VR device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-20
Abstract
Description
VR device
[0001] The present invention relates to a VR device that can be worn on a user's head.
[0002] A simulation system is described in Patent Document 1. The simulation system of Patent Document 1 uses a head-mounted display device and a blower to allow a user to experience virtual reality.
[0003] The head-mounted display device is worn on the head of a user. The fan is positioned at a predetermined distance in front of the user. The head-mounted display device provides the user with images and sounds. The fan blows air toward the user.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-126341
[0005] However, in conventional configurations including that of Patent Document 1, the device that provides a highly immersive virtual reality becomes large, making it difficult for users to easily experience a highly immersive virtual reality.
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a VR device (virtual reality reproduction device) that can easily realize a virtual reality that gives the user a high sense of immersion using simple equipment.
[0007] The VR device of the present invention includes a housing, a blower device, a speaker, and a VR control unit. The housing has a first opening that can communicate with a user's ear canal. The blower device is provided in the housing and generates wind that is blown out of the housing through the first opening. The speaker is provided in the housing and generates sound that is blown out of the housing through the first opening. The VR control unit synchronizes the timing of sound generation and the timing of wind generation based on the virtual reality provided to the user, and outputs a blower control signal to the blower device and a sound emission control signal to the speaker.
[0008] With this configuration, a user can experience sound and wind based on virtual reality simply by wearing the VR device on their head, thereby recreating virtual reality with simple equipment that provides a higher level of immersion compared to video or sound alone.
[0009] According to the present invention, a virtual reality that gives the user a highly immersive feeling can be easily realized with simple equipment.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a VR device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the VR device according to the first embodiment is worn. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of headphones of the VR device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of how sound and wind are provided by the VR device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of headphones of a VR device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a blower device. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an example of acoustic frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric pump and a motor (axial fan). FIG. 8(A) is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of earphones of a VR device according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow of wind and sound. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the VR device according to the third embodiment is worn. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a VR device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of earphones of a VR device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12(A) is a perspective view showing an example of how a VR device according to a fourth embodiment is worn, and FIG. 12(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the wearing position. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a VR device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of earphones of the VR device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature sensor 40E of a VR device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the wearing position of the VR device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 17(A) is a circuit diagram showing an example of a start-up circuit of the air blow control unit, and FIG. 17(B) shows the output voltage characteristics of the start-up circuit. FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a drive circuit of the air blow control unit.
[0011] [First embodiment] A VR device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the VR device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the VR device according to the first embodiment is worn.
[0012] 1, the VR device 1 includes headphones 10 and VR goggles 30. The headphones 10 include a speaker 11R, a speaker 11L, a blower device 12R, a blower device 12L, and a VR control unit 20. In this embodiment, the VR control unit 20 is included in the headphones 10, but the VR control unit 20 may be included in the VR goggles 30, or may be provided separately from the headphones 10 and the VR goggles 30, or may be provided in the cloud, etc.
[0013] The speaker 11R is for the right channel, and the speaker 11L is for the left channel. The blower device 12R is for the right ear, and the blower device 12L is for the left ear.
[0014] The headphones 10 include a right-ear body and a left-ear body, with a speaker 11R and a blower device 12R provided in the right-ear body and a speaker 11L and a blower device 12L provided in the left-ear body.
[0015] The VR control unit 20 includes a VR video playback unit 21, a VR sound playback unit 22, and an airflow control unit 23. The VR video playback unit 21 plays back a VR video signal and outputs it to the display 31 of the VR goggles 30. The VR sound playback unit 22 plays back a VR sound signal and outputs it to the speaker 11R and the speaker 11L. The airflow control unit 23 generates an airflow control signal and outputs it to the airflow device 12R and the airflow device 12L.
[0016] The VR video playback unit 21, the VR sound playback unit 22, and the airflow control unit 23 output a VR video signal, a VR sound signal, and an airflow control signal in time synchronization based on the VR (virtual reality) provided to the user using the VR device 1.
[0017] The display 31 displays a VR image based on the VR image signal. The speakers 11R and 11L generate sounds based on the VR sound signal. The air blowing devices 12R and 12L are driven based on the air blowing control signal to generate air.
[0018] The headphones 10 of such a VR device 1 are worn on the head of a user 90 as shown in Fig. 2. The headphones 10 are worn so as to cover both ears of the user 90. A right-ear body of the headphones 10 is worn on the right ear, and although not shown, a left-ear body of the headphones 10 is worn on the left ear. The VR goggles 30 are worn so as to cover the eyes of the user 90.
[0019] This allows the user 90 to view VR images on the display 31 of the VR goggles 30. The user 90 can also hear sounds with both ears through the headphones 10 and experience wind with both ears.
[0020] In this way, the VR device 1 can provide the user with not only images and sounds, but also wind. The VR device 1 can provide not only time-synchronized images and sounds, but also time-synchronized wind. In other words, the VR device 1 can allow the user to experience VR not only with the user's sight and hearing, but also with the user's sense of touch. This allows the VR device 1 to provide the user with a highly immersive experience.
[0021] For example, the VR control unit 20 outputs a blower control signal in time synchronization with the VR video signal and the VR sound signal at the timing when a cool image and sound are to be provided to the user in virtual reality, when a surprising image and sound are to be provided to the user, or when a frightening image and sound are to be provided to the user. This allows the user to experience the coolness, surprise, or fear not only through the image and sound but also through the wind.
[0022] In this case, the VR device 1 can be made compact by providing the speakers 11R, 11L, and the air blowing devices 12R and 12L in the headphones 10. This allows the user 90 to easily experience a highly immersive virtual reality with simple equipment.
[0023] Furthermore, since the headphones 10 are provided with the speakers 11R, 11L, the air blowing device 12R, and the air blowing device 12L, the sound source and the air blowing source are close to the ears (user 90). This reduces the time difference between when the sound and the air reach the ears. This allows the VR device 1 to provide the user 90 with a more immersive experience.
[0024] (Structural example of headphones 10) To achieve the above-described functions, the headphones 10 have, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of headphones of the VR device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of how sound and wind are provided by the VR device according to the first embodiment. Note that while FIGS. 3 and 4 show the right-ear body of the headphones 10 as an example, the left-ear body has the same structure as the right-ear body, and therefore illustration and description thereof will be omitted. In the following, the right-ear body of the headphones 10 will be described simply as headphones 10.
[0025] 3, the headphones 10 include a housing 101, a speaker 11, a blower device 12, a first sound-absorbing member 13, a second sound-absorbing member 14, a holding member 15, and ear pads 102. The first sound-absorbing member 13 and the second sound-absorbing member 14 form the fixing member of the present invention.
[0026] The housing 101 is cylindrical and has a bottom wall 112 and a side wall 113. The housing 101 is open at the end opposite the bottom wall 112 in the axial direction of the cylinder. An opening 110 with a predetermined opening area is formed in the bottom wall 112. The housing 101 is made of a material having rigidity that allows it to maintain a constant shape, such as resin or metal.
[0027] The ear pad 102 has a circular ring shape and is made of a cushioning material.
[0028] The ear pad 102 has a central space 129. The ear pad 102 is attached to the housing 101 so that the central space 129 communicates with the opening of the housing 101. The opening surface of the ear pad 102 opposite the surface that is attached to the housing 101 is the opening OE of the headphones 10. The opening OE is the sound emitting surface and airflow outlet surface of the headphones 10.
[0029] The blowing device 12 is composed of an axial fan. The blowing device 12 includes a housing 121 and a fan 122. The blowing device 12 is disposed midway along the axial direction of the housing 101. The blowing device 12 is disposed so that its blowing surface is approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 121. The outer peripheral surface of the housing 121 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 113 of the housing 101.
[0030] The first sound absorbing member 13 is made of a material that has low breathability and high sound absorption properties. The first sound absorbing member 13 has a circular ring shape.
[0031] The first sound absorbing member 13 is disposed on the bottom wall 112 side of the housing 101 relative to the blower device 12. In other words, the first sound absorbing member 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the housing 101 from the opening OE relative to the blower device 12.
[0032] The first sound absorbing member 13 abuts against the bottom wall 112 and the side wall 113. The surface of the first sound absorbing member 13 opposite to the bottom wall 112 abuts against the housing 121 of the blower device 12.
[0033] The second sound-absorbing member 14 is disposed in a through-hole that penetrates the first sound-absorbing member 13. The second sound-absorbing member 14 overlaps the opening 110 in the bottom wall 112 of the headphones 10.
[0034] The second sound absorbing member 14 is made of a material that is highly breathable and has sound absorbing properties, such as glass wool or steel wool.
[0035] By providing the first sound-absorbing member 13 and the second sound-absorbing member 14, the headphones 10 can suppress leakage of undesired sounds caused by vibrations or misalignment of the axial fan of the air-blowing device 12 outside the housing 101. Furthermore, by providing the second sound-absorbing member 14, the supply of air to the air-blowing device 12 can be ensured while suppressing the leakage of the undesired sounds described above.
[0036] That is, the first sound-absorbing member 13 mainly absorbs undesired sounds, and the second sound-absorbing member 14 assists in absorbing undesired sounds while ensuring the supply of air to the blowing device 12 .
[0037] The holding member 15 is annular and made of a material having a predetermined rigidity, and is preferably made of a material having low reverberation.
[0038] The holding member 15 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 113 of the housing 101. The holding member 15 is disposed between the blower device 12 and the ear pad 102 in the axial direction of the housing 101. An auxiliary exhaust hole 119 is formed in the holding member 15. The auxiliary exhaust hole 119 communicates with the outside of the housing 101 through a through hole 109 formed in the side wall 113 of the housing 101.
[0039] It is possible to omit the auxiliary exhaust hole 119 and the through-hole 109. Providing the auxiliary exhaust hole 119 and the through-hole 109 makes it possible to prevent an undesired high pressure from building up inside the headphones 10 when the user 90 wears the headphones 10, which would cause discomfort to the user 90.
[0040] The speaker 11 is fixed to the holding member 15. More specifically, the speaker 11 is disposed so that its sound emitting surface faces the central space of the holding member 15 and is exposed to this central space.
[0041] The main sound emission direction of the speaker 11 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 101. However, the arrangement of the speaker 11 is not limited to this.
[0042] The shape of the speaker 11 is not important, but it is preferable that it is as small as possible.
[0043] 4 , the headphones 10 can provide sound and wind to the ear 91 of the user 90 from the opening OE. The sound and wind enter the ear canal 911 through the ear canal 910. The sound and wind that enter the ear canal 911 reach the eardrum 919.
[0044] This allows the user 90 to hear the sound and feel the wind almost simultaneously, thereby providing the user 90 with a highly immersive experience.
[0045] In particular, the temperature near the eardrum 919 is close to the core temperature of a person. Therefore, the VR device 1 can achieve a higher cooling effect by blowing air than blowing air onto exposed parts of the skin such as the arms, face, and legs. Furthermore, because the VR device 1 blows air from very close to the user 90, a high cooling effect can be achieved even with a low airflow rate.
[0046] This allows the VR device 1 to efficiently provide a high sense of immersion to the user 90. Therefore, the VR device 1 can achieve, for example, low power consumption.
[0047] Second Embodiment A VR device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of headphones of the VR device according to the second embodiment.
[0048] 5, the VR device 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the VR device 1 according to the first embodiment in the air blowing device 12A. The other configuration of the VR device 1A is the same as that of the VR device 1, and a description of the same parts will be omitted.
[0049] The VR device 1A includes a blower device 12A. Fig. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the blower device.
[0050] The blower device 12A is a piezoelectric pump. As shown in FIG. 6 , the blower device 12A includes an outer housing 123, an inner housing 124, a diaphragm 125, and a piezoelectric element 126.
[0051] The outer housing 123 is rectangular when viewed from the front, and has an outlet 1239 penetrating the wall at the center of the front wall. The rear side of the outer housing 123 is open.
[0052] The inner housing 124 is rectangular when viewed from the front, and has a through-hole 1249 penetrating the wall at the center of the front wall. The back side of the inner housing 124 is open. The shape of the inner housing 124 is smaller than the shape of the outer housing 123, and is roughly similar to that of the outer housing 123.
[0053] The inner housing 124 is disposed in the internal space of the outer housing 123. The front direction of the inner housing 124 is the same as the front direction of the outer housing 123. The space surrounded by the outer housing 123 and the inner housing 124 forms a flow path 1230. When the blower device 12A is viewed from the front, the outlet 1239 of the outer housing 123 and the through-hole 1249 of the inner housing 124 overlap.
[0054] A flat diaphragm 125 is disposed on the back surface of the inner housing 124. The diaphragm 125 closes the opening on the back surface of the inner housing 124. As a result, the blower device 12 defines a pump chamber 1290 surrounded by the inner housing 124 and the diaphragm 125.
[0055] A piezoelectric element 126 is disposed on the diaphragm 125 .
[0056] By applying a drive signal of a predetermined frequency (drive frequency) to the piezoelectric element 126, the piezoelectric element 126 is distorted and the diaphragm 125 vibrates. As a result, the blower device 12A changes the volume of the pump chamber 1290. The blower device 12A uses this volume change to draw air into the pump chamber 1290 from the back side of the blower device 12A through the flow path 1230 and the through-hole 1249. When the blower device 12A discharges air from the pump chamber 1290 through the through-hole 1249, it draws in air flowing in from the flow path 1230 and discharges the air from the discharge port 1239.
[0057] As a result, the blower device 12A has high directivity in the front direction and discharges gas at a predetermined flow rate.
[0058] The blowing device 12A is disposed so that its front surface faces the opening OE. Furthermore, the blowing device 12A is disposed at a position where the opening OE and the outlet 1239 overlap when the opening OE is viewed from the outside.
[0059] As a result, the headphones 10A of the VR device 1A can achieve the same effects as the headphones 10 of the VR device 1. Furthermore, by using the blower device 12A configured as a piezoelectric pump, the headphones 10A of the VR device 1A can send air to the ear canal 910 of the user 90 more efficiently and effectively than the blower device 12 configured as an axial fan.
[0060] Furthermore, by using the blower device 12A configured by a piezoelectric pump, the headphones 10A of the VR device 1A can suppress the noise felt by the user 90.
[0061] Fig. 7 is a graph showing an example of the acoustic frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric pump and a motor (axial fan). Fig. 7 shows the audible range. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents frequency, the vertical axis represents sound volume, the solid line represents the piezoelectric pump, and the dotted line represents the motor (axial fan).
[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the use of a piezoelectric pump can reduce the volume of sound in the audible range.
[0063] In this way, the headphones 10A of the VR device 1A can suppress the noise felt by the user 90.
[0064] Furthermore, a piezoelectric pump is smaller, thinner, and lighter than an axial fan, which allows the headphones 10A to be made even more compact, reducing the strain on the user 90 when wearing the headphones 10A.
[0065] [Third embodiment] A VR device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8(A) is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of earphones of the VR device according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 8(B) is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the flow of wind and sound. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of wearing the VR device according to the third embodiment.
[0066] 8A and 8B, the VR device 1B according to the third embodiment differs from the VR device 1A according to the second embodiment in that the earphones 10B have a housing 101B with a different shape, an ear pad 102B with a different shape, and a flow path tube 16. The other configuration of the VR device 1B is the same as that of the VR device 1A, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
[0067] 8A and 8B, earphone 10B of VR device 1B includes housing 101B, speaker 11, air blower device 12B, first sound-absorbing member 13, second sound-absorbing member 14, flow path pipe 16, and ear pad 102B. First sound-absorbing member 13 and second sound-absorbing member 14 form the fixing member of the present invention.
[0068] The housing 101B has a bottom wall 112B, a side wall 113B, and a cylindrical portion 114B.
[0069] The bottom wall 112B is a substantially flat plate. The side wall 113B stands along the outer periphery of the bottom wall 112. The side wall 113B has a shape such that the cross-sectional area parallel to the flat surface of the bottom wall 112B decreases with increasing distance from the bottom wall 112B in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface of the bottom wall 112B.
[0070] The cross-sectional area of the opening of the cylindrical portion 114B is smaller than the area of the flat surface of the bottom wall 112B. The cylindrical portion 114B is connected to an end of the side wall 113B opposite to the end connected to the bottom wall 112B. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 114B is connected to the internal space surrounded by the bottom wall 112B and the side wall 113B. These internal spaces form the internal space of the housing 101B. The housing 101B is made of a material having enough rigidity to maintain a constant shape, such as resin or metal.
[0071] The ear pad 102B has a circular ring shape and is made of a cushioning material.
[0072] The ear pad 102B has a central space 129. The ear pad 102B is attached to the housing 101B so that the cylindrical portion 114B of the housing 101B is inserted into the central space 129. This allows communication between the internal space of the housing 101B and the central space 129 of the ear pad 102B. The opening on the opposite side of the ear pad 102B from the surface where it is attached to the housing 101B is the opening OE of the earphone 10B. The opening OE is the sound emitting surface and airflow outlet surface of the earphone 10B.
[0073] The blower device 12B is configured by a piezoelectric pump, similar to the blower device 12A. The blower device 12B is disposed so that the outlet 1239 is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 101B and faces the opening OE.
[0074] The first sound absorbing member 13 is made of a material that has low breathability and high sound absorption properties. The first sound absorbing member 13 is ring-shaped.
[0075] The first sound absorbing member 13 is disposed on the bottom wall 112B side of the housing 101B with respect to the blower device 12B. In other words, the first sound absorbing member 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the housing 101B from the opening OE with respect to the blower device 12B.
[0076] The first sound absorbing member 13 abuts against the bottom wall 112B. The surface of the first sound absorbing member 13 opposite to the bottom wall 112B abuts against the blower device 12B.
[0077] The second sound absorbing member 14 is disposed in a through hole that penetrates the first sound absorbing member 13. The second sound absorbing member 14 overlaps the opening 110 in the bottom wall 112B of the earphone 10B.
[0078] The second sound absorbing member 14 is made of a material that is highly breathable and has sound absorbing properties, such as glass wool or steel wool.
[0079] By including the first sound-absorbing member 13 and the second sound-absorbing member 14, the earphone 10B can prevent unwanted sounds generated by the blower device 12B from leaking outside the housing 101B. Furthermore, by including the second sound-absorbing member 14, the earphone 10B can ensure the supply of air to the blower device 12B while preventing the leakage of the above-mentioned unwanted sounds.
[0080] That is, the first sound absorbing member 13 mainly absorbs undesired sounds, and the second sound absorbing member 14 assists in absorbing undesired sounds while ensuring the supply of air to the blower device 12B.
[0081] The speaker 11 is fixed to the housing 101B. The speaker 11 is disposed so that its sound emitting surface faces the internal space of the housing 101B and is exposed to this internal space.
[0082] The main sound emission direction of the speaker 11 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 101B. However, the arrangement of the speaker 11 is not limited to this. The arrangement of the speaker 11 can take various forms depending on the shape of the flow path pipe 16.
[0083] The shape of the speaker 11 is not important, but it is preferable that it is as small as possible.
[0084] The flow path pipe 16 includes a first pipe 161 and a second pipe 162 .
[0085] The first tube 161 has a shape that extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the housing 101B. One open end of the first tube 161 is connected to the outlet 1239 of the blower device 12B. The other open end of the first tube 161 is disposed near the opening OE of the earphone 10B. When the opening OE is viewed from above, the other open end of the first tube 161 overlaps with the opening OE.
[0086] The second tube 162 has a shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 101B. One open end of the second tube 162 is connected to a position midway in the extension direction of the first tube 161. As a result, the internal space of the second tube 162 communicates with the internal space of the first tube 161. The other open end of the second tube 162 abuts against or is close to the sound emitting surface of the speaker 11. When the sound emitting surface is viewed from above, the opening portion of the other open end (the internal space of the second tube 162) overlaps the sound emitting surface.
[0087] 8B, the air blown from the blower device 12B passes through the first pipe 161, reaches the opening OE directly, and is emitted from the opening OE. The sound emitted from the speaker 11 is propagated to the first pipe 161 through the second pipe 162, passes through the first pipe 161, and is emitted from the opening OE.
[0088] 9, the earphone 10B of the VR device 1 is worn by the user 90 so as to be inserted into an ear canal 910 of the ear 91 of the user 90. The earphone 10B is worn on the right ear, and although not shown, the earphone 10B is worn on the left ear.
[0089] This allows the earphone 10B to provide sound and wind from the opening OE to the ear 91 of the user 90. The sound and wind enter the ear canal 911 through the ear canal 910. The sound and wind that enter the ear canal 911 reach the eardrum 919.
[0090] Therefore, the user 90 can hear the sound and feel the wind almost simultaneously. Therefore, the VR device 1 can provide the user 90 with a highly immersive feeling.
[0091] Furthermore, in the earphone 10B, the highly directional airflow discharged from the air blowing device 12B, which is formed by a piezoelectric pump, is directly blown out from the opening OE, thereby enabling the earphone 10B to blow out air efficiently and effectively.
[0092] Furthermore, the sound emitted from the speaker 11 does not have strong directionality, and is transmitted with approximately low loss to the opening OE, for example, while being reflected on the inner wall surface inside the flow path pipe 16. This allows the earphone 10B to emit sound with low loss.
[0093] On the other hand, for example, if the positional relationship between the blower device 12B and the speaker 11 is reversed, the sound from the speaker 11 is emitted directly from the opening OE, but the air (airflow) discharged from the blower device 12B is likely to cause turbulence, for example, within the flow path pipe 16, resulting in losses.
[0094] In this way, the VR device 1B is provided with the configuration of the earphone 10B, and is therefore able to efficiently and effectively send wind to the ear canal 910 of the user 90.
[0095] [Fourth Embodiment] A VR device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of a VR device according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 10, the right channel speaker and the left channel speaker are collectively referred to as speaker 11, and the right ear blowing device and the left ear blowing device are collectively referred to as blowing device 12C. Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of earphones of a VR device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 12(A) is a perspective view showing an example of how the VR device according to the fourth embodiment is worn, and Fig. 12(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the wearing position.
[0096] 10, 11, 12A, and 12B, the VR device 1C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the VR device 1B according to the third embodiment in that the earphone 10C is provided with a temperature sensor 40. The other configuration of the VR device 1C is the same as that of the VR device 1B, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
[0097] The earphone 10C includes a temperature sensor 40. The temperature sensor 40 is, for example, a chip-type thermistor. The temperature sensor 40 is disposed in the first tube 161 of the flow path tube 16 of the earphone 10C. The temperature sensor 40 is preferably disposed near the tip of the first tube 161. The tip of the first tube 161 is the end opposite the side connected to the blower device 12C and closer to the opening OE of the earphone 10C. The temperature sensor 40 may be disposed at the tip of the cylindrical portion 114D of the housing 101D or in the ear pad 102.
[0098] In this configuration, when the user 90 wears the earphone 10C, the temperature sensor 40 is placed inside the ear canal 910, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B). This allows the temperature sensor 40 to detect the body temperature of the user 90 with high accuracy.
[0099] The temperature sensor 40 outputs a temperature detection signal based on the body temperature to the VR control unit 20C.
[0100] The VR control unit 20C includes a body temperature detection unit 24. The body temperature detection unit 24 detects body temperature based on a temperature detection signal. The air blow control unit 23 generates and outputs an air blow control signal based on the body temperature. For example, when the air blow control unit 23 detects that the detected body temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling threshold, it generates and outputs the air blow control signal to the air blowing device 12C.
[0101] As a result, the VR control unit 20C can blow air when the body temperature of the user 90 becomes high, thereby cooling the user 90. At this time, the air blowing device 12C blows air into the ear canal 910, thereby effectively cooling the user 90.
[0102] [Fifth Embodiment] A VR device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of the VR device according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 13, the right channel speaker and the left channel speaker are collectively referred to as speaker 11, and the right ear blowing device and the left ear blowing device are collectively referred to as blowing device 12D. Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of earphones of the VR device according to the fifth embodiment.
[0103] 13 and 14 , the VR device 1D differs from the VR device 1C according to the fourth embodiment in that the earphones 10D include a temperature sensor 41 and a temperature sensor 42. The other configuration of the VR device 1D is the same as that of the VR device 1C, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
[0104] The earphone 10D includes a temperature sensor 41 and a temperature sensor 42. Like the temperature sensor 40, the temperature sensors 41 and 42 are, for example, chip-type thermistors. The temperature sensors 41 and 42 are disposed in the first tube 161 of the flow path tube 16 of the earphone 10D. The temperature sensor 41 is disposed near the other open end of the first tube 161. The temperature sensor 42 is disposed near one open end of the first tube 161.
[0105] In this configuration, when the user 90 wears the earphone 10D, the temperature sensor 41 is placed inside the ear canal 910, and the temperature sensor 42 is placed outside the ear canal 910 at a position away from the ear canal 910. The temperature sensors 41 and 42 output temperature detection signals to the VR control unit 20D.
[0106] The VR control unit 20D includes a body temperature detection unit 24D. The body temperature detection unit 24D detects the core body temperature of the user 90 based on the temperature detection signals from the temperature sensors 41 and 42. The air supply control unit 23 generates and outputs an air supply control signal based on the core body temperature. For example, when the air supply control unit 23 detects that the core body temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling threshold, it generates and outputs the air supply control signal to the air supply device 12D.
[0107] As a result, the VR control unit 20D can blow air when the core body temperature of the user 90 becomes high, thereby cooling the user 90. At this time, the air blowing device 12D blows air into the ear canal 910, thereby effectively cooling the user 90.
[0108] [Sixth embodiment] A VR device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a temperature sensor 40E of the VR device according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the mounting position of the VR device according to the sixth embodiment.
[0109] The VR device according to the sixth embodiment differs from the VR device 1C according to the fourth embodiment in that it includes a temperature sensor 40E. The other configuration of the VR device according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the VR device 1C according to the fourth embodiment, and therefore a description of the same parts will be omitted.
[0110] 15, the temperature sensor 40E includes a base portion 401, a plurality of thermistors 4021-4024, and a plurality of wiring patterns 4031-4034. The base portion 401 is made of a flexible, deformable insulating film. The base portion 401 is elongated.
[0111] The multiple thermistors 4021-4024 are arranged at intervals in the extension direction of the base portion 401. The multiple wiring patterns 4031-4034 are connected to the multiple thermistors 4021-4024, respectively. Although not shown in the figure, the multiple wiring patterns 4031-4034 are connected to the multiple thermistors 4021-4024 in a connection manner that allows temperature detection signals from the multiple thermistors 4021-4024 to be extracted.
[0112] The temperature sensor 40E is disposed on the ear pad 102E. This brings the multiple thermistors 4021-4024 of the temperature sensor 40E into contact with or close to the wall surface of the ear canal 911. Therefore, the temperature detection signals of the multiple thermistors 4021-4024 reflect the temperature of the user 90 with higher accuracy.
[0113] The temperature detection signals of the thermistors 4021-4024 are input to a body temperature detection unit of the VR device, which detects the body temperature of the user 90 based on the temperature detection signals of the thermistors 4021-4024.
[0114] In this way, the VR device according to the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the VR device 1C according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the VR device according to the sixth embodiment can detect body temperature with high accuracy, and therefore can perform airflow control based on the body temperature of the user 90 with high accuracy.
[0115] (Example of a startup circuit for a blower control unit) Fig. 17(A) is a circuit diagram showing an example of a startup circuit for a blower control unit, and Fig. 17(B) shows the output voltage characteristics of the startup circuit. In Fig. 17(B), the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of drive (start-up), and the vertical axis represents the output voltage. This output voltage is the voltage applied to the blower device.
[0116] This starting circuit is suitable for an embodiment in which a piezoelectric pump is used as the blowing device.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 17A, the starter circuit includes a plurality of switching elements Q1 and Q2, a plurality of resistors R11, R21, R31, and R41, a capacitor C11, and a Zener diode D11.
[0118] A series circuit of a resistor R11, a capacitor C11, and a Zener diode D11 is connected between the positive and negative electrodes of the DC power supply. The node between the resistor R11 and the capacitor C11 is connected to the gate terminal of the switching element Q1.
[0119] A resistor R21 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply. A drain terminal of a switching element Q1 is connected to the resistor R21. A resistor R31 is connected to the source terminal of the switching element Q1. The resistor R31 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply. A gate terminal of a switching element Q2 is connected to a node between the resistor R21 and the drain terminal of the switching element Q1. The drain terminal of the switching element Q2 is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply. The source terminal of the switching element Q2 is connected to the output terminal of the start-up circuit. The source terminal of the switching element Q2 is connected to the gate terminal of the switching element Q2 via a resistor R41.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 17B, a startup circuit configured in this manner can perform slope voltage control by setting the voltage change rate of the voltage (startup voltage) at the start of generation of the power supply voltage Vdd to a first stage and a second stage, and making the voltage change rate in the second stage lower than the voltage change rate in the first stage.
[0121] This allows the start-up circuit to suppress undesired power consumption during start-up and increase the efficiency of power supply to the air blowing device formed by the piezoelectric pump.
[0122] The start-up circuit is not limited to the one shown in the example, but may be a circuit that controls the power supply voltage Vdd using the MCU.
[0123] (Example of a drive circuit for the air blowing control unit) Fig. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a drive circuit for the air blowing control unit. This drive circuit is suitable for an embodiment in which a piezoelectric pump is used as the air blowing device.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 18 , the drive circuit of the second example includes an H-bridge circuit controlled by an MCU and a current limiting circuit. The MCU is connected to the H-bridge circuit and outputs a PWM signal having an appropriate frequency and duty. The H-bridge circuit includes multiple switching elements Q11-Q14. The gate terminals of the multiple switching elements Q11-Q14 are connected to the MCU. The drain terminal of switching element Q11 is connected to the drain terminal of switching element Q13, and a drive voltage Vc is applied to them. The source terminal of switching element Q11 is connected to the drain terminal of switching element Q12. The source terminal of switching element Q13 is connected to the drain terminal of switching element Q14. The source terminal of switching element Q12 is connected to the source terminal of switching element Q14, and this connection node is connected to the current limiting circuit. The connection node between the source terminal of switching element Q11 and the drain terminal of switching element Q12 and the connection node between the source terminal of switching element Q13 and the drain terminal of switching element Q14 are output terminals of the drive circuit.
[0125] The current limiting circuit includes a transistor Qcl1, a transistor Qcl2, a resistor Rc11, a resistor Rc12, and a capacitor Ccl0.
[0126] A drive voltage Vc is applied to the base terminal of transistor Qcl1 through resistor Rcl1. This drive voltage Vc is the power supply voltage Vdd shown in Figure 17A. The base terminal of transistor Qcl1 is connected to the collector terminal of transistor Qcl2. The drain terminal of transistor Qcl2 is connected to the reference potential.
[0127] The collector terminal of the transistor Qcl1 is connected to the reference potential through the capacitor Ccl0, and is also connected to the connection node between the source terminal of the switching element Q12 and the source terminal of the switching element Q14.
[0128] The drain terminal of the transistor Qcl1 is connected to the base terminal of the transistor Qcl2. The connection node between the base terminal of the transistor Qcl2 and the drain terminal of the transistor Qcl1 is connected to the reference potential via a resistor Rcl2.
[0129] With this configuration, the drive circuit and the current limiting circuit can set the drive voltage for the air blower device so that it operates at an air volume that is optimal for power consumption, and can prevent undesired current from being supplied to the air blower device. As a result, the drive circuit and the current limiting circuit can optimize the power consumption of the air blower device, which is made up of a piezoelectric pump, and can increase air blowing efficiency.
[0130] The driving circuit is not limited to the one shown in the example, and other circuit configurations such as a linear amplifier may be used.
[0131] The configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and effects according to each combination can be achieved.
[0132] <1> A VR device comprising: a housing having a first opening that can communicate with a user's ear canal; a blower device provided in the housing and that generates air to be sent out from the first opening to the outside of the housing; a speaker provided in the housing and that generates sound to be sent out from the first opening to the outside of the housing; and a VR control unit that time-synchronizes the timing of the sound generation and the timing of the wind generation based on a virtual reality to be provided to the user, and outputs an air-blowing control signal to the blower device and outputs a sound emission control signal to the speaker.
[0133] <2> The VR device according to <1>, wherein the air blowing device is a piezoelectric pump using a piezoelectric element.
[0134] <3> The VR device according to <1> or <2>, further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting a body temperature of the user, wherein the VR control unit outputs the airflow control signal by referring to the body temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
[0135] <4> The VR device of <3>, wherein the temperature sensor detects core body temperature as the body temperature.
[0136] <5> The VR device according to <3> or <4>, wherein the temperature sensor has a deformable base portion.
[0137] <6> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the air blowing device includes a drive circuit that generates a drive signal for the piezoelectric pump based on the air blowing control signal, and the drive circuit performs slope voltage control by setting a voltage change rate to a first stage and a second stage when generation of the drive signal starts, and making the voltage change rate of the second stage lower than the voltage change rate of the first stage.
[0138] <7> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the air blowing device includes a drive circuit that generates a drive signal for the piezoelectric pump based on the air blowing control signal, and the drive circuit includes a current limiting circuit that limits an output current.
[0139] <8> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the VR control unit is provided in the housing.
[0140] <9> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <8>, comprising a display that displays an image based on virtual reality to be given to the user.
[0141] <10> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <9>, further comprising: a fixing member that is arranged on the opposite side of the housing from the first opening relative to the air blowing device and that fixes the air blowing device to the housing, the fixing member comprising: a first sound-absorbing member that has low breathability and high sound absorption; and a second sound-absorbing member that is arranged in a through-hole that penetrates the first sound-absorbing member and has high breathability and sound absorption.
[0142] <11> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <10>, further comprising an auxiliary exhaust hole provided in the housing between the blower device and the first opening.
[0143] <12> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the outlet of the air blowing device is arranged at a position overlapping the first opening when the first opening is viewed from the outside.
[0144] <13> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the front direction of the speaker is a direction different from a direction connecting the position of the speaker and the first opening.
[0145] <14> The VR device according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the VR control unit outputs the airflow control signal at a timing to cool the user in the virtual reality, at a timing to surprise the user, or at a timing to frighten the user.
[0146] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: VR device 10, 10A: headphones 10B, 10C, 10D: earphones 11, 11L, 11R: speakers 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12L, 12R: air blowing device 13: first sound absorbing member 14: second sound absorbing member 15: holding member 16: flow path pipe 20, 20C, 20D: VR control unit 21: VR video playback unit 22: VR sound playback unit 23: air blowing control unit 24: body temperature detection unit 24D: body temperature detection unit 30: VR goggles 31: display 40, 40E, 41, 42: temperature sensor 90: user 91: ear 101, 101B, 101D: housing 102, 102B, 102E: Ear pad 109: Through hole 110: Opening 112, 112B: Bottom wall 113, 113B: Side wall 114B, 114D: Cylindrical portion 119: Auxiliary exhaust hole 121: Housing 122: Fan 123: Outer housing 124: Inner housing 125: Diaphragm 126: Piezoelectric element 1290: Pump chamber 129: Central space 161: First tube 162: Second tube 401: Base portion 910: Ear canal 911: Ear canal 919: Eardrum 1230: Flow path 1239: Outlet 1249: Through hole 4021-4024: Thermistor 4031-4034: Wiring pattern
Claims
1. A housing having a first opening that can communicate with the user's ear canal, A blowing device provided in the housing generates air that is sent out to the outside of the housing from the first opening, A speaker is provided in the housing and generates sound that is sent out to the outside of the housing through the first opening, A VR control unit synchronizes the timing of sound generation and wind generation based on the virtual reality provided to the user, outputs a blowing control signal to the blowing device, and outputs a sound emission control signal to the speaker. A VR device equipped with [the following features].
2. The aforementioned blowing device is a piezoelectric pump using a piezoelectric element. The VR device according to claim 1.
3. The system includes a temperature sensor that detects the user's body temperature, The VR control unit refers to the body temperature detected by the temperature sensor and outputs the airflow control signal. The VR apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.
4. The temperature sensor detects core body temperature as the body temperature. The VR device according to claim 3.
5. The temperature sensor comprises a deformable base portion. The VR device according to claim 3.
6. The blowing device includes a drive circuit that generates a drive signal for the piezoelectric pump based on the blowing control signal. The drive circuit sets the voltage change rate to a first stage and a second stage when the drive signal starts to be generated, and performs slope voltage control so that the voltage change rate of the second stage is lower than the voltage change rate of the first stage. The VR device according to claim 2.
7. The blowing device includes a drive circuit that generates a drive signal for the piezoelectric pump based on the blowing control signal. The drive circuit includes a current limiting circuit that limits the output current. The VR device according to claim 2.
8. The VR control unit is provided in the housing, The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
9. The system includes a display that shows virtual reality-based images provided to the user. The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
10. The housing is provided with a fixing member positioned on the opposite side of the first opening with respect to the blowing device, and for fixing the blowing device to the housing, The aforementioned fixing member is A first sound-absorbing member with low breathability and high sound absorption, A second sound-absorbing member is placed in a through-hole that penetrates the first sound-absorbing member, and has high breathability and sound-absorbing properties. Equipped with, The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
11. The housing is provided with an auxiliary exhaust port located between the blowing device and the first opening. The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
12. The discharge port of the blowing device is positioned so as to overlap the first opening when viewed from the outside. The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
13. The direction in which the speaker faces forward is different from the direction in which the speaker's position is connected to the first opening. The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.
14. The VR control unit outputs the airflow control signal at the timing when the user will feel cool in the virtual reality, when the user will be surprised, or when the user will feel fear. The VR apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, or 7.