JP2005091622A - Character information presenting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character information presenting device that presents character information by using electric stimulation. <P>SOLUTION: The character information presenting device 1 controls the timing and output time of output of currents from stimulation electrodes that a stimulation electrode part 15 has in the writing order of characters which are inputted from a character input part 11 and to be presented, according to character encoded data stored in a character encoding database 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a presentation device that presents tactile information by electrical stimulation.

  Conventional devices for presenting characters on a finger portion include, for example, a braille display, but most devices using a mechanical presentation technique using a voltage element or the like (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). . An apparatus using such a mechanical presentation method has a problem that it has a movable part and is therefore fragile, and the entire apparatus becomes large. In addition, such a device has a problem of resonance.

In order to solve this problem, a haptic presentation device that presents haptic information using electrical stimulation has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-328596 A “Input / output and tactile reading of Braille”, CGS Co., Ltd. [Search July 23, 2003], Internet <URL: http://www.kgs-jpn.co.jp/piezo.html>

However, since most of the information presented by the tactile presentation device as described in Patent Document 1 is limited to Braille, people who use the tactile presentation device have been limited. For this reason, the tactile sense presentation device has been difficult to spread to many people.
This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, and it aims at providing the character information presentation apparatus which presents character information using an electrical stimulus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is in contact with the plurality of stimulation electrodes by outputting a current from a specific stimulation electrode among the plurality of previously arranged stimulation electrodes. In the character information presentation device for presenting tactile information by electrical stimulation to the skin, it has sequential presentation adjustment means for adjusting the timing of outputting current from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes according to the writing order of the character information to be presented. A character information presentation device characterized by the above is provided.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the character information presentation device adjusts the timing of outputting current from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes according to the writing order of the character information to be presented. It is possible to apply electrical stimulation to the user's skin. For this reason, the user can recognize character information along the writing order of characters from the skin. The information presented by conventional presentation devices is often limited to braille, but the character information presentation device according to the present invention can present ordinary characters that can be understood by many people. The information presentation device may be used by more people.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the character information presentation device according to the first aspect, the sequential presentation adjustment unit outputs the current in addition to a timing of outputting a current from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes. It is characterized by adjusting the continuing time.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the character information presentation device follows the writing order of the character information in order to adjust the time during which the current continues to be output in addition to the timing of outputting the current from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes. Thus, the stimulation electrode that outputs current can be moved in time. For this reason, the character information presentation device can give the user a tactile sensation as if the character was written with a pen on the skin, and the user can easily recognize the character information. In addition, since the time during which current is continuously output can be adjusted so that current does not flow from a plurality of stimulation electrodes at the same time, the user's human body is not adversely affected.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the character information presentation device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the stimulation electrode to output a current is associated with the character information to be presented, and the current from each of the stimulation electrodes. And sequentially presenting character information storage means for storing the order information representing the order in which the stimulating electrodes are output based on the information stored in the sequentially presented character information storage means. The timing for outputting the current from is adjusted.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, information such as characters to be presented and output order can be registered and accumulated in the sequentially presented character information storage means. Any character information can be presented based on the information stored in the information storage means.
The invention according to claim 4 is the character information presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cover that covers the skin, wherein the plurality of stimulation electrodes are formed on the skin of the cover. It is provided in the surface which covers.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of stimulation electrodes are provided on the inner surface of the cover, the user can recognize the characters while carrying the cover with fingers or arms, which is convenient. . For this reason, the character information presentation device may be used by more people.
The invention according to claim 5 presents tactile information by electrical stimulation to the skin in contact with the plurality of stimulation electrodes by outputting a current from a specific stimulation electrode among the plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged in advance. In the character information presenting device, the simultaneous presentation mode character information storage means for storing the stimulation electrode to output current in association with the type of character to be presented, and the simultaneous presentation mode when presenting the character information Simultaneous presentation adjustment means for shifting the timing of starting output of current from each of the stimulation electrodes associated with the character information stored in the character information storage means by the pulse width of the current, Provided is a character information presentation device.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even in the simultaneous presentation mode in which current is simultaneously output from the stimulation electrode to which current is to be output, the timing at which current starts to be output from each stimulation electrode is shifted by the pulse width. Therefore, a large current does not flow suddenly to the user's human body, and adverse effects on the human body can be reduced. For this reason, many users can use the character information presentation device safely.

  Since the character information presentation device according to the present invention can present not only braille but also normal characters, it may be used by more people. In addition, the character information presentation device can move the stimulation electrode that outputs current according to the writing order of the characters, and can cause the user to feel as if the characters were written with a pen on the skin. It becomes easy to recognize information.

(First embodiment)
[1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character information presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the character information presentation device 1 includes a stimulation electrode unit 15 that presents character information using a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a character input unit 11 that inputs characters, and a signal that indicates the input characters as stimulation electrodes. Main control unit 12 that converts the signal output pattern to the unit 15, character encoding database 13 that stores data that associates the character information with the signal output from the stimulation electrode unit 15, and the output signal to the stimulation electrode unit 15 is amplified An amplifier unit 14 and an indifferent electrode unit 16 corresponding to the ground are provided.

  The character input unit 11 includes, for example, a keyboard, and is a device for inputting characters to be presented / reproduced from the stimulation electrode unit 15. The character input unit 11 inputs a character code representing the input character to the main control unit 12. Here, ASCII, JIS, or the like may be used as the type of character code to be used, but the character code is not particularly limited to ASCII, JIS, or the like as long as the main control unit 12 can recognize the character code.

The main control unit 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a changeover switch.
The changeover switch is a switch for switching the method of presenting character information between the “simultaneous presentation mode” and the “sequential presentation mode”. Here, the “simultaneous presentation mode” is a mode in which current is output almost simultaneously from each stimulation electrode to which current is to be output when one piece of character information is presented. The “sequential presentation mode” is a mode in which current is output in time series from each stimulation electrode to which current is to be output, in accordance with the writing order of characters.

  In addition, setting information regarding various times input from the outside is stored in the memory. Specifically, as the setting information related to the “simultaneous presentation mode”, the presentation of one character information is completed when the current output duration time, which is the time during which the current is continuously output from the stimulation electrode, or the current output duration time has elapsed. The rest time, which is the time from the time point until the start of current output from a new stimulation electrode to present the next character information, is stored. In addition to the setting information in the above-mentioned “simultaneous presentation mode” as setting information related to the “sequential presentation mode”, when presenting one character information according to the writing order, the current output is started from a certain stimulation electrode. , The time from the start of current output from the next stimulation electrode (or the time from the end of current output from one stimulation electrode to the start of current output from the next stimulation electrode), or the Nth image of the character When moving from the eye to the next (N + 1) th picture, a rest time during which no current is output from any stimulation electrode is stored.

Here, in the “simultaneous presentation mode”, the current output continuation time for continuously presenting one character information can be set in a range of about 0 to 5 seconds. Also, the rest time from the presentation of one character information to the presentation of the next character information can be set in the range of 0 to 1 sec.
On the other hand, in the “sequential presentation mode”, the current output continuation time during which a current is continuously output from a certain stimulation electrode is set to 25 msec in accordance with the human writing speed, and as soon as the output of the current from the stimulation electrode ends, The current is output from the stimulation electrode in the next output order. Also, a rest of 50 msec is taken when moving from the Nth picture to the (N + 1) th picture. For this reason, in the “sequential presentation mode”, 25 msec is stored in the memory as a current output continuation time in which a current is output from the stimulation electrode that has received the output command, and 50 msec as a rest time. Is remembered.

Note that neither the current output duration time nor the rest time is limited to the time described above. These times can be changed.
When receiving the character code from the character input unit 11, the main control unit 12 passes the character code to the character encoding database 13. In response to this, the main control unit 12 receives the output signal data corresponding to the character code from the character encoding database 13. The main control unit 12 generates time-series data of current values to be output from the stimulation electrode unit 15 based on the received data and the above-described various setting information stored in the memory. The main control unit 12 passes the time series data of the generated current value to the amplifier unit 14.

The amplifier unit 14 amplifies the time-series data of the current value passed from the character encoding database 13 and outputs it to the stimulation electrode unit 15. The drive voltage of the amplifier unit 14 is 0 to 300V.
The stimulation electrode unit 15 includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, 49 stimulation electrodes are arranged in a matrix of 7 columns × 7 columns in the stimulation electrode unit 15. Each stimulation electrode is assigned a channel number for identifying each stimulation electrode, such as 1ch, 2ch,..., 49ch from the upper left. Each stimulation electrode outputs an anodic current based on the signal input from the amplifier unit 14.

  Here, the current value output from each stimulation electrode has an individual difference in the stimulation intensity felt by the human body, so it is necessary to take an offset in accordance with the user. Here, the current value output from each stimulation electrode is about 1 to 3 mA. In addition, a 100 Hz pulse wave is used as the stimulation waveform, and the pulse width is 200 μsec. The current value and the pulse width are not limited to this.

  Moreover, if the density of the number of stimulation electrodes arranged in the stimulation electrode unit 15 is increased, the spatial resolution is increased and beautiful character information can be presented, but the number of stimulation electrodes to be controlled increases accordingly, The burden on the main control unit 12 is increased. On the contrary, if the density of the stimulation electrodes is lowered, the spatial resolution is lowered and the character information cannot be presented neatly. However, since the amount of information necessary for presenting the character information is small, the main control unit 12 can be reduced. Can be reduced. Considering these, as shown in FIG. 3, the shape of each stimulation electrode is a circle having a diameter of 1 mm, and the distance between the stimulation electrodes is 2 mm. Although it is necessary and sufficient that the total number of electrodes of the stimulation electrode unit 15 is 7 × 7 = 49, it is not limited to this number. In addition, current control is performed by the character information presentation device 1 so that the intensity of the electrical stimulation does not change due to a change in contact impedance. Moreover, although the finger | toe part is desirable as a site | part which receives electrical stimulation by the stimulation electrode part 15, it is not limited to a finger | toe.

The indifferent electrode portion 16 corresponding to the ground is configured to include a conductive adhesive pad. The indifferent electrode part 16 is installed in the vicinity of the part which receives electrical stimulation. For example, when the part that receives electrical stimulation is a finger, the indifferent electrode part 16 is attached to the base of the finger. The current flows from the stimulation electrode unit 15 through the stimulation site (human body) to the indifferent electrode unit 16. As the area of the indifferent electrode portion 16 is larger, the contact impedance can be lowered, and a good effect can be obtained. Here, the area of the indifferent electrode portion 16 is about 5 cm ² .

FIG. 4 shows an example in which character information is presented on the skin of the finger by bringing the stimulation electrode unit 15 and the indifferent electrode unit 16 into contact with the finger.
Next, the character encoding database 13 will be described. The character encoding database 13 is provided in a storage device such as a hard disk device. The character encoding database 13 stores character encoding data for associating character information to be presented / reproduced with output signals from the electrodes.
When the character encoding database 13 receives a character code representing a character to be presented / reproduced from the main control unit 12, the character encoding database 13 returns character encoding data associated with the character code to the main control unit 12.
Here, the data structure of the character encoding data is different between the “sequential presentation mode” and the “simultaneous presentation mode”.

  FIG. 5 shows a data structure of character encoded data in the “sequential presentation mode”. The character encoding data in the “sequential presentation mode” includes a character type to be presented, a channel number for identifying a stimulation electrode to which current is to be output, and an order in which current is output (or not output) from each stimulation electrode. And a sequence number to represent. The data content shown in FIG. 5 is an example of the data content for Japanese katakana “o” in the “sequential presentation mode”. The numbers 1 to 22 on the left are sequence numbers. In the drawing, “15 ch” is described in association with the sequence number “1”, which means “current is output from the stimulation electrode 15 ch as the first operation”. Next, “16 ch” is described in association with the sequence number “2”, which means “current is output from the stimulation electrode 16 ch as the second operation”. Further, “SPACE” is described in association with the sequence number “8”, which means “no current is output from all stimulation electrodes as the eighth operation”. This “SPACE” is a rest between the first stroke and the second stroke of “O”.

  When the character encoding database 13 receives the character code indicating the character “o” from the main control unit 12, it returns the character encoding data shown in FIG. 5 to the main control unit 12. Based on the character encoding data, the main control unit 12 generates time-series data of current values for each channel of sequence numbers 1 to 22, and sends the generated time-series data to the amplifier unit 14 and the stimulation electrode unit 15. Is output. Thereby, the current of the pulse waveform shown in FIG. 6 is output from each stimulation electrode unit included in the stimulation electrode unit 15. In this way, “O” is presented in the order of writing as shown by the arrows in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the data structure of character encoded data in the “simultaneous presentation mode”. As shown in the figure, the character encoding data in the “simultaneous presentation mode” is configured to include the type of characters to be presented and the channel number for identifying the stimulation electrode to which the current is to be output. In the “simultaneous presentation mode”, currents are output from the respective stimulation electrodes almost simultaneously, and it is not necessary to control the order in which the currents are output. Therefore, the sequence numbers are not described as in the “sequential presentation mode”.
The data content shown in FIG. 8 is an example of data content for Japanese katakana “o” in the “simultaneous presentation mode”. From the stimulation electrode identified by the channel number shown in FIG. 8, the current of the pulse waveform is output almost simultaneously as shown in FIG. As a result, the character information of the Japanese katakana “o” shown in FIG.

[Function configuration]
In the memory of the main control unit 12, for each presentation mode of “sequential presentation mode” and “simultaneous presentation mode”, the timing of outputting current from each stimulation electrode of the stimulation electrode unit 15, and each stimulation electrode A program for adjusting the time during which the current continues to be output is stored.
The sequential presentation adjustment function 121 and the simultaneous presentation adjustment function 122 shown in FIG. 9 can be performed by the function realized by the CPU of the main control unit 12 executing this program and the function of the amplifier unit 14. 1 is realized.
The sequential presentation adjustment function 121 adjusts the current output timing and output duration from each stimulation electrode in the “sequential presentation mode” in accordance with the writing order of the characters to be presented. Specifically, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 uses the stimulation electrode based on the character encoding data stored in the character encoding database 13 and the setting information such as the current output duration and rest time stored in the memory. The timing which outputs an electric current from each stimulation electrode with which the part 15 is provided, and the output continuation time are adjusted.

  In the “simultaneous presentation mode”, the simultaneous presentation adjustment function 122 shifts the timing at which current starts to be output from each of the stimulation electrodes that should output current by the current pulse width when presenting one character information. For example, when the letter “o” is presented, a current is output from 17 stimulation electrodes, but a current of about 1 to 3 mA is output from the 17 stimulation electrodes at exactly the same timing. Then, a current of 17 to 51 mA suddenly flows to the human body, which is dangerous. In order to avoid such danger to the human body, the simultaneous presentation adjustment function 122 shifts the time for starting the output of the current from each of the stimulation electrodes that should output the current by 200 μsec, which is the pulse width. .

[2. Operation]
Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described.
[2.1. Sequential presentation mode]
First, in a state where the changeover switch of the main control unit 12 is set to the “sequential presentation mode”, a character information provider who provides character information to the user uses the Japanese character katakana “o” from the character input unit 11. The operation when the character is input will be described. At this time, it is assumed that the user is touching the stimulation electrode unit 15 with a finger.
When the character information provider operates the keyboard of the character input unit 11 to input the Japanese katakana “o” character, the character input unit 11 outputs the character code “o” to the main control unit 12. .

  When the main control unit 12 receives the character code of “O” from the character input unit 11, the character encoding data shown in FIG. 5 is obtained from the character encoding database 13 because the “sequential presentation mode” is set here. read out. The sequential presentation adjustment function 121 of the main control unit 12 determines the current value output from each stimulation electrode of each stimulation electrode unit 15 based on the read character encoding data and the setting information regarding various times set in the memory. Generate and amplify the time series data.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 first outputs a 100 Hz pulse wave for 25 msec from the 15 ch stimulation electrode which is the first part of the first image. The sequential presentation adjustment function 121 continues to output a 100 Hz pulse wave for 25 msec from the 16ch stimulation electrode after 25 msec has elapsed since the start of current output from the 15ch stimulation electrode.

  Similarly, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 outputs a pulse wave to the stimulation electrode of the final channel 21ch (“21ch” corresponding to the sequence number “7”) of the first screen of “O” shown in FIG. When the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 finishes outputting the current to the stimulation electrodes of 21ch, it takes a rest time of 50 msec according to “SPACE” corresponding to the sequence number “8”. Then, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 outputs a pulse wave for 25 msec from the 5 ch stimulation electrode (“5 ch” corresponding to the sequence number “9”) corresponding to the first of the second stroke. The sequential presentation adjustment function 121 outputs a pulse wave to the 43 ch stimulation electrode which is the last output channel of the third stroke in the same procedure. At this time, the user whose fingertip is in contact with the stimulation electrode unit 15 can feel a tactile sensation as if “o” is written on the fingertip with the pen tip.

[2.2. Simultaneous presentation mode]
Next, when the character information provider inputs the Japanese katakana character “o” from the character input unit 11 while the changeover switch of the main control unit 12 is set to the “simultaneous presentation mode”. The operation will be described. At this time, it is assumed that the user is touching the stimulation electrode unit 15 with a finger.
First, the character information provider operates the keyboard of the character input unit 11 to input the Japanese katakana “o” character. When the main control unit 12 receives the character code of “O” from the character input unit 11, the character encoding data shown in FIG. 7 is read from the character encoding database 13 because the “simultaneous presentation mode” is set here. . The simultaneous presentation adjustment function 122 of the main control unit 12 determines the current value to be output from each stimulation electrode of the stimulation electrode unit 15 based on the read character encoding data and the setting information regarding various times set in the memory. Are generated and amplified and output to the stimulation electrode unit 15.

  At this time, the simultaneous presentation adjustment function 122 sets the current output start time from the 12ch stimulation electrode to 200 μsec and the current output from the 15ch stimulation electrode, when the current output start time from the 5ch stimulation electrode is set as the reference 0. The start time is 400 μsec, the current output start time from the 15-ch stimulation electrode is 600 μsec, and so on, with a time difference of 200 μsec corresponding to the pulse width from each of the 17 stimulation electrodes that should output current. Time series data is generated so that current is output.

  Thereby, the pulse wave shown in FIG. 9 is output from each stimulation electrode with which the stimulation electrode part 15 is provided. In this case, the user whose fingertip is in contact with the stimulation electrode unit 15 can feel the shape of “o” with the fingertip. By outputting the current from each stimulation electrode by shifting the pulse width in this way, the current value output from the entire stimulation electrode unit 15 can be reduced, which is safe for the human body. Here, the output of current from the stimulation electrodes is started in accordance with the writing order. However, in the simultaneous presentation mode, the order of stimulation electrodes for starting the output of current may be arbitrary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. It is conceivable to carry the presenting device as a usage scene of the character information presenting device according to the present invention. The character information presentation device 2 according to the second embodiment is of a form suitable for carrying. In order to carry, it is necessary to reduce the size of the device itself. In the second embodiment, the character encoding database 13 is managed by a server on the network in order to reduce the size of the apparatus.

  That is, the configuration of the character information presentation device 2 according to the second embodiment does not include the character encoding database 13 provided in the character information presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the character information presentation device 2 includes a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the server. The memory of the character information presentation device 2 stores a program for accessing the server via wireless communication.

The configuration of the other character information presentation device 2 is the same as that of the character information presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment.
As an operation example, when the main control unit 12 of the character information presentation device 2 receives a character code from the character input unit 11, a request signal for requesting character encoded data corresponding to the character code is transmitted from the wireless communication unit. The character encoding database 13 is transmitted to a server that manages the character encoding database 13. The main control unit 12 receives the corresponding character encoded data from the server, generates time-series data of current values based on the data, amplifies the time-series data with the amplifier unit 14, and outputs it from the stimulation electrode unit 15. .
The character code received by the main control unit 12 is not limited to the input from the character input unit 11 and may be received from the wireless communication unit.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the character information presentation device according to the third embodiment, the stimulation electrode unit 15 and the indifferent electrode unit 16 of the character information presentation device 1 according to the first embodiment are provided on the finger sack so as to be easily carried. Is. FIG. 12 shows a finger sac type electrode in which a stimulation electrode part 15 and an indifferent electrode part 16 are provided on the inner surface of the finger sack. As shown in FIG. 2A, the stimulation electrode portion 15 is disposed at a portion where the finger sac contacts the belly of the finger when the finger sack is worn. Moreover, the indifferent electrode part 16 is arrange | positioned in the part which a finger sack contacts with the base of a finger, when a finger sack is mounted | worn.
In this way, by providing the stimulation electrode unit 15 and the indifferent electrode unit 16 in a cover-like shape that covers the skin and is convenient for carrying, it becomes easy for many people to use the character information presentation device.

[3. Modified example]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. As modifications, for example, the following can be considered.
(1) In the embodiment described above, the stimulation electrode unit 15 includes 49 stimulation electrodes arranged in a matrix of 7 columns × 7 columns, and presents normal Japanese character information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the presented character information may be English or Braille.
When presenting Braille, it can be represented by a total of 6 points of 3 columns x 2 columns. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, braille can be expressed by using all six channels of stimulation electrodes of 18 ch, 19 ch, 25 ch, 26 ch, 32 ch, and 33 ch included in the stimulation electrode unit 15. In addition, since the Braille has no writing order, the “simultaneous presentation mode” is adopted as the Braille output mode. FIG. 14 shows an example of data contents stored in the character encoding database 13 when “A”, “I”, “U”, “D”, “O” are presented in Braille.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 is configured to output the current from each stimulation electrode in the “sequential simultaneous presentation mode”, and the current output duration for continuing to output the current from each stimulation electrode. It was explained as controlling. That is, the sequential presentation adjustment function 121 sets the current output duration time for outputting current from a certain stimulation electrode to 25 msec, and when the current output duration time has elapsed, the current is output from the stimulation electrode in the next output order for the current output duration time. Although explained as output, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when presenting one character information, only the timing of outputting current from each stimulation electrode is controlled, and the current output duration is not controlled Is also possible. In this case, after the output of current is started from each stimulation electrode, the current is continuously output (without stopping).

(3) In the embodiment described above, the presentation mode is switched by hardware using the changeover switch provided in the main control unit 12, but the presenting mode is not limited to this, and the presentation mode is selected from a keyboard or the like. The presentation mode may be switched by software by inputting.
(4) In 3rd Embodiment mentioned above, although the stimulation electrode part 15 was provided inside the finger sack, what provides the stimulation electrode part 15 is not limited to this, It is the cover-like shape which covers skin Anything can be used. For example, you may make it provide the stimulation electrode part 15 in the back side of a wristwatch or a bracelet. In addition to this, the stimulation electrode portion 15 can be provided on an object to be worn on the sensitive skin.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the character information presentation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the channel number allocated to the stimulation electrode which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the shape and density of the stimulation electrode which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that character information is shown by making the stimulation electrode part and indifferent electrode part which concern on the embodiment contact a finger | toe. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the character encoding data in the sequential presentation mode which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the pulse waveform output from each stimulation electrode in case the Japanese katakana "o" which concerns on the embodiment is shown in sequential presentation mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the order in which an electric current is output from a stimulation electrode in the case of showing Japanese katakana "o" based on the embodiment in sequential presentation mode. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the character encoding data in the simultaneous presentation mode which concerns on the embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the pulse waveform output from each stimulation electrode in the case of presenting Japanese katakana “o” according to the embodiment in the simultaneous presentation mode. It is a figure for demonstrating the stimulation electrode from which the electric current is output when the Japanese katakana “o” according to the embodiment is presented in the simultaneous presentation mode. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the character information presentation apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows a mode that the finger suck type electrode which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn to the finger, (b) is a top view of the finger suck type electrode which concerns on the embodiment, (c) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a finger suck type electrode according to the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the stimulation electrode to be used among the stimulation electrodes with which a stimulation electrode part is provided, when showing the braille which concerns on the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the braille character encoding database which concerns on the modification of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Character information presentation apparatus 11 Character input part 12 Main control unit 13 Character encoding database 14 Amplifier part 15 Stimulation electrode part 16 Indifferent electrode part 121 Sequential presentation adjustment function 122 Simultaneous presentation adjustment function

Claims (5)

In the character information presentation device for presenting tactile information by electrical stimulation to the skin in contact with the plurality of stimulation electrodes by outputting current from a specific stimulation electrode among the plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged in advance.
A character information presentation device comprising: sequential presentation adjustment means for adjusting a timing of outputting current from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes according to a writing order of character information to be presented.   The character information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the sequential presentation adjustment unit adjusts a time during which the current is continuously output in addition to a timing at which the current is output from each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes. In correspondence with the character information to be presented, there is further provided sequential presentation character information storage means for storing a stimulation electrode to output a current and order information indicating the order in which a current is output from each of the stimulation electrodes,
3. The character according to claim 1, wherein the sequential presentation adjustment unit adjusts a timing of outputting a current from the stimulation electrode based on information stored in the sequential presentation character information storage unit. Information presentation device. A cover covering the skin;
4. The character information presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of stimulation electrodes are provided on a surface of the cover that covers the skin. 5. In the character information presentation device for presenting tactile information by electrical stimulation to the skin in contact with the plurality of stimulation electrodes by outputting a current from a specific stimulation electrode among the plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged in advance.
A simultaneous presentation mode character information storage means for storing a stimulation electrode to output a current in association with the character information to be presented;
When presenting the character information, the timing for starting the output of current from each of the stimulation electrodes associated with the character information stored in the simultaneous presentation mode character information storage means is set to the pulse width of the current. A character information presentation apparatus comprising: a simultaneous presentation adjustment unit that shifts a part.

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