JP4730621B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that outputs a control signal to an external device based on a detection result of a sensor.

  In recent years, ubiquitous computing that can use a computer anytime and anywhere has been studied. In ubiquitous computing, in particular, in recent years, a wearable computer capable of wearing a computer has attracted attention. Wearable computers have the merit that they can be used at all times in daily life and can perform other operations in a so-called hands-free manner.

As an example of an input device provided in such a wearable computer, for example, a line-of-sight interface using headphones has been proposed (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). That is, this line-of-sight interface uses a line-of-sight detection method (EOG; Electro Oculogram) that utilizes the fact that the cornea is positively charged with respect to the retina. It is a device that can output. Specifically, this line-of-sight interface detects EOG associated with human eye movement as a detection signal by attaching a plurality of electrodes to positions near both ears where headphones are worn, and uses, for example, a Kalman filter. To estimate the direction of human eyes. The line-of-sight interface outputs a control signal for the external device according to the estimated line-of-sight direction.
Hiroyuki Manabe, Masaro Fukumoto, “Constant Gaze Interface Using Headphones”, Interaction 2006 Proceedings, Information Processing Society of Japan, 2006, p23-24

  However, since the conventional input device detects EOG associated with human eye movement as a detection signal and estimates the direction of the human eye line by using a Kalman filter, the processing of the input device is complicated. Since the processing by the input device is complicated, it is necessary to configure the input device using a plurality of high-functional parts, and the manufacturing cost of the input device is increased. In addition, the input device is increased in size.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing cost and reduce the size of the input device by detecting the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device capable of satisfying the requirements.

  In order to achieve the above object, the input device according to the present invention is an input device that outputs a control signal for controlling an external device to the external device, and detects at least one change in the epidermis portion associated with the movement of the human lower jaw. Two sensors, and a signal generation unit that generates the control signal based on fluctuations in the skin portion.

  According to the input device of the present invention, the sensor detects a change in the epidermis portion accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw. The signal generation unit generates a control signal based on the fluctuation of the skin portion. Thereby, compared with the said conventional input device, the manufacturing cost of an input device can be reduced and it can reduce in size.

  When the user wears the input device of the present invention, the user can operate an external device, for example, by simply moving the lower jaw. The lower jaw can be moved with small movements compared to limb movement, neck movement, eyebrow movement, blinking, etc., and this movement of the lower jaw from third parties other than the person who moves the lower jaw It is hard to notice. For this reason, even when the user uses the input device in a public place, for example, the external device can be operated with extremely natural movement without being noticed by anyone. In addition, the user can use the input device without impairing sight, hearing, sense of caries, smell, taste, and the like.

  In the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor further detects a change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human eyelid.

  According to this configuration, since the sensor further detects a change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human eyelid, the signal generation unit can generate a control signal based on the change in the epidermis. As an example, the signal generator generates different control signals depending on whether the sensor detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw or a sensor detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human eyelid. Can be generated. Further, as another example, the signal generation unit may be mutually connected when the sensor detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw and when the sensor detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human eyelid. It is also possible to generate the same control signal.

  In the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor detects a change in the skin portion without contacting the skin portion. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the influence of, for example, sweat on the human skin portion, compared to a sensor that detects changes in the skin portion by contacting the skin portion.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the sensor includes a light irradiating unit that irradiates light to the skin part, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the skin part, and a detection that detects a light amount of the reflected light. It is preferable to set it as the aspect containing a part.

  According to this configuration, since the sensor is configured by an optical sensor, it is less expensive than a non-contact ultrasonic sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD, or the like similar to the optical sensor. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of an input device can be reduced. For example, a photo reflector is preferable as the optical sensor.

  In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to the present invention is an input device that outputs a control signal for controlling an external device to the external device. A sensor that varies with the variation of the contact portion; a sensor that varies with the variation of the contact portion; and a signal generation unit that generates the control signal, wherein the sensor varies with the variation of the sensor. And a distance between the skin part and the skin part different from the skin part, and the signal generator generates the control signal based on the distance. In addition, it is preferable that the said epidermis part is a part which fluctuates with a motion of a human lower jaw.

  According to the input device of the present invention, the contact portion comes into contact with the human skin portion and varies with the variation of the skin portion. Further, the sensor varies with the variation of the contact portion. Here, the sensor detects a distance between the sensor and a skin portion different from the skin portion, which changes with the fluctuation of the sensor. The signal generation unit generates the control signal based on the distance. Thereby, compared with the said conventional input device, the manufacturing cost of an input device can be reduced and it can reduce in size.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the sensor detects a light irradiating unit that irradiates light to the different skin parts, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the different skin parts, and a light amount of the reflected light. It is preferable that the detection unit includes a detection unit.

  According to this configuration, since the sensor is configured by an optical sensor, it is less expensive than a non-contact ultrasonic sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD, or the like similar to the optical sensor. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of an input device can be reduced.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the input device further includes a connection portion that is connected to the contact portion and fluctuates in accordance with the fluctuation of the contact portion, the sensor is provided in the connection portion, and the connection portion is the sensor It is preferable that the variation of the contact portion is transmitted to the surface.

  Moreover, in the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the connection portion amplifies the variation of the contact portion and transmits it to the sensor.

  According to this configuration, since the connection portion amplifies the change in the contact portion and transmits the amplified change to the sensor, the sensor can reliably detect the change in the contact portion even if the change in the contact portion is weak. It becomes possible.

  In the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the skin portion is a portion that varies with the movement of the human eyelid.

  Moreover, in the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the skin portion is an aspect of the temple.

  In the input device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the signal generation unit generates the control signal according to a variation pattern of the skin portion.

  According to this configuration, the signal generation unit can generate a control signal according to the variation pattern of the skin part without depending on the distance between the sensor and the skin part. Thereby, for example, when the user wears the input device of the present invention, the user does not need to strictly adjust the position of the sensor. As a result, the user's trouble can be saved.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the control signal is a binary signal, and the signal generation unit is configured to output the binary signal when the variation pattern of the skin portion is the first pattern. When one of the two signals is generated and the variation pattern of the skin portion is the second pattern, the other of the binary signals is preferably generated.

  According to this configuration, the control signal generated by the signal generation unit can be applied to, for example, a power ON / OFF signal for an external device, a playback / stop signal for a music player, and the like.

  In the input device according to the present invention, the signal generation unit includes at least one pattern, a storage unit that stores at least one control signal corresponding to the at least one pattern, and the at least one pattern. It is preferable to include a determination unit that determines a pattern that matches the variation of the skin portion and a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal corresponding to the matching pattern.

  According to this configuration, the storage unit stores at least one pattern and at least one control signal corresponding to the at least one pattern. A determination part determines the pattern which corresponds to the fluctuation | variation of an epidermis part among at least 1 pattern. The control signal output unit outputs a control signal corresponding to the matching pattern. Thereby, the control signal output unit can output various control signals in accordance with various skin fluctuation patterns.

  As described above, the input device according to the present invention has an effect that the manufacturing cost of the input device can be reduced and the size can be reduced by detecting the change of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw.

  Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mounting the input device 1 according to the present embodiment. 1A is a front view of a human face wearing the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a view of a human wearing the input device 1 according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the head from the upper surface.

  That is, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a mounting unit 2, a right sensor 3 a, a left sensor 3 b, and a signal generation unit 4.

  The mounting portion 2 is a device that can be mounted on the forehead of the human head H. The mounting part 2 is made of, for example, a U-shaped fixing device, and is made of an elastic member such as an aluminum alloy. That is, when a person spreads the mounting portion 2 outward by hand, inserts it into the head H and releases the hand, an elastic force acts toward the inner side of the human head H. It is attached to. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting unit 2 is mounted from the forehead to the ear of the human head H, and the mounting unit 2 is provided with a right sensor 3 a so as to correspond to the right temple A of the human. The left sensor 3b is provided so as to correspond to the left temple A of the human. The signal generation unit 4 is provided in the mounting unit 2 so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the right sensor 3a. The right sensor 3a and the left sensor 3b are provided in the mounting portion 2 so as not to contact the human epidermis (skin). The right sensor 3a is composed of, for example, an optical sensor, and is a sensor that detects a change in the epidermis in the right temple A accompanying a movement of a human lower jaw. The left sensor 3b is composed of, for example, an optical sensor, and detects a change in the epidermis in the left temple A accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw. The signal generation unit 4 is composed of, for example, a single-chip microcomputer, and outputs a control signal for controlling the external device to the external device based on the change in the skin of the temple A detected from the right sensor 3a and the left sensor 3b. To do.

  In the following description, when members having the same functions are described, only when it is necessary to distinguish between them, for example, a small letter for distinguishing each is attached, such as the right sensor 3a. If there is no need to distinguish between them or they are collectively referred to, for example, the sensor 3 will be described without a lower case letter.

  Here, in the example shown in FIG. 1, since the sensor 3 is composed of an optical sensor, it is possible to detect a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw without contact with the epidermis. . As a result, the influence of, for example, sweat on the human epidermis can be suppressed as compared with the case where the sensor 3 is configured with a contact type sensor such as a myoelectric potential or a strain sensor. it can. However, when it is not necessary to consider the influence of, for example, sweat on the human epidermis, a contact type sensor may be used instead of the non-contact type optical sensor. Further, as a non-contact type sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), or the like may be used instead of the optical sensor. That is, as the sensor 3, various arbitrary sensors can be used as long as the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw can be detected.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the temporal muscle that is one of the masticatory muscles. As shown in FIG. 2, the masticatory muscle 5 mainly includes a temporal muscle 5a, a masseter 5b, and a maxillary maxillary muscle group 5c. That is, the masticatory muscle 5 is a general term for muscles related to the movement of the lower jaw 6 (for example, mastication movement). Here, for example, when the human moves the lower jaw 6 by chewing or tightening the back teeth, the temporal muscle 5a which is one of the masticatory muscles 5 contracts (changes). Since the temporal muscle 5a contracts, the epidermis of the temple A that is located in the vicinity of the human ear 7 and approximately in front is raised. The temple A is located in a recess surrounded by the zygomatic process of the frontal bone, zygomatic bone, and temporal bone, not shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment attaches the right sensor 3 a and the left sensor 3 b so as to correspond to the left and right temples A, so that the left and right temples A change in skin (lift) Presence or absence).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sensor 3 and the signal generation unit 4 in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The sensor 3 is composed of, for example, an optical sensor. The photosensor is preferably a photo reflector (reflection photosensor). This is because a photo reflector is inexpensive. The right sensor 3a includes a light irradiation unit 31a, a light receiving unit 32a, and a detection unit 33a. The left sensor 3b also includes a light irradiation unit 31b, a light receiving unit 32b, and a detection unit 33b.

  The light irradiation unit 31 irradiates the temple A with detection light. The light irradiation part 31 is comprised from the light emitting diode, the infrared diode, etc., for example. The light receiving unit 32 receives the detection light reflected by the temple A as reflected light. The light receiving unit 32 is configured by, for example, a phototransistor. The detection unit 33 detects the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 32 as a detection signal. That is, the detection unit 33 detects the change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of the lower jaw 6 as a change in the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 32. The detection unit 33 outputs the detected detection signal to the signal generation unit 4.

  The signal generation unit 4 is composed of, for example, a single chip microcomputer, generates a “High” control signal or a “Low” control signal based on the detection signal output from the sensor 3, and generates the generated “High”. "Control signal" or "Low" control signal is output to an external device. For this reason, the signal generation unit 4 includes signal processing units 41 a and 41 b, a determination unit 42, and a control signal output unit 43. Note that the external device according to the present embodiment simply means a device existing outside the input device 1 according to the present embodiment. That is, when considered as a system including the input device 1 and an external device, the external device is actually a main device, and the input device 1 is an input interface to the main device.

  The signal processing unit 41 converts the detection signal output from the sensor 3 into a digital signal. That is, the signal processing unit 41 converts the detection signal into a digital signal so that the determination unit 42 can process it. For this reason, the signal processing part 41 is comprised from an A / D converter, for example. As the A / D converter, a successive approximation A / D converter, a V / F conversion A / D converter, or the like is used. The signal processing unit 41 outputs the converted digital signal to the determination unit 42.

  In the determination unit 42, the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 a indicates a predetermined variation pattern and the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 b indicates a predetermined variation pattern in unit time. If so, a generation signal for instructing generation of a “High” control signal is output. In this embodiment, when a human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second by moving the lower jaw 6, the determination unit 42 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a control signal “High”.

  The control signal output unit 43 generates a “High” control signal based on the generation signal output from the determination unit 42. The control signal output unit 43 outputs the generated “High” control signal to an external device. The control signal output unit 43 generates a “Low” control signal when the generation signal is not output from the determination unit 42. The control signal output unit 43 outputs the generated “Low” control signal to an external device. Note that the control signal output unit 43 may have a function of generating a control signal so as to match the characteristics of the external device to which the control signal is input.

  Hereinafter, specific processing by the determination unit 42 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human continues to bite back teeth for about 1 second. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a detection signal when a human slowly chews gum with the back teeth once. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human unconsciously blinks once. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human walks on a flat ground paved at a speed of about 1 m / second. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human utters an arbitrary conversation. 4 to 8, the vertical axis represents voltage (mV) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds).

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the sensor 3 outputs the detection signal illustrated in FIG. 4 to the signal generation unit 4. Determination unit 42 first voltage value V ₁ at time t _1, (greater than the time t ₁₎ time t ₂ compares definitive the voltage value V _2. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 compares the time t ₁ the voltage value V ₁ "310mV" in "0.05s", the voltage value V ₂ "460mV" at time t ₂ "0.35s" and . Then, the determination unit 42, an increase of the voltage at time t ₁ ~ time t ₂ determines whether shows within a predetermined range .DELTA.A. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage increase value “150 mV” from time t ₁ to time t ₂ is within a predetermined range ΔA “73 mV to 220 mV”.

When the increase value of the voltage from time t ₁ to time t ₂ is within the predetermined range ΔA, the determination unit 42 determines the voltage value V _{3 at} time t ₃ when the fixed time T has elapsed from time t ₂ and the time The voltage value V _{4 at} t ₄ (greater than time t ₃ ) is compared. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 determines the voltage value V ₃ “460 mV” at the time t ₃ “0.65 s” when the fixed time T “0.3 s” has elapsed from the time t _2, and the time t ₄ “0”. The voltage value V _{4 at} “.95 s” is compared with “455 mV”. Then, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the voltage change value from the time t ₃ to the time t ₄ is within the predetermined range ΔB. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage change value “−5 mV” from time t ₃ to time t ₄ is within a predetermined range ΔB “± 48 mV”.

When a change value of the voltage at time t ₃ ~ time t ₄ indicates within a predetermined range .DELTA.B, determination unit 42 includes a voltage value V ₄ at time t _4, the (above atmospheric time t ₄₎ Time t ₅ The voltage value V ₅ is compared. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 compares the voltage value V ₄ "455mV" at time t ₄ "0.95s", the voltage value V ₅ "453mV" at time t ₅ "1.25s" and . Then, the determination unit 42, the change value of the voltage at time t ₄ ~ time t ₅ determines whether shows within a predetermined range .DELTA.B. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage change value “−2 mV” from time t ₄ to time t ₅ is within a predetermined range ΔB “± 48 mV”.

When a change value of the voltage at time t ₄ ~ time t ₅ indicates within a predetermined range .DELTA.B, determination unit 42 includes a voltage value V ₅ at time t _5, at time t ₆ (above atmospheric time t ₅₎ The voltage value V ₆ is compared. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 compares the time t ₅ the voltage value V ₅ "453mV" in "1.25s", the voltage value V ₆ "325mV" at time t ₆ "1.55s" and . Then, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the voltage decrease value from the time t ₅ to the time t ₆ is within a predetermined range ΔC. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage decrease value “128 mV” from time t ₅ to time t ₆ is within a predetermined range ΔC “48 mV to 220 mV”.

When the voltage decrease value from the time t ₅ to the time t ₆ is within the predetermined range ΔC, the determination unit 42 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. In other words, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the determination unit 42 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal.

  Here, the predetermined time T, the predetermined range ΔA, the predetermined range ΔB, and the predetermined range ΔC are recorded in advance in a memory (not shown) of the determination unit 42.

When the voltage change value from time t ₃ to time t ₄ does not indicate the predetermined range ΔB, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage decrease value from time t ₃ to time t ₄ is within the predetermined range ΔC. If the voltage decrease value from time t ₃ to time t ₄ is within the predetermined range ΔC, a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal is output. Anyway.

When the voltage change value from time t ₄ to time t ₅ does not indicate the predetermined range ΔB, the determination unit 42 determines that the voltage decrease value from time t ₄ to time t ₅ is within the predetermined range ΔC. If the voltage decrease value from time t ₄ to time t ₅ is within the predetermined range ΔC, a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal is output. Anyway.

  That is, the determination unit 42 according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the human slowly chews the gum with the back teeth once (see FIG. 5), when the human unconsciously blinks once (see FIG. 6), When walking on a flat ground paved at a speed of about 1 m / s (see FIG. 7), or when a person utters an arbitrary conversation (see FIG. 8), the generation signal is not output. That is, as described above, the determination unit 42 according to the present embodiment can output a generation signal only when a human continues to bite back teeth for about 1 second (see FIG. 4).

  Further, the determination unit 42 according to the present embodiment does not depend on the distance between the sensor 3 and the temple of the temple A, and the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 shows a predetermined variation pattern. The generation signal can be output. Thereby, the user wearing the input device 1 according to the present embodiment does not need to adjust the position of the sensor 3 strictly. Therefore, the user's trouble can be saved.

  As a result, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, turns on / off the power to an external device, plays / stops the music player, clicks the mouse, and the disabled person such as eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Therefore, the input interface can be applied to various uses such as a communication device for learning or a device for teaching mastication. The input device 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured as a wearable computer by connecting to an external device such as a head mounted display, a headphone speaker, and a bone conduction speaker.

  In the above description, when the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 shows a predetermined variation pattern in unit time, the determination unit 42 generates a generation signal that instructs generation of a “High” control signal. Although the example to output was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. For example, when the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 indicates a threshold value or more in unit time, the determination unit 42 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. Also good.

  By the way, the signal generation unit 4 is also realized by installing a program in an arbitrary computer such as a personal computer. That is, the signal processing unit 41, the determination unit 42, and the control signal output unit 43 are realized by the CPU of the computer operating according to a program that realizes these functions. Therefore, a program for realizing the functions of the signal processing unit 41, the determination unit 42, and the control signal output unit 43 or a recording medium on which the program is recorded is also an embodiment of the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the input device 1 according to the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the input device 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the sensor 3 detects a change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of the lower jaw 6 as a detection signal (step Op1). The signal processing unit 41 converts the detection signal detected in step Op1 into a digital signal (step Op2).

  Next, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not the digital signal converted in step Op2 shows a predetermined variation pattern in unit time (step Op3). If the determination unit 42 determines that the digital signal converted in step Op2 indicates a predetermined variation pattern in unit time (YES in step Op3), the determination unit 42 instructs generation of a control signal of “High”. A generation signal to be output is output (step Op4). The control signal output unit 43 generates a “High” control signal based on the generation signal output in step Op4 (step Op5). The control signal output unit 43 outputs the “High” control signal generated in Step Op5 to the external device (Step Op6).

  On the other hand, if the determination unit 42 determines that the digital signal converted in step Op2 does not indicate a predetermined variation pattern in unit time (NO in step Op3), the control signal output unit 43 A control signal “Low” is generated (step Op7). The control signal output unit 43 outputs the “Low” control signal generated in step Op7 to an external device (step Op8).

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the sensor 3 detects the change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw 6. The signal generator 4 generates a control signal based on the variation of the skin of the temple A. Thereby, compared with the said conventional input device, the manufacturing cost of an input device can be reduced and it can reduce in size.

  Further, when the user wears the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can operate an external device, for example, simply by moving the lower jaw 6. The lower jaw 6 can be moved with a small movement compared to movement of the limbs, movement of the neck, movement of the eyebrows, blinking, etc., and a third person other than the person who moves the lower jaw 6 can move the lower jaw 6. It is hard to notice movement. For this reason, even when the user uses the input device 1 in a public place, for example, the external device can be operated with extremely natural movement without being noticed by anyone. In addition, the user can use the input device 1 without impairing sight, hearing, sense of caries, smell, taste, and the like.

  In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, an example in which a “High” control signal is output when a human continues to bite back teeth for about 1 second has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the back teeth are bitten twice, a “High” control signal may be output. In other words, by combining various methods of tightening the back teeth (a certain time, number of times, etc.), when a human performs an operation corresponding to this combination, a “High” control signal may be output. In addition, when a human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second, a “Low” control signal may be output instead of outputting a “High” control signal.

  In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the example in which the sensor 3 detects the change in the epidermis of the temple A with the movement of the lower jaw 6 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 3 may detect a change in the epidermis of the cheek accompanying the movement of the lower jaw 6 or may detect a change in the epidermis around the mouth. That is, if the sensor 3 can detect the change of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the lower jaw 6, it is not limited to the epidermis of temple A.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, when the human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second, the control signal output unit outputs a “High” control signal to the external device. In other cases, the control signal output unit outputs “Low”. The example in which the control signal "" is output to the external device has been described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, an example in which the control signal output unit outputs various control signals to an external device according to various patterns for tightening the back teeth will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sensor 3 and the signal generation unit 8 in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment. 10, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where a music player, which is an external device, is connected to the input device 1 in a wired or wireless manner will be described.

  A signal generation unit 8 shown in FIG. 10 includes a storage unit 81 in addition to the signal generation unit 4 shown in FIG. 10 includes a determination unit 82 and a control signal output unit 83 instead of the determination unit 42 and the control signal output unit 43 illustrated in FIG.

  The storage unit 81 stores a predetermined variation pattern indicated by the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 and a plurality of sets of control signals corresponding to the variation pattern. Note that the storage unit 81 may store only one set of the variation pattern and the control signal. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 81. Here, the fluctuation pattern A is a pattern in a case where the human continues to bite the back teeth for a certain time after quickly biting the back teeth. The variation pattern B is a pattern when a human continues to bite the back teeth slowly and then continues to bite for a certain period of time. The variation pattern C is a pattern in a case where a human slowly bites the back teeth and then continues to bite the back teeth for a certain time after slowly biting the back teeth again. The variation pattern D is a pattern in a case where a human quickly tightens the back teeth and then continues to tighten the back teeth for a certain period of time after quickly tightening the back teeth again. 11 schematically shows the variation pattern and the control signal for convenience of explanation, but in reality, the storage unit 81 has a binary pattern so that the variation pattern and the control signal can be processed by the signal generation unit 8. Stored as data.

  The determination unit 82 determines which variation pattern among the plurality of variation patterns stored in the storage unit 81 is indicated by the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41a in a unit time, and the signal It is determined which variation pattern among the plurality of variation patterns stored in the storage unit 81 is indicated by the digital signal output from the processing unit 41b. The determination unit 82 reads out from the storage unit 81 a control signal corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the digital signals output from the signal processing unit 41a and the signal processing unit 41b. The determination unit 82 outputs a generation signal that instructs generation of the read control signal.

  Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the digital signals output from the signal processing unit 41a and the signal processing unit 41b are signals when a human continues to bite the back teeth for a certain period of time. That is, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 82 determines that the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 41 a and the signal processing unit 41 b indicates the variation pattern A of the storage unit 81. The determination unit 82 reads the control signal “play / stop” corresponding to the variation pattern A from the storage unit 81. The determination unit 82 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a control signal indicating “reproduction / stop”.

  The control signal output unit 83 generates a control signal indicating “reproduction / stop” based on the generation signal output from the determination unit 82. The control signal output unit 83 outputs the generated control signal indicating “play / stop” to the music player. The control signal output unit 83 may have a function of generating a control signal so as to match the characteristics of the music player to which the control signal is input.

  As a result, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment is an input interface that can play back music based on the control signal indicating “play / stop” when the music player is stopped, for example. In addition, for example, when the music player is playing a music piece, the input interface can stop the music piece based on a control signal indicating “play / stop”.

  As described above, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the storage unit 81 stores at least one variation pattern and at least one control signal corresponding to at least one variation pattern. The determination unit 82 determines a variation pattern that matches the variation of the epidermis among at least one variation pattern. The control signal output unit 83 outputs a control signal corresponding to the matching variation pattern. Accordingly, the control signal output unit 83 can output various control signals according to various skin fluctuation patterns.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the variation of the epidermis of the left and right temples A is detected by the pair of sensors 3a and 3b has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the change in the skin of either temple A of the left or right temple A may be detected by any one of the right sensor 3a and the left sensor 3b.

[Embodiment 3]
In Embodiments 1 and 2, the input device detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw, generates a control signal based on the detected change in the epidermis, and outputs the generated control signal to an external device. An example was described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the input device detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human eyelid, generates a control signal based on the detected change in the epidermis, and uses the generated control signal as an external device. An example of outputting to will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mounting the input device 11 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view of a human face wearing the input device 11 according to the present embodiment as seen from an oblique direction.

  That is, the input device 11 according to the present embodiment includes a mounting unit 12, a sensor 13, and a signal generation unit 14.

  The mounting part 12 has a glasses-like shape. That is, when the person wears normal glasses using the input device 11 according to the present embodiment, the mounting unit 12 is mounted on the human face F as shown in FIG. Here, in the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the mounting unit 12 is provided with the sensor 13 so as to correspond to the human right portion B. The sensor 13 is provided in the mounting portion 12 so as not to contact the human epidermis (skin). The sensor 13 is composed of, for example, an optical sensor, and is a sensor that detects a change in the epidermis in the right portion B accompanying a movement of closing the human eyelid. Note that the input device 11 according to the present embodiment is different from the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the mounting unit 12 is provided with only one sensor. The signal generation unit 14 is configured by, for example, a single chip microcomputer, and outputs a control signal for controlling the external device to the external device based on the change in the epidermis of the part B detected by the sensor 13.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the ocular muscles. As shown in FIG. 13, the ocular muscle 15 is a muscle around the human eye. Here, for example, when a human consciously moves to close the eyelid 16, the eyelid muscle 15 changes with the movement to close the eyelid 16. As the ocular muscle 15 changes, the epidermis behind the human eye is pulled toward the human eye. Thereby, the epidermis of the site | part B fluctuates. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the change of the epidermis of the right part B is detected by mounting the input device 11 on the human face F so that the sensor 13 corresponds to the right part B. . That is, since the epidermis of the part B varies, the distance between the sensor 13 and the epidermis of the part B changes. Here, unlike the temple A shown in FIG. 2, the part B according to the present embodiment is a region in the vicinity of and behind the human eye.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the input device 11 is mounted on the human face F so that the sensor 13 corresponds to the right part B has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the input device 11 may be mounted on the human face F so that the sensor 13 corresponds to the left part B. Thereby, the sensor 13 can detect the fluctuation | variation of the epidermis of the site | part B on the left side.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sensor 13 and the signal generation unit 14 in the input device 11 according to the present embodiment.

  The sensor 13 has the same function as the sensor 3 shown in FIG. That is, the sensor 13 includes a light irradiation unit 131, a light receiving unit 132, and a detection unit 133, similarly to the sensor 3 shown in FIG. The light irradiation unit 131 irradiates the site B with detection light. The light receiving unit 132 receives the detection light reflected by the part B as reflected light. The detection unit 133 detects the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 132 as a detection signal. That is, the detection unit 133 detects a change in the epidermis of the part B accompanying the movement of closing the human eyelid 16 as a change in the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 132. The detection unit 133 outputs the detected detection signal to the signal generation unit 14.

  The signal generation unit 14 is composed of, for example, a single chip microcomputer, similarly to the signal generation unit 4 shown in FIG. 1, and based on the detection signal output from the sensor 13, a “High” control signal or “Low” The control signal is generated, and the generated “High” control signal or “Low” control signal is output to an external device. Therefore, the signal generation unit 14 includes a signal processing unit 141, a determination unit 142, and a control signal output unit 143.

  The signal processing unit 141 has the same function as the signal processing unit 41 shown in FIG. That is, the signal processing unit 141 converts the detection signal output from the sensor 13 into a digital signal.

  When the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 141 indicates a predetermined variation pattern in unit time, the determination unit 142 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. In the present embodiment, when a human consciously performs an operation of closing the eyelid 16, the determination unit 142 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. In the present embodiment, consciously closing the eyelid 16 means that a human closes the eyelid 16 slightly stronger for 0.3 seconds or more.

  The control signal output unit 143 has the same function as the control signal output unit 43 shown in FIG. That is, the control signal output unit 143 generates a “High” control signal based on the generation signal output from the determination unit 142. The control signal output unit 143 outputs the generated “High” control signal to the external device. The control signal output unit 143 generates a “Low” control signal when the generation signal is not output from the determination unit 142. The control signal output unit 143 outputs the generated “Low” control signal to an external device.

  Hereinafter, specific processing performed by the determination unit 142 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human consciously closes the eyelid 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human slowly chews gum with the back teeth once. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human unconsciously blinks once. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human walks on a paved plain at a speed of about 1 m / second. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal when a human utters an arbitrary conversation. 15 to 19, the vertical axis represents voltage (mV), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds).

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the sensor 13 outputs the detection signal illustrated in FIG. 15 to the signal generation unit 14. Determination unit 142, first, a voltage value V ₁ at time t _1, (greater than the time t ₁₎ time t ₂ compares definitive the voltage value V _2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the determination unit 142 compares the voltage value V ₁ “1885 mV” at time t ₁ “0.2 s” with the voltage value V ₂ “1650 mV” at time t ₂ “0.5 s”. . Then, the determination unit 142 determines whether or not the voltage decrease value from the time t ₁ to the time t ₂ is within the predetermined range ΔD. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the determination unit 142 determines that the voltage decrease value “235 mV” from time t ₁ to time t ₂ is within a predetermined range ΔD “146 mV to 586 mV”.

When the voltage decrease value from time t ₁ to time t ₂ is within the predetermined range ΔD, the determination unit 142 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the determination unit 142 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a “High” control signal. The predetermined range ΔD is recorded in advance in a memory (not shown) of the determination unit 142.

  That is, the determination unit 142 according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the human slowly chews the gum once with the back teeth (see FIG. 16), when the human unconsciously blinks once (see FIG. 17), When walking on a flat ground paved at a speed of about 1 m / sec (see FIG. 18), when a person utters an arbitrary conversation (see FIG. 19), the generation signal is not output. That is, as described above, the determination unit 142 according to the present embodiment can output a generation signal only when a human consciously closes the eyelid 16 (see FIG. 15).

  Thereby, the input device 11 according to the present embodiment, for example, as in the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1, for example, power ON / OFF for external devices, playback / stop for a music player, mouse click operation, eyes, ears It becomes an input interface that can be applied to various uses such as a communication device for handicapped persons with disabilities such as hands and feet. Further, the input device 11 according to the present embodiment can be configured as a wearable computer by connecting to an external device such as a head mounted display, a headphone speaker, and a bone conduction speaker.

  Furthermore, the input device 11 according to the present embodiment detects a change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of closing the human eyelid 16, generates a control signal based on the detected change in the epidermis, and sends the generated control signal to an external device. Output. For this reason, the input device 11 according to the present embodiment is different from the input devices according to the first and second embodiments, for example, even an elderly person with a reduced masticatory function that cannot keep biting the back teeth for about 1 second. Only by consciously closing the eyelid 16 can a control signal be output to an external device.

[Embodiment 4]
In Embodiments 1 and 2, the input device detects a change in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw, generates a control signal based on the detected change in the epidermis, and outputs the generated control signal to an external device. An example was described. In the third embodiment, the input device detects a change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human eyelid, generates a control signal based on the detected change in the epidermis, and outputs the generated control signal to an external device. An example was described. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the input device detects changes in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw and changes in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human eyelid, and based on the detected changes in the epidermis. An example in which each control signal is generated and each generated control signal is output to an external device will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mounting the input device 21 according to the present embodiment. 20A is a front view of a human face wearing the input device 21 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 20B is a human face wearing the input device 21 according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the head from the upper surface.

  That is, the input device 21 according to the present embodiment includes a mounting unit 22, a sensor 23, and a signal generation unit 24. That is, in the input device 21 according to the present embodiment, as in the input device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounting unit 22 is mounted from the forehead to the ears of the human head H. A sensor 23 is provided so as to correspond to the temple A on the right side. Note that the input device 21 according to the present embodiment is different from the input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the mounting portion 22 is provided with only one sensor.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the sensor 23 and the signal generation unit 24 in the input device 21 according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where a mouse, which is an external device, is connected to the input device 21 in a wired or wireless manner will be described.

  The sensor 23 has the same function as the sensor 3 shown in FIG. That is, the sensor 23 includes a light irradiation unit 231, a light receiving unit 232, and a detection unit 233, similar to the sensor 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. The light irradiation unit 231 irradiates the temple A with detection light. The light receiving unit 232 receives the detection light reflected by the temple A as reflected light. The detector 233 detects the amount of reflected light received by the light receiver 232 as a detection signal. That is, the detection unit 233 detects a change in the epidermis of the temple A according to the movement of the human lower jaw as a change in the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 232. Further, the detection unit 233 detects a change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying a movement of closing the human eyelid as a change in the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving unit 232. The detection unit 233 outputs the detected detection signal to the signal generation unit 24.

  The signal generator 24 is composed of, for example, a single-chip microcomputer, similar to the signal generator 4 shown in FIG. 1, and based on the detection signal output from the sensor 23, a “High” control signal or “Low” The control signal is generated, and the generated “High” control signal or “Low” control signal is output to an external device. Therefore, the signal generation unit 24 includes a signal processing unit 241, a storage unit 242, a determination unit 243, and a control signal output unit 244.

  The signal processing unit 241 has the same function as the signal processing unit 41 shown in FIG. That is, the signal processing unit 241 converts the detection signal output from the sensor 23 into a digital signal.

  The storage unit 242 stores a plurality of sets of a predetermined variation pattern indicated by the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 241 and control signals corresponding to the variation pattern. FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of data stored in the storage unit 242. Here, the variation pattern M is a pattern when the sensor 23 detects the variation of the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of the lower jaw of the human. That is, the variation pattern M is a pattern when a human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second. The variation pattern N is a pattern in the case where the sensor 23 detects a variation in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying a movement of closing the human eyelid. That is, the variation pattern N is a pattern when a human performs an operation of consciously closing the eyelid.

  The determination unit 243 determines which variation pattern of the plurality of variation patterns stored in the storage unit 242 indicates the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 241 in unit time. In the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, the determination unit 243 indicates that the increase value of the voltage is within the predetermined range ΔA and the change value of the voltage is within the predetermined range ΔB. If the decrease value of the voltage is within the predetermined range ΔC, it is determined that the pattern is a pattern when the human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second. In addition, as described in the third embodiment, the determination unit 243 is a pattern in a case where a human performs an operation of consciously closing the eyelid when the voltage decrease value is within the predetermined range ΔD. It is determined that The determination unit 243 reads a control signal corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 241 from the storage unit 242. The determination unit 243 outputs a generation signal that instructs generation of the read control signal.

  Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 241 is a signal when a human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second. That is, in this embodiment, the determination unit 243 determines that the digital signal output from the signal processing unit 241 indicates the variation pattern M of the storage unit 242. The determination unit 243 reads the control signal “right click” corresponding to the variation pattern M from the storage unit 242. The determination unit 243 outputs a generation signal instructing generation of a control signal indicating “right click”.

  The control signal output unit 244 generates a control signal indicating “right click” based on the generation signal output from the determination unit 243. The control signal output unit 244 outputs the generated control signal indicating “right click” to the mouse. Note that the control signal output unit 244 may have a function of generating a control signal so as to match the characteristics of the mouse to which the control signal is input.

  As a result, the input device 21 according to the present embodiment outputs a control signal indicating “right click” to the mouse, for example, when the human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second, and the human eyelid When the operation of consciously closing is performed, a control signal indicating “left click” can be output to the mouse.

  In the input device 21 according to the present embodiment, the sensor 23 detects a change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw and a change in the epidermis of the temple A accompanying the movement of closing the human eyelid. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the temple A, the sensor 23 may detect a change in the epidermis of the part B described in the third embodiment. That is, if the sensor 23 can detect the change of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw and the change of the epidermis accompanying the movement of closing the human eyelid, it is not limited to the epidermis of the temple A.

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the example has been described in which the sensor detects the change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of closing the human eyelid. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sensor may detect changes in the epidermis associated with the movement of opening the human eyelid.

[Embodiment 5]
In the first embodiment, the example in which the input device detects the change of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw has been described. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the input device amplifies and detects a change in the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of mounting the input device 31 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a top view of a human head wearing the input device 31 according to the present embodiment.

  That is, the input device 31 according to the present embodiment includes an attachment frame 32, a fixing portion 33, a right contact portion 34a, a left contact portion 34b, a right connection portion 35a, a left connection portion 35b, a right sensor 36a, a left sensor 36b, and A signal generation unit 37 is provided.

  The attachment frame 32 is provided with a fixing portion 33 so as to correspond to the back of the human head H (directly behind). The fixing unit 33 is a member for fixing the input device 31 to the human head H so that the input device 31 attached to the human head H is not displaced. For this reason, the fixing | fixed part 33 is provided in the attachment frame 32 so that the human head H may contact the back head.

  Further, a right contact portion 34a is provided at an end portion of the attachment frame 32 so as to correspond to a human right portion C. Further, a left contact portion 34b is provided at the end of the attachment frame 32 so as to correspond to the left portion C of the human. Here, the contact part 34 is comprised with the components which consist of plastics, for example, and the sponge formed in the upper surface of this component. The contact portion 34 is provided on the attachment frame 32 so as to contact the part C. In addition, the site | part C is one area | region of the epidermis (skin) corresponding to a temporal muscle.

  That is, the input device 31 according to the present embodiment is mounted (fixed) on the human head H by the three members of the fixing portion 33, the right contact portion 34a, and the left contact portion 34b. That is, when a human spreads the attachment frame 32 outward by hand and inserts it into the head H and releases the hand, an elastic force acts toward the inner side of the human head H. It is attached to.

  Furthermore, the right connection part 35a and the left connection part 35b are provided in the edge part of the attachment frame 32. As shown in FIG. That is, the connecting portion 35 is provided at the end of the attachment frame 32 so as to extend toward the front of the human face. Further, a right sensor 36a is provided at the end of the right connection portion 35a so as to correspond to the human right portion D. A left sensor 36b is provided at the end of the left connecting portion 35b so as to correspond to the left part D of the human. Part D is an area of the epidermis located slightly ahead of part C.

  The sensor 36 includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates the part D with light, a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the part D, and a detection unit that detects the amount of reflected light.

  The signal generation unit 37 is provided in the right connection unit 35a so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the right sensor 36a. The sensor 36 and the signal generator 37 according to the present embodiment have the same functions as the sensor 3 and the signal generator 4 shown in FIG.

  Here, as described in Embodiment 1, when a human moves the lower jaw by, for example, chewing or tightening the back teeth, the temporal muscle, which is one of the masticatory muscles, contracts (changes). That is, when the human moves the lower jaw by chewing or tightening the back teeth, the temporal muscles are raised. For this reason, when a human moves the lower jaw by chewing or tightening the back teeth, the temporal muscle is raised, so that the contact portion 34 provided corresponding to the region C is in the direction of the arrow P shown in FIG. Will be pushed to.

  That is, a force is applied from the part C to the contact portion 34 in the direction of the arrow P shown in FIG. In this case, the fixing part 33 functions as a fulcrum and the sensor 36 functions as an action point. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship among the fixing portion 33 that functions as a fulcrum, the contact portion 34 that functions as a force point, and the sensor 36 that functions as an action point. In FIG. 24, the attachment frame 32 is represented by a straight line for convenience of explanation. As shown in FIG. 24, since the fixed portion 33 is a fulcrum, the contact portion 34 is a force point, and the sensor 36 is an action point, the amount of movement of the contact portion 34 pushed in the direction of arrow P is amplified and transmitted to the sensor 36. It will be. That is, the sensor 36 moves in the direction of the arrow P ′ that is the same direction as the direction of the arrow P. That is, the sensor 36 moves away from the part D in synchronization with the movement of the temporal muscle (the rise of the temporal muscle). Here, if the movement amount (variation amount) of the contact portion 34 in the direction of the arrow P is M, the movement amount (variation amount) of the sensor 36 in the direction of the arrow P ′ is M ′ obtained by amplifying the M. (The principle of leverage). For this reason, even if the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw (that is, the variation of the region C) is weak, the sensor 36 changes with the movement (variation) of the sensor 36. It is possible to reliably detect the distance between the two.

  That is, for example, when the detection signal detected by the sensor 36 is electrically amplified, noise included in the detection signal is also amplified. On the other hand, the input device 31 according to the present embodiment uses the principle with the fixing portion 33 as the fulcrum, the contact portion 34 as the force point, and the sensor 36 as the action point, thereby accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw. Since fluctuations in the epidermis are mechanically amplified, noise is not amplified. The connection part 35 amplifies the fluctuation of the contact part 34 and transmits it to the sensor 36. The input device 31 according to the present embodiment can more reliably detect changes in the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw than in the aspect of electrically amplifying.

  The signal generator 37 generates a control signal based on the distance between the sensor 36 and the part D. For example, the signal generation unit 37 generates a control signal based on a distance displacement pattern.

  In this embodiment, the site | part in which the contact part 34 is provided is not limited to the epidermis part which fluctuates with a motion of a human lower jaw. Any part of the human epidermis may be used. For example, it may be a portion that varies with the movement of the human eyelid.

  Hair may be present on the epidermis portion that varies with the movement of the human lower jaw. By configuring so as to detect the distance between the sensor 36 and the part D, which changes with the movement (variation) of the sensor 36, the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the input device 31 relative to the head increases.

  In the present embodiment, the part D is a region of the epidermis located slightly ahead of the part C. However, as long as the part D is different from the part C, the position of the part D is not limited.

  The above-described embodiment shows a specific example of the embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made.

  FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the contact portion 34, the connection portion 35, and the sensor 36 of the input device according to the modified example. That is, FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the contact portion 34, the connection portion 35, and the sensor 36 when viewed from the viewpoint of FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, the input device according to the modified example is provided with a cover 38 at the end of the attachment frame 32. Further, the cover 38 is provided with a rotating portion 39 on which the contact portion 34, the connecting portion 35, and the sensor 36 are rotatably supported with respect to the cover 38.

Here, for example, a case is considered where a force is applied from the part C to the contact portion 34 in the direction of the arrow P ₁ shown in FIG. In this case, the point E _{1 of the} contact portion 34 where a force is applied from the part C to the contact portion 34 is a force point. Moreover, the rotation part 39 functions as a fulcrum, and the sensor 36 functions as an action point. That is, in this case, the fulcrum is located between the power point and the action point. For this reason, by the lever principle (so-called seesaw), the amount of movement of the contact portion 34 pushed in the direction of the arrow P ₁ is amplified and transmitted to the sensor 36. That is, the sensor 36 will move in the direction of the arrow P ₁ 'is in the direction opposite arrow P _1. That is, the sensor 36 moves so as to approach the part D in synchronization with the movement of the temporal muscle (the rise of the temporal muscle). Here, if the movement amount of the contact portion 34 in the direction of the arrow P ₁ and N _1, arrow P ₁ 'moving amount of the sensor 36 in the direction of the N ₁ to the N ₁ is amplified' it becomes. For this reason, even if the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw (that is, the variation of the region C) is weak, the sensor 36 changes with the movement (variation) of the sensor 36. The input device according to the modified example can reliably detect the variation of the part C.

Further, for example, by a human moves the lower jaw, in the direction of the arrow P ₂ shown in FIG. 25, a case where force is applied from the portion C to the contact portion 34. In this case, the point E _{2 of the} contact part 34 where a force is applied from the part C to the contact part 34 is a force point. Moreover, the rotation part 39 functions as a fulcrum, and the sensor 36 functions as an action point. That is, in this case, the force point is located between the fulcrum and the action point. For this reason, by the lever principle (so-called seesaw), the amount of movement of the contact portion 34 pushed in the direction of the arrow P ₂ is amplified and transmitted to the sensor 36. That is, the sensor 36 will move in the direction of the same direction as the direction of the arrow P ₂ arrow P ₂ '. That is, the sensor 36 moves away from the part D in synchronization with the movement of the temporal muscle (the rise of the temporal muscle). Here, if the movement amount of the contact portion 34 in the direction of the arrow P ₂ and N _2, arrow P ₂ 'the amount of movement of the sensor 36 in the direction of the N ₂ where the N ₂ was amplified' becomes. For this reason, even if the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw (that is, the variation of the region C) is weak, the sensor 36 changes with the movement (variation) of the sensor 36. The input device according to the modified example can reliably detect the variation of the part C.

  Note that the above modification is not limited to providing the cover 38 at the end of the attachment frame 32. If the attachment frame 32 has the function of the cover 38, the cover 38 is unnecessary.

  In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the example in which the lever principle is used to amplify and detect the variation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the sensor is configured to move according to the variation of the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw, it is not always necessary to amplify the variation of the epidermis associated with the movement of the human lower jaw using the lever principle. Good. For example, when the fixing portion 33 is located at the apex of the head H (just above the head), the fixing portion 33 does not function as a fulcrum. In other words, the lever principle cannot be used in this case. Therefore, if the amount of movement of the contact portion 34 in the direction of arrow P shown in FIG. 23 is M, the amount of movement of the sensor 36 in the direction of arrow P ′ is also M. That is, the sensor 36 detects the movement amount M that changes as the sensor 36 moves (fluctuates), so that the input device 31 detects the fluctuation of the epidermis accompanying the movement of the human lower jaw.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the input device including the connection unit 35 has been described. However, the input device includes a contact unit 34, a sensor 36, and a signal generation unit 37, and the sensor 36 controls the amount of movement. The connection part 35 may not be provided as long as it can be detected. In this case, for example, the sensor 36 is provided in the contact portion 34, and the sensor varies with the variation of the contact portion. And the sensor 36 detects the distance between the sensor 36 and the site | part D which changes with the fluctuation | variation of a sensor.

  The present invention is not limited to the first to fifth embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention is useful as an input device that outputs a control signal to an external device based on a detection result of a sensor.

1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of wearing the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a diagram of a human face viewed from the front, and FIG. It is the figure seen from the upper surface. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the temporal muscle which is one of masticatory muscles. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sensor and signal generation part in the said input device. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human continues to bite the back teeth for about 1 second. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human slowly chews gum with a back tooth once. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human unconsciously blinks once. It is a figure which shows an example of a detection signal when a human walks on the ground paved at the speed | rate of about 1 m / s. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a person speaks arbitrary conversations. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of the said input device. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sensor and signal generation part in the input device which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the example of data stored in the said storage part. It is the schematic which shows the example of mounting | wearing of the input device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of an ocular ring muscle. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sensor and signal generation part in the said input device. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human consciously closes the eyelid. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human slowly chews gum with a back tooth once. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a human unconsciously blinks once. It is a figure which shows an example of a detection signal when a human walks on the ground paved at the speed | rate of about 1 m / s. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection signal when a person speaks arbitrary conversations. It is the schematic which shows the example of mounting | wearing of the input device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, Fig.1 (a) is the figure which looked at the human face from the front, FIG.1 (b) is the human head. It is the figure seen from the upper surface. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the sensor and signal generation part in the said input device. It is a figure which shows typically the example of data stored in the said storage part. It is the schematic which shows the example of mounting | wearing of the input device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship of the fixing part which functions as a fulcrum, the amplification part which functions as a power point, and the sensor which functions as an action point. It is the figure which expanded and represented the amplification part of the input device which concerns on the example of a change, a connection part, and a sensor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input device 11 Input device 21 Input device 31 Input device 3a Right sensor 3b Left sensor 4 Signal generation part 8 Signal generation part 6 Mandible 13 Sensor 16 Eyelid 23 Sensor 34a Right contact part 34b Left contact part 36a Right sensor 36b Left sensor 81 Storage Unit 41a signal processing unit 41b signal processing unit 42 determination unit 43 control signal output unit 82 determination unit 83 control signal output unit 141 signal processing unit 142 determination unit 143 control signal output unit 241 signal processing unit 242 storage unit 243 determination unit 244 control signal Output section

Claims (7)

An input device that outputs a control signal for controlling an external device to the external device,
A contact portion that contacts a human epidermis part and varies with the variation of the epidermis part;
A sensor that varies with variation of the contact portion;
A signal generation unit for generating the control signal,
The sensor, there is further detecting variations in the skin portion associated with movement of the human eyelid and detects the variation of the skin portion associated with movement of a human lower jaw, yet,
The sensor includes: a light irradiating unit that irradiates light on a skin part different from the skin part; a light receiving part that receives reflected light reflected by the different skin part; and a detection part that detects a light amount of the reflected light. And detecting a distance between the sensor and the skin part different from the skin part, which varies with the variation of the sensor,
The signal generation unit is an input device that generates the control signal based on the distance. Connected to the contact portion, further comprising a connection portion that varies with the variation of the contact portion,
The sensor is provided in the connection portion,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit transmits the variation of the contact unit to the sensor.   The input device according to claim 2, wherein the connection unit amplifies a variation of the contact unit and transmits the amplified variation to the sensor. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the skin portion is a skin portion of a temple. The signal generating unit, in accordance with the pattern of variations of the skin portion to generate the control signal input device according to any one of claims 1-4. The control signal is a binary signal,
The signal generation unit generates one of the binary signals when the variation pattern of the skin portion is the first pattern, and the variation pattern of the skin portion is the second pattern. 6. The input device according to claim 5 , wherein in some cases, the other of the binary signals is generated. The signal generator is
A storage unit storing at least one pattern and at least one control signal corresponding to the at least one pattern;
A determination unit that determines a pattern that matches the variation of the epidermis portion of the at least one pattern;
The input device according to claim 5 , further comprising: a control signal output unit that outputs a control signal corresponding to the matching pattern.

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