 24 is a memory configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 24 stores various programs and data, and also functions as a work area for the main body control unit 25. The main body control unit 25 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the operation of each part of the simulator main body 20.

[0012] The control device 30 includes a plurality of operation switches 32 that are operated by a trainee (the operator of the control device 30). The plurality of operation switches 32 are arranged, for example, on a touch panel that allows predetermined operations to be performed by touch operation. However, the arrangement of the operation switches 32 is not limited to a touch panel, and they may be arranged, for example, on a simple plate-like object. As shown in FIG. 2, each operation switch 32 is a rotary (dial) switch that receives rotational operation and includes a gear 33 and a turning knob 34. The gear 33 is fixed to the control device 30 and has a plurality of sawtooth teeth 33a formed around the entire circumference of its outer periphery. The turning knob 34 is formed in a cylindrical shell shape and is disposed so as to concentrically cover the gear 33, and is supported so as to be relatively rotatable about its central axis. The turning knob 34 has a pawl 34a formed on its inner periphery that faces the sawtooth teeth 33a of the gear 33. When the turning knob 34 rotates, a so-called ratchet sound is generated when the pawl 34a on the inner periphery passes over the sawtooth teeth 33a of the gear 33. A sound is generated per predetermined amount (rotation angle) of the turning knob 34. The operation switch 32 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it has a structure that mechanically generates sound in response to a rotation operation, but it is more preferable that the amount of rotation (amount of operation) can be detected based on sound information (for example, the number of times).

[0013] The control device 30 may include other operating units such as other switches, levers, pedals, and control sticks in addition to the multiple operating switches 32. The control device 30 may also be configured integrally with the simulator main body 20.

[0014] The wearable device 40 is worn by a trainee (operator) on his / her body when operating the control device 30. The wearable device 40 of this embodiment is configured in the shape of a ring to be worn on a finger F of the hand H that operates the control device 30 by the trainee. As shown in FIG. 1, the wearable device 40 includes a microphone 41 and a transmitter 42 built therein. The microphone 41 is a sound collector that picks up surrounding sounds. The transmitter 42 transmits to the simulator body 20 sound information that has been collected by the microphone 41 and converted into an electrical signal.

[0015] In the training simulator 100 of this embodiment, when a trainee wearing the wearable device 40 rotates the operation switch 32, the rotary knob 34 of the operation switch 32 rotates, and accordingly, a sound is generated from the operation switch 32. This sound is collected by the microphone 41 of the wearable device 40 worn on the trainee's finger F, and the sound information is transmitted to the simulator main body 20. The main body control unit 25 of the simulator main body 20 detects the amount of operation of the operation switch 32 based on the received sound information. In this embodiment, the amount of operation is determined based on the number of ratchet sounds. Then, based on the determined amount of operation, the main body control unit 25 causes the simulator main body 20 to simulate a predetermined operation of the aircraft when the operation switch 32 is operated by that amount.

[0016] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the trainee (operator) operates the operation switch (operation unit) 32 while wearing the wearable device 40, an action corresponding to the operation is executed. This allows the operator to train with an operation feel closer to that of the actual aircraft than when a touch panel is used for the operation unit. This increases the fidelity of operation training. Ultimately, it is possible to provide a low-cost, high-fidelity training device without the need to build a control device similar to the actual aircraft.

[0017] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the operation switch 32 emits a sound in response to operation, and the operation amount of the operation switch 32 is detected based on the sound of the operation switch 32 collected by the microphone 41 of the wearable device 40. This allows the operation corresponding to the operation of the operation switch 32 to be suitably executed with a simple configuration.

[0018] In this embodiment, the sound emitted by the operation switch 32 in response to operation is detected by the microphone 41 of the wearable device 40, but the configuration of the operation switch 32 and the wearable device 40 is not limited to this. It is sufficient if the information output from the operation switch in response to operation can be detected by the configuration on the wearable device side. For example, a configuration may be used in which an electromagnetic pulse (electromagnetic wave) output by the operation switch in response to operation is detected by a microphone or antenna on the wearable device side.

[0019] [Second embodiment] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a training simulator 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in this figure, the training simulator 100A includes a control device 30A and a wearable device 40A instead of the control device 30 and the wearable device 40 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components common to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The control device 30A includes a plurality of operation switches 32A. Each operation switch 32A incorporates a microcomputer 35A instead of the mechanism that generates mechanical sound by the gear 33 in the operation switch 32 of the first embodiment. The microcomputer 35A has predetermined control functions and is capable of performing at least one of the following operations: audio output, wireless communication, and light emission. As shown in Fig. 4, in the operation switch 32A, a power supply line to the microcomputer 35A is connected to two device-side electrodes 36A exposed on the outer circumferential surface.

[0021] The wearable device 40A includes two power supply electrodes 43A and a power source 44A. The two power supply-side electrodes 43A are formed, for example, in the shape of rings and are worn on the trainee's fingers F. When the trainee holds the operation switch 32A with the two power supply-side electrodes 43A worn on a predetermined finger F, the two power supply-side electrodes 43A are configured to come into contact with the two device-side electrodes 36A. The power supply 44A supplies power to the microcomputer 35A via the power supply electrodes 43A. Specifically, the power supply 44A is formed, for example, in the shape of a wristband and worn on the trainee's wrist, and is electrically connected to the two power supply electrodes 43A via a wire or wirelessly. The wearable device 40A may be configured to include a power source 44A, and to supply power from the power source 44A to the microcomputer 35A when a trainee wearing the wearable device 40A touches (operates) the operation switch 32A. For example, the wearable device 40A may be in the form of a glove or the like, in which two power-source electrodes 43A and the power source 44A are integrally configured.

[0022] In the training simulator 100A of this embodiment, when a trainee wearing the wearable device 40A holds (touches) the operation switch 32A in an operable state, the two device-side electrodes 36A of the wearable device 40A come into contact with the two power-supply-side electrodes 43A of the operation switch 32A. Then, power is supplied from the power supply 44A of the wearable device 40A to the microcomputer 35A of the operation switch 32A, and the microcomputer 35A becomes operable. When the trainee operates the operation switch 32A in this state, the microcomputer 35A detects the amount of operation of the operation switch 32A. This detection of the amount of operation may be performed, for example, by using a built-in sensor such as a gyro sensor that can detect the amount of operation of the operation switch 32A. Then, based on the detected amount of operation, the microcomputer 35A performs at least one of the following operations: audio output, wireless communication, and light emission. The audio output and light emission operations are performed in a manner that allows the trainee or the like to perceive the type (kind) and amount of operation of the operation switch 32A. In the wireless communication, information on the type and amount of operation of the operation switch 32A is transmitted to the simulator main body 20. Based on the received information, the main body control unit 25 of the simulator main body 20 simulates, in the simulator main body 20, a predetermined operation of the aircraft when the operation switch 32A is operated by the corresponding amount of operation.

[0023] As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the trainee (operator) touches the operation switch 32A while wearing the wearable device 40A, power is supplied from the power source 44A in the wearable device 40A to the microcomputer 35A built into the operation switch 32A. Then, in response to the operation of the operation switch 32A, the microcomputer 35A performs at least one of the following operations: audio output, wireless communication, and light emission. This allows the operator to train with an operation feel closer to that of the actual machine than when a touch panel is used for the operation unit. This increases the fidelity of the operation training. Furthermore, with a simple configuration, the operation corresponding to the operation of the operation switch 32A can be suitably executed.

[0024] [Variations] The plurality of operation switches may be configured so that the types thereof can be identified by the simulator main body 20 . In this case, each of the operation switches 32B has a built-in resistor 37B having a different electrical resistance value, as shown in Fig. 5. The resistor 37B is connected to two device-side electrodes 36B exposed on the outer circumferential surface of the operation switch 32B.

[0025] The wearable device 40B corresponding to the operation switch 32B includes two power supply electrodes 43B, a power supply 44B, and a voltmeter 45B. The two power supply-side electrodes 43B are formed, for example, in the shape of rings and are worn on the trainee's fingers F. When the trainee holds the operation switch 32B with the two power supply-side electrodes 43B worn on a predetermined finger F, the two power supply-side electrodes 43B are configured to come into contact with the two device-side electrodes 36B. The power supply 44B and the voltmeter 45B are electrically connected in series with the two power supply electrodes 43B. Note that the power supply 44B and the voltmeter 45B may be electrically connected to the two power supply electrodes 43B by wire or wirelessly, and other configurations are not particularly limited. For example, at least one of the power supply 44B and the voltmeter 45B may be provided in the simulator body 20 instead of the wearable device 40B, and at least one of the power supply 44B and the voltmeter 45B may be electrically connected to the wearable device 40B by wire or wirelessly.

[0026] In this modification, when a trainee wearing the wearable device 40B holds (touches) the operation switch 32B in an operable state, the two device-side electrodes 36B of the wearable device 40B come into contact with the two power-supply-side electrodes 43B of the operation switch 32B. The electrical resistance value of a resistor 37B built into the operation switch 32B is then measured by a voltmeter 45B. The main body control unit 25 of the simulator main body 20 (or the microcomputer 35A of the control device 30A) identifies the operated operation switch 32B (type) based on the measured electrical resistance value of the resistor 37B, and executes an operation according to the type and the amount of operation. This allows the operated operation switch 32B to be appropriately identified, and an operation according to the operation content to be appropriately executed.

[0027] [others] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (including modifications). For example, in the above embodiment, a rotary switch that receives a rotational operation is exemplified as the operation switch (operation unit). However, the operation unit according to the present invention is not limited to a rotary switch, and may be, for example, a push switch. In the case of a push switch, it may be configured so that different sounds are output when the switch is pressed to produce different states.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a flight simulator for aircraft pilot training, but the present invention can also be suitably applied to training simulators other than flight simulators. For example, the present invention can also be applied to driving simulators, railway simulators, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be widely applied to operation systems that include an operation unit operated by an operator, even if they are not training simulators.

[0029] In addition, the details shown in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 100, 100A Training Simulator (Operation System) 20 Simulator main body 25 Main body control unit (operation control unit, identification unit) 30, 30A control device 32, 32A, 32B Operation switch (operation part) 35A Microcomputer (Operation control unit, Identification unit) 37B resistance 40, 40A, 40B Mounting Device 41. Mike 44A, 44B power supply 45B Voltmeter (measurement section) F Finger H hand

Claims

1. an operation unit operated by an operator; a wearable device worn by an operator; an operation control unit that executes an operation in response to an operation of the operation unit by an operator while wearing the wearable device; An operating system comprising:

2. the operation unit emits a sound in response to an operation, the wearable device has a microphone; The operation control unit detects an operation amount of the operation unit based on a sound of the operation unit collected by the wearable device. The operating system according to claim 1 .

3. the operation unit has a built-in microcomputer as the operation control unit, the wearable device has a power supply that supplies power to the microcomputer; The microcomputer When an operator touches the operation unit while wearing the wearable device, power is supplied from the power source; In response to an operation of the operation unit, at least one of an audio output, a wireless communication, and a light emission is performed. The operating system according to claim 1 .

4. A plurality of the operation units are provided, The plurality of operation units each incorporate a resistor having a different electrical resistance value, a measuring unit that measures an electrical resistance value of the resistor of the operation unit when an operator touches the operation unit while wearing the wearable device; an identification unit that identifies the operation unit based on the electrical resistance value of the resistor measured by the measurement unit; Further provided with The operating system according to claim 1 .

5. the operation unit is a rotary switch, The wearable device is worn on the wrist or fingers of an operator who operates the operation unit. The operating system according to claim 1 .

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