Thermal sensation presentation device, thermal sensation presentation method, and program

Abstract

To quickly present an integral warm and cold sense.SOLUTION: A warm and cold sense presentation device comprises: an air generation unit which generates air being cold air or hot air; and a plurality of presentation units which discharges the air generated by the air generation unit. An inter-presentation unit distance being a distance between the adjacent presentation units is equal to or less than a minimum distance necessary for discriminating a cold sense or a warm sense at two points on the skin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for presenting temperature sensation, Methods for demonstrating thermal sensation , and related to the program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for presenting thermal sensation to a subject's skin have been proposed. Devices that apply temperature stimulation by contacting the subject's skin are known (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, techniques for presenting thermal sensation without contact are known (for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). The technique described in Non-Patent Document 1 presents thermal sensation without contact using mist or warm air. The technique described in Non-Patent Document 2 presents thermal sensation without contact using a stream of cold air. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-022617 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] P. Han, C. Hsieh, Y. Chen, J. Hsiao, K. Lee, S. Ko, K.Chen, C. Chou, Y. Hung, AoEs: Enhancing Teleportation Experience in Immersive Environment with Mid-Air Haptics, "SIGGRAPH '17: ACM SIGGRAPH 2017 Emerging Technologies July 2017 Article No.: 3”, July 30, 2017, p.1-2 [Non-Patent Document 2] J. Xu, S. Yoshimoto, N. Ienaga, Y. Kuroda, Intensity-Adjustable Non-contact Cold Sensation Presentation Based on the Vortex Effect, "IEEE Transactions on Haptics", July 1, 2022, pp. 1-11

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to apply a temperature stimulus by contacting the subject's skin, it may not be possible to give a natural feeling. In the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1, the air around the subject is replaced. According to the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1, the presented warm and cold sensations greatly depend on factors such as the room temperature and size, and the time required for presentation becomes long and the power consumption increases. According to the technology described in Non-Patent Document 2, it was not possible to present an integrated warm and cold sensation. As described above, according to the prior art, it was not possible to quickly present an integrated warm and cold sensation.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a warm and cold sensation presentation device that can quickly present an integrated warm and cold sensation, Methods for demonstrating thermal sensation , and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. One aspect of the present invention includes an air generation unit that generates air that is cold air or hot air, and the air generated by the air generation unit On the skin of a designated area of ​​the user's body is discharged by a plurality of presentation units, and a control that controls the amount of the air generated by the air generation unit to be discharged from the presentation units Department ]>and, The plurality of display units are fixed to an attachment unit that is attached to the user's body, is provided, The mounting portion further includes a variable portion that changes the position in which the plurality of display portions are fixed within the mounting portion. the distance between adjacent presentation units, which is the presentation unit interval distance teeth , In the aforementioned partLess than the minimum distance necessary to distinguish between cold and warmth at two points on the skin. That is It is a device for displaying thermal sensation.

[0010] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned cold sensation presentation device... ,before The control unit controls the flow rate of the cold air in conjunction with the image displayed in the virtual reality space by the display device. Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described cold sensation presentation device, the variable part comprises a lane on which the plurality of presentation parts slide and a lock hole provided along the lane, the position of the plurality of presentation parts can be changed by sliding them along the lane when the lock key is not inserted into the lock hole, and the position of the plurality of presentation parts is fixed when the lock key is inserted into the lock hole.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is: A method for presenting cold or hot sensations comprises: generating air that is cold or hot; discharging the generated air onto the skin of a predetermined part of the user's body using a plurality of presentation units; controlling the amount of air discharged from the presentation units; and fixing the plurality of presentation units and attaching them to the user's body using an attachment unit, wherein the attachment unit includes a variable part that changes the position in which the plurality of presentation units are fixed, and the distance between adjacent presentation units, which is the distance between presentation units, is less than or equal to the minimum distance necessary to discriminate between cold or warm sensation at two points on the skin at the aforementioned location. That is the case.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is: A program for causing a computer in a thermal sensation presentation device, comprising: an air generating unit that generates cold or hot air; a plurality of presentation units that discharge the air generated by the air generating unit onto the skin of a predetermined part of the user's body; and a mounting unit to which the plurality of presentation units are fixed and which is attached to the user's body, to perform a step of controlling the amount of air generated by the air generating unit discharged from the presentation units, wherein the mounting unit further comprises a variable unit that changes the position in which the plurality of presentation units are fixed, and the distance between adjacent presentation units, which is the distance between presentation units, is less than or equal to the minimum distance necessary to distinguish between cold or warm sensation at two points on the skin at the said site, program That is the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, a sense of integrated thermal sensation can be quickly presented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a cold sensation presentation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a two-point discrimination threshold measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a two-point discrimination threshold measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a method for measuring a two-point discrimination threshold using a two-point discrimination threshold measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a procedure for measuring a two-point discrimination threshold using a two-point discrimination threshold measurement system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the results of measuring the two-point cold discrimination threshold of a cold airflow based on the extreme method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a two-point discrimination threshold measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a two-point discrimination threshold calculation process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the conditions for a cohesive cold sensation presentation according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the relationship between the behavior of a jet and the Nusselt number depending on the magnitude of the flow rate, according to a first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a graph of quantitative Nusselt numbers for each flow rate, derived from the theoretical formula relating to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows the relationship between the Nusselt number of a single jet and the distance from the stagnation point SP1 according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an arrangement of presentation parts that satisfies the conditions for presenting a sense of integrated coldness, based on a first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, where the distance between presentation parts is such that it creates a sense of unity. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a device for calculating the distance between display parts according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a process for calculating the distance between display parts according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows the ratio of Nusselt numbers of the two-point cold discrimination threshold at each flow rate according to the first modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a third method for determining the distance between presentation parts according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of a third method for determining the distance between presentation parts according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of a third method for determining the distance between presentation parts according to a second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a one-dimensional arrangement of a display unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]This figure shows a two-dimensional arrangement of a display unit according to a comparative example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example of a two-dimensional arrangement of a display unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a wearable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a top view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device according to the first modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device according to a second modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a rear view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device according to a second modification in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device according to a third modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] (First embodiment) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cold sensation presentation device 1 according to this embodiment. In the following, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of the X, Y, and Z axes will be used for explanations where necessary. In the description of each embodiment, "presentation" and "showing" are synonymous.

[0018] The cold sensation presentation device 1 comprises a cold air generation unit 2, a tube 3, a plurality of presentation units 4, and a control unit 5. In the example shown in Figure 1, the number of plurality of presentation units 4 is two.

[0019] The cold air generation unit 2 generates cold air 6 at a predetermined flow rate. In the cold air generation unit 2, a vortex tube is used as the cold air source. The vortex tube separates compressed air supplied from an air compressor (not shown) into warm air and cold air by creating a vortex. The cold air generation unit 2 outputs the cold air from the warm air and cold air separated in the vortex tube to the tube 3.

[0020] Tube 3 is connected to the cold air generation unit 2. Tube 3 branches into multiple parts, each with a nozzle at its end. In the example shown in Figure 1, tube 3 branches into two. Tube 3 guides the cold air 6 generated by the cold air generation unit 2 to each of the multiple display units 4.

[0021] Multiple presentation units 4 discharge cold air 6 generated by the cold air generation unit 2. Each of the multiple presentation units 4 has a discharge port at the branched end of the tube 3. The discharge port is a nozzle. The presentation units 4 discharge cold air 6 onto the user's skin surface. The presentation units 4 are positioned so that the cold air 6 is discharged from a direction approximately perpendicular to the skin surface. The discharge ports of the presentation units 4 do not come into contact with the skin surface, and the multiple presentation units 4 provide a non-contact sensation of cold. The maximum flow rate of each nozzle is 25 L / min.

[0022] Here, the inter-presentation distance D1 is the distance between adjacent presentation units 4. The minimum distance required to discriminate between cold or warmth at two points on the skin is called the two-point discrimination threshold. In the cold sensation presentation device 1, the inter-presentation distance D1 is less than or equal to the two-point discrimination threshold.

[0023] The control unit 5 includes, for example, a computer that operates according to a predetermined program, and controls each part of the cold sensation presentation device 1. For example, the control unit 5 controls the flow rate of cold air generated by the cold air generation unit 2. The control unit 5 controls the flow rate of cold air by controlling the solenoid valve provided in the cold air generation unit 2. In controlling the solenoid valve, the control unit 5 changes the opening degree of the solenoid valve to an opening degree corresponding to the PWM (pulse width modulation) current. The flow rate control includes starting and stopping the discharge of cold air.

[0024] In the cold sensation presentation device 1, the distance D1 between the presentation units is below the two-point discrimination threshold. Therefore, when cold air is discharged to two points on the skin by the two presentation units 4, the user cannot distinguish between the two points of cold sensation. As a result, the user is presented with a unified sensation of cold.

[0025] A unified sensation of cold refers to a feeling where the sensation of cold at two points on the skin is so unified that it cannot be distinguished. For example, when a person puts their hand into a cold object such as ice or water, the part of the hand in contact with the object feels as if it is enveloped in cold, and when in Antarctica or a snow-covered mountain, the exposed skin feels as if it is surrounded by cold air. In this way, when a person experiences cold or chilly conditions, the entire area of ​​skin in contact with the object or air feels a unified coldness rather than separate sensations.

[0026] In recent years, interest in virtual reality (VR) has grown, and in addition to visual and tactile presentation, research into temperature sensation presentation is becoming increasingly active. Temperature sensation can represent everything from the environment (cold or hot) to the properties of an object when touched. Therefore, it is expected that presenting temperature sensation to the user in addition to visual presentation will enhance the sense of realism and allow for greater immersion in the VR space.

[0027] To enhance the sense of realism in VR experiences through temperature sensation, it is necessary to present a cold space that feels integrated with the skin surface in conjunction with the VR experience. The cold sensation presentation device 1 is suitable for use in VR experiences because it can present a sense of integrated coldness to the user. In Figure 1, as an example, a user wearing a head-mounted display is presented with the sensation of coldness felt around the arm when putting their hand in a waterfall.

[0028] The timing of when the cold air 6 is presented by the cold sensation presentation device 1 and the synchronization with the image displayed in the VR space are controlled by the control unit 5. In other words, the control unit 5 controls the flow rate of the cold air 6 in conjunction with the image displayed in the VR space by the display device. With this configuration, the cold sensation presentation device 1 can enhance the sense of realism in the VR experience through temperature sensation.

[0029] A specific example of using the cold sensation presentation device 1 by attaching it to the user's body will be described in the third embodiment below.

[0030] In this embodiment, an example where the number of presentation units 4 is two has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. The number of presentation units 4 may be three or more. As described above, the distance D1 between presentation units is less than or equal to the two-point discrimination threshold. The distance D1 between presentation units may be determined according to the number of presentation units 4 or the size of the cold sensation presentation device 1, as long as the condition that it is less than or equal to the two-point discrimination threshold is met.

[0031] The distance between the skin surface from which the cold air 6 is discharged and the presentation unit 4 (referred to as the presentation distance) is determined, for example, to satisfy the condition H / d0 ≤ 4, which will be described later. Here, H is the presentation distance and d0 is the nozzle diameter of the presentation unit 4.

[0032] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the air discharged by the multiple display units 4 is cold air, but this is not the only example. Hot air may also be discharged by the multiple display units 4.

[0033] As described above, the thermal sensation presentation device according to this embodiment (cold sensation presentation device 1 in this embodiment) comprises an air generation unit (cold air generation unit 2 in this embodiment) and a plurality of presentation units 4. The air generation unit (cold air generation unit 2 in this embodiment) generates air that is either cold air or hot air (cold air 6 in this embodiment). Multiple display units 4 discharge air (cold air 6 in this embodiment) generated by the air generation unit (cold air generation unit 2 in this embodiment). The inter-presentation distance D1, which is the distance between adjacent presentation sections 4, is less than or equal to the minimum distance required to discriminate between cold or warmth at two points on the skin (i.e., the two-point discrimination threshold).

[0034] With this configuration, the cold sensation presentation device 1 according to this embodiment can discharge air by keeping the distance between adjacent presentation units 4 below the two-point discrimination threshold, thereby enabling the rapid presentation of a unified thermal sensation. Furthermore, rapidly presenting thermal sensation means presenting thermal sensation almost simultaneously with the discharge of air from the presentation unit 4. In the prior art (see, for example, Non-Patent Literature 1), coldness is reproduced by changing the air environment around the person's body by directing warm or cold air from a fan onto the entire body from one direction, which takes time to reproduce the environment. The cold sensation presentation device 1 according to this embodiment can present thermal sensation in a shorter time compared to the prior art that reproduces the environment by changing the air environment around the body.

[0035] (Second embodiment) This embodiment describes a method for determining the distance D1 between presentation parts in the cold sensation presentation device 1. In this embodiment, the two-point discrimination threshold is measured, and the distance D1 between presentation parts is determined as a distance less than or equal to the measured two-point discrimination threshold. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 according to this embodiment. The two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 is a system for measuring the two-point discrimination threshold.

[0036] The two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 comprises a vortex tube 11, a solenoid valve 12, a branching section 13, a tube 14, a presentation section 15, and an actuator 16. In the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, the presentation section 15 is connected to the vortex tube 11, which generates a cold airflow, via the tube 14. The cold airflow output from the vortex tube 11 is divided into two at the branching section 13 and guided to two presentation sections 15 via two tubes 14. The actuator 16 changes the distance D2 between the presentation units. The distance D2 between the presentation units is the distance between the two presentation units 15.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an example of a method for measuring the two-point discrimination threshold using the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 according to this embodiment. In measuring the two-point discrimination threshold using the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, the cold sensation two-point discrimination threshold was measured using the method of limits when a cold airflow was presented to the outer side of the subject's upper arm, under the condition that the distance D2 between the presentation parts was changed in 10 steps. The distance D2 between the presentation parts was changed by the actuator 16 in 10 steps: 50, 70, 90, 110, 130, 150, 170, 190, 210, and 230 mm. Measurements were taken in two cases: when a visual image corresponding to the cold sensation presentation was displayed on the display 19, and when no visual image was displayed.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4(C), the subject's upper arm was fixed at a distance H1 from the discharge port of the presentation unit 15. The distance H1 is 30 mm. To fix the subject's upper arm at a distance H1 from the discharge port, the fixing part 111 and cushion 112 shown in Figure 4(B) were installed. The subject's arm position was fixed by placing their middle finger into the fixing part 111. This kept the distance between the discharge port and the upper arm constant.

[0039] Furthermore, a partition plate 110 was placed between the subject and the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 during the measurement. In addition, noise-canceling headphones 18 were worn by the subject and white noise was played to suppress the influence of visual and auditory sensations. The hot plate 17 maintains a constant skin temperature on the subject's upper arm at the start of measurement. The emergency stop button 113 is used to stop the measurement.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of the procedure for measuring the two-point discrimination threshold using the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 according to this embodiment. The skin temperature is kept constant by placing the inner side of the forearm on a hot plate 17 set to 33°C for 30 seconds (Step S1). Next, the arm is placed on the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 (Step S2). As a task for the subject, two cold stimuli are presented from each of the presentation units 15 (Step S3). The subject answers "yes" or "no" using a keyboard to indicate whether they feel the cold stimuli from each of the two presentation units 15 at two points, while gradually widening the distance D2 between the presentation units (Step S4). The duration of each cold sensation presentation is 3 seconds. The series in which the distance D2 between the presentation units is gradually widened is called the ascending series.

[0041] After the ascending series is completed, the inner forearm is placed on the hot plate 17 again for 30 seconds to stabilize the skin temperature. Finally, the arm is placed on the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, and the subject answers "yes" or "no" using a keyboard to indicate whether they feel cold stimuli at two points from each of the two presentation parts 15, while the distance D2 between the presentation parts is gradually narrowed. The series in which the distance D2 between the presentation parts is gradually narrowed is called the descending series. The flow from step S1 to step S4 is considered one set, and measurements are taken in three sets each while changing the flow rate of the cold air. Furthermore, the above measurements are performed in a total of 15 trials.

[0042] One known method for measuring the two-point cold discrimination threshold is the method of limits, a type of psychophysical measurement. In the method of limits, presentation begins with a state where the two cold sensations are not perceived separately, and the distance D2 between the presentation areas is gradually increased until the cold sensations are perceived separately, at which point it stops (ascending sequence). Conversely, the distance D2 between the presentation areas is gradually decreased from a state where the cold sensations are perceived separately, at which point it stops (descending sequence). Measurement is performed by repeating the ascending and descending sequences, and the two-point cold discrimination threshold is derived from equation (1).

[0043]

number

[0044] Figure 6 shows the results of measuring the two-point cold discrimination threshold of a cold airflow based on the method of limits using the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10. Figure 6 shows the measurement results for both cases: when no visual image is displayed and when a visual image is displayed.

[0045] In measurements taken without visual images, the maximum cold two-point discrimination threshold was 132.5 mm at a flow rate of 15 L / min. The minimum cold two-point discrimination threshold was 124.4 mm at a flow rate of 25 L / min. The average cold two-point discrimination threshold at each flow rate was 129.1 ± 2.943 mm.

[0046] In measurements taken when visual images were displayed, the maximum value of the two-point cold discrimination threshold was 142.2 mm at a flow rate of 5 L / min, and the minimum value was 133.3 mm at a flow rate of 25 L / min. The average value of the two-point cold discrimination threshold at each flow rate was 138.0 ± 2.730 mm. Finally, a two-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference in the two-point cold discrimination threshold regardless of whether the factor was flow rate (p=0.11), image (p=0.61), or interaction (p=0.84).

[0047] According to the measurement results from the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, the two-point discrimination threshold for cold airflow perceived by subjects hardly changed as the flow rate changed. Furthermore, according to the measurement results from the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, no effect was observed on the two-point discrimination threshold for cold airflow due to the presence or absence of visual image display.

[0048] Referring now to Figure 7, we will describe the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20, which is a computer used in the two-point discrimination threshold measuring system 10. Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 according to this embodiment. The two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 includes a presentation unit position changing unit 21, a response information acquisition unit 22, a calculation unit 23, and an output unit 24.

[0049] The presentation unit position changing unit 21 changes the distance D2 between the presentation units. The presentation unit position changing unit 21 changes the position of at least one of the first presentation unit (one of the presentation units 15) and the second presentation unit (the other of the presentation units 15) so that the distance D2 between the presentation units increases. In other words, the presentation unit position changing unit 21 changes the distance D2 between the presentation units based on an upward sequence. The presentation unit position changing unit 21 also changes the position of at least one of the first presentation unit and the second presentation unit so that the distance D2 between the presentation units decreases. In other words, the presentation unit position changing unit 21 changes the distance D2 between the presentation units based on a downward sequence. The presentation unit position changing unit 21 changes the distance D2 between the presentation units by controlling the actuator 16 (see Figure 2).

[0050] The response information acquisition unit 22 acquires response information for the ascending series and response information for the descending series. The ascending series response information indicates whether the subject felt cold at two points for each interval of the distance D2 between the presentation parts included in the ascending series, when the distance D2 between the presentation parts is changed to increase based on the ascending series. The descending series response information indicates whether the subject felt cold at two points for each interval of the distance D2 between the presentation parts included in the descending series, when the distance D2 between the presentation parts is changed to decrease based on the descending series. The response information acquisition unit 22 acquires the subject's responses from the keyboard.

[0051] The calculation unit 23 calculates the two-point discrimination threshold based on the ascending series response information and the descending series response information. The calculation unit 23 calculates the two-point discrimination threshold based on the formula (1) described above. The output unit 24 outputs the two-point discrimination threshold calculated by the calculation unit 23. The output unit 24 outputs the two-point discrimination threshold as a measurement result to, for example, a computer or display 19 used by the operator.

[0052] The two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, auxiliary memory, and an interface. The operations of the presentation unit position changing unit 21, the response information acquisition unit 22, the calculation unit 23, and the output unit 24 are stored in the auxiliary memory in the form of a program. The CPU reads the program from the auxiliary memory, expands it into the main memory, and executes the operation of each unit according to the program.

[0053] The visual images displayed on the display 19 may be output to the display 19 by the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20, or they may be output by a computer separate from the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20.

[0054] Next, referring to Figure 8, the two-point discrimination threshold calculation process, which is the process by which the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 calculates the two-point discrimination threshold, will be described. The two-point discrimination threshold calculation process corresponds to the processing performed by the computer (i.e., the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20) in the measurement by the two-point discrimination threshold measuring system 10 described above. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the two-point discrimination threshold calculation process according to this embodiment.

[0055] Step S10: The response information acquisition unit 22 acquires ascending sequence response information when the distance between the first presentation unit and the second presentation unit is changed to increase.

[0056] Step S20: The response information acquisition unit 22 acquires descending response information when the distance between the first presentation unit and the second presentation unit is changed to decrease.

[0057] Step S30: The calculation unit 23 calculates a two-point discrimination threshold based on the rising series response information and the falling series response information. With this, the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 completes the two-point discrimination threshold calculation process.

[0058] According to the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 of this embodiment, the two-point discrimination threshold can be calculated based on the rising series response information and the falling series response information. Therefore, the point discrimination threshold can be calculated with higher accuracy compared to when the calculation is performed based on only one of the rising series response information or the falling series response information.

[0059] Furthermore, the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 according to this embodiment may be used for testing peripheral neuropathy such as diabetes.

[0060] (First modification of the second embodiment) In this embodiment, a cohesive cold sensation is presented based on the Nusselt number. The Nusselt number is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of heat transfer to heat conduction in a convecting fluid, and here it can be used as an indicator of the gas's ability to remove heat from an object. In this embodiment, the cold air 6 discharged from the presentation unit 4 is sometimes referred to as a single jet. Figure 9 shows the conditions for a cohesive cold sensation presentation. As shown in Figure 9, the maximum Nusselt number Nu at the stagnation point SP1 of the single jet is Nu max Then, by overlapping the jet streams at a distance where the ratio to the Nusselt number Nu at any point within the presentation range is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (X percent), a unified cold sensation is presented.

[0061] To create a cohesive cold sensation, the maximum number of Nuselts Nu max The reason why the ratio of [the specified value] to the Nusselt number Nu at any point within the presented range must be above a certain threshold is thought to be due to the human perceptual characteristic of being more sensitive to relative changes. Such perceptual characteristics are known as Weber's Law, among others.

[0062] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the behavior of the jet and the Nusselt number depending on the flow rate. Physically, as shown in Figure 10(A), when the jet flow rate is high, the jet 61 discharged from the presentation unit 4 tends to travel in a straight line in the direction of discharge. As a result, as can be seen from graph G1 showing the Nusselt number values, a large amount of heat is removed at the stagnation point, and the amount of heat removed is relatively small at positions far from the stagnation point. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(B), when the flow rate is low, the jet 62 discharged from the presentation unit 4 tends to diffuse. As a result, as can be seen from graph G2 showing the Nusselt number values, the amount of heat removed is relatively large at positions far from the stagnation point.

[0063] Figure 11 shows a graph of the quantitative Nusselt number derived from the theoretical formula for each flow rate. The qualitative relationship between flow rate and Nusselt number shown in Figure 10 can also be confirmed from the quantitative relationship based on the theoretical formula shown in Figure 11.

[0064] In order to present a unified cold sensation using a group of jets, it is necessary to appropriately set the distance between the presentation parts. Two methods can be considered for determining the distance between the presentation parts: the first method and the second method. The first method is a method of deriving the degree to which heat is removed from each part of the target object by the jets based on the Nusselt number. The second method is a method of determining the distance between the presentation parts based on the distance at which a unified cold sensation is perceived through measurements on a person, as described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the measurement results from the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 described in the first embodiment, the distance between the presentation parts obtained by the first method and the distance between the presentation parts obtained by the second method are not contradictory.

[0065] The graph of Nusselt numbers for each flow rate shown in Figure 11 is obtained by extending the domain of the theoretical formula in jet engineering. In this embodiment, the extension of the theoretical formula will be explained. Let r [mm] be the distance from the stagnation point of the single jet, and let d0 [mm] be the inner diameter of the nozzle. The dimensionless number obtained by non-dimensionalizing r by d0 is given by equation (2).

[0066]

Number

[0067] Here, let the Nusselt number at the stagnation point be Nu0, the Nusselt number be Nu, the Prandtl number be Pr, the Reynolds number be Re, the presenting distance be H, the nozzle diameter be d0, and the distance from the stagnation point be r. In jet engineering, when H / d0 ≤ 4, the theoretical formula for the Nusselt number at the stagnation point of a circular impinging jet is expressed as in Equation (3).

[0068]

Number

[0069] On the other hand, when 2.5 ≤ r / d0 ≤ 7.5, 2×10³ ≤ Re ≤ 4×10⁵, and 2 < H / d0 < 12, it is expressed as in Equation (4).

[0070]

Number

[0071] In Equation (4), G is expressed as in Equation (5), and F is expressed as in Equation (6).

[0072]

Number

[0073]

Number

[0074] Also, when 0 ≤ r / d0 ≤ 2.5, the Nusselt number Nux at position x is expressed as a fourth-degree equation of x as in Equation (7).

[0075]

Number

[0076] In equation (7), a, b, and c are all constants.

[0077] At x=0, c can be found from the condition that the Nusselt number shown by equation (7) and the Nusselt number shown by equation (2) have the same value. Furthermore, from the condition that the Nusselt number shown by equation (4) and the Nusselt number shown by equation (7) have the same value at x=2.5, and the condition for the smoothness of the Nusselt number that the derivative of the Nusselt number shown by equation (4) with respect to x and the derivative of the Nusselt number shown by equation (7) with respect to x have the same value at x=2.5, the system of equations shown in equation (8) holds.

[0078]

number

[0079] The coefficients a, b, and c of equation (7) can be found by solving equation (8) under the condition x = 2.5.

[0080] From the measurement results obtained by the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 in the first embodiment, it is considered that the distance from the stagnation point to the collision point falls within the range indicated by r / d0 ≥ 7.5. If r / d0 ≥ 7.5, we assume there is linearity between the Nusselt number and distance, and express the Nusselt number Nux at position x as shown in equation (9).

[0081]

number

[0082] In equation (9), d and e are constants. d and e can be found by solving a system of equations obtained from the conditions that the Nusselt number shown by equation (4) and the Nusselt number shown by equation (9) have the same value at x=7.5, and that the derivative of the Nusselt number shown by equation (4) with respect to x and the derivative of the Nusselt number shown by equation (9) with respect to x have the same value at x=7.5. In other words, d and e can be found by solving a system of equations obtained from the condition that the Nusselt number is continuous and smooth at x=7.5.

[0083] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the Nusselt number of a single jet and the distance from the stagnation point SP1 in this modified example. Here, the point where adjacent jets collide is called the collision point. In graph G3 shown in Figure 12, distance DX1 corresponds to the distance from the stagnation point SP1 to the collision point. Assuming that the Nusselt number at the collision point is X[%] of the maximum Nusselt number of each jet, the Nusselt number at the collision point Nu M This can be expressed as shown in equation (10).

[0084]

number

[0085] Nusselt number Nu shown by equation (9) x Furthermore, the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point shown by equation (10) M Substituting this into the equation and solving for x, we obtain equation (11).

[0086]

number

[0087] Since x is the dimensionless value of the nozzle's inner diameter obtained by d0, as shown in equation (2), we can return it to r, which has the dimension of distance, to obtain equation (12).

[0088]

number

[0089] The r shown by Equation (12) is nothing but the distance from the stagnation point of a single jet to the collision point. Therefore, the distance between the presentation parts when using the Nusselt number is determined based on the condition shown by Equation (13).

[0090]

Number

[0091] In Equation (13), L represents the distance D2 between the presentation parts, and L1 represents twice the distance from the stagnation point to the collision point. That is, the condition that the distance between the presentation parts when using the Nusselt number is less than twice the distance from the stagnation point to the collision point becomes the condition for presenting a cohesive cold sensation.

[0092] FIG. 13 shows an example of the arrangement of the presentation part 4 that satisfies the condition for presenting a cohesive cold sensation shown by Equation (13) for the distance between the presentation parts. However, it is assumed that the jets discharged from each of the presentation parts 4 are airflows having the same heat transfer conditions.

[0093] Here, referring to FIG. 14, the presentation part distance calculation device 30, which is a computer for calculating the distance between the presentation parts when using the Nusselt number, will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the presentation part distance calculation device 30 according to this modification. The presentation part distance calculation device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31, a collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32, a presentation part distance calculation unit 33, an output unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0094] The acquisition unit 31 acquires input parameters for calculating the distance between the presentation parts. The input parameters include the presentation distance H, the value d0 of the diameter of the presentation part 4, the maximum Nusselt number Nu at the stagnation point SP1 of a single jet max and the ratio Nu M / Nu max and consist of. The ratio Nu M / Nu maxThis is the maximum number of Nusselts at stagnation point SP1. max Nusselt number Nu at collision point CP1, which is the position where jets discharged from adjacent presentation units 4 collide. M It is the ratio of .

[0095] The collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32 calculates the Nusselt number at the stagnation point SP1 acquired by the acquisition unit 31 and the ratio Nu acquired by the acquisition unit 31. M / Nu max Based on this, Nusselt number Nu at collision point CP1 M The Nusselt number calculation unit 32 calculates the Nusselt number NuM based on equation (10).

[0096] The presentation unit 33 calculates the distance from the stagnation point SP1 to the collision point CP1 as the maximum value of the presentation unit distance D1, based on the relationship information A1, using the presentation distance H acquired by the acquisition unit 31, the diameter value d0 acquired by the acquisition unit 31, and the Nusselt number NuM at the collision point CP1 calculated by the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32. The relationship information A1 is information that shows the equations from equation (2) to equation (12) described above.

[0097] Here, equation (12) is derived based on a predetermined linear relationship shown by equation (9). The predetermined linear relationship is the linear relationship between the Nusselt number and the distance from the stagnation point SP1 when the value x obtained by non-dimensionalizing the distance from the stagnation point SP1 by the diameter of the presentation unit 4 is greater than a predetermined value (i.e., x = 7.5). Therefore, the inter-presentation unit distance calculation unit 33 calculates the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point CP1 calculated by the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32 using the presentation distance H obtained by the acquisition unit 31, the diameter value d0 obtained by the acquisition unit 31, and the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point CP1 calculated by the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32. M Based on a predetermined linear relationship, the distance from the stagnation point SP1 to the collision point CP1 is calculated as the maximum value of the inter-display distance D1.

[0098] The output unit 34 outputs the maximum value of the distance between presentation units calculated by the distance calculation unit 33. The output unit 34 outputs the maximum value of the distance between presentation units to a computer or the like used by the manufacturer of the cold sensation presentation device 1.

[0099] The memory unit 35 stores various types of information. The information stored by the memory unit 35 includes relational information A1 and the maximum Nusselt number Nu max , ratio Nu M / Nu max It includes.

[0100] The display unit distance calculation device 30 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, auxiliary memory, and an interface. The operations of the acquisition unit 31, the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32, the display unit distance calculation unit 33, and the output unit 34 are stored in the auxiliary memory in the form of a program. The CPU reads the program from the auxiliary memory, expands it into the main memory, and executes the operation of each unit according to the program.

[0101] Next, referring to Figure 15, the presentation section distance calculation process, which is the process by which the presentation section distance calculation device 30 calculates the maximum value of the distance between presentation sections, will be explained. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the presentation section distance calculation process according to this modified example.

[0102] Step S110: The acquisition unit 31 acquires the input parameters. As described above, the input parameters are the diameter value d0 of the presentation unit 4 and the maximum Nusselt number Nu at the stagnation point SP1 of the single jet. max And, ratio Nu M / Nu max It consists of and .

[0103] The acquisition unit 31 acquires a value input from a keyboard or the like as the presentation distance H. The acquisition unit 31 also acquires a value input from a keyboard or the like as the diameter value d0 of the presentation unit 4. Although the condition H / d0≦4 is assumed in the process of deriving equation (3) described above, the input presentation distance H and the diameter value d0 do not have to satisfy the condition H / d0≦4. The acquisition unit 31 retrieves the maximum number of Nuselts Nu max The maximum number of Nusselts is obtained from the memory unit 35. maxThe value obtained from the above-mentioned equation (2) and the literature value is pre-stored in the storage unit 35.

[0104] The acquisition unit 31 is a ratio Nu M / Nu max This is obtained from memory unit 35. M / Nu max This is stored in the memory unit 35 beforehand. Here, the ratio Nu M / Nu max This is obtained, for example, based on the measurement results of the two-point discrimination threshold. From the measurement results of the two-point discrimination threshold and equation (12), the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point CP1 is obtained. M You can obtain this.

[0105] For measuring the two-point discrimination threshold, for example, the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 described above is used. From the measurement results of the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, the distance from the stagnation point SP1 to the collision point CP1 is given by the ratio Nu M / Nu max This value is approximately 21 percent. More precisely, it is 20.95 ± 1.851 percent.

[0106] Figure 16 shows the ratio of Nusselt numbers for the two-point cold discrimination threshold at each flow rate. The Nusselt number ratios shown in Figure 16 are values ​​obtained based on the measurement results from the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 in the first embodiment and the theoretical formula described in this embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, a measurement method other than the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10 may be used to measure the two-point discrimination threshold. M / Nu max This may be determined based on the results of measuring the Nusselt number for a single jet.

[0108] Step S120: The collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32 calculates the Nusselt number at collision point CP1 based on the Nusselt number at stagnation point SP1 acquired by the acquisition unit 31 and the ratio X acquired by the acquisition unit 31. M Calculate.

[0109] Step S130: The presentation distance calculation unit 33 calculates the presentation distance H obtained by the acquisition unit 31, the diameter value d0 obtained by the acquisition unit 31, and the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point CP1 calculated by the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32. M Based on the predetermined linear relationship (i.e., equation (12)), the distance from the stagnation point SP1 to the collision point CP1 is calculated as the maximum value of the inter-presentation unit distance D1. Here, the inter-presentation unit distance calculation unit 33 calculates the values ​​of the constants d and e included in equation (12) by solving a system of equations obtained from the condition that the Nusselt number is continuous and smooth at x=7.5, as described above, based on the relational information A1.

[0110] Step S140: The output unit 34 outputs the maximum value of the distance between presentation units calculated by the distance calculation unit 33. With this, the display unit distance calculation device 30 terminates the display unit distance calculation process.

[0111] According to the modified example of the inter-presentation distance calculation device 30, the inter-presentation distance can be calculated based on the Nusselt number, and therefore the inter-presentation distance can be calculated as a value whose objectivity is guaranteed based on jet engineering.

[0112] (Second modification of the second embodiment) The method for determining the spacing between presentation units based on the Nusselt number, as described in the first modification of the second embodiment described above, is called the first method. The method for determining the spacing between presentation units using the two-point discrimination threshold measurement system 10, as described in the second embodiment described above, is called the second method. In the second modification of the second embodiment, a third method is described for determining the optimal distance between presentation units, taking into account physical and psychological aspects, based on the results obtained from the first and second methods, respectively.

[0113] The third method is one of the following three methods: In Method 3-1, as shown in Figure 17, the shorter of the two distances between presentation sections obtained from Method 1 and Method 2 is taken as the maximum distance between presentation sections. In Method 3-1, the distance between presentation sections is selected from distances less than or equal to this maximum value.

[0114] In Method 3-2, as shown in Figure 18, the arithmetic mean of the inter-presentation distances obtained from the first and second methods, respectively, is determined as the optimal inter-presentation distance.

[0115] In Method 3-3, as shown in Figure 19, first, the difference between the presentation distances obtained from the first method and the second method is calculated. Next, in Method 3-3, the value obtained by subtracting this difference from the shorter of the two presentation distances obtained from the first method and the second method is determined as the optimal presentation distance.

[0116] In this embodiment, the method for determining the distance between the presentation units has been described above. Below, we will describe the specific arrangement of the presentation unit 4.

[0117] Figure 20 shows an example of a one-dimensional arrangement of the presentation unit 4 according to this embodiment. When the presentation unit 4 is arranged in one dimension, the Nusselt number Nu at the collision point CP1 of adjacent jets M The number of Nusselts at the collision point CP1 should be X[%] of the maximum Nusselts. Therefore, as shown in Figure 20, the number of Nusselts at the collision point CP1 should be the maximum Nusselts Nu max Arrange them so that X[%] is equal to the ratio Nu mentioned above. M / Nu max That is the case.

[0118] Next, with reference to Figures 21 and 22, we will describe the case where the presentation unit 4 is arranged in two dimensions. First, as a comparative example, the two-dimensional arrangement of the presentation unit 4 shown in Figure 21 will be described. In the two-dimensional arrangement shown in Figure 21, the three presentation units 4 are each positioned on the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The collision point CP1 of adjacent jets is the maximum Nusselt number Nu max If we make it X[%], then the Nusselt number Nu at the position of the center GP1 (center of the inscribed circle) of the equilateral triangle will be M In some cases, it may fall below X[%]. To feel a sense of unity and coldness, the number of Nusselts within the presented range must be the maximum number of Nusselts Nu max It must be X[%].

[0119] Therefore, as shown in Figure 22, the maximum Nusselt number Nu is at the position of GP2, the center of the equilateral triangle. max Position the nozzles so that they collide at X[%]. Then the Nusselt number at any point in the entire presentation range is the maximum Nusselt number Nu at the stagnation point SP1. max The value will be greater than or equal to X[%]. Therefore, in the two-dimensional arrangement of the presentation unit 4 shown in Figure 22, a unified cold sensation presentation is possible. Thus, when the presentation unit 4 is arranged in two dimensions, under the assumption that the distance D1 between all presentation units is equal, the Nusselt number at any point within the presentation range is the maximum Nusselt number Nu max You should arrange them so that the value is greater than or equal to X[%].

[0120] Furthermore, when hot air is discharged by multiple display units 4, it is preferable that the constants in equations (3), (4), and (5) described in the second modified example be changed to values ​​corresponding to the hot air.

[0121] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, we will describe an example of the application of the cold sensation presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment described above as a device. Figure 23 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the attachment device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 24 is a top view showing an example of the external appearance of the attachment device 100 according to this embodiment. The attachment device 100 comprises an attachment portion 101, a plurality of (three as an example) tubes 102, and a controller 104.

[0122] The attachment unit 101 is attached to the user's arm. Multiple presentation units 103, which are the ends of multiple tubes 102, are fixed to the attachment unit 101. The controller 104 is a controller for operating a head-mounted display (HMD).

[0123] Here, the distance between the presentation units differs for each user. As a first modification, we will describe a wearable device 100a in which the positions where multiple presentation units are fixed can be changed. Figure 25 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device 100a according to the first modification of this embodiment. In the mounting device 100a, the mounting device 100 and the mounting portion 101a are different. The mounting portion 101a includes a plurality of locking holes 105a, a lane 106a, and a stopper 107a. The locking holes 105a are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting portion 101a, respectively. As an example, the plurality of locking holes 105a are arranged at equal intervals.

[0124] The lock hole 105a and the lane 106a constitute a variable part. The variable part changes the position in which the multiple presentation units 103a are fixed on the mounting part 101a. The multiple presentation units 103a are installed on the lane 106a. The position of the multiple presentation units 103a can be changed by sliding them on the lane 106a when the lock key (not shown) is not inserted into the lane 106a. Once the distance between the presentation units is determined, the position of the presentation units 103a is fixed by inserting the lock key into the lock hole 105a from both the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting part 101a.

[0125] Furthermore, if there are not enough presentation units 103a, the stopper 107a provided at the tip of the mounting unit 101a can be removed, and a new presentation unit can be added to the lane 106a.

[0126] Figure 25 illustrates an example where the locking holes 105a are arranged at equal intervals and their position on the mounting portion 101a is fixed, but the invention is not limited to this. The invention may also include a mechanism for moving the locking holes 105a on the mounting portion 101a, allowing the position of the locking holes 105a to be changed. Furthermore, the mounting part may be equipped with a mechanism other than the locking hole that allows the display part to be moved and fixed. This mechanism may utilize power such as a motor or electromagnetic force.

[0127] Since the mounting portion 101a is equipped with a variable portion, the position to which the multiple display portions 103a are fixed can be changed, and the distance between the display portions can be changed according to the user to whom the mounting portion 101a is attached.

[0128] Figure 26 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a second modified example of the mounting device 100b according to this embodiment. Figure 27 is a rear view showing an example of the appearance of a second modified example of the mounting device 100b according to this embodiment. The mounting device 100b comprises a mounting portion 101b, a plurality of tubes 102b, and an attachment portion 108b. As an example, the mounting device 100b is attached to the user's neck while attached to a head-mounted display 200. The attachment portion 108b attaches the mounting portion 101b to the head-mounted display 200.

[0129] In the mounting device 100b, similar to the first modification of this embodiment, the positions to which the multiple display parts are fixed can be changed.

[0130] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mounting device 100c according to a third modification of this embodiment. The mounting device 100c comprises a mounting portion 101c and a plurality of tubes 102c. The mounting portion 101c comprises a plurality of locking holes 105c, lanes 106c, and a stopper 107c. The locking holes 105c and lanes 106c constitute a variable portion. The locking holes 105c are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting portion 101c, respectively. As an example, the plurality of locking holes 105c are arranged at equal intervals. The method for changing the position to which the multiple display units 103c are fixed in the mounting unit 101c is the same as that for the mounting unit 101a shown in Figure 25, so an explanation is omitted.

[0131] In this embodiment and its various modifications, an example has been described in which the wearable device is attached to the user's arm or neck, but it is not limited to this. The wearable device may be attached to a part of the user's body other than the user's arm or neck (for example, the leg or back). Furthermore, the wearable device may be attached to multiple parts of the user's body.

[0132] In this embodiment and its various modified versions, the mounting devices 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c include mounting parts 101, 101a, 101b, and 101c to which a plurality of display parts are fixed and which are attached to the user's body. With this configuration, in the wearable devices 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c according to this embodiment and its various modifications, a cold sensation presentation device 1 in which the distance between presentation parts is less than or equal to the two-point discrimination threshold can be used as a wearable device, thereby presenting a cold space that feels integrated with the part of the body to which the wearable device is attached.

[0133] Furthermore, some parts of the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 or the inter-presentation distance calculation device 30 in the above-described embodiment, such as the presentation unit position changing unit 21, the response information acquisition unit 22, the calculation unit 23, the output unit 24, the acquisition unit 31, the collision point Nusselt number calculation unit 32, the inter-presentation distance calculation unit 33, and the output unit 34, may be implemented using a computer. In that case, the program for realizing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Herein, "computer system" refers to a computer system built into the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 or the inter-presentation distance calculation device 30, and includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, as well as those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. Furthermore, part or all of the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 or the inter-presentation unit distance calculation device 30 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the two-point discrimination threshold measuring device 20 or the inter-presentation unit distance calculation device 30 may be individually processorized, or part or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit using that technology may be used.

[0134] Although one embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1...Cold sensation presentation device, 2...Cold air generation unit, 4...Presentation unit, 6...Cold air, D1...Distance between presentation units

Claims

1. An air generating unit that generates air that is either cold or hot, Multiple display units that discharge the air generated by the air generating unit onto the skin of a predetermined part of the user's body, A control unit that controls the amount of air generated by the air generation unit to be discharged from the display unit, The plurality of display units are fixed to an attachment unit that is attached to the user's body, Equipped with, The mounting portion further includes a variable portion that changes the position in which the plurality of display portions are fixed within the mounting portion. The distance between adjacent presentation portions, which is the distance between presentation portions, is less than or equal to the minimum distance necessary to distinguish between cold and warm sensation at two points on the skin in the said area. A device for displaying thermal sensation.

2. The control unit controls the flow rate of the cold air in conjunction with the image displayed in the virtual reality space by the display device. The thermal sensation presentation device according to claim 1.

3. The variable part comprises a lane on which the plurality of display parts slide, and a locking hole provided along the lane, The multiple display units can change position by sliding along the lane when the lock key is not inserted into the lock hole, and the position of the multiple display units is fixed when the lock key is inserted into the lock hole. The thermal sensation presentation device according to claim 1.

4. To generate air that is cold or hot, The generated air is discharged onto the skin of a predetermined part of the user's body by multiple presentation units, Controlling the amount of the generated air discharged from the display unit, The plurality of display units are fixed in place and attached to the user's body by the attachment unit, It has, The mounting portion includes a variable portion that changes the position in which the plurality of display portions are fixed within the mounting portion. The distance between adjacent presentation portions, which is the distance between presentation portions, is less than or equal to the minimum distance necessary to distinguish between cold and warm sensation at two points on the skin in the said area. Methods for presenting thermal sensation.

5. An air generating unit that generates air that is cold or hot air, Multiple display units that discharge the air generated by the air generating unit onto the skin of a predetermined part of the user's body, The plurality of display units are fixed to an attachment unit that is attached to the user's body, The computer of the thermal sensation presentation device equipped with: A program for causing a step to be performed to control the amount of air generated by the air generation unit to be discharged from the display unit, The mounting portion further includes a variable portion that changes the position in which the plurality of display portions are fixed within the mounting portion. The distance between adjacent presentation portions, which is the distance between presentation portions, is less than or equal to the minimum distance necessary to distinguish between cold and warm sensation at two points on the skin in the said area. program.

Images