JP2007033713A - Signal processing device and method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environment wherein a blind person can live with comfort. <P>SOLUTION: Signal electrodes such as signal electrodes 1101-11 to 1101-16 buried under braille blocks 1021-1 to 1021-3, braille blocks 1022-1 to 1022-3, or a braille block 1023 and the road surface adjacent to these braille blocks are connected to a signal processor 1150. Each of the signal electrode can identify the type of the braille block and outputs a signal of the value representing the distance from the center of the braille block. The signal electrode of a small signal processor attached to shoes 1003 of a blind user 1001 who is the blind person receives the signal from the signal electrode 1101 buried under the braille block or the road surface adjacent to the braille block, specifies the position where the user 1001 stands, and indicates the direction to go and the like to the user 1001 by creating a projection inside the shoe 1003. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a signal processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium that can provide an environment in which a blind person can easily live.

  In recent years, welfare activities for the socially vulnerable, such as disabled people, have become popular. For example, braille blocks with projections of a predetermined shape on the surface of roads and sidewalks are arranged for the guidance of blind people. Yes.

  In recent years, wireless communication technology has also progressed. For example, it is expected to realize data exchange regardless of devices such as personal computers, peripheral devices, home appliances, and mobile phones by using a 2.4 GHz band wireless transmission method (so-called Bluetooth). In addition, a technique for performing communication between a transmitter and a receiver using a conductor different from a normal communication medium such as a human body has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2).

  For example, by using such new wireless communication technology, more information is provided to people with handicap in communication with the outside world, such as blind people and deaf people, and an environment that is easy to live for the vulnerable is also provided. It is expected that.

Japanese National Patent Publication No. 11-509380 JP 10-229357 A

  However, even if a Braille block is arranged on the road surface, there are cases where things are placed on the Braille block or a person stops, and there are many examples that are not necessarily in an environment that is easy for a blind person to walk. In addition, for example, if a blind person walking is away from an area where a braille lock is arranged on a sidewalk, for example, by avoiding an obstacle, it is difficult to return to the area where the braille block is located again.

  On the other hand, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since a closed circuit coupled to a transmitter, a human body, a receiver, and an earth ground is configured and a signal is transmitted, the transmitter and the receiver that are far from the human body The connection between the electrode and the earth ground is very sparse and it is practically difficult to form a closed circuit. Further, in the technology of Patent Document 2, a transmitter, a human body, a receiver, and a closed circuit coupled to the atmosphere are configured to transmit a signal. The receiver must be located very close.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and makes it possible to provide the environment where a blind person can live easily.

  The first aspect of the present invention is a receiving means for receiving signals transmitted from a plurality of conductor plates embedded respectively under a road surface within a predetermined distance from a Braille block for a blind person and a laying position of the Braille block. Based on the signal received by the receiving means, the type of the braille block on the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded or the range of the braille block within a predetermined distance from the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded is specified. Identifying means for obtaining, based on the signal received by the receiving means, an acquisition means for obtaining information on a distance from the Braille block where the user is currently standing and an orientation of the user with respect to the Braille block; The type of the braille block specified by the specifying means, the distance from the braille block acquired by the acquiring means, and the braille Based on the information about the orientation of the user relative to the lock, it is a signal processing apparatus and a projection generation unit for generating a projection of a predetermined shape and height to stimulate the tactile of the user.

  It is attached to a part of a shoe worn by a user, and the projection generating means may generate the projection on a portion inside the shoe and contacting a sole of the user's foot.

  It is attached to a part of a cane used by a user, and the protrusion generating means can generate the protrusion at a part of the handle of the cane that contacts the palm of the user.

  The receiving means further comprises a reference electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and a plurality of signal electrodes provided so that electrostatic coupling to the communication medium is stronger than the reference electrode. Receives a signal based on a potential difference between the signal electrode and the reference electrode, and the specifying means, based on a value represented by the signal, a Braille block on the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded or the It is possible to specify the type of Braille block within a predetermined distance from the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded.

  Each of the conductor plates is configured by being divided into a plurality of regions, and the plurality of signal electrodes are attached to positions separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the individual regions of the conductor plate are signals transmitted respectively. Thus, a signal corresponding to a predetermined value can be received according to the position of the signal electrode.

  The obtaining means compares the magnitude of the value of the signal received at each of the plurality of signal electrodes to thereby determine the distance from the Braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user with respect to the Braille block. Information about can be obtained.

  The protrusion generation means selects the shape of the protrusion according to the type of the braille block, and the protrusion according to the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block. The height can be selected to generate the protrusion.

  It may have at least two different signal electrodes, the first signal electrode being provided on the front part of the shoe worn by the user and the second signal electrode being provided on the rear part of the shoe.

  The plurality of signal electrodes can be provided at the tip of a cane used by a user.

  It may have at least two different signal electrodes, the first signal electrode being provided on a shoe worn by a user and the second signal electrode being provided on a cane used by the user.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a signal transmitted from a plurality of conductive plates embedded in a Braille block for a blind person and a road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block is received and received. Based on the received signal, the type of the Braille block on the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded or the Braille block in the range of a predetermined distance from the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded is specified, and the received signal is Based on the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and information on the user's orientation with respect to the braille block, and the type of the identified braille block and the distance from the acquired braille block And a protrusion having a predetermined shape and height that stimulates the user's tactile sense based on information about the user's orientation with respect to the Braille block. A signal processing method comprising the steps of.

  The first aspect of the present invention controls the reception of signals transmitted from a plurality of conductor plates respectively embedded under a Braille block for blind persons and a road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block. Based on the received signal, control the identification of the type of the Braille block on the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded or the range of the Braille block within a predetermined distance from the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded, and receive Control the acquisition of information about the distance from the Braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user relative to the Braille block based on the signal that has been identified, and the type of Braille block identified and A predetermined shape for stimulating the user's tactile sense based on information about the distance from the braille block and the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block Bets are readable program computer including the step of controlling the generation of the height of the projections.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, a signal transmitted from a plurality of conductive plates embedded in a Braille block for blind persons and a road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block is received, Based on the received signal, the type of the Braille block on the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded or the Braille block in the range of a predetermined distance from the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded is specified, and the received signal Information about the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block is obtained, and the type of the braille block identified and the acquired braille block A predetermined shape that stimulates the sense of touch of the user based on information about the distance and the orientation of the user with respect to the Braille block; The protrusions are generated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reference electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and a plurality of signals provided so that electrostatic coupling is stronger with respect to a communication medium than the reference electrode. A signal processing apparatus comprising: an electrode; and a control unit that controls transmission / reception of a signal based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode, wherein a plurality of the signal electrodes are a braille block for the blind and the Braille The signal processing device is embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from the block laying position, and the control means transmits signals of different values from the plurality of signal electrodes.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the signal electrodes are embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from a blind braille block and a laying position of the braille block, respectively, and the control means includes a plurality of the control electrodes. Signals having different values are transmitted from the signal electrodes.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a tactile sensation can be stimulated and guided to a blind person who is walking in the same manner as a Braille block. Therefore, it is possible to provide an environment that is easy for the blind to live.

  According to the 2nd side surface of this invention, it becomes possible to transmit the information for notifying a blind person of the condition of a road surface from the wide range of a road surface. Therefore, it is possible to provide an environment that is easy for the blind to live.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the configuration requirements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the detailed description of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the detailed description of the invention. Accordingly, although there are embodiments that are described in the detailed description of the invention but are not described here as embodiments corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, It does not mean that the embodiment does not correspond to the configuration requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

  The signal processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a Braille block for blind persons and a plurality of conductor plates (for example, shown in FIG. 9) embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block. The receiving means (for example, the control unit 1255 in FIG. 13 that executes the process of step S101 in FIG. 24) that receives a signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101) and the conductor based on the signal received by the receiving means. Specific means for specifying the type of the braille block on the road surface in which the plate is embedded or the adjacent braille block on the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded (for example, the processing of step S104 in FIG. And the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and the braille block based on the signals received by the control unit 1255) and the receiving means. Acquisition means (for example, the control unit 1255 in FIG. 13 that executes the process of step S105 in FIG. 24), the type of the braille block specified by the specification means, and the acquisition means Based on the information about the distance from the braille block and the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block obtained by the above, a projection generating means for generating a projection having a predetermined shape and height that stimulates the tactile sense of the user (for example, FIG. 13 projection generators 1261).

  This signal processing device is attached to a part of a shoe worn by a user (for example, the shoe 1003 in FIG. 9), and the protrusion generating means is inside the shoe and contacts the sole of the user's foot. The protrusion can be generated in a portion (for example, a protrusion is generated as shown in FIG. 20).

  This signal processing device is attached to a part of a cane used by a user (for example, the cane 1002 in FIG. 9), and the projection generating means is a part of the handle of the cane and contacts the palm of the user. The protrusion may be generated in a portion (for example, a protrusion is generated as shown in FIG. 26).

  This signal processing apparatus has a reference electrode (for example, reference electrode 1202 in FIG. 13) for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and electrostatic coupling is stronger with respect to a communication medium than the reference electrode. A plurality of signal electrodes (for example, the signal electrode 1201 in FIG. 13) provided in the receiving device, wherein the receiving means receives a signal based on a potential difference between the signal electrode and the reference electrode, and the specifying means The type of the braille block on the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded or the adjacent braille block on the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded is specified based on the value represented by the signal. it can.

  In this signal processing device, each of the conductor plates is divided into a plurality of regions (for example, small electrodes), and the plurality of signal electrodes (for example, the signal electrodes 1201a or 1201b in FIG. 10) are predetermined. Signals that are attached to positions spaced apart from each other and that are transmitted by individual regions of the conductor plate, each corresponding to a predetermined value, are received according to the position of the signal electrode. Can be.

  This signal processing device has at least two different signal electrodes, and the first signal electrode (for example, the signal electrode 1201a in FIG. 11) is provided on the front portion of the shoe worn by the user, and the second signal electrode (For example, the signal electrode 1201b in FIG. 11) may be provided at the rear part of the shoe.

  In this signal processing device, the plurality of signal electrodes can be provided at the tip of a cane (for example, cane 1002 in FIG. 25) used by a user.

  The signal processing apparatus has at least two different signal electrodes, and the first signal electrode (for example, the signal electrode 1201 in FIG. 27) is provided on a shoe worn by the user, and the second signal electrode (for example, the signal electrode 1201). The signal electrode 1301) of FIG. 27 can be provided on a cane used by the user.

  The signal processing method according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a Braille block for the blind and a plurality of conductor plates (for example, shown in FIG. 9) embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block. A signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101) is received (for example, the process of step S101 in FIG. 24), and based on the received signal, a Braille block on the road surface in which the conductor plate is embedded or the conductor plate is The type of the braille block adjacent on the buried road surface is specified (for example, the process of step S104 in FIG. 24), and the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing based on the received signal Information on the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block (for example, the process of step S105 in FIG. 24), and the type of the identified braille block and Based on the acquired distance from the Braille block and information on the user's orientation with respect to the Braille block, a protrusion having a predetermined shape and height that stimulates the user's sense of touch is generated (for example, step S106 in FIG. 24). Step).

  The signal processing device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a reference electrode (for example, the reference electrode 1102 in FIG. 12) for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and a communication medium rather than the reference electrode. Control means for controlling transmission / reception of a signal based on a plurality of signal electrodes (for example, signal electrode 1101 in FIG. 12) provided so as to increase electrostatic coupling, and a potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode ( For example, a signal processing device (for example, the signal processing device 1150 in FIG. 9) including the control unit 1155 in FIG. 12, wherein the plurality of signal electrodes are respectively connected to the blind braille block and the laying position of the braille block. The control means transmits signals having different values from the plurality of signal electrodes, which are buried under a road surface within a predetermined distance range.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, wireless communication used in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example according to an embodiment of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a transmission device 110, a reception device 120, and a communication medium 130, and the transmission device 110 and the reception device 120 transmit and receive signals via the communication medium 130. That is, in the communication system 100, the signal transmitted from the transmission device 110 is transmitted via the communication medium 130 and received by the reception device 120.

  The transmission device 110 includes a transmission signal electrode 111, a transmission reference electrode 112, and a transmission unit 113. The transmission signal electrode 111 is an electrode for transmitting a signal to be transmitted via the communication medium 130, and is more communication medium than the transmission reference electrode 112 which is an electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining a difference in level of the signal. 130 is provided so that electrostatic coupling is strong. The transmission unit 113 is provided between the transmission signal electrode 111 and the transmission reference electrode 112, and gives an electric signal (potential difference) to be transmitted to the reception device 120 between these electrodes.

  The reception device 120 includes a reception signal electrode 121, a reception reference electrode 122, and a reception unit 123. The reception signal electrode 121 is an electrode for receiving a signal transmitted via the communication medium 130 and is more communicated than the reception reference electrode 122 which is an electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining a difference in level of the signal. It is provided so that electrostatic coupling is strong with respect to the medium 130. The reception unit 123 is provided between the reception signal electrode 121 and the reception reference electrode 122, converts an electric signal (potential difference) generated between these electrodes into a desired electric signal, and is transmitted by the transmission unit 113 of the transmission device 110. Restore the generated electrical signal.

  The communication medium 130 is made of a substance having physical characteristics capable of transmitting an electrical signal, such as a conductor or a dielectric. For example, the communication medium 130 is composed of a conductor represented by metal (for example, copper, iron, aluminum, or the like). Further, for example, the communication medium 130 is composed of an electrolytic solution such as pure water, rubber, glass, or saline, or a dielectric such as a living body that is a complex thereof. The communication medium 130 may have any shape, for example, an arbitrary shape such as a linear shape, a plate shape, a spherical shape, a prismatic shape, or a cylindrical shape.

  In such a communication system 100, first, the relationship between each electrode and the communication medium or the space around the apparatus will be described. In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the communication medium 130 is a complete conductor. Further, it is assumed that there is a space between the transmission signal electrode 111 and the communication medium 130 and between the reception signal electrode 121 and the communication medium 130 and there is no electrical coupling. That is, a capacitance is formed between the transmission signal electrode 111 or the reception signal electrode 121 and the communication medium 130.

  The transmission reference electrode 112 is provided so as to face the space around the transmission device 110, and the reception reference electrode 122 is provided so as to face the space around the reception device 120. Generally, when a conductor exists in a space, a capacitance is formed in a space near the surface of the conductor. For example, when the shape of the conductor is a sphere having a radius of r [m], the capacitance C is obtained as in the following formula (1).

  In the formula (1), π represents a circumference ratio. Further, ε represents a dielectric constant of a medium surrounding the conductor, and is obtained as in the following formula (2).

  However, in Formula (2), ε0 indicates a dielectric constant in a vacuum and is 8.854 × 10 −12 [F / m]. Further, εr represents a relative dielectric constant, and represents a ratio to a vacuum dielectric constant ε0.

  As shown in the above formula (1), the larger the radius r, the larger the capacitance C. In addition, although the magnitude | size of the electrostatic capacitance C of a conductor of complicated shape other than a sphere cannot be expressed simply like Formula (1) mentioned above, it changes according to the magnitude | size of the surface area of the conductor. It is clear to do.

  As described above, the transmission reference electrode 112 forms a capacitance with respect to the space around the transmission device 110, and the reception reference electrode 122 forms a capacitance with respect to the space around the reception device 120. That is, when viewed from the virtual infinity point outside the transmission device 110 and the reception device 120, the potentials of the transmission reference electrode 112 and the reception reference electrode 122 are fixed and hardly change.

  Next, the principle of the communication mechanism in the communication system 100 will be described. In the following description, a capacitor may be simply expressed as a capacitance for convenience of explanation or from the context, etc., but these are consents.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission device 110 and the reception device 120 in FIG. 1 are arranged so as to maintain a sufficient distance between the devices, and the mutual influence can be ignored. Further, in the transmission device 110, the transmission signal electrode 111 is electrostatically coupled only to the communication medium 130, and the transmission reference electrode 112 is placed at a sufficient distance from the transmission signal electrode 111, and the mutual influence can be ignored (electrostatic). Shall not be combined). Similarly, in the receiving device 120, the reception signal electrode 121 is electrostatically coupled only with the communication medium 130, and the reception reference electrode 122 is sufficiently spaced from the reception signal electrode 121, and the mutual influence can be ignored (static). Shall not be electrocoupled). Furthermore, in practice, the transmission signal electrode 111, the reception signal electrode 121, and the communication medium 130 also have capacitance to the space as long as they are arranged in the space, but here, for convenience of explanation. , They can be ignored.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the communication system 100 of FIG. 1 with an equivalent circuit. The communication system 200 is an equivalent circuit of the communication system 100 and is substantially equivalent to the communication system 100.

  That is, the communication system 200 includes a transmission device 210, a reception device 220, and a connection line 2230. The transmission device 210 corresponds to the transmission device 110 of the communication system 100 shown in FIG. Corresponds to the receiving device 120 of the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1, and the connection line 230 corresponds to the communication medium 130 of the communication system 100 shown in FIG.

  In the transmission device 210 of FIG. 2, the signal source 213-1 and the ground point 213-2 correspond to the transmission unit 113 of FIG. The signal source 213-1 generates a sine wave having a specific period ω × t [rad] as a transmission signal. Here, t [s] indicates time. Further, ω [rad / s] represents an angular frequency and can be expressed as the following equation (3).

  In Expression (3), π represents a circular ratio, and f [Hz] represents a frequency of a signal generated by the signal source 213-1. The ground point 213-2 is a point connected to the circuit ground in the transmission device 210. That is, one of the terminals of the signal source 213 is set to a predetermined reference potential of a circuit in the transmission device 210.

  Cte 214 is a capacitor and represents the capacitance between the transmission signal electrode 111 and the communication medium 130 of FIG. That is, the Cte 214 is provided between the terminal on the opposite side of the ground point 213-2 of the signal source 213-1 and the connection line 230. Further, Ctg 215 is a capacitor and represents the capacitance with respect to the space of the transmission reference electrode 112 in FIG. The Ctg 215 is provided between a terminal on the installation point 213-2 side of the signal source 213-1 and a grounding point 216 indicating a point at infinity (virtual point) with respect to the transmitter 110 in space. .

  In the receiving device 220 of FIG. 2, Rr 223-1, detector 223-2, and ground point 223-3 correspond to the receiving unit 123 of FIG. Rr 223-1 is a load resistor (reception load) for extracting a received signal, and a detector 223-2 configured by an amplifier detects and amplifies the potential difference between the terminals on both sides of the Rr 223-1. The ground point 223-3 is a point connected to the circuit ground in the receiving device 220. That is, one of the terminals of Rr 223-1 (one of the input terminals of the detector 223-2) is set to a predetermined reference potential of the circuit in the receiving device 220.

  The detector 223-2 may further have other functions such as demodulating the detected modulated signal and decoding encoded information included in the detected signal. Good.

  Cre 224 is a capacitor and represents the capacitance between the reception signal electrode 121 and the communication medium 130 of FIG. That is, Cre 224 is provided between the terminal of Rr 223-1 opposite to the ground point 223-3 and the connection line 230. Crg 225 is a capacitor and represents the capacitance with respect to the space of the reception reference electrode 122 in FIG. Crg 225 is provided between a terminal on the installation point 223-3 side of Rr 223-1 and a ground point 226 indicating a point at infinity (virtual point) on the basis of the receiving device 120 in space.

  The connection line 230 represents the communication medium 130 that is a perfect conductor. In the communication system 200 of FIG. 2, Ctg 215 and Crg 225 are expressed as being electrically connected to each other via a ground point 216 and a ground point 226 on an equivalent circuit. These do not need to be electrically connected to each other, and each of them only needs to form a capacitance with respect to the space around the transmitter 210 or the receiver 220. That is, the ground point 216 and the ground point 226 do not need to be electrically connected, and may be independent from each other.

  If there is a conductor, a capacitance proportional to the size of the surface area is always formed in the surrounding space. That is, for example, the transmission device 210 and the reception device 220 may be any distance from each other. For example, when the communication medium 130 of FIG. 1 is a perfect conductor, the conductivity of the connection line 230 can be regarded as infinite, so the length of the connection line 230 does not affect communication. If the communication medium 130 is a conductor having sufficient conductivity, the distance between the transmission device and the reception device does not affect the stability of communication in practice.

  In the communication system 200, a circuit including a signal source 213-1, Rr 223-1, Cte 214, Ctg 215, a Cre capacitor 224, and Crg 225 is formed. The combined capacitance Cx of the four capacitors (Cte 214, Ctg 215, Cre capacitor 224, and Crg 225) connected in series can be expressed by the following equation (4).

  Further, the sine wave vt (t) generated by the signal source 213-1 is expressed as the following equation (5).

  Here, Vm [V] represents the maximum amplitude voltage of the signal source voltage, and θ [rad] represents the initial phase angle. That is, the effective value Vtrms [V] of the voltage from the signal source 213-1 can be obtained as in the following equation (6).

  The synthetic impedance Z in the entire circuit can be obtained as in the following equation (7).

  That is, the effective value Vrrms of the voltage generated at both ends of Rr 223-1 can be obtained as shown in Expression (8).

  Therefore, as shown in the equation (8), as the resistance value of Rr 223-1 is larger, the capacitance Cx is larger, and the frequency f [Hz] of the signal source 213-1 is higher, 1 / (( 2 × π × f × Cx) 2) is reduced, and a larger signal can be generated at both ends of Rr 223-1.

  For example, the effective value Vtrms of the voltage by the signal source 213-1 of the transmission apparatus 210 is fixed to 2 [V], and the frequency f of the signal generated by the signal source 213-1 is 1 [MHz], 10 [MHz], or 100 [MHz], the resistance value of Rr 223-1 is 10 K [Ω], 100 K [Ω], or 1 M [Ω], and the capacitance Cx of the entire circuit is 0.1 [pF], 1 [pF], Alternatively, the calculation result of the effective value Vrrms of the voltage generated at both ends of Rr 223-1 when 10 [pF] is obtained is as shown in Table 250 shown in FIG.

  As shown in Table 250, when the other conditions are the same, the calculation result of the effective value Vrrms is larger when the frequency f is 10 [MHz] than when the frequency f is 1 [MHz], and is a reception load. The resistance value of Rr223-1 is larger when it is 1M [Ω] than when it is 10K [Ω], and is larger when the capacitance Cx is 10 [pF] than when it is 0.1 [pF]. Takes a value. That is, the larger the value of the frequency f, the resistance value of Rr 223-1, and the capacitance Cx, the larger effective value Vrrms can be obtained.

  Further, it can be seen from Table 250 that an electrical signal is generated in Rr 223-1 even with a capacitance of picofarad or less. That is, when the signal level of the transmitted signal is very small, communication can be performed by amplifying the signal detected by the detector 223-2 of the receiving device 220.

  From the above results, as a basic principle, it is possible to transfer a signal from the transmission device to the reception device by using the capacitance formed with the space.

  The capacitance with respect to the space of the transmission reference electrode and the reception reference electrode described above can be formed if there is a space at the position of each electrode. Therefore, if the transmission signal electrode and the reception signal electrode described above are coupled by a communication medium, the transmission device and the reception device described above can obtain communication stability without depending on the distance between each other.

  Next, the influence on communication due to the distance between the transmission device and the reception device will be described. As described above, according to the principle of the present invention, if a sufficient capacitance can be formed in the space between the transmission reference electrode and the reception reference electrode, a path by the ground in the vicinity between the transmission / reception device and other electrical It does not require a path and does not depend on the distance between the transmission signal electrode and the reception signal electrode. Therefore, for example, as in the communication system 700 shown in FIG. 4, the transmission device 710 and the reception device 720 are placed at a long distance, and the transmission signal electrode 711 and the reception signal are transmitted by the communication medium 730 having sufficient conductivity or dielectric property. Communication is possible by electrostatically coupling the electrode 721. At this time, the transmission reference electrode 712 is electrostatically coupled to a space outside the transmission device 710, and the reception reference electrode 722 is electrostatically coupled to a space outside the reception device 720. Therefore, the transmission reference electrode 712 and the reception reference electrode 722 do not need to be electrostatically coupled to each other. However, as the communication medium 730 becomes longer and larger, the capacitance with respect to the space also increases. Therefore, it is necessary to consider these when determining each parameter.

  4 is a system corresponding to the communication system 100 in FIG. 1. The transmission device 710 corresponds to the transmission device 110, the reception device 720 corresponds to the reception device 120, and the communication medium 730 is a communication device. This corresponds to the medium 130.

  In the transmission device 710, the transmission signal electrode 711, the transmission reference electrode 712, and the signal source 713-1 correspond to the transmission signal electrode 111, the transmission reference electrode 112, and the transmission unit 113 (or a part thereof), respectively. Similarly, in the reception device 720, the reception signal electrode 721, the reception reference electrode 722, and Rr723-1 correspond to the reception signal electrode 121, the reception reference electrode 122, and the reception unit 123 (or a part thereof), respectively.

  Therefore, the description about each of these parts is omitted.

  As described above, the communication system 700 does not require a physical reference point path, and can realize communication using only the communication signal transmission path.

  In the above description, the transmission signal electrode and the reception signal electrode are described as being in non-contact with the communication medium. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transmission reference electrode and the reception reference electrode are sufficient between the surrounding spaces of the respective devices. If a sufficient electrostatic capacity can be obtained, the transmission signal electrode and the reception signal electrode may be connected by a conductive communication medium.

  Next, a specific application example of the communication system as described above will be described. For example, the communication system as described above can use a living body as a communication medium. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a communication system when communication is performed via a human body. In FIG. 5, a communication system 750 transmits music data from a transmission device 760 attached to the arm of the human body, receives the music data by a reception device 770 attached to the head of the human body, and converts the music data into speech. This is a system for outputting and allowing the user to view. The communication system 750 is a system corresponding to the above-described communication system (for example, the communication system 100), and the transmission device 760 and the reception device 770 correspond to the transmission device 110 and the reception device 120, respectively. In the communication system 750, the human body 780 is a communication medium and corresponds to the communication medium 130 in FIG.

  That is, the transmission device 760 includes the transmission signal electrode 761, the transmission reference electrode 762, and the transmission unit 763, and corresponds to the transmission signal electrode 111, the transmission reference electrode 112, and the transmission unit 113 in FIG. The reception device 770 includes a reception signal electrode 771, a reception reference electrode 772, and a reception unit 773, and corresponds to the reception signal electrode 121, the reception reference electrode 122, and the reception unit 123 of FIG.

  Therefore, the transmission device 760 and the reception device 770 are installed so that the transmission signal electrode 761 and the reception signal electrode 771 are in contact with or close to the human body 780 that is a communication medium. Since the transmission reference electrode 762 and the reception reference electrode 772 only need to have a capacitance with respect to the space, it is not necessary to couple with the ground in the periphery or between the transmission / reception devices (or electrodes).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example for realizing the communication system 750. In FIG. 6, the receiving device 770 contacts (or approaches) the human body 780 at the sole portion, and performs communication with the transmitting device 760 attached to the arm portion of the human body 780. Also in this case, the transmission signal electrode 761 and the reception signal electrode 771 are provided so as to be in contact with (or close to) the human body 780 that is a communication medium, and the transmission reference electrode 762 and the reception reference electrode 772 are provided toward the space. ing. In particular, this is an application example that cannot be realized by the conventional technology in which the earth is one of the communication paths.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform wireless communication using a human body or the like as a communication medium without providing a wired facility such as a cable.

  In the communication system as described above, there is no particular limitation on the modulation method of the signal flowing in the communication medium as long as it can be handled by both the transmission device and the reception device. Based on the characteristics of the entire communication system, , The most suitable method can be selected. Specifically, the modulation method includes any one of a baseband, amplitude-modulated, or frequency-modulated analog signal, a baseband, amplitude-modulated, frequency-modulated, or phase-modulated digital signal, Alternatively, a plurality of mixtures may be used.

  Further, in the communication system as described above, a plurality of communications can be established by using one communication medium, and full-duplex communication or communication between a plurality of devices using a single communication medium can be executed. You may be able to do it.

  An example of a method for realizing such multiplex communication will be described. The first is a method of applying a spread spectrum method. In this case, a frequency bandwidth and a specific time series code are negotiated between the transmission device and the reception device. Then, the transmission apparatus changes the frequency of the original signal in accordance with the time-series code within this frequency bandwidth, spreads it over the entire frequency band, and transmits it. After receiving the spread component, the receiving device decodes the received signal by integrating the received signal.

  The effect obtained by frequency spreading will be described. According to the channel capacity theorem of Shannon and Hartley, the following equation holds.

  Here, C [bps] indicates the channel capacity, and indicates the theoretical maximum data rate that can be sent to the communication path. B [Hz] indicates the channel bandwidth. S / N indicates a signal-to-noise power ratio (SN ratio). Further, if the above equation is expanded by Macrolin and the S / N is low, the above equation (9) can be approximated as the following equation (10).

  Thus, for example, if S / N is a level below the noise floor, S / N << 1, but by increasing the channel bandwidth B, the channel capacity C can be raised to a desired level.

  If the time-series code is different for each communication channel and the frequency spread behavior is different, the frequency spreads without interfering with each other and mutual interference is eliminated, so that multiple communications can be performed simultaneously. it can.

  The second is a method of applying a frequency division method in which a frequency bandwidth is determined between a transmission device and a reception device and is further divided into a plurality of regions. In this case, the transmission device (or the reception device) follows a specific frequency band allocation rule or detects a free frequency band at the start of communication, and performs frequency band allocation based on the detection result.

  In other words, by using different frequency bands for each communication path, mutual interference can be suppressed and a plurality of communications can be performed simultaneously on one communication medium. Further, by using the frequency division method, many-to-one communication or many-to-many communication can be performed.

  The third is a method of applying a time division method in which the communication time is divided into a plurality of times between the transmission device and the reception device. In this case, the transmission device (or the reception device) follows a specific time division rule or detects a free time region at the start of communication, and divides the communication time based on the detection result.

  That is, by performing communication in a different time band for each communication path, mutual interference can be suppressed and a plurality of communications can be performed simultaneously on one communication medium. Further, by using the time division method, many-to-one communication and many-to-many communication can be performed.

  Furthermore, as a method other than those described above, two or more of the first to third communication methods may be combined.

  The ability of a transmitting device and a receiving device to communicate with multiple other devices at the same time is particularly important in certain applications. For example, assuming application to a ticket for transportation facilities, when a user who possesses both a device A having commuter pass information and a device B having an electronic money function uses an automatic ticket gate, By using the method, communication is performed simultaneously with the devices A and B. For example, when the use section includes a section other than the commuter pass, the shortage amount is deducted from the electronic money of the apparatus B. It can be used for various purposes.

  The flow of communication processing executed in the communication between the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus as described above will be described with reference to an example of communication between the transmission apparatus 110 and the reception apparatus 120 of the communication system 100 in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  The transmitter 113 of the transmitter 110 generates a signal to be transmitted in step S11, and transmits the generated signal onto the communication medium 130 via the transmission signal electrode 111 in step S12. When the signal is transmitted, the transmission unit 113 of the transmission device ends the communication process. A signal transmitted from the transmission device 110 is supplied to the reception device 120 via the communication medium 130. The reception unit 123 of the reception device 120 receives the signal via the reception signal electrode 121 in step S21, and outputs the received signal in step S22. The receiving unit 123 that has output the received signal ends the communication process.

  As described above, the transmission device 110 and the reception device 120 can perform basic communication through a simple process without requiring complicated processing via the communication medium 130. In other words, the transmitting device 110 and the receiving device 120 do not need to construct a closed circuit using the reference electrode, and therefore perform transmission / reception via the signal electrode, and easily perform stable communication processing without being affected by the environment. be able to. Thereby, the transmission apparatus 110 and the reception apparatus 120 (communication system 100) can reduce the load of communication processing for performing stable communication without being influenced by the environment, and can also reduce the manufacturing cost. Further, by simplifying the structure of communication processing, the communication system 100 can easily use various communication methods such as modulation, encoding, encryption, or multiplexing.

  In the above communication system, the transmission device and the reception device are described as separate units. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and communication is performed using the transmission / reception device having the functions of both the transmission device and the reception device described above. A system may be constructed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 8, the communication system 950 includes a transmission / reception device 961, a transmission / reception device 962, and a communication medium 130. The communication system 950 is a system in which the transmission / reception device 961 and the transmission / reception device 962 transmit and receive signals bidirectionally via the communication medium 130.

  The transmission / reception device 961 has both the configuration of the transmission unit 110 similar to the transmission device 110 in FIG. 1 and the reception unit 120 similar to the reception device 120. That is, the transmission / reception device 961 includes a transmission signal electrode 111, a transmission reference electrode 112, a transmission unit 113, a reception signal electrode 121, a reception reference electrode 122, and a reception unit 123.

  That is, the transmission / reception device 961 transmits a signal via the communication medium 130 using the transmission unit 110 and receives a signal supplied via the communication medium 130 using the reception unit 120. At this time, the transmission / reception device 961 is configured such that communication by the transmission unit 110 and communication by the reception unit 120 do not interfere with each other.

  The transmission / reception device 962 has the same configuration as that of the transmission / reception device 961 and operates in the same manner, and thus the description thereof is omitted. That is, the transmission / reception device 961 and the transmission / reception device 962 perform bidirectional communication via the communication medium 130 in the same manner.

  Thus, the communication system 950 (the transmission / reception device 961 and the transmission / reception device 962) can easily realize bidirectional wireless communication without providing a wired facility such as a cable.

  In the example of FIG. 8, different electrodes are used for transmission and reception, but only one set of signal electrode and reference electrode may be provided to switch transmission and reception.

  Next, a blind person guidance system using the wireless communication described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example according to an embodiment of the blind person guidance system 1000 to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, a user 1001 is a blind person, holding a walking stick 1002 for the blind person, and wearing a blind person guiding shoe 1003 described later.

  In this example, a Braille block for the blind is arranged on the road surface on which the user 1001 walks. Braille blocks 1021-1 to 1021-3 having a plurality of linear protrusions that are long in the vertical direction in the figure on the surface, and Braille blocks 1022-1 having a plurality of linear protrusions that are long in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) in the figure. Numeral 1022-3 is a braille block for presenting a direction to the blind person. A braille block 1023 having a plurality of round protrusions on the surface is arranged at a corner of a sidewalk, etc., and is a braille block for calling attention to the blind person in preparation for changing the direction to proceed. Is done. Here, one Braille block 1023 is arranged at the corner, but actually, a plurality of Braille blocks 1023 are arranged at the corner.

  That is, the user 1001 who is blind is shaped by the shape of the braille blocks 1021-1 to 1021-3, 1023, and 1022-1 to 1022-3 (protrusions on the surface) by the cane 1002 or the feeling when the user steps on the road surface. ) Can be moved along the shape of the sidewalk in the vertical direction in the figure, and then the direction of 90 ° can be changed at the corner (the position of the braille block 1023) to move in the horizontal direction in the figure.

  However, when an obstacle is placed on the braille block, it is difficult for the user 1001 to walk. In this example, a bag 1041 serving as an obstacle is placed on the braille block 1021-3. In such a case, when the user 1001 approaches the Braille block 1021-3 while walking, the user 1001 must approach the right or left side of the Braille block 1021-3 on the sidewalk and proceed while avoiding the saddle 1041. Since the Braille block is not arranged on the road surface on the right side or the left side of the Braille block 1021-3, the direction to travel is lost. If the Braille blocks are arranged to the full width of the road surface, the direction to proceed to the user 1001 can be presented. However, the surface of the Braille blocks has the above-described protrusions, and so many Braille blocks are arranged. , It will interfere with the walking of healthy people, bicycles, strollers, etc.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a plurality of signal electrodes are embedded under the road surface, and information such as a direction to go to the user 1001 is provided using the wireless communication described above with reference to FIGS.

  In this example, a rectangular plate-shaped signal electrode 1101 is embedded under the road surface. Here, only the signal electrodes 1101-11 to 1101-16 are provided with reference numerals, but the other signal electrodes have the same configuration and are uniformly embedded at a predetermined depth below the road surface. In addition, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the signal electrodes embedded under the road surface, they are simply referred to as signal electrodes 1101. Each signal electrode is configured to have a predetermined size and shape based on the size and shape of the braille block on the road surface. In this example, two signal electrodes 1101-13 and 1101-14 are formed into one braille block 1021-. 1 is configured to have substantially the same size and shape as 1.

  As will be described later, each of the plurality of signal electrodes 1101 is actually composed of a plurality of small electrodes that are further finely divided, and each small electrode transmits a predetermined signal based on the control of the signal processing device 1150. It is configured to (send).

  The signal processing device 1150 is installed in a predetermined place (for example, in a public building) or the like, and causes each of the plurality of signal electrodes 1101 to transmit a signal corresponding to information such as a direction to go to the user 1001. The signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101 is received by, for example, a small signal processing device provided in the shoe 1003 of the user 1001 and, as will be described later, the shoe 1003 based on the signal received by the small signal processing device. By changing the shape of the protrusion inside the, information such as a direction to be advanced to the user 1001 is provided.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the shoe 1003. In this example, a small signal processing device 1250, signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b, and a reference electrode 1202 are attached to a shoe 1003. The signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b and the reference electrode 1202 are all connected to the small signal processing device 1250 and used for the wireless communication described above with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a view of the shoe 1003 as seen from the back side (on the bottom of the shoe). As shown in the figure, the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b are attached to the front (toe side) and rear (heel side) of the shoe 1003, respectively, so that different signals can be received by the two signal electrodes. It is configured. Note that the two signal electrodes can be switched (separately) by switching the conduction state based on the control of the control unit 1255 of the small signal processing device 1250 (described later). Ii) is configured to receive a signal.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the signal processing device 1150.

  In the figure, when the signal generator 1151 transmits information to, for example, the small signal processor 1250, the signal generator 1151 generates a signal corresponding to the information based on the control of the controller 1155. When receiving information (a signal corresponding to the information) from the outside, the signal demodulating unit 1152 demodulates the signal and supplies the demodulated signal to the control unit 1155.

  The transmission / reception switching unit 1153 switches the connection with the signal electrode 1101 to either the signal generation unit 1151 or the signal demodulation unit 1152 based on, for example, control from the control unit 1155.

  The control unit 1155 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls operations of the signal generation unit 1151 and the signal demodulation unit 1152 by executing various programs. For example, the control unit 1155 controls the signal generation unit 1151 or the signal demodulation unit 1152 to generate or demodulate a signal transmitted to or received from the small signal processing device 1250 or the like. Further, the control unit 1155 stores information in the memory 1154 or reads out from the memory 1154 as necessary.

  The memory 1154 includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and stores various types of information based on the control of the control unit 1155. The memory 1154 stores an ID unique to the signal processing device 1150 (individual signal processing device) in advance.

  The reference electrode 1102 and the signal electrode 1101 are the reference electrode and the signal electrode used in the wireless communication described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, and the signal electrode 1101 is close to a communication medium (for example, a road surface). The reference electrode 1202 is provided so as to face the space. For example, the reference electrode 1102 corresponds to the transmission reference electrode 112 or the reception reference electrode 122 in FIG. 8, and the signal electrode 1101 corresponds to the transmission signal electrode 111 or the reception signal electrode 121 in FIG. Note that the communication medium may be a single object or a combination of a plurality of conductors and dielectrics. In the example of FIG. 9, the road surface of the sidewalk is the communication medium. As described above with reference to FIG. 9, the signal electrode 1101 is actually composed of a plurality of signal electrodes.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the small signal processing device 1250. In the figure, signal generators 1251 to 1255 are functional blocks corresponding to the signal generators 1151 to 1155 of FIG. 12 and have the same functions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the signal electrode 1201 is actually composed of the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b. The reference electrode 1202 is provided so as to face the space. For example, the reference electrode 1102 corresponds to the transmission reference electrode 112 or the reception reference electrode 122 in FIG. 8, and the signal electrode 1101 corresponds to the transmission signal electrode 111 or the reception signal electrode 121 in FIG.

  Based on the control of the control unit 1255, the projection generation unit 1261 generates a projection having a predetermined shape on the inner side of the shoe 1003 (a portion that touches the foot of the user 1001). For example, the protrusion generation unit 1261 includes a compressor that increases or decreases the air pressure, and generates (raises) a protrusion having a predetermined shape by increasing the air pressure of a predetermined portion inside the shoe 1003. Conversely, by reducing the air pressure at a predetermined portion inside the shoe 1003, the protrusion is eliminated.

  Next, signals output from each of the plurality of signal electrodes 1101 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing examples of signals output from the braille block 1021-1 and the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the road surface 1031-1 on the left side of the braille block 1021 and the road surface 1032-1 on the right side of the figure. is there. Below the arrows in the figure, the braille block 1021-1 and the signal electrodes 1101-11 to 1101 embedded in the lower part of the road surface 1031-1 on the left side of the figure and the road surface 1032-1 on the right side of the figure in the braille block 1021, respectively. −16 is shown enlarged.

  As described above, each of the plurality of signal electrodes 1101 is actually composed of a plurality of small electrodes that are further finely divided. In this example, each of the signal electrodes 1101-11 to 1101-16 is vertically It consists of small electrodes indicated by eight squares in the direction (vertical direction) and four (32 in total) in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) in the figure. Then, each of the 32 small electrodes of each signal electrode outputs a predetermined signal based on the control of the signal processing device 1150 (control unit 1155). The size of the small electrode is, for example, the same size as the signal electrode 1201a or 1201b of the shoe 1003.

  In this example, the value of the signal output by each small electrode is shown for each of the second small electrodes from the bottom in the figure. For example, the leftmost electrode (referred to as the first column as appropriate) in the drawing constituting the signal electrode 1101-11 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x10”. Here, “0x” is a symbol indicating that a numerical value to be expressed is a hexadecimal number, and a numerical value described following “0x” is a hexadecimal numerical value, and is shown in the figure. Only the numerical value described after “0x” is described as the signal value of the small electrode. Further, in the same figure, only the second small electrode from the bottom in the figure shows the signal value of the small electrode, but all signal electrodes belonging to the same column output signals of the same value. . That is, all of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first column of the signal electrode 1101-11 output a signal corresponding to the value “0x10”.

  The eight small electrodes belonging to the second column of the signal electrode 1101-11 each output a signal corresponding to the value “0x11”, and each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the third column and the fourth column. The electrode outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x12” and a signal corresponding to the value “0x13”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-11 is set so as to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the right side in the drawing (closer to the Braille block 1021).

  Similarly, each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first to fourth columns of the signal electrode 1101-12 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x14” to a signal corresponding to the value “0x17”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-12 is also set to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the right side in the drawing (closer to the Braille block 1021).

  Each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first to fourth columns of the signal electrode 1101-16 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x13” to a signal corresponding to the value “0x10”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-16 is set to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the left side in the drawing (closer to the Braille block 1021).

  Similarly, each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first to fourth columns of the signal electrode 1101-15 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x17” to a signal corresponding to the value “0x14”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-15 is also set to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the left side in the drawing (closer to the Braille block 1021).

  Each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first to fourth columns of the signal electrode 1101-13 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x18” to a signal corresponding to the value “0x1b”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-13 is set to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the right side in the drawing (closer to the center of the braille block 1021).

  Each of the eight small electrodes belonging to the first to fourth columns of the signal electrode 1101-14 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x1b” to a signal corresponding to the value “0x18”. That is, the small electrode of the signal electrode 1101-14 is set to output a signal having a larger value as the small electrode on the left side in the drawing (closer to the center of the braille block 1021).

  As described above, the braille block 1021 or the signal electrode embedded under the left and right road surfaces adjacent to the braille block 1021 is configured to output a signal having a larger value as it approaches the center of the braille block 1021.

  Similarly, the Braille block 1022 showing a direction different from the Braille block 1021 by 90 ° or the signal electrode embedded under the road surface adjacent to the Braille block 1022 outputs a signal having a larger value as it approaches the center of the Braille block 1022. It is configured. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the upper road surface 1033-1 in the figure of the Braille block 1022 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x30” in the uppermost small electrode in the figure. The signal electrode embedded in the lower portion of the road surface 1034-1 on the lower side of the Braille block 1022 in the drawing outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x30” in the lower small electrode in the drawing, and the Braille block 1022- The signal electrode embedded in the lower part of 1 is configured such that the center of the braille block 1022-1 outputs the value “0x3b”.

  The braille block 1023 for calling attention or the signal electrodes embedded under the road surface adjacent to the braille block 1023 are all configured to output the value “0xff” or “0xfe”, respectively. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the braille block 1023-1 outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0xff” in all the small electrodes, and is shown in the diagram of the braille block 1023-1. The signal electrode embedded in the lower portion of the road surface 1036-1 on the left side and the Braille block 1023-1 on the right side in the drawing so as to output a signal corresponding to the value “0xfe” in all the small electrodes. Composed.

  As described above, signals having different values are output from the signal electrodes embedded under the road surface according to the type of the Braille block and according to the distance from the center of the Braille block. Note that the output signal may be output after FM modulation or AM modulation is performed on the above-described values, for example.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of signal values output from signal electrodes embedded in four corners of a sidewalk, for example. In the figure, at the portion indicated by the frame 1051 or the frame 1052, three Braille blocks 1021 each having a plurality of linear protrusions that are long in the vertical direction (vertical direction) in the drawing are laid on the surface. Three braille blocks 1022 each having a plurality of linear protrusions that are long in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) in the drawing are laid on the portion indicated by 1054. In addition, five Braille blocks 1023 having a plurality of round protrusions on the surface are laid in a portion indicated by a frame 1055.

  And the numerical value displayed in the area | region shown as a some square in the figure has shown the value which the signal electrode (small electrode of a signal electrode) corresponding to the area | region outputs. For example, the lowermost square region in the figure of the frame 1051 is a region corresponding to the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the braille block 1021, and is described as “0x18-0x1b”. This indicates that the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the braille block 1021 (actually, the small electrode constituting the signal electrode) outputs a signal corresponding to the value “0x18” to the value “0x1b”. ing.

  In addition, the numerical values displayed in the areas shown as a plurality of squares in the drawing that are hatched in the figure are different from the numerical values displayed in the other areas. For example, the uppermost square area in the figure of the frame 1051 or the lowermost square area in the figure of the frame 1052 is an area corresponding to the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the Braille block 1021. Unlike the other areas in the frame 1051 or 1052, “0x28-0x2b” is described, and the rightmost square area in the figure of the frame 1053 or the leftmost square area in the figure of the frame 1054 is both The area corresponding to the signal electrode embedded in the lower part of the braille block 1022 is different from the other areas in the frame 1053 or 1054 and is described as “0x48-0x4b”.

  In this way, the output signal may be increased at a position close to the corner. By doing in this way, it is possible to inform a blind person who is walking that the corner is approaching.

  The shoe 1003 having the configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 is worn on the road surface in which the signal electrode for outputting a signal having such a value is embedded. Signals output from each signal electrode 1101 are received by 1201a and 1201b.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the orientation of the shoe 1003 of the user 1001 walking on the signal electrode (and the small electrodes constituting the signal electrode) described above with reference to FIG. In the direction indicated by the symbol A in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are both “0x13” (or “0x14”). In the direction indicated by the symbol B in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are “0x19” and “0x1b”, respectively, and in the direction indicated by the symbol C in the figure, the shoe The values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of 1003 are “0x17” and “0x13”, respectively. In this way, it is possible to detect signals having different values depending on the direction of the shoe 1003.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a protrusion generation unit provided inside the shoe 1003. As shown in the figure, the protrusion generation unit 1261 is provided in the vicinity of the center of the inside of the shoe 1003 (the portion above the shoe sole and in contact with the foot of the user 1001), and based on the control of the control unit 1255. It is configured to protrude at a predetermined height.

  For example, under the control of the control unit 1255, the protrusion generation unit 1261 is raised so that the front part of the shoe 1003 becomes higher and the rear part of the shoe 1003 becomes lower as shown in FIG. Further, contrary to the case of FIG. 20, the protrusion generation unit 1261 can be raised so that the front part of the shoe 1003 is lowered and the rear part of the shoe 1003 is raised. Furthermore, the protrusion generation unit 1261 can be raised so that the front part of the shoe 1003 and the rear part of the shoe 1003 have the same height, and the width of the raised part (the vertical direction in FIG. 19). Is configured to become wider or narrower based on the control of the control unit 1255.

  FIGS. 21 to 23 are diagrams illustrating an example of the shape of the protrusion generation unit 1261 that changes and rises according to the value of the received signal and the direction of the shoe 1003.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the shape of the protrusion generation part 1261 inside the shoe 1003 near the corner. As shown in the figure, in the position and orientation of the shoe 1003 indicated by the symbols A to C in the figure, a portion having the same width and a width substantially equal to the width of the shoe 1003 is formed in the projection generating unit 1261. It is raised. However, in the case indicated by the symbol B in the figure, the value of the signal received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 is “0xff”, which is larger than the signal value “0xfe” in the case of the symbol A or C in the figure. Therefore, when indicated by the symbol B in the figure, the height of the protrusion of the projection generating unit 1261 is controlled to be higher than that in the case of the symbol A or C in the figure.

  Of course, in the case indicated by the symbol B in the figure, the height of the protrusion of the projection generating part 1261 may be controlled to be lower than that in the case of the symbol A or C in the figure.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the shape of the protrusion generation part 1261 inside the shoe 1003 in the vicinity of the braille block 1021. As shown in the figure, the shoe 1003 has the same width in the positions and orientations indicated by the symbols A to C in the figure, and a portion with a narrower width than the case of FIG. It is raised at 1261.

  In the figure, in the case indicated by the symbol A in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are both “0x13”, and the height of the raised portion in the protrusion generation unit 1261 is The front part and the rear part of the shoe 1003 have the same height.

  On the other hand, when indicated by symbol B or C in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are “0x19” and “0x1b”, respectively, and “0x17” or “0x13”, respectively. Therefore, the hatched portion in the drawing is raised higher in the protrusion generation unit 1261. In addition, the symbol B can be raised as a whole higher (or lower) than the symbol C in the figure, so that it stands on the braille block or You can distinguish whether you are standing nearby.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of the shape of the protrusion generation part 1261 inside the shoe 1003 near the Braille block 1022. As shown in the figure, the shoe 1003 has the same width in the positions and orientations indicated by the symbols A to C in the figure, and a portion with a narrower width than the case of FIG. It is raised at 1261.

  In the figure, when indicated by the symbol A or B in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are “0x32” and “0x36”, respectively, “0x3b” or “0x39”, respectively. Therefore, the hatched portion in the drawing is raised higher in the projection generation unit 1261. On the other hand, in the case indicated by the symbol C in the figure, the values of the signals received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b of the shoe 1003 are both “0x33”, and the height of the raised portion in the protrusion generation unit 1261 is The front part and the rear part of 1003 are set to the same height. Note that the symbol B in the figure can be raised higher (or lower) than the symbol A in the figure, so that it stands on the braille block or You can distinguish whether you are standing nearby.

  In this way, by changing the width and height of the raised portion of the protrusion generation unit 1261 according to the value of the received signal, the sole of the blind person is stimulated and the direction in which the blind person should proceed is presented. Or to call attention.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24, the protrusion generation processing by the small signal processing device 1250 of the shoe 1003 will be described.

  In step S101, the control unit 1255 of the small signal processing device 1250 receives a signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101 embedded under the road surface via the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b.

  In step S102, the control unit 1255 determines whether or not a new signal has been received. If it is determined that a new signal has not been received, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that a new signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the control unit 1255 analyzes the value of the signal received in the process of step S101. At this time, values “0x10” to “0xff” are acquired based on the received signal as described above.

  In step S104, the control unit 1255 identifies the type of the braille block at the currently standing position based on the value analyzed in the process of step S103. As described above, the Braille blocks 1021 to 1023 and the signal electrodes embedded in the lower part of the road surface adjacent to the Braille blocks 1021 to 1023 output signals having different values depending on the types of the Braille blocks. In step S104, the type of the braille block (or the adjacent road surface) is specified based on the acquired value. For example, when the value obtained by analysis in step S103 is “0x10”, the currently standing place is specified as the road surface adjacent to the braille block 1021.

  In step S105, the control unit 1255 compares the magnitudes of the signal values analyzed and acquired in the process of step S103. As described above, the signal transmitted from the signal electrode embedded in the lower portion of the road surface is received through the two types of signal electrodes, that is, the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b. In step S105, the signal is received through the signal electrode 1201a. The magnitude of the value of the received signal is compared with the magnitude of the value of the signal received via the signal electrode 1201b. As described above with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, by comparing the magnitude of the value of the signal received via the signal electrode 1201a with the magnitude of the value of the signal received via the signal electrode 1201b. The distance between the position where the user 1001 stands and the braille block, and the orientation of the user 1001 with respect to the braille block are specified.

  In step S106, the control unit 1255 controls the protrusion generation unit 1261 to raise the protrusion based on the type of the braille block specified in the process of step S104 and the comparison result in the process of step S105. At this time, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, based on the type of the braille block (or the adjacent road surface) and the difference in the value of the signal received by the signal electrodes 1201a and 1201b. Protrusions with different widths and heights are raised.

  In this way, a protrusion is generated inside the shoe 1003. By doing so, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole of the blind person to present the direction in which the blind person should proceed or to call attention. For example, even if there is an obstacle on the braille block and you have to walk where the braille block is not laid, it will stimulate the soles of the blind as if you were walking on the braille block It is possible to return to the portion where the Braille block is once again easily even if it moves away from the portion where the Braille block is arranged. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment that is easy for the blind to live.

  Furthermore, even if it is in a place where a Braille block cannot be arranged due to traffic conditions or the like, according to the present invention, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole of a blind person as if walking on the Braille block. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment that is easy for the blind to live without hindering the convenience of transportation.

  In the above description, an example in which a signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101 embedded in the lower portion of the road surface is received by the signal electrode 1201a or 1201b provided in the shoe 1003 has been described. You may make it receive the signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101 embed | buried under the road surface.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the cane 1002 in this case. As shown in the figure, signal electrodes 1301a and 1301b are provided at the tip of the cane 1002 (the part in contact with the ground). In addition, a small signal processing device similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 13 is built in the cane 1002, and in the same manner as the shoe 1003, two kinds of signal electrodes (1301 a and 1301 b) are used. The protrusion is generated based on the value of the received signal.

  In the cane 1002, as shown in FIG. 26, the protrusion generating part is provided on the handle of the cane 1002 (the part where the user 1001 holds the cane). In this way, even if the dedicated shoe 1003 is not worn, the protrusion of the handle of the cane 1002 is raised so that the palm of the blind person is stimulated, and the direction in which the blind person should proceed is presented. , It is possible to call attention.

  Or you may make it receive the signal transmitted from the signal electrode 1101 embed | buried under the road surface via the signal electrode of both shoes 1003 and the cane 1002.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of this case. As shown in the figure, a signal electrode 1301 is provided at the tip of the cane 1002, and a signal electrode 1201 is provided at the bottom of the shoe 1003. In this case, a small signal processing device similar to the one described above with reference to FIG. 13 is incorporated in the inside of the cane 1002 and the inside of the shoe 1003, and as in the case of the shoe 1003, two types of signal electrodes ( 1201 and 1301) are configured to generate protrusions based on the values of the signals received. Note that the small signal processing device of the shoe 1003 and the small signal processing device of the cane 1002 both support the wireless communication described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, and thus the human body of the user 1001 is used as a communication medium. Communication can be performed. As described above with reference to FIG. 19, the protrusion generation unit may be provided inside the shoe 1003, or as described above with reference to FIG. 26, at the handle portion of the cane 1002. You may do it.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, or can be executed by software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network such as the Internet or a recording medium such as a removable medium.

  This recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user, and includes a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk (registered trademark)) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory). ), DVD (including Digital Versatile Disk)), magneto-optical disk (including MD (Mini-Disk) (registered trademark)), or removable media consisting of semiconductor memory, etc. Also included are those composed of a ROM in which a program is recorded, a hard disk included in a storage unit, and the like that are distributed to the user in a preinstalled state.

  The steps of executing the series of processes described above in this specification are performed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series in the order described. It also includes processing.

It is a figure which shows the structural example which concerns on one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the example of the equivalent circuit of the communication system of FIG. 1 in an ideal state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calculation result of an effective value of a voltage generated at both ends of a reception load resistor in the model of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the communication system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the actual usage example which concerns on one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the other usage example which concerns on one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a communication process. It is a figure which shows the further another structural example of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example which concerns on one Embodiment of the blind person guidance system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the shoes of FIG. It is the figure which looked at the shoes of Drawing 10 from another angle. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the signal processing apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the small signal processing apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the value of the signal which the signal electrode embed | buried near a braille block outputs. It is a figure which shows the example of the value of the signal which the signal electrode embed | buried near another braille block outputs. It is a figure which shows the example of the value of the signal which the signal electrode embed | buried near another braille block outputs. It is a figure which shows the example of the value of the signal output from the signal electrode embed | buried near four corners. It is a figure which shows the example of direction of the shoes of the user who walks on the signal electrode (and small electrode which comprises a signal electrode) of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a processus | protrusion production | generation part. It is a figure which shows the example when the processus | protrusion of a processus | protrusion production | generation part protrudes. It is a figure explaining the example of the shape of the processus | protrusion production | generation part which changes and changes according to the value of the received signal, and the direction of shoes. It is a figure explaining another example of the shape of the processus | protrusion production | generation part which changes and rises according to the value of the received signal, and the direction of shoes. It is a figure explaining another example of the shape of the processus | protrusion production | generation part which changes and rises according to the value of the received signal, and the direction of shoes. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a protrusion production | generation process. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of providing a signal electrode in a cane. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of providing a protrusion production | generation part in a cane. It is a figure which shows the example in the case of providing a signal electrode in a cane and shoes.

Explanation of symbols

  100 communication system 110 transmission device 111 transmission signal electrode 112 transmission reference electrode 113 transmission unit 120 reception device 121 reception signal electrode 122 reception reference electrode 123 reception unit 130 communication medium 961 and 962 transmission / reception device 1001 User 1002 Cane, 1003 Shoes, 1021 to 1023 Braille block 1101 Signal electrode, 1102 Reference electrode, 1150 Signal processing device, 1201 Signal electrode, 1202 Reference electrode, 1255 Control unit, 1261 Projection generation unit, 1301 Signal electrode

Claims (14)

A receiving means for receiving signals transmitted from a plurality of conductor plates embedded respectively under a road surface within a predetermined distance from a Braille block for a blind person and a laying position of the Braille block;
A specification for identifying the type of the Braille block on the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded or the Braille block in the range of a predetermined distance from the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded, based on the signal received by the receiving means Means,
Obtaining means for obtaining information on a distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and information on the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block, based on the signal received by the receiving means;
Based on information on the type of the Braille block specified by the specifying means, the distance from the Braille block acquired by the acquiring means, and the orientation of the user with respect to the Braille block, a predetermined stimulus that stimulates the tactile sense of the user A signal processing apparatus comprising: a protrusion generating means for generating a protrusion having a shape and a height. Attached to some of the shoes worn by the user,
The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion generation unit generates the protrusion at a portion inside the shoe and in contact with a sole of the user's foot. Attached to a part of the cane used by the user,
The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion generation unit generates the protrusion at a portion of the handle of the cane that contacts the palm of the user. A reference electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and a plurality of signal electrodes provided so that electrostatic coupling to the communication medium is stronger than the reference electrode;
The receiving means receives a signal based on a potential difference between the signal electrode and the reference electrode, and the specifying means is based on a value represented by the signal and is braille on the road surface on which the conductor plate is embedded. The signal processing device according to claim 1, wherein the type of the Braille block within a predetermined distance from the road surface on which the block or the conductor plate is embedded is specified. Each of the conductor plates is configured by being divided into a plurality of regions, and the plurality of signal electrodes are attached to positions separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and the individual regions of the conductor plate are signals transmitted respectively. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a signal corresponding to a predetermined value is received according to the position of the signal electrode. The obtaining means compares the magnitude of the value of the signal received at each of the plurality of signal electrodes to thereby determine the distance from the Braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user with respect to the Braille block. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein information regarding the signal is acquired. The protrusion generation means selects the shape of the protrusion according to the type of the braille block, and the protrusion according to the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user with respect to the braille block. The signal processing device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is generated by selecting a height of the projection. The signal according to claim 5, comprising at least two different signal electrodes, wherein the first signal electrode is provided on a front portion of a shoe worn by a user, and the second signal electrode is provided on a rear portion of the shoe. Processing equipment. The signal processing device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of signal electrodes are provided at a distal end portion of a cane used by a user. The signal processing according to claim 5, comprising at least two different signal electrodes, wherein the first signal electrode is provided on a shoe worn by a user, and the second signal electrode is provided on a walking stick used by the user. apparatus. Receiving signals transmitted from a plurality of conductive plates embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from a Braille block for blind persons and a laying position of the Braille block;
Based on the received signal, identify the type of braille block on the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded or the range of a predetermined distance from the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded,
Based on the received signal, obtain information about the distance from the Braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user relative to the Braille block;
Based on the identified type of the braille block, the obtained distance from the braille block, and information on the user's orientation with respect to the braille block, a protrusion having a predetermined shape and height that stimulates the user's tactile sense is generated. A signal processing method including a step. Controlling reception of signals transmitted from a plurality of conductive plates embedded under a road surface within a predetermined distance from a Braille block for a blind person and a laying position of the Braille block;
Based on the received signal, control the identification of the type of braille block on the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded or the range of a predetermined distance from the road surface where the conductor plate is embedded,
Controlling the acquisition of information about the distance from the braille block where the user is currently standing and the orientation of the user relative to the braille block based on the received signal;
Generation of protrusions of a predetermined shape and height that stimulate the user's tactile sense based on the type of the braille block identified, the acquired distance from the braille block, and information on the user's orientation relative to the braille block A computer readable program that includes a step for controlling.   A recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded. A reference electrode for obtaining a reference point for determining an output value, and a plurality of signal electrodes provided so that electrostatic coupling to the communication medium is stronger than the reference electrode;
A signal processing device comprising control means for controlling transmission and reception of a signal based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the signal electrode,
A plurality of the signal electrodes are embedded under the road surface within a predetermined distance from the laying position of the Braille block for blind persons and the Braille block,
The signal processing device, wherein the control means transmits signals having different values from the plurality of signal electrodes.

Images