JP7194519B2 - CONTENT PLAYBACK DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announcement on December 20, 2017

The present invention relates to a content reproduction device and control method.

In recent years, a content playback device installed in game arcades, commercial facilities, etc., is equipped with a head mounted display (HMD) on the user's head, and depending on the situation of the content, vibration etc. is sent to the user. There is known a content reproducing device that makes users feel.

JP 2017-102401 A

However, in the conventional technology, for example, when the user carries baggage or the like, the user may be concerned about theft of the baggage, and may not be able to concentrate on the content or experience.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technology that enables a user to concentrate more on content and the like.

A content reproducing device having a locker for storing articles and a display device that can be worn on a user's head, and displaying content on the display device, is provided so that the user is required to fasten the seat belt before the content is reproduced. If the seatbelt is worn, the electronic lock of the locker is locked, and after the content playback is completed, the guidance is played to prompt the seatbelt to be removed, and the seatbelt is removed. a control unit for unlocking the electronic lock of the locker .

According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to allow the user to concentrate more on the content or the like.

1 is a diagram showing an example of a housing of a content reproduction device according to an embodiment; FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an arrangement example of a content reproduction device according to an embodiment; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an arrangement example of a content reproduction device according to an embodiment; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and an arrangement example of a content reproduction device according to an embodiment; It is a figure explaining an example of the hardware constitutions of a control apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a control device. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a control unit; 5 is a flowchart showing an example of preprocessing by a control unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the user to store luggage in the storage device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the user to wear a seatbelt; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the wearing of a head-mounted display or the like; 6 is a flowchart showing an example of post-processing by a control unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the user to take out a package from the storage device;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

<Case of Content Playback Device>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a housing 100 of a content reproduction device 10 according to an embodiment. The housing 100 has a front body 100A and a rear body 100B. The rear body 100B is provided with a riding section 103 for the user to sit on while reproducing content. When the front body 100A and the rear body 100B are connected, the user can enter the inside of the housing 100 from between the front body 100A and the rear body 100B.

The content reproduction device 10 reproduces (executes) game software (computer game) and moving images such as movies (hereinafter referred to as “content”). Note that the content reproduction device 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, a game device installed in a game center or the like. Note that the content reproduction device 10 according to the embodiment may be installed in movie theaters, amusement parks, and the like. When installed in a movie theater or an amusement park, the content reproduction device 10 may not have the housing 100 . Further, the housing 100 may be shaped like a private room or a vehicle, for example.

<Configuration of Content Playback Device>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the configuration and layout example of the content reproduction device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. 2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the content reproduction device 10 according to the embodiment and an arrangement example.

FIG. 2A shows the configuration of the content reproduction device 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2B shows an arrangement example of each device in the front body 100A. FIG. 2C shows an arrangement example of each device in the rear body 100B.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the content reproduction device 10 includes a housing 100, a head mounted display 101A, headphones 101B, a controller 102, a riding section 103, a sensory device 104A, a sensory device 104B, a sensory device 104C, and a sensory device 104D. , . ), a camera 108, a control device 110, and the like.

The head mounted display 101A, the headphones 101B, the controller 102, the sensory device 104, the seat belt 105, the monitor 106A, the speaker 106B, the storage device 107, and the camera 108 are connected to the control device 110 by cables or the like.

The head-mounted display 101A is, for example, a display device (headset) that can be worn on the user's head, and is a three-dimensional virtual reality (3D virtual reality) that can be viewed 360 degrees in response to changes in the user's line-of-sight direction during content playback. VR, Virtual Reality) video is displayed. Further, the head mounted display 101A displays, for example, an image of guidance prompting the wearing of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 before the reproduction of the content is started. Further, the head mounted display 101A displays, for example, a guidance image prompting removal of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 after the reproduction of the content is finished.

The headphone 101B is, for example, a headphone worn on the user's head, and outputs the sound of content and the like. Also, the headphone 101B outputs, for example, a guidance voice prompting the wearing of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 before content reproduction is started. Also, the headphone 101B, for example, outputs a guidance voice prompting the removal of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 after the reproduction of the content is finished. Note that the head mounted display 101A and the headphones 101B may be configured as an integrated device.

The controller 102 may be, for example, a known game controller or a simplified substantially stick-shaped controller. Further, the controller 102 may be one that can be operated by voice input, or may be a touch panel. Alternatively, for example, a virtual touch panel may be used in which the head mounted display 101A is displayed as if there is a touch panel input device in front of the user, and the user inputs to the virtual touch panel by moving his/her finger in the air.

The sensory device 104A is, for example, an actuator, and is a device that moves the riding section 103 up and down, back and forth, and left and right in accordance with the situation of the content being reproduced, and allows the user to experience shaking, vibration, and the like.

The sensory device 104B is a device that emits a scent, and is a device that allows the user to experience the scent while reproducing the content.

The sensory device 104C is a device for sending air, hot air, cold air, air mixed with fog, etc., and includes, for example, a Peltier element, a humidifying device, and a blowing device. The sensory device 104C makes the user feel, for example, the expansion of the space due to the wind during the reproduction of the content. Also, the sensory device 104C, for example, uses warm air and cold air to make the user feel changes in the environment. Also, the sensory device 104C makes the weather such as rain and humidity feel by wind mixed with fog, for example.

The sensory device 104D has, for example, a plurality of films made of a soft material such as a polyethylene tube attached to a rod-shaped member (roll). It is a device that allows the user to experience contact with creatures crawling on the ground.

The seat belt 105 is a belt-shaped safety device for restraining the user's body to the riding section 103 . The seat belt 105 has a belt 105A, a tongue 105B and a buckle 105C. When the user sitting on the riding section 103 inserts the tongue 105B attached to the tip of the belt 105A into the buckle 105C, the tongue 105B is fixed to the buckle 105C and the seat belt 105 is fastened. When the user sitting on the riding section 103 presses the button of the buckle 105C, the tongue 105B is released from the buckle 105C and the seat belt 105 is released.

Buckle 105C and control device 110 are connected by a cable, and buckle 105C notifies control device 110 of attachment and detachment of tongue 105B.

The monitor 106A displays, for example, a guidance image prompting the user to wear the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 before the content is started to be reproduced. Further, the monitor 106A displays, for example, a guidance image prompting the removal of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 after the reproduction of the content is finished. Note that the monitor 106A may display the same guidance image as the head mounted display 101A.

The speaker 106B, for example, outputs a guidance voice prompting the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105 to be worn before the reproduction of the content is started. Also, the speaker 106B outputs a guidance voice prompting the removal of the head mounted display 101A and the seat belt 105, for example, after the reproduction of the content is finished. Note that the speaker 106B may output the same guidance sound as the headphone 101B.

The storage device 107 is, for example, a locker for storing articles such as luggage by the user, and is locked and unlocked by an electronic lock 107A according to control signals from the control device 110 . As the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107, for example, a solenoid electronic lock that locks or unlocks when energized may be used.

Camera 108, for example, detects visible light from an LED provided in head mounted display 101A using a stereo camera, and detects the position and orientation (the direction in which the face is facing) of the user wearing head mounted display 101A. To detect. Then, the control device 110 is notified of the determined position and orientation of the user.

The control device 110 may be configured, for example, by connecting a home-use game machine and a dedicated system board via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The control device 110 responds to an input from the controller 102 or the like, reproduces the content, and outputs video and audio of the content to the head mounted display 101A and the headphones 101B, respectively.

Also, the control device 110 reproduces content and controls the sensory device 104 according to the state of the content being reproduced. Further, the control device 110 performs control to lock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 before starting execution of the content, and to unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 after the execution of the content is finished.

<Hardware configuration of control device>
Next, the hardware configuration of the control device 110 included in the content reproduction device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 110. As shown in FIG.

The control device 110 shown in FIG. 3 has a drive device 111, an auxiliary storage device 112, a memory device 113, a CPU 114, an interface device 115, etc., which are connected to each other via a bus B. FIG.

A control program that implements processing in the control device 110 is provided by the recording medium 111A. When the recording medium 111A recording the control program is set in the drive device 111, the control program is installed in the auxiliary storage device 112 via the drive device 111 from the recording medium 111A. However, the control program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 111A, and may be downloaded from another computer via the network. The auxiliary storage device 112 stores the installed control program, as well as necessary files and data.

The memory device 113 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 112 and stores it when a program activation instruction is received. The CPU 114 implements functions related to the control device 110 according to programs stored in the memory device 113 . The interface device 115 is used as an interface for connecting to the network.

An example of the recording medium 111A is a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, or a USB memory. An example of the auxiliary storage device 112 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory. Both the recording medium 111A and the auxiliary storage device 112 correspond to computer-readable recording media.

<Functional configuration>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the control device 110 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device 110. As shown in FIG.

The control device 110 of the content reproduction device 10 has a storage section 11 . The storage unit 11 is implemented using, for example, an auxiliary storage device 112 or the like. The storage unit 11 stores content such as game software.

A control device 110 of the content reproduction device 10 has a content reproduction section 12 and a control section 13 . These units are implemented by one or more programs installed in control device 110 causing CPU 114 of control device 110 to execute the processing.

The content reproduction unit 12 reproduces the content stored in the storage unit 11 in response to an operation accepted by the controller 102, and outputs moving images and sounds of the content to the head mounted display 101A and the headphones 101B, respectively. do.

The control unit 13 controls the sensory device 104 and the like according to the state of the content being reproduced by the content reproduction unit 12 . For example, in a scene where the user is being attacked by an enemy character, the control unit 13 causes the user to experience a shock or the like by operating the sensory device 104A.

Further, the control unit 13 locks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 before the content reproduction unit 12 starts reproducing the content. Then, the control unit 13 unlocks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 after the reproduction of the content is finished.

<Processing>
Next, the processing of the control unit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the control unit 13. As shown in FIG.

First, in step S1, the control unit 13 receives a predetermined operation from the user. Here, the control unit 13 accepts payment for execution of the content, for example, by inserting coins or banknotes, or by electronic settlement using short-range wireless communication or the like.

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces various guidance prompting the user to stow the luggage, fasten the seat belt, and fasten the head mounted display 101A, and locks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 (step S2). In addition, below, the process of step S2 is called "pre-processing."

Subsequently, the content reproducing unit 12 starts reproducing the content (step S3). Subsequently, the control unit 13 controls the sensory device 104 according to the state of the content (step S4). Subsequently, the content reproducing unit 12 finishes reproducing the content (step S5).

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces various guidance prompting to take out the luggage, remove the seat belt, remove the head mounted display 101A, etc., and unlocks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 (step S6). End the process. In addition, below, the process of step S6 is called "post-processing."

≪Pretreatment≫
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the processing (preprocessing) of step S2 in FIG. 5, which is executed before starting the content reproduction, will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of preprocessing by the control unit 13. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the user to store the package in the storage device 107. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the user to wear the seat belt 105. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting the mounting of the head mounted display 101A or the like.

In step S<b>101 , the control unit 13 reproduces guidance prompting the user to store the package in the storage device 107 . Here, the control unit 13 causes the monitor 106A to display the guidance image shown in FIG. 7, and also causes the speaker 106B to output a voice such as "If you have luggage, please put it in the locker." In the example of FIG. 7, a message 701 such as "the baggage compartment is located at the lower right of the front" and an image 702 indicating the position of the storage device 107 in the front body 100A are displayed.

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces the guidance prompting the user to wear the seat belt 105 (step S102). Here, the control unit 13 causes the monitor 106A to display the guidance image shown in FIG. 8, and also causes the speaker 106B to output a voice such as "Fasten your seatbelt." In the example of FIG. 8, a message 801 such as "Fasten your seatbelt" and an image 802 showing how to fasten your seatbelt are displayed.

Subsequently, the control unit 13 detects that the seat belt 105 is worn (step S103). Subsequently, the control unit 13 locks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 (step S104). When the body is restrained by the seatbelt 105, it is relatively difficult to put the luggage inside the storage device 107. Therefore, the user stores the luggage in the storage device 107 before wearing the seatbelt 105. It is thought that Therefore, when the user's body is restrained by the seat belt 105, the storage device 107 is automatically locked by the processing in step S104.

The control unit 13 may lock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 and notify the user that the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 is locked. In this case, the control unit 13 may notify that the door is locked by image and sound through the monitor 106A and the speaker 106B, for example. Alternatively, for example, a red lamp installed on the door of the storage device 107 may be turned on to notify that the storage device 107 is locked. Accordingly, the user can visually confirm that the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 is locked before mounting the head mounted display 101A or the like.

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces the guidance prompting the wearing of the head mounted display 101A and the headphones 101B (step S105), and ends the preprocessing. Here, the control unit 13 causes the monitor 106A to display the guidance image shown in FIG. 9, and also causes the speaker 106B to output a voice such as "Put on the headset." In the example of FIG. 9, a message 901 such as "Please wear a headset" and an image 902 indicating how to wear the head mounted display 101A are displayed.

As a result, for example, the storage device 107 can be locked before the head mounted display 101A or the like is attached to the user's head and the user cannot see the storage device 107. Whether the door is actually locked can be confirmed by pulling the door by hand or the like.

(Modified example of pretreatment)
Instead of or in addition to locking the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 when the seat belt 105 is worn, the control unit 13 may lock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 in the following cases. .

For example, when the head mounted display 101A is moved to a position near the user's head (an example of a "first position") after reproducing the guidance prompting the user to wear the head mounted display 101A, the control unit 13 The electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 may be locked. Thereby, for example, the storage device 107 can be locked before the head mounted display 101A or the like is attached to the user's head. In this case, the control unit 13 may detect the position of the head mounted display 101A using the camera 108, for example.

≪Post-processing≫
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the processing (post-processing) of step S6 in FIG. 5, which is executed after the reproduction of the content is finished, will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of post-processing by the control unit 13. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of guidance prompting to take out a package from the storage device 107. As shown in FIG.

In step S201, the control unit 13 reproduces guidance prompting removal of the head mounted display 101A and the headphones 101B.

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces guidance prompting the removal of the seat belt 105 (step S202).

Subsequently, the controller 13 detects that the seat belt 105 has been removed (step S203). Subsequently, the control unit 13 unlocks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 (step S204).

Subsequently, the control unit 13 reproduces the guidance prompting to take out the package from the storage device 107 (step S205), and finishes the post-processing. Here, the control unit 13 causes the monitor 106A to display the guidance image shown in FIG. 11, and also causes the speaker 106B to output a voice such as "Be careful not to forget anything". In the example of FIG. 11, a message 1101 such as "Thank you for playing today", "Please be careful not to forget anything", and an image 1102 indicating the position of the storage device 107 in the front body 100A are displayed.

In this way, the control unit 13 unlocks the storage device 107 after the head mounted display 101A or the like is removed from the user's head and the storage device 107 becomes visible to the user. As a result, for example, even when the user does not immediately remove the head mounted display 101A or the like after the reproduction of the content ends and closes his/her eyes to enjoy the afterglow, theft of the articles stored in the storage device 107 is further prevented. be able to.

The control unit 13 may unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 and notify the user that the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 is unlocked (not locked). In this case, the control unit 13 may notify that the lock has been unlocked by means of an image and sound through the monitor 106A and the speaker 106B, for example. Alternatively, for example, a red lamp installed on the door of the storage device 107 may be turned off to notify that the door is unlocked. Accordingly, the user can visually confirm that the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 is unlocked after mounting the head mounted display 101A or the like.

Further, as in the above example, when the restraint of the user's body is released by the seatbelt 105, the storage device 107 is automatically locked, so that the articles stored in the storage device 107 can be theft can be prevented.

(Modified example of post-processing)
Instead of unlocking the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 when the seat belt 105 is removed, or in addition to this, the control unit 13 unlocks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 in the following cases. good too.

For example, after reproducing the guidance prompting the removal of the head-mounted display 101A, the control unit 13 moves the head-mounted display 101A to a position near a table provided under the camera 108 (an example of a “second position”). ), the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 may be unlocked. As a result, for example, the storage device 107 can be unlocked after the head mounted display 101A or the like is removed from the user's head. In this case, the control unit 13 may detect the position of the head mounted display 101A using the camera 108, for example.

<Modification 1>
The control unit 13 may unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 when an earthquake or a disaster such as a power outage is detected during content reproduction. As a result, for example, in the event of an earthquake or the like, the electronic lock 107A is unlocked before the seat belt 105 or the like is removed, so the user can quickly take out the luggage from the storage device 107 and evacuate. can.

In this case, the control unit 13 may unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107, for example, when the seismic sensor provided in the content reproduction device 10 detects a shake equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107, for example, when an emergency earthquake warning for the area where the content reproduction device 10 is installed is received via the Internet or the like. Further, the control unit 13 may unlock the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 when power supply to the content reproduction device 10 is stopped due to a power failure, for example.

<Modification 2>
The control device 110 may be realized, for example, by cloud computing configured by one or more computers.

<Effects of Embodiment>
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when content such as VR is reproduced in a game device such as an arcade, or in an attraction such as a movie theater or an amusement park, if a user puts his or her luggage in a storage area that cannot be locked, the luggage may be stolen. , the user may not be able to concentrate on the content.

As described above, the content reproduction apparatus 10 according to the embodiment locks the electronic lock 107A of the storage device 107 that stores the article before starting reproduction of the content, and locks the electronic lock 107A after the reproduction of the content ends. Unlock 107A. This allows the user to concentrate more on the content, for example, by safely storing items such as valuables and baggage while content such as a game or movie is being played.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention described in the claims.・Changes are possible.

10 Content reproduction device 100 Housing 101A Head mounted display 101B Headphone 102 Controller 103 Boarding unit 104 Sensory device 105 Seat belt 106A Monitor 106B Speaker 107 Storage device 107A Electronic lock 108 Camera 110 Control device 11 Storage unit 12 Content reproduction unit 13 Control unit

Claims (11)

A content reproduction device having a locker for storing articles and a display device that can be worn on a user's head, and displaying content on the display device,
Before the reproduction of the content is started, a guidance prompting the user to fasten the seat belt is reproduced, and when the seat belt is fastened, the electronic lock of the locker is locked, and after the reproduction of the content is finished, the seat is A content reproducing apparatus having a control unit that reproduces guidance for prompting removal of a seat belt and unlocks the electronic lock of the locker when the seat belt is removed. The control unit locks the electronic lock of the locker before the display device is attached to the user's head.
The content reproduction device according to claim 1. The control unit locks the electronic lock of the locker and notifies the user that the locker is locked before the display device is mounted on the user's head.
3. The content reproduction device according to claim 2. The control unit reproduces guidance prompting storage in the locker , locks the electronic lock of the locker , and then reproduces guidance prompting mounting of the display device.
4. The content reproduction device according to claim 2 or 3. The control unit reproduces guidance prompting the mounting of the display device, and when the display device is moved to the first position, locks the electronic lock of the locker .
4. The content reproduction device according to claim 2 or 3. The control unit unlocks the electronic lock of the locker after the display device is removed from the user's head.
The content reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. After the display device is removed from the user's head, the control unit unlocks the electronic lock of the locker and notifies the user that the locker is unlocked.
3. The content reproduction device according to claim 2. The control unit unlocks the electronic lock of the locker after reproducing guidance prompting removal of the display device.
8. The content reproduction device according to claim 6 or 7. The control unit unlocks the electronic lock of the locker when the display device is moved to the second position.
8. The content reproduction device according to claim 6 or 7. When the control unit detects at least one of an earthquake and a power failure, it unlocks the electronic lock of the locker .
The content reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A content reproduction device having a locker for storing articles and a display device that can be worn on the user's head, and displaying content on the display device,
Before the reproduction of the content is started, a guidance prompting the user to fasten the seat belt is reproduced, and when the seat belt is fastened, the electronic lock of the locker is locked, and after the reproduction of the content is finished, the seat is A control method that reproduces guidance prompting removal of a belt, and unlocks the electronic lock of the locker when the seat belt is removed.

Images