JP2009116609A - Operating device, information processing device, operating method, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide: an operating device that can be operated without using hands, and can be used in any use environment while improving durability and a user's wear feeling; an information processing device; an operating method; and an information processing system. <P>SOLUTION: Provided is the operating device 3 that outputs an operating signal to make an external information processing device 2 perform predetermined processing. The operating device 3 includes a change detection part 33 disposed while coming into contact with a user's head 4 for detecting change in the movement of a muscle of the head 4, a tilt detection part 34 disposed around the user's head 4 for detecting the tilt of the head 4, and an output part 39 for outputting the operating signal to the information processing device 2 according to the result of the detection by the change detection part 33 and the tilt detection part 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device, an information processing device, an operating method, and an information processing system.

  For example, as an operation device for inputting a predetermined operation signal to an information processing device such as a computer, a direct operation method operation device using a hand such as a mouse / keyboard has been conventionally used. When trying to input with this operating device, the user needs to use both hands or one hand, so it was difficult to try other things at the same time with the hand.

  On the other hand, as an operation device of an indirect operation method that is not a direct operation method, a user's movement is detected by recognizing an image from a camera or the like, or a user's movement is traced by electromagnetic waves such as visible light or infrared light, There is a device that performs corresponding input. However, such indirect operation type operation devices have complicated mechanisms such as devices and operation methods, and the environment in which the devices can be used is also limited.

  Conventionally, an operation device described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 is known as a simple indirect operation type operation device.

  The computer operating device described in Patent Document 1 has a physical switch such as a ball that can be operated by the user using the chin, and can be operated with the face without using a hand. It is. On the other hand, the user interface described in Patent Document 2 is a method and apparatus for starting verbal transmission using a voice-based device, and uses a node potential sensor for physical movement to determine the start of a hands-free operation. ing. In this apparatus, since it can be operated verbally, the user does not need to use a hand.

JP 2006-139327 A JP 2005-202965 A

  However, according to the operation device described in Patent Document 1, the entire device is large and needs to be arranged on a support base, so it is necessary to secure the arrangement position. In addition, the internal structure of the apparatus is complicated, and a failure of the machine part can be considered. Failure caused by the complicated internal structure of the device is a problem to be improved for an operation device that is frequently operated.

  On the other hand, according to the user interface described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary for the node potential sensor to directly contact the electrode with the user's skin, resulting in poor wearing feeling. Therefore, some users may feel discomfort due to long-time use. Such deterioration of wearing feeling and discomfort are also problems to be improved for a user interface operated by a user for a long time, and a user interface with improved wearing feeling is desired.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to be able to be operated without using a hand, and to improve durability and user wearing feeling. On the other hand, it is an object to provide a new and improved operating device, information processing device, operating method, and information processing system that can be used in any use environment.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation device that outputs an operation signal to cause an external information processing device to execute predetermined processing, and is in contact with a user's head. Arranged, a change detecting unit for detecting a change in the movement of muscles of the head, a tilt detecting unit arranged around the user's head and detecting the tilt of the head, the change detecting unit, and the An operation device is provided, comprising: an output unit that outputs the operation signal to the information processing device in accordance with a detection result of the tilt detection unit.

  According to this configuration, the change detection unit can detect a change in the movement of the muscles of the user's head, and the tilt detection unit can detect the tilt of the head. And according to this detection result, an operation signal can be outputted to an information processor by an output part. Therefore, the user can input a manipulation signal to the information processing apparatus by moving the head and execute a predetermined process.

  The change detection unit may be a pressure sensor that is arranged to be pressed by expansion and contraction of the facial muscles of the user's head and detects a change in expansion and contraction of the facial muscles. According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect a change in facial muscle contraction by the pressure sensor.

  The pressure sensor may be disposed in contact with the temple of the user's head and may be pressed by the user tightening a tooth. According to this configuration, the pressure sensor can detect that the user has tightened the teeth as a change in the movement of the temple muscles.

  The operating device may have two pressure sensors, and each of the pressure sensors may be disposed in contact with the left and right temples of the user's head. According to such a configuration, the operating device can determine which of the left and right back teeth has been tightened by the user with the two pressure sensors and output an operation signal.

  The pressure sensor may be disposed in contact with the lower jaw of the user and may be pressed by movement of the lower jaw. According to this configuration, the operating device can detect the movement of the lower jaw by the pressure sensor and output an operation signal.

  Further, a processing signal used when the information processing apparatus performs the predetermined processing based on a change detection signal representing the detection result of the change detection unit and a tilt detection signal representing the detection result of the tilt detection unit. The output unit may output the processing signal generated by the generation unit to the information processing apparatus. According to such a configuration, the processing unit can generate the processing signal, and the output unit can output the generated signal to the information processing apparatus.

  The pressure sensor is formed by kneading and molding a magnet raw material and a viscoelastic material to generate a magnetic flux, and a magnetic flux density vector generated by deformation of the viscoelastic magnet based on a change in movement of the facial muscles. And a magnetic flux detector for detecting a change.

  The viscoelastic magnet may be covered with an elastic cover, and may contact the user's head through the cover. According to such a configuration, since the cover that contacts the user and the viscoelastic magnet have elasticity, the contact of the pressure sensor to the user's head can be buffered, and the wearing feeling can be further improved. .

  The magnetic flux detection unit may be configured by a magnetic detection element that detects a change in the magnetic flux density vector of three axes orthogonal to each other.

  The tilt detection unit may include an acceleration sensor that detects the tilt of the user's head by detecting the direction of gravity and detecting the degree of change in the direction of gravity.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus that executes a predetermined process, arranged in contact with a user's head, A change detection unit that detects a change in movement; a tilt detection unit that is disposed around the head of the user; detects a tilt of the head; a change detection signal that represents a detection result of the change detection unit; and the tilt An output unit that outputs a tilt detection signal representing a detection result of the detection unit; an acquisition unit that acquires the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal output from the operating device; and the change acquired by the acquisition unit There is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: a generation unit that generates a processing signal used when performing the predetermined processing based on a detection signal and the tilt detection signal.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation method for outputting an operation signal to cause an external information processing apparatus to execute a predetermined process. The change detection unit arranged in contact with the head detects a change in the movement of the muscles of the head, the tilt detection unit arranged around the head of the user detects the tilt of the head, and the change An operation method is provided in which the operation signal is output to the information processing apparatus in accordance with detection results of the detection unit and the tilt detection unit.

  In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system including an information processing device and an operation device arranged outside the information processing device, the operation device Is arranged in contact with the user's head and detects a change in muscle movement of the head, and a tilt that is arranged around the user's head and detects the tilt of the head. A detection unit; and an output unit that outputs a change detection signal representing the detection result of the change detection unit and a tilt detection signal representing the detection result of the tilt detection unit, and the information processing apparatus includes the operation device An acquisition unit that acquires the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal output from the control unit, and a process that is used when performing the predetermined process based on the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal acquired by the acquisition unit A generator for generating a signal; And having a data processing system is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it can be operated without using a hand, and can be used in an arbitrary use environment while improving durability and a user's wearing feeling.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

<First Embodiment>
First, the outline of the information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a computer 2 and an operation device 3 as shown in FIG.

  The computer 2 is an example of an information processing apparatus, and performs various information processing. In the present embodiment, the computer 2 performs a predetermined process based on an operation signal output from the operation device 3.

  The operation device 3 is one of computer input devices (user interfaces), and outputs a predetermined operation signal to the computer 2 from the outside of the computer 2. In addition, the operation device 3 according to the present embodiment can arrive at the user's head 4 and output the predetermined operation signal to the computer 2 according to the movement of the head 4. Here, the user's head 4 refers to a portion above the user's neck, and the head 4 includes a root on the head 4 side of the user's neck.

  The configuration of the operating device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement position of each component of the operation device according to the present embodiment. .

(Configuration of operation device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation device 3 includes a power switch 31, a calibration button 32, a pressure sensor 33, an acceleration sensor 34, a control unit 35, a battery 36, a timer 37, and a storage unit 38. And a communication unit 39. Moreover, these structures of the operating device 3 are arrange | positioned inside the headband 30 with which a user wears to the head 4 as shown in FIG.

  The power switch 31 is a switching unit for turning on / off the power of the controller device 3 and outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control unit 35 that controls the controller device 3 in accordance with a user operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the power switch 31 is disposed on the side surface (for example, the outer peripheral surface) of the headband 30 that is not in contact with the user's head 4 so that the user can operate the power switch 31.

  The calibration button 32 is an input for inputting a calibration signal for causing the controller device 3 to perform initialization processing or calibration processing (herein also referred to as “calibration processing”) to the control unit 35 in accordance with a user operation. Part. As shown in FIG. 3, the calibration button 32 is also disposed on the side surface (for example, the outer peripheral surface) of the headband 30 that is not in contact with the user's head 4 so that the user can operate the calibration button 32.

  The pressure sensor 33 is an example of a change detection unit, and is disposed in contact with the user's head 4 to detect a change in the movement of the muscles of the user's head 4 as shown in FIG. That is, the pressure sensor 33 detects a change in the movement of the muscle of the user's head 4 by detecting that the pressure sensor 33 is pressed by the expansion and contraction of the muscles of the face of the user's head 4. The pressure sensor 33 may detect the movement of any of the facial muscles of the head 4, but in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the pressure sensor 33 is a mastication that is one of the facial muscles. The case where it arrange | positions so that it may respond to the motion of a muscle, especially a temporal muscle is demonstrated. More specifically, the pressure sensor 33 is disposed so as to contact the temple of the user's head 4. Therefore, the temporal muscle contracts when the user bites the teeth, but the pressure sensor 33 is pressed by the skin bulge caused by the contraction of the temporal muscle. Then, the pressure sensor 33 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure due to the temporal muscle contraction to the control unit 35. Hereinafter, the signal output from the pressure sensor 33 is also referred to as a “change detection signal”. That is, the change detection signal represents the detection result of muscle movement by the pressure sensor 33. In addition, the pressure sensor 33 according to the present embodiment converts, for example, pressure due to muscle contraction into a voltage signal. That is, the change detection signal is a voltage signal. The specific configuration of the pressure sensor 33 according to this embodiment will be described in detail later. However, the pressure sensor 33 is not limited to a sensor that converts it into a voltage signal. For example, it is a sensor that converts it into a current signal or an optical signal. There may be.

  The acceleration sensor 34 is an example of a tilt detection unit, and is arranged around the user's head 4. More specifically, the acceleration sensor 34 is disposed inside the headband 30 and tilts in accordance with the tilt of the user's head 4. The acceleration sensor 34 detects the degree of tilting of the user's head 4. The acceleration sensor 34 outputs a signal corresponding to the tilting degree of the head 4 when calibration is performed to the control unit 35. More specifically, the acceleration sensor 34 detects the tilt of the user's head 4 by detecting the direction of gravity. That is, since the acceleration sensor 34 tilts in conjunction with the user's head 4, when the user tilts the head, the acceleration sensor 34 tilts accordingly. Therefore, the direction of gravity relative to the acceleration sensor 34 also changes. Therefore, the acceleration sensor detects the amount of change in the direction of gravity, thereby detecting the degree of tilting of the head 4 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result to the control unit 35. Hereinafter, the signal output from the acceleration sensor 34 is also referred to as a “tilt detection signal”. That is, the tilt detection signal represents the detection result of the tilt of the head 4 by the acceleration sensor 34. In addition, the acceleration sensor 34 according to the present embodiment converts, for example, tilt of the head 4 into a voltage signal. That is, the tilt detection signal is a voltage signal. Although the specific configuration of the acceleration sensor 34 will also be described in detail later, the acceleration sensor 34 is not limited to a sensor that converts it into a voltage signal, and may be a sensor that converts it into a current signal or an optical signal, for example.

  The control unit 35 is disposed inside the headband 30 and controls the entire operation device 3. For example, the control unit 35 starts or ends the supply of power from the battery 36 to each component in accordance with an ON signal or an OFF signal output from the power switch 31. Further, the control unit 35 performs, for example, each process such as calibration, as shown in FIG. 2, and a calibration unit 351 and an analog / digital conversion unit (hereinafter also referred to as “A / D conversion unit”). 352 and a signal generation unit 353.

  When the ON signal output from the power switch 31 or the calibration signal output from the calibration button 32 is input, the calibration unit 351 performs the calibration process of the pressure sensor 33 and the acceleration sensor 34.

  As described above, the controller device 3 is disposed in contact with the user's head 4 via the headband 30, and the pressure sensor 33 is pressed against the head 4 by the headband 30. Therefore, the pressure amount of the pressure sensor 33 when the muscle is relaxed differs depending on, for example, the elasticity of the headband 30, the shape of the user's head 4, and the arrangement position. Therefore, the pressure sensor 33 needs to set a pressure serving as a reference for wearing in order to detect the contraction of the muscle of the head 4. On the other hand, for example, the acceleration sensor 34 also needs to set an inclination as a reference for detecting the inclination of the user's head 4. Therefore, the calibration unit 351 sets such a reference pressure and inclination through the calibration process.

  The calibration process will be described more specifically. Here, the case where the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal output from the pressure sensor 33 and the acceleration sensor 34 as described above are output as voltage signals will be described. When the power supply ON signal or calibration signal is input, the calibration unit 351 uses the values of the voltage signals from the pressure sensor 33 and the acceleration sensor 34 at the input time point (hereinafter also referred to as “calibration time point”) as reference voltages. Set to a value and output to each sensor. That is, the calibration unit 351 sets the voltage signal value indicating the degree of pressing to the pressure sensor 33 at the time of calibration to a reference voltage value (hereinafter also referred to as “pressure reference value”), and the pressure sensor To 33. The calibration unit 351 sets the value of the voltage signal representing the direction of gravity acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 34 at the time of calibration as a reference voltage value (hereinafter also referred to as “acceleration reference value”). And output to the acceleration sensor 34.

  After the calibration process, the pressure sensor 33 detects a difference value between the voltage value corresponding to the detected pressure value due to muscle contraction of the head 4 and the pressure reference value (corresponding to the change detection signal described above). Is output. Further, the acceleration sensor 34 outputs a voltage value (corresponding to the tilt detection signal) according to the detected tilt degree of the head 4 after the calibration process. That is, the acceleration sensor 34 is based on the acceleration reference value set by the calibration unit 351 and the difference value (tilt detection signal) between the voltage value corresponding to the detected direction of gravity acceleration and the acceleration reference voltage value. ) Is calculated and output. Therefore, the tilt detection signal represents a displacement in the direction of the gravitational acceleration from the time of calibration. The displacement in the direction of the gravitational acceleration corresponds to the amount of change in the tilt degree of the user's head 4 from the time of calibration. To do.

  Then, the control unit 35 further outputs the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal to the A / D conversion unit 352 at a predetermined timing. At this time, the controller 35 outputs the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal at predetermined time intervals by appropriately starting / stopping the timer 37 or referring to the elapsed time of the timer 37.

  The A / D conversion unit 352 converts the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal that are analog signals output from the control unit 35 into digital signals.

  The signal generation unit 353 is an example of a generation unit, and receives a change detection signal and a tilt detection signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 352, and is used when the computer 2 performs a predetermined process. Process signal ". More specifically, the signal generation unit 353 acquires a threshold for each of the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal recorded in advance in the storage unit 38. Thereafter, the signal generation unit 353 compares the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal with the threshold values for each. Then, the signal generation unit 353 outputs a processing signal corresponding to the change detection signal to the communication unit when the change detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the tilt detection signal when the tilt detection signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. A processing signal corresponding to is output to the communication unit.

  The comparison between the threshold value and each signal in the signal generation unit 353 may be a comparison with a negative value. That is, for example, the threshold value may be set small with respect to the change detection signal, and the change detection signal may be lower than the threshold value.

  The communication unit 39 is an example of an output unit, and outputs each processing signal as an “operation signal” for causing the computer 2 to perform predetermined processing. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 39 performs short-distance or long-distance wireless communication with the computer 2. However, the communication unit 39 may be wired to the computer 2 and perform wired communication.

  In addition, although the threshold value with respect to each of the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal is recorded in advance in the storage unit 38 as described above, other information necessary for each of the above processes may be recorded. For example, the storage unit 38 may store predetermined information necessary for the calibration process and predetermined information necessary for the analog-digital conversion process. The calibration unit 351 and the A / D conversion unit 352 store the information. These predetermined information may be acquired from the unit 38 and each of the above processes may be performed. The storage unit 38 may be used, for example, as a buffer for calibration processing, analog-digital conversion processing, and communication processing, and may record change detection signals, tilt detection signals, processing signals, and the like.

  On the other hand, the computer 2 includes a communication unit 21 and a computer control unit 22 as shown in FIG. The communication unit 21 is an example of an acquisition unit, and acquires the processing signal output from the communication unit 39. Then, the computer control unit 22 receives the processing signal from the communication unit 21 and executes predetermined processing based on the processing signal, or causes another configuration (not shown) to execute the predetermined processing.

  Next, specific configuration examples of the pressure sensor 33 and the acceleration sensor 34 of the information processing system 1 will be described.

(Configuration example of pressure sensor)
First, a specific configuration example of the pressure sensor 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D. 4A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration example of the pressure sensor according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is a magnetic field detection in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4C.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the pressure sensor 33 includes an input unit 331, a fixed unit 332, and an output unit 333.

  The input unit 331 is disposed in contact with the user's head 4 and detects a change in the movement of the user's muscles. More specifically, the upper surface (the paper surface in FIG. 4A, the upper surface) of the input unit 331 is disposed in contact with the user's head. The upper surface of the input unit 331 is pressed with a load J applied by the skin bulge caused by muscle contraction when the user bites the teeth. The input unit 331 detects the pressure in the direction of the arrow J. The configuration of the input unit 331 will be described as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the input unit 331 includes a cover 51, a viscoelastic magnet 52, and a magnetic flux detection unit 53.

  The cover 51 is, for example, a cover having predetermined elasticity, durability, and wear resistance, and is made of, for example, silicon rubber. The cover 51 can protect the pressure sensor 33 while holding the viscoelastic magnet 52 and can prevent the mechanical configuration of the pressure sensor 33 from directly contacting the user's head 4. In FIG. 4B and the like, the cover 51 is illustrated as having a thickness similar to the thickness of the viscoelastic magnet 52 and the like, but the cover 51 may be formed in a thin film shape.

  The viscoelastic magnet 52 is formed by kneading a magnet raw material and a viscoelastic material and disposed inside the cover 51. As the magnet raw material, for example, a rare earth such as neodymium or samarium or a magnetic powder material of ferrite is used. On the other hand, the viscoelastic material is an elastomer having viscoelastic properties and is used as a binder (binder) of the magnet raw material. Therefore, the viscoelastic magnet 52 can be easily deformed into various shapes by an external load. As the viscoelastic material, silicon gel having high heat resistance, cold resistance, sliding, and abrasion resistance is suitable, but other materials such as polyurethane can also be used.

  In addition, since the viscoelastic material generally has higher surface tackiness as it becomes softer, when it is brought into contact with the user's head 4, it is necessary to modify it by coating or powder treatment to reduce friction. is there. However, in these modification methods, durability is low and the surface state is likely to change in the specification environment. Therefore, depending on the modification method, the surface may be uneven and the position of the surface of the pressure sensor 33 may be changed. There may be a difference in characteristics. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, by integrating a cover 51 such as silicon rubber on the surface of the viscoelastic magnet 52, the surface cover 51 does not impair the softness of the viscoelastic material of the viscoelastic magnet 52. It is possible to improve durability and control friction.

  The viscoelastic magnet 52 is kneaded with a magnet raw material that generates a magnetic field. The magnet raw material is preliminarily magnetized (magnetized) so that a bias magnetic field B is applied in a predetermined direction D. Yes. And the pressure sensor 33 which concerns on this embodiment detects the change of the bias magnetic field B by being pressed by the external weight. Note that the bias magnetic field B is not limited to the direction D illustrated in FIG. 4B, but varies depending on the shape of various magnets and the arrangement of sensors that detect the magnetic flux density generated outside the magnet (for example, , 45 degrees or 90 degrees with respect to the z-axis direction).

This will be described more specifically.
For example, when the user bites the teeth, the skin of the head 4 rises due to muscle contraction. When the load J is applied to the position P1 of the pressure sensor 33 due to the protrusion, the cover 51 and the viscoelastic magnet 52 are deformed. A difference occurs in the strength of the bias magnetic field B in the direction D in the viscoelastic magnet 52 due to the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52, and the strength of the bias magnetic field B depends on the thickness of the viscoelastic magnet 52. become. That is, the bias magnetic field B in the portion where the thickness is expanded due to the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52 becomes stronger than before the load J is applied, and the bias magnetic field in the portion where the thickness is thin (for example, position P2). B becomes weaker than before the load J is applied. This is because the demagnetizing field inside the magnet changes as the thickness of the viscoelastic magnet 52 (ie, rare earth or ferrite magnet, for example) changes. The thinner the thickness, the larger the demagnetizing field inside the magnet, and the smaller the magnetic flux density generated outside the magnet. That is, the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52 has a correlation with the magnetic flux density generated outside the magnet. Further, the stress generated inside the magnet by the load J correlates with the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52. Therefore, the magnetic flux density vector generated outside the magnet has a close correlation with the stress generated inside the magnet due to the load J applied to the viscoelastic magnet 52. In other words, the pressure sensor 33 detects a change in the movement of the muscle of the user's head 4 when the magnetic flux detection unit 53 detects a change in the magnetic flux density vector generated outside the magnet due to the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52.

  The magnetic flux detector 53 detects a change in the magnetic flux density vector due to the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52 as described above. The configuration of the magnetic flux detection unit 53 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D.

  The magnetic flux detection unit 53 includes a circuit board 54, a hall element 55, and a support member 56.

  The circuit board 54 converts a voltage signal resulting from a change in the movement of the user's muscles into a change detection signal. That is, the circuit board 54 acquires the voltage signal from the Hall element 55 and outputs a change detection signal representing the difference voltage between the voltage signal and the pressure reference value of the calibration unit 351 to the output unit 333. The output unit 333 is connected to the control unit 35 and outputs this change detection signal to the control unit 35.

  The Hall element 55 is an example of a magnetic detection element, and includes a magnetic detection element that converts the magnetic flux density vector generated by the bias magnetic field B into a voltage signal. The Hall element 55 is arranged so as to detect a magnetic flux due to the bias magnetic field B of the viscoelastic magnet 52, and can detect a change in the bias magnetic field B accompanying the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4D, for example, five or more Hall elements 55 are arranged and arranged substantially parallel to the viscoelastic magnet 52. Here, each Hall element 55 is referred to as Hall element 55C, 55X1, 55X2, 55Y1, 55Y2, and these are collectively referred to as Hall element 55.

An arrangement position of each Hall element 55 will be described.
The Hall elements 55C to 55Y2 are arranged so as to face the viscoelastic magnet 52, respectively. And when the surface where the pressure sensor 33 contacts the user's head 4 is an XY plane, the Hall element 55C is arranged at the center in the XY plane. In addition, the Hall elements 55X1 and 55X2 are disposed on both sides (both positive and negative sides) in the X-axis direction across the Hall element 55C in the XY plane. On the other hand, the Hall elements 55Y1 and 55Y2 are arranged on both sides (positive and negative sides) in the Y-axis direction with the Hall element 55C interposed therebetween in the XY plane.

The Hall elements 55C to 55Y2 each detect a magnetic flux density vector and convert the detected magnetic flux into a voltage. At this time, the Hall element 55C is arranged such that the detection surface of the magnetic flux density vector faces in a direction (Z-axis direction) substantially parallel to the bias magnetic field B, and the Hall elements 55X1 and 55X2 have a detection surface of the magnetic flux density vector biased. The Hall elements 55Y1 and 55Y2 are arranged so as to face the X-axis direction of FIG. 4D substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field B, and the detection surfaces of the magnetic flux density vectors are perpendicular to the bias magnetic field B and the X-axis. Arranged to face in the axial direction. That is, the Hall element 55C detects the magnetic flux density vector in the Z-axis direction and converts it into a voltage. The Hall elements 55X1 and 55X2 detect the magnetic flux density vector in the X-axis direction and convert it into a voltage. The Hall elements 55Y1 and 55Y2 detect the magnetic flux density vector in the Y-axis direction and convert it into a voltage. Here, the voltages detected by the Hall elements 55C to 55Y2 are V _C , V _x1 , V _x2 , V _Y1 , and V _Y2 , respectively.

The five Hall elements 55 having such an arrangement detect changes in the magnetic flux density vectors of three axes (that is, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis) in an orthogonal coordinate system such as the XYZ coordinate system shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D. be able to. In other words, the change in the magnetic flux density vector in the Z-axis direction is reflected in the output voltage V _C of the Hall element 55C, and the output voltages V _x1 and V _x2 of the Hall elements 55X1 and X2 are reflected in the X-axis direction. Changes in the magnetic flux density vector are reflected, and changes in the magnetic flux density vector in the Y-axis direction are reflected in the output voltages V _Y1 and V _Y2 of the Hall elements 55Y1 and Y2.

In other words, when the viscoelastic magnet 52 is not deformed, the direction of the bias magnetic field B is aligned with the direction D (see FIG. 4B). On the other hand, when a force such as a load J is applied to the input unit 331, the viscoelastic magnet 52 is deformed. Then, the direction of the bias magnetic field B changes, and the magnetic flux density vector due to the bias magnetic field B also changes. The Hall element 55 detects the change in the magnetic flux density vector in the three axis directions of the XYZ axes, and outputs voltages V _C , V _x1 , V _x2 , V _Y1 , and V _Y2 corresponding to the change. Can do. The circuit board 54 converts each of V _C , V _x1 , V _x2 , V _Y1 , and V _Y2 into five change detection signals based on the reference change signal set by the calibration unit 351.

  The support member 56 is formed of, for example, a resin and fixes and supports the Hall element 55. For example, the support member 56 preferably has a high magnetic permeability and has a hardness that hardly deforms following the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52 and the cover 51. When the magnetic permeability of the support member 56 is low, the detection sensitivity of the magnetic flux density vector by the Hall element 55 is lowered. Further, when the support member 56 is deformed following the deformation of the viscoelastic magnet 52 and the cover 51, the position of the Hall element 55 is also moved, and the detection accuracy of the magnetic flux density vector is lowered.

  According to the pressure sensor 33 having the above configuration, the pressure (pressurization in the Z-axis direction) by the muscle of the user's head 4 can be detected by the Hall element 55C. Further, the Hall elements 55X1 and 55X2 can detect a change in the X-axis direction in the direction of the movement of the muscle of the user's head 4 (for example, the sliding direction of the skin). The hall elements 55Y1 and 55Y2 can detect a change in the Y-axis direction among the movement directions of the muscles of the user's head 4.

  In the present embodiment, since the user detects that the teeth have been tightened, the pressure sensor 33 may include, for example, only the Hall element 55C. Here, the five Hall elements 55C to 55C are included. Description will be made assuming that 55Y2 is included.

  Further, the pressure sensor 33 can detect the movement of the user's muscles. Further, since the cover 51 is provided, the electrode or the like does not directly contact the user's head. Furthermore, since the cover 51 and the viscoelastic magnet 52 have viscoelasticity, the user's wearing feeling is improved and the number of mechanical parts is small, so that the occurrence of a failure can be prevented.

The configuration example of the pressure sensor 33 has been described above.
Next, a configuration example of the acceleration sensor 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5B.

(Configuration example of acceleration sensor)
5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams for describing a configuration example of the acceleration sensor of the present embodiment. The acceleration sensor 34 according to the present embodiment may be a generally used acceleration sensor that utilizes deformation of a spring, vibration of a spring, distortion of an optical fiber, or the like. Here, an acceleration sensor using deformation of a spring will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the acceleration sensor 34 includes a spring 341, a detection target 342, and a spring deformation detection unit (not shown). The detected body 342 is configured by a magnet or the like as a weight, and is supported by a spring 341. The detected body 342 distorts the spring 341 due to gravitational acceleration. On the other hand, the spring deformation detection unit is configured by a magnetic field detection element such as a Hall element, for example, and an accommodation unit (not shown) in which the other end of the spring 341 opposite to the detection target 342 is connected around the detection target 342. ). Therefore, the spring deformation detection unit detects a relative position change of the detected body 342 with respect to the spring deformation detection unit due to the distortion of the spring 341 based on the magnitude of the magnetic field.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the acceleration sensor 34 has a magnetic field detection element on each of the XYZ axes of the acceleration sensor 34 (not necessarily coincident with the XYZ axes of the pressure sensor 33). Therefore, the acceleration sensor 34 can detect the amount of displacement of the detected object 342 in the three-axis directions of the XYZ axes. This amount of displacement is output as a voltage value from the spring deformation detector. On the other hand, the acceleration sensor 34 has a further circuit board (not shown), a voltage value representing the displacement of the XYZ axes from the magnetic field detecting element _{(E X, E Y, E} Z) and calibration A tilt detection signal is generated from the acceleration reference value output from the unit 351.

A more specific example will be described.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, assuming that the direction of gravitational acceleration G coincides with the negative Z-axis direction, the acceleration sensor 34 detects a voltage E _Z corresponding to 1G of negative Z-axis, and the X-axis The voltages E _Y and E _Z corresponding to the Y axis are values corresponding to 0G. From this state, when the user tilts the head 4, the direction of the gravitational acceleration G is inclined by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the Z axis of the acceleration sensor 34. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 34 outputs a voltage value proportional to this angle by the above configuration. That is, for example, when the user tilts the head 4, as shown in FIG. 5C, the direction of the gravitational acceleration G with respect to the coordinate system of the acceleration sensor 34 changes and is inclined at a predetermined angle θ from the Z axis. Therefore, the acceleration sensor 34 detects a voltage value of E _Z = E _1G × sin (90−θ) as the Z-axis voltage. E _1G is a voltage value corresponding to 1G. Further, even when the user tilts the head 4 in the direction opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 5C, a voltage value of E _1G × sin (90−θ) is detected. Since the voltage value of the other axis changes, for example, the sign of the value is inverted, the inclination of the user's head 4 can be detected.

  Therefore, the acceleration sensor 34 can detect the tilt of the user's head 4. However, the acceleration sensor 34 described here is merely an example, and any other acceleration sensor can be used as the acceleration sensor 34 according to the present embodiment.

The configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above.
Next, an operation method by the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation method according to the present embodiment.

(Input method by operating device)
First, when the user wears the operating device 3 on the head 4 and presses the power switch 31, an ON signal from the power switch 31 is output to the control unit 35. And the control part 35 supplies the power from the battery 36 to each structure. At this time, the control unit 35 starts the timer 37. Thereafter, the process of step S01 is performed.

  In step S01, the calibration unit 351 performs a calibration process for the pressure sensor 33 as an initialization process. That is, the calibration unit 351 acquires the change detection signal of the pressure sensor 33 at the time when the initialization process starts (calibration time), and sets the change detection signal as the reference pressure signal. The reference pressure signal is supplied to the pressure sensor 33 and used when calculating the subsequent change detection signal. After the process of step S01, the process proceeds to step S03.

  Also in step S03, the calibration unit 351 performs calibration processing of the acceleration sensor 34 as initialization processing. That is, the calibration unit 351 acquires the tilt detection signal of the acceleration sensor 34 at the time of calibration, and sets the tilt detection signal as the reference acceleration signal. The reference acceleration signal is supplied to the acceleration sensor 34 and used when calculating a tilt detection signal thereafter. After the process of step S03, the process proceeds to step S05. Note that the process of step S03 may be performed before or simultaneously with step S01.

  In step S <b> 05, the control unit 35 acquires a change detection signal output from the pressure sensor 33. Then, the control unit 35 refers to the timer 37, causes the A / D conversion unit 352 to A / D convert the change detection signal during a predetermined time interval, and converts the change detection signal into a digital signal to the signal generation unit 353. Output to. After the process of step S05, the process proceeds to step S07.

  In step S07, the signal generation unit 353 determines whether or not the change detection signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. That is, the signal generation unit 353 acquires the threshold value for the change detection signal recorded in the storage unit 38, and determines whether or not the change detection signal acquired in step S05 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. If the change detection signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S09. If the change detection signal is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S09, the signal generation unit 353 generates a processing signal corresponding to the change detection signal. That is, the processing signal (first processing signal) output when the change detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold is recorded in the storage unit 38 in advance, and the signal generation unit 353 performs the first processing. A signal is acquired from the storage unit 38. After step S09, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S <b> 11, the control unit 35 acquires a tilt detection signal output from the acceleration sensor 34. Then, for example, the control unit 35 causes the A / D conversion unit 352 to A / D convert the tilt detection signal during the same time interval as in step S05, and outputs the tilt detection signal converted into a digital signal to the signal generation unit 353. To do. After the process of step S11, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the signal generation unit 353 determines whether the tilt detection signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. That is, the signal generation unit 353 acquires the threshold value for the tilt detection signal recorded in the storage unit 38, and determines whether or not the tilt detection signal acquired in step S11 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. If the change detection signal is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S15. If the change detection signal is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S15, the signal generation unit 353 generates a processing signal corresponding to the tilt detection signal. That is, a processing signal (second processing signal) output when the tilt detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold is recorded in the storage unit 38 in advance, and the signal generation unit 353 performs the second processing. A signal is acquired from the storage unit 38. After step S15, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In addition, the process of step S09-step S11 may be performed prior to or simultaneously with step S05-step S07.

Here, before explaining the processing after step S17, an example of determination performed in steps S07 and S13 and an example of signal generation performed in steps S09 and S15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining processing performed by the signal generation unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the signal to be processed is a change detection signal in order to explain the process performed by the signal generation unit 353 by way of example. In particular, it is shown in Figure 7 the time variation of the output voltage V _c of the Hall element 55C which is reflected in the change detection signal.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the output voltage V _c output from the Hall element 55 </ _b > C increases or decreases with the movement of the user's muscles. Then, the pressure sensor 33 calibrates this V _c and converts it into an increase / decrease (change detection signal) from the reference pressure signal. And the signal generation part 353 produces | generates a 1st process signal, when a change detection signal ( _Vc ) becomes more than a threshold value. In FIG. 7, “ON” indicates that the first processing signal is generated. As described above, the signal generation unit 353 determines whether or not the change detection signal or the tilt detection signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and when the signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the first processing signal or the second processing signal is determined. Is generated.

Returning to the description of the processing after step S17.
In step S <b> 17, the communication unit 39 outputs an operation signal to the computer 2. That is, when the signal generation unit 353 generates the first processing signal and / or the second processing signal, the communication unit 39 operates the generated first processing signal and / or second processing signal. It outputs to the computer 2 as a signal. After step S17, the process proceeds to step S19. The computer 2 receives the first processing signal and / or the second processing signal output in step S17 by the communication unit 21. Based on this processing signal, the computer control unit 22 or another configuration (not shown) performs a predetermined process.

  In step S19, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the calibration button 32 has been pressed, that is, whether or not a calibration signal has been received. If the calibration button 32 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S01. If not, the process proceeds to step S21. When the calibration button 32 is pressed, the pressure sensor 33 and the acceleration sensor 34 are calibrated again. For example, the user remounts the operation device 3, changes the mounting position, It is possible to cope with changes in various situations such as when the state where the part 4 is tilted is set as a reference.

  In step S21, the control unit 35 determines whether the power switch 31 is pressed and an OFF signal is input. If a power OFF signal is received, the power supply to the entire apparatus is shut off and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the power OFF signal is received, the processing after step S05 is performed again. Therefore, unless the power is turned off, the controller device 3 can detect the movement of the user's head 4 at a predetermined time interval and output a processing signal corresponding to the detection result to the computer 2.

  An example of the operation of the computer 2 using the operation device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B. FIG. 8 is a graph showing voltage values detected by the pressure sensor and the acceleration sensor according to this embodiment, and FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of processing in the computer according to this embodiment. It is. In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, each voltage signal before being converted into a change detection signal or a tilt detection signal is shown.

For example, in the section T1, V _C (V _Y1 , V _Y2 ) detected by the pressure sensor 33 may be used. ) Is decreasing. As a result, for example, when the change detection signal obtained by converting E _C or the like exceeds a threshold value, a processing signal output when the mouse is left-clicked or the return key of the keyboard is pressed in the section T1, for example. A processing signal similar to the above is output from the controller device 3.

The E _{C of the} pressure sensor 33 decreases in the section T1, but this is detected by the Hall element 55C when the pressure sensor 33 is pressed down and the thickness of the central portion of the viscoelastic magnet 52 is reduced. This means that the magnetic flux density vector to be reduced has decreased. Accordingly, the thickness around the center portion of the viscoelastic magnet 52 increases and the magnetic flux density vector detected by the Hall elements 55Y1 and 55Y2 increases. Therefore, V _Y1 and / or V _Y2 increase conversely. Therefore, the signal generating unit 353, based on the reduction of V _C as described above, may generate a processed signal, on the basis of increasing V _Y1, V _Y2, may generate a processed signal.

For example, in the section T2, E _z and E _x acceleration sensor 34 has detected is increased or decreased in the same direction. Although it depends on the arrangement and configuration of the sensor, it is assumed here that the increase / decrease in the voltage in the section T2 indicates that the user tilts the head 4 to the left. In this case, in the section T2, for example, the processing device 3 outputs a processing signal similar to the processing signal output when the mouse is moved to the left or the left arrow key of the keyboard is pressed.

On the other hand, in the interval T3, _{E z} and _{E x} acceleration sensor 34 has detected is increased or decreased in a different direction. In this case, for example, if the increase / decrease in the voltage in the section T3 indicates that the user has tilted the head 4 to the right as compared with the section T2, in this section T2, for example, the mouse is moved to the right. The processing device 3 outputs a processing signal similar to the processing signal output when the keyboard is operated or the right arrow key of the keyboard is pressed.

  As a result of receiving such a processed signal, the computer 2 executes a predetermined process using the processed signal. An example of this process will be described as follows. That is, the computer 2 moves the position of the pointer 24 (cursor) displayed on the monitor screen 23 in the direction of the arrow 241 according to the processing signal corresponding to the acceleration sensor 34, as shown in FIG. 9A, for example. You may let them. Then, the computer 2 may perform a selection process 242 such as a left mouse click, for example, in accordance with a processing signal corresponding to the pressure sensor 33. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the computer 2 may move the position of the character 25 displayed on the monitor screen 23 in the direction of the arrow 251 in accordance with the processing signal corresponding to the acceleration sensor 34. Good. Then, the computer 2 may raise the arm of the character 25 upward as indicated by an arrow 252 in accordance with a processing signal corresponding to the pressure sensor 33. In addition, the example of the process in the computer 2 mentioned here is an example to the last, and it cannot be overemphasized that the operation signal output from the operating device 3 may be used for various processes.

(Example of effects according to this embodiment)
The information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above.
According to the information processing system 1, for example, the following effects can be achieved.

  The operation device 3 is mounted on the user's head 4, and the user can operate the operation device 3 and input an operation signal to the computer 2 simply by moving the head 4. Therefore, the user does not need to use both hands, and can perform other operations with both hands. Such an effect is more effective because the computer 2 can be freely operated, particularly for a handicapped user. Furthermore, since this operating device 3 can be mounted on the user's head 4, it can be used without limiting the position of the device. Therefore, the user can use the operating device 3 even in a sleeping state, for example.

  The operation device 3 uses a pressure sensor 33 and an acceleration sensor 34 having a small mechanical configuration and a small number of operating members, instead of a switch in a normal operation device such as a mouse. Therefore, the possibility that a failure will occur can be reduced.

  Further, the pressure sensor 33 of the operating device 3 is constituted by a viscoelastic magnet 52 or the like, and abuts on the user's head 4 via the cover 51. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrode and the hard component from coming into contact with each other. Furthermore, since the cover 51 and the viscoelastic magnet 52 are deformed according to the shape of the head 4, the cover 51 and the viscoelastic magnet 52 can be attached to the head 4 without difficulty. Therefore, even if it makes it contact | abut directly on skin, a wearing feeling can be improved. Since the operation device 3 is expected to be operated for a long time, it is very important to improve such a feeling of wearing.

The information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
In the first embodiment, the case where the controller device 3 has one pressure sensor 33 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. That is, the operation device 3 may output a plurality of types of operation signals corresponding to changes in various muscle movements by providing a plurality of pressure sensors. As an example, an operation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention having two pressure sensors will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the operating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Second Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 10, the operation device 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a second pressure sensor 63 in addition to the configuration of the operation device 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the second pressure sensor 63 is arranged in the right temple as opposed to the left temple of the user in which the pressure sensor 33 according to the first embodiment is arranged. The pressure sensor 63 is configured similarly to the pressure sensor 33. The configuration of the operating device 6 other than the pressure sensor 33 is the same as that of the first embodiment, or the operating device 6 can be configured by increasing the number of members. Is omitted.

  In this way, by having another pressure sensor 63, the controller device 6 can output two types of processing signals corresponding to two types of change detection signals. That is, if the user bites the right back tooth, the pressure sensor 33 detects a change in muscle movement, and if the user bites the left back tooth, the pressure sensor 63 detects a change in muscle movement. And according to each detection result, the controller device 6 can output an operation signal (here, a processing signal) to the computer 2. For example, the operation signal from the pressure sensor 33 is a signal similar to a right click of the mouse, and the operation signal from the pressure sensor 63 is a signal similar to a left click of the mouse, thereby causing the computer 2 to perform various processes. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, the number of pressure sensors is increased. However, for example, a change in movement of a plurality of muscles can be detected by increasing the contact area of the pressure sensor with the skin. Of course, it is also possible to detect a change in the movement of one muscle using a plurality of pressure sensors.

  As described above, the configuration of the operating device 6 other than the pressure sensor 63 is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment. Therefore, it goes without saying that the operation device 6 according to the present embodiment and the information processing system using the operation device 6 can exhibit the effects that the first embodiment can exhibit.

The operation device 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the operation devices 3 and 6 generate a processing signal used by the computer 2 from the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal, and use the processing signal as the operation signal. The case of outputting was explained. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the generation of the processing signal may be performed in the computer 2. As an example of this case, an information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an information processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

<Third Embodiment>
An information processing system 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an operation device 73 and a computer 72. In the following, different points of the operation device 73 and the computer 72 with respect to the operation device 3 and the computer 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. Parts that are not particularly described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Unlike the operation device 3 and the computer 72 according to the first embodiment, the operation device 73 and the computer 72 according to the present embodiment include an A / D conversion unit 352 and a signal generation unit 353. Accordingly, the computer 72 includes a storage unit 738 in which predetermined information used for A / D conversion, a threshold used for signal generation, other predetermined information, and the like are recorded.

  That is, the operating device 73 outputs a change detection signal from the pressure sensor 33 and a tilt detection signal from the acceleration sensor 34 to the computer 72 via the communication unit 39 as operation signals. The computer 72 converts the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 352, and causes the signal generation unit 353 to generate a processing signal based on the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal. Thereafter, the computer 72 may execute a predetermined process using the processed signal.

  In the computer 72, only the communication unit 21, the A / D conversion unit 352, the signal generation unit 353, and the storage unit 738 may be formed as an information processing device that is a pair different from the computer 72. In other words, the information processing apparatus can be operated by the operation apparatus 73 by being connected to the computer 72. Therefore, in this case, the computer 72 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 11 when the information processing apparatus is connected. Needless to say, the information processing system 70 according to the present embodiment can also achieve the effects of the first and second embodiments.

The information processing system 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
In the first to third embodiments, the case has been described in which the pressure sensor of the operating device is arranged so as to contact the temple. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The pressure sensors 33 and 63 can detect changes in the movements of various muscles of the user's head 4. That is, the muscles that the pressure sensors 33 and 63 detect changes in movement are not limited to the masticatory muscles (especially the temporal muscles) at the temple position, but other muscles (for example, the inner pterygoid and outer wings). Projectile muscle, masseter muscle, etc.). Further, the pressure sensors 33 and 63 are facial muscles of the head 4 other than the masticatory muscles (for example, superficial muscles, scalpels, etc.). The facial muscles also include part of the cervical muscles (for example, part of the shallow cervical muscle and deep cervical muscle), and the pressure sensors 33 and 63 detect changes in the movement of these cervical muscles. It is also possible to detect. As an example thereof, an operation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure sensor 33 is disposed on the jaw will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the operating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

<Fourth embodiment>
The operating device 83 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to the jaw of the user's head 4. The pressure sensor 33 is disposed in contact with the user's collar. Since other configurations according to the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. According to this configuration, the pressure sensor 33 can detect a change in muscle movement when the back teeth are tightened. Furthermore, as described above, the pressure sensor 33 can detect not only that the pressure sensor 33 is pressed, but also the direction in which the contacted skin flies. Therefore, the pressure sensor 33 can distinguish and detect that the user has protruded the jaw forward, retracted backward, moved up and down, and the like. Therefore, the operation device 83 can output a plurality of types of operation signals according to the detection result of the pressure sensor 33, and can improve the operability. Needless to say, the operation device 83 according to the present embodiment can also achieve the effects of the first to third embodiments.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described in detail, referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this example. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, although the case where the computer 2 is used as the information processing apparatus and the case where the apparatus is connected to the computer 2 has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the information processing apparatus may be an information processing apparatus used for a control unit of a vehicle such as an automobile or other equipment. According to such a configuration, it is also possible to move a physical motor or handle by the operating device. In other words, the present invention can be applied to various information processing apparatuses that perform processing when a predetermined signal is input.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where a pressure sensor was arrange | positioned in contact with a temple or a jaw, this invention is not limited to this example. The pressure sensor may be arranged so as to contact various positions of the head 4 as described above. For example, the pressure sensor may be arranged at a forehead position such as between eyebrows to detect a change in muscle movement when the user squeezes or moves the eyebrows.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the signal generation part 353 is good to convert into a processing signal based on the voltage value and threshold value which the pressure sensor and the acceleration sensor detected. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the signal generation unit 353 may increase or decrease the magnitude of the processing signal to be generated according to the magnitude of the voltage value detected by the pressure sensor and the acceleration sensor. That is, in this case, the controller device 3 can output not only a binary signal of 1, 0 but also a signal having a magnitude as a processing signal.

  In addition to the above threshold value, for example, the controller device 3 is provided with a threshold value for detecting a weak voltage, and by identifying the detection signal of the pressure sensor 33, the weak pressure applied to the pressure sensor 33 is reduced. A simple pressure may be detected. According to such a structure, it is also possible to measure a user's pulse, for example.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although each structure of the operating device 3 was accommodated in the headband 30, this invention is not limited to this example. For example, each configuration of the operation device 3 may be housed in any object that the user can wear on the head 4 such as a helmet, headphones, ear muffler, hat, hearing aid, and glasses.

It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of the information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the information processing system which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the arrangement position of each structure of the operating device which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structural example of the pressure sensor which concerns on the same embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the AA of FIG. 4A. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the magnetic field detection part in FIG. 4B. It is sectional drawing in the BB line of FIG. 4C. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structural example of the acceleration sensor which the embodiment has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structural example of the acceleration sensor which the embodiment has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structural example of the acceleration sensor which the embodiment has. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation method which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which the signal generation part which concerns on the same embodiment performs. It is the graph which showed the voltage value which the pressure sensor and acceleration sensor which concern on the same embodiment detect. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of processing in the computer according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of the process in the computer which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the operating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the information processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the operating device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,70 Information processing system 2,72 Computer 3,6,73,83 Operation apparatus 4 Head 21 Communication part 22 Computer control part 23 Screen 24 Pointer 241 Arrow 242 Selection process 25 Character 251, 252, Arrow 30 Headband 31 Power switch 32 Calibration button 33, 63 Pressure sensor 34 Acceleration sensor 35 Control unit 36 Battery 37 Timer 38, 738 Storage unit 39 Communication unit 51 Cover 52 Viscoelastic magnet 53 Magnetic flux detection unit 54 Circuit board 55 Hall element 56 Support member 351 Calibration unit 352 A / D converter 353 Signal generator 331 Input unit 332 Fixed unit 333 Output unit 341 Spring 342 Detected object

Claims (13)

An operation device that outputs an operation signal to cause an external information processing device to execute predetermined processing,
A change detection unit that is disposed in contact with the user's head and detects a change in muscle movement of the head;
A tilt detector disposed around the user's head and detecting the tilt of the head;
An output unit that outputs the operation signal to the information processing device in accordance with detection results of the change detection unit and the tilt detection unit;
An operating device comprising:   The said change detection part is arrange | positioned so that it may be pressed by the expansion / contraction of the muscle of the face of the said user's head, and consists of a pressure sensor which detects the change of the expansion / contraction of the muscle of the said face. The operating device according to 1.   The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed in contact with a temple of the user's head and pressed by the user tightening a tooth. The operating device has two pressure sensors,
The operation device according to claim 3, wherein each of the pressure sensors is disposed in contact with left and right temples of the user's head.   The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed in contact with the lower jaw of the user and is pressed by movement of the lower jaw. Based on the change detection signal representing the detection result of the change detection unit and the tilt detection signal representing the detection result of the tilt detection unit, a processing signal used when the information processing apparatus performs the predetermined process is generated. And a generating unit that
The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the processing signal generated by the generation unit to the information processing device. The pressure sensor is
A magnet material and a viscoelastic material are kneaded and molded to generate magnetic flux;
A magnetic flux detector for detecting a change in magnetic flux density vector due to deformation of the viscoelastic magnet based on a change in movement of the facial muscles;
The operating device according to claim 2, further comprising:   The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the viscoelastic magnet is covered with a cover having elasticity, and is in contact with the head of the user through the cover.   The operation device according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic flux detection unit is configured by a magnetic detection element that detects a change in the magnetic flux density vector of three axes orthogonal to each other.   The tilt detection unit includes an acceleration sensor that detects the tilt of the user's head by detecting the direction of gravity and detecting the degree of change in the direction of gravity. The operating device described. An information processing apparatus that executes predetermined processing,
A change detection unit that is arranged in contact with the user's head and detects a change in muscle movement of the head, and a tilt detection unit that is arranged around the user's head and detects the tilt of the head And the change detection signal output from the operating device, and the tilt that outputs the change detection signal that represents the detection result of the change detection unit and the tilt detection signal that represents the detection result of the tilt detection unit. An acquisition unit for acquiring a detection signal;
Based on the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal acquired by the acquisition unit, a generation unit that generates a processing signal used when performing the predetermined processing;
An information processing apparatus comprising: An operation method for outputting an operation signal to cause an external information processing apparatus to execute a predetermined process,
A change detection unit arranged in contact with the user's head detects a change in muscle movement of the head,
The tilt detection unit disposed around the user's head detects the tilt of the head,
An operation method comprising: outputting the operation signal to the information processing apparatus in accordance with detection results of the change detection unit and the tilt detection unit. An information processing system having an information processing device and an operation device arranged outside the information processing device,
The operating device is:
A change detection unit that is disposed in contact with the user's head and detects a change in muscle movement of the head;
A tilt detector disposed around the user's head and detecting the tilt of the head;
An output unit for outputting a change detection signal representing a detection result of the change detection unit and a tilt detection signal representing a detection result of the tilt detection unit;
Have
The information processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit for acquiring the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal output from the operation device;
Based on the change detection signal and the tilt detection signal acquired by the acquisition unit, a generation unit that generates a processing signal used when performing the predetermined processing;
An information processing system comprising:

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