Vibration Control Device

Abstract

To provide a technique for giving effective influence in many scenes by sound and a vibration stimulation.SOLUTION: A vibration control device is constituted to allow a vibration device to perform a vibration operation. The vibration control device includes an acquisition section and a vibration control section. The acquisition section acquires a signal related to sound to be output by an acoustic device. The vibration control section is constituted to allow the vibration device to perform a vibration by one or two or more vibration patterns to be selected from a plurality of vibration patterns in accordance with a sound output by the acoustic device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an in-vehicle low-frequency sound amplification and transmission device that converts part of the output signal of music played on a car audio system into a low-frequency sound signal and transmits it to a transducer in a lumbar support cushion. In this device, the low-frequency sound reaches the driver's upper lumbar spine directly. The device aims to relieve excessive tension while driving by applying vibration stimulation to the occupant, and to keep the occupant focused without getting tired even during long drives. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-275668 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as a result of detailed consideration by the inventors, the device described in Patent Document 1 is inappropriate when it is desired to achieve an effect other than the intended purpose, and the situations in which it can be used effectively are limited. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technology that can provide an effective impact in many situations using sound and vibration stimulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vibration control device configured to cause a vibration device (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) to perform a vibration operation, the vibration control device including an acquisition unit (41) and a vibration control unit (44). The acquisition unit acquires a signal related to a sound output by an audio device (3). The vibration control unit is configured to cause the vibration device to perform vibration according to one or more vibration patterns selected from a plurality of vibration patterns in accordance with the output of the sound by the audio device.

[0006] With this configuration, it is possible to provide an effective impact in many situations using audio and vibration stimulation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an environmental management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the first mode, FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the second mode, FIG. 2C is a diagram for explaining the third mode, FIG. 2D is a diagram for explaining the fourth mode, FIG. 2E is a diagram for explaining the fifth mode, and FIG. 2F is a diagram for explaining the sixth mode. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each mode and the effect produced. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between effects obtained in each mode. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5E are diagrams for explaining combinations of reference sounds and vibration stimuli used in the sensory evaluation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining conditions suitable for an occupant to concentrate, and FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining conditions suitable for an occupant to relax. [Figure 7] 7A to 7F are diagrams for explaining combinations of reference sounds and vibration stimuli that enhance a sense of comfort. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a mode process. [Figure 9]13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the application of vibration stimuli to the vicinity of the back and waist of an occupant. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram for explaining application of vibration stimulation to the vicinity of the soles of the thighs of an occupant. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The environmental management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The environmental management system 1 includes vibration devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, an audio device 3, a control unit 4, a monitor 5, and a seat 6. Hereinafter, the vibration devices 2a, 2b, and 2c may be collectively referred to as vibration device 2. The environmental management system 1 can control the vibration device 2, and when sound is output from the audio device 3, executes a vibration operation by the vibration device 2, thereby guiding the occupant 10 to one of a plurality of states. Hereinafter, sound refers to an audible sound output from the audio device 3, and music refers to an artistic type of sound.

[0009] The vibration device 2 is a device for applying a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10. The vibration device 2 vibrates in accordance with a vibration waveform set by the control unit 4. The vibration device 2a is embedded in the backrest of the seat 6 at a position where it can impart vibration stimulation to the back of the occupant 10.

[0010] The vibration device 2b is embedded in the backrest of the seat 6 at a position where it can impart vibration stimulation to the occupant 10 near his or her lower back. The vibration device 2c is embedded in the seat surface of the seat 6 at a position where it can impart vibration stimulation to the occupant 10 near the back of the thighs.

[0011] The audio device 3 is a speaker for playing audio. The audio device 3 is installed in the seat 6 near the ears of the occupant 10. The output signal of the audio played by the audio device 3 is also output to the control unit 4. The location of the audio device 3 is not limited to near the ears of the occupant 10, and the audio device 3 may be installed in any location. For example, the audio device 3 may be a speaker installed near a navigation device.

[0012] The control unit 4 is mainly composed of a well-known microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The CPU executes a program stored in a ROM, which is a non-transient physical recording medium. The program is executed to execute a method corresponding to the program. Specifically, the control unit 4 executes a mode process shown in FIG. 8, which will be described later, in accordance with the program. The control unit 4 may include one microcomputer or multiple microcomputers.

[0013] The control unit 4 includes an acquisition unit 41, a generation unit 42, a setting unit 43, and a vibration control unit 44 as functional blocks realized by the CPU executing a program, i.e., as virtual components. The method of realizing the functions of each unit included in the control unit 4 is not limited to software, and some or all of the functions may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware. For example, when the above functions are realized by an electronic circuit that is hardware, the electronic circuit may be realized by a digital circuit, an analog circuit, or a combination of these.

[0014] The acquisition unit 41 acquires a signal related to the sound output by the audio device 3 . The generating unit 42 is configured to be capable of generating a vibration pattern based on a reference sound included in the sound output from the audio device 3. As an example, a bass sound that sets the tempo among sounds emitted from the audio device 3 is used as the reference sound. The generating unit 42 is also configured to be capable of generating a vibration pattern independent of the reference sound. In other words, the generating unit 42 is configured to be capable of generating a synchronous pattern, which is a vibration pattern whose envelope shape matches that of the reference sound, and an asynchronous pattern, which is a vibration pattern whose envelope shape does not match that of the reference sound.

[0015] The setting unit 43 sets one vibration mode from among a plurality of vibration modes. Specifically, the setting unit 43 sets the vibration mode input from the monitor 5. There are six types of vibration modes, from a first mode to a sixth mode. The vibration modes will be described in detail later.

[0016] The vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to the vibration pattern generated by the generation unit 42. Specifically, the vibration control unit 44 is configured to cause the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to one or more vibration patterns selected from a plurality of vibration patterns in accordance with the output of sound by the audio device 3. In addition, the vibration control unit 44 is configured to control the vibration of the vibration device 2 according to one or more vibration patterns associated with the vibration mode set by the setting unit 43.

[0017] The monitor 5 is a display device for presenting vibration modes to the occupant 10. For example, the monitor 5 is equipped with a touch panel, and the occupant 10 touches a desired icon of the vibration mode from among the displayed icons of the vibration modes. A signal indicating the vibration mode of the icon touched by the occupant 10 is input to the setting unit 43.

[0018] [1-2. Explanation of vibration patterns] Each vibration mode will be described with reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2F and Fig. 3. In Fig. 2A to Fig. 2F, the waveform of the vibration of the vibration device 2 is indicated by a solid line, and the envelope of the reference sound is indicated by a dotted line. The relationship between the effects obtained in each vibration mode is shown in Fig. 4.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2A, in the first mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform vibration so that the timing of performing a specific vibration operation coincides with the tempo of the reference sound. The timing of performing a specific vibration operation refers to the timing of the period during which the vibration device 2 applies a vibration stimulus among the combined period during which the vibration device 2 does not vibrate and the period during which the vibration stimulus is applied. Specifically, in the waveform shown in FIG. 2A, a period during which two cycles of vibration are performed and a period during which no vibration is performed are repeated. This period of two cycles is the timing of performing a vibration operation. The vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration of a vibration pattern in which the envelope of the waveform does not coincide with the envelope of the reference sound. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. By applying such a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10, it is possible to greatly increase the comfort and wakefulness of the occupant 10, and an effect of increasing the energy of the occupant 10 can be expected.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2B, in the second mode, first, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform vibration so that the timing of performing a specific vibration operation coincides with the tempo of the reference sound. However, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration pattern whose waveform envelope does not coincide with the envelope of the reference sound. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. After that, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform a synchronous pattern. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the vibration control unit 44 switches between the synchronous pattern and the asynchronous pattern and causes the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration operation. By providing such a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10, it is possible to appropriately increase the comfort and wakefulness of the occupant 10, thereby improving the performance of the work, and the effect of increasing the concentration of the occupant 10 can be expected.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2C, in the third mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to execute vibration of a vibration pattern in which the period of a specific vibration operation is longer than the tempo of a reference sound. Specifically, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to execute vibration so that the vibration stimulus has a tempo slower than the heartbeat. As an example, a vibration stimulus of 30 bpm is applied. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. By applying such a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10, it is possible to increase the sense of comfort and reduce the degree of awakening, and it is expected to have the effect of encouraging the occupant 10 to relax.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2D, in the fourth mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform vibration so that the timing of a specific vibration operation is different from the tempo of the reference sound. The vibration control unit 44 executes the vibration pattern described above in the third mode for a longer period of time than in the third mode. As an example, the vibration pattern described above in the third mode is executed for twice as long as in the third mode. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. By applying such vibration stimulation to the occupant 10, it is possible to maintain the occupant 10 in a relaxed state, and an effect of causing the occupant 10 to fall asleep can be expected.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2E, in the fifth mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to execute a strong vibration stimulus regardless of the reference sound. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. By applying such a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10, it is expected that the occupant 10 will be instantly awakened from a sleeping state.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2F, in the sixth mode, the vibration control unit 44 increases the magnitude of vibration compared to other vibration patterns. For example, the vibration control unit 44 applies a vibration stimulus that is greater than the magnitude of the vibration stimulus in the first mode. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern. By applying such a vibration stimulus to the occupant 10, it is possible to apply the vibration stimulus to fatigued areas, and it is expected to have the effect of reducing fatigue.

[0025] [1-3. Sensory evaluation] Unfamiliar music was played to the subjects, and vibration stimulation was simultaneously applied to the shoulders and back using the vibration device 2. The vibration conditions were changed, and the subject's sensations were used to determine what state the subject was in. Each of the following experiments was performed for one trial, lasting three minutes.

[0026] [1-3-1. Experiment to find the best conditions for 10 crew members to concentrate] The following tests (i) and (ii) were conducted on seven subjects. After each trial, each subject rated the comfort level on a seven-point scale and the arousal level on a seven-point scale.

[0027] (i) Music with a reference tone having a tempo of 140 bpm was played, and vibration device 2 was made to vibrate in accordance with the waveform of the reference tone shown in FIG. 5A (i.e., vibration based on the synchronization pattern described above).

[0028] (ii) Music with a reference tone having a tempo of 140 bpm was played, and vibration device 2 was operated to provide a vibration stimulus that was independent of the reference tone but had the same tempo as the reference tone (i.e., a vibration based on an example of an asynchronous pattern), as shown in Figure 5B.

[0029] FIG. 6A shows a graph in which the horizontal axis indicates comfort and the vertical axis indicates alertness, and the average evaluation values ​​of the subjects are plotted. Squares indicate the average value of (i), and circles indicate the average value of (ii). The vibration pattern (i) above was found to be superior to the vibration pattern (ii) in both comfort and alertness. From this, when the purpose is to allow the occupant 10 to concentrate, the synchronous pattern is preferable. In other words, it was found that the synchronous pattern is preferable in the second mode. Although not included in the above sensory evaluation, when vibration stimuli with a tempo different from the reference tone were applied, the subjects felt discomfort, as shown in Figure 5C.

[0030] [1-3-2. Experiment to find the best conditions for the occupant 10 to relax] The following tests (iii) and (iv) were conducted on seven subjects. After each trial, each subject rated the comfort level on a seven-point scale and the arousal level on a seven-point scale.

[0031] (iii) Music with a reference tone having a tempo of 65 bpm was played, and vibration device 2 was made to vibrate in accordance with the waveform of the reference tone shown in FIG. 5D (i.e., vibration based on the synchronization pattern described above).

[0032] (iv) Music with a reference tone tempo of 65 bpm was played, and vibration was performed in the vibration device 2 to provide a vibration stimulus that was independent of the reference tone and had a slower tempo than the reference tone (i.e., vibration based on an example of an asynchronous pattern) as shown in Fig. 5E. Specifically, a vibration stimulus of 30 bpm was provided.

[0033] FIG. 6B shows a graph in which the horizontal axis represents comfort and the vertical axis represents alertness, and the average evaluations of the subjects are plotted. Squares represent the average value of (iii), and circles represent the average value of (iv). The vibration pattern (iv) described above resulted in a lower alertness than the vibration pattern (iii). From this, if the purpose is to relax the occupant 10, the asynchronous pattern is preferable. In other words, it was found that the asynchronous pattern is preferable in the third mode.

[0034] [1-3-3. Experiment to find combinations of reference sounds and vibration stimuli that increase comfort] Figure 7A shows the results when three patterns of vibration stimulation were applied when the tempo of the reference sound was 120 bpm. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the vibration stimulation was 120 bpm.

[0035] Figure 7B shows the results when three patterns of vibration stimulation were applied when the tempo of the reference sound was 140 bpm. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the vibration stimulation was 140 bpm.

[0036] Figure 7C shows the results when three patterns of vibration stimulation were applied when the tempo of the reference sound was 160 bpm. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the vibration stimulation was 160 bpm.

[0037] Fig. 7D shows the results when three patterns of reference tones were played while a vibration stimulus of 120 bpm was being applied. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the reference tone was 120 bpm.

[0038] Figure 7E shows the results when three patterns of reference tones were played while a vibration stimulus of 140 bpm was being applied. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the reference tone was 140 bpm.

[0039] Figure 7F shows the results when three patterns of reference tones were played while a vibration stimulus of 160 bpm was being applied. The most comfortable feeling was observed when the tempo of the reference tone was 160 bpm. Thus, the result showed that a greater sense of comfort was obtained when the tempo of the reference sound and the vibration stimulation were the same, compared to when the tempo of the reference sound and the vibration stimulation were different.

[0040] [1-4. Processing] The mode processing executed by the CPU of the control unit 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. This processing is executed when the occupant 10 selects a vibration mode by touching any one of the icons of the first to sixth modes displayed on the monitor 5. The selected vibration mode is the mode to which the occupant 10 wishes to be guided.

[0041] First, in S101, the setting unit 43 acquires a vibration mode. Specifically, the setting unit 43 acquires the vibration mode input from the monitor 5. Next, in S102, the vibration control unit 44 determines whether or not the vibration mode acquired in S101 is the second mode.

[0042] When the vibration control unit 44 determines in S102 that the vibration mode is the second mode, the process proceeds to S103, and applies a vibration stimulus independent of the reference sound to the occupant 10, as shown in the first half of Fig. 2B. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of an asynchronous pattern.

[0043] Next, in S104, the vibration control unit 44 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed with the amplitude kept constant. When the vibration control unit 44 determines in S104 that the predetermined time has elapsed with the amplitude being constant, the process proceeds to S105.

[0044] In S105, the acquisition unit 41 acquires a signal related to the sound output by the audio device 3. The generation unit 42 generates a vibration pattern based on the reference sound, based on the signal related to the sound output by the audio device 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 41. The vibration control unit 44 then applies a vibration stimulus linked to the reference sound to the occupant 10, as shown in the latter half of FIG. 2B. The vibration stimulus linked to the reference sound is a vibration stimulus synchronized with the reference sound. This vibration pattern corresponds to an example of a synchronization pattern.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined in S104 that the predetermined time has not elapsed with the amplitude being constant, the vibration control unit 44 repeats the determination in S104. Next, in S106, the vibration control unit 44 determines whether or not an end operation has been performed or whether or not the destination has been reached.

[0046] When it is determined in S106 that the user has performed an end operation or that the user has arrived at the destination, the vibration control unit 44 proceeds to S107 and stops the vibration stimulation. After that, the vibration control unit 44 ends the process of this mode.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in S106 that the operation for ending the process has not been performed and that the user has not arrived at the destination, the vibration control unit 44 repeats the determination in S106. On the other hand, if the vibration control unit 44 determines in S102 that the target state acquired in S101 is not the second mode, the process proceeds to S108, where each mode is executed as described above. After that, the vibration control unit 44 ends this mode process.

[0048] [1-3. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to execute vibrations according to one or more vibration patterns selected from a plurality of vibration patterns in accordance with the output of sound by the audio device 3. With this configuration, the vibration control unit 44 can execute various vibration stimuli by combining the vibration patterns. Therefore, the various vibration stimuli can have an effective effect on the occupant 10 in many situations.

[0049] (1b) The generation unit 42 can generate a vibration pattern based on a reference sound included in the sound output from the audio device 3, and the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to the vibration pattern generated by the generation unit 42. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a vibration pattern whose envelope shape matches that of the reference sound.

[0050] (1c) The generator 42 can generate a synchronous pattern, which is the vibration pattern whose envelope shape matches that of the reference sound, and an asynchronous pattern, which is a vibration pattern whose envelope shape does not match that of the reference sound. With this configuration, it is possible to generate an appropriate vibration pattern according to the vibration mode.

[0051] (1d) When the second mode is set, the vibration control unit 44 switches between a synchronous pattern and an asynchronous pattern to cause the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration operation. With this configuration, the vibration stimulation becomes constant, and it is possible to prevent the occupant 10 from becoming bored with the vibration stimulation.

[0052] (1e) In the first mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration pattern in which the timing of a specific vibration operation coincides with the tempo of the reference sound, and the waveform envelope does not coincide with the envelope of the reference sound. With this configuration, the comfort and wakefulness of the occupant 10 can be significantly increased.

[0053] (1f) In the third mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform a vibration pattern in which the period of a specific vibration operation is longer than the tempo of the reference sound. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the comfort of the occupant 10 and reduce the wakefulness of the occupant 10.

[0054] (1g) In the sixth mode, the vibration control unit 44 increases the magnitude of vibration more than in the other vibration patterns. With this configuration, the sense of fatigue of the occupant 10 can be reduced. (1h) In the fourth mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to perform vibration of a vibration pattern in which the period of a specific vibration operation is longer than the tempo of the reference sound for a relatively long period of time. With this configuration, the occupant 10 can be kept relaxed and put to sleep.

[0055] (1i) In the fifth mode, the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to apply a strong vibration stimulus regardless of the reference sound. With this configuration, it is possible to instantly wake up the occupant 10 from a sleeping state. [1-4. Correspondence] The control unit 4 corresponds to a vibration control device.

[0056] 2. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms.

[0057] (2a) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which three vibration devices 2, 2a, 2b, and 2c, are caused to vibrate is exemplified. However, two or less vibration devices, or four or more vibration devices may be caused to vibrate. Also, the vibration device that vibrates may be switched depending on the mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the sixth mode, the vibration devices 2a and 2b may be caused to vibrate. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in the fifth mode, the vibration device 2c may be caused to vibrate. With such a configuration, vibration stimulation can be given more effectively depending on the mode.

[0058] (2b) In the above embodiment, in the second mode, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the asynchronous pattern is switched to a synchronous pattern, and the synchronous pattern is executed by the vibration device 2. However, the condition for switching from the asynchronous pattern to the synchronous pattern is not limited to this. For example, the pattern may be switched when a switching button displayed on the monitor 5 is pressed.

[0059] (2c) In the above embodiment, the occupant 10 touches the icon of the desired vibration mode from among the icons of vibration modes displayed on the monitor 5, and the desired vibration mode is executed. However, the timing at which the execution of the vibration mode is started is not limited to this. For example, when the vibration control unit 44 determines that the occupant 10 is feeling drowsy, the vibration control unit 44 may cause the vibration device 2 to execute the fifth mode. As an example, the vibration control unit 44 may analyze an image of the face of the occupant 10 captured by the driver status monitor and determine whether the occupant 10 is feeling drowsy. In this way, the vibration operation may be started using the state of the occupant 10 as a trigger. In addition to this, the environment in which the vehicle exists, such as brightness, temperature, road attributes, time, distance and time to the destination required by the navigation system, etc. may be used as a trigger.

[0060] (2d) In the above embodiment, the generation unit 42 generates a vibration pattern based on a reference sound, and the vibration control unit 44 causes the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to the vibration pattern generated by the generation unit 42. However, the vibration control unit 44 does not have to cause the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to the vibration pattern generated by the generation unit 42. Specifically, the vibration control unit 44 may cause the vibration device 2 to vibrate according to a vibration pattern that is held in advance by the vibration control unit 44.

[0061] (2e) In the above embodiment, the timing to perform a specific vibration operation refers to the timing when the period during which the vibration device 2 applies a vibration stimulus comes around within the combined period during which the vibration device 2 does not vibrate and the period during which the vibration stimulus is applied. However, the timing to perform a specific vibration operation may also refer to the timing when the period during which the vibration device 2 applies a relatively weak vibration stimulus comes around within the combined period during which the vibration device 2 applies a relatively strong vibration stimulus.

[0062] (2f) In the sensory evaluation of the above embodiment, the relationship between music and vibration stimulation is described in detail. However, instead of music, a non-musical sound may be played, and the state of the occupant 10 may be induced by a combination of the sound and the vibration stimulation.

[0063] (2g) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0064] (2h) In addition to the vibration control device described above, the present disclosure may be realized in various forms, including a system that includes the vibration control device as a component thereof, a program for causing a computer to function as the vibration control device, a medium on which this program is recorded, and a method of vibration control. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1...environmental control system, 2, 2a, 2b, 2c...vibration device, 3...acoustic device, 4...control unit, 5...monitor, 6...seat, 10...occupant, 41...acquisition unit, 42...generation unit, 43...setting unit, 44...vibration control unit.

Claims

1. A vibration control device configured to cause a vibration device (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) to perform a vibration action, an acquisition unit (41) that acquires a signal related to a sound output by an audio device (3); a vibration control unit (44) configured to cause the vibration device to execute vibrations according to one or more vibration patterns selected from a plurality of vibration patterns in accordance with sound output by the audio device; A generator (42) configured to generate the vibration pattern based on a reference sound included in the sound output from the acoustic device; Equipped with The vibration control unit causes the vibration device to vibrate according to the vibration pattern generated by the generation unit, The generating unit is configured to generate a synchronous pattern, which is the vibration pattern whose envelope shape matches that of the reference sound, and an asynchronous pattern, which is the vibration pattern whose envelope shape does not match that of the reference sound, A setting unit (43) is provided for setting one of a plurality of vibration modes, the vibration control unit is configured to control vibration of the vibration device using one or more of the vibration patterns associated with the vibration mode set by the setting unit, The vibration control unit is configured to be able to switch between the synchronous pattern and the asynchronous pattern when a predetermined vibration mode is set, and to cause the vibration device to perform a vibration operation.

2. The vibration control device according to claim 1 , A vibration control device, wherein the vibration control unit is configured to cause the vibration device to perform a vibration of a vibration pattern whose timing for performing a specific vibration operation matches the tempo of a reference sound contained in the sound output from the audio device, and whose waveform envelope does not match the envelope of the reference sound.

3. The vibration control device according to claim 1 or 2, The vibration control device is configured to cause the vibration device to perform vibration of a vibration pattern in which the period for performing a specific vibration operation is longer than the tempo of a reference sound contained in the audio output from the audio device.

4. A vibration control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Two or more of the vibration devices are arranged, The vibration control unit, when causing vibration according to a specific vibration pattern, causes one or more of the vibration devices associated with the vibration pattern to vibrate according to the vibration pattern.

5. A vibration control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The vibration control unit is configured to increase a magnitude of vibration in one vibration pattern among a plurality of vibration patterns compared to other vibration patterns.

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