JP7695621B2 - Pool system, control device, control method, and display device - Google Patents

Description

This technology relates to a pool system, a control device, a control method, and a display device, and in particular to a pool system, a control device, a control method, and a display device that are capable of providing a highly entertaining pool.

Conventionally, there are known technologies for viewing stereoscopic images underwater, such as in swimming pools. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a stereoscopic image device for underwater viewing, which has a screen for stereoscopic images that can be seen from underwater and a video projector that projects the stereoscopic images, both of which are provided on the inside surface of the pool.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-303647

Simply being able to view 3D images can sometimes be lacking in interest.

This technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and makes it possible to provide a highly entertaining pool.

The pool system of the first aspect of the present technology comprises a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material, a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall, a detection unit that detects the movement of a swimmer in the pool, and a playback control unit that controls the display of content images on the display unit in response to the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.

The control device of the second aspect of the present technology comprises a detection unit that detects the movement of a swimmer in a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall, and a playback control unit that controls the display of content images on the display unit in response to the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.

The display device of the third aspect of the present technology has a display unit that displays images corresponding to the movements of swimmers in the pool in accordance with the control of a control device that plays the content, and is provided on the outside of the inner wall of the pool, which is made of a transparent material.

In the first and second aspects of the present technology, the movement of a swimmer in a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall is detected, and the display of content images on the display unit is controlled in accordance with the detected movement of the swimmer.

In a third aspect of the present technology, images corresponding to the movements of a swimmer in a pool are displayed according to control by a control device that plays the content.

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an entertainment pool system according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a content image. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an image displayed on a display. FIG. 1 shows a swimmer swimming in a personal flow pool. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device; 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the control device. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device; 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the control device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed in a kids' pool. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device; 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the control device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of a production in which a fish drawn by a child swims. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the entertainment pool system. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal running water pool. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of a flow pool. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of control of video content in a running pool. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an image displayed on a display. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the control device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a headset. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an entertainment pool. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present technology will be described in the following order.
1. Overview of Entertainment Pool System 2. First embodiment (example of personal running water pool)
3. Second embodiment (example of a normal swimming pool)
4. Third embodiment (example of kids pool)
5. Modifications

＜1. Overview of the Entertainment Pool System＞
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an entertainment pool system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

The entertainment pool system according to one embodiment of the present technology provides an entertaining pool by linking video content to the movements of swimmers. For example, the entertainment pool system is installed in a leisure facility.

The entertainment pool system consists of a pool 1, a display 2, and a control device (not shown).

As shown in Figure 1, multiple displays 2 are provided on the outside of the inner wall of the pool 1. For ease of explanation, Figure 1 shows a portion of the inner wall of the pool 1 cut away, but in reality, the cut-away portion at the front also has inner walls that form the sides and front and back, and displays 2 are provided surrounding them.

The sides (side walls) 11, front and rear sides (end walls) 12, and bottom (base) 13 that make up the inner walls of the pool 1 are each made of a transparent material such as reinforced acrylic. Touch sensors that detect contact with the swimmer's hands and feet are provided at desired positions on the inner walls. Touching of the swimmer to the inner wall is detected based on the sensor data output by the touch sensors.

On the outside of the inner wall of the pool 1, multiple displays 2 are provided with their display surfaces facing the inside of the pool 1. The dashed frame shown on the inner wall in Figure 1 indicates that the display of the display unit of the display 2 provided on the outside can be seen from inside the pool 1 through the inner wall.

1, four displays 2 are arranged vertically and horizontally on the outside of the side surface 11, and two displays 2 are arranged vertically on the outside of the front and rear surfaces 12. Three displays 2 are arranged horizontally and vertically on the outside (below) of the bottom surface 13. The number of displays 2 arranged on the outside of each surface can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the pool 1.

Display 2 is a display device such as an LCD, an organic EL display, or an LED display. Display 2 displays the content image according to the control of the control device. The swimmer can view the image displayed on display 2 from underwater. The content image may be displayed using a projector.

It should be noted that the display 2 does not have to be provided on the outside of each of the side surfaces 11, the front and rear surfaces 12, and the bottom surface 13, but may be provided on the outside of at least one of the side surfaces 11, the front and rear surfaces 12, and the bottom surface 13. For example, it is possible for the display 2 to be provided only on the outside of the bottom surface 13, or it is possible for the display 2 to be provided on the outside of each of the side surfaces 11 and the bottom surface 13.

The control device is, for example, configured as a PC installed in a management room near the pool 1. The control device may also be realized by a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The control device and each display 2 are connected via wired communication or via wireless communication of a specified standard. The control device plays content and controls the display of images on the display 2.

Cameras for photographing swimmers are also provided around the pool 1. The cameras for photographing swimmers may be installed above the water, such as on the poolside or on the ceiling of a leisure facility, or they may be installed underwater.

Figure 2 shows an example of the display of the content video. For ease of explanation, Figure 2 shows a pool 1 with a modified configuration, such as the number of displays 2 installed. Also, the display 2 itself is not shown.

As shown in Figure 2, an image expressing the underwater world through, for example, fish, rocks, etc. is displayed on the display 2. The same image is not displayed on each display 2, but rather, a single image expressing the underwater world is displayed on all the multiple displays 2 as a single display surface. A single image is constructed by connecting the images on each display 2 together.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of an image displayed on one display 2 provided on the outside of the side surface 11. The image is, for example, a moving image.

By watching these images while swimming, swimmers in Pool 1 can experience swimming in the ocean. By displaying images of famous diving spots, swimmers can experience snorkeling and diving without actually going to the ocean.

Images other than those showing the underwater world may be displayed, such as images showing the night sky or images of a city taken from the air. By swimming in pool 1 with these images displayed, a swimmer can get the feeling that he or she is swimming in the sky.

2. First embodiment (example of personal running water pool)
The entertainment pool system of the present technology can be applied to, for example, a flow-through pool. A flow-through pool is a pool in which a swimmer can continue swimming without turning by controlling the flow of water in the pool.

Figure 4 shows swimmer U1 swimming in a private flow pool.

The configuration of pool 1 shown in Figure 4, which is a personal running water pool, is the same as that described with reference to Figure 2. The white arrow A1 in Figure 4 indicates the direction in which the water flows. Water outlets that generate water currents are provided near the white arrow A1 on the front and rear surfaces 12.

The control device of the entertainment pool system detects the swimming speed of swimmer U1 based on images captured by the camera and controls the flow rate of the water in the pool in accordance with the detected speed.

For example, the control device controls the speed of the water flow so that the faster the swimmer U1 is, the faster the water flow (the stronger the water flow) and the slower the water flow (the weaker the water flow) the slower the swimmer U1 is. A swimmer swimming against the water flow can continue to swim in approximately the same position.

The control device also controls the transition of the image displayed on display 2 according to the swimming speed of swimmer U1.

For example, the control device controls the speed of the content's video transitions so that the faster the swimmer U1 is moving, the faster the video transitions, and the slower the video transitions, the slower the video transitions. On display 2, an image of the coastline changing in accordance with the swimming speed of swimmer U1 is displayed.

By swimming in Pool 1 as described above, Swimmer U1 can get the feeling that he or she is moving through the ocean, even though he or she is actually continuing to swim in the same position in Pool 1.

Configuration of the control device Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 21. At least some of the functional units shown in Fig. 5 are realized by the CPU of a PC constituting the control device 21 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 21 is composed of a content input unit 31, a motion detection unit 32, a content playback unit 33, a content storage unit 34, and a water flow speed control unit 35.

The content input unit 31 accepts operations by users such as swimmers and managers of the entertainment pool system. For example, the content to be played is selected using the content input unit 31. The control device 21 has, for example, ocean content from various locations prepared. After selecting the ocean content of the user's choice, the user enters the pool 1 and begins to swim.

The content input unit 31 outputs operation information, which is information representing the content selected by the user, to the content playback unit 33.

The motion detection unit 32 detects the motion of the swimmer based on information such as images taken by cameras installed around the pool 1 and sensor data output by touch sensors installed on the inner wall of the pool 1. For example, the motion detection unit 32 detects the swimmer's touching of the inner wall as the motion of the swimmer based on the sensor data output by the touch sensor. The motion detection unit 32 has a swimming speed detection unit 51.

The swimming speed detection unit 51 detects the swimming speed as the movement of the swimmer by analyzing images captured by the camera, etc. Information representing the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the swimming speed detection unit 51 is output to the content playback unit 33 and the water flow speed control unit 35.

The content playback unit 33 retrieves the content selected by the user from the content storage unit 34 based on the operation information supplied from the content input unit 31, and plays it. The content playback unit 33 outputs the image obtained by playing the content to the display device 22 for display. The display device 22 corresponds to the display 2 in FIG. 1.

The content playback unit 33 controls the display of the content video on the display device 22 according to the information supplied from the motion detection unit 32. As described above, the speed of the video transition is controlled according to the swimming speed of the swimmer. In this way, the content playback unit 33 functions as a playback control unit that controls the playback of the content and also controls the display of the video.

In addition, the content playback unit 33 outputs the sound obtained by playing the content from the speaker 23. The sound of the content is output in accordance with the display of the video.

For example, the speaker 23 may be an underwater speaker provided on the inner wall of the pool 1. The speaker 23 may be configured as a headset and worn on the swimmer's head.

The speaker 23 may be configured as a full-face headphone that is worn on the head of the swimmer. By using the full-face headphone, it may be possible to have a conversation with a person outside the pool 1.

The content storage unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory, a HDD, etc. The content storage unit 34 pre-stores content that can be selected by the user.

The water flow speed control unit 35 controls the water flow speed in the pool 1 as described above based on the information supplied from the swimming speed detection unit 51.

Operation of the Control Device The process of the control device 21 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1, the content input unit 31 accepts a selection of main content by the user. For example, the user selects content depicting a coral sea, a night sea, the deep sea, or the like.

Hereinafter, the content that is played as the main content among the contents played while swimming will be referred to as the "main content." The main content includes at least the video data to be displayed on each display 2.

Content that is temporarily played to create an effect is called "effect content." For example, effect content includes video data that is overlaid on the video of the main content. The effect content may be played together with the main content, or the effect content may be played on its own.

In step S2, the motion detection unit 32 detects that the swimmer has started swimming. In response to the swimmer starting swimming, detection of the swimming speed, etc. is started by the swimming speed detection unit 51. Detection of the swimmer's motion is also started by the motion detection unit 32. Information representing the swimmer's motion detected by the motion detection unit 32 is supplied to the content playback unit 33 as appropriate.

In step S3, the content playback unit 33 retrieves the main content selected in step S1 from the content storage unit 34 and starts displaying the video of the main content.

In step S4, the water flow speed control unit 35 controls the water flow speed of the pool 1 according to the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the swimming speed detection unit 51. In addition, the content playback unit 33 controls the transition speed of the video of the main content.

In step S5, the content playback unit 33 determines whether a predetermined condition has been met. For example, if the swimmer comes into contact with the inner wall of the pool 1, or if the distance swam by the swimmer reaches a predetermined distance, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met. The distance swam by the swimmer is calculated by the motion detection unit 32, for example, based on the swimmer's swimming speed and swimming time.

If it is determined in step S5 that the specified conditions are met, in step S6, the content playback unit 33 plays the effects content and displays the image of the effects content on the display device 22.

For example, when an image depicting the ocean is displayed as the main content image, an effect content image of sharks, whales, etc. jumping out is displayed. At this time, the content playback unit 33 outputs sound effects from the speaker 23 in accordance with the display of the effect content.

After the video of the effect content is displayed, the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined in step S5 that the predetermined condition is not met, step S6 is also skipped and the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the content playback unit 33 determines whether or not the swimming has ended based on the movement of the swimmer detected by the movement detection unit 32. For example, if the swimmer has left the water, it is determined that the swimming has ended.

If it is determined in step S7 that swimming has not ended, the process returns to step S4 and the subsequent processes are carried out. In other words, the main content image continues to be displayed until swimming has ended, and the effect content image is displayed as appropriate.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that swimming has ended, the processing ends.

Through the above process, the main content video and effect content video continue to be displayed in accordance with the swimmer's movements while he or she is swimming. The swimmer can continue swimming without getting bored by watching the transitioning images.

The control device 21 may manage the history of the distance swam by the swimmer and present it to the swimmer. Presentation of the history is also performed using the display device 22 (display 2).

For example, if content containing footage of the ocean between "Ishigakijima" and "Miyakojima" is being played, when the swim is finished the text "Today, you swam up to this point between Ishigakijima and Miyakojima" will be displayed. In addition, a map will be displayed showing the relative positions of the starting point "Ishigakijima", the destination "Miyakojima", and the position corresponding to the total distance swum by the swimmer.

By providing this type of history, it is possible to make swimming long distances more entertaining.

3. Second embodiment (example of normal swimming pool)
The entertainment pool system of the present technology can be applied to, for example, a normal swimming pool.

The normal swimming pool referred to here is a pool that does not have a water flow control function as described with reference to Figure 4. A number of displays 2 are also provided on the outside of the inner wall of pool 1, which is a normal swimming pool.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 21. In Figure 7, the same components as those in the control device 21 in Figure 5 are given the same reference numerals. Duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to Figure 10 described later.

The configuration of the control device 21 shown in Figure 7 differs from the configuration described with reference to Figure 5 in that a reciprocation detection unit 101 is provided in the motion detection unit 32 and in that a water flow speed control unit 35 is not provided.

The round trip detection unit 101 of the motion detection unit 32 detects that the swimmer has swum back and forth in the pool 1 based on images captured by the camera, sensor data output by the touch sensor, etc. Information indicating that the swimmer has swum back and forth in the pool 1, detected by the round trip detection unit 101, is output to the content playback unit 33.

The content playback unit 33 controls the display of the content image on the display device 22 according to the information supplied from the motion detection unit 32. For example, the content playback unit 33 switches the content to be played each time the swimmer goes back and forth in the pool 1. The content to be played is switched from the content being played to another content. The speed of the transition of the content image may be controlled according to the swimming speed of the swimmer.

The processing of the control device 21 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 8.

The processing of steps S21 to S23 is the same as the processing of steps S1 to S3 in Fig. 6. That is, as the swimmer starts swimming, the display of the video of the main content selected by the user starts.

In step S24, the content playback unit 33 determines whether the swimmer has made one round trip around the pool 1 based on the information supplied from the round trip detection unit 101.

If it is determined in step S24 that the swimmer has made one round trip, in step S25, the content playback unit 33 switches the main content to be played back. For example, the main content to be played back is switched from content depicting a coral sea to content depicting a night sky.

After the content being played is switched, processing proceeds to step S26. If it is determined in step S24 that the swimmer has not completed one round trip, processing in step S25 is also skipped and processing proceeds to step S26.

The processing of steps S26 and S27 is the same as the processing of steps S5 and S6 in Fig. 6. That is, the image of the effect content is displayed on the display device 22 according to a predetermined condition.

In step S28, the content playback unit 33 determines whether swimming has ended.

If it is determined in step S28 that the swimming has not ended, the process returns to step S24 and the subsequent processes are carried out. In other words, the main content is changed every time the swimmer makes one round trip until the swimming is ended. In addition, video of the effect content is displayed as appropriate.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that swimming has ended, the processing ends.

Through the above process, while the swimmer is swimming, the main content is switched and the image displayed is changed every time the swimmer makes a round trip in pool 1. The swimmer can continue swimming without getting bored by watching the image that is changed every time the swimmer makes a round trip.

4. Third embodiment (example of kids pool)
The entertainment pool system of the present technology can be applied to, for example, a kids' pool. A kids' pool is a pool for children provided in a leisure facility or the like.

Figure 9 shows an example of image display in a kids pool.

A display 2 is also provided on the outside of the inner wall of pool 1 in Figure 9, which is a kids' pool. In the kids' pool, for example, a shallow ocean scene is displayed.

By playing back the content that depicts the shallow waters of the ocean, images of sea creatures moving in the shallow waters and rocky areas are displayed, as shown in Figure 9. Children who are swimmers can experience playing in the shallow waters.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example functional configuration of the control device 21.

The configuration of the control device 21 shown in Figure 10 differs from the configuration described with reference to Figure 5 in that a child position detection unit 151 is provided in the movement detection unit 32 instead of the swimming speed detection unit 51, and in that a water flow speed control unit 35 is not provided.

The child position detection unit 151 of the motion detection unit 32 detects the position of the child in the pool 1 based on the image captured by the camera. The motion detection unit 32 also appropriately detects contact by the child with the inner wall of the pool 1.

Information representing the child's contact with the inner wall and information representing the child's position detected by the motion detection unit 32, including the child position detection unit 151, is output to the content playback unit 33.

The content playback unit 33 controls the display of the content image on the display device 22 according to the information supplied from the motion detection unit 32. For example, the content playback unit 33 controls the movement of an object included in the content image according to the child's position.

In addition, the content playback unit 33 controls the transition of the content video, such as displaying a video of a different ocean scene following the ocean currently being displayed, in response to a child touching the inner wall of the pool 1. Note that when a child touches the inner wall of the pool 1, a different ocean scene from the one currently being displayed may be displayed, or an ocean scene with a different season may be displayed by changing the types of objects such as plants and fish.

The processing of the control device 21 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 11.

In step S41, the content input unit 31 accepts the user's selection of main content.

In step S42, the content playback unit 33 retrieves the main content selected in step S41 from the content storage unit 34 and starts displaying the image of the main content on the display device 22.

In step S43, the content playback unit 33 controls the movement of the object included in the video of the main content according to the position of the child detected by the child position detection unit 151. For example, when a child approaches a school of fish included in the video as an object, the content playback unit 33 changes the movement of the object so that the school of fish escapes.

In step S44, the content playback unit 33 determines whether a predetermined condition has been met. For example, if a child touches the bottom surface 13 of the pool 1, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met.

If it is determined in step S44 that the specified conditions are met, in step S45, the content playback unit 33 plays the effect content and displays the image of the effect content on the display device 22.

For example, when a video of a shallow ocean is displayed as the main content video, an effect content video of a crab emerging from behind a rock is displayed. At this time, the content playback unit 33 outputs sound effects that match the display of the effect content.

After the video of the effect content is displayed, the process proceeds to step S46. If it is determined in step S44 that the predetermined condition is not met, step S45 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S46.

In step S46, the content playback unit 33 determines whether or not swimming has ended (whether or not playing in pool 1 has ended). For example, if the child has left pool 1, it is determined that swimming has ended.

If it is determined in step S46 that swimming has not ended, the process returns to step S43 and the subsequent processes are carried out. In other words, the movements of the objects included in the main content video and the display of the effect content video are controlled according to the child's movements until swimming ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that swimming has ended, processing ends.

Through the above process, while the child is in pool 1, the main content video and effect content video continue to be displayed in response to the child's movements. The child can experience playing in the ocean while watching objects that move in response to the child's movements.

In addition, a picture of a fish drawn by a child may be imported as an image, and the entertainment pool system may create an effect in which the fish drawn by the child appears to swim along the inner wall of pool 1.

Figure 12 shows the flow of a presentation of a swimming fish drawn by a child.

As shown by arrow A11 in Fig. 12, the control device 21 captures the picture of a fish drawn by the child as an image. Then, as shown by arrow A12, the control device 21 displays the captured image on the display 2, creating an effect in which the picture of the fish appears to be swimming in water.

In addition, the entertainment pool system may be configured to output sound effects from the speaker 23 and record scores when children touch objects such as crabs and shells.

5. Modifications
Regarding the system configuration, in the above, the PC constituting the control device 21 is provided near the pool 1, but all or part of the functions of the control device 21 may be realized in a server device on the network.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example configuration of an entertainment pool system.

The entertainment pool system shown in Figure 13 is configured by connecting a server device 201, which displays images, outputs sound, controls the water flow rate, etc., to various devices such as displays 2 provided around the pools 1-1 to 1-3 via a network such as the Internet.

The server device 201 is provided with all or part of the configuration of the control device 21 described with reference to Figure 5, Figure 7, or Figure 10. In this way, it is possible for the functions of the control device 21 to be realized in the server device 201 provided outside the facility in which the pool 1 is provided.

The content for pool 1 may be distributed by server device 201. In this case, control device 21 that controls the video of each pool 1 receives the content distributed from server device 201 and plays it.

Modification of the personal running water pool FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal running water pool.

Among the configurations of pool 1 shown in Figure 14, the same components as those described with reference to Figure 4 etc. are given the same reference numerals. Duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

A display 2 is provided on the outside of the bottom surface 13 of pool 1, which is a personal running water pool. The dashed frame shown on bottom surface 13 in Figure 14 indicates that the display on display 2 provided on the outside of bottom surface 13 can be seen from inside pool 1.

The pool 1 shown in Figure 14 is a running water pool in which the display 2 is provided on the outside of only a portion of the bottom surface 13, rather than on the entire bottom surface 13. The display 2 may also be provided on the outside of the entire bottom surface 13.

As described above, swimmer U1 continues to swim in the same position by going against the water current. In other words, swimmer U1 continues to swim while adjusting speed and the like so as to stay in the same position without hitting the inner wall. In pool 1, a reference position for continuing to swim without hitting the inner wall is set in advance as a basic position. Swimmer U1 can continue to stay in the same position by swimming, for example, with his/her head not moving away from the vicinity of directly above the basic position set on bottom surface 13, that is, by swimming so that the basic position is directly under his/her face.

In the example of Figure 14, the display 2 is provided in a range including the home position located near directly below the face of the swimmer U1 who is swimming without hitting the inner wall. A target T, which is a mark representing the home position, is displayed on the display 2. In Figure 14, the target T is represented by a circle, but it is possible to display marks of various shapes and patterns as targets that allow the swimmer U1 to recognize the home position.

Swimmer U1 can confirm his/her swimming position by looking at target T displayed on display 2.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of a flow pool.

The bottom surface 13 is made of a transparent material such as reinforced plastic or acrylic resin.

A space 251 having a predetermined size is provided below the bottom surface 13. A display 2 is provided within the space 251 at a position corresponding to the basic position. In the example of Figure 15, the display 2 is provided at a position closer to the front surface 12-1, with the center of the bottom surface 13 as the reference point.

In addition, a waterway equipped with a propeller 252 or other device for generating a water current is formed by piping or the like below the bottom surface 13. An outlet is formed on the front surface 12-1 of the inner wall, and an exhaust port is formed on the rear surface 12-2.

Water in pool 1 is discharged from an outlet provided on rear surface 12-2 as shown by outline arrow A51, passes through a filtering device (not shown) and is then returned to pool 1 from an outlet as shown by outline arrow A52. Water is discharged from the outlet on front surface 12-1, generating a water current in pool 1.

For example, in the control device 21, the position of the head of the swimmer U1 is detected based on images taken by cameras installed around the pool 1. The display of the image on the display 2 is controlled according to the detected head position.

Figure 16 shows an example of content video control in a flow pool.

For example, if the position of swimmer U1 shifts to the right from the front as shown by arrow A61 on the left side of Fig. 16, the correct direction is presented using the content image as shown on the right side of Fig. 16. The correct direction is the direction from the shifted user's position to a position directly above the home position.

Figure 17 shows an enlarged image of the content.

For example, when the head of swimmer U1 is located directly above the basic position, the display 2 displays a target T along with the main content image, as shown on the left side of Figure 17.

If the position of swimmer U1 shifts to the right, the display 2 will show an image of a shark object moving to the left and attacking swimmer U1, as shown by the white arrow A62 on the right side of Figure 17, thereby indicating the correct direction.

Swimmer U1 can return to his original swimming position by moving left to avoid the shark. Each time his position shifts, the correct direction is displayed through this image, enabling swimmer U1 to continue swimming while remaining in the same position. Similarly, if swimmer U1's position shifts in another direction, the object's movement displays an image to guide swimmer U1 in the opposite direction to the shift.

It is also possible to use other objects, such as fish, included in the main content video, instead of sharks to show the correct direction. For example, the correct direction can be shown by controlling the fish to change the swimming direction.

Here, the process of the control device 21 that presents the correct direction using the content image will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 18. Explanations that overlap with the above explanation will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the configuration of the control device 21 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 5.

In step S101, the content input unit 31 accepts the user's selection of main content.

In step S102, the motion detection unit 32 detects that the swimmer has started swimming. In response to the swimmer starting swimming, the swimming speed detection unit 51 starts detecting the swimming speed, etc. In addition, the motion detection unit 32 starts detecting the position of the swimmer's head based on images captured by cameras installed around the pool 1.

The processing in steps S103 and S104 is the same as the processing in steps S3 and S4 in Fig. 6. That is, the display of the main content video is started, and the flow speed of the water and the video transition speed are controlled according to the swimming speed of the swimmer.

In step S105, the content playback unit 33 determines whether the swimmer's position has shifted. For example, if the distance from the position directly above the home position to the center position of the head is greater than or equal to a threshold distance, it is determined that the swimmer's position has shifted.

If it is determined in step S105 that the swimmer's position has shifted, in step S106, the content playback unit 33 plays effect content according to the swimmer's position and displays the image of the effect content on the display device 22.

For example, a video of the effect content, such as the above-mentioned shark attacking, is displayed. The content playback unit 33 outputs sound effects from the speaker 23 in accordance with the display of the effect content.

After the video of the effect content is displayed, processing proceeds to step S107. If it is determined in step S105 that the swimmer's position is not shifted, processing in step S106 is skipped and processing proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, it is determined whether swimming has ended. The images of the main content and effect content are continuously displayed until it is determined in step S107 that swimming has ended.

Through the above processing, the control device 21 can guide the position of swimmer U1 in the correct direction.

Swimmer U1 can adjust his/her own position while enjoying watching the video. If the correct direction were to be shown by an image of an arrow or the like, the image of the arrow would be displayed together with the video of the ocean, creating a sense of incongruity and ruining the sense of immersion, but this can be prevented. Of course, it is also possible to show the correct direction by an image of an arrow or the like.

In the above, whether or not the swimmer's position has shifted is determined based on the position of the swimmer's head, but it may also be determined based on the positions of other parts of the body, such as the positions of the hands, feet, and torso.

Also, while the images to guide the swimmer's direction are displayed in a flow-through pool, they may also be displayed in a normal pool, not a flow-through pool.

Regarding the headset A communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device such as the control device 21 may be provided in a headset worn by the swimmer. For example, a wireless communication module conforming to Bluetooth (registered trademark) is provided in the headset as the communication unit. Various types of data such as audio data are transmitted and received between the external device and the headset.

Figure 19 shows an example configuration of a headset.

The headset 261 as the speaker 23 is integrally formed with the snorkel 262 and the mask 263. A communication unit 264 is provided at the upper end portion of the snorkel 262, which is located above the water when the user is swimming while wearing the headset 261.

Wireless communication via Bluetooth becomes unstable underwater. By providing the communication unit 264 in the portion located above the water, it becomes possible to stabilize the wireless communication.

Regarding detection of swimmer's operations: Touch sensors are provided on the inner wall of pool 1, and the swimmer's operations are detected by the touch sensors. However, the operations may be detected by analyzing images captured by a camera. When the approach of the swimmer's hands to the inner wall is detected based on the images, the display of the content video is controlled as described above.

Projection Using a Projector The image of the content may be displayed using a projector. For example, the image is projected onto the bottom surface 13 as a projection surface. In this case, the bottom surface 13 is made of an opaque material rather than a transparent material.

Lighting control Lighting provided on the inner walls or around the pool 1 may be controlled in accordance with the display of the video content. For example, when displaying a video content depicting a sunset, the control device 21 controls the lighting to emit orange light. When displaying a video content depicting diving to the bottom of the ocean, the control device 21 controls the lighting to become darker according to the depth of the ocean depicted in the content.

Image Control The image of the content may be enlarged or reduced depending on the water depth of the pool 1. For example, the deeper the water in the pool 1, the larger the image of the content is displayed.

The content image may be enlarged or reduced depending on how deep the swimmer is swimming.

In addition, the deeper the water in pool 1, the slower the content video transition speed may be. By performing such display control, a video experience that is less uncomfortable can be provided.

Control of images for backstroke For swimmers doing the backstroke, a display different from display 2 may be placed above pool 1 to display content according to the swimmer's movements. For example, a starry sky may be displayed on this display. As with display 2, a target indicating a base position may also be displayed on this display.

Example of Vehicle FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an entertainment pool.

The vehicle 271 shown in Figure 20 is equipped with a pool 1 and various devices such as a display 2 that are provided around the pool 1. A control device 21 is provided inside the vehicle 271. The control device 21 may also be provided outside the vehicle 271 and connected to the various devices provided around the pool 1 via the Internet or the like. In this way, the pool 1 having the above-mentioned configuration may be installed in the loading platform of the vehicle.

Regarding the computer: The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, or into a general-purpose personal computer, etc.

Figure 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-mentioned series of processes using a program.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 are interconnected by bus 304.

An input/output interface 305 is further connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input/output interface 305. In addition, a storage unit 308 including a hard disk or non-volatile memory, a communication unit 309 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 310 that drives a removable media 311 are connected to the input/output interface 305.

In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 301 performs the above-mentioned series of processes, for example, by loading a program stored in the memory unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input/output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executing it.

The programs executed by the CPU 301 are recorded, for example, on removable media 311, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the memory unit 308.

The program executed by the computer may be a program in which processing is performed chronologically in the order described in this specification, or a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Thus, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also exist.

The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices over a network.

In addition, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

Furthermore, when a single step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that single step can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

<Examples of configuration combinations>
The present technology can also be configured as follows.

(1)
A pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material;
A display unit provided on the outer side of the inner wall;
A detection unit that detects the movement of a swimmer in the pool;
a playback control unit that controls display of the content video on the display unit in accordance with the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
(2)
The pool system described in (1), wherein the detection unit detects contact of the swimmer with the inner wall as the swimmer's movement.
(3)
The pool system described in (2), wherein the detection unit detects contact by the swimmer based on sensor data output by a touch sensor provided on the inner wall.
(4)
The pool system described in (1) above, wherein the detection unit detects the movement of the swimmer based on an image taken by a camera.
(5)
The pool system described in (1) or (4), wherein the detection unit detects the swimming speed of the swimmer as the movement of the swimmer.
(6)
The pool system described in (5) above, further comprising a water flow speed control unit that controls the flow speed of the water flow in the pool in accordance with the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
(7)
The pool system according to (5) or (6), wherein the playback control unit controls a transition speed of the video of the content according to the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
(8)
The pool system described in (1) or (4), wherein the detection unit detects the swimmer's reciprocating movement as the swimmer's movement.
(9)
The pool system according to (8), wherein the playback control unit switches the content for displaying the video each time the detection unit detects the swimmer's round trip.
(10)
The pool system described in (1) or (4), wherein the detection unit detects the position of the swimmer as the movement of the swimmer.
(11)
The pool system according to (10), wherein the playback control unit changes a movement of an object included in the video of the content according to a position of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
(12)
The pool system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the playback control unit controls the display of the content video on the display unit by playing back a main content and an effect content.
(13)
The pool system according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the playback control unit further controls an output of sound of the content in accordance with a display of a video of the content.
(14)
The playback control unit causes the display unit to display a video including an image obtained by capturing a picture drawn by the swimmer as an object in accordance with the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. The pool system described in any of (1) to (13).
(15)
The pool system according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the display unit is provided on the outside of at least one of the surfaces constituting the inner wall.
(16)
The pool system described in (6) above, wherein the detection unit detects the position of the swimmer as the movement of the swimmer.
(17)
The pool system described in (16), wherein the playback control unit controls the display of the video of the content in response to the position of the swimmer detected by the detection unit moving away from a preset position.
(18)
The pool system according to (16) or (17), wherein the playback control unit causes the display unit to display a video of the content in which the swimmer's position is guided by the movement of an object.
(19)
The pool system according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein the playback control unit causes the display unit to display a mark indicating a target position for the swimmer.
(16)
A detection unit that detects the movement of a swimmer in a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall;
a playback control unit that controls display of the content video on the display unit in response to the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
(17)
A swimming pool has an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit is provided on the outside of the inner wall, and the movement of a swimmer in the pool is detected;
A control method for controlling display of a content image on the display unit in accordance with the detected movement of the swimmer.
(18)
a display unit that displays an image corresponding to the movement of a swimmer in the pool according to the control of a control device that reproduces the content;
A display device provided on the outside of the inner wall of the pool, the display device being made of a transparent material.

1 Pool, 2 Display, 11 Side, 12 Front and rear, 13 Bottom, 21 Control device, 22 Display device, 23 Speaker, 31 Content input unit, 32 Movement detection unit, 33 Content playback unit, 34 Content storage unit, 35 Water current speed control unit, 51 Swimming speed detection unit, 101 Reciprocation detection unit, 151 Child position detection unit, 201 Server device

Claims (19)

A pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material;
A display unit provided on the outer side of the inner wall;
A detection unit that detects at least the swimming speed of the swimmer as a movement of the swimmer in the pool;
a playback control unit that controls a transition speed of the video of the content displayed on the display unit in accordance with the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. A pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material;
A display unit provided on the outer side of the inner wall;
A detection unit that detects at least a reciprocating motion of the swimmer in the pool;
a playback control unit that switches content to be displayed on the display unit each time the detection unit detects the swimmer's round trip. A pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material;
A display unit provided on the outer side of the inner wall;
A detection unit that detects the movement of a swimmer in the pool;
a playback control unit that controls display of a video of the content on the display unit in response to the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit,
The playback control unit causes the display unit to display a video including, as an object, an image obtained by capturing a picture drawn by the swimmer, in accordance with the movement of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. The detection unit detects contact of the swimmer with the inner wall as the movement of the swimmer,
The playback control unit controls display of the video of the content on the display unit in response to the contact by the swimmer detected by the detection unit.
4. A pool system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The pool system according to claim 4 , wherein the detection unit detects contact by the swimmer based on sensor data output by a touch sensor provided on the inner wall. The pool system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects the movement of the swimmer based on an image captured by a camera. The pool system according to claim 1 , further comprising a water flow speed control unit that controls a flow speed of the water flow in the pool in accordance with the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. The pool system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit detects a position of the swimmer as the movement of the swimmer. The pool system according to claim 8 , wherein the playback control unit changes a movement of an object included in the video of the content according to a position of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. The pool system according to claim 1 , wherein the playback control unit controls display of the video of the content on the display unit by playing back a main content and an effect content at the same time. The pool system according to claim 1 , wherein the playback control unit further controls an output of sound of the content in accordance with a display of a video of the content. The pool system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display unit is provided on the outside of at least one of the surfaces constituting the inner wall. The pool system according to claim 7 , wherein the detection unit detects a position of the swimmer as the movement of the swimmer. The pool system according to claim 13 , wherein the playback control unit controls display of the video of the content in response to the position of the swimmer detected by the detection unit moving away from a preset position. The pool system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the playback control unit causes the display unit to display an image of the content in which the swimmer's position is guided by a movement of an object. The pool system according to any one of claims 7 and 13 to 15, wherein the playback control unit causes the display unit to display a mark indicating a target position of the swimmer. A detection unit that detects at least the swimming speed of a swimmer in a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall;
a playback control unit that controls a transition speed of the video of the content displayed on the display unit in accordance with the swimming speed of the swimmer detected by the detection unit. Detecting at least the swimming speed of a swimmer in a pool having an inner wall made of a transparent material and a display unit provided on the outside of the inner wall as a movement of the swimmer;
and controlling a transition speed of an image of the content displayed on the display unit in accordance with the detected swimming speed of the swimmer. a display unit that displays an image that changes at a speed corresponding to the swimming speed of a swimmer in the pool under the control of a control device that reproduces the content;
A display device provided on the outside of the inner wall of the pool, the display device being made of a transparent material.

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