JP2002239265A - Vibration effect device control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vibration effect device control system. SOLUTION: Feeling means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8f are connected to feeling connection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f, respectively, and the feeling connection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f are connected to a control means 1. An image display means and an image library are connected to the control means 1. The image display means projects a film read from the image library by the control of the control means 1. The image library stores images projected and vibration data so that they may be synchronously obtained. Images are displayed on a screen from the image display means, the feeling means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f operate synchronously with images displayed when connected to the control means 1 by the feeling connection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses a vibration signal generated when an impact or vibration caused physically travels on the ground, a floor, or the like, and provides a dramatic sense of realism such as vibration or impact. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control system for individually controlling a vibration effect device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a low-frequency component (a component having a frequency of 150 Hz or less) of an acoustic signal of music or the like is converted into mechanical vibration by an electro-mechanical vibration converter, and the user listens to music or the like while experiencing the sound. A “sensation sound device” has been proposed. Various devices have been proposed as such a bodily sensation sound device, and the present inventors disclosed a vibration effect device in JP-A-2000-262971. The vibration effect device according to the invention is a bodily sensation device provided with a transducer for converting an electric signal into mechanical vibration on a floor, a chair, a cushion, or the like, and a memory for storing a group of vibration signals obtained by converting a mechanical vibration waveform into an electric signal waveform. And a medium that calls a necessary vibration signal from a group of vibration signals stored in the storage medium based on a synchronization signal and inputs the vibration signal to the transducer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the vibration effect device 101
Is an input unit 104 to which a time code 107 printed on a movie film 106 and read by an optical reading unit 108 is input, and a storage medium 102 in which vibration data read out in synchronization with the time code 107 is stored. A control unit 103 for reading arbitrary vibration data from the storage medium 102 in synchronization with the time code input from the input unit 104, and an output unit 105 for the read vibration data (vibration signal). ing.

A time code 107 printed on a movie film 106 is read into an optical reading unit 108.
The read time code 107 is stored in a digital surround system (a THX system, DTS
Surround system, etc.) 109 is used to synchronize video and audio. The audio program is stored in the storage medium 110, read out by the digital surround system 109 in synchronization with the time code 107, sequentially decoded, and output as an audio signal.

[0005] The time code 107 read by the optical reading unit 108 is transmitted to the vibration effect device 1.
01 is also input to the input unit 104. In synchronization with the input time code 107, data necessary for a necessary scene is read by the control unit 103 at appropriate timing from the vibration data edited for the movie film 106 and stored in the storage medium 102. And output from the output unit 105 as a vibration signal.

The output vibration signal is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Are transmitted to the transducers 502 and 503 attached to the chair 501 of the movie theater (not limited to the chair, but may be attached to the floor or the like), and converted into mechanical vibration in synchronization with each scene of the movie Thus, it is possible to reproduce a sense of presence such as a feeling of vibration and a feeling of shock for an audience sitting on a chair and watching a movie.

[0007]

The vibration effect device uses a vibration signal generated when an impact or vibration physically induced on the ground, floor, or the like, is used to produce a drama such as a feeling of vibration or a shock. Realistic presence can be reproduced. Such a device can be used in a movie theater or various recreational facilities to enhance the presence of a movie or the like. However, there were the following problems.

That is, for example, in a movie theater or various entertainment facilities, the reproduction of a sense of realism such as a sense of vibration or a sense of impact has conventionally been performed.
It was intended for all audience members sitting in a chair and watching a movie. For this reason, it is necessary to operate all vibration effect devices regardless of the number of visitors. Therefore, even if the seat is vacant, the driving power of the vibration effect device is wasted.

Further, the number of necessary facilities must be set in accordance with the scale of a movie theater, the capital investment for such facilities becomes enormous, and the power rate required for operating the facilities increases. For this reason, depending on the number of visitors, the collection of funds may be delayed and the management may be squeezed. Since such investment funds are collected at the entrance fee of a movie theater or the like, the burden of the entrance fee paid by the visitors increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide a control system using a vibration effect device which solves the above-mentioned problems, speeds up the recovery of capital investment funds, and reduces operating power.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control system for a vibration effect device, comprising: a video display control means for displaying a video; and an electric signal converted into a mechanical vibration. A transducer, a bodily sensation unit provided on a floor, a chair, a cushion, or the like; a bodily connection unit that enables the bodily unit to operate; The image display control means and the bodily sensation means are synchronously controlled by the control means, and the bodily sensation means operates when connected to the control means by the bodily sensation connection means.

3. The control system for a vibration effect device according to claim 2, wherein said sensation connection means has detachable storage means, and said control means has information storage means for storing information. When the storage unit is mounted on the sensation connection unit, the information stored in the removable storage unit is stored in the information storage unit by the control unit, and the removable storage unit is mounted. The sensation means connected to the sensation connection means operates.

4. The control system for a vibration effect device according to claim 3, wherein said control means is stored in said removable storage means in advance when said removable storage means is mounted on said sensation connection means. The information of the visitor is read and stored in the information storage means, and the information of the visitor stored in the information storage means, the display information displayed by the video display control means, and the usage time of the sensation means are output. It is characterized by having output means for performing the above.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment for controlling sensation means in a vibration effect device control system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the network controller 2 and the network controllers 3a, 3b, 3c are connected by a signal line 5. The network controller 2 controls the control unit 1 through a signal line 4.
Is connected to Sensation means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d,
8e and 8f are sensible connection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d,
7e and 7f. Each experience connection means 7
a, 7b and 7c are connected to the network controller 3a via the signal line 6a. Each of the sensible connection means 7d, 7e, 7f is connected to the network controller 3b via a signal line 6b. Similarly, each of the similar sensation connection means and sensation means (not shown) is connected to the signal line 6c.

The signal line 5 is, for example, a well-known RS-485,
There is one channel each for RS232. Also, the signal line 6
As for a, 6b and 6c, for example, the well-known RS-485 has two channels. Sensation means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e,
8f is provided on the back of the chair of FIG. 6 described above, the buttrest portion, and the like, and the bodily sensation connection means is provided on the armrest portion of the chair by a predetermined method. Also, in FIG.
a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f and sensation means 8a, 8
Although the numbers of b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f are one-to-one, a plurality of sensation means may be connected to one sensation connection means. In such a case, the sensation units connected to one sensation connection unit are controlled to perform the same operation. The sensation means, sensation connection means, and network controller are appropriately changed according to the scale of a movie theater or the like, in addition to the numbers shown in FIG.

The control means 1 includes a video display means, a video library, an information storage means and an output means which are not shown in FIG.
Are connected as shown.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the connection of the various units connected to the control unit 1 shown in FIG. The image display control means includes a screen 11, an image display means 12, and an image library 1b. The image display means 12 for displaying an image on the screen 11 is read from the image library 1b under the control of the control means 1. , For example, movies. The control means 1
The sensation connection means 7a, 7b, 7c, 7 described later
Information storage means 1 for storing information obtained from d, 7e, 7f
a, a video library 1b in which the broadcasted movie and the like are stored, information on the visitors stored in the information storage means 1a, information on the content displayed on the video display means 12, and the sensation means 8a , 8b, 8c, 8d, 8
e and output means 1c for outputting the use time of 8f. The output unit may be a drive unit for a storage medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical disk, or an IC card, a printer, or a telephone network control unit for connecting to the Internet. Further, seat information using the sensation means may be output in real time to display means (not shown) provided at the ticket counter.

The video library 1b is, for example, a digital video disk (DVD). In the video library 1b, a video to be broadcast and a vibration data group are stored in a predetermined manner so as to be obtained in synchronization.
In addition, a video vibration control program is also created so that necessary vibration data can be output in accordance with each scene of the movie to be broadcasted from the vibration data group in which the sense of realism is desired. With the video library 1b.

The vibration control program is read and executed by the control means 1 to display an image on the screen 11 from the image display means 12, and to execute the sensation means 8a,
A signal is output to the controller 2 so that 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f are driven in synchronization with the video.

The video library 1b may be a method other than a DVD, for example, a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-262971.

FIG. 3 shows the sensation connection means 7a, 7b, 7
c is an example. The sensory connection means 7a includes the switch 2
0a, a resistor R1, and a resistor R2. Signal line 6a
Is composed of a signal line 6a1 and a signal line 6a2,
1 is connected to one terminal of the resistor R1 of the sensible connection means 7a. The signal line 6a2 is connected to one terminal of the resistor R2 of the sensory connection means 7a, the terminal b of the switch 20a, and one input terminal k of the sensory means 8a.
The other input terminal m of the sensation means 8a is connected to the other terminal of the resistor R2 and the terminal c of the switch 20a.

The switch 20a is a switch for switching the terminal B between the terminals A and C. Such a switch 20a may be, for example, a switch linked to a magnetic card reader (not shown) provided on an armchair portion of a chair (not shown) provided with the sensation connection means 7a and the sensation means 8a. When the magnetic card is inserted into the magnetic card reader, the terminal is switched from terminal A to terminal C, and the sensation means 8a is connected to the signal line 6a.

The resistors R1 and R2 are dummy resistors, which prevent click noise from being generated by switching the switches and prevent interference with other bodily sensation means. If necessary, each resistor R1 and resistor R2
And a capacitor may be connected in parallel. The configuration described above is the same for the sensation connection units 7b and 7c, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a case where the signal line 6a and the sensation means 8a are connected to the sensation connection means using a well-known magnetic card reader 13 and a magnetic card 14. The magnetic card reader 13 is connected to the signal line 60a and the signal line 60b, respectively, and is controlled by the control unit 1. Such a control program is included in the magnetic card reader 13 and is controlled by a control signal from a control unit in a known manner. Also,
The magnetic card reader 13 holds the time while the magnetic card 14 is inserted, and notifies the control unit 1 of the use time of the magnetic card reader 13, that is, the use time of the sensation unit 8 a under the control of the control unit 1. I do.

The attributes of the visitors, for example, names, ages, genders, addresses, telephone numbers, card numbers, and the like are stored in the magnetic card 14 in a known manner in advance as necessary. The control means 1 controls the magnetic card reader 13 to read information on the magnetic card 14 by a known method, and
a is stored in a predetermined method.

The magnetic card reader 13 and the magnetic card 1
4 may be a well-known IC card reader and an IC card, respectively, and store the usage time of the sensation means 8a in the IC card so that the information of the IC card is stored in another system (not shown). The information may be read by an IC card reader and subjected to a predetermined process.

Regarding the operation of the vibration effect device control system having the above-described configuration, the sensible connection means 7a, 7b, 7c,
The case where a magnetic card reader and a magnetic card are used for 7d, 7e and 7f will be described below.

On the screen 11, a movie stored in a video library 1b composed of, for example, a digital video disk (DVD) is read out by the control means 1 and broadcasted by the video display means 12. The control means 1
A video vibration control program is read from the video library 1b, and a vibration data group stored in the video library and synchronized with the video currently being broadcast is read by the program.

The vibration data group synchronized with the video read from the control means 1 is transmitted to the sensible connection means 7a, 7 via the network controllers 2 and 3a, 3b, 3c.
b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f. When the magnetic card reader is inserted, the switch 20a shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the terminal c when the magnetic card is inserted, and the sensation means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8
f is connected to the signal line 6a.

Therefore, the vibration data group read from the control means 1 and synchronized with the video is applied only to the sensation connection means in which the magnetic card is inserted, and only the pertinent sensation means is driven.

The control means 1 reads various data of the visitor from the inserted magnetic card, and displays information on the contents displayed on the video display means 12 and the time during which the magnetic card is inserted from the magnetic card reader. That is, the usage time of the sensation means is stored in the information storage means 1a. Such information is used, for example, for postpayment of sensation means usage fees other than the entrance fee, or used to count what kind of visitors watched what kind of movies, and when they used the sensation means. I do. In addition, for example, the capital investment of the control system including the sensation means is shared between a theater operator and a supplier who delivers the sensation means, and fund collection is performed based on the information stored in the information storage means 1a. It is used for data for calculating the sharing ratio of data.

The total data is distributed from the control means 1 to a movie film distribution company, a developer, an advertising company or the like by a distribution means (not shown) or a storage medium.

Also, since the total data can be used to know the operating status of the sensation means in real time, vacant seat information can be distributed over the Internet in conjunction with a theater system (not shown), or can be transmitted to a ticket counter. Information is distributed and used as ticket release information.

The sensation connection means and sensation means may be installed in all chairs, or may be installed only in a predetermined chair by changing the fee collection system as needed.

[0035]

According to the control system of the vibration effect device according to the first aspect, the image display means and the sensation means are controlled synchronously by the control means, and the sensation means is controlled by the sensation connection means. It operates individually when connected to the power supply, so that no wasteful power is consumed.

According to the control system of the vibration effect device of the second aspect, the apparatus has a detachable storage means, and by using the information of the detachable storage means attached to the sensation connection means, it is possible to provide the visitor with the information. Information can be collected, and the bodily sensation means can be individually controlled by attaching and detaching the storage means.

According to the vibration effect device control system of the third aspect, there is provided a means for outputting the information of the visitor stored in the information storage means, the display information displayed by the video display means, and the use time. Thereby, the capital investment of the control system including the sensation means is performed, for example, by sharing between the theater operator and the supplier delivering the sensation means, and the fund collection based on the information stored in the information storage means is performed. It can be used for data for calculating the sharing ratio, and the like. Further, by distributing the output information to a movie film distribution company, a developer, an advertising agency, and the like, it is possible to grasp user trends and obtain development data of a new work. Furthermore, since the aggregated data allows the operating status of the sensation means to be known in real time, the vacant seat information can be distributed on the Internet, and the information can be distributed to the ticket counter to increase ticket sales. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment for controlling bodily sensation means in a vibration effect device control system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing connections of various units connected to a control unit.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the sensation connection means.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where a signal line and a bodily sensation unit are connected using a magnetic card reader and a magnetic card as the bodily sensation connection unit;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a conventional vibration effect device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a conventional vibration effect device is attached to a chair.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control means 1a Information storage means 1b Video library 2, 3a, 3b, 3c Network controller 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f Experiential connection means 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f Experiential means 11 Screen 12 Video Display means 13 Magnetic card reader 14 Magnetic card R1, R2 Resistor

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) B06B 1/04 B06B 1/04 S

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image display control means for displaying an image, a sensory means provided on a floor, a chair, a cushion or the like with a transducer for converting an electric signal into a mechanical vibration, and a sensory connection means for enabling the sensory means to operate. And control means for controlling the video display control means, the bodily sensation means, and the bodily sensation connection means, wherein the video display control means and the bodily sensation means are controlled in synchronization by the control means, and the bodily sensation means is A control system for a vibration effect device, which operates when connected to said control means by said sensation connection means. 2. The sensory connection means comprises a removable storage means, the control means comprises information storage means for storing information, and when the detachable storage means is mounted on the sensory connection means, The information stored in the detachable storage means is stored in the information storage means by the control means, and the sensation means connected to the sensation connection means to which the detachable storage means is attached operates. The control system for a vibration effect device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The sensible connection means comprises detachable storage means, the control means comprises an information storage means for storing information and an output means, and the detachable storage means is attached to the sensible connection means. Then, the information of the visitor previously stored in the removable storage means is read out by the control means and stored in the information storage means, and the information of the visitor stored in the information storage means is read. The vibration effect device according to claim 1, wherein information on a video displayed by the video display control unit and a use time during which the bodily sensation unit is used are output to the output unit. 4. Control system.