Bathtub System

Abstract

To provide a bathtub system that allows a bather to enjoy vibrations transmitted through bathwater in various ways. [Solution] The present invention is a bathtub system comprising a bathtub that can store hot or cold water, a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub, and a control unit that outputs an activation signal to the vibration generating unit, wherein the control unit has a plurality of control modes prepared and is configured to set one of the plurality of control modes, and when a first control mode is set, the control unit generates the activation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a first signal conversion manner, and when a second control mode different from the first control mode is set, the control unit generates the activation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a second signal conversion manner different from the first control mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide speakers in bathtubs so that people can enjoy music while bathing. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes attaching a sound source unit to the underside of the bathtub. Patent Document 2 discloses separately controlling a sound generator (speaker) facing the water area in the bathtub and another sound generator (speaker) facing the space above the water area.

[0003] Patent document 2 also states that the frequency of vibrations that can be felt through bathwater is in the range of 20 to 600 Hz, that there is a peak around 80 Hz, and that vibrations around this peak are transmitted well, and therefore it is advisable to use a filter to cut out high-pitched sounds from the signal supplied to the speaker aimed at the pool of water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-15423 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-128970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of this invention have conducted extensive research into the relationship between the vibrations transmitted through the bathwater and the bodily sensation, with the aim of allowing people to comfortably enjoy both music and vibrations (the pleasant collaboration of the two) while bathing.

[0006] We have discovered that by appropriately adjusting the frequency components of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit, it is possible to provide not only a simple selection of the quality of vibration transmission, but also a more relaxing vibration or a vibration that gives a stronger impression of power.

[0007] More specifically, the inventors have discovered that the input signal input to the vibration generating unit (for example, the signal also provided to the sound generator aimed at the spatial area above the water area) can be converted into an operating signal that provides a more relaxing vibration, or into an operating signal that provides a vibration that is perceived as more powerful, depending on the bather's wishes, thereby allowing the bather to enjoy the vibrations transmitted through the bathwater in a variety of ways.

[0008] The present invention was invented based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub system that allows bathers to enjoy vibrations transmitted through the bathwater in a variety of ways, for example, according to their wishes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention is a bathtub system comprising: a bathtub capable of storing hot or cold water; a vibration generating unit installed in the bathtub that generates vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub; and a control unit that outputs an activation signal to the vibration generating unit; the control unit has a plurality of control modes prepared, and one of the plurality of control modes is set; when a first control mode is set, the control unit generates the activation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a first signal conversion manner; and when a second control mode different from the first control mode is set, the control unit generates the activation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a second signal conversion manner different from the first control mode.

[0010] According to the bathtub system of the present invention, even if the same input signal is input when the first control mode is set and when the second control mode is set, the input signal is converted according to different signal conversion patterns and output to the vibration generating unit, so that the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit will also be different between the first and second control modes. This allows the bather to experience vibrations transmitted through the bathwater in a variety of ways for each control mode, depending on the bather's preferences, for example.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the first signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a first increase or decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component, and that the second signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a second increase or decrease pattern different from the first increase or decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component.

[0012] In this case, by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component according to the respective increase or decrease pattern for each control mode, the bather can be provided with a variety of different sensations of underwater vibration (feeling of contact, feel of touch).

[0013] In this case, it is further preferable that the first control mode is a meditation mode, the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, and the first signal conversion manner includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the first range.

[0014] Increasing the output value of this first range of frequency components can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "smooth" or "light," allowing the bather to experience a relaxed state similar to a meditative state.

[0015] In this case, it is preferable that the input signal further has frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, and that the first signal conversion mode further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range, and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the second range.

[0016] Increasing the output value of the frequency components in this third range allows the bather to experience underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "softer," thereby allowing the bather to experience an even more relaxed, meditative state.

[0017] In this case, it is further preferable that in the first signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the second range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency components in the second range.

[0018] By reducing the output value of the frequency components in this second range, the bather can experience underwater vibrations that are less likely to give the impression of being "rough" or "hard," allowing the bather to experience a more relaxed, meditative state.

[0019] In a preferred example of the present invention, the first control mode is a meditation mode, the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, and in the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner, the output values ​​of the frequency components in the first range and the output values ​​of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output value of the frequency components in the second range.

[0020] According to this example, underwater vibrations that tend to give the bather an impression of being "smooth," "light," and "soft" are relatively enhanced, while those that tend to give the bather an impression of being "rough" or "hard" are relatively suppressed, allowing the bather to experience a relaxed state similar to a meditative state.

[0021] Alternatively, it is preferable that the second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a second range that is a lower frequency range than a first range that is a range of 180 to 355 Hz, and the second signal conversion mode includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the second range.

[0022] Increasing the output value of this second range of frequency components can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "rough" or "hard." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful sensation while maintaining comfort.

[0023] In this case, it is preferable that the input signal further has frequency components in the first range and frequency components in a third range that is an even lower frequency range than the second range, and that the second signal conversion mode further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range.

[0024] Increasing the output value of the frequency components in this third range allows the bather to experience underwater vibrations that also give the impression of being "soft." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful state while still feeling the softness.

[0025] In this case, it is further preferable that in the second signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency components in the first range.

[0026] By reducing the output value of the frequency components in this first range, the bather can experience underwater vibrations that are less likely to give the impression of being "smooth" or "light." This allows the bather to experience a more dynamic and powerful sensation.

[0027] In a preferred example of the present invention, the second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, and in the actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion mode, the output values ​​of the frequency components in the second range and the output values ​​of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output values ​​of the frequency components in the first range.

[0028] According to this example, the bather can be provided with underwater vibrations that are relatively more likely to give impressions such as "rough" or "hard" and "soft," and relatively less likely to give impressions such as "smooth" or "light." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful state while maintaining comfort.

[0029] Alternatively, the bathtub system of the present invention further includes a sound generating unit that generates sound, and the control unit is configured to output a sound signal to the sound generating unit, and when the first control mode is set, the control unit is configured to generate the sound signal by changing the input signal according to the first signal conversion manner, and when the second control mode is set, the control unit is configured to generate the sound signal by changing the input signal according to the second signal conversion manner, and it is preferable that, between the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner and the sound signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner, the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner has a larger amount of change from the input signal, and between the actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner and the sound signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner, the actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner has a larger amount of change from the input signal.

[0030] In this case, the amount of change in the operating signal output to the vibration generating unit is greater than the amount of change in the acoustic signal output to the sound generating unit, so the state of the sound enjoyed by the bather's ears is not significantly changed (including the case where it is not changed at all), and the bather can be provided with a variety of ways to experience the underwater vibrations (feeling of contact, feeling of touch) that the bather enjoys in the bath.

[0031] Alternatively, in the bathtub system of the present invention, it is preferable that the input signal has an identifiable tempo, the activation signal also has an identifiable tempo, the tempo of the activation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner is increased or decreased compared to the tempo of the input signal, and the tempo of the activation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner is increased or decreased compared to the tempo of the input signal in a manner different from when generated according to the first signal conversion manner.

[0032] In this case, the tempo of the activation signal output to the vibration generating unit is increased or decreased for each control mode, which in turn increases or decreases the tempo of the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit, allowing the bather to experience the underwater vibrations (the feel of the contact and touch) in a variety of ways. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, even when the same input signal is input when the first control mode is set and when the second control mode is set, the input signal is converted according to different signal conversion patterns and output to the vibration generating unit, and as a result, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit also differ between the first and second control modes. This allows the bather to be provided with a variety of vibrations transmitted through the bathwater for each control mode, depending on the bather's wishes, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a signal system diagram of a bathtub system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the bathtub and its surroundings in the bathtub system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation image of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation image of another example of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 6] 1 is a photograph of an example of a sensor for measuring hydraulic stimulation. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the frequency band of underwater vibration and bodily sensation. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in frequency components in a meditation mode. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in frequency components in a powerful mode. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph showing an example of changing the tempo of a signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] (composition) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a signal system diagram of a bathtub system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration around the bathtub of the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment includes a bathtub 2 that can hold hot or cold water.

[0037] The bathtub 2 has, for example, a back wall portion toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her back, a leg wall portion toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her legs, a left wall portion toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her left side, and a right wall portion toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her right side.

[0038] One or more vibration generating units 10 (for example, water vibration units) are provided on either the wall surface or the bottom surface of the bathtub. Although only one is shown in Figure 2, it is preferable to provide multiple units.

[0039] The vibration generating unit 10 is installed at a height below the surface of hot or cold water when the bathtub 2 is filled with hot or cold water. This allows the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 10 to be transmitted to the bather as underwater vibrations when the bathtub 2 is filled with hot or cold water. In other words, the vibration generating unit 10 generates vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 2 without supplying the hot or cold water to the bathtub 2.

[0040] On the other hand, in the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment, one or more sound generating units 20 (e.g., audio speakers) are provided on one or more of the wall surfaces of the bathtub 2. Although only one is shown in Fig. 2, it is preferable to provide multiple units.

[0041] The height at which sound generating unit 20 is installed is above the surface of hot or cold water when the bathtub 2 is filled with hot or cold water. This allows the vibrations generated by sound generating unit 20 to be transmitted to the bather as airborne vibrations even when the bathtub 2 is filled with hot or cold water.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment is provided with a control unit 30 having a vibration control unit 31 that outputs an operation signal to the vibration generating unit 10 and an acoustic control unit 32 that outputs an acoustic signal to the acoustic generating unit 20.

[0043] The control unit 30 of this embodiment has three control modes prepared: (1) meditation mode, (2) powerful mode, and (3) unchanged mode. One of these control modes is set according to the selection input by the bather from the operation unit 40 (e.g., a remote control), for example.

[0044] When the vibration control unit 31 of the control unit 30 is set to meditation mode (an example of the first control mode), it generates an actuation signal by changing the input signal according to the manner shown in Figure 8 (an example of the first signal conversion manner, which will be described in detail later).

[0045] Alternatively, when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set, the vibration control unit 31 of the control unit 30 generates an actuation signal by changing the input signal according to the manner shown in Figure 9 (an example of the second signal conversion manner, which will be described in detail later).

[0046] On the other hand, the sound control unit 32 of the control unit 30 is configured to generate a sound signal without changing the input signal even when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set.

[0047] Similarly, the audio control unit 32 of the control unit 30 generates an audio signal without changing the input signal even when the powerful mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0048] 1, reference numeral 61 denotes a smartphone as an input signal source, reference numeral 62 denotes a speaker installed outside the bathroom that can be connected to the smartphone 61 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, and reference numeral 63 denotes a projection screen. These can communicate with the control unit 30 according to an appropriate communication method (which may be wireless or wired).

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of vibration generating unit 10. In the vibration generating unit of the type shown in FIG. 3, the magnitude of the vibration force is expressed by the Lorentz force (F=IBL). F is the magnitude of the vibration force, I is the value of the current flowing through the coil, B is the magnetic flux density generated at this time, and L is the length of the iron core. When vibration generating unit 10 is directly attached to each wall surface of bathtub 2, each wall surface of bathtub 2 itself is directly vibrated, and vibrations are imparted to the water contained in bathtub 2.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of vibration generating unit 10. When vibration generating unit 10 is directly attached to each wall of bathtub 2 as shown in Fig. 4, each wall of bathtub 2 itself is directly vibrated, imparting vibrations to the water contained in bathtub 2. Alternatively, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of vibration generating unit 10. As shown in Fig. 5, it is also possible to manufacture vibration generating unit 10 as a dedicated unit, provide mounting holes in the corresponding wall of bathtub 2, and mount the unit in the holes.

[0051] The "water pressure stimulus" used as an index for designing (adjusting) the actuation signal (electrical signal) that drives the vibration generating unit 10 is evaluated (measured) using the following <water pressure stimulus measurement method>, for example. Note that, based on "JIS5532:2014", measurements were taken when a 50 Hz sine wave and pink noise were input to the vibration generating unit 10.

[0052] (Hydrostatic stimulation measurement method) A new type of sensor, consisting of a sphere placed inside a transparent tube, is placed at a predetermined position inside the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 2, and the distance the sphere moves inside the tube is measured as a "water pressure stimulus." Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of this sensor. For example, the tube is made of polypropylene, with an outer diameter of 50 mm, an inner diameter of 40 mm, and a length of 500 mm, and the sphere is made of polystyrene foam and has a diameter of 30 mm. The tube is placed parallel to the vibration direction of the vibration generating unit 10.

[0053] One end of the tube shown in Figure 6 was placed 1 mm away from vibration generating unit 10, and the sphere stored inside the tube shown in Figure 6 was placed in contact with vibration generating unit 10.With the tube further kept parallel to the vibration direction of vibration generating unit 10, vibration generating unit 10 was operated as follows, and the distance traveled by the sphere was measured after a predetermined time had elapsed since the start of operation, for example, 5 seconds had elapsed.

[0054] For example, when a signal with an amplitude of the actuation signal is output to the vibration generating unit 10 as a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise, the distance traveled by the sphere is approximately 15 mm.

[0055] In this example, the sphere is made of expanded polystyrene, but it may also be filled with a material whose specific gravity is approximately the same as that of water (for example, within ±5%), such as a nylon material.

[0056] (Relationship between underwater vibration frequency band and bodily sensation) Based on subjective experiments conducted on many bathers, the inventors of the present invention have found that there is a relationship between the frequency band of underwater vibrations and the subjective sensation, as shown in FIG.

[0057] That is, as shown in Figure 7, it was found that when the vibration has frequency components in the first range of 180 to 355 Hz, it tends to give the impression of being "smooth" or "light," when the vibration has frequency components in the second range of 45 to 180 Hz, it tends to give the impression of being "rough" or "hard," and when the vibration has frequency components in the third range of 22 to 45 Hz, it tends to give the impression of being "soft."

[0058] (Specific signal conversion examples) Therefore, the vibration control section 31 of this embodiment is configured to generate an actuation signal by changing the frequency component of the input signal using the relationship in FIG.

[0059] Specifically, when the meditation mode is set, the vibration control unit 31 of this embodiment is configured to generate an activation signal by changing the input signal according to a signal conversion mode for the meditation mode (an example of a first signal conversion mode), and the signal conversion mode for this mode is configured to generate an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for the mode corresponding to each frequency component.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a graph showing an example of frequency component changes in the meditation mode. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the input signal (shown by the dashed line in Fig. 8) itself has a slightly high intensity of frequency components in the first range of 180 to 355 Hz, a low intensity of frequency components in the second range of 45 to 180 Hz, and a high intensity of frequency components in the third range of 22 to 45 Hz.

[0061] Generally, the input signal has a smooth curve in which the intensity (output value) distribution of each frequency component is as shown in the example of Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 8, there is an upward convex peak (maximum value) in the first range, a downward convex peak (minimum value) in the second range, and an upward convex peak (maximum value) in the third range.

[0062] When the increase / decrease pattern for the meditation mode of this embodiment is applied to this input signal, the upward-convex peak (maximum value) in the first range is increased by approximately 6 dB, the downward-convex peak (minimum value) in the second range is decreased by approximately 3 dB, and the upward-convex peak (maximum value) in the third range is increased by approximately 9 dB, and these are output as the operating signal shown by the solid line in Figure 8.

[0063] In general, the distribution of the intensity (output value) of each frequency component of the differential signal also forms a smooth curve, as in the example of FIG.

[0064] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the position (frequency) on the horizontal axis of the graph to which each peak corresponds needs to remain within the same range (i.e., within the same first range, the same second range, or the same third range) before and after conversion from the input signal to the differential signal, and some displacement (shift) is permitted.

[0065] In addition, in the increase / decrease pattern for the meditation mode of this embodiment, the intensity (output value) at each of the boundary frequencies of the first to third ranges, 25 Hz, 45 Hz, and 180 Hz, does not increase or decrease.

[0066] The signal conversion mode for the meditation mode shown in Figure 8 is merely a schematic example, and the details of the increase / decrease pattern can be determined appropriately by using the results of a questionnaire conducted on a large number of bathers through an experiment, or by machine learning the data using AI, etc. (However, the inventors have confirmed that in the meditation mode, if the (maximum value of) the change in intensity of the frequency components in each of the first to third ranges is at least 3 dB (preferably at least about 12 dB), a significant effect on the bodily sensation will be produced.)

[0067] The actual signal conversion can be achieved in an analog manner by combining various filtering circuits, or it can be achieved by recreating (reforming) the signal digitally (the latter is also technically considered a form of signal "conversion").

[0068] Next, Fig. 9 is a graph showing an example of frequency component changes in the powerful mode. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the input signal (dashed line) is the same as the input signal in Fig. 8, and has an upward convex peak (maximum value) in the first range, a downward convex peak (minimum value) in the second range, and an upward convex peak (maximum value) in the third range.

[0069] When the increase / decrease pattern for the forceful mode of this embodiment is applied to this input signal, the upwardly convex curve in the first range is converted into an overall downwardly convex curve (the upwardly convex peak (maximum value) before conversion is reduced by approximately 9 dB), and the downwardly convex curve in the second range and the upwardly convex curve in the third range are converted into overall upwardly convex curves, and are output as an operating signal shown by the solid line in Figure 9, which has an upwardly convex peak (maximum value) near 45 Hz, which is the boundary between the two ranges (the downwardly convex peak (minimum value) before conversion is increased by approximately 9 dB).

[0070] In the force mode, the operating signal also generally has a smooth curve in which the intensity (output value) distribution of each frequency component is as shown in the example of FIG.

[0071] In addition, in the increase / decrease pattern for the forceful mode of this embodiment, the intensity (output value) at each of the boundary frequencies of 25 Hz and 180 Hz between the first to third ranges does not increase or decrease.

[0072] The signal conversion mode for the forceful mode shown in Fig. 9 is merely a schematic example, and the details of the increase / decrease pattern can be determined appropriately by using the results of a questionnaire conducted on a large number of bathers through experience experiments, or by subjecting that data to machine learning using AI, etc. (However, the present inventors have confirmed that even in the forceful mode, a significant effect on the bodily sensation can be achieved if the (maximum value of) change in intensity of the frequency components in each of the first to third ranges is at least 3 dB (preferably at least about 12 dB).)

[0073] Regarding the signal conversion mode for the power mode, the actual signal conversion can be achieved analogically by combining various filtering circuits, or the signal can be recreated digitally (the latter mode is also technically a form of signal "conversion").

[0074] (Action and effect) According to the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment, even if the same input signal is input when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set and when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set, the input signal is converted according to different signal conversion patterns and output to the vibration generating unit 10, and as a result, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 10 are also different between the two modes. This allows the bather to be provided with vibrations transmitted through the bathwater in a variety of patterns for each control mode, depending on the bather's wishes, for example.

[0075] In particular, according to the bathtub system 1 of this embodiment, the signal conversion mode in meditation mode (an example of a first signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for meditation mode (an example of a first increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component, and the signal conversion mode in force mode (an example of a second signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for force mode (an example of a second increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component.

[0076] That is, for each control mode, the output value of each frequency component is increased or decreased according to the respective increase or decrease pattern.

[0077] By such control, the bather can be provided with a variety of different sensations of underwater vibration (feeling of contact, feeling of touch).

[0078] More specifically, in this embodiment, in the meditation mode, the output value of frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz is increased.

[0079] Increasing the output value of this first range of frequency components can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "smooth" or "light," allowing the bather to experience a relaxed state similar to a meditative state.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, in meditation mode, the output value of frequency components in the second range, which is the range of 45 to 180 Hz (an example of a frequency range lower than the first range), is not increased, and the output value of frequency components in the third range, which is the range of 22 to 45 Hz (an example of a frequency range even lower than the second range), is increased.

[0081] Increasing the output value of this third range of frequency components can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "soft," allowing the bather to experience an even more relaxed, meditative state.

[0082] In this embodiment, in the meditation mode, the output value of the frequency components in the second range, which is the range of 45 to 180 Hz, is reduced.

[0083] By reducing the output value of the frequency components in this second range, the bather can experience underwater vibrations that are less likely to give the impression of being "rough" or "hard," allowing the bather to experience a more relaxed, meditative state.

[0084] Furthermore, the operating signal generated in the meditation mode of this embodiment can be evaluated as having output values ​​of frequency components in the first range and frequency components in the third range that are greater than the output values ​​of frequency components in the second range.

[0085] Such an operating signal can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give impressions such as "smooth," "light," and "soft," while relatively suppressing the tendency to give impressions such as "rough" and "hard." This allows the bather to experience a relaxed state similar to that of meditation.

[0086] On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the force mode, the output value of frequency components in the second range of 45 to 180 Hz, which are frequency components lower than the first range of 180 to 355 Hz, is increased.

[0087] Increasing the output value of this second range of frequency components can provide the bather with underwater vibrations that tend to give the impression of being "rough" or "hard." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful sensation while maintaining comfort.

[0088] In this embodiment, in the force mode, the output value of frequency components in the third range of 22 to 45 Hz is increased, and the output value of frequency components in the first range of 180 to 355 Hz is not increased.

[0089] Increasing the output value of the frequency components in this third range allows the bather to experience underwater vibrations that also give the impression of being "soft." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful state while still feeling the softness.

[0090] In this embodiment, in the force mode, the output value of frequency components in the first range, which is the range of 180 to 355 Hz, is reduced.

[0091] By reducing the output value of the frequency components in this first range, the bather can experience underwater vibrations that are less likely to give the impression of being "smooth" or "light." This allows the bather to experience a more dynamic and powerful sensation.

[0092] Furthermore, the actuation signal generated in the force mode of this embodiment can be evaluated as having output values ​​of frequency components in the second range and frequency components in the third range that are greater than the output values ​​of frequency components in the first range.

[0093] This type of activation signal allows the bather to experience underwater vibrations that tend to give impressions of "rough" or "hard" and "soft," while relatively suppressing impressions of "smooth" or "light." This allows the bather to experience a dynamic and powerful state while maintaining comfort.

[0094] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the sound control unit 32 of the control unit 30 is configured to generate a sound signal without changing the input signal, whether the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) or the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0095] However, the sound control unit 32 of the control unit 30 may also change the input signal according to different signal conversion modes to generate sound signals for each control mode, even when the same input signal is input when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set and when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set, for example, by slightly decreasing the volume (amplitude of the sound signal) when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set and slightly increasing the volume (amplitude of the sound signal) when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0096] (Variation 2) In the above-described embodiment, the signal conversion mode in the meditation mode (an example of a first signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for the meditation mode (an example of a first increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component, and the signal conversion mode in the forceful mode (an example of a second signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for the forceful mode (an example of a second increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component.

[0097] However, the vibration control unit 31 of the control unit 30 may also generate an activation signal for each control mode, for example, by simply slightly reducing the vibration intensity (amplitude of the activation signal) when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set, and by simply slightly increasing the vibration intensity (amplitude of the activation signal) when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0098] In this way, simply by changing the amplitude (vibration intensity) of the activation signal, the bather can be provided with a variety of different ways to experience the underwater vibrations (feeling of contact, feeling of touch) that they enjoy in the bath.

[0099] In the case of this variant example 2, the sound control unit 32 of the control unit 30 may be configured to generate a sound signal without changing the input signal, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, whether the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) or the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0100] Alternatively, in the case of this variant example 2, the audio control unit 32 of the control unit 30 may generate an audio signal for each control mode in the same manner as in the above-mentioned variant example 1, by slightly reducing the volume (amplitude of the audio signal) when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set, and slightly increasing the volume (amplitude of the audio signal) when the force mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0101] In the latter case, it is preferable that when comparing the actuation signal and the sound signal, both of which are generated in the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode), the actuation signal has a larger amount of change from the input signal, and when comparing the actuation signal and the sound signal, both of which are generated in the force mode (an example of the second control mode), the actuation signal has a larger amount of change from the input signal.

[0102] When this condition is met, the bather can be provided with a variety of different ways to experience the underwater vibrations (feeling of contact, feeling of touch) that they enjoy in the bath without significantly changing (or even changing at all) the acoustics that the bather enjoys with their ears.

[0103] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the signal conversion mode in the meditation mode (an example of a first signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for the meditation mode (an example of a first increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component, and the signal conversion mode in the forceful mode (an example of a second signal conversion mode) generates an activation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying an increase or decrease pattern for the forceful mode (an example of a second increase or decrease pattern) corresponding to each frequency component.

[0104] However, the vibration control unit 31 of the control unit 30 may generate an activation signal for each control mode, for example, by simply slowing down the tempo (rhythm period of the activation signal) of the activation signal when the meditation mode (an example of the first control mode) is set, and by simply speeding up the tempo (rhythm period of the activation signal) of the activation signal when the forceful mode (an example of the second control mode) is set.

[0105] Figure 10 shows an example of changing the tempo of a signal, where the tempo of the input signal is 60bbm, and the operating signal for the meditation mode is changed to 40bbm, and the operating signal for the powerful mode is changed to 80bbm.

[0106] In this way, by changing the tempo of the operating vibration, the bather can be provided with a variety of different ways to experience the underwater vibrations (the feel and touch) that they can enjoy in the bath.

[0107] The present invention includes the following features (inventions): [Feature 1] A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; a vibration generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub; a control unit that outputs an activation signal to the vibration generating unit; Equipped with a plurality of control modes are prepared in the control unit, and one of the plurality of control modes is set; When a first control mode is set, the control unit generates the actuation signal by changing an input signal in accordance with a first signal conversion manner, When a second control mode different from the first control mode is set, the control unit generates the actuation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a second signal conversion manner different from the first control mode. A bathtub system characterized by: [Feature 2] the first signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing an output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a first increase / decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component; The second signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a second increase or decrease pattern different from the first increase or decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component. Feature 1. The bathtub system according to feature 1. [Feature 3] the first control mode is a meditation mode; the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz; The first signal transformation includes a transformation that increases the output value of frequency components in the first range. Feature 2. The bathtub system according to feature 2. [Feature 4] the input signal further includes frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, The first signal conversion mode further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the second range. Feature 3. The bathtub system according to feature 3. [Feature 5] In the first signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the second range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency components in the second range. Feature 4. The bathtub system according to feature 4. [Feature 6] the first control mode is a meditation mode; the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, In the operation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner, the output value of the frequency components in the first range and the output value of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output value of the frequency components in the second range. A bathtub system according to any one of features 2 to 5. [Feature 7] The second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a second range that is a lower frequency range than a first range that is a range of 180 to 355 Hz; The second signal transformation includes a transformation that increases the output value of the frequency components in the second range. A bathtub system according to any one of features 2 to 6. [Feature 8] the input signal further includes frequency components in the first range and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range lower than the second range; The second signal conversion mode further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range. 8. The bathtub system according to claim 7. [Feature 9] In the second signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency components in the first range. Feature 8. The bathtub system according to feature 8. [Feature 10] The second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, In the operation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner, the output value of the frequency components in the second range and the output value of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output value of the frequency components in the first range. A bathtub system according to any one of features 2 to 9. [Feature 11] Sound generating unit that generates sound Further provided with the control unit is configured to output an acoustic signal to the sound generating unit, the control unit is configured to generate the acoustic signal by changing the input signal in accordance with the first signal conversion manner when the first control mode is set, when the second control mode is set, the control unit generates the acoustic signal by changing the input signal in accordance with the second signal conversion manner, the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner and the acoustic signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner have a larger change amount from the input signal, The actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner has a larger change amount from the input signal than the acoustic signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner. A bathtub system according to any one of features 1 to 10. [Feature 12] the input signal has a discernible tempo; said actuation signal also having a discernible tempo; the tempo of the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner is increased or decreased compared to the tempo of the input signal; The tempo of the actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner is increased or decreased in a manner different from the tempo of the input signal when generated according to the first signal conversion manner. 12. A bathtub system according to any one of features 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Bathtub system 2 bathtubs 10 Vibration generating unit 20 Sound generating unit 30 Control Unit 31 Vibration control unit 32 Sound control section 40 Control section 61 Smartphone 62 speakers 63 Projection Screen

Claims

1. A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; a vibration generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub; a control unit that outputs an activation signal to the vibration generating unit; Equipped with a plurality of control modes are prepared in the control unit, and one of the plurality of control modes is set; When a first control mode is set, the control unit generates the actuation signal by changing an input signal in accordance with a first signal conversion manner, When a second control mode different from the first control mode is set, the control unit generates the actuation signal by changing the input signal in accordance with a second signal conversion manner different from the first control mode. A bathtub system characterized by:

2. the first signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing an output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a first increase / decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component; The second signal conversion mode generates the actuation signal by increasing or decreasing the output value of each frequency component of the input signal by applying a second increase or decrease pattern different from the first increase or decrease pattern corresponding to each frequency component. The bathtub system according to claim 1 .

3. the first control mode is a meditation mode; the input signal has a first range of frequency components ranging from 180 to 355 Hz; The first signal transformation includes a transformation that increases the output value of the frequency components in the first range. The bathtub system according to claim 2 .

4. the input signal further includes frequency components in a second range that is a frequency range lower than the first range, and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range even lower than the second range, The first signal conversion manner further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range, and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the second range.

4. The bathtub system according to claim 3.

5. In the first signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency component in the second range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency component in the second range.

5. The bathtub system according to claim 4.

6. the first control mode is a meditation mode; the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, and frequency components in a third range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a third ... first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a third range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in In the operation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner, the output value of the frequency components in the first range and the output value of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output value of the frequency components in the second range. The bathtub system according to claim 2 .

7. the second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a second range that is a lower frequency range than a first range that is in the range of 180 to 355 Hz; The second signal transformation includes a transformation that increases the output value of the frequency components in the second range. The bathtub system according to claim 2 .

8. the input signal further includes frequency components in the first range and frequency components in a third range that is a frequency range lower than the second range, The second signal conversion manner further includes a conversion that increases the output value of the frequency components in the third range, and a conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range. The bathtub system according to claim 7 .

9. In the second signal conversion mode, the conversion that does not increase the output value of the frequency components in the first range is a conversion that decreases the output value of the frequency components in the first range. The bathtub system according to claim 8 .

10. the second control mode is a force mode, the input signal has frequency components in a first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, and frequency components in a third range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a third ... first range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a second range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in a third range of 180 to 355 Hz, frequency components in In the operation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner, the output value of the frequency components in the second range and the output value of the frequency components in the third range are greater than the output value of the frequency components in the first range. The bathtub system according to claim 2 .

11. Sound generating unit that generates sound Further provided with the control unit is configured to output an acoustic signal to the sound generating unit, the control unit is configured to generate the acoustic signal by changing the input signal in accordance with the first signal conversion manner when the first control mode is set, when the second control mode is set, the control unit generates the acoustic signal by changing the input signal in accordance with the second signal conversion manner, the actuation signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner has a larger change amount from the input signal than the acoustic signal generated according to the first signal conversion manner; The actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner has a larger change amount from the input signal than the acoustic signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner.

3. The bathtub system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the input signal has a discernible tempo; said actuation signal also having a discernible tempo; the tempo of the actuation signal generated according to the first signal transformation manner is increased or decreased compared to the tempo of the input signal; The tempo of the actuation signal generated according to the second signal conversion manner is increased or decreased in a manner different from the tempo of the input signal when generated according to the first signal conversion manner.

3. The bathtub system according to claim 1 or 2.

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