JPH11196497A - Information transmission device by vibration - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an information transmission device by vibration that can transmit various messages by changing the frequency and amplitude of vibration of a vibration body that touches a body. SOLUTION: The frequency and the amplitude of the voice are analyzed, the obtained frequency and the amplitude are converted by a predetermined conversion process, and the vibrating body is vibrated by the frequency and the amplitude after the conversion process. Thus, a person who feels the vibration of the vibrating body can understand the message from the vibration pattern, and can transmit information by the vibration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information transmission device that analyzes characteristics of an audio signal, converts the characteristic into vibration data, and transmits information by a vibration pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a means for transmitting information, a method is known which utilizes any of auditory, visual, and tactile senses. As a method of using hearing, there are a telephone ringtone, a telephone conversation, a pager ringtone, and the like. As a method of utilizing the visual sense, there is a message display of a pager or the like. As a method of using the tactile sensation, there is a vibration used instead of a ring tone of a mobile phone or a pager.

[0003] When using vibration, vibration of a single rhythm is used. That is, when a mobile phone or a pager is used during a meeting or in a movie theater, the ring tone is annoying to others, so that the vibrating body vibrates in a single rhythm instead of the ring tone. If there is vibration, the user can know that there is an incoming call without being noticed by others.

In the prior art, information transmission by vibration using tactile sensation is used exclusively for confirming the presence or absence of vibration, and the vibration itself does not have more information than presence or absence.

[0005]

As described above, in information transmission by vibration using tactile sensation, only information of a certain limit such as presence or absence was transmitted. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information transmission device using vibration, which can transmit information with a specific meaning that is more than presence / absence, even when information is transmitted by vibration using tactile sensation. I do.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for inputting voice information, the input voice information is decomposed for each syllable, and primary analysis data relating to the sound in each syllable is extracted. And means for storing it,
Means for converting the primary analysis data read from the storage means to the corrected secondary analysis data, and having at least one of frequency and amplitude adjustable vibration generation means,
An information transmission device using vibration, wherein the vibration generation means is caused to vibrate using the secondary analysis data.

[0007] With this, the person holding the vibration generating means can feel the strength of the vibration or the frequency of the vibration on the skin, and receive not only the presence or absence of the vibration but also a unique meaning.

[0008]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a vibration-based information transmission apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, 2 is a voice / text input device, 4 is a CPU (central processing unit), 6 is a memory, 8 is a storage unit, 10 is a display device, and 12 is a vibration output device.

The voice / text input device 2 inputs, for example, "Do your best", "Don't let go", "Settle down" and the like by human voice. FIG. 9 shows a voice pattern of “Ganbare”. Instead of voice, it is also possible to input “Ganbare” as text data using a keyboard or a touch pen.

The CPU 4, the memory 6, and the storage unit 8
The microcomputer M is configured. The CPU 4 performs A / D conversion on the input audio signal, divides the audio into syllables, and stores the duration T of the sound in each syllable, the maximum amplitude A and the maximum frequency F of the sound. FIG. 11 shows the operation of the CPU.

In FIG. 11, first, a voice is input (step S1), and A / D conversion of the voice is performed (step 2). It is determined whether or not the amplitude of the input voice is not zero (step S3). If not, the counter A is incremented (step S4). Subsequently, amplitude data is detected (step S5), and the maximum amplitude data A so far from when the counter A started counting is stored (step S6). Further, frequency conversion is performed based on the slope of the waveform of the input voice (step S7), and a frequency component is detected (step S8). Then, the maximum frequency data F up to now since the counter A started counting.
Is stored (step S9).

In step S3, if the amplitude of the input voice is zero, the counter B is incremented (step S10). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter B has exceeded a predetermined threshold value (step 11). If it has exceeded, it is determined that a silent portion having a predetermined length has continued, and it has been determined that there has been a syllable break. You. If not, the process returns to step S2. If it is determined that there is a syllable break, the value of the counter B is subtracted from the value of the counter A (step S12), and the difference is stored as the duration T of the sound (step S13). Then, the counters A and B are reset (step S1).
4). If it is determined that there is a syllable break, sound break information is inserted (step S15). Then, it is determined whether or not the audio data ends, and if not, the process returns to step S1.

In steps 12 and 13, the difference between the count values of the counters A and B is calculated and the difference is stored. Alternatively, the count values of the counters A and B may be stored as they are. Good.

As an example of the operation of this flowchart,
It is assumed that the input voice data is “Ganbare”. In this case, four syllables “GA”, “N”, “BA”, and “RE” are detected, and for “GA”, the maximum amplitude data A1, the maximum frequency data F1, and the duration T1 are stored. ", The maximum amplitude data A2, the maximum frequency data F2, and the duration T2 are stored. For the" ba ", the maximum amplitude data A3, the maximum frequency data F3,
The duration T3 is stored, and for "re", the maximum amplitude data A4, the maximum frequency data F4, and the duration T4 are stored. Recording is performed in the recording unit 8.

The primary analysis data (the sound duration T, the maximum amplitude A, and the maximum frequency F) of the sound generated by the computer M as described above is sent to the vibration output device 12.
The vibration output device 12 multiplies the maximum amplitude A by a predetermined coefficient Ca, and multiplies the maximum frequency F by another predetermined coefficient Cf to generate secondary analysis data of the voice. The coefficients Ca and Cf are determined according to the structure and size of the vibration output device described later. In addition, the conversion from the primary analysis data of the voice to the secondary analysis data, instead of using the coefficients,
A predetermined conversion formula or conversion table may be used.

To explain the above example, the primary analysis data (A1, F1) of the voice sent to the vibration output device 12 will be described.
1, T1), (A2, F2, T2), (A3, F3, T3),
(A4, F4, T4) is corrected in the vibration output device 12, and the secondary analysis data (Ca · A1, Cf · F1, T
1), (Ca · A2, Cf · F2, T2), (Ca · A3, Cf
F3, T3) and (CaA4, CfF4, T4). A drive signal as shown in FIG. 10 is generated based on the secondary analysis data of the voice. In other words, for the syllable “GA”, a signal having an amplitude of Ca · A1 and a frequency of Cf · F1 is output for a T1 period in a predetermined time slot. As for the syllable “n”, a signal having an amplitude of Ca · A2 and a frequency of Cf · F2 is output in the next time slot during the T2 period. As for the syllable of “ba”, the amplitude is Ca · A3 in the next time slot.
Then, a signal having a frequency of Cf · F3 is output for a period T3. As for the syllable “RE”, a signal having an amplitude of Ca · A4 and a frequency of Cf · F4 is output in the next time slot during the T4 period. As described above, syllables are inserted into predetermined time slots, and the remaining time of each time slot is set as a time interval between syllables.

The conversion from the primary analysis data to the secondary analysis data of the voice may be performed in the microcomputer M.

If the count value of the counter B is included in the voice analysis data, the time interval between syllables may be determined based on the count value from the counter B.

The vibration output device 12 further has a driving device. FIG. 4 shows an example of the driving device.

In FIG. 4, 30 and 32 are D / A converters, 34 is a pulse generator, 36 is an amplifier, 38 is a vibration generator, and 40 is a power supply. The frequency information is stored in the D / A converter 30.
, And is applied to the pulse generator 34.
The amplitude information is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 32,
Applied to amplifier 36. In the case of the above example, when the information about “GA” is sent, the pulse generator 34 outputs a pulse having a frequency of Cf · F1 during the T1 period. The amplifier 36 amplifies the transmitted pulse to the amplitude of Ca · A1. The vibration generator 38 uses a pulse having a frequency of Cf · F1 and an amplitude of Ca · A1 to generate T1.
Vibrates for a period. An example of the vibration generator 38 is shown in FIG. Note that the frequency information and the amplitude information on “GA”, “N”, “BA”, and “RE” are read from the storage unit 8 by a predetermined start signal.

FIG. 5 shows a vibration generator 3 using a piezoelectric element 44.
Shows 8. The piezoelectric element 44 vibrates according to the voltage from the pulse. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 44 and the amplitude of the vibration. The vibration increases as the voltage increases. The frequency of the pulse is changed based on the frequency information, and the amplitude of the pulse is changed based on the amplitude information, whereby the vibration frequency and the amplitude of the piezoelectric element 44 can be changed.

7 and 8 show a modification of the vibration generator 38. FIG. The vibration generator 38 includes a motor 46, an eccentric cam 48 attached to the motor 46, a vibrating body 50 in contact with the eccentric cam, an indicator 52 for indicating the vibrating body 50,
The spring 54 biases the eccentric cam 48 against the zero. In this case, the rotational speed of the motor is changed by applying a voltage to the motor in accordance with one of the frequency information and the amplitude information or the value obtained by multiplying the two information in the secondary analysis data of the voice. To do. Therefore, the vibrating body 50 can change the vibration frequency according to the strength of the sound.

7 and 8, the eccentric cam 48
If the degree of eccentricity is electrically adjusted, the rotational speed of the motor can be changed based on the frequency information, while the stroke of the eccentric cam 48 can be changed based on the amplitude information. Thereby, the vibration frequency and the amplitude of the vibrating body 50 can be changed.

As is clear from the above, "ga""n"
When the frequency information and the amplitude information are sent for “ba” and “re”, the piezoelectric element 44 vibrates according to the information. The person holding the vibration output device 12 feels as if the vibration output device 12 is shouting “ga”, “n”, “ba”, and “re”. The display device 1 shown in FIG.
In the case of 0, the display of "Ganbare" is performed in parallel with the vibration. By the synergistic effect of the display and the vibration, the will of the sender can be more strongly conveyed.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a vibration-based information transmission apparatus according to the present invention. In the first embodiment, the display device 10 and the vibration output device 12 are provided on the output side of the microcomputer M. However, in the second embodiment, a transmission device 13 is provided instead of these devices. I have. Further, a receiving device 16 for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting device 13, a display device 17 connected to the receiving device 16, and a vibration output device 18 connected to the receiving device 16 are provided.

The transmitting device 13 sends out the above-mentioned secondary analysis data of voice and text data. Receiver 16
Receives the voice secondary analysis data and the text data, outputs the voice secondary analysis data to the vibration output device 18, and outputs the text data to the display device 17. As described above, the vibration output device 18 vibrates according to the secondary analysis data of the sound, and the display device 17
Is displayed in accordance with the text data. According to the second embodiment, it is possible to transmit information by vibration to a receiving device located at a position distant from the transmitting device.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the information transmission device by vibration according to the present invention. As compared with the first embodiment, a timer 20, a heart rate measuring device 22, a pulse measuring device 26, and a perspiration sensor 24 are further provided on the input side of the microcomputer M. Timer 20, heart rate measuring device 2
2. The pulse meter 26 and the perspiration sensor 24 are all used to generate the start signal.

The timer 20 is configured to emit a start signal when a set time has elapsed.

The heart rate measuring device 22 is configured to measure the heart rate of a person holding the information transmission device by vibration, and to issue a start signal when the heart rate exceeds a predetermined value.

The pulse measuring device 26 is configured to measure the pulse rate of a person holding the information transmission device by vibration, and to issue a start signal when the pulse rate exceeds a predetermined value.

The perspiration sensor 24 measures the degree of perspiration of a person holding the information transmitting device by vibration, for example, the electrical resistance value between two points on the skin, and generates a start signal when the degree of perspiration exceeds a predetermined value. Is configured.

In the third embodiment, the display device 10 and the vibration output device 12 are, as shown in the second embodiment,
If a transmitting device and a receiving device are used, it is also possible to transmit information by vibration to a receiving device located at a position distant from the transmitting device.

Next, an example of a use method will be described.
The user inputs in advance a message (eg, “do your best”, “dose”, “settle down”) by voice or text using a keyboard or the like with the voice / text input device 2. Then, the secondary analysis data of the input voice is stored in the storage unit 8. When a test switch (not shown) is turned on, a start signal is issued, the message is converted into a vibration pattern corresponding to the message, and the message is vibrated by the vibration output device 12. The user learns the meaning of the vibration pattern by learning the message and its vibration pattern.

When the user carries the information transmission device by vibration, the vibration output device 12 receives a start signal from any one of the timer 20, the heart rate measuring device 22, the pulse measuring device 26, and the perspiration sensor 24. Vibrates in a certain vibration pattern. With this vibration pattern, the user understands the learned meaning and the message is transmitted. If different start signals are generated by the timer 20, the heart rate measuring device 22, the pulse measuring device 26, and the perspiration sensor 24, it is possible to associate different messages.

By converting a voice or text message into a vibration pattern, a message can be transmitted even in a situation where information cannot be transmitted using only message display. Further, by feeling the vibration with the body, it is possible to transmit information with a sense of presence and presence.

The secondary sound analysis data can be added to the display device 10 in addition to the vibration output device 12, and the brightness of the display can be changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vibration-based information transmission device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an information transmission device using vibration according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vibration-based information transmission device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a vibration output device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generator using a piezoelectric element.

FIG. 6 is an operation characteristic diagram of a piezoelectric element.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a vibration generator using a motor.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a vibration generator using a motor in another state.

FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram of voice primary analysis data.

FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram of audio secondary analysis data.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for obtaining voice primary analysis data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Voice / text input device 4 CPU (Central processing unit) 6 Memory 8 Storage unit 10 Display device 12 Vibration output device 13 Transmitting device 16 Receiving device 20 Timer 22 Heart rate measuring device 23 Pulse Measuring instrument 24 ... Sweating sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor: Takaho Miki 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A means for inputting voice information, a means for decomposing input voice information for each syllable, a means for extracting primary analysis data relating to a sound in each syllable, storing the data, and a means for reading from a storage means Means for converting the output primary analysis data into modified secondary analysis data, and vibration generating means for adjusting at least one of frequency and amplitude, and using the secondary analysis data to generate vibration An information transmission device by vibration characterized by vibrating. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is a sound amplitude. 3. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is a frequency of a sound. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is the amplitude of a sound, and the secondary analysis data is obtained by multiplying the amplitude of the sound by a predetermined coefficient. Information transmission device. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is a sound frequency, and the secondary analysis data is obtained by multiplying the sound frequency by a predetermined coefficient. Information transmission device. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is a time length of a syllable. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the primary analysis data is a time length between syllables. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for inputting voice information is input by human voice. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for inputting voice information is input by text. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit for transmitting the primary analysis data, and a receiving unit for receiving the transmitted primary analysis data. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for outputting a start signal for reading out the stored primary analysis data. 12. The means for outputting the start signal,
The information transmission device by vibration according to claim 11, wherein the information transmission device is a timer. 13. The means for outputting the start signal,
The information transmission device by vibration according to claim 11, which is a heart rate measurement unit. 14. The means for outputting the start signal,
The information transmission device by vibration according to claim 11, which is a pulse measurement unit. 15. The means for outputting a start signal comprises:
The information transmission device by vibration according to claim 11, wherein the information transmission device is a perspiration sensor. 16. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vibration generating means comprises a piezoelectric element. 17. The information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vibration generating means comprises a motor, an eccentric cam, and a vibrating body.