Vibration device and vibration system

Abstract

This vibration device has at least one vibration part. The vibration part imparts vibration to a body part of the user. The vibration part vibrates with the intensity of the vibration being changed according to the body part to which the vibration is imparted.

Description

Vibration Devices and Systems CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-004170, filed on January 15, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vibration devices and vibration systems.

[0003] Conventionally, techniques for improving sensory sensitivity using the stochastic resonance phenomenon have been known. Hereinafter, sensory sensitivity includes tactile sensitivity and somatosensory sensitivity. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for improving braking operation compared to conventional methods by attaching a vibration pad that generates weak vibrations to the upper surface of a brake pedal to improve the tactile sensitivity of the sole of a driver's foot when decelerating a vehicle.

[0004] JP 2017-138764 A

[0005] A vibration device according to a first aspect includes at least one vibration unit that applies vibration to a body part of a user, and the vibration unit vibrates at a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the body part to be vibrated.

[0006] A vibration system according to a second aspect comprises a vibration device having at least one vibration unit that applies vibration to a body part of a user, and a control device that vibrates the vibration device with a vibration intensity that is changed according to the body part.

[0007] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a measurement device for measuring vibration intensity according to a body part in the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is an external view of a vibration device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 2. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining vibration processing performed by the information processing unit of FIG. 3. FIG. 18 is an external view of a vibration device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 5. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining vibration processing performed by the information processing unit of FIG. 6. FIG. 21 is an external view of a vibration device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 23. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining vibration processing performed by the information processing unit of FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is an external view of a vibration device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining vibration processing performed by the information processing unit of FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is a graph showing optimal vibration intensity for each body part in a motor function confirmation test.

[0008] Stochastic resonance, a phenomenon known as stochastic resonance, is a nonlinear system, such as a bistable system or a threshold system, in which adding a weak noise below a threshold to a signal increases the probability that the signal will exceed the threshold and become stronger, thereby improving the ability to detect weak signals. For example, applying a weak vibration that is imperceptible to the user is known to improve the tactile sensitivity of parts of the human body, including fingers, hands, and feet. It is also known that improved tactile sensitivity can improve motor functions that use tactile information for feedback control.

[0009] According to the method described in Patent Document 1, the driver's tactile sensitivity is improved by weak vibrations. This is a phenomenon known as stochastic resonance. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for effectively manifesting stochastic resonance in accordance with the body part performing a motor function. This disclosure relates to improving motor function based on sensory sensitivity by utilizing the stochastic resonance phenomenon.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] As will be explained in the examples below, the vibration intensity (hereinafter also referred to as "vibration intensity") that effectively induces stochastic resonance varies depending on the body part of the human body. The vibration intensity stored in the vibration device of each embodiment of the present disclosure may be measured using the following measuring device.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 , the measurement device 10 may include a stimulation transducer 11 , a signal transducer 12 , and a terminal device 13 .

[0013] The stimulating vibrator 11 may be provided on, for example, a rubber ring. By attaching the rubber ring to any part of the body of the subject, such as a finger, the stimulating vibrator 11 may impart vibration to the vibrating part. The stimulating vibrator 11 may be, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric element, a linear vibration actuator (LRA), a speaker-type vibration element, or the like.

[0014] The signal vibrator 12 may be provided on, for example, a hard plate member 14. A finger fitted with a rubber ring provided with the stimulus vibrator 11 may be placed on the signal vibrator 12 when measuring vibration intensity. The signal vibrator 12 may be, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric element, a linear vibration actuator (LRA), or the like. The plate member 14 may be, but is not limited to, an aluminum plate, a stainless steel plate, or the like. The plate member 14 may be, but is not limited to, 50 mm x 50 mm with a thickness of 5 mm, for example.

[0015] The terminal device 13 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or the like. The terminal device 13 may have a display and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The terminal device 13 may vibrate the stimulation vibrator 11 at a specific vibration intensity when measuring the vibration intensity. The specific vibration intensity may be changed by operating the input device of the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 may vibrate the signal vibrator 12 at a specific vibration intensity when measuring the vibration intensity. The specific vibration intensity may be changed by operating the input device of the terminal device 13.

[0016] During vibration intensity measurement, the vibration intensity of the signal vibrator 12 is gradually increased while the stimulus vibrator 11 is vibrated at a constant vibration intensity. The vibration intensity of the signal vibrator 12 when the subject perceives the vibration of the signal vibrator 12 is recorded. This vibration intensity can be acquired from the terminal device 13. This vibration intensity is recognized as a provisional minimum intensity for the vibration intensities at which the stimulus vibrator 11 is vibrated. Next, the vibration intensity of the stimulus vibrator 11 is changed, and the vibration intensity when the subject perceives the vibration of the signal vibrator 12 is recognized as a provisional minimum intensity in the same manner. In this manner, provisional minimum intensities of the signal vibrator 12 for multiple vibration intensities of the stimulus vibrator 11 are measured. The vibration intensity of the stimulus vibrator 11 corresponding to the lowest value among the multiple provisional minimum intensities for the same finger is determined to be the vibration intensity corresponding to the finger on which the rubber ring with the stimulus vibrator 11 is attached. A rubber ring is placed on each finger and similar measurements are taken to determine the vibration strength for each user, for example, the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the right or left hand.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the vibration device 15 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0018] 2, the vibration device 15 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be embodied as, for example, a wearing tool to be worn on the fingers. The wearing tool may be, for example, a glove. Alternatively, the wearing tool is not limited to a glove that covers the entire fingers, and may have a ring to be worn on each finger.

[0019] The vibration device 15 includes at least one vibration unit 17. In the case of a wearing device, the vibration device 15 may include a plurality of vibration units 17. More specifically, the vibration device 15 may include five vibration units 17 corresponding to all five fingers. The vibration device 15 may further include a control unit 18.

[0020] The vibration unit 17 applies vibrations to a body part of the user. In the first embodiment, the body part to which the vibration unit 17 applies vibrations is the fingers. As described above, a body part to which the vibrations are applied, in other words, a finger, is designated in the wearing device for each of the plurality of vibration units 17. For example, the plurality of vibration units 17 are housed in rings each designated for a finger to wear, and when the ring is worn by the user, the vibration units 17 can be positioned so as to apply vibrations to each finger.

[0021] The vibration unit 17 may be capable of vibrating at various intensities. The vibration unit 17 may vibrate at a predetermined intensity based on the control of the control device 18, as described below. The predetermined intensity may be below the threshold of sensation of the human body. Therefore, the vibration unit 17 may apply vibrations to a body part of the user that are not perceived by the user.

[0022] The vibrating unit 17 may be any vibrator that generates weak vibrations. The vibrator may be, for example, a piezoelectric element or a linear vibration actuator. The vibrator may be configured using at least one element of one type, or may be configured using multiple elements of different types.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 18 may include, for example, an acceleration sensor (second acceleration sensor) 19, an acquisition unit 20, a storage unit 21, a power supply 22, a power supply circuit 23, and an information processing unit 24.

[0024] The acceleration sensor 19 may be capable of detecting acceleration along each of the three axes defined by the control device 18 .

[0025] The acquisition unit 20 may acquire information. The acquisition unit 20 may be, for example, an input device such as a button that detects a user's operation input. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 20 may be a communication device that acquires information by communicating with an information device via wired or wireless communication. The acquisition unit 20 may acquire vibration intensity according to the user's body part. For example, in the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 20 may acquire information on the vibration intensity for each of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger.

[0026] The storage unit 21 includes any storage device, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 21 may store various programs that cause the information processing unit 24 to function and various information used by the information processing unit 24. For example, the storage unit 21 stores, as information, the intensity of vibration corresponding to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20.

[0027] The power supply 22 may supply power for driving the control device 18. The power supply 22 is, for example, a battery. The power supply circuit 23 may adjust the power supplied by the power supply 22 to a current value and a voltage value for driving the components of the control device 18 and output the adjusted power. Power may be supplied to the vibration unit 17 via the power supply circuit 23.

[0028] The information processing unit 24 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The information processing unit 24 controls the operation of the vibration device 15.

[0029] When the operation mode is switched to the setting mode, the information processing unit 24 may control the acquisition unit 20 to enable information acquisition. For example, in a configuration in which the acquisition unit 20 includes a button, when the button is held down for a threshold time, the information processing unit 24 may switch the operation mode to the setting mode. The information processing unit 24 may store the vibration intensity corresponding to the user's body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20 in the setting mode as information in the storage unit 21. When a predetermined operation input is performed on the button in the setting mode, the information processing unit 24 may cancel the setting mode.

[0030] Alternatively, in a configuration in which the acquisition unit 20 does not include a button, the information processing unit 24 may switch the operating mode to the setting mode if it is estimated that the vibration device 15 has been shaken five times based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 19.

[0031] The information processing unit 24 vibrates the vibration unit 17 at a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the body part to which the vibration is applied. In the first embodiment, the information processing unit 24 reads out the vibration intensity corresponding to the finger corresponding to each of the multiple vibration units 17 from the storage unit 21, and vibrates each vibration unit 17 at the vibration intensity.

[0032] The information processing unit 24 may switch between starting and stopping vibration of the vibration unit 17 based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 19. More specifically, the information processing unit 24 may estimate the movement of the fingers wearing the wearing device based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 19. The information processing unit 24 may start vibration of the vibration unit 17 when the estimated movement is a specific movement such as playing the piano. Furthermore, the information processing unit 24 may stop vibration of the vibration unit 17 when the estimated movement is no longer a specific movement.

[0033] Next, the vibration process executed by the information processing unit 24 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4. The vibration process starts periodically, for example.

[0034] In step S100, the information processing unit 24 estimates the movement of the fingers based on the acceleration of the vibration device 15 detected by the acceleration sensor 19. After the estimation, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0035] In step S101, the information processing unit 24 determines whether the motion estimated in step S100 is a specific motion. If it is a specific motion, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not a specific motion, the vibration process ends.

[0036] In step S102, the information processing unit 24 reads out from the storage unit 21 the vibration intensities corresponding to the body parts to which each of the plurality of vibration units 17 is provided. Furthermore, the information processing unit 24 causes each of the plurality of vibration units 17 to start vibrating at the corresponding vibration intensity. After the vibration starts, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0037] In step S103, the information processing unit 24 estimates the movement of the fingers based on the acceleration of the vibration device 15 detected by the acceleration sensor 19. After the estimation, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0038] In step S104, the information processing unit 24 determines whether the motion estimated in step S103 is a specific motion. If it is a specific motion, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not a specific motion, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0039] In step S105, the information processing unit 24 stops the vibration of the vibration unit 17. After the vibration is stopped, the vibration process ends.

[0040] The vibration device 15 of the first embodiment configured as described above includes at least one vibration unit 17 that applies vibrations to a body part of the user, and the vibration unit 17 vibrates at a vibration intensity that varies depending on the body part to be vibrated. With this configuration, the vibration device 15 can apply vibrations to the body part to be vibrated at a vibration intensity that effectively induces stochastic resonance. Therefore, the vibration device 15 can improve motor function based on sensory sensitivity utilizing the stochastic resonance phenomenon.

[0041] Furthermore, in the vibration device 15 of the first embodiment, at least one vibration unit 17 includes multiple vibration units 17, and each of the multiple vibration units 17 is assigned to a specific body part to which vibration is applied. It is known that the distribution of tactile receptors varies depending on the body part. For example, the distribution of tactile receptors in the ring finger and little finger is smaller than in other fingers (see, for example, E.R. Kandel et al., Principles of Neural Science, Fourth Edition, MaGraw-Hill, 2000). Therefore, it is preferable to use a high-output vibrator for the vibrator 17 intended to be worn on a body part with such a small distribution of tactile receptors. In response to such a situation, the vibration device 15 having the above-described configuration can apply vibrators with different outputs depending on the distribution of tactile receptors among the multiple vibration units 17. Therefore, the vibration device 15 can reduce the load on the drive power supply while exhibiting stochastic resonance in any body part.

[0042] Furthermore, the vibration device 15 of the first embodiment further includes an acceleration sensor 19, and the vibration start and stop of the vibration unit 17 are switched based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 19. Continuous application of weak vibrations to a body part causes a phenomenon known as adaptation, which reduces the body part's response to stimuli. Therefore, it is predicted that continued vibration of the vibration unit 17 reduces the likelihood of the occurrence of stochastic resonance. In response to such an event, the vibration device 15 having the above-described configuration can vibrate a body part in situations where improvement of motor function is desired, and stop vibration in other situations. Therefore, the vibration device 15 can effectively induce stochastic resonance in necessary situations.

[0043] The vibration device 15 of the first embodiment further includes an acquisition unit 20 that acquires information and a storage unit 21 that stores the vibration intensity corresponding to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20. The vibration intensity suitable for inducing stochastic resonance may vary depending on the user. In response to such an event, the vibration device 15 having the above-described configuration can vibrate at a vibration intensity corresponding to the body part of the user, even for a new user, and therefore can induce stochastic resonance in a variety of users.

[0044] Next, a vibration device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the object to which the vibration device is provided is different from that in the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 , the vibration device 150 according to the second embodiment may be provided in a mouse 160 .

[0046] As in the first embodiment, the vibration device 150 is configured to include at least one vibration unit 170. The vibration device 150 provided in the mouse 160 may be configured to include a plurality of vibration units 170, similar to the first embodiment. More specifically, the vibration device 150 may be configured to include two vibration units 170 provided in each of the right button 250R and the left button 250L. The vibration device 150 may further be configured to include a control device 180 and a contact sensor 260.

[0047] Similar to the first embodiment, the vibration unit 170 applies vibrations to a body part of the user. Similar to the first embodiment, the body part to which the vibration unit 170 applies vibrations is the fingers. Each of the multiple vibration units 170 of the vibration device 150 provided in the mouse 160 is assigned a specific body part to which vibrations are applied, in other words, a specific finger. For example, one of the two vibration units 170 is provided in the right button 250R, and the other is provided in the left button 250L.

[0048] The vibration unit 170 may be capable of vibrating at various intensities, as in the first embodiment. The vibration unit 170 may vibrate at a predetermined intensity based on the control of the control device 180, as will be described later, similar to the first embodiment. The predetermined intensity may be below the threshold of sensation of the human body, as in the first embodiment.

[0049] The contact sensor 260 may be provided separately for the right button 250R and the left button 250L. The contact sensor 260 may be provided so as to partially overlap the vibration unit 170. The contact sensor 260 may detect a user's contact with the overlapping vibration unit 170. The contact sensor 260 may be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like.

[0050] 6, the control device 180 may include, for example, a storage unit 21 and an information processing unit 240. The configuration and function of the storage unit 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The structure of the information processing unit 240 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the control device 180 may obtain power from a terminal device to which the mouse 160 is connected. The control device 180 may also obtain information from the terminal device. For example, the control device 180 may obtain vibration intensities corresponding to the user's body parts from the terminal device. For example, in the second embodiment, the control device 180 may obtain information on the vibration intensities for each of the index finger and middle finger.

[0052] Similar to the first embodiment, when the operation mode is switched to the setting mode, the information processing unit 240 may acquire information from a terminal device to which the mouse 160 is connected. For example, the information processing unit 240 may switch the operation mode to the setting mode by executing an application that configures the mouse 160 on the terminal device. The information processing unit 240 may store the vibration intensity corresponding to the user's body part acquired from the terminal device in the setting mode as information in the storage unit 21.

[0053] Similar to the first embodiment, the information processing unit 240 vibrates the vibration unit 170 with a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the body part to which the vibration is applied. Similar to the first embodiment, the information processing unit 240 reads out from the storage unit 21 the vibration intensity that corresponds to the finger corresponding to each of the multiple vibration units 170, and vibrates each vibration unit 170 with the vibration intensity.

[0054] The information processing unit 240 may vibrate the vibration unit 170 when contact is detected by the contact sensor 260. When the contact is released from the contact sensor 260 that has detected the contact, the information processing unit 240 may stop the vibration of the vibration unit 170.

[0055] Next, the vibration processing executed by the information processing unit 240 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. The vibration processing starts periodically, for example.

[0056] In step S200, the information processing unit 240 determines whether any of the contact sensors 260 has detected contact with a body part. If contact has been detected, the process proceeds to step S201. If contact has not been detected, the vibration process ends.

[0057] In step S201, the information processing unit 240 identifies the contact sensor 260 that detected the contact. Furthermore, the information processing unit 240 reads from the storage unit 21 the vibration intensity corresponding to the vibration unit 170 that is in contact with the identified contact sensor 260. The information processing unit 240 causes the vibration unit 170 to start vibrating at the vibration intensity read from the storage unit 21. After the vibration starts, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0058] In step S202, the information processing unit 240 determines whether or not the contact with the contact sensor 260 that detected the contact is maintained. If the contact is maintained, the process repeats step S202. If the contact is released, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0059] In step S203, the information processing unit 240 stops the vibration of the vibration unit 170. After the vibration is stopped, the vibration process ends.

[0060] The vibration device 150 of the second embodiment configured as described above also includes at least one vibration unit 170 that applies vibrations to a body part of the user, and the vibration unit 170 vibrates with a vibration intensity that varies depending on the body part to be vibrated. Therefore, the vibration device 150 can also improve motor function based on sensory sensitivity utilizing the stochastic resonance phenomenon.

[0061] The vibration device 150 provided on the mouse 160 can, for example, improve the precision of certain operations by improving motor function. A specific operation is, for example, a plurality of operations that are recognized separately on a terminal device in which the mouse 160 is used, depending on the duration and timing of a click on the left button 250L of the mouse 160. For example, a specific operation is recognized as moving, copying, creating a shortcut, displaying a menu, etc., of a clicked file, which are switched depending on the duration of the click. Alternatively, a specific operation is, for example, an operation that is recognized as changing the density of a line in drawing software depending on the duration of the click.

[0062] Next, a vibration device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, the object to which the vibration device is provided is different from that in the first embodiment. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0063] 8, the vibration device 151 according to the third embodiment may be provided on a tool that is held by fingers. The tool that is held is, for example, an army knife 271.

[0064] As in the first embodiment, the vibration device 151 includes at least one vibration unit 171. Unlike the first embodiment, the vibration device 151 provided on the Swiss army knife 271 may include a single vibration unit 171. More specifically, the vibration device 151 may include a single vibration unit 171 provided on the handle 281 of the Swiss army knife 271. The vibration device 151 may further include a control device 181, a discrimination sensor 291, and an IMU sensor 301.

[0065] The vibration unit 171 applies vibrations to a body part of the user, similar to the first embodiment. The body part to which the vibration unit 171 applies vibrations is the fingers, similar to the first embodiment. The vibration unit 171 may be capable of vibrating at various intensities, similar to the first embodiment. The vibration unit 171 may vibrate at a predetermined intensity based on the control of the control device 181, as will be described later, similar to the first embodiment. The predetermined intensity may be below the threshold of sensation of the human body, similar to the first embodiment.

[0066] The discrimination sensor 291 may determine which of the multiple tools 311 held by the Swiss army knife 271 is in a usable state. Each of the multiple tools 311 may be retractable within the handle 281. The multiple tools 311 may be pivotally supported on a support shaft inside the handle 281. The multiple tools 311 may be retractable within the handle 281 or retractable to the outside of the handle 281 by rotating around the support shaft. The discrimination sensor 291 is, for example, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation state of each tool 311. Based on the detection result of the rotation sensor, it may be determined that the tool 311 retracted to the outside of the handle 281 is usable.

[0067] The IMU sensor 301 may include a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyro sensor. The behavior of the vibration device 151 may be detected based on the accelerations in the three axes and the angular velocities in the three axes detected by the IMU sensor 301.

[0068] 9, the control device 181 may include an acquisition unit 20, a storage unit 21, a power supply 22, a power supply circuit 23, and an information processing unit 241. In the third embodiment, the structures and functions of the acquisition unit 20, the storage unit 21, the power supply 22, and the power supply circuit 23 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The structure of the information processing unit 241 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0069] As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 241 may control the acquisition unit 20 so as to be able to acquire information when the operation mode is switched to the setting mode. As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 241 may store the vibration intensity corresponding to the user's body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20 in the setting mode as information in the storage unit 21. As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 241 may cancel the setting mode when a predetermined operation input is performed on a button in the setting mode.

[0070] Alternatively, in a configuration in which the acquisition unit 20 does not include a button, the information processing unit 241 may switch the operation mode to the setting mode when it is estimated that the vibration device 15 has been swung five times based on the behavior detected by the IMU sensor 301. Alternatively, the information processing unit 241 may switch the operation mode to the setting mode when, based on the detection result of the discrimination sensor 291, specific tools 311 are switched to be usable in sequence within a time period set for discrimination.

[0071] Unlike the first embodiment, the information processing unit 241 may estimate the body part to which vibrations are to be applied, specifically, which fingers, based on the available tool 311 detected by the discrimination sensor 291. The fingers that grip the handle 281 generally differ depending on the type of tool 311 used. Therefore, the information processing unit 241 may estimate, for the available tool 311, the fingers that are expected to grip the handle 281 as the fingers that will apply vibrations. The information processing unit 241 may make this estimation by reading from the storage unit 21 a table that indicates the correspondence between each tool 311 and the fingers that are expected to grip the tool 311.

[0072] Unlike the first embodiment, the information processing unit 241 may estimate the body part to which vibration is applied, specifically, which fingers, based on the behavior of the vibration device 151 detected by the IMU sensor 301. For some of the multiple tools 311, the fingers gripping the handle 281 may change depending on the behavior. Therefore, the information processing unit 241 may estimate the fingers gripping the handle 281 depending on the behavior as well as the available tools 311. The information processing unit 241 may make the estimation by reading from the storage unit 21 a table indicating the correspondence between each tool 311, its behavior, and the fingers expected to grip the handle. Note that in a configuration in which the tool to be gripped provided with the vibration device 151 includes a single tool 311, the information processing unit 241 may estimate the fingers gripping the handle 281 depending on the behavior of the vibration device 151.

[0073] The information processing unit 241 vibrates the vibration unit 171 with a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the fingers gripping the handle 281. In this way, the vibration unit 171 may change the vibration intensity at which the vibration unit 171 vibrates, based on at least one of the usable tool 311 and the behavior of the vibration device 151. The information processing unit 241 may change the vibration intensity at which the vibration unit 171 vibrates, by reading from the storage unit 21 a table that indicates the correspondence between the fingers gripping the handle 281 and the vibration intensity.

[0074] Next, the vibration processing executed by the information processing unit 241 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. The vibration processing starts, for example, when it is determined that any one of the tools 311 is usable based on the detection result of the discrimination sensor 291.

[0075] In step S300, the information processing unit 241 determines the available tools 311. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S301.

[0076] In step S301, the information processing unit 241 detects the behavior of the vibration device 151 from the detection result of the IMU sensor 301. After the detection, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0077] In step S302, the information processing unit 241 determines which fingers are gripping the handle 281, based on the tool 311 determined in step S300 and the behavior detected in step S301. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0078] In step S303, the information processing unit 241 causes the vibration unit 171 to start vibrating at a vibration intensity according to the finger determined in step S302. After the vibration has started, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0079] In step S304, the information processing unit 241 determines whether or not the tool 311 is stored in the handle 281. If the tool 311 is not stored, the process proceeds to step S305. If the tool 311 is stored, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0080] In step S305, the information processing unit 241 determines whether the behavior of the vibration device 151 is in a stopped state. If the behavior is not in a stopped state, the process proceeds to step S301. If the behavior is in a stopped state, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0081] In step S306, the information processing unit 241 stops the vibration of the vibration unit 171. After the vibration stops, the vibration process ends.

[0082] The vibration device 151 of the third embodiment configured as described above also includes at least one vibration unit 171 that applies vibrations to a body part of the user, and the vibration unit 171 vibrates with a vibration intensity that varies depending on the body part to be vibrated. Therefore, the vibration device 151 can also improve motor function based on sensory sensitivity utilizing the stochastic resonance phenomenon.

[0083] The vibration device 151 of the third embodiment also includes an acquisition unit 20 that acquires information and a storage unit 21 that stores the vibration intensity according to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20. Therefore, the vibration device 151 can vibrate even for a new user at a vibration intensity according to the body part of the user, and can therefore induce stochastic resonance in a variety of users.

[0084] Next, a vibration device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the vibration device is embodied in a different target than in the first embodiment. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, the vibrating device 152 according to the fourth embodiment may be provided on an eating utensil 322 such as a fork.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the vibration device 152 includes at least one vibration unit 172. Unlike the first embodiment, the vibration device 152 provided on the eating utensil 322 may include a single vibration unit 172. More specifically, the vibration device 152 may include a single vibration unit 172 provided on the handle 282 of the eating utensil 322. The vibration device 152 may further include a control device 182 and an acceleration sensor (first acceleration sensor) 332.

[0087] The vibration unit 172 applies vibrations to a body part of the user, similar to the first embodiment. The body part to which the vibration unit 172 applies vibrations is the fingers, similar to the first embodiment. The vibration unit 172 may be capable of vibrating at various intensities, similar to the first embodiment. The vibration unit 172 may vibrate at a predetermined intensity based on the control of the control device 182, as will be described later, similar to the first embodiment. The predetermined intensity may be below the threshold of sensation of the human body, similar to the first embodiment.

[0088] The acceleration sensor 332 may be capable of detecting acceleration along each of the three axes defined in the control device 182 .

[0089] 12 , the control device 182 may include, for example, an acquisition unit 20, a storage unit 21, a power supply 22, a power supply circuit 23, and an information processing unit 242. In the fourth embodiment, the structures and functions of the acquisition unit 20, the storage unit 21, the power supply 22, and the power supply circuit 23 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The structure of the information processing unit 242 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0090] As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 242 may control the acquisition unit 20 to enable information acquisition when the operation mode is switched to the setting mode. As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 242 may store the vibration intensity corresponding to the user's body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20 in the setting mode as information in the storage unit 21. As in the first embodiment, the information processing unit 242 may cancel the setting mode when a predetermined operation input is performed on a button in the setting mode.

[0091] Unlike the first embodiment, the information processing unit 242 may estimate the orientation of the vibration device 152 relative to the vertical direction based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 332. The information processing unit 242 may change the vibration intensity at which the vibration unit 172 vibrates based on the estimated orientation. Specifically, the information processing unit 242 may determine whether the hand holding the eating utensil 322 is the right hand or the left hand based on the estimated orientation. The information processing unit 242 may vibrate the vibration unit 172 at a vibration intensity corresponding to the determined hand. Note that in a configuration in which the eating utensil 322 is a fork, the information processing unit 242 may determine that the eating utensil 322 is being held in the right hand if the orientation of the vibration device 152 corresponds to a direction in which the eating utensil 322 is facing upward. The upward direction of the eating utensil 322 refers to a direction in which the concave surface of the curved tines of the fork is facing vertically upward. Furthermore, the information processing unit 242 may determine that the eating utensil 322 is being held in the left hand when the direction of the vibration device 152 corresponds to a direction in which the eating utensil 322 is pointed downward. The direction in which the eating utensil 322 is pointed downward is a direction in which the concave surfaces of the curved tines of the fork are pointed vertically downward.

[0092] Next, the vibration processing executed by the information processing unit 242 in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. The vibration processing starts, for example, when the acceleration sensor 332 detects movement of the vibration device 152. The movement of the vibration device 152 means that the vibration device 152 and the eating utensil 322 are moved from a stopped state.

[0093] In step S400, the information processing unit 242 determines the orientation of the vibration device 152. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S401.

[0094] In step S401, the information processing unit 242 determines whether the hand holding the eating utensil 322 is the right hand or the left hand, based on the orientation of the vibration device 152 determined in step S400. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0095] In step S402, the information processing unit 242 causes the vibration unit 172 to start vibrating at a vibration intensity corresponding to the hand determined in step S401. After the vibration has started, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0096] In step S403, the information processing unit 242 determines whether the vibration device 152 has stopped moving based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 332. If the vibration device 152 has not stopped moving, the process proceeds to step S401. If the vibration device 152 has stopped moving, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0097] In step S404, the information processing unit 242 stops the vibration of the vibration unit 172. After the vibration stops, the vibration process ends.

[0098] The vibration device 152 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above also includes at least one vibration unit 172 that applies vibrations to a body part of the user, and the vibration unit 172 vibrates with a vibration intensity that varies depending on the body part to be vibrated. Therefore, the vibration device 152 can also improve motor function based on sensory sensitivity utilizing the stochastic resonance phenomenon.

[0099] The vibration device 152 of the fourth embodiment also includes an acquisition unit 20 that acquires information and a storage unit 21 that stores the vibration intensity according to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit 20. Therefore, the vibration device 152 can vibrate even for a new user at a vibration intensity according to the body part of the user, and can therefore induce stochastic resonance in a variety of users.

[0100] In order to demonstrate that the vibration intensity that effectively induces the stochastic resonance phenomenon differs depending on the body part that is vibrated, a motor function confirmation experiment was conducted using the above-described measurement device 10.

[0101] In the motor function confirmation experiment, the vibration intensity determined for each finger using the above-mentioned measuring device 10 was measured as the optimal vibration intensity for generating the stochastic resonance phenomenon. In the motor function confirmation test, the stimulation vibrator 11 was attached to the subject's finger between the first and second joints.

[0102] First, the signal oscillator 12 was driven with a current consisting of white noise. Next, the stimulation oscillator 11 was driven. This drive current may be white noise or a sine wave with a specific frequency (see Patent Application No. 2023-139301). While driving the stimulation oscillator 11 at an arbitrary vibration intensity, the subject was asked to touch the signal oscillator 12. While maintaining contact with the signal oscillator 12, the drive current of the signal oscillator 12 was increased or decreased. The minimum vibration intensity drive current at which the subject could sense the vibration of the signal oscillator 12 was determined as the threshold for the arbitrary vibration intensity of the stimulation oscillator 11.

[0103] Next, the threshold was determined in the same manner as above by changing the vibration intensity (drive current) that drives the stimulation oscillator 11. The vibration intensity of the stimulation oscillator 11 was increased in steps from 0 until the subject could sense the vibration of the stimulation oscillator 11, and the threshold was determined for each vibration intensity of the stimulation oscillator 11.

[0104] The minimum value among the thresholds determined for the plurality of vibration intensities for the stimulating vibrator 11 was determined as the optimum vibration intensity for the finger to which the stimulating vibrator 11 was attached.

[0105] The motor function confirmation test was performed on the index fingers of the right and left hands and the middle finger of the right hand of two subjects. The test results are shown in Figure 14.

[0106] In one embodiment, (1) the vibration device includes at least one vibration unit that applies vibration to a body part of a user, and the vibration unit vibrates at a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the body part to be vibrated.

[0107] (2) In the vibration device of (1) above, the at least one vibration unit includes a plurality of vibration units, and the plurality of vibration units are configured to apply vibration to specific body parts.

[0108] (3) The vibration device according to (2) above further includes a contact sensor that detects contact with each of the plurality of vibration units, and the contact sensor vibrates the vibration unit that detects contact.

[0109] (4) The vibration device of (1) above further includes a first acceleration sensor, and the orientation of the vibration device relative to the vertical direction is estimated based on the acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor, and the vibration unit changes the intensity of the vibration based on the estimated orientation.

[0110] (5) The vibration device according to (1) above further includes an IMU sensor, and the vibration unit changes the intensity of vibration based on the behavior of the vibration device detected by the IMU sensor.

[0111] (6) The vibration device of (1) or (5) above further includes a discrimination sensor that discriminates usable tools for the Swiss army knife to which the vibration device is attached, and the vibration unit changes the intensity of vibration based on the usable tool detected by the discrimination sensor.

[0112] (7) In any of the vibration devices (1) to (6) above, a second acceleration sensor is further provided, and the vibration start and vibration stop of the vibration unit are switched based on the acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor.

[0113] (8) Any of the vibration devices described in (1) to (7) above further includes an acquisition unit that acquires information, and a memory unit that stores the vibration intensity corresponding to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit, and the vibration unit vibrates at the vibration intensity stored in the memory unit.

[0114] In one embodiment (9), the vibration system includes a vibration device having at least one vibration unit that applies vibration to a body part of a user, and a control device that vibrates the vibration device with a vibration intensity that is changed depending on the body part.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the vibration devices 15, 150, 151, and 152 have been described above, the drawings illustrating the embodiments according to the present disclosure are schematic. The dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0116] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art could make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple components can be combined or divided into one.

[0117] All of the features described in this disclosure and / or all steps of all of the disclosed methods or processes may be combined in any combination except combinations in which these features are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, each feature described in this disclosure may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Thus, unless expressly denied, each disclosed feature is only one example of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

[0118] Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations of any of the above-described embodiments, but rather extend to any novel feature or combination thereof described herein, or any novel method or process step or combination thereof described herein.

[0119] In this disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the configuration. In this disclosure, the configurations distinguished by descriptions such as "first" and "second" can have their numbers exchanged. For example, the first acceleration sensor can exchange the identifiers "first" and "second" with the second acceleration sensor. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the identifier exchange. Identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which an identifier has been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. The descriptions of identifiers such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure should not be used solely to interpret the order of the configurations or to justify the existence of an identifier with a smaller number.

[0120] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Measuring device 11 Stimulation vibrator 12 Signal vibrator 13 Terminal device 14 Plate member 15, 150, 151, 152 Vibration device 160 Mouse 17, 170, 171, 172 Vibration unit 18, 180, 181, 182 Control device 19 Acceleration sensor 20 Acquisition unit 21 Memory unit 22 Power supply 23 Power supply circuit 24, 241, 242, 243 Information processing unit 250L Left button 250R Right button 260 Contact sensor 271 Swiss army knife 281, 282 Handle 291 Discrimination sensor 301 IMU sensor 311 Tool 322 Eating utensil 332 Acceleration sensor

Claims

1. A vibration device comprising at least one vibration unit that imparts vibration to a body part of a user, wherein the vibration unit vibrates with a vibration intensity that changes according to the body part to which vibration is imparted.

2. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vibration unit includes a plurality of vibration units, and the plurality of vibration units are vibration devices in which the body part to which vibration is applied is defined.

3. The vibration device according to claim 2, further comprising a contact sensor that detects contact with each of the plurality of vibration units, and the vibration device vibrates the vibration unit that the contact sensor detects contact with.

4. The vibration device according to claim 1, further comprising a first acceleration sensor, estimating the orientation of the vibration device with respect to the vertical direction based on the acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor, and the vibration unit changes the vibration intensity based on the estimated orientation.

5. The vibration device according to claim 1, further comprising an IMU sensor, and the vibration unit changes the vibration intensity based on the behavior of the vibration device detected by the IMU sensor.

6. The vibration device according to claim 1 or claim 5, further comprising a discrimination sensor that discriminates a usable tool in an army knife in which the vibration device is provided, and the vibration unit changes the vibration intensity based on the usable tool detected by the discrimination sensor.

7. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second acceleration sensor, and the start and stop of vibration of the vibration unit are switched based on the acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor.

8. The vibration device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires information and a storage unit that stores the vibration intensity corresponding to the body part acquired by the acquisition unit, and the vibration unit vibrates with the vibration intensity stored in the storage unit.

9. A vibration system comprising a vibration device including at least one vibration unit that imparts vibration to a body part of a user, and a control device that vibrates the vibration device with a vibration intensity that changes according to the body part.

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