ultrasonic generator

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic wave generator that allows an effect desired to be obtained by a hypersonic effect to be selected.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic wave generator 20 includes: an audible speaker 30 for radiating an audible sound to a human; a first speaker 51 for radiating an ultrasonic wave to a body part where the activity of a human parasympathetic nerve is increased; a second speaker 52 for radiating an ultrasonic wave to a body part where the activity of a human sympathetic nerve is increased; and a distribution setting part 48 for changing acoustic pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the first speaker 51 and acoustic pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 so that the acoustic pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the firster speaker 51 and the acoustic pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic generator. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a sound generating device is known that reduces human stress by generating a hypersonic effect by changing the frequency of ultrasound that is irradiated onto a person's entire body along with audible sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3933565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the sound generating device described in Patent Document 1 merely changes the frequency of the ultrasound waves irradiated onto the entire human body, and does not allow selection of the desired hypersonic effect.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultrasonic generator that allows the user to select the desired hypersonic effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is An ultrasonic generator for use in a vehicle (5), an audible sound irradiating unit (30) that irradiates audible sound to a human; a first irradiating unit (51) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave to a region of the human body that increases parasympathetic nerve activity; and a second irradiating unit (52) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave to a region of the human body that increases sympathetic nerve activity. While irradiating a person with audible sound from the audible sound irradiation unit, an index of sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) obtained from a heart rate interval calculated based on the person's heart rate, an index of parasympathetic nerve activity (HF) obtained from the heart rate interval, and a vehicle speed, which is the speed of the vehicle, are calculated. a control unit that changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit; and, Equipped with The area where the parasympathetic nerve activity is increased is the human face and the human forehead, and the area where the sympathetic nerve activity is increased is the human posterior neck; The control unit When the index of sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) is smaller than the index of parasympathetic nerve activity (HF), and when the vehicle speed is greater than zero, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiation unit is made higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit while irradiating the person with audible sound from the audible sound irradiation unit; and when the index of sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) is larger than the index of parasympathetic nerve activity (HF), and when the vehicle speed is zero, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiation unit is made higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiation unit while irradiating the person with audible sound from the audible sound irradiation unit. It is an ultrasonic generator.

[0007] This allows the sound pressure of the ultrasound irradiated to the area that increases the activity of the human parasympathetic nerves to be different from the sound pressure of the ultrasound irradiated to the area that increases the activity of the human sympathetic nerves, making it possible to select the effect that you want to achieve with the hypersonic effect.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle in which an ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment of the present invention is used; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic generator. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the frequency characteristics of human mechanoreceptors. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing the activity of the parasympathetic nerve when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck, face, and whole body of a human while irradiating it with audible sound. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the degree of sympathetic nerve activity when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck, face, and whole body of a human while irradiating it with audible sound. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] The ultrasonic wave generator 20 of this embodiment is used in a vehicle 10 having, for example, the steering wheel 2, headrest 4, and seat 6 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic wave generator 20 includes an audible recording medium 22, an audible signal generator 24, an audible playback circuit 26, an audible amplifier circuit 28, and an audible speaker 30. The ultrasonic wave generator 20 also includes an ultrasonic recording medium 32, an ultrasonic signal generator 34, an ultrasonic playback circuit 36, and an ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38. The ultrasonic wave generator 20 also includes a biometric information estimation unit 40, an analysis unit 42, a vehicle state detection unit 44, a situation estimation unit 46, a distribution setting unit 48, and a distribution unit 50. The ultrasonic wave generator 20 also includes a first speaker 51 and a second speaker 52.

[0012] The audible recording medium 22 is, for example, a ROM or flash memory, and stores digital information related to audible sound. The audible signal generating device 24 is, for example, an optical drive or a card reader, and reads out the digital information related to audible sound stored in the audible recording medium 22. The audible playback circuit 26 is a DAC that converts the digital information of audible sound read out by the audible signal generating device 24 into analog information. The audible amplification circuit 28 is an amplifier that amplifies a signal corresponding to the analog information related to audible sound converted by the audible playback circuit 26. DAC stands for Digital-to-Analog Converter. Audible sound is sound with a frequency of 20 Hz or higher and lower than 20 kHz.

[0013] The audible speaker 30 corresponds to the audible sound emitting unit, and generates audible sound amplified by the audible amplifier circuit 28. As a result, the audible speaker 30 irradiates the audible sound to the auditory system of the driver 8 of the vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 1. The driver 8 corresponds to a human being.

[0014] The ultrasonic recording medium 32 is, for example, a ROM or flash memory, and stores digital information related to ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic signal generator 34 is, for example, an optical drive or a card reader, and reads out the digital information related to ultrasonic waves stored in the ultrasonic recording medium 32. The ultrasonic reproduction circuit 36 ​​is a DAC that converts the digital information related to ultrasonic waves read out by the ultrasonic signal generator 34 into analog information. The ultrasonic amplification circuit 38 is an amplifier that amplifies a signal corresponding to the analog information related to ultrasonic waves converted by the ultrasonic amplification circuit 38. Ultrasonic waves are sounds with a frequency of 20 kHz or higher.

[0015] The biometric information estimation unit 40 is a wearable sensor, a video camera, or the like, and estimates biometric information, such as blood flow, of the driver 8 of the vehicle 10 using a photoplethysmogram or a videoplethysmogram. The biometric information estimation unit 40 also estimates the heart rate of the driver 8 of the vehicle 10 based on the estimated blood flow and a map. The biometric information estimation unit 40 then outputs a signal corresponding to the estimated heart rate to the analysis unit 42, which will be described later. The blood flow is the flow velocity or volume of blood flowing through a human's blood vessels. The map for estimating the heart rate is set, for example, by experiments, simulations, machine learning, or the like. The biometric information estimation unit 40 also estimates the heart rate from the blood flow, but is not limited to this. The biometric information estimation unit 40 may also estimate the heart rate based on, for example, vibrations of the skin of the driver 8 of the vehicle 10.

[0016] The analysis unit 42 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The analysis unit 42 executes a program stored in the ROM of the analysis unit 42 to calculate a heartbeat interval based on the heart rate output from the biological information estimation unit 40. The analysis unit 42 then performs frequency analysis of the calculated heartbeat interval to calculate the LF / HF and HF of the driver 8. The analysis unit 42 then outputs signals corresponding to the calculated LF / HF and HF to the distribution setting unit 48, which will be described later. The LF / HF is an index of the activity level of the sympathetic nervous system of a person. The HF is an index of the activity level of the parasympathetic nervous system of a person.

[0017] The vehicle state detection unit 44 is, for example, a vehicle speed sensor or an ignition sensor, and detects the vehicle speed and the on / off state of the ignition of the vehicle 10. In this way, the vehicle state detection unit 44 detects the state of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the vehicle state detection unit 44 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected state of the vehicle 10 to a situation estimation unit 46, which will be described later. The vehicle speed is the speed of the vehicle 10.

[0018] The situation estimation unit 46 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The situation estimation unit 46 estimates the situation of the driver 8 based on a signal from the vehicle state detection unit 44 by executing a program stored in the ROM of the situation estimation unit 46. The situation estimation unit 46 then outputs a signal corresponding to the estimated situation of the driver 8 to the distribution setting unit 48, which will be described later.

[0019] The distribution setting unit 48 corresponds to the control unit and is mainly composed of a microcomputer or the like, and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The distribution setting unit 48 also executes a program stored in the ROM of the distribution setting unit 48. Based on signals from the analysis unit 42 and the situation estimation unit 46, the distribution setting unit 48 calculates the sound pressures of the ultrasound waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 (described below) so that the sound pressures are different from each other. The distribution setting unit 48 also outputs signals corresponding to the calculated sound pressures of the ultrasound waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 to the distribution unit 50 (described below). Based on signals from the analysis unit 42 and the situation estimation unit 46, the distribution setting unit 48 calculates the sound pressures of the ultrasound waves emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 (described below). However, without being limited to this, the distribution setting unit 48 may calculate the sound pressure of the ultrasound emitted from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 described below based on the sound pressure set by the driver 8 or passengers of the vehicle 10 through button operation, etc.

[0020] The distribution unit 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a CPU, ROM, flash memory, RAM, I / O, and bus lines connecting these components. The distribution unit 50 generates ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 by executing a program stored in the ROM of the distribution unit 50. Specifically, the distribution unit 50 outputs a signal to the first speaker 51 to cause the first speaker 51 to generate ultrasonic waves based on the signal from the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 and a signal corresponding to the sound pressure calculated by the distribution setting unit 48. The distribution unit 50 also outputs a signal to the second speaker 52 to cause the second speaker 52 to generate ultrasonic waves based on the signal from the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 and a signal corresponding to the sound pressure calculated by the distribution setting unit 48.

[0021] The first speaker 51 corresponds to the first irradiating unit, and is disposed, for example, above the steering wheel 2 on the vehicle 10, as shown in Fig. 1. The first speaker 51 irradiates an ultrasonic wave with a sound pressure calculated by the distribution setting unit 48 in response to a signal from the distribution unit 50, onto a part of the body that increases the activity of the human parasympathetic nervous system. The part of the body that increases the activity of the human parasympathetic nervous system is, for example, the face and forehead of the human.

[0022] The second speaker 52 corresponds to the second irradiator and is disposed, for example, between the headrest 4 and the seat 6. Furthermore, the second speaker 52 irradiates an area that increases the activity of the human sympathetic nerves with ultrasound of a sound pressure calculated by the distribution setting unit 48 in response to a signal from the distribution unit 50. The area that increases the activity of the human sympathetic nerves is, for example, the back of the neck.

[0023] The ultrasonic wave generator 20 of this embodiment is configured as described above. In this ultrasonic wave generator 20, an audible sound from the audible speaker 30 is irradiated to the auditory system of the driver 8, and ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 are irradiated to the body of the driver 8. This provides a hypersonic effect to the driver 8. Furthermore, this ultrasonic wave generator 20 allows the effect desired to be obtained by the hypersonic effect to be selected. Next, the ability to select the effect desired to be obtained by the hypersonic effect using the ultrasonic wave generator 20 will be described.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, no human mechanoreceptors capable of sensing vibration stimuli exceeding 1000 Hz have been reported to date. However, the inventors' research has revealed that the effects on the human body differ when ultrasound is irradiated onto the human face and forehead, etc., and when ultrasound is irradiated onto areas other than the face and forehead, such as the back of the neck, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, when ultrasound is irradiated onto the human face and forehead, etc., the activity of the human parasympathetic nervous system increases. Furthermore, when ultrasound is irradiated onto the back of the neck, the activity of the human sympathetic nervous system increases, as shown in Figure 5.

[0025] Also, here, for example, assume that LF / HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 is smaller than HF, that is, LF / HF < HF. At this time, since the activity of the parasympathetic nerve of the driver 8 is greater than the activity of the sympathetic nerve, the driver 8 is in a relaxed state. Further, assume that the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle state detection unit 44 is greater than zero. At this time, since the vehicle 10 is in motion, the situation estimation unit 46 estimates that it is a situation in which the concentration and tension of the driver 8 should be increased. Therefore, when LF / HF < HF and the vehicle 10 is in motion, it is necessary to increase the concentration and tension of the relaxed driver 8.

[0026] For this reason, at this time, the distribution setting unit 48 calculates the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the second speaker 52 to be higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave from the first speaker 51. As a result, the distribution unit 50 generates ultrasonic waves in the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 in a state where the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave of the second speaker 52 is made higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave of the first speaker 51. Thereby, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave irradiated to the back of the human neck, which is a part that increases the activity of the human sympathetic nerve, becomes higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave irradiated to the human face and forehead. Therefore, the activity of the human sympathetic nerve increases. Therefore, LF / HF becomes larger than HF, and the concentration and tension of the driver 8 increase.

[0027] Also, for example, assume that LF / HF calculated by the analysis unit 42 is greater than HF, that is, LF / HF > HF. At this time, since the activity of the sympathetic nerve of the driver 8 is greater than the activity of the parasympathetic nerve, the driver 8 is in a concentrated or tense state. Further, assume that the ignition of the vehicle 10 detected by the vehicle state detection unit 44 is off. At this time, since the vehicle 10 is stopped and the driver 8 is resting, the situation estimation unit 46 estimates that it is a situation in which the relaxed state of the driver 8 should be enhanced. Therefore, when LF / HF > HF and the ignition of the vehicle is off, it is necessary to enhance the relaxed state of the concentrated or tense driver 8.

[0028] Therefore, at this time, the distribution setting unit 48 calculates the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 to be higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52. As a result, the distribution unit 50 causes the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 to generate ultrasonic waves with the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52. As a result, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated to the human face and forehead, which are areas that increase the activity of the human parasympathetic nerves, becomes higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated to the human back of the neck. Therefore, the activity of the human parasympathetic nerves increases. Therefore, LF / HF becomes smaller than HF, and the driver 8 becomes more relaxed.

[0029] In this way, in the ultrasonic generator 20, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second speaker 52 are changed so that they are different from each other. As a result, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated to the area that increases the activity of the human parasympathetic nerves is different from the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves irradiated to the area that increases the activity of the human sympathetic nerves. Therefore, the effect that is desired to be obtained by the hypersonic effect can be selected. Furthermore, the ultrasonic generator 20 of this embodiment also achieves the effects described below.

[0030] [1-1] The distribution setting unit 48 changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 based on a value related to the heart rate of the driver 8 of the vehicle 10. This takes into consideration the state of the driver 8 and changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52. This makes it easier to select the desired hypersonic effect that is suited to the state of the driver 8.

[0031] [1-2] The distribution setting unit 48 changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52 based on the state of the vehicle 10, for example, the vehicle speed or whether the ignition of the vehicle 10 is on or off. This changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first speaker 51 and the second speaker 52, taking into account the state of the driver 8. This makes it easier for the driver 8 to select the desired hypersonic effect that is suited to the state of the driver 8.

[0032] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments in the above-described embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0033] The controller and the method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the controller and the method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor configured with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the controller and the method described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the back of the neck is cited as a site for increasing the activity of the human sympathetic nerves, but the sites for increasing the activity of the human sympathetic nerves are not limited to the back of the neck, and may include, for example, the hands, the chest, and the back.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the audible amplifier circuit 28, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, the ultrasonic playback circuit 36, and the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 are all separate entities. However, these are not limited to being separate entities. For example, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, and the ultrasonic playback circuit 36 ​​may be integrated into a circuit. Alternatively, the audible recording medium 22, the audible signal generator 24, the audible playback circuit 26, the audible amplifier circuit 28, the ultrasonic recording medium 32, the ultrasonic signal generator 34, the ultrasonic playback circuit 36, and the ultrasonic amplifier circuit 38 may be integrated into a circuit. In these cases, audible sound and ultrasonic waves are separated via a frequency filter or the like.

[0036] (Features of the present invention) [Claim 1] an audible sound irradiator (30) that irradiates audible sound to a person; a first irradiation unit (51) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave onto a portion of the human body where the activity of the parasympathetic nerve is to be increased; a second irradiation unit (52) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave onto a part of the human body where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is to be increased; a control unit (48) that changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit so that the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit are different from each other; An ultrasonic generator comprising: [Claim 2] 2. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein the part where the parasympathetic activity is increased is the human face. [Claim 3] 3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein the part of the human body where parasympathetic activity is increased is the human forehead. [Claim 4] 4. The ultrasound generating device according to claim 1, wherein the part where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is increased is the back of the neck of the human. [Claim 5] 5. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is 20 kHz or higher. [Claim 6] 6. The ultrasonic generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit based on a value related to the human heart rate. [Claim 7] 7. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 6, further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on the blood flow of the person. [Claim 8] 7. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 6, further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on vibrations of the human skin. [Claim 9] 9. The ultrasonic generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiation unit and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiation unit based on the state of the vehicle (5). [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 20 Ultrasonic generator 30 Audible speaker 40 Biometric Information Estimation Unit 42 Analysis Department 44 Vehicle condition detection unit 46 Situation Estimation Unit 48 Distribution setting section 50 Distribution section 51 1st Speaker 52 Second Speaker

Claims

1. An ultrasonic generator for use in a vehicle (5), an audible sound irradiator (30) that irradiates audible sound to a person; a first irradiation unit (51) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave to a part of the human body where the activity of the parasympathetic nerve is to be increased; a second irradiation unit (52) that irradiates an ultrasonic wave onto a part of the human body where the activity of the sympathetic nerve is to be increased; a control unit that changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiator and the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiator, based on an index (LF / HF) of the activity of the sympathetic nerve obtained from a heartbeat interval calculated based on the heart rate of the person, an index (HF) of the activity of the parasympathetic nerve obtained from the heartbeat interval, and a vehicle speed that is the speed of the vehicle, while irradiating the person with audible sound from the audible sound irradiator; Equipped with The site where the parasympathetic activity is increased is the face and the forehead of the human, The site where the sympathetic nerve activity is increased is the back of the neck of the human, The control unit When the index of sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) is smaller than the index of parasympathetic nerve activity (HF), When the vehicle speed is greater than zero, While irradiating the person with audible sound from the audible sound irradiator, the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the second irradiator is made higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasound from the first irradiator; When the index of sympathetic nerve activity (LF / HF) is greater than the index of parasympathetic nerve activity (HF), When the vehicle speed is zero, An ultrasonic wave generating device that irradiates the human with audible sound from the audible sound irradiating unit while increasing the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the first irradiating unit to be higher than the sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves from the second irradiating unit.

2. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1 , further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on the blood flow of the person.

3. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 1 , further comprising an estimation unit (40) that estimates the heart rate based on vibrations of the human skin.

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