Vibration device

Abstract

[Problem] To improve user experience by generating a stronger sense of presence in the appreciation of a video or sound. [Solution] The present invention includes a vibration part 44 capable of generating vibration corresponding to an audio signal. The audio signal has directivity of sound. The vibration part can generate vibration according to the directivity of sound, and the vibration generated in the vibration part is applied to a user A.

Description

vibration device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vibration devices.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 55-022755 discloses an acoustic vibration element in which a speaker is embedded together with a vibration element in a single case. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 01-006622 discloses an acoustic reproduction device that obtains mechanical vibration output from a vibration unit simultaneously with speaker reproduction. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-080488 discloses a bodily sensation acoustic device that is used in combination with a main acoustic device that reproduces electric acoustic signals.

[0003] However, the techniques described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 55-022755, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 01-006622, and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-080488 still have room for improvement in terms of creating a sense of realism and further improving the user experience. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a vibration device that can create a greater sense of realism when enjoying video or audio, thereby improving the user experience.

[0004] A first aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a vibration device that includes a vibration unit capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal, the audio signal having audio directionality, the vibration unit capable of generating vibrations in response to the audio directionality, and the vibrations generated in the vibration unit being applied to a user.

[0005] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a vibration device according to the first aspect, in which the directionality of the sound is formed by a plurality of channels through which the sound signal is output, the vibration unit is divided into a plurality of parts, and each vibration unit vibrates according to the directionality of the sound.

[0006] A third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a vibration device according to the first aspect, in which the directionality of the sound has two directions, one from the left side and one from the right side of the user, and the vibration unit is divided into two, one on the left side and one on the right side of the user, with the vibration unit on the left side vibrating in response to sound from the left side and the vibration unit on the right side vibrating in response to sound from the right side.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a vibration device according to the first aspect, in which the vibration unit is divided into a plurality of parts, and each part of the vibration unit includes a vibration source that vibrates in response to the audio signal, and a transmission unit to which the vibration source is attached.

[0008] A fifth aspect according to the technique of the present disclosure is the vibration device according to the fourth aspect, in which the transmission section is divided and arranged in each of the divided vibration sections.

[0009] A sixth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the vibration device according to the fourth aspect, in which a signal that coincides with a resonance frequency of the vibration device is input to the vibration source.

[0010] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the vibration device according to the sixth aspect, in which the resonant frequencies include a primary resonant frequency, a secondary resonant frequency, and a tertiary resonant frequency.

[0011] An eighth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the vibration device according to the sixth aspect, in which the resonance frequency is 100 Hz or less.

[0012] A ninth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the vibration device according to the fourth aspect, in which the vibration device is a vibration cushion capable of supporting the buttocks of the user, and the transmission unit is provided in a position opposite the ischial bones of the buttocks of the user when the vibration cushion is supporting the buttocks of the user.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a vibration device and an audio system are provided that can create a greater sense of realism when watching video or audio, thereby improving the user experience.

[0014] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an acoustic system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a vibration cushion, which is a vibration device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B arrow in FIG. 2 showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how the acoustic system is used. FIG. 11 is a top view showing an example of the arrangement of a vibration member of a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a vibration cushion of a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a vibration cushion. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a vibration cushion of a third embodiment. FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a vibrating seat and cushion of a fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B arrow in FIG. 11 showing an example of the configuration of a vibrating seat and cushion. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a chair according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a vibration cushion of a sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a top view showing an example of the structure of a vibrating member. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a vibration cushion of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a top view showing an example of the structure of an acoustic system according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a top view showing an example of the structure of a vibration cushion. FIG. 19 is a top view of an acoustic system according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the acoustic system. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the resonant frequency of the acoustic system. FIG. 22 is a graph showing the resonant frequency of an acoustic system according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an audio system 10. As shown in Fig. 1 as an example, the audio system 10 is used by a user A to enjoy audio and / or video. The audio system 10 includes an audio output device 12, amplifiers 14 and 18, a low-pass filter 16, headphones 20, and a vibration cushion 40. The audio system 10 is an example of an "audio system" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The vibration cushion 40 is an example of a "vibration device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0017] The audio output device 12 is a device capable of outputting an audio signal (electrical signal). Examples of the audio output device 12 include a television, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a game console, a portable or stationary music player, and a smartphone. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a laptop computer is shown as the audio output device 12. The audio signal is a signal for reproducing audio using an audio playback device. The audio signal may be an analog audio signal or a digital audio signal. In this specification, "audio" includes, for example, sound and voice.

[0018] The audio signal is output from the audio output device 12 in a form having a plurality of audio directionalities. Here, the audio directionality refers to the direction from which the audio is heard. For example, the audio directionality includes a direction from the left side of user A and a direction from the right side of user A.

[0019] For example, audio signals are output from the audio output device 12 through two channels, L and R. That is, audio signals are output through two channels, an R channel corresponding to audio from the right side and an L channel corresponding to audio from the left side. In the following explanation, an example in which audio signals are output through two channels, L and R, will be described.

[0020] An audio signal output from the audio output device 12 is output to a signal line 15 (see FIG. 1 ) one end of which is connected to the audio output device 12. The signal line 15 has a first branch line 15A and a second branch line 15B. Therefore, when the audio output device 12 selects the L channel as the audio signal channel, the audio signal is sent to the L channel of the first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B. On the other hand, when the signal output unit 132 selects the R channel as the audio signal channel, the audio signal is sent to the R channel of the first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B. The audio signal input to the signal line 15 is input to the audio reproduction device via the second branch line 15B and output as audio to user A via the audio reproduction device. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , headphones 20 are shown as the audio reproduction device.

[0021] The amplifier 14 provided on the second branch line 15B is a device for amplifying audio signals. The amplifier 14 amplifies the audio signals output from the audio output device 12 to the audio playback device (here, the headphones 20).

[0022] The headphones 20 connected to the second branch line 15B are a device capable of outputting audio corresponding to an audio signal to the user 20. The headphones 20 are worn on the head of the user 20 and play audio to output audio corresponding to the audio signal to the user 20. The headphones 20 are an example of "headphones" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0023] Although headphones 20 are shown here as an example of an audio playback device, this is merely an example, and earphones may be used instead of headphones 20. Furthermore, a speaker built into audio output device 12 may be used as the audio playback device, or a speaker separate from audio output device 12 may be used.

[0024] The low-pass filter 16 connected to the first branch line 15A is a device that extracts only low-frequency components from the audio signal. Here, low-frequency components refer to components below 100 Hz. The low-pass filter 16 extracts low-frequency components from the audio signal output from the audio output device 12 and output to the vibration cushion 40 (described below). Generally, the frequency band that humans can easily detect as vibration is components below 100 Hz. Therefore, frequencies of vibrations that can be easily generated in the vibration cushion 40 are also set to be below 100 Hz. Therefore, by extracting components below 100 Hz, vibrations can be efficiently generated in the vibration cushion 40. After the low-frequency components are extracted by the low-pass filter 16, the audio signal is input to the amplifier 18.

[0025] The amplifier 18 is a device for amplifying the audio signal, similar to the amplifier 14. The amplifier 18 amplifies the audio signal from which the low-frequency components have been extracted by the low-pass filter 16. The amplifier 18 then outputs the audio signal to the vibration cushion 40.

[0026] The vibration cushion 40 is a device capable of supporting a part of the body of user A and imparting vibrations to user A. The vibration cushion 40 is an example of a "vibration cushion" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , user A is sitting on a chair 30, and the vibration cushion 40 is placed on the upper surface of the seat 32 of the chair 30. That is, user A is sitting on the chair 30 via the vibration cushion 40. Here, the type, purpose, or location of use (indoors or outdoors, at home, in a store, etc.) of the chair 30 is not particularly limited, as long as it is an apparatus on which user A can sit. Specific examples of the chair 30 include office chairs, single- or multi-person sofas, reclining chairs, gaming chairs, floor chairs, and seats in general (for example, seats in automobiles, airplanes, or trains, or seats in entertainment facilities such as movie theaters, amusement parks, game centers, museums, or art galleries).

[0027] An audio signal from the audio output device 12 is input to the vibration cushion 40. The vibration cushion 40 includes a receiving terminal 40A and a vibrating member 44. As shown in FIG. 1 , the receiving terminal 40A, to which a terminal (not shown) provided at the end of the first branch line 15A is connected, is a terminal that receives an audio signal output from the amplifier 18. An example of the receiving terminal 40A is a terminal such as a plug, but this is merely one example. The receiving terminal 40A may be any terminal that can receive an audio signal, and there are no particular limitations on its shape or type. The audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A is input to the vibrating member 44.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion 40. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion 40, taken along the line B-B in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the vibration cushion 40 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the following description, the X direction shown in FIG. 2 is the left direction of the vibration cushion 40, and the opposite direction is the right direction. The Y direction is the front direction of the vibration cushion 40, and the opposite direction is the rear direction. The Z direction is the upward direction of the vibration cushion 40, and the opposite direction is the downward direction.

[0029] The vibration cushion 40 is configured to include an exterior member 41, a cushion member 42, and a vibrating member 44. The exterior member 41 is a member that forms the outer surface of the vibration cushion 40, and the components that make up the vibration cushion 40 are housed inside the exterior member 41. The exterior member 41 is, for example, a bag-shaped member made of cloth. The cushion member 42 is a flexible member that can support the user A, and is, for example, a honeycomb gel cushion, a urethane foam cushion, a bead cushion, or a combination of these. The thickness, size, or shape of the cushion member 42 is set appropriately depending on the sitting comfort, size, etc. of the vibration cushion 40 as a cushion.

[0030] The vibrating member 44 is a member capable of generating vibrations to be applied to the user A. The vibrating member 44 is capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibrating member 44 is an example of a "vibration unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure. A plurality of vibrating members 44 are provided in the vibrating cushion 40. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , two vibrating members 44A and 44B are provided as the vibrating member 44. The vibrating member 44A is disposed on the right side of the vibrating cushion 40, and the vibrating member 44B is disposed on the left side of the vibrating cushion 40. In other words, the vibrating member 44 is divided into two, one on the left side and one on the right side relative to the user A. The structure of the vibrating member 44A will be described below as an example, but the vibrating member 44B has a similar structure.

[0031] The vibrating member 44A has a transmission unit 46A and a vibration source 48A. The transmission unit 46A is a plate-shaped member. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the transmission unit 46A is a flat member having a longitudinal direction along the front-to-rear direction of the vibration cushion 40 (the direction along the Y direction shown in FIG. 2). The size, thickness, shape, or material of the transmission unit 46A is appropriately set taking into consideration durability when supporting the user A, vibration characteristics when transmitting vibrations to the user A, and the like. The transmission unit 46A is an example of a "transmission unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] The vibration source 48A is a device capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1 ). The vibration source 48A is an example of a “vibration source” according to the technology of the present disclosure. Examples of the vibration source 48A include a voice coil actuator (voice coil motor). The vibration source 48A is attached to the transmission unit 46A. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the vibration source 48A is attached to the underside of the transmission unit 46A. The vibrations generated by the vibration source 48A are transmitted to the transmission unit 46A and further transmitted to the user A via the transmission unit 46A. In this way, the transmission unit 46A applies the vibrations generated by the vibration source 48A to the user A while supporting the user A on its upper surface.

[0033] A plurality of vibration sources 48A are provided for the transmission unit 46A. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four vibration sources 48A are provided for the transmission unit 46A. Of the four vibration sources 48A, two are provided in front of the transmission unit 46A, and the remaining two are provided behind the transmission unit 46A. As shown in FIG. 3, each vibration source 48A is disposed in a plurality of recess-shaped spaces 42-1 provided on the upper surface of the cushion member 42. The number and arrangement of the vibration sources 48A are not particularly limited and are set appropriately depending on the size of the transmission unit 46A, the vibration force of the vibration sources 48A, etc.

[0034] The manner in which the vibration source 48A is attached to the transmission unit 46A is not particularly limited as long as the vibration generated in the vibration source 48A is transmitted to the transmission unit 46A. For example, the vibration source 48A may be directly attached to the transmission unit 46A by mechanical fastening means such as screws, or may be bonded with an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the vibration source 48A and the transmission unit 46A may be integrated by fitting the vibration source 48A into a hole provided in the transmission unit 46A.

[0035] The plurality of vibrating members 44A and 44B are capable of generating vibrations independently of each other. Note that, although an example in which the vibrating members 44A and 44B are completely separated as separate members has been described here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of vibrating members 44A and 44B may be partially connected by a link member or the like, or may be connected by a vibration absorbing member.

[0036] Here, the left and right divided vibrating members 44A and 44B correspond to the left and right channels of the audio signal, respectively. That is, the left vibrating member 44B corresponds to the audio signal output on the L channel, and the right vibrating member 44A corresponds to the audio signal output on the R channel. In this way, the vibrating member 44 has two divided vibrating members 44A and 44B, and vibrates in accordance with the directionality of the sound formed by the multiple channels through which the audio signals are output.

[0037] Although the embodiment in which the vibrating member 44 is divided into two parts corresponding to the two channels, LR, has been described above, this is merely an example. For example, the vibrating member 44 may be divided into four parts corresponding to the two channels, LR (for example, four parts for front, rear, left, and right).

[0038] As described above, consider the case where the user A is sitting on the chair 30 via the vibration cushion 40. In this case, as shown in Fig. 3 as an example, the vibration cushion 40 is capable of supporting at least a part of the thighs A1 of the user A. The vibration cushion 40 is also capable of supporting the buttocks A2 of the user A.

[0039] Then, in a state where the vibration cushion 40 supports at least a portion of the thighs A1 and buttocks A2 of the user A, the transmission unit 46A is provided in the vibration cushion 40 at a position facing at least a portion of the thighs A1 and buttocks A2 of the user A. Furthermore, in a state where the vibration cushion 40 supports the buttocks A2 of the user A, the transmission unit 46A is provided in the vibration cushion 40 at a position facing the ischial tuberosities A3 of the user A. Note that in this specification, two members facing each other means that, for example, in the case of two members 1A and 1B, the members 1A and 1B are aligned on a predetermined straight line, regardless of whether or not an object other than the members 1A and 1B exists between the members 1A and 1B.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how the sound system 10 is used. As an example, consider the case where user A is using the sound system 10, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, consider the case where user A wears headphones 20 on his / her head and sits in a chair 30 with a vibration cushion 40 between them. In this case, an audio signal is output from the audio output device 12. As described above, the audio signal is output in a manner that has multiple audio directionalities. Here, the audio directionality includes a direction from the left side of user A and a direction from the right side of user A.

[0041] For example, in the example shown on the left side of FIG. 4 , the audio signal output from the audio output device 12 to the signal line 15 is audio coming from the left side of user A. That is, the audio signal is audio coming from the left side as seen by user A. In this case, audio is output from a driver unit built into the left housing 22 of the headphones 20, which receives the audio signal from the second branch line 15B. Furthermore, in this case, the audio signal is input from the first branch line 15A to the receiving terminal 40A of the vibration cushion 40. Then, the left vibrating member 44B of the vibration cushion 40 vibrates. As a result, vibrations generated by the vibration source 48B are transmitted to user A via the transmission unit 46B. In this way, the left vibrating member 44B vibrates in response to audio coming from the left side. That is, the audio signal is input to the headphones 20 and the receiving terminal 40A in synchronization, which causes the audio output from the left housing 22 and the vibration of the left vibrating member 44B to be performed in synchronization.

[0042] On the other hand, in the example shown on the right side of FIG. 4 , the audio signal output from the audio output device 12 to the signal line 15 is audio coming from the right direction of user A. That is, the audio signal is audio coming from the right side as seen from user A. In this case, audio is output from a driver unit built into the right housing 24 of the headphones 20, which receives the audio signal from the second branch line 15B. Furthermore, in this case, an audio signal is input from the first branch line 15A to the receiving terminal 40A of the vibration cushion 40. Then, the right vibrating member 44A of the vibration cushion 40 vibrates. As a result, vibrations generated by the vibration source 48A are transmitted to user A via the transmission unit 46A. In this way, the right vibrating member 44A vibrates in response to audio coming from the right direction. That is, audio signals are input to the headphones 20 and the receiving terminal 40A in synchronization, which causes the audio output from the right housing 24 and the vibration of the right vibrating member 44A to be executed in synchronization.

[0043] In this way, the vibrations generated independently in the divided vibrating members 44 are applied to the user A. As a result, the vibrations are transmitted to the user A with directionality. Furthermore, the sound from the headphones 20 and the vibrations from the vibrating cushion 40 are synchronized, and the sound and vibrations are sensed with directionality by the user A. As a result, the sound can be experienced not only with the ears but also with the body, realizing a user experience in which the whole body is enveloped (for example, listening to music or watching a movie).

[0044] As described above, the vibrating cushion 40 according to the first embodiment receives audio signals output in a manner having a plurality of audio directionalities via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibrating members 44 are capable of vibrating independently of each other in accordance with the audio directionality (e.g., audio coming from the right side and audio coming from the left side). The vibrations generated by the divided vibrating members 44 are applied to the user A. This allows the vibrations to have the same directionality as the audio when applying vibrations in accordance with the audio. As a result, the user can experience directional audio and vibrations, creating a more realistic feeling when listening to video or music, and improving the user experience.

[0045] Conventionally known bass sound technology simply vibrates an actuator in accordance with the sound. In this configuration, the directionality of the sound is formed by multiple channels from which audio signals are output, and multiple vibrating members 44 can vibrate independently in accordance with the directionality of the sound. As a result, when the sound has directionality, the vibrations experienced also have directionality, creating a more realistic feeling and improving the user experience.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vibrating cushion 40 according to the first embodiment, the directionality of the sound received via the receiving terminal 40A has two channels, left and right, for outputting sound signals. The vibrating member 44 is divided into two parts corresponding to the number of the two channels, left and right. This makes the directionality of the sound clearer in accordance with three-dimensional sound, such as when the directionality of the sound is expressed in surround sound.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vibrating cushion 40 according to the first embodiment, there are two sound directional directions, from the left side and from the right side of the user A. The vibrating member 44 is divided into two parts, left and right, with the left vibrating member 44B vibrating in response to sound coming from the left side, and the right vibrating member 44A vibrating in response to sound coming from the right side. The sound directionality is expressed in two directions, left and right, of the user A, and is often output as an audio signal from a sound source. The vibrating member 44 is divided into left and right parts, with the left vibrating member 44B vibrating in response to sound from the left side, and the right vibrating member 44A vibrating in response to sound from the right side. As a result, the vibration of the left vibrating member 44A can be strengthened or weakened depending on the strength of the sound output from the left driver unit, and the vibration of the right side can be strengthened or weakened depending on the strength of the sound output from the right side. For example, if the sound output from the right driver unit is made stronger than that from the left, the vibration from the vibrating member 44A on the right side will be stronger than that from the left side, and the sound expression and vibration expression will combine to make user A more likely to sense the directionality of the sound in a direction closer to the right side between the direction from the left side and the direction from the right side. In this way, user A can experience sound and vibration with left-right directionality, and when the sound has directionality, it is possible to impart directionality to the vibrations that are felt, thereby creating a greater sense of realism when listening to video or music and improving the user experience.

[0048] The vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment is provided with vibration sources 48A and 48B capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibration cushion 40 is also provided with transmission units 46A and 46B, which are plate-shaped members to which the vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached. The vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached to the lower surfaces of the transmission units 46A and 46B, and the transmission units 46A and 46B support the user A on their upper surfaces, and impart the vibrations generated by the multiple vibration sources 48A and 48B to the user A. Therefore, since the vibrations are transmitted to the user A from the transmission units 46A and 46B (surfaces), the user A can feel the vibrations more easily than if the vibrations were transmitted directly to the user A from each of the vibration sources 48A and 48B.

[0049] Furthermore, in the vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment, the divided vibrating members 44A and 44B each include a vibration source 48A or 48B that vibrates in response to an audio signal and a transmission unit 46A or 46B, which is a plate-shaped member to which the vibration source 48A or 48B is attached. This allows the vibrations of the vibration sources 48A or 48B to be transmitted to the user A via the transmission units 46A or 46B. Because the vibrations are transmitted to the user A from the transmission units 46A or 46B (surfaces), the user A is more likely to feel the vibrations than if the vibrations were transmitted directly from the vibration sources 48A or 48B to the user A. In other words, if the vibrations were transmitted to the user A from the individual vibration sources 48A or 48B, the vibrations would be more spot-like, which could cause discomfort to the user A. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the transmission units 46A or 46B are interposed between the vibration sources 48A or 48B and the user A. Therefore, discomfort is reduced because vibrations are transmitted to user A from transmission units 46A, 46B having large areas. Furthermore, although the position of ischium A3 changes depending on the physique or sitting style of user A, the areas of transmission units 46A, 46B that transmit vibrations to user A are large enough to cover the ischium A3 of any user A, making it easier for vibrations to be imparted to ischium A3.

[0050] Furthermore, in the vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached to the transmission parts 46A and 46B. Since a plurality of vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached to the transmission parts 46A and 46B, the transmission parts 46A and 46B can be vibrated as a whole, compared to when only one vibration source is provided.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment, the audio signal input to the vibration sources 48A, 48B is an extracted low-frequency component of 100 Hz or less. The low-frequency component of the audio signal of 100 Hz or less is reproduced as vibration by the vibration cushion 40, and this vibration is transmitted to the user A. This allows the user A to experience the low-frequency component not only as audio but also as vibration, thereby improving the user experience. In other words, low-frequency components of 100 Hz or less are generally a frequency range that is difficult to reproduce as audio using a speaker or the like. In this configuration, the user A can experience the low-frequency component as vibration, thereby improving the quality of video or music listening and improving the user experience.

[0052] Furthermore, the vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment is capable of supporting at least a portion of the thighs A1 and buttocks A2 of the user A. When the vibration cushion 40 supports at least a portion of the thighs A1 and buttocks A2, the transmission units 46A and 46B are provided in positions facing at least a portion of the thighs A1 and buttocks A2. The vibrations generated by the vibration cushion 40 are transmitted to the buttocks A2 and then propagated from there to the upper body and are felt by the user A. This allows the user A to enjoy an audio experience that envelops them, with the audio perceived by the user A through their hearing and the vibrations felt from the buttocks A2 to the upper body, thereby improving the quality of video or music listening and realizing an improved user experience.

[0053] Furthermore, the vibration cushion 40 according to the first embodiment is capable of supporting the buttocks A2 of the user A. When the vibration cushion 40 is supporting the buttocks A2 of the user A, the transmission units 46A and 46B are provided at positions facing the ischial tuberosities A3 of the buttocks A2 of the user A. The vibrations generated by the vibration cushion 40 are transmitted to the ischial tuberosities A3, and then propagated to the upper body by bone conduction, and are felt by the user A. This allows the user A to enjoy sounds that envelop him / her, through the sounds sensed by his / her ears and the vibrations felt by the upper body in a continuous sequence from the ischial tuberosities A3 to the pelvis and spine. As a result, the quality of video or music listening can be improved, and the user experience can be improved.

[0054] For example, in this first embodiment, compared to bone conduction when the vibration cushion 40 is placed on the soles of the feet, vibrations are less likely to be absorbed by the joints, and the ischium A3 protrudes when user A is supported by the vibration cushion 40, so vibrations are more likely to be transmitted to user A.

[0055] The sound system 10 according to the first embodiment also includes a vibrating cushion 40 and headphones 20 that can output sound to the user A in response to an audio signal. The sound output from the headphones 20 is synchronized with the vibrations of the vibrating cushion 40. This synchronizes the sound heard through the headphones 20 with the vibrations of the vibrating cushion 40, allowing the user A to enjoy sound that envelops them. Therefore, the sound system 10 can improve the quality of video or music listening and improve the user experience.

[0056] Furthermore, when listening to music at home, such as in an apartment building, it is difficult to output audio at high volume and deep bass using speakers from the perspective of noise suppression. This configuration uses headphones 20 and also vibrating cushion 40, which reduces the volume of the speakers and reduces external noise while giving the audio a sense of realism, improving the user experience.

[0057] Furthermore, the bass sounds from the headphones 20 and the bass sounds generated by bone conduction from the vibrating cushion 40 are mixed around the chest. Therefore, when user A looks at a display (not shown) showing live footage of a concert corresponding to the sound output from the headphones 20, for example, he or she feels immersed as if he or she were at a concert venue, improving the user experience. In other words, the sound image from the headphones 20 is inside user A's head, and the vibrations from the vibrating cushion 40 are located below user A (for example, below buttocks A2), with the sound and vibrations mixing around the chest. As a result, a musical experience that envelops the entire body is realized, improving the user experience.

[0058] In the first embodiment, an example in which audio signals are output in two channels (left and right) has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, audio signals may be output in four channels, including not only left and right but also front and rear. In this case, the vibrating member 44 is divided into four sections corresponding to front, back, left and right. Furthermore, audio signals may be output in 5.1 channels, or may be surround audio signals output in two channels.

[0059] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example in which the vibration member 44 is divided into two parts has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the vibration member 44 may be divided into three or more parts.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above first embodiment, an example has been described in which the vibration cushion 40 is disposed on the seat 32 of the chair 30, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the vibration cushion 40 may be disposed between the backrest of the chair 30 and the back of the user A. Furthermore, the vibration cushion 40 may be used as a standalone cushion rather than being used together with the chair 30.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the transmission units 46A and 46B are each a single plate-like member, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the first modification shown in FIG. 5, the transmission units 46A and 46B are divided into multiple parts.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a top view showing an example of the arrangement of the vibrating members 44A and 44B. As shown in Fig. 5 as an example, the vibrating members 44A and 44B are arranged separately on the left and right sides of the vibrating cushion 40. In the following explanation, the vibrating member 44A will be used as an example, but the vibrating member 44B has a similar configuration. The vibrating member 44A includes a transmission unit 46A and a vibration source 48A.

[0063] The transmission unit 46A is divided in the front-rear direction. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the transmission unit 46A is divided into five parts in the front-rear direction. That is, the transmission unit 46A includes transmission units 46A1 to 46A5. The transmission units 46A1 to 46A5 may be completely separate, or may be connected by a link member. Alternatively, a slit may be formed in the transmission unit 46A in the thickness direction to form portions corresponding to the transmission units 46A1 to 46A5.

[0064] Each of the transmission units 46A1 to 46A5 is provided with a vibration source 48A. In the example shown in Fig. 5, each of the transmission units 46A1 to 46A5 is provided with two vibration sources 48A.

[0065] As described above, in the vibration cushion 40 according to the first modification, the transmission units 46A and 46B are arranged separately in each of the divided vibrating members 44. As a result, since the transmission units 46A and 46B are arranged separately, it becomes easier to make the transmission units 46A and 46B fit the user A. In other words, since each of the divided transmission units 46A1 to 46A5 changes angle within the vibration cushion 40 to match the body shape of the user A, it becomes easier to make the transmission unit 46A fit the user A.

[0066] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the cushion member 42 is disposed below the transmission units 46A and 46B in the vibration cushion 40, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, a lower cushion member 42A is disposed below the transmission units 46A and 46B, and an upper cushion member 42B is disposed above the transmission units 46A and 46B.

[0067] Fig. 6 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion 40. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion 40, taken along the line B-B in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 as an example, the vibration cushion 40 has a lower cushion member 42A below a transmission unit 46A, and an upper cushion member 42B above the transmission unit 46A. In other words, in the vibration cushion 40, the lower cushion member 42A and the upper cushion member 42B are arranged with the transmission unit 46A sandwiched between them. The lower cushion member 42A and the upper cushion member 42B are both flexible cushion members.

[0068] The lower cushion member 42A is disposed on the opposite side of the transmission unit 46A from the user A. A recessed space 42A-1 is formed on the upper surface of the lower cushion member 42A, and the vibration source 48A is housed within this space 42A-1. The lower cushion member 42A prevents vibrations from the vibration source 48A from being transmitted to the outside (for example, to the seat 32 of the chair 30 on which the vibration cushion 40 is placed (see FIG. 1)).

[0069] The upper cushion member 42B is disposed closer to the user A than the transmission unit 46A. The upper cushion member 42B is capable of deforming in accordance with the body shape of the user A (here, the shape of at least a portion of the thighs A1 and the buttocks A2) while supporting the user A. In other words, the upper cushion member 42B is capable of fitting to the body shape of the user A. The upper cushion member 42B transmits to the user A the vibrations generated in the vibration source 48A and transmitted via the transmission unit 46A. The upper cushion member 42B is an example of a "first cushion" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0070] The upper cushion member 42B has a higher vibration transmissibility than the lower cushion member 42A, which allows the vibrations generated in the vibration source 48A to be efficiently transmitted to the user A. Here, the vibration transmissibility refers to the ratio between the vibration force generated in the vibration source 48A and the vibration force transmitted to the outside (e.g., the user A).

[0071] For example, the upper cushion member 42B is a low-resilience urethane foam, and the lower cushion member 42A is a honeycomb gel cushion. Here, the difference in materials creates a difference in vibration transmissibility, but this is merely an example. For example, the difference in vibration transmissibility may be created by varying the density of the air bubbles in the urethane foam, or by varying the thickness of the cushion members.

[0072] As described above, the vibration cushion 40 according to the second embodiment is provided with the upper cushion member 42B, which is disposed closer to the user A than the transmission unit 46A and transmits the vibrations generated by the vibrating member 44 to the user A. The vibrations are transmitted to the user A via the upper cushion member 42B. As a result, compared to when the vibrations are transmitted directly from the vibration sources 48A and 48B to the user A, the upper cushion member 42B fits the user A more easily, and the vibrations are transmitted to the user A from a larger region (area) of the upper cushion member 42B, making it easier for the user A to feel the vibrations.

[0073] The presence of the upper cushion member 42B allows the vibration cushion 40 to transmit vibrations to the human body more generally. That is, the upper cushion member 42B deforms to encase the buttocks A2, and vibrations are transmitted to the user A from the upper surface of the upper cushion member 42B, making it easier for the vibration cushion 40 to transmit vibrations to the human body over a wider area.

[0074] Furthermore, the vibration cushion 40 according to the second embodiment is provided with a lower cushion member 42A that is disposed on the opposite side of the transmission unit 46A from the user A and that suppresses transmission of vibrations from the vibration source 48A to the outside. This makes it difficult for vibrations from the vibration sources 48A and 48B to be transmitted to the outside (for example, the chair 30 on which the vibration cushion 40 is placed) other than the user A.

[0075] Furthermore, in the vibration cushion 40 according to the second embodiment, the upper cushion member 42B has a higher vibration transmissibility than the lower cushion member 42A. This allows vibrations from the vibration sources 48A and 48B to be efficiently transmitted to the user A. Furthermore, transmission of the vibrations to the outside other than the user A is suppressed.

[0076] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, the vibration member 44 is divided into two vibration members 44A and 44B. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , the vibration cushion 40 has a single vibration member 50.

[0077] Fig. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration cushion 40. As shown in Fig. 8 as an example, the vibration cushion 40 includes a vibration member 50 that is a member capable of generating vibrations to be applied to the user A. The vibration member 50 has one transmission unit 52 and multiple vibration sources 54. The transmission unit 52 is a plate-like member. The size, thickness, shape, or material of the transmission unit 52 is appropriately set in consideration of durability when supporting the user A, vibration characteristics when transmitting vibrations to the user A, and the like.

[0078] A plurality of vibration sources 54 are provided in the transmission unit 52. The vibration sources 54 generate vibrations in response to audio signals received via the receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1). The vibration sources 54 are, for example, voice coil actuators, and in the example shown in FIG. 8, eight vibration sources 54 are attached to the transmission unit 52. The vibrations generated by the vibration sources 54 are transmitted to the user A via the transmission unit 52.

[0079] As described above, in the example shown in Fig. 8, eight vibration sources 54 are provided in the transmission unit 52. Of these, four vibration sources 54A are provided on the right side of the transmission unit 52, and the remaining four vibration sources 54B are provided on the left side of the transmission unit 52. Of the four vibration sources 54A on the right side, two are provided in front of the transmission unit 52, and the remaining two are provided on the rear side of the transmission unit 52. Similarly, of the four vibration sources 54B on the left side, two are provided in front of the transmission unit 52, and the remaining two are provided on the rear side of the transmission unit 52.

[0080] The number and arrangement of the vibration sources 54 are not particularly limited, and are set appropriately depending on the size of the transmission unit 52, the vibration force of the vibration sources 54, and the like.

[0081] The vibration sources 54A and 54B arranged on the left and right sides of the transmission unit 52 correspond to the left and right channels of the audio signals, respectively. That is, the left vibration source 54B corresponds to the audio signal output on the L channel, and the right vibration source 54A corresponds to the audio signal output on the R channel.

[0082] As described above, the vibration cushion 40 according to the third embodiment is provided with the vibration sources 54A and 54B that can generate vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibration cushion 40 also has the transmission unit 52, which is a plate-shaped member to which the vibration sources 54A and 54B are attached. The vibration sources 54A and 54B are attached to the lower surface of the transmission unit 52, and with the user A supported on the upper surface of the transmission unit 52, the vibrations generated by the vibration sources 54A and 54B are applied to the user. Therefore, since the vibrations are transmitted to the user A from the transmission unit 52 (surface), the user A is more likely to feel the vibrations than when the vibrations are transmitted directly to the user A from the vibration sources 54A and 54B.

[0083] In the third embodiment, the vibration sources 54A and 54B arranged on the left and right correspond to the left and right channels of the audio signal, respectively, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an audio signal of one channel (e.g., an audio signal in which the left and right channels are mixed, such as an audio signal output from a subwoofer) may be input to the eight vibration sources 54.

[0084] <Fourth Embodiment> In the above-described first embodiment, an example was described in which the vibrating cushion 40 includes the vibrating member 44, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the vibrating member 44 is provided on a vibrating sheet 60 that is separate from the cushion 70. The vibrating sheet 60 is an example of a "vibration device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0085] Fig. 9 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibrating sheet 60 and the cushion 70. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the vibrating sheet 60 and the cushion 70, taken along the line B-B in Fig. 9. As an example, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the vibrating sheet 60 is placed on the upper surface of the cushion 70. The cushion 70 is a flexible member capable of supporting the user A, and is, for example, a honeycomb gel cushion, a urethane foam cushion, a bead cushion, or a combination thereof.

[0086] The vibrating sheet 60 is a sheet-like member that can support a part of the body of the user A and can impart vibrations to the user A, and is used by being placed on a cushion 70 or the like. The vibrating sheet 60 includes an exterior member 61 and a vibrating member 44. The exterior member 61 is a member that forms the outer surface of the vibrating sheet 60. The components that form the vibrating sheet 60 are housed inside the exterior member 61. The exterior member 61 is, for example, a bag-like member made of cloth.

[0087] In the vibrating member 44, the vibration source 48A is attached to the transmission unit 46A. The vibration source 48A generates vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1). The vibrations generated by the vibration source 48A are transmitted to the user A via the transmission unit 46A.

[0088] As described above, the vibrating sheet 60 according to the fourth embodiment receives audio signals output in a manner having a plurality of audio directionalities via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibrating members 44 are capable of vibrating independently of each other in accordance with the audio directionality (e.g., audio coming from the right side and audio coming from the left side). The vibrations generated by the divided vibrating members 44 are applied to the user A. This allows the vibrations to have the same directionality as the audio when applying vibrations in accordance with the audio. As a result, the user can experience directional audio and vibrations, creating a more realistic feeling when listening to video or music, and improving the user experience.

[0089] The vibrating sheet 60 according to the fourth embodiment is provided with vibration sources 48A and 48B capable of generating vibrations in response to audio signals received via the receiving terminal 40A. The vibrating sheet 60 is also provided with transmission units 46A and 46B, which are plate-shaped members to which the vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached. The vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached to the lower surfaces of the transmission units 46A and 46B, and the user A is supported on the upper surfaces of the transmission units 46A and 46B. The vibrations generated by the vibration sources 48A and 48B are applied to the user. Therefore, since the vibrations are transmitted to the user A from the transmission units 46A and 46B (surfaces), the user A is more likely to feel the vibrations than if the vibrations were transmitted directly to the user A from the vibration sources 48A and 48B.

[0090] Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the vibrating cushion 40 was placed on the seat 32 of the chair 30, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the fifth embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a vibrating member 44 is incorporated into a chair 80.

[0091] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing an exemplary configuration of a chair 80. As shown in FIG. 11 as an example, the chair 80 includes a seat 82 and a backrest 84. The seat 82 includes a vibrating member 44. Specifically, the vibrating member 44 is disposed inside the seat 82. The vibrating member 44 includes vibrating members 44A and 44B. In the vibrating member 44A, a vibration source 48A is attached to a transmission unit 46A. The vibration source 48A generates vibrations in response to an audio signal received via the receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1). In this manner, the chair 80 is equipped with a seat 82 including a vibrating member 44. The vibrations generated by the vibration source 48A are transmitted to the user A via the transmission unit 46A. The chair 80 is an example of a "vibration device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0092] 11 shows an office chair, but this is merely an example. Examples of chair 80 include a single- or multiple-seat sofa, a reclining chair, a gaming chair, a floor chair, or seats in general (for example, seats in automobiles, airplanes, or trains, or seats in entertainment facilities such as movie theaters, amusement parks, game centers, museums, or art galleries).

[0093] As described above, in the chair 80 according to the fifth embodiment, audio signals output in a manner having a plurality of audio directionalities are received via the receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1 ). The vibrating members 44 are capable of vibrating independently of each other in accordance with the audio directionality (e.g., audio heard from the right side and audio heard from the left side). The vibrations generated in the divided vibrating members 44 are applied to the user A. This allows the vibrations to have the same directionality as the audio when applied to the user A in accordance with the audio. As a result, the user can experience directional audio and vibrations, creating a more realistic feeling when listening to video or music, and improving the user experience.

[0094] Furthermore, chair 80 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with vibration sources 48A and 48B capable of generating vibrations in response to audio signals received via receiving terminal 40A (see FIG. 1 ). Chair 80 is also provided with transmission units 46A and 46B, which are plate-shaped members to which vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached. Vibration sources 48A and 48B are attached to the undersides of transmission units 46A and 46B, and user A is supported on the upper surfaces of transmission units 46A and 46B. Vibrations generated by vibration sources 48A and 48B are applied to the user. Therefore, since vibrations are transmitted to user A from the transmission units 46A and 46B (surfaces), user A is more likely to feel the vibrations than when vibrations are transmitted directly from vibration sources 48A and 48B to user A.

[0095] Sixth Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the vibration cushion 40 was provided with a vibrating member 44, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the vibration cushion 40 is provided with a vibrating member 90.

[0096] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the vibration cushion 40. As an example, as shown in Fig. 12, the vibration cushion 40 includes a vibrating member 90. An upper cushion member 42B is provided above the vibrating member 90. Furthermore, a lower cushion member 42A is provided below the vibrating member 90. That is, in the vibration cushion 40, the vibrating member 90 is sandwiched between the upper cushion member 42B and the lower cushion member 42A.

[0097] The vibrating member 90 has a transmission unit 92 and a support plate 94. Both the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94 are plate-shaped members. The transmission unit 92 is disposed above the vibration source 96, i.e., the transmission unit 92 is disposed on the user A side of the vibration source 96. On the other hand, the support plate 94 is disposed below the vibration source 96A. In other words, the support plate 94 is provided on the opposite side of the vibration source 96 from the user A.

[0098] There are no particular limitations on the size, thickness, and shape of the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94. The size, thickness, shape, or material of the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94 are set appropriately taking into consideration the durability when supporting the user A, the vibration characteristics when transmitting vibrations to the user A, and the like.

[0099] The vibrating member 90 also has a plurality of vibration sources 96. The plurality of vibration sources 96 are, for example, voice coil actuators. The upper ends of the plurality of vibration sources 96 are attached to the transmission unit 92, and the lower ends are attached to the support plate 94. That is, in the vibrating member 90, the plurality of vibration sources 96 are sandwiched between the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94.

[0100] Fig. 13 is a top view showing an example of the structure of the vibrating member 90. As shown in Fig. 13 as an example, the multiple vibration sources 96 include multiple vibration sources 96A and 96B. In the example shown in Fig. 13, four vibration sources 96A are shown as the multiple vibration sources 96A. The four vibration sources 96A are arranged on the right side of the transmission unit 92. The configuration of the right side of the transmission unit 92 will be described below.

[0101] Of the four vibration sources 96A, three vibration sources 96A1 are disposed at the rear of the transmission unit 92. The three vibration sources 96A1 are disposed on a circumference centered at point P. Here, point P is a point on the transmission unit 92 at a position corresponding to the right ischium A3 of user A. In other words, the three vibration sources 96A1 are disposed on a circumference centered at a position corresponding to the right ischium A3 of user A. The three vibration sources 96A1 may also be disposed at equal intervals on the circumference. Here, the three vibration sources 96A1 are disposed at intervals of 120 degrees from one another.

[0102] Arc slits 98A are formed on the outer periphery of the three vibration sources 96A1 in the transmission unit 92. The arc slits 98A are slits that extend in an arc shape and penetrate the transmission unit 92 in the thickness direction. The arc slits 98A are formed in an arc shape centered on point P. By forming the arc slits 98A, the vibrations of the vibration sources 96A1 can be partially transmitted to the user A, and directionality can be given to the vibrations.

[0103] A plurality of arc-shaped slits 98A are formed intermittently on a circumference centered at point P. That is, when viewed along the circumferential direction in which the arc-shaped slits 98A are formed, a region in which the arc-shaped slits 98A are formed continues, followed by a region in which the arc-shaped slits 98A are not formed, and then a region in which the arc-shaped slits 98A are formed continues again.

[0104] Furthermore, multiple arc slits 98A are formed concentrically around point P. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , two arc slits 98A are formed on the inner and outer periphery. Here, the arc slits 98A2 on the inner periphery and the arc slits 98A1 on the outer periphery are formed at different circumferential positions. Specifically, the circumferential position of the arc slit 98A2 on the inner periphery is shifted by 45 degrees from the circumferential position of the arc slit 98A1 on the outer periphery. This allows the vibrations generated by the vibration source 96A1 to be transmitted to the user A more partially. As a result, the vibrations can be made directional.

[0105] One of the four vibration sources 96A, vibration source 96A2, is disposed in front of the transmission unit 92. A pair of linear slit regions 99A are formed on both the left and right sides of the vibration source 96A2. A plurality of linear slits 97A are formed in each of the pair of linear slit regions 99A. The linear slits 97A are slits that extend along the front-to-rear direction of the transmission unit 92 and penetrate the transmission unit 92 in the thickness direction.

[0106] Here, of the pair of linear slit regions 99A, the linear slit region 99A1 on the right side relative to the vibration source 96A2 will be described, but the same applies to the linear slit region 99A2 on the left side. In the linear slit region 99A1, the linear slits 97A are formed intermittently along the front-to-rear direction of the transmission part 92. Specifically, three linear slits 97A1 are formed intermittently along the front-to-rear direction on the right side of the linear slit region 99A1. Furthermore, two linear slits 97A2 are formed intermittently in the center of the linear slit region 99A1. Furthermore, three linear slits 97A3 are formed intermittently on the left side of the linear slit region 99A1.

[0107] The three linear slits 97A1 and the three linear slits 97A3 are arranged in corresponding positions. That is, the three linear slits 97A1 and the three linear slits 97A3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central linear slit 97A2. The central linear slit 97A2 is also arranged at a position shifted in the front-rear direction from the right linear slit 97A1 and the left linear slit 97A3.

[0108] The configuration of the left side of the transmission unit 92 is line-symmetrical to the configuration of the above-described right side of the transmission unit 92. That is, on the left side of the transmission unit 92, the arrangement of the vibration source 96B, the arc slit 98B, the linear slit 97B, and the linear slit region 99B is line-symmetrical to the arrangement of the vibration source 96A, the arc slit 98A, the linear slit 97A, and the linear slit region 99A on the right side, across a line that passes through the center of the transmission unit 92 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0109] As described above, the vibration cushion 40 according to the sixth embodiment is provided with a vibrating member 90. The vibrating member 90 is provided with a support plate 94, which is a plate-like member to which a vibration source 96 is attached. The support plate 94 is provided on the opposite side of the vibration source 96 from the user A. As a result, the vibration source 96 is held from below by the support plate 94, and the vibration source 96 can vibrate more stably than in the case where the support plate 94 is not provided.

[0110] Furthermore, the support plate 94 covers the bottom of the vibration source 96. Therefore, the vibration source 96 can be protected by the support plate 94. For example, adverse effects on the vibration source 96, such as the inclusion of dust or impact to the vibration source 96, are suppressed.

[0111] It goes without saying that the lengths, numbers, and arrangements of the arc slits 98A, 98B and the linear slits 97A, 97B shown in the sixth embodiment are merely examples. Furthermore, the arc slits 98A, 98B and the linear slits 97A, 97B do not necessarily need to penetrate in the thickness direction, but may be slits having a depth sufficient to determine the directionality of vibration.

[0112] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the arc slits 98A, 98B and the linear slits 97A, 97B shown in the sixth embodiment may also be provided in the support plate 94. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, an example in which the arc slits 98A, 98B and the linear slits 97A, 97B are provided in the transmission part 92 has been described, but this is merely one example. The transmission part 92 may be divided (for example, into left and right parts) so that the divided transmission parts 92 can vibrate independently of each other.

[0113] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, an example in which the vibration source 96 is provided between the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94 has been described. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. As an example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the vibration member 90 includes an elastic member 93 between the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94. The elastic member 93 is a member capable of supporting the transmission unit 92. One end of the elastic member 93 is attached to the lower surface of the transmission unit 92, and the other end is attached to the upper surface of the support plate 94. The elastic member 93 is formed of, for example, a soft resin (e.g., rubber). Elastic support of the transmission unit 92 by the elastic member 93 prevents the load caused by the user A sitting on the vibration cushion 40 from concentrating on the vibration source 96. Note that the elastic member 93 may be any member capable of supporting the support plate 94, and the size, number, and arrangement of the elastic member 93 are not particularly limited.

[0114] Furthermore, when the elastic member 93 is provided between the transmission unit 92 and the support plate 94, a buffer member 95 may be provided between the vibration source 96 and the support plate 94 in the vibrating member 90. The buffer member 95 absorbs vibrations from the vibration source 96, thereby preventing the vibrations from the vibration source 96 from being excessively transmitted to the support plate 94. The buffer member 95 is formed, for example, from a soft resin foam (e.g., urethane foam). Note that the buffer member 95 only needs to prevent the vibrations from the vibration source 96 from being transmitted to the support plate 94, and the size, number, and arrangement of the buffer member 95 are not particularly limited. The buffer member 95 may also be provided between the transmission unit 92 and the support member 93. The buffer member 95 may also be provided between the support member 93 and the support unit 94.

[0115] Seventh Embodiment The present disclosure may be implemented as a seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , four speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are installed on the floor on which a chair 30 is placed. The speaker 100A is located on the front left side of the chair 30, the speaker 100B is located on the front right side of the chair 30, the speaker 100C is located on the rear left side of the chair 30, and the speaker 100D is located on the rear right side of the chair 30. Four second branch lines 15B branching from the signal line 15 are connected to each of the speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D via the amplifier 14 of the audio output device 12 shown in FIG. 1 . The audio output device 12 of the seventh embodiment outputs audio signals to the signal line 15 in two channels (left and right). Each of the speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D that receive an audio signal via the second branch line 15B can output audio toward the chair 30. Specifically, the speakers 100A and 100B located in front of the chair 30 can output audio toward the rear. The speakers 100C and 100D located behind the chair 30 can output audio toward the front. An L-channel audio signal corresponding to audio coming from the left side is input to the speakers 100A and 100C, and audio is output from each of the speakers 100A and 100C. An R-channel audio signal corresponding to audio coming from the right side is input to the speakers 100B and 100D located on the right side, and audio is output from each of the speakers 100B and 100D. The speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are examples of "sound reproducing devices" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0116] A vibration cushion 40 is placed on the seat 32 of the chair 30. Furthermore, a user A is seated on the vibration cushion 40 (seat 32). This user A is not wearing headphones.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 16 , the vibration cushion 40 of the seventh embodiment includes an exterior member 41, a cushion member 42, and a vibration member 44. The vibration member 44 is capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal received via a receiving terminal 40A (not shown in Figs. 15 and 16 ). The vibration member 44 of the seventh embodiment includes four vibration members 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D arranged in a front-to-rear direction. The vibration member 44A is arranged on the left front side of the vibration cushion 40, the vibration member 44B is arranged on the right front side of the vibration cushion 40, the vibration member 44C is arranged on the left rear side of the vibration cushion 40, and the vibration member 44D is arranged on the right rear side of the vibration cushion 40. The vibration member 44A has one transmission unit 46A and four vibration sources 48A, and the transmission unit 46B has one transmission unit 46B and four vibration sources 48B. Furthermore, the vibration member 44C has one transmission part 46C and four vibration sources 48C, and the transmission part 46D has one transmission part 46D and four vibration sources 48D.

[0118] Each of the transmission units 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D is provided with a receiving terminal 40A (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The receiving terminal 40A of the transmission unit 46A is connected to each of the vibration sources 48A by a signal line, the receiving terminal 40A of the transmission unit 46B is connected to each of the vibration sources 48B by a signal line, the receiving terminal 40A of the transmission unit 46C is connected to each of the vibration sources 48C by a signal line, and the receiving terminal 40A of the transmission unit 46D is connected to each of the vibration sources 48D by a signal line. Furthermore, four first branch lines 15A (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 ) branching from the signal line 15 are connected to each of the receiving terminals 40A. Therefore, the audio signal from which low-frequency components have been extracted by the low-pass filter 16 provided on each first branch line 15A is input to the vibration sources 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D via the amplifier 18 and receiving terminal 40A provided on each first branch line 15A.

[0119] The audio signal output from the audio output device 12 is output in synchronization with at least one of the speakers 100C, 100A, 100D, and 100B and at least one of the vibration sources 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D via the first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B. At this time, the signal output unit 132 outputs the audio signal to the corresponding first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B.

[0120] For example, when an audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is input to the speakers 100A and 100C via the amplifier 14, the speakers 100A and 100C located to the left of the user A output audio. In this case, the audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is further input to the vibration sources 48A and 48C, causing the vibrating members 44A and 44C to vibrate.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, when an audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is input to the speakers 100B and 100D via the amplifier 14, the speakers 100B and 100D located to the right of the user A output audio. In this case, the audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is further input to the vibration sources 48B and 48D, causing the vibrating members 44B and 44D to vibrate.

[0122] As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the vibrating members 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, which are provided at positions corresponding to the speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D that are outputting audio, vibrate in synchronization with the respective speakers. That is, the vibrating members 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D can generate vibrations according to the directionality of the audio, which is determined by the channel from which the audio signal is output. Therefore, the vibrating cushion 40 of the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effect as the vibrating cushion 40 of the first embodiment.

[0123] Although the seventh embodiment uses four speakers and four vibrating members, any number of speakers and vibrating members may be used as long as they are plural. Regardless of the number of speakers and vibrating members, a vibrating member provided at a position corresponding to the relative position of the speaker outputting sound with respect to the chair 30 (user A) is vibrated in synchronization with the speaker. The number of speakers and the number of vibrating members do not have to be the same. For example, a configuration in which two speakers are provided in the front left and right directions and four vibrating members are provided on the front, back, left and right of the vibrating cushion may be used. Alternatively, a configuration in which four speakers are provided in the front, back, left and right directions and two vibrating members are provided on the left and right of the vibrating cushion may be used.

[0124] Eighth Embodiment The present disclosure may be implemented as an eighth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 . The audio output device 12 of the eighth embodiment is applied to the floor structure of a room provided in a building. A flat bottom plate 110 shown in FIG. 18 is fixed to the entire bottom of the room. The lower ends of a plurality of support members 111 are fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 110. The lower surface of a floor plate 112, which is a flat plate member parallel to the bottom plate 110 and has the same planar shape as the bottom plate 110, is fixed to the upper surface of each support member 111. Therefore, a space is formed between the upper surface of the bottom plate 110 and the lower surface of the floor plate 112.

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , four brackets 115 are fixed to four locations on the underside of the floorboard portion 112. As shown in FIG. 18 , the front view of each bracket 115 is approximately T-shaped. A mounting hole 116 is formed in each bracket 115, penetrating the bracket 115 in its thickness direction. The cross-sectional shape of the mounting hole 116 is circular. Approximately cylindrical vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D are supported in the mounting holes 116 of each bracket 115. Each of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D is a voice coil actuator whose axis (the vibration direction of the vibration source) is parallel to the axis of the mounting hole 116. As shown in FIG. 17 , in a plan view, the axis 120X of each of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D is parallel to the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, in a plan view, vibration source 120A is located between chair 30 and speaker 100A, and vibration source 120B is located between chair 30 and speaker 100B. Furthermore, in a plan view, vibration source 120C is located between chair 30 and speaker 100C, and vibration source 120D is located between chair 30 and speaker 100D. That is, in a plan view, vibration source 120A is located on the front left side of chair 30, vibration source 120B is located on the front right side of chair 30, vibration source 120C is located on the rear left side of chair 30, and vibration source 120D is located on the rear right side of chair 30.

[0126] 1 are provided at four locations on the underside of the floorboard portion 112 (not shown in FIGS. 17 and 18). The vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D are connected to each of the receiving terminals 40A via signal lines. Furthermore, four first branch lines 15A branching from the signal line 15 are connected to each of the receiving terminals 40A. Therefore, an audio signal from which low-frequency components have been extracted by the low-pass filter 16 is input to each of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D via the amplifiers 18 provided on each of the first branch lines 15A and the receiving terminals 40A.

[0127] The floor plate 112 and the bracket 115 are an example of a "vibration unit." The floor plate 112, the bracket 115, and the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D are an example of a "vibration device."

[0128] The audio signal output from the audio output device 12 is output in synchronization with at least one of the speakers 100C, 100A, 100D, and 100B and at least one of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D via the first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B. At this time, the signal output unit 132 outputs the audio signal to the corresponding first branch line 15A and the second branch line 15B.

[0129] For example, when an audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is input to the speakers 100A and 100C via the amplifier 14, the speakers 100A and 100C located to the left of the user A output audio. In this case, the audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is further input to the vibration sources 120A and 120C. Therefore, the vibrations generated by the vibration sources 120A and 120C are transmitted via the brackets 115 supporting the vibration sources 120A and 120C to the portions of the floorboard 112 to which the brackets 115 are fixed. Therefore, the portions of the floorboard 112 to which the brackets 115 are fixed vibrate.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, when an audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is input to the speakers 100B and 100D via the amplifier 14, the speakers 100B and 100D located to the right of the user A output audio. In this case, the audio signal generated by the audio output device 12 is further input to the vibration sources 120B and 120D. Therefore, the vibrations generated by the vibration sources 120B and 120D are transmitted via the brackets 115 supporting the vibration sources 120B and 120D to the portions of the floorboard 112 to which the brackets 115 are fixed. Therefore, the portions of the floorboard 112 to which the brackets 115 are fixed vibrate.

[0131] As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the portions of the floorboard portion 112 that are provided in the direction corresponding to the speakers 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D that are outputting audio vibrate in synchronization with each of the speakers that are outputting audio. In other words, the portions of the floorboard portion 112 to which the brackets 115 are fixed can generate vibrations in accordance with the directionality of the audio that is determined by the channel from which the audio signal is output. Therefore, the vibration cushion 40 of the eighth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the vibration cushion 40 of the first embodiment.

[0132] In each of the above embodiments and modifications, a signal other than an audio signal can be input to the vibration source. In this case, a signal that matches the resonant frequency of the vibration device can be input to the vibration source. The resonant frequency of the vibration device is a composite value of the resonant frequencies of each component of the vibration device. According to this modification, each vibration device can be vibrated efficiently.

[0133] Furthermore, if the vibration device has multiple resonant frequencies, the input signal (vibration frequency) of the vibration source may be matched to at least one of the resonant frequencies. For example, if the vibration device has a primary resonant frequency, a secondary resonant frequency, and a tertiary resonant frequency, the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A may control the input signal of the vibration source to match at least one of the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the tertiary resonant frequency. Furthermore, the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A may control the input signal of the vibration source to change the input signal of the vibration source to match any two of the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the tertiary resonant frequency. Furthermore, the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A may control the input signal of the vibration source to change the input signal of the vibration source to match the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the tertiary resonant frequency. This allows the vibration device to vibrate efficiently.

[0134] 19 is a graph showing the resonant frequencies of the vibration device (floor panel 112, bracket 115, and vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D) of the eighth embodiment. As is clear from this graph, the vibration device of the eighth embodiment has a primary resonant frequency and a secondary resonant frequency. In this case, the input signals to the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D may be changed under the control of the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A to match the input signals to the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D with at least one of the primary resonant frequency and the secondary resonant frequency.

[0135] 20 is a graph showing the resonant frequencies of a vibration device (floor plate 112, bracket 115, vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, and elastic member 125) according to a modification of the eighth embodiment. In this modification, two elastic members 125 (see FIG. 18 ) are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of each of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D, and each elastic member 125 contacts the inner surface of the corresponding mounting hole 116. Therefore, vibrations generated by each of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D are transmitted to the floor plate 112 via the elastic members 125 and bracket 115. The vibration device according to this modification has a primary resonant frequency, a secondary resonant frequency, and a tertiary resonant frequency. In this case, the input signals of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D may be changed under the control of the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A to match the input signals of the vibration sources 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D with at least one of the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the tertiary resonant frequency.

[0136] The vibration device of each embodiment and each modification preferably has a resonance frequency of 100 Hz or less. In this case, the vibration source is controlled by the control devices 13, 14A, and 16A so that the input signal is 100 Hz or less.

[0137] In the first to sixth embodiments, the signal output unit 132 may be capable of outputting audio signals of the L channel and the R channel of the signal line 15. For example, in the first embodiment, when audio signals of the L channel and the R channel of the signal line 15 are output, the left and right housings 22, 34 of the headphones 20 output audio, and the vibrating members 44A and 44B vibrate.

[0138] In each embodiment and each modified example, the magnitude (amplitude) of the vibration of the vibration source corresponding to the sound reproduction device outputting sound can be changed according to the volume of the output sound. For example, the louder the sound output by the sound reproduction device, the greater the magnitude of the vibration of the vibration source can be increased, and the quieter the sound output by the sound reproduction device, the greater the magnitude of the vibration of the vibration source can be decreased.

[0139] For example, the vibration cushion 40 may be provided on the front surface of the backrest 84 of the chair 80 shown in Fig. 11, and the back of the user A may be supported by the vibration cushion 40. In this case, the thickness direction of the vibration cushion 40 is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0140] Also, the vibrating member 44 may be provided inside the backrest 84. For example, the vibrating members 44A and 44B may be provided inside the backrest 84. In this case, the thickness direction of the transmission portions 46A and 46B of the vibrating member 44 is approximately parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0141] Also, a vibrating cushion may be provided on the top surface of the mattress of the bed (not shown), or a vibrating member may be provided inside the mattress.

[0142] Furthermore, a vibrating cushion may be provided on the clothing worn by the user A, or a vibrating member may be provided on the clothing.

[0143] In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the electrical hardware of the sound system 10 (e.g., the amplifiers 14, 18, and the low-pass filter 16) is separate from the vibrating cushion 40, the vibrating seat 60, and the chair 80. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The electrical hardware of the sound system 10 may be integrated with these components.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, an example has been described in which an audio signal is input to the receiving terminal 40A of the acoustic system 10 via a wire (signal line), but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The audio signal may also be input to the receiving terminal 40A via wireless communication (for example, communication using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark)). In this case, the vibration cushion 40 includes a communication I / F (not shown).

[0145] Furthermore, although the sound playback device and the audio output device 12 are connected by a wire (signal line), the audio signal may be input to the sound playback device using wireless communication (for example, communication using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0146] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0147] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0148] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0149] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-105280, filed on June 27, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A vibration device comprising a vibration unit capable of generating vibrations in response to an audio signal, the audio signal having audio directionality, the vibration unit capable of generating vibrations in response to the audio directionality, and the vibrations generated in the vibration unit being applied to a user.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the directionality of the sound is formed by a plurality of channels through which the sound signal is output, the vibration unit is divided into a plurality of vibration units, and each vibration unit vibrates according to the directionality of the sound.

3. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the directionality of the sound has two directions, one from the left side and one from the right side of the user, the vibration unit is divided into two, one on the left side and one on the right side of the user, the vibration unit on the left side vibrates in response to sound from the left side direction, and the vibration unit on the right side vibrates in response to sound from the right side direction.

4. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit is divided into a plurality of sections, and each of the sections of the vibration unit includes a vibration source that vibrates in response to the audio signal, and a transmission unit to which the vibration source is attached.

5. The vibration device according to claim 4, wherein the transmission section is arranged separately in each of the divided vibration sections.

6. The vibration device according to claim 4, wherein a signal that coincides with a resonant frequency of the vibration device is input to the vibration source.

7. The vibration device according to claim 6, wherein the resonant frequencies include a first resonant frequency, a second resonant frequency, and a third resonant frequency.

8. The vibration device according to claim 6, wherein the resonant frequency is 100 Hz or less.

9. The vibration device according to claim 4, wherein the vibration device is a vibration cushion capable of supporting the buttocks of the user, and the transmission unit is provided in a position facing the ischial bones of the buttocks of the user when the vibration cushion is supporting the buttocks of the user.