JP7476930B2 - Vibration Sensor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vibration sensation device that allows a user to experience vibration.

At concerts and live performances, people can enjoy a more powerful performance by feeling not only the sound that reaches their ears but also the sound pressure on their skin. However, when playing back sound through headphones, earphones, or small-diameter speakers, it is difficult to reproduce the sound pressure. Therefore, it is desirable to easily create an audio playback environment that provides a high level of realism.

The following Patent Document 1 describes an easily worn type bodily vibration device that generates vibrations that correspond to the waveform of an audio signal.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-245793

However, in recent years, with the advent of virtual reality (VR) and the like, there has been an increase in content that reproduces the positioning of audio signals, i.e., the direction of the sound source, and simply generating vibrations in time with the audio signal may result in a lack of realism.

The present invention aims to provide a vibration sensation device that can enhance the sense of realism.

The present invention provides a vibration sensation device that includes a plurality of vibration units and an audio signal acquisition unit that acquires an audio signal, determines which of the vibration units to vibrate based on the relative positions of a sound source and a user, generates a new vibration signal having a magnitude corresponding to the volume of sound represented by the audio signal using the envelope of the audio signal, and outputs the newly generated vibration signal to the determined vibration unit.

The present invention provides a vibration sensation device that can enhance the sense of realism.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system using a vibration sensing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vibration sensing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of vibration units of the vibration sensation device according to the embodiment are attached. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of vibration units of the vibration sensation device according to the embodiment are attached. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an audio signal and a vibration signal according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vibration sensing device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined.
In addition, some components may not be used.
<System using the embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system using a vibration sensing device according to an embodiment.

The system 100 includes a vibration sensing device 1 that applies vibrations to a user U, and a content output device 110 that reproduces content including video and audio.

Examples of the content include, but are not limited to, movies, videos and audio of concerts or live performances, and games. Examples of the video include 2D or 3D moving images or still images.

In the embodiment, the content data includes position information of an object (sound source) that emits a sound. As an example, object-based audio (also called object audio) data includes data on the movement and volume change of each object,
AV amplifiers and the like perform optimal rendering according to the position and number of speakers, and reproduce the final sound.

If the content output device 110 is portable, it may be exemplified by a smartphone or a tablet, but is not limited thereto.

In the case of a stationary type, the content output device 110 is exemplified by a combination of a content player, a personal computer or a stationary game machine, an AV amplifier, a display device, and an audio output device. An example of the content player is a Blu-ray (registered trademark) player, but is not limited to this. An example of the display device is a VR head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as a VRHMD), a television device, or a projector, but is not limited to these. An example of the audio output device is a speaker, a headphone, or an earphone, but is not limited to these.

The content output device 110 includes a processing unit 111, a video output unit 112, and an audio output unit 113.
3, a sensor unit 114, a communication unit 115, and a recording medium reading unit 116.

The communication unit 115 receives content data from the server 120 via the network N, and outputs the content data to the processing unit 111. The network N may be either a wired network or a wireless network.

The recording medium reading unit 116 reads the content data recorded on the recording medium 117 and outputs it to the processing unit 111. The recording medium 117 is exemplified by a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, but is not limited to this.

The sensor unit 114 detects the position and the facing direction of the user U, and outputs the position and the facing direction to the processing unit 111. The facing direction of the user U is exemplified by, but is not limited to, the direction in which the face of the user U is facing or the direction in which the body of the user U is facing.

When the content output device 110 is a portable device, the sensor unit 114 is exemplified by a front camera (in-camera) mounted on the image display side of a smartphone or tablet.
This is not limited to the above.

When the content output device 110 is a stationary type, the sensor unit 114 is exemplified by a camera or a beacon installed indoors, but is not limited thereto.

The processing unit 111 displays a video on the video output unit 112 based on the video data included in the content data. The processing unit 111 is exemplified by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this.

When the content output device 110 is a portable device, the video output unit 112 may be, for example, a display panel mounted on a smartphone or tablet, or a VRHMD, television device, or projector connected to the smartphone or tablet.
Not limited to these.

When the content output device 110 is a stationary type, the video output unit 112 is a VRHMD.
, a television device or a projector are examples, but are not limited to these.

The processing unit 111 causes the audio output unit 113 to output audio based on the audio data included in the content data.

In the case where the content output device 110 is portable, the audio output unit 113 may be, but is not limited to, a speaker mounted on a smartphone or tablet, or headphones or earphones connected to a smartphone or tablet.

When the content output device 110 is a stationary type, the audio output unit 113 includes a speaker,
Examples include, but are not limited to, headphones or earphones.

The processing unit 111 outputs the audio signal _S1 to the vibration sensation device 1. The processing unit 111 may transmit the audio data included in the content data as it is to the vibration sensation device ₁ as the audio signal S1.

Since humans feel more sound pressure from low tones than from high tones, the processing unit 111 may transmit only the low-tone components of the audio data contained in the content data to the vibration sensation device 1 as the audio signal _S1 .

As an example, the processing unit 111 may transmit a signal obtained by passing audio data included in the content data through a low-pass filter having a predetermined cutoff frequency to the vibration sensation device 1 as the audio signal _S1 .

Alternatively, when the content data includes object-based audio data, the processing unit 111 may transmit only the audio data of an object that emits a low-pitched sound having a frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency to the vibration sensation device 1 as the audio signal _S1 .

Alternatively, when the content data includes audio data for driving a subwoofer, the processing unit 111 may transmit the audio data for driving the subwoofer to the vibration sensation device 1 as the audio signal _S1 .

Furthermore, the processing unit 111 outputs sound source position information _S2 , which is information indicating the position of the object, to the vibration sensation device 1. The sound source position information _S2 may include information on the direction from which the speaker emits sound.

As an example, when the content data includes object-based audio data, the processing unit 111 may transmit position information of a plurality of objects to the vibration sensation device 1 as sound source position information _S2 .

Alternatively, the processing unit 111 may transmit only the position information of the dominant object as the sound source position information _S2 to the vibration sensation device 1. An example of the dominant object is an object having the highest signal level.

Alternatively, the processing unit 111 may calculate based on the signal levels of the sounds of the multiple objects,
Average position information of a plurality of objects may be transmitted to the vibration sensation device 1 as sound source position information _S2 . The average position information may be calculated by replacing mass with signal level, as in the case of calculating the center of gravity from the mass and positional relationship of a plurality of objects. The signal level may be an average value of the signal level per unit time.

Alternatively, the processing unit 111 may transmit only the position information of an object that emits a low-frequency sound equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency to the vibration sensation device 1 as the sound source position information _S2 .

The processing unit 111 also outputs user position information _S3 , which is information indicating the position and facing direction of the user U in the space in which the object is located, to the vibration sensation device 1.
The position and facing direction of the user U may be an absolute position and direction in a space in which an object is located, or may be a relative position and direction between the object and the user U.
<Embodiment>
[composition]
2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vibration sensation device according to an embodiment. The vibration sensation device 1 includes an audio signal acquisition unit 11, a sound source position information acquisition unit 12, a user position information acquisition unit 13, a vibration part calculation unit 14, a vibration signal generation unit 15, and a plurality of vibration units 16. The plurality of vibration units 16 are attached to a plurality of parts of the body of a user U, respectively.

3 and 4 are diagrams showing a state in which a plurality of vibration units of the vibration sensation device according to the embodiment are worn. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a user U as viewed from the front. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a user U as viewed from the back.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in the embodiment, the plurality of vibration units 16 are arranged in a vest 20.
The vest 20 is attached to the user U. The user U wears the vest 20.
The plurality of vibration units 16 are attached to the user U. In the embodiment, the plurality of vibration units 1
In the above embodiment, the vibration units 16 are attached to the vest 20, but this is not limiting. The vibration units 16 may be attached to a band, a belt, a belly band, or the like and worn by the user U.

The multiple vibration units 16 are preferably attached in multiple directions around an axis 21 of the body of the user U. The axis 21 is exemplified by, but is not limited to, a line connecting the top of the head and the space between the feet when the user U stands upright.

For example, when there are two vibration units 16, it is preferable that one vibration unit 16 is attached to the abdomen of the user U and the other vibration unit 16 is attached to the back of the user U. Alternatively, one vibration unit 16 is attached to the right flank of the user U and the other vibration unit 16 is attached to the right side of the user U.
It is preferable that the device be worn on the left flank of the patient.

Furthermore, for example, when the number of vibration units 16 is four, it is preferable that the four vibration units 16 are attached to the abdomen, back, right flank, and left flank of the user U, respectively.

3 and 4, it is preferable that a plurality of vibration units 16 are arranged in one direction around the axis 21 along the extension direction of the axis 21. For example, in FIG. 3, a vibration unit group 1 including three vibration units 16 is arranged in the extension direction of the axis 21 at the central abdominal part of the body of the user U.
6a is arranged. For example, when the position of the object is higher than the position of the user U, the vibration sensation device 1 preferably vibrates the vibration unit 16a1 arranged at the highest position in the vibration unit group 16a most strongly. For example, when the object is an airplane, the vibration sensation device 1 preferably vibrates the vibration unit 16a1 arranged at the highest position in the vibration unit group 16a most strongly. This allows the user U to feel a greater sense of realism.

Each of the multiple vibration units 16 may be, for example, configured with a motor and a ballast, or configured with a magnet and a coil, but is not limited to these.

The audio signal acquisition unit 11, the sound source position information acquisition unit 12, and the user position information acquisition unit 1
3. The vibration part calculation unit 14 and the vibration signal generation unit 15 may be attached to the vest 20, or may not be attached to the vest 20 and may be separated from the multiple vibration units 16.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the audio signal acquisition unit 11 acquires the audio signal S ₁ from the content output device 110 and outputs it to the vibration signal generation unit 15 .

The sound source position information acquisition unit 12 acquires the sound source position information _S2 from the content output device 110 and outputs it to the vibration part calculation unit 14.

The user position information acquisition unit 13 acquires the user position information _S3 from the content output device 110 and outputs it to the vibration part calculation unit 14.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates part information S ₄ indicating the part of the user U to which vibration is to be applied based on the sound source position information S ₂ and the user position information S ₃ , and outputs the information to the vibration signal generation unit 15 .

As a specific example, first, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates the direction in which the object emits a sound from the relative positional relationship between the user U and the object.
4 calculates the direction in which the vibration should be transmitted based on the direction in which the user U is facing and the direction in which the object is emitting the sound.

5 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user, in which the video output unit 112 is a television device.

The video output unit 112 outputs a video in the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction. The user U faces the video output unit 112. In other words, the direction 33 in which the user U faces is the Y-axis direction.
The object 31 is located diagonally forward and to the right as viewed from the user U. The object 31 emits sound in a direction 32 opposite to the Y-axis direction. In this case, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates a direction 34 from the object 31 toward the user U as the direction in which the vibration should be transmitted. Then, based on the angle θ between the direction 33 and the direction 34, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates the right abdominal part 35 of the user U as the part to which vibration should be applied. Referring again to FIG. 3, the vibration sensation device 1 vibrates a vibration unit group 16b including three vibration units 16 arranged on the right abdominal part of the user U.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to Fig. 5, the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 is the right abdominal part 35 of the user U. Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the right abdominal part 35 of the user U, which is closest to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is applied.

Alternatively, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate a part of the body of the user U that faces the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to FIG. 5,
The part of the user U's body facing the object 31 is the right abdomen 35 .
Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the right abdominal part 35 of the user U, which is the part of the user U's body facing the object 31, as the part to which vibration is to be applied.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user, in which the user U rotates the direction 33 from the state shown in Fig. 5 by 180 degrees as indicated by an arrow 36 around a direction perpendicular to the XY plane.

The user U faces away from the video output unit 112. In other words, the direction 33 in which the user U faces is the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction. The object 31 is located diagonally to the rear left as viewed from the user U. The object 31 emits sound in a direction 32 opposite to the Y-axis direction. In this case, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates the direction 33 from the object 31 toward the user U.
The vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates direction 33 as the direction in which the vibration should be transmitted.
4, the vibration sensation device 1 vibrates a vibration unit group 16d including three vibration units 16 arranged on the left back of the user U.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to Fig. 6, the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 is the left back 37 of the user U. Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left back 37 of the user U, which is closest to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is applied.

Alternatively, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate a part of the body of the user U that faces the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied.
The part of the body facing the object 31 is the left back 37 of the user U.
Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left back 37 of the user U, which is the part of the user U's body facing the object 31, as the part to which vibration is to be applied.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. Here, it is assumed that the content data has multiple camera angles. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the user U operates the content output device 110 to move the camera angle clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 5. When the camera angle is moved clockwise, the object 31 moves in a direction 38 opposite to the X direction as seen by the user U.

The user U faces the video output unit 112 directly. In other words, the user U faces the direction 3
3 is the Y-axis direction. The object 31 is located diagonally forward and to the left as viewed from the user U. The object 31 emits sound in a direction 39 opposite to the Y-axis direction. In this case, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates a direction 40 from the object 31 toward the user U as the direction in which the vibration should be transmitted. Then, based on the angle θ between the direction 33 and the direction 40, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates the left abdominal part 41 of the user U as the part to which vibration should be applied. Referring again to FIG. 3, the vibration sensation device 1 has three vibration units 16 arranged on the left abdominal part of the user U.
The vibration part group 16c including the vibration parts 16a and 16b is vibrated.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to Fig. 7, the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 is the left abdominal part 41 of the user U. Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left abdominal part 41 of the user U, which is closest to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is applied.

Alternatively, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate a part of the body of the user U that faces the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to FIG. 7,
The part of the body facing the object 31 is the left abdomen 41 of the user U.
Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left abdominal part 41 of the user U, which is opposed to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is to be applied.

8 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user. In FIG. 8, the video output unit 112 is a VRHMD.

The direction 33 in which the user U is facing is the Y-axis direction. The object 31 is located diagonally to the right front as viewed from the user U. The object 31 is located in a direction 32 opposite to the Y-axis direction.
In this case, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates a direction 34 from the object 31 toward the user U as the direction in which the vibration should be transmitted. Then, based on the angle θ between the direction 33 and the direction 34, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates a right abdominal part 35 of the user U as the part to which vibration should be applied. Referring again to Fig. 3, the vibration sensation device 1 vibrates a vibration part group 16b including three vibration parts 16 arranged on the right abdominal part of the user U.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to Fig. 8, the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 is the right abdominal part 35 of the user U. Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the right abdominal part 35 of the user U, which is closest to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is applied.

Alternatively, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate a part of the body of the user U that faces the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to FIG. 8,
The part of the user U's body facing the object 31 is the right abdomen 35 .
Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the right abdominal part 35 of the user U, which is the part of the user U's body facing the object 31, as the part to which vibration is to be applied.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between an object and a user, in which the user U has rotated the direction 33 from the state shown in Fig. 8 by 180 degrees as indicated by an arrow 36 around a direction perpendicular to the XY plane as an axis.

The direction 33 in which the user U is facing is the direction opposite to the Y-axis direction.
The object 31 is located diagonally to the left rear as viewed from the user U. The object 31 emits sound in a direction 32 opposite to the Y-axis direction. In this case, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates a direction 34 from the object 31 toward the user U as the direction in which vibration should be transmitted. Then, based on the angle θ formed between the direction 33 and the direction 34, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates the left back 37 of the user U as
Referring again to FIG. 4, the vibration sensor device 1 calculates the user U
The vibration part group 16d including three vibration parts 16 arranged on the left rear part of the device is vibrated.

The vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 as the part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to Fig. 9, the part of the user U's body that is closest to the object 31 is the left back 37 of the user U. Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left back 37 of the user U, which is closest to the object 31 among the parts of the user U's body, as the part to which vibration is applied.

Alternatively, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate a part of the body of the user U that faces the object 31 as a part to which vibration is applied. Referring again to FIG. 9,
The part of the body facing the object 31 is the left back 37 of the user U.
Therefore, the vibration part calculation unit 14 may calculate the left back 37 of the user U, which is the part of the user U's body facing the object 31, as the part to which vibration is to be applied.

Although a case has been described in which the video output unit 112 is a VRHMD in FIGS. 8 and 9, the same applies when the video output unit 112 is a display panel mounted on a smartphone or tablet.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the vibration signal generating unit 15 generates a vibration signal _S5 having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the sound represented by the audio signal _S1 , to a part represented by part information _S4 attached to the device.
The signal is output to one or more vibration units 16 .

Figure 10 shows an example of an audio signal and a vibration signal according to an embodiment.

The vibration signal generating unit 15 calculates a plurality of extreme values 50 of the audio signal _S1 . Next, the vibration signal generating unit 15 calculates a plurality of absolute values 51 of the plurality of extreme values 50. Then, the vibration signal generating unit 15 multiplies the plurality of absolute values 51 by a predetermined gain to generate a pulsed vibration signal _S5 . Therefore, the pulse timing of the vibration signal S5 becomes the same as the timing of the plurality of extreme values ₅₀ of the audio signal _S1 . The vibration signal generating unit 15 calculates a plurality of absolute values 51 of the plurality of extreme values 50 of the audio signal S1.
The vibration signal _S5 is output to one or more vibration units 16 attached to the body part represented by the body part information _S4 . The one or more vibration units 16 to which the vibration signal _S5 is supplied vibrate with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration signal _S5 .

As a result, one or more vibration units 16 attached to the part represented by the part information _S4
can give the user U a vibration of a strength corresponding to the loudness of the sound.
This allows you to feel a greater sense of realism.

The vibration signal generating unit 15 may calculate an envelope of the audio signal _S1 and calculate the extreme value 50 from the envelope. The vibration signal generating unit 15 may calculate the envelope by performing a Hilbert transform on the audio signal _S1 .

In addition, when the processing unit 111 outputs the audio signal _S1 without passing it through a low-pass filter, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may pass the audio signal _S1 through a low-pass filter having a predetermined cutoff frequency.

Furthermore, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may change the time for which the vibration signal S ₅ is output in accordance with the time length between the extreme values 50 , thereby changing the time for which the vibration unit 16 is vibrated.
For example, when the time length between extreme values 50 is long, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may lengthen the time for which the vibration signal _S5 is output, thereby lengthening the time for which the vibration unit 16 is vibrated. Also, when the time length between extreme values 50 is short, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may shorten the time for which the vibration signal _S5 is output, thereby shortening the time for which the vibration unit 16 is vibrated.

As a result, for example, the vibration time caused by a sharp bass drum becomes shorter, and the vibration time caused by a smooth bass becomes longer. Therefore, the user U can experience a highly reproducible sound pressure, and can feel a greater sense of realism.

The vibration signal generating unit 15 may also output the vibration signal S5 to one or more vibration units 16 attached to a part other than the part represented by the part information _S4 . In this case, it is preferable that the vibration signal generating unit 15 reduces the amplitude of the vibration signal _S5 according to the distance from the part represented by the _part information _S4 .

3 again, when the part represented by the part information _S4 is the front abdominal part, the vibration signal generating unit 15 outputs to the vibration unit group 16a a vibration signal _S5 whose amplitude corresponds to the volume of the sound represented by the audio signal _S1 . In addition, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may also output to the vibration unit group 16b attached to the right abdominal part and the vibration unit group 16c attached to the left abdominal part a vibration signal _S5 whose amplitude is reduced according to the distance from the part represented by the part information _S4 .

In addition, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may output a vibration signal _S5 whose amplitude is reduced according to the distance from the front abdomen represented by the body part information _S4 to a group of vibration units attached to the right armpit, the left armpit, the right back, the left back, and the central back.

As a result, one or more vibration units 16 attached to a part other than the part represented by the part information _S4 are not affected by the vibration of one or more vibration units 16 attached to the part represented by the part information _S4.
Depending on the distance from the body part 6, the user U is given a vibration weaker than that of the one or more vibration units 16 attached to the body part represented by the body part information S _4. Therefore, the user U can feel a greater sense of realism because vibrations of different magnitudes are given to the multiple body parts.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the vibration units 16 generate vibrations at the timing of the vibration signal _S5 and with an intensity corresponding to the amplitude of the vibration signal _S5 .
[motion]
11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vibration sensing device of the embodiment. The vibration sensing device 1 executes the process shown in FIG.

In step S<b>100 , the audio signal acquisition unit 11 acquires the audio signal S _<b>1 from the processing unit 111 , and outputs the audio signal S<b>1 to the vibration signal generation unit 15 .

In step S102, the sound source position information acquisition unit 12 outputs the sound source position information _S2 to the processing unit 1.
11 and outputs it to the vibration part calculation unit 14.

In step S104, the user position information acquisition unit 13 acquires the user position information _S3 from the processing unit 111, and outputs it to the vibration part calculation unit .

In step S106, the vibration part calculation unit 14 calculates part information _S4 indicating the part of the user U to which vibration is to be applied based on the sound source position information _S2 and the user position information _S3 , and outputs the information to the vibration signal generation unit 15.

In step S108, the vibration signal generating unit 15 outputs a vibration signal _S5 having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the sound represented by the audio signal _S1 to one or more vibration units 16.

In step S110, one or more vibration units 16 generate vibrations at the timing of the vibration signal _S5 and with a strength corresponding to the amplitude of the vibration signal _S5 .

Note that the one or more vibrating units 16 may stop vibrating when contacted by a person other than the user U. This can prevent vibration from being transmitted to a person other than the user U.

Furthermore, the vibration signal generating unit 15 may output to the processing unit 111 a delay time from when the vibration signal _S5 is supplied to one or more vibration units 16, when the one or more vibration units 16 start vibrating, until the user U feels the vibration. Then, the processing unit 111 may delay the output of the sound from the sound output unit 113 by the delay time. This allows the sound output from the sound output unit 113 to be synchronized with the vibration generated by the one or more vibration units 16.
This allows the user U to feel a greater sense of realism.
[effect]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to apply vibrations to parts of the body of the user U in accordance with the positional relationship between the object 31 and the user U. This makes it possible to enhance the sense of realism felt by the user U.

1 Vibration sensation device, 11 Audio signal acquisition unit, 12 Sound source position information acquisition unit, 13
User position information acquisition unit, 14 vibration part calculation unit, 15 vibration signal generation unit, 16 vibration unit,
16a, 16b, 16c, 16d vibration unit group, 20 vest, 31 object, 10
0 system, 110 content output device, 111 processing unit, 112 video output unit, 1
13 Audio output unit, 114 Sensor unit, 115 Communication unit, 116 Recording medium reading unit, 11
7 recording medium, 120 server.

Claims (1)

A plurality of vibration units;
an audio signal acquisition unit that acquires an audio signal;
Equipped with
determining which of the vibration units is to be vibrated based on a relative position between a sound source and a user;
a vibration signal constituted by a pulse signal having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of a sound represented by the audio signal is newly generated using the audio signal , and the vibration signal is output to the determined vibration unit.

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