Vibration sheet

Abstract

To provide a vibration seat capable of improving presence related to vibration, and a reproduction system.SOLUTION: A vibration seat in an embodiment includes: a main vibration unit provided on a central part of a seating surface; and multiple sub-vibration units provided around the seating surface of the main vibration unit and smaller than the main vibration unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibrating sheet To .

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a vibrating sheet incorporating a vibration unit. For example, a technique has been proposed in which the vibrating sheet is vibrated according to the video viewed by the user to improve the sense of immersion in the video (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, there was room for improvement in improving the sense of immersion related to vibration. For example, in the prior art, the reproduction of the directionality of vibration was not considered.

[0005] <00G0029>The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vibrating sheet and a reproduction system capable of improving the sense of immersion related to vibration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the vibrating sheet according to the present invention includes a main vibration unit provided at the center of the seating surface, and a plurality of sub-vibration units provided around the seating surface of the main vibration unit and smaller than the main vibration unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the sense of realism related to vibrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a regeneration system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an overview of the vibrating sheet. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of how to fix the sub-vibration unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of fixing the main vibration unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixed state of the main vibration unit and the secondary vibration unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fixed state of the main vibration unit and the secondary vibration unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the backrest in a side view. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the regeneration device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a directional signal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the regeneration device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the vibrating seat and regeneration system disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] First, an overview of the vibrating sheet and regeneration system according to the embodiment will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the regeneration system. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the vibrating sheet.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the playback system 1 according to the embodiment includes a playback device 10, a display device 3, a speaker 4, and a vibration sheet 5.

[0012] The display device 3 is, for example, a head-mounted display, and is an information processing terminal that presents a video signal related to XR content provided from the playback device 10 to the user and allows the user to enjoy a VR experience.

[0013] Note that the display device 3 may be a non-transmissive type that completely covers the field of view, or may be a video transmissive type or an optical transmissive type. Further, the display device 3 is a device that detects changes in the internal and external situations of the user by a sensor unit, and has, for example, a camera, a motion sensor, or the like.

[0014] The speaker 4 is provided, for example, in a headphone type and is worn on the user's ear. The speaker 4 generates an audio signal provided from the playback device 10. Note that the speaker 4 is not limited to the headphone type, and may be provided integrally with, for example, the vibration sheet 5 described later. For example, in this case, the speaker 4 is provided near the headrest of the vibration sheet 5. Further, the speaker 4 may be installed on a floor surface or the like often used in stereo audio or multi-channel audio.

[0015] The vibration sheet 5 is, for example, a sheet on which the user sits. The vibration sheet 5 is a sheet in which a plurality of vibration units are incorporated, and vibrates in accordance with a vibration signal provided from the playback device 10, as described later.

[0016] The playback device 10 is a computer, is connected to the display device 3 by wire or wirelessly, and plays back XR content for the display device 3. Further, the playback device 10, for example, acquires changes in the situation detected by a sensor unit provided in the display device 3 at any time, and reflects such changes in the situation in the XR content.

[0017] For example, the playback device 10 can change the direction of the field of view in the virtual space of the XR content according to changes in the user's head or line of sight detected by the sensor unit. XR is a collective term for all virtual space technologies including VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), SR (Substitutional Reality), AV (Audio / Visual), etc. Note that the content played by the playback device 10 is not limited to XR content, and may be content such as anime or movies. Also, an example configuration of the playback device 10 will be described later using FIG. 8.

[0018] By the way, in providing XR content, according to the scene, by vibrating the vibration sheet 5, it is possible to improve the sense of immersion of the XR content. On the other hand, in existing vibration sheets, there was room for improvement in terms of improving the sense of immersion of the content.

[0019] Specifically, no consideration was given to giving the vibration a direction. The direction here refers to the property of making the user feel the direction in which the vibration source exists. Also, for example, in existing vibration sheets, the vibration unit is often attached to the back surface of the seat surface (the surface that does not come into contact with the buttocks). In such a state, since the vibration propagates to the user's buttocks through the seat surface, it leads to attenuation or delay of the vibration.

[0020] Also, since the vibration frequency of the vibration unit is defined by the specifications and size of the vibration element such as an exciter, it is difficult for one vibration unit to cover a wide range of vibration frequencies.

[0021] Based on these findings, the vibration sheet 5 according to the embodiment is provided with a plurality of vibration units on the seat surface to reproduce the directionality of the vibration and improve the sense of immersion regarding the vibration. <00**********7> Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the vibrating seat 5 consists of a seat surface 51 and a backrest 54. A main vibration unit 52 is provided in the center of the seat surface 51, and four sub-vibration units 53a to 53d are provided on all four sides surrounding the main vibration unit 52.

[0023] Furthermore, the central part of the seat surface 51 is not necessarily the center of gravity of the seat surface 51 area, but rather the position of the center of gravity (or near the center of gravity) of the contact surface when a user is seated on the seat, and this is set during the seat design process, and the seat shape and other aspects are designed accordingly.

[0024] In this embodiment, the main vibration unit 52 is used as a vibration unit that basically does not express directionality, that is, mainly provides vibrations that convey a sense of vibration intensity, based on the main vibration signal input from the playback device 10. The sub-vibration units 53a to 53d are provided at the four corners of the seat surface 51 and are used as vibration units that express directionality, based on individual directional vibration signals input from the playback device 10. An example of a directional vibration signal will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the secondary vibration unit 53a is positioned to contact the area around the base of the left thigh, and the secondary vibration unit 53b is positioned to contact the area around the left buttock. Additionally, the secondary vibration unit 53c is positioned to contact the area around the base of the right thigh, and the secondary vibration unit 53d is positioned to contact the area around the right buttock.

[0026] In other words, in the vibrating seat 5, sub-vibration units 53a to 53d are positioned near the four corners of the seat surface, front, back, left, and right, based on the orientation of the seat. Therefore, in the vibrating seat 5, it is possible to give directionality to the vibration by vibrating each of the sub-vibration units 53a to 53d independently.

[0027] Each of the sub-vibration units 53a to 53d is equipped with a smaller vibrating element than the main vibration unit 52 and vibrates in a higher frequency range than the main vibration unit 52. Therefore, by providing the main vibration unit 52 and the sub-vibration units 53a to 53d, the vibration sheet 5 can reproduce ultra-low frequency vibrations with the main vibration unit 52, and low frequency vibrations, which have a wider frequency range than the main vibration unit 52, with the sub-vibration units 53a to 53d. Note that the main vibration unit 52 is large, which is advantageous for reproducing ultra-low frequency vibrations and large amplitude (high intensity) vibrations. Hereafter, if the sub-vibration units 53a to 53d are not distinguished, they will be referred to as sub-vibration unit 53.

[0028] In the vibrating seat 5, the main vibration unit 52 and the sub-vibration unit 53 are installed so as to be pressed against the user's buttocks on the seat surface 51 when the user sits down. This allows the vibrations from the main vibration unit 52 and the sub-vibration unit 53 to be delivered to the vicinity of the user's buttocks without dampening or delaying them.

[0029] For example, the main vibration unit 52 also functions as a support for the seat surface 51, and when a user sits down, it presses against the buttocks via cushioning materials such as cushions or seat covers. Furthermore, by positioning the top plate (vibrating plate) of the main vibration unit 52 so that it is in the center of the buttocks, the vibrations of the main vibration unit 52 can be transmitted to the user more accurately.

[0030] Furthermore, when a load is applied from above, such as when a user sits down, the sub-vibration unit 53 is not fixed in place, but rather, due to the elastic force of cushioning materials such as cushions and seat covers, it shifts vertically downward from its initial position and is fixed in a state where a force acts vertically upward, i.e., a floating state. In other words, when a user sits down, the sub-vibration unit 53 sinks downward in accordance with the applied load, and is pressed against the user's buttocks with appropriate pressure (by adjusting the characteristics of the cushioning material appropriately) due to the elastic force of the cushioning material.

[0031] This prevents a decrease in seating comfort caused by the placement of the sub-vibration unit 53, which would otherwise hit the user's buttocks without elastic displacement. A specific example of how the sub-vibration unit 53 is fixed will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

[0032] The vibrating seat 5 also has multiple small vibrating units 55a to 55d in the backrest portion 54. As shown in Figure 2, the backrest portion 54 is provided with a small vibrating unit 55a at the position corresponding to the user's left hip, a small vibrating unit 55b at the position corresponding to the left shoulder, a small vibrating unit 55c at the position corresponding to the right hip, and a small vibrating unit 55d at the position corresponding to the right shoulder. Hereafter, if the small vibrating units 55a to 55d are not distinguished, they will be referred to as small vibrating unit 55.

[0033] For example, the small vibration unit 55 vibrates in response to the main vibration signal input from the playback device 10, similar to the main vibration unit 52, but it may also be configured to vibrate in response to the directional vibration signal, similar to the sub-vibration unit 53. For example, in this case, the small vibration unit 55 may take advantage of its characteristic of being positioned vertically to reproduce the vertical directionality. That is, the planar directionality may be reproduced by the sub-vibration unit 53 installed on the seat surface 51, and the vertical directionality may be reproduced by the small vibration unit 55 installed on the backrest 54.

[0034] Furthermore, the secondary vibration unit 53 installed on the seat surface 51 and the small vibration unit 55 installed on the backrest 54 may be composed of the same vibration element, or they may be composed of different vibration elements. For example, if they are composed of the same vibration element, parts can be shared and used, thus reducing costs. Also, if they are composed of different vibration elements, the reproducible vibration frequency can be set to an appropriate range for the vibration applied to the user's back.

[0035] Next, examples of the installation of the secondary vibration unit 53 and the main vibration unit 52 will be described using Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 shows an example of fixing the secondary vibration unit 53. Figure 4 shows an example of fixing the main vibration unit 52. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the fixed state of the main vibration unit 52 and the secondary vibration unit 53.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the sub-vibration unit 53 consists of a vibrating element 530, a diaphragm 531, and a chassis 532. The vibrating element 530 is, for example, an exciter, and the diaphragm 531 is attached to its vibrating portion.

[0037] The diaphragm 531 is a plate member that vibrates due to the vibration caused by the vibration element 530. The diaphragm 531 is not particularly limited, but is made of sheet metal or resin. The chassis 532 is a cylindrical member that protects the vibration element 530 and is also used to fix it to the vibration sheet 5. In other words, the chassis 532 protects the sub-vibration unit 53 from physical shocks while also fixing the sub-vibration unit 53 to the vibration sheet 5.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, through holes 511a to 511d are provided in the cushion surface 51aa of the seat 51 for installing the sub-vibration unit 53. When the sub-vibration unit 53 is inserted into each of the through holes 511a to 511d, the diaphragm portion 531 is supported by the area surrounding the through holes 511a to 511d on the cushion surface 51aaa. Therefore, the sub-vibration unit 53 can be fixed in a floating state (a state in which it does not directly contact a rigid member) while the elastic force of the cushion acts in a vertical upward direction. Alternatively, for example, a spring or coil may be provided on the underside of the sub-vibration unit 53, and the sub-vibration unit 53 may be fixed in a floating state by applying a vertical upward force to the sub-vibration unit 53 using the elastic force of the spring or coil.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the back surface 51ab of the cushion of the seat surface 51 has a recess 520 in the center, where the cushion material is cut out. By fixing the top surface of the main vibration unit 52 so as to be embedded in the recess 520, the main vibration unit 52 is fixed so that it is positioned in the center of the cushion surface 51aa.

[0040] Next, the specific fixing structures of the main vibration unit 52 and the secondary vibration unit 53 will be described using Figures 5 and 6.

[0041] The seat surface 51 has a structure in which a seat base 515, molded from an elastic, slightly hard cushioning material (such as hard sponge), is fixed to the seat chassis 524 of the vibrating seat 5 (seat surface 51), which is made of a rigid material such as metal, and the seat base 515 is covered with a surface material 540 which is made of a thin cushioning material covered with leather, cloth, etc.

[0042] A recess 520 (see Figure 4) is provided on the lower surface of the sheet base 515 at the installation position of the main vibration unit 52, and the main vibration unit 52 is fitted into this recess 520. The main vibration unit 52 consists of a main body 528 that incorporates a vibration generation mechanism consisting of coils and magnetic circuits, and a transmission shaft 529 that transmits the generated vibrations to the outside, with a diaphragm 530 fixed to the transmission shaft 529. The diaphragm 530 is made of a material suitable for applying vibrations to a vibration-receiving body (user), such as a resin plate with appropriate rigidity, and an appropriate shape and size are used depending on the usage.

[0043] The main body 528 of the main vibration unit 52 is fixed in a recess of a concave (cylindrical body with a square bottom) chassis 535 made of a rigid material such as hard resin, and the diaphragm 530 is located on the upper outside of the chassis 535 and is in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 520 of the sheet base 515. A vibration-damping plate made of rubber or the like may be installed between the diaphragm 530 and the chassis 535 to prevent vibrations from being transmitted from the diaphragm 530 to the chassis 535. In addition, a hole for wiring is provided on the bottom surface of the chassis 535 so that a cord 527 for signal transmission and power supply of the main vibration unit 52 can be routed.

[0044] The seat base 515 and chassis 535 are fixed to the seat chassis 524 of the seat surface 51, and the seat chassis 524 of the seat surface 51 is further fixed to the chassis (seat fixing part) 525 of the vehicle body.

[0045] Furthermore, a through hole 511 is provided in the sheet base 515 at the installation position of the secondary vibration unit 53, and the secondary vibration unit 53 is fitted into the through hole 511. The secondary vibration unit 53 consists of a main body 522 with a built-in vibration generating mechanism, similar to the main vibration unit 52, and a transmission shaft 523 that transmits the generated vibrations to the outside, with a diaphragm 520 fixed to the transmission shaft 523.

[0046] The diaphragm 520 is made of a material suitable for applying vibration to the vibration-receiving body (user), such as a resin plate with appropriate rigidity, and is used in an appropriate shape and size depending on the usage. In addition, a vibration damping plate 533 made of an elastic material, such as rubber, is installed on the surface (top surface) of the diaphragm 520 to soften the user's contact with the diaphragm 520 and to make the vibration sensation milder and more comfortable by appropriately dampening the vibrations applied to the user.

[0047] The main body 522 of the secondary vibration unit 53 is fixed to the bottom of a cylindrical chassis 532 made of a rigid material such as hard resin. A hole is provided in the bottom of the chassis 532, through which the transmission shaft 523 of the secondary vibration unit 53 protrudes, and the main body 522 of the secondary vibration unit 53 is fixed to the area around the hole in the bottom of the chassis 532. In addition, a ring-shaped vibration damping plate 521 made of rubber or the like is installed between the diaphragm 520 and the chassis 532 to prevent vibrations from being transmitted from the diaphragm 520 to the chassis 532.

[0048] The chassis 532 is then inserted from above into the through hole 511 of the sheet base 515 until the diaphragm 520 contacts the sheet base 515, thereby fixing the sub-vibration unit 53 to the sheet base 515.

[0049] The main vibration unit 52 and the secondary vibration unit 53 are fixed to the seat base 515 by means of fixing the seat surface 51 to the seat chassis 524, pressing the seat base 515 against the chassis 532 and chassis 527 due to the elastic force of the seat base 515, and contacting the diaphragm 520 with the seat base 515. However, fixing by adhesive or other means may be used in combination as needed.

[0050] The seat base 515, on which the main vibration unit 52 and the secondary vibration unit 53 are installed, is then covered with a surface material 540 to form the seat surface 51. The signal transmission and power supply cords 526 for the secondary vibration unit 53 can be routed through the through-holes 511 in the seat base 515.

[0051] With this structure, when a user sits on the seat surface 51, the surface material 540 and the seat base 515 elastically deform under the user's seating load. As a result of this elastic deformation, the sub-vibration unit 53 moves and, with appropriate repulsive force, presses the vibrating plate 520 against the user, resulting in a vibrating seat that is comfortable for the user to sit on.

[0052] Next, using Figure 6, we will describe another structural example regarding the fixing structure of the sub-vibration unit to the seat base 515. This is particularly effective when the sub-vibration unit has a structure suitable for fixing to the seat base 515 (e.g., the chassis has a suitable shape), or when a component with a chassis suitable for fixing to the seat base 515 already attached to the sub-vibration unit has been prepared in advance. Note that components identical to those shown in Figure 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

[0053] A recess 611 is provided on the upper surface of the seat base 515 at the installation position of the sub-vibration unit 63, and the sub-vibration unit 63 is fitted into this recess 611.

[0054] The secondary vibration unit 63 consists of a main body 522 containing a vibration generation mechanism consisting of coils and magnetic circuits, a transmission shaft 523 that transmits the generated vibrations to the outside, and a chassis 632 molded from a hard resin or the like that forms the outer shell.

[0055] Alternatively, the chassis 632 may be made as a separate part with a shape suitable for assembling the seat surface 51, and the main body 522 (and transmission shaft 523) of the separately prepared sub-vibration unit 63 may be attached to complete the sub-vibration unit 63.

[0056] A diaphragm 620 is fixed to the transmission shaft 523. Furthermore, a vibration damping plate 633, made of an elastic material such as rubber, is installed on the surface (upper surface) of the diaphragm 620 to soften the user's contact with the diaphragm 620 and to make it more comfortable, and to moderately dampen the vibrations applied to the user, thereby making the sensation of vibration gentler and more comfortable.

[0057] In this example, the diaphragm 620 is not used to support the sub-vibration unit 63 to the sheet base 515, so the shape and size of the diaphragm 620 (viewed from the top of the diagram) do not need to be larger than that of the recess 611, and it is sufficient if it provides good vibration transmission characteristics to the user. In this example, the shape and size of the diaphragm 620 (viewed from the top of the diagram) are the same as those of the recess 611, taking into consideration ease of manufacturing, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, a ring-shaped vibration damping plate 621 made of rubber or the like is installed in the portion between the diaphragm 620 and the chassis 632 to prevent vibrations from being transmitted from the diaphragm 620 to the chassis 632.

[0059] The sub-vibration unit 63 is then fitted into the recess 611 of the seat base 515 from above (the chassis 632 contacts the bottom surface of the recess 611), and the sub-vibration unit 63 is fixed to the seat base 515.

[0060] Furthermore, a through-hole 612 with a diameter sufficient for a cable to pass through is provided in the recess 611 of the seat base 515, and the cord 526 for signal transmission and power supply of the sub-vibration unit 63 can be routed through this through-hole 612.The seat base 515 on which the sub-vibration unit 63 and the like are installed is then covered with a surface material 540 to form the seat surface 51.

[0061] With this structure, when a user sits on the seat surface 51, the surface material 540 and the seat base 515 elastically deform due to the user's seating load. As a result of this elastic deformation, the sub-vibration unit 63 moves and presses the vibrating plate 620 against the user with an appropriate rebound force, resulting in a vibrating seat that is comfortable for the user to sit on.

[0062] Next, the backrest portion 54 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the backrest portion 54 viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 7, a small vibration unit 55 is installed in the backrest portion 54 by cutting out the cushion member 540 that constitutes the backrest portion 54 of the seat surface 51.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the small vibration unit 55 basically has the same installation structure as the sub-vibration unit 53 shown in Figures 3 and 5, including a vibration element 550, a diaphragm 551, and a chassis 553. Furthermore, cushioning is ensured by covering the diaphragm 551 with a cushioning pad 555.

[0064] The small vibration unit 55, like the sub-vibration unit 53 provided on the seat surface 51, is a floating structure that uses the elastic force of the cushion member 540 to apply force in the forward direction (towards the user's back).

[0065] Therefore, the load acting from the user's back onto the backrest 54 causes the small vibration unit 55 to sink backward and press against the user's back. Consequently, the user can comfortably use the backrest, and the vibrations of the small vibration unit 55 can be transmitted to the user while suppressing damping.

[0066] Next, an example of the configuration of the playback device 10 will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram of the playback device 10. As shown in Figure 8, the playback device 10 has a control unit 120 and a storage unit 130.

[0067] The memory unit 130 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 8, the storage unit 130 has an XR content database 131. The XR content database 131 is a database that stores a group of XR content to be displayed on the display device 3. For example, the XR content database 131 stores various parameters related to video, audio, and vibration according to the playback position for each piece of content.

[0069] The control unit 120 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (not shown) stored in the memory unit 130 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 120 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 120 includes a content playback unit 121, a video output unit 122, an audio output unit 123, and a vibration output unit 124. The content playback unit 121 plays the content. The content playback unit 121 generates a 3D model of the space within the XR content and performs various rendering processes. In addition, when the content playback unit 121 plays a specific scene that causes the vibration seat 5 to vibrate, it passes vibration information related to that vibration to the vibration output unit 124.

[0071] The video output unit 122 outputs the video data played by the content playback unit 121 as a video signal to the display device 3. The audio output unit 123 outputs the audio data played by the content playback unit 121 as an audio signal to the speaker 4.

[0072] The vibration output unit 124 generates a vibration signal based on the vibration information received from the content playback unit 121 and outputs it to the vibration sheet 5. For example, the vibration information includes information on vibration type, vibration frequency, and vibration intensity. The vibration type here includes principal vibration, which does not express directionality, and directional vibration, which does express directionality.

[0073] The vibration output unit 124 generates a main vibration signal when the vibration type is a main vibration that does not express directionality, and outputs it to the main vibration unit 52 or a small vibration unit 55 provided on the backrest 54.

[0074] Furthermore, if the vibration type is directional vibration, the vibration output unit 124 generates a directional vibration signal and outputs it to the sub-vibration unit 53 provided on the seat surface 51.

[0075] Here, we will explain an example of directional vibration. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of directional vibration. Here, we will explain the case in which directional vibration is reproduced using sub-vibration units 53a and 53b.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, when there is a vibration source in front and the vibration of the vibration source is to be directional, the secondary vibration unit 53a, which is closer to the vibration source, vibrates first (upper part of the figure), and then the secondary vibration unit 53b starts to vibrate a little later (middle part of the figure).

[0077] Furthermore, in the example shown in the middle of the figure, the secondary vibration unit 53a vibrates due to a new vibration signal, and the vibration caused by this signal is then propagated to the secondary vibration unit 53b (lower part of the figure), thereby reproducing the directionality.

[0078] In other words, in this case, the vibration output unit 124 can generate a directional vibration signal by delaying the vibration signal applied to the sub-vibration unit 53b by a predetermined time relative to the vibration signal applied to the sub-vibration unit 53a.

[0079] Furthermore, the vibration output unit 124 can reproduce directional vibrations by individually setting the vibration intensity, vibration frequency, delay time, etc., for each of the sub-vibration units 53a to d according to the coordinates of the vibration source.

[0080] Next, the processing procedure performed by the playback device 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the playback device 10. This processing procedure is repeatedly executed by the control unit 120 of the playback device 10 when content playback starts.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, first, when the playback device 10 starts playing content (step S101), it determines whether or not a vibration event has occurred that causes the vibrating seat 5 to vibrate (step S102).

[0082] If the playback device 10 determines that a vibration event has occurred (step S102; Yes), it proceeds to the process in step S103. If it determines that no vibration event has occurred (step S102; No), it proceeds to the process in step S106.

[0083] Next, the playback device 10 determines whether or not the vibration of the vibration event has directionality (step S103). If it determines that the vibration has directionality (step S103; Yes), it proceeds to the process in step S104.

[0084] Next, the regeneration device 10 generates a directional vibration signal and outputs it to the sub-vibration unit 53 (step S105). Also, if the regeneration device 10 determines in step S103 that the vibration is not directional (step S103; No), it generates a main vibration signal (step S107) and outputs it to the main vibration unit 52 (step S108).

[0085] Furthermore, it is conceivable that when the sub-vibration unit 53 is applying directional vibrations to the user, the main vibration unit 52 may take on the role of applying more powerful vibrations to the user. In this case, if the playback device 10 determines in step S103 that the vibration has directionality (step S103; Yes), it will perform the processing shown in steps S107 and S108 in addition to steps S104 and S105. Another method is to vibrate the sub-vibration unit 53 for vibration signals that do not have directionality in order to enhance the sense of vibration. In this case, the playback device 10 generates vibration signals that vibrate each vibration unit 52 and 53, including both directional and non-directional vibrations, when a vibration event occurs, and outputs these signals to each vibration unit 52 and 53.

[0086] Subsequently, the playback device 10 determines whether the content being played has finished (step S106). If it determines that the content has finished (step S106; Yes), it terminates the process. If the playback device 10 determines that the content being played has not finished (step S106; No), it returns to the process in step S102.

[0087] As described above, the vibrating seat 5 according to this embodiment comprises a main vibration unit 52 provided in the center of the seat surface 51, and a plurality of sub-vibrating units 53 provided around the seat surface of the main vibration unit 52, which are smaller than the main vibration unit 52. Therefore, the vibrating seat 5 according to this embodiment can give directionality to the vibration, thereby improving the sense of realism related to the vibration.

[0088] By the way, the above-described embodiment described the case where the vibrating sheet 5 is a chair, but it is not limited to this. For example, the vibrating sheet 5 may be applied to bedding such as a mattress, floor coverings such as carpets, or flooring materials. In this case, the vibrating sheet 5 may be provided with five or more sub-vibration units 53, and for example, the main vibrating unit 52 may be omitted from the configuration.

[0089] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Playback System 3 Display device 4 speakers 5 Vibration Sheet 10 Playback device 51 Seat 52 Main vibration unit 53,63 Sub-vibration unit 55 Small Vibration Unit 120 Control Unit 121 Content Playback Section 122 Video Output Section 123 Audio output section 124 Vibration output section 511 Through hole 515 Cover 530,550 Vibration elements 531,551 Vibration plate 532,553 caps 540 Cushioning material 555 Pat

Claims

1. The main vibration unit is located in the center of the seat, Multiple sub-vibration units are provided around the main vibration unit on the seat surface, and are smaller than the main vibration unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned seat surface is It has a sheet base having multiple openings on the upper side, and a surface material that covers the sheet base, The aforementioned sub-vibration unit is A vibrating sheet in which the diaphragm covers the opening and is sandwiched and fixed between the surface material and the sheet base.

2. The sub-vibration unit is It comprises a main body containing a vibration generating mechanism, a transmission shaft that transmits vibrations generated by the main body to the diaphragm, and a cylindrical chassis that forms the outer shell of the main body and has a hole through which the transmission shaft passes. The vibration seat according to claim 1, wherein the chassis is fitted into and fixed to the opening.

3. The sub-vibration unit is It comprises a main body containing a vibration generating mechanism, a transmission shaft that transmits the vibrations generated by the main body to the diaphragm, and a chassis that forms the outer shell of the main body. The vibration seat according to claim 1, wherein the chassis is fixed by being placed in a recess provided so as to be connected to the opening.

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