Headphones

Abstract

To provide a headphone that allows a user to continue to feel temperature changes effectively.SOLUTION: A headphone (1) includes a pair of speaker units (3), a pair of ear pads (4), a plurality of temperature change modules (24) provided inside the pair of ear pads (4), capable of heating or cooling or both by energization, and transmitting a temperature different from room temperature to the user, and a temperature control unit (31) that drives the plurality of temperature change modules (24) in rotation while shifting the operation phase individually or in pairs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to headphones having a pair of ear pads that cover at least a portion of a user's ears. [Background technology]

[0002] A heating / cooling device for headphones that can be mounted on headphones to easily provide a feeling of warmth or coolness while presenting an appearance suitable for wearability in everyday life is known as a prior art (Patent Document 1). In this device, a heating / cooling means provided on the ear pad heats and cools the ear of the user (wearer) that is close to the ear pad when the headphones are worn. The temperature of the user's skin is detected, and the heating / cooling capacity is controlled according to the detected temperature. Alternatively, the start and stop of the heating or cooling operation is controlled according to the detected temperature. This allows for comfortable use even for long periods of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-18687 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the heating and cooling means heats or cools the same part of the user's ear through the ear pad. However, if the same part is always heated or cooled, the senses become dull. Therefore, it becomes difficult to feel warm when heated, and difficult to feel cold when cooled. In addition, there is a risk of low-temperature burns when heated.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize headphones that can effectively and continuously sense temperature changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a headphone according to one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] That is, a headphone according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of speaker units, a pair of ear pad units that cover at least a portion of a user's ears, a number of temperature change units that are provided inside the pair of ear pad units and are capable of heating or cooling, or both, when current is passed through them and that convey a temperature different from room temperature to the user, and a temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of their operation individually or in groups.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the temperature control unit drives the multiple temperature change units in rotation, either individually or in groups, while shifting the phase of their operation, thereby preventing the sense from becoming dulled and allowing the user to continue to feel the temperature change effectively.

[0009] In the headphones according to the above aspect, the temperature change section may include a Peltier element. With this, the temperature change section can be easily realized by using the Peltier element.

[0010] The headphones according to the above aspect may further comprise a heat sink disposed inside the ear pad on the back side of the Peltier element, the heat sink having a plurality of pedestal portions protruding toward the side that comes into contact with the user, and the back side of the Peltier element being in contact with the top surfaces of the plurality of pedestal portions. This allows a cushioning material to be disposed in a portion other than the pedestal portions, thereby improving cushioning when worn.

[0011] In the headphones according to the above aspect, a protective sheet having a cushioning function may be provided on the surface of the temperature change portion that comes into contact with the user, whereby the protective sheet functions as a cushioning material between the ear and the headphone, softening the sensation of contact.

[0012] In the headphones relating to the above-mentioned aspect, an opening may be provided on the surface of the pair of ear pad portions that comes into contact with the user, and the surface of the temperature change portion that has the protective sheet may be exposed to the outside through the opening.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the temperature change portion can be brought into contact with the user's ear via the protective sheet, which allows the temperature of the temperature change portion to be transmitted to the user more effectively than if the temperature change portion were to be in contact with the user's ear via a covering layer such as a cloth on the ear pad portion.

[0014] In the headphones according to the above aspect, the temperature control unit may be configured to drive the temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of their operation individually or in groups in conjunction with the content of the game. This allows the worldview of the game to be expressed by temperature, thereby improving the sense of immersion in the game.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a temperature variable device for headphones mounted on a headphone according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of temperature change units that are provided inside a pair of ear pads that cover at least a part of the user's ears, and that can be heated or cooled or both by passing electricity through them, and that convey a temperature different from room temperature to the user, and a temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of their operation individually or in groups. By mounting this on the ear pads of the headphones, the headphones according to one aspect of the present invention described above can be configured. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a headphone is provided that can effectively and continuously sense temperature changes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a headphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the headphone. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a speaker unit in the headphones. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ear pad portion of the headphones. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ear pad portion. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ear pad portion and the speaker portion. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the headphones. [Figure 8] 10 is an operational diagram showing an example of an operation performed by a control device included in the headphones when heating a temperature change module. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is an operational diagram showing an example of an operation performed by the control device when cooling a temperature change module. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is an operational diagram showing an example of the operation of the temperature change module by the control device when linked to a game. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a headphone 1 using a Peltier element as a temperature change module will be illustrated as one aspect of the headphones of the present disclosure.

[0019] §1 Examples of application First, an example of a situation in which the headphones 1 are applied will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 5, 7, and 8 to 10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the headphones 1 include a plurality of heat conducting parts 20 in an ear pad part 4 that comes into contact with the ears of a user. The plurality of heat conducting parts 20 are configured by attaching a protective sheet 25 to the surface of a temperature change module (temperature change part) 24, and come into contact with the ears of the user. The temperature change module 24 is configured by, for example, a Peltier element.

[0020] The control device 30 is connected to the plurality of temperature change modules 24 and is capable of driving the plurality of temperature change modules 24 individually, and drives the plurality of temperature change modules 24 in rotation, as shown in Figs. 8 to 10.

[0021] This prevents the senses from becoming dull, and allows the user to effectively continue to feel temperature changes such as warmth when heating, and coldness when cooling. Even if the headphones 1 are used continuously for a long time when heating, low-temperature burns can be prevented. Furthermore, when linked with a game, the game world view can be created not only with images but also with temperature, such as a world of ice or fire, improving the sense of immersion.

[0022] §2 Configuration example (1. Overview of headphone 1 configuration) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of headphones 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the headphones 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the headphones 1 have an arm 2, a pair of speaker units 3, and a pair of ear pad units 4.

[0023] The arm 2 is, for example, a curved, elongated member that is engaged with the head or neck of the user. A pair of a speaker unit 3 and an ear pad unit 4 is provided on each end of the arm 2. The speaker unit 3 outputs sound toward the inside of the ear of the user. The ear pad unit 4 is a member that covers at least a part of the ear, and is attached to the surface of the speaker unit 3 facing the inside. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the speaker unit 3 is fixed to the end of the arm 2 and the ear pad unit 4 is attached to the inside of the speaker unit 3 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Hereinafter, the side facing the ear or head of the user when worn (the side that contacts the user) is referred to as the inside of the speaker unit 3 and the ear pad unit 4, and the opposite side is referred to as the outside of the speaker unit 3 and the ear pad unit 4.

[0024] (2. Speaker section 3) FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker unit 3 in the headphones 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the speaker unit 3 includes a case 11, a light guide plate 12, an LED board 13, a speaker 14, a control device 30 and a harness connection unit 32 (see FIG. 7) described later, and the like. The case 11 is a shallow cup-shaped member whose side is attached to the end of the arm 2 and whose inward-facing surface is open. The case 11 accommodates the light guide plate 12, the LED board 13, the speaker 14, the control device 30 and the harness connection unit 32 inside. In this embodiment, a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners is illustrated as an example of the outer shape of the case 11, but the shape is not limited thereto and may be an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or the like.

[0025] The light guide plate 12 is a transparent thin plate member made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic resin or glass. The light guide plate 12 does not necessarily need to be colorless and transparent, and may be light-colored as long as it is translucent or transparent. The back or front surface of the light guide plate 12 is provided with grooves or other shapes according to designs such as characters and figures. The LED board 13 is equipped with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes, not shown) as light sources and a drive circuit 13a that drives the LEDs. The LEDs are arranged to face the end faces of the light guide plate 12 and supply light to the light guide plate 12. The drive circuit 13a drives the LEDs under the control of the control device 30.

[0026] The light emitted from the LED and entering the inside of the light guide plate 12 from the end face is propagated while repeatedly being totally reflected, and some of the light is reflected by the uneven surface due to the molding, and the light path is changed, and it is emitted from the surface (exit surface) of the light guide plate 12. The design formed by the molding is displayed by this emitted light.

[0027] A window 11a consisting of a transparent part or an opening is formed on the surface facing the outside (the surface corresponding to the bottom of the cup) of the case 11. The surface (exit surface) of the light guide plate 12 faces the window 11a side of the case 11, and the light display by the light guide plate 12 can be visually confirmed through the window 11a.

[0028] The LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be a full-color LED that can change color. In order to uniformly introduce light from the end face of the light guide plate 12, the LED substrate 13 may include a plurality of light sources.

[0029] Also, the light guide plate 12 may be shaped to have different designs for light traveling in different directions, and the LED substrates 13 may be installed on multiple end faces with different traveling directions. In this way, by switching the light source to be turned on, different designs can be displayed using a single light guide plate (single planar optical device). Also, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple light guide plates 12 are pre-stacked and LEDs are arranged on each light guide plate, thereby displaying different patterns.

[0030] The speaker 14 converts an audio signal output from the control device 30 into sound. The speaker 14 is disposed inside the light guide plate 12 and is supported by a base 14a. With the speaker 14 housed in the case 11, the open side of the case 11 is closed by the base 14a. The ear pad portion 4 is attached to the surface (the surface facing inward) that closes the open side of the base 14a.

[0031] Although not shown, the harness connection part 32 is provided at the lower end of the case 11 opposite to the side connected to the arm 2. The speaker part 3, i.e., the headphones 1, are connected to an external PC by wire via a harness connected to the harness connection part 32.

[0032] (3. Ear pad part 4) Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ear pad portion 4 in the headphones 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ear pad portion 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ear pad portion 4 and the speaker portion 3, taken along the line AA in the diagram designated by reference numeral 1001.

[0033] 4, the ear pad section 4 has an outer shape (a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners) that corresponds to the outer shape of the case 11 of the speaker section 3. The center of the ear pad section 4 is hollowed out except for a bottom plate 23, which will be described later, so as to serve as a passageway for sound emitted from the speaker section 3. On the inward-facing surface of the ear pad section 4 that comes into contact with the user's ear, multiple heat-conducting sections 20 that contact the user and transfer heat are provided.

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, four heat conducting parts 20 are provided at a distance from each other. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between the four heat conducting parts 20, the four heat conducting parts 20 arranged in a U-shape are referred to as the first heat conducting part 20-1, the second heat conducting part 20-2, the third heat conducting part 20-3, and the fourth heat conducting part 20-4 in the order of arrangement. In the example of Fig. 4, multiple heat conducting parts 20 are provided at positions that contact the lower half of the ear, but multiple heat conducting parts 20 may be provided at positions that contact the upper half of the ear or the entire ear.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the ear pad portion 4 includes a pad body 21, a heat sink 22, a bottom plate 23, four temperature change modules 24, and four protective sheets 25. The pad body 21 is provided in a frame shape, and has a cushioning material 26 such as a cushioning sponge inside. The pad body 21 is a member that comes into contact with the user's ear to cushion the impact. The pad body 21 also functions as a member that houses the four temperature change modules 24 and the heat sink 22, and the surface facing outward is open.

[0036] The heat sink 22 is a heat dissipation member made of metal or the like with excellent thermal conductivity and arranged on the back side of the four temperature change modules 24. The heat sink 22 is formed in a frame shape like the pad body 21, and is housed inside the pad body 21. A bottom plate 23 is screwed to the surface facing the outside of the heat sink 22. A plurality of holes 23a are formed in the bottom plate 23 for passing sound. Four pedestal parts 22a for arranging the four temperature change modules 24 are provided on the surface facing the inside of the heat sink 22, protruding toward the side that comes into contact with the user. These pedestal parts 22a have a rectangular shape to match the temperature change modules 24, which have an elongated rectangular shape. Each temperature change module 24 is arranged on the top surface of each pedestal part 22a by a method such as adhesion, and the back surface of the Peltier element is in contact with the top surface. The heat sink 22, including the pedestal parts 22a, is provided in a hollow space, and the surface facing the outside is open.

[0037] By making the base portion 22a on which the temperature change module 24 is placed protrude toward the side that comes into contact with the user, it becomes possible to place the cushioning material 26 in parts other than the base portion 22a, thereby improving the cushioning properties when worn.

[0038] The temperature change module 24 is a module that can heat or cool, or both, by passing electricity through it, and conveys a temperature different from room temperature to the user. One example of the temperature change module 24 is a Peltier element, which is a type of thermoelectric element. Depending on the direction of the direct current, the front or back surface of the Peltier element becomes a heat dissipation surface, and the opposite surface becomes a heat absorption surface. Also, the strength of heating and cooling changes depending on the value (amplitude) of the direct current.

[0039] In the temperature change module 24 using such a Peltier element, a heat dissipation surface or a heat absorption surface is formed on the surface 24a facing inward. During heating, the surface 24a becomes the heat dissipation surface, and the surface in contact with the top surface of the base part 22a, which is the back surface, is cooled. On the other hand, during cooling, the opposite occurs, where the surface 24a becomes the heat absorption surface, and the surface in contact with the top surface of the base part 22a, which is the back surface, is heated. By contacting the heat sink 22, the temperature drop during heating and the temperature rise during cooling that occur on the back side of the temperature change module 24 are effectively carried out. These four temperature change modules 24 are connected to a control device 30, which will be described later, and are configured to be independently controllable.

[0040] Protective sheet 25 is a sheet member made of rubber or the like that is attached to surface 24a of temperature change module 24. Protective sheet 25 functions as a buffer material (has a buffer function) between temperature change module 24, which is arranged on the top surface of hard base portion 22a, and the ear, and softens the feeling when it comes into contact with the ear.

[0041] The heat sink 22 with the temperature change modules 24 arranged thereon is housed inside the pad body 21 from the open surface facing outward. Then, the bottom plate 23 is screwed to the open surface facing outward of the pad body 21. On the surface facing inward of the pad body 21, rectangular openings 21a matching the shape of the temperature change modules 24 are formed in four places corresponding to the four temperature change modules 24. The surfaces 24a of the four temperature change modules 24 to which the protective sheet 25 is attached are exposed (exposed to the outside) from the openings 21a on the surface facing inward of the pad body 21, and this portion corresponds to the heat conduction section 20 described above.

[0042] Thus, by providing the opening 21a, the temperature change module 24 can be brought into contact with the user's ear via the protective sheet 25. This allows the temperature of the temperature change module 24 to be transmitted to the user more effectively than if the temperature change module 24 were to come into contact with the user's ear via a covering layer such as a cloth that forms the inner surface of the pad body 21.

[0043] Hereinafter, the temperature change module 24 of the first heat conducting part 20-1 will be referred to as the first temperature change module 24-1, and the temperature change modules 24 corresponding to the second heat conducting part 20-2, the third heat conducting part 20-3, and the fourth heat conducting part 20-4 will be referred to as the second temperature change module 24-2, the third temperature change module 24-3, and the fourth temperature change module 24-4, respectively, as necessary.

[0044] (4. Heat transfer in ear pad 4) When a direct current is passed through the temperature change module 24 in a predetermined direction while the headphones 1 are being worn, the temperature of the surface 24a rises and the surface 24a becomes a heat dissipation surface, and the heat is transferred to the user's ear through the protective sheet 25, causing the user to feel warm. A temperature drop occurs on the back surface of the temperature change module 24, but the heat is absorbed by the heat sink 22. When a direct current is passed through the temperature change module 24 in the direction opposite to that during heating, the temperature of the surface 24a drops and the surface 24a becomes a heat absorption surface, and the temperature is absorbed from the user's ear through the protective sheet 25, causing the user to feel cold. A temperature rise occurs on the back surface of the temperature change module 24, but the heat is dissipated by the heat sink 22.

[0045] (5. Control device 30) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the headphones 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the headphones 1 include a control device 30. The control device 30 is, for example, a computer device configured with an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor, and controls the operation of each part of the headphones 1.

[0046] The control device 30 is connected to the speaker 14, the LED board 13, the first to fourth temperature change modules 24-1 to 24-4, a harness connection section 32, and the like. Although not shown, the headphones 1 are connected to an external PC (personal computer) or the like (not shown) via a harness connected to the harness connection section 32. The headphones 1 are supplied with music data to be output from the speaker 14, a display control signal for controlling the display by the light of the light guide plate 12, and temperature control information for controlling the temperatures of the first to fourth temperature change modules 24-1 to 24-4 from the external PC or the like. In addition, power for operating each section of the headphones 1 is also supplied from the external PC or the like via the harness.

[0047] The control device 30 has functions such as a playback device that plays music and the like and an amplifier that amplifies sound, generates an audio signal based on the supplied music data, and outputs it to the speaker 14. The control device 30 also outputs the supplied display control signal to the drive circuit 13a of the LED board 13.

[0048] The control device 30 further includes a temperature control section 31. The temperature control section 31 drives the first to fourth temperature change modules 24-1 to 24-4 in rotation, either individually or in groups, with the phases of their operations shifted, based on the supplied temperature control signal. The above-mentioned plurality of temperature change modules 24 and the temperature control section 31 constitute a temperature change device for headphones. The temperature change device may include a heat sink 22, four protective sheets 25, etc. The driving of the first to fourth temperature change modules 24-1 to 24-4 by the temperature control section 31 will be described below.

[0049] (6. Operation of Temperature Change Module 24) <6-1 During heating> FIG. 8 is an operational diagram showing an example of the operation of the temperature change module 24 by the control device 30 included in the headphones 1 when heating. As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature control unit 31 of the control device 30 turns on the temperature change module 24 and raises the temperature of the temperature change module 24 to a set temperature (a set temperature when heating). The set temperature when heating can be set, for example, to about 44 to 50°C, which is a temperature that humans find comfortable and warm. The temperature of the temperature change module 24 when turned off is about room temperature. Therefore, the lower the room temperature and the higher the set temperature, the higher the current value when turned on. The temperature control unit 31 drives the four temperature change modules 24 in rotation while shifting the phases of their operations.

[0050] In the example of Fig. 8, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven in rotation with the timing of turning them ON shifted by a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds. The timing of turning OFF the ON temperature change module 24 may be the same as the timing of turning ON the next temperature change module 24 in the rotation, or may be shifted before or after the timing of turning ON. In the example of Fig. 8, the temperature change module 24 is turned OFF when the temperature of the next temperature change module 24 in the rotation reaches the set temperature. In this case, one of the four temperature change modules 24 will always reach the set temperature.

[0051] If the same spot is always heated, the sensation becomes dull and it becomes difficult to feel warmth, but in the headphones 1, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven in rotation to switch the heat conducting part 20 that exerts the effect. This prevents the sensation from becoming dull and allows the user to continue to effectively feel a temperature change such as warmth.

[0052] Furthermore, even if the temperature is not high enough to cause a problem with short-term contact, continued contact for a long period of time can cause low-temperature burns. Even at temperatures of about 44 to 50°C, which humans find comfortable and warm, there is a risk of low-temperature burns if contact is continued for a long period of time. In the headphones 1, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven in rotation to switch the heat conducting parts 20 that exert their effects, so that low-temperature burns can be prevented even if the headphones 1 are used continuously for a long period of time.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 8, the time that each temperature change module 24 continues to be ON when the multiple temperature change modules 24 are turned ON in sequence is 30 seconds, but this can be set appropriately taking into consideration the set temperature, etc. In other words, it should be set to a value that makes the user feel warm and prevents low-temperature burns. From the perspective of preventing low-temperature burns, it is preferable to make the duration shorter when the set temperature is high than when it is low.

[0054] <6-2 During cooling> FIG. 9 is an operational diagram showing an example of the operation of the temperature change module 24 by the control device 30 when cooling. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 30 turns on the temperature change module 24 to lower the temperature of the temperature change module 24 to a set temperature (a set temperature when cooling). The set temperature when cooling can be set, for example, about 10 to 15°C lower than room temperature, which is a temperature that humans find comfortably cold. The temperature of the temperature change module 24 when turned off is about room temperature. Therefore, the higher the room temperature and the lower the set temperature, the higher the current value when turned on. The control device 30 drives the four temperature change modules 24 in rotation while shifting the phases of their operation.

[0055] In the example of Fig. 9, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven in rotation with the timing of turning them ON shifted by a predetermined time, for example 30 seconds. The timing of turning OFF the ON temperature change module 24 may be the same as the timing of turning ON the next temperature change module 24 in the rotation, or may be shifted before or after the timing of turning ON. In the example of Fig. 9, the temperature change module 24 is turned OFF when the temperature of the next temperature change module 24 in the rotation reaches the set temperature. In this case, one of the four temperature change modules 24 will always reach the set temperature.

[0056] If the same spot is always cooled, the senses become dull and it becomes difficult to feel cold, but in the headphones 1, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven in rotation to switch the heat conducting part 20 that exerts the effect. This makes it possible to prevent the senses from becoming dull and to continue to effectively feel a temperature change such as cold.

[0057] In the example of Fig. 9, the time that each temperature change module 24 is kept ON in sequence when multiple temperature change modules 24 are turned ON in turn is set to 30 seconds, but this can be set appropriately taking into consideration the set temperature, etc. In other words, it should be set to a value that allows the user to feel cold without dulling their senses.

[0058] <6-3 When linked to the game> Fig. 10 is an operational diagram showing an example of the operation of the temperature change module 24 by the control device 30 when linked to a game. As shown in Fig. 10, four temperature change modules 24 may be operated in sections A to F in linkage with scenes in the game. Here, sections A, C, and E are scenes in the game where the user is indoors or outdoors at room temperature. Section B is a scene in the game where the user is in an icy world or outdoors in winter. Section D is a scene in the game where the user is in a world of fire, a world with a volcano erupting, or outdoors in summer.

[0059] When moving from the indoor or room temperature world of section A to the icy world or winter outdoors world of section B, the temperature of the temperature change module 24 is rapidly lowered from room temperature to the set temperature for cooling. This allows the game world to be expressed not only through images but also through temperature, improving the sense of immersion.

[0060] When moving from the indoor or room temperature world of section C to the fiery world or volcanic eruption world of section D, the temperature of the temperature change module 24 is rapidly raised from room temperature to the heating set temperature. This allows the game world to be expressed not only through images but also through temperature, improving the sense of immersion.

[0061] In these cases, by driving the four temperature change modules 24 in rotation, it is possible to continue to feel cold or warm without dulling the senses. Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the four temperature change modules 24 may be driven in rotation individually, but by driving two of them as a set, it is possible to feel a sudden drop or rise in temperature, which can give a sense of surprise.

[0062] Section F is a case where the user is warming himself / herself by a campfire in a cold world in the game. The first and second temperature change modules 24-1, 24-2 located in front of the user (on the face side) are driven at a set temperature for heating, and the third and fourth temperature change modules 24-3, 24-4 located behind the user (on the back of the head side) are driven at a set temperature for cooling. In other words, the four temperature change modules 24 are driven separately for those located in front of the user and those located behind the user. This allows the worldview of the game to be expressed not only by images but also by temperature in a scene where the temperature differs between the front and back of the user, improving the sense of immersion.

[0063] §3 Variations Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the above embodiment, and the description of the same points as in the above embodiment is omitted as appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0064] (1) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which multiple heat conduction sections 20 (for example, four) are arranged in a U-shape is exemplified, but they may also be arranged in a frame shape to match the shape of the pad body 21, or in an inverted U-shape.

[0065] (2) In the above-described embodiment, voice data, temperature control signals, power, etc. are supplied via a harness connected to harness connection portion 32. However, a receiver may be installed to wirelessly receive voice data and temperature control signals, and a battery may be installed.

[0066] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which one set temperature is set for heating and one set temperature is set for cooling has been exemplified, but multiple sets of each may be set. In this way, the set temperature of the ice world can be made lower than the set temperature outdoors in winter, further improving the sense of immersion.

[0067] (4) In the above embodiment, the temperature change modules 24 are divided into two parts, one in front of the user and one behind the user, and driven separately, but they can also be driven separately on the right and left sides. This can further improve the sense of immersion in scenes where a pillar of fire appears on one side of the user's face, or when the user is fighting while dodging flames from a flamethrower by moving left and right.

[0068] (5) In the above-described embodiment, multiple Peltier elements are mounted on one heat sink 22, but when the front and rear of the user are driven separately as in section F of Fig. 10, the heat sink 22 may also be divided into front and rear parts. This makes it possible to separate heat dissipation and heat absorption in the heat sink. Also, by interposing a heat insulating member between the two divided heat sinks, it is possible to more effectively separate heat dissipation and heat absorption in the heat sink.

[0069] (6) In this embodiment, the headphones 1 are not equipped with a microphone. However, the present invention can also be applied to headphones equipped with a microphone, which are called headsets.

[0070] (7) In the present embodiment, headphones 1 having an arm are illustrated as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to headphones having a part that can be hooked onto the ear instead of an arm.

[0071] [Software implementation example] The temperature control unit 31 of the control device 30 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software. In the latter case, the control device 30 includes a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and also includes a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. In the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. For the recording medium, a "non-transient tangible medium", for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, as well as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. In addition, the control device 30 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program. In addition, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Headphones 3. Speaker section 4 Ear pad section 20 Heat conduction part 21 Pad body 21a opening 22 Heat sink 22a Pedestal 24 Temperature change module (temperature change section) 25 Protective Sheet 26 Cushioning material 30 Control device 31 Temperature control unit 32 Harness connection

Claims

1. A pair of speaker units; A pair of ear pads that cover at least a part of a user's ears; a plurality of temperature change units provided inside the pair of ear pad units, capable of heating or cooling, or both, by energization, and capable of conveying a temperature different from room temperature to a user; A temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of operation of each unit or each set of units, The temperature change unit includes a Peltier element, a heat sink disposed inside the ear pad portion and on a rear side of the Peltier element; The heat sink has a plurality of pedestal portions protruding toward the side that comes into contact with the user, and the back surface of the Peltier element is in contact with the top surfaces of the plurality of pedestal portions.

2. The headphones according to claim 1 , further comprising a protective sheet having a cushioning function on a surface of the temperature change portion that comes into contact with the user.

3. An opening is provided on a surface of the pair of ear pad portions that comes into contact with the user, The headphones according to claim 2 , wherein a surface of the temperature change portion that is provided with the protective sheet is exposed to the outside through the opening.

4. A pair of speaker units; A pair of ear pads that cover at least a part of a user's ears; a plurality of temperature change units provided inside the pair of ear pad units, capable of heating or cooling, or both, by energization, and capable of conveying a temperature different from room temperature to a user; A temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of operation of each unit or each set of units, The temperature control unit drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of their operation individually or in groups in conjunction with the content of a game.

5. A temperature variable device for headphones, comprising: a plurality of temperature change units provided inside a pair of ear pads that cover at least a part of a user's ears, the temperature change units being capable of heating, cooling, or both when energized, and conveying a temperature different from room temperature to the user; A temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of operation of each unit or each set of units, The temperature change unit includes a Peltier element, a heat sink disposed inside the ear pad portion and on a rear side of the Peltier element; The heat sink has a plurality of pedestal portions protruding toward the side that comes into contact with the user, and the back surface of the Peltier element is in contact with the top surfaces of the plurality of pedestal portions.

6. A temperature variable device for headphones, comprising: a plurality of temperature change units provided inside a pair of ear pads that cover at least a part of a user's ears, the temperature change units being capable of heating, cooling, or both when energized, and conveying a temperature different from room temperature to the user; A temperature control unit that drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of operation of each unit or each set of units, The temperature control unit drives the plurality of temperature change units in rotation while shifting the phase of their operation individually or in groups in conjunction with the content of the game, in a temperature variable device for headphones.

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