Restraint device, vibration generating device and shoulder pad device

Abstract

To improve the presence well with vibration.SOLUTION: A control device according to the embodiment has a constraining part and a vibration generating part. The constraining part constrains a user to a seat. The vibration generating part is mounted on the constraining part and generates vibration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a restraint device, a vibration generating device, and Shoulder Pad Device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when providing content through XR, etc., there is known a technology that generates vibrations to enhance the sense of realism. For example, XR includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).

[0003] For example, a method is known in which a vibrating device is embedded in a seat (chair) on which a user who receives content is seated.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a support body on which a person sitting in a chair places their palm is vibrated by a converter that converts an acoustic signal into mechanical vibration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-285182 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventional techniques have a problem in that vibrations may not be able to sufficiently improve the sense of realism.

[0007] For example, in the method of vibrating the chair itself or the object on which the palm rests, it is not possible to apply vibration to any part other than the specific parts of the user, such as the back and hands.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to sufficiently improve the sense of realism by using vibration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the restraint device according to the present invention comprises: The device includes a seat belt that restrains the user in the seat, a shoulder pad that is fixed to the seat belt so that it can move when an appropriate force is applied, and a vibration generator that generates vibrations. The vibration generator has an exciter that generates vibrations, a first plate to which the exciter is fixed, and a second plate that sandwiches the shoulder pad between the first plate and the vibration generator and fixes the shoulder pad to the shoulder pad. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the sense of realism can be sufficiently improved by vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a content playback system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching the restraint device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the restraint device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vibration generator. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the restraint device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for installing the exciter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a restraint device for a buckle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a restraint device for a buckle. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching a safety bar type restraint device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching a safety bar type restraint device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching a safety bar type restraint device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the control device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a restraint device, a vibration generating device, and a content playback system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] First, a content reproduction system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content reproduction system according to an embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the content reproduction system 1 includes a providing device 10, a control device 20, a display device 30, an audio output device 40, and a restraining device 50.

[0015] The providing device 10 and the control device 20 are connected via a network N. For example, the network N is the Internet or an intranet.

[0016] The providing device provides content. For example, the providing device 10 is a server.

[0017] The providing device 10 transmits content to the control device 20 via the network N. For example, the content is a moving image, an audio, or a combination of a moving image and an audio. For example, the providing device 10 transmits pre-prepared content in file units.

[0018] The content may also be XR content that uses a virtual space, for example, VR content that outputs moving images and audio in a virtual space.

[0019] The control device 20 controls the output of content. The control device 20 causes each output device to output information (signals: images, sounds, etc.) of the content to be provided, and also causes a vibration generator to output a vibration signal in a manner corresponding to the content, causing the vibration generator to generate vibration.

[0020] Here, the vibration generating device is installed on the restraint device 50 at a position that abuts against the content user when the content user is restrained in a seat. This allows the content playback system 1 to apply vibrations from the vibration generating device attached to the restraint device 50 to the user seated in the seat, thereby providing a sense of realism.

[0021] For example, the control device 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0022] The display device 30 outputs images included in the content. The audio output device 40 outputs audio included in the content. The display device 30 and the audio output device 40 are examples of output devices.

[0023] For example, the display device 30 is a projector that projects an image onto a screen installed in a dome-shaped space, and the audio output device 40 is a speaker.

[0024] In this case, users can view content from inside a dome-shaped space. Screens are placed along the walls of the dome to surround the user's field of vision, allowing the user to see realistic images all around.

[0025] The display device 30 and the audio output device 40 may be realized by VR goggles, a display, headphones, or the like.

[0026] Restraint device 50 restrains a content user in a seat. For example, it secures the user to a car seat, a wheelchair, or a seat on an attraction device at an amusement park for safety. It is a device such as a belt-like seat belt or a curved safety bar that conforms to the human body and presses against the human body when in use to secure the user safely. Figure 2 is a diagram explaining how to wear the restraint device.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the restraint device 50 includes a vibration generator 51 and a vibration generator 52.

[0028] The vibration generators 51 and 52 can communicate signals and data with the control device 20 via wired or wireless communication. The vibration generators 51 and 52 generate vibrations. The driving power is supplied from an internal battery or a power line installed inside the restraint device 50.

[0029] This allows the restraint device 50 to generate and apply vibrations particularly from in front of the user, improving the sense of realism.

[0030] 2, the restraint device 50 restrains the user to the seat with a band-like string (belt, webbing). For example, the restraint device 50 is a four-point seat belt. The restraint device 50 may also be a three-point or two-point seat belt.

[0031] In this way, the vibration generators 51 and 52 can be attached to seat belts that are widely used in automobiles and the like.

[0032] Vibration generators 51 are attached to the belt at the portions that span from the left and right shoulders to the chest of the user, and vibration generator 52 is attached to a buckle at the portion that spans the abdomen of the user.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the restraint device. As shown in Fig. 3, vibration generator 51 is attached to the belt via shoulder pad 51a. Vibration generator 52 is attached so as to cover the buckle.

[0034] By changing the position of the shoulder pad 51a, the position of the vibration generator 51 relative to the user's body can be adjusted.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vibration generator. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a restraint device. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, vibration generator 51 has case 511, exciter 512, plate 513, and plate 514.

[0036] Exciter 512 is an example of a vibration unit, and is a vibrator that vibrates according to control. For example, exciter 512 may have an electric / magnetic circuit configuration in which the diaphragm of a speaker (structure suitable for acoustic conversion) is replaced with a diaphragm suitable for vibration transmission, or may have a structure using a piezoelectric element.

[0037] Case 511, exciter 512, and plate 513 are integrally constructed using screws, etc. Furthermore, shoulder pad 51a is sandwiched between plate 513 and plate 514, and plate 513 and plate 514 are fixed together with screws, etc., thereby integrating shoulder pad 51a and exciter 512.

[0038] Here, the plates 513, 514 and shoulder pad 51a function as the attachment portion. For example, the shoulder pad 51a can be attached to a belt with a hook-and-loop fastener, making it easy to put on and take off.

[0039] In this manner, plate 513, plate 514 and shoulder pad 51a attach exciter 512 to restraint device 50 which restrains the user in the seat.

[0040] This allows the exciter 512 to be attached or detached to an existing seat belt depending on the situation.

[0041] Furthermore, the shape of the plates 513 and 514 may be flat, or may be curved to fit the shape of a human shoulder, for example.

[0042] The shoulder pad 51a can be made of a stretchable material, such as rubber, stretchable fiber, or stretchable knitted fabric, and can be configured to be normally fixed to the seat belt and movable by applying a moderate force. Furthermore, a metal fitting that can be pressed to the shoulder pad to engage the seat belt can be attached to the shoulder pad, allowing the position of the shoulder pad 51a to be fixed or changed.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for attaching an exciter. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, an opening 516 is formed by hollowing out a region of plate 513 facing vibrating section 515 of exciter 512. Vibration transmission plate 517 is attached to vibrating section 515 of exciter 512, and vibration transmission plate 517 protrudes slightly from opening 516. When plate 513 is pressed against a vibration transmission target (shoulder pad 51a) due to its structure (a structure in which vibrating section 515 of exciter 512 is elastically held in an initial position so as to be able to vibrate), vibration transmission plate 517 moves toward the inside of case 511 while pressing against the vibration transmission target due to the elasticity of vibrating section 515 of exciter 512, and vibration transmission plate 517 and the vibration transmission target come into close contact with each other.

[0044] Therefore, the vibration of vibrating unit 515 of exciter 512 is transmitted to the user via vibration transmission plate 517 and shoulder pad 51 a. In other words, this structure makes it easier to transmit vibrations to the user in the intended manner without dispersing the vibrations over the entire plate 513.

[0045] Here, vibration generator 52 also has an exciter like vibration generator 51, and is attached to the buckle of restraint device 50. Figures 7 and 8 are exploded views of a restraint device for a buckle. If Figure 7 is a view of restraint device 50 looking down from above, then Figure 8 can be said to be a view of restraint device 50 looking up from below.

[0046] 7, vibration generator 52 has upper case 521, plate 522, and lower case 523. An exciter is provided inside lower case 523 so as to abut against lower case 523, and lower case 523 (particularly the bottom side shown in the figure) is configured to vibrate by the exciter.

[0047] Plate 522 and lower case 523 are integrally configured with the exciter using screws, etc. Furthermore, buckle 53 is sandwiched between upper case 521 and plate 522, and upper case 521 and plate 522 are fixed together with screws, etc., thereby integrating buckle 53 with the exciter.

[0048] 8, notches are provided in the positions where the belt is inserted in upper case 521 (lower left and upper right sides in the figure). Furthermore, the notch on the lower left side is large enough for the user to operate a belt release button for releasing the connection between buckle 53 and the belt.

[0049] The seatbelt-type restraint device 50 can be installed in a motion chair and can enhance the sense of realism of XR content by applying vibrations to the XR viewer according to the content of the XR content. Furthermore, the restraint device 50 can be installed in a car seat to enhance the sense of realism when listening to music in the car.

[0050] Furthermore, in a vehicle equipped with a collision detection function, by vibrating one of the left and right vibration generators 51 in the direction in which an object (another vehicle, etc.) approaching the vehicle is detected, an effective alarm (indicating a dangerous direction) can be issued to the driver.

[0051] The embodiments have been described above using examples in which the restraint device is a seat belt. However, the restraint device may also be a device that restrains a user to a seat using a rod-shaped member (safety bar) that clamps the user together with the seat, as is often the case in attractions at amusement parks, etc. In this way, vibrations can be generated using existing equipment such as a safety bar.

[0052] 9, 10, and 11 are diagrams illustrating the structure of a safety bar-type restraint device and a method for wearing the device, and are an example of an XR viewing system. The viewing system 60 has a restraint device 61, a floor 63, and a display panel 64. The restraint device 61 is equipped with an exciter 611, front speakers 612, and rear speakers 613. Note that FIG. 11 is a view of the viewing system 60 in the state shown in FIG. 10, as seen from the front of the user (the left side of FIG. 10).

[0053] The audiovisual system 60 in this example is a type of system that can be used by a wheelchair 62.

[0054] The restraint device 61 is composed of an arm 610 which can be rotated by a hydraulic cylinder or the like and which can be elastically fixed (slightly movable due to elasticity) at predetermined positions (a predetermined position on the restraint side and a release position (a position where the wheelchair 62 can enter and leave)), and a safety bar 617 fixed to the arm 610; at the restraint position (a predetermined position on the restraint side), the safety bar 617 comes into close contact with the user (abdomen to chest) sitting in the wheelchair 62, and the safety bar 617 restrains the user to the seat of the wheelchair 62.

[0055] An exciter 611 is fixed to the user's side of the wheelchair 62 on the safety bar 617, and a front speaker 612 and a rear speaker 613 are fixed to predetermined positions on the arm 610 (positions where the speakers are located to the left and right in front of and behind the user when the wheelchair 62 is restrained).

[0056] In addition, a pair of rollers 618 are installed on the floor surface 63 of the audiovisual system 60 to fix the wheelchair 62 with its wheels rotatable (the wheels fit between the rollers to fix the wheelchair 62). The rollers 618 can be driven to rotate by a motor, and rotate the wheels of the wheelchair 62 (for example, to rotate in accordance with the content being played back to create a sense of realism, etc.), or conversely, when the wheels of the wheelchair 62 are rotated, the rotation of the rollers absorbs the moving force caused by the wheel rotation, preventing unnecessary movement of the wheelchair 62. The rollers 618 also have a built-in vibration mechanism, and can vibrate in accordance with the content being played back to create a sense of realism, etc.

[0057] When the wheelchair 62 enters or leaves the audiovisual system 60, the rollers 618 are locked to prevent the wheels of the wheelchair 62 from spinning freely (the rollers 618 spinning), which would prevent the wheelchair 62 from being able to move.

[0058] The display panel 64 is composed of an LOD display, a projection device consisting of a screen and a projector, etc., and displays images of XR content, etc. Therefore, while sitting in the wheelchair 62, the user can view images of XR content, etc. projected on the screen in front of them, and can also hear the audio of the XR content, etc., from the front speakers 612 and rear speakers 613 with a rich three-dimensional sound.

[0059] The roller 618 structure on the floor surface 63 can rotate the wheels of the wheelchair 62 or apply vibrations to the wheelchair 62, giving the user a more realistic feeling. It can also produce more dramatic effects. It is also possible to detect the rotation of the wheels of the wheelchair 62 (detection by electromotive force caused by motor rotation), making it possible to change the operation of the content according to the rotation of the wheels of the wheelchair 62. The user can enjoy content such as a game in which the scenery changes in accordance with the rotation of the wheels of the wheelchair 62.

[0060] With the above-described structure, when the restraint device 61 is in a non-restrained state (released state), as shown in FIG. 9, the arm 610 is positioned at a predetermined position (upper in the figure) in the released state, the safety bar 617 is in a position separated from the user, and the exciter 611 is also out of contact with the user.

[0061] On the other hand, in the restrained state (non-released state) by the restraint device 61, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the arm 610 is located at a predetermined position (downward in the figure) for the restrained state, the safety bar 617 is in a position where it abuts against the user, and the exciter 611 is also in close contact with the user. Therefore, the exciter 611 can transmit vibrations to the user according to the content. In addition, stereophonic sound according to the content is reproduced from the front speakers 612 and rear speakers 613, and vibrations are applied from the underside of the wheelchair 62 according to the content by rollers 618 on the floor 63, enabling content reproduction with a rich sense of presence.

[0062] When the safety bar type restraint device 61 of this example is applied to rehabilitation using a wheelchair 62, for example, it can improve the sense of realism and prevent the rehabilitation from becoming monotonous, which is expected to have the effect of increasing the continuity of the rehabilitation.In addition, when applied to a restraint device for play equipment in an experiential attraction, it can provide the user with sounds and vibrations suitable for the attraction, further improving the sense of realism.

[0063] Although the wheelchair 62 is used in this embodiment, any chair that can support the user, such as an ordinary chair, can be used in the same manner.

[0064] The configuration of the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 20 includes a communication unit 21, an output unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0066] The communication unit 21 is an interface for communicating data with other devices via the network N. The communication unit 21 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC).

[0067] The output unit 22 is an interface for outputting data. The output unit 22 outputs an image signal to the display device 30. The output unit 22 also outputs an audio signal to the audio output device .

[0068] The memory unit 23 and control unit 24 of the control device 20 are realized by a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, input / output ports, etc., or various circuits.

[0069] The CPU of the computer functions as an image output control unit 241, an audio output control unit 242, a vibration control unit 243, and a fixing mechanism control unit 244 of the control unit 24 by reading and executing a program stored in, for example, the ROM.

[0070] The storage unit 23 is configured with a RAM or a flash memory, and can store vibration information 231 and the like.

[0071] The control device 20 may acquire the above-mentioned programs and various information via another computer or portable recording medium connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0072] The vibration information database 231 is a database of information indicating the pattern of vibration to be generated by the vibration generator, and a corresponding vibration signal is generated based on the vibration information in this vibration information database 231. For example, the vibration information is a combination of vibration frequency, amplitude, duration, etc., and a plurality of patterns of vibration information matching a scene in the content are recorded in the vibration information database 231, and the vibration information corresponding to the scene in the content is read from the vibration information database 231 to generate an appropriate vibration.

[0073] The image output control unit 241 provides a display signal to the display device 30 to display an image of the content.

[0074] The audio output control unit 242 provides an audio signal to the audio output device 40, causing it to output the audio of the content.

[0075] The vibration control unit 243 controls the vibration generating device to generate a desired vibration. For example, the vibration control unit 243 acquires vibration information of a vibration pattern associated with a scene of the content being played back from the vibration information database 231, outputs the acquired vibration information to the vibration generating device, and controls the vibration generating device to generate the corresponding vibration.

[0076] In addition, the vibration control unit 243 can also apply a method of controlling the vibration generating device to extract low-frequency components (for example, 140 Hz or less) of the audio or environmental sound being outputted from the playback content using a low-pass filter or the like, amplify them appropriately, and output them as vibration information to the vibration generating device, thereby generating vibrations according to the content being played.

[0077] The fixing mechanism control unit 244 controls the fixing mechanism of the restraint device. The fixing mechanism is a mechanism for fixing the restraint by the restraint device and preventing the user from escaping from the restraint.

[0078] For example, the fixing mechanism of the seat belt type restraint device 50 is realized by locking a buckle. For example, the fixing mechanism control unit 244 locks the connection part of the belt from the buckle 53 of the restraint device 50 using an electric lock or the like to prevent it from coming loose.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the fixing mechanism of the safety bar type restraint device 61 is realized by locking the safety bar (arm 610 and safety bar 617 in Fig. 9). For example, the fixing mechanism control unit 244 locks the safety bar of the restraint device 61 with an electric lock or the like to prevent it from moving.

[0080] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the control device according to the embodiment. Here, a case where the control device 20 controls a seatbelt type restraint device 50 will be described.

[0081] This process is executed when the user sits down to view the content (when the content playback device is activated and the seating sensor detects that the user is seated).

[0082] 13, first, the control device 20 determines whether or not the user has fastened the seat belt (step S101). The control device 20 may make the determination based on a sensor value of a fastening sensor provided on the seat belt, or may make the determination by recognizing an image of the area around the seat.

[0083] The control device 20 waits until it is determined that the user has fastened the seat belt (step S101, No).

[0084] Here, when the control device 20 determines that the user has not fastened the seat belt, the control device 20 may output, via the display device 30 or the audio output device 40, a message urging the user to fasten the seat belt.

[0085] When it is determined that the user has fastened the seat belt (Yes in step S101), the control device 20 locks the seat belt (step S102).

[0086] Here, the control device 20 starts outputting the content (step S103), and then controls the vibration of the vibration generator provided in the seat belt in accordance with the content (step S104).

[0087] The control device 20 continues to control the vibration until the output of the content is completed (step S105, No).

[0088] When the output of the content is completed (step S105, Yes), the control device 20 unlocks the seat belt (step S106).

[0089] 13 may be executed by the control unit 24. For example, when a restraining device restrains a content user to a seat, the control unit 24 enables playback of the content (steps S101 and S103). Also, for example, the control unit 24 controls the restraint device so that the restraint cannot be released while the content is being played back (steps S102, S105, and S106).

[0090] If the user performs a forced unlocking operation, the playback (output) of the content is stopped, and the lock is released a few seconds later.

[0091] The end of content output is determined, for example, by receiving end information from the content playback device (preferably when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end information was received), by the user forcibly terminating the content, or by the occurrence of a hardware or software error.

[0092] Meanwhile, the above control can also be similarly applied to the safety bar type restraint device 61. In this case, the operation of locking the seat belt is replaced by the similar operation of the corresponding part of the safety bar type restraint device 61, for example, locking the seat belt is replaced by locking the safety bar (locking the arm 610 and safety bar 617).

[0093] Through the above-described control, the control device 20 keeps the user restrained in the seat while the content is being played back, thereby ensuring the safety of the user while viewing the content.

[0094] As described above, in the restraint device according to the embodiment, when the user is restrained in the seat, the vibration generating unit comes into contact with the user and applies vibrations to the user according to the content. Since wearing the restraint device is an essential operation to ensure the safety of the user (it is necessary to wear the restraint device, particularly in car seats and seats on amusement rides), the vibration generating unit is automatically worn when the restraint device is worn, without any special wearing operation being required.

[0095] This eliminates the need for the troublesome task of installing the vibration generating unit, and also prevents a decrease in the sense of realism during content playback due to forgetting to install the vibration generating unit.

[0096] Furthermore, the restraint device according to this embodiment can apply vibration not only to the user's back and hands, which are typical vibration-applied areas, but also to frontal body parts (parts that do not contact the seat), such as the shoulders, chest, and abdomen, which are difficult to apply vibration to. As a result, this embodiment can sufficiently improve the sense of realism through vibration.

[0097] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] N Network 1 Content playback system 10 Providing device 20 Control device 21 Communications Department 22 Output section 23 Memory section 24 Control Unit 30 Display device 40 Audio output device 50, 61 Restraint device 51, 52 Vibration generator 51a Shoulder pads 53 Buckle 60 Viewing System 62 Wheelchair 63 Floor 64 Display Panel 231 Vibration Information Database 241 Image output control unit 242 Audio output control unit 243 Vibration control unit 244 Fixing mechanism control unit 511 cases 512 Exciter 513, 514, 522 plates 515 Vibration part 516 Opening 517 Vibration transmission plate 521 Upper case 523 Lower Case 610 Arm 611 Exciter 612 Front Speaker 613 Rear speakers 617 Safety Bar 618 Laura

Claims

1. a seat belt that restrains the user in the seat; a shoulder pad secured to the seat belt so as to be movable by application of a moderate force; a vibration generating device that generates vibrations, The vibration generating device is an exciter that generates vibrations; a first plate to which the exciter is fixed; a second plate that sandwiches the shoulder pad between the first plate and the second plate and fixes the vibration generator to the shoulder pad. restraint device.

2. A vibration generating device attached to a shoulder pad that is fixed so as to be movable by applying an appropriate force to a seat belt that restrains a user in a seat, an exciter that generates vibrations; a first plate to which the exciter is fixed; a second plate that sandwiches the shoulder pad between the first plate and the second plate and fixes the vibration generator to the shoulder pad. Vibration generator.

3. A shoulder pad device comprising a shoulder pad that is fixed to a seat belt that restrains a user in a seat so as to be movable by applying an appropriate force to the shoulder pad, and a vibration generating device, The vibration generating device is an exciter that generates vibrations; a first plate to which the exciter is fixed; a second plate that sandwiches the shoulder pad between the first plate and the second plate and fixes the vibration generator to the shoulder pad. Shoulder pad device.

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