JP2009261510A - Thermal information processing system, thermal information processing method, and thermal information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal information processing system which uses heat as means for transmitting information or a means for giving a body sensory effect. <P>SOLUTION: The thermal information processing system 10 has: a portable telephone 100 for processing a game, call, or E-mail at least; and a ring 200 for transmitting information to a user by using the change of heat. The portable telephone 100 outputs an instruction signal for flowing current forward or backward with desired timing. The ring 200 has a Peltier device 210 and flows current in the Peltier device 210 in the direction according to the instruction signal outputted by the portable telephone 100. Thus, by the Peltier device 210 generating heat or absorbing heat, the user is notified of desired information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal information processing system, a thermal information processing method, and a thermal information processing program capable of transmitting information according to the level of heat.

  In recent years, a great number of bodily sensations and bodily sensation game apparatuses have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). As a typical experience game device, there is a race game such as an automobile or a motorcycle. In the bodily sensation game apparatus, a bodily sensation effect is given to the game player by swinging the boarding section on which the game player sits or by vibrating the controller. In addition, light, sound, and the like are also conceivable as other transmission media that give the game player a bodily sensation effect. In addition to vibration, light, and sound, characters on the screen can be considered as a transmission medium that gives information to the game player.

JP 2002-177628 A JP 2000-262757 A

  However, no sensation game apparatus proposed so far has used heat as an information transmission medium or a means for giving a sensation effect. On the other hand, if heat can be used as an information transmission medium or a bodily sensation effect for games or other devices, a realistic game can be provided to the player. In addition to game machines, if heat can be used as an information transmission medium or a means for giving a bodily sensation effect, information can be transmitted without producing any sound, so it can be specified without affecting other people at all. You can exchange information with people and do not bother others.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a thermal information processing system, a thermal information processing method, and a thermal information processing program using heat as a means for transmitting information or a means for providing a bodily sensation effect.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a telephone call, and an e-mail and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information depending on the level of heat. In the thermal information processing system connected, the information processing device outputs an instruction signal for causing a current to flow in the forward direction or the reverse direction at a desired timing, the heat transfer device includes a Peltier element, and the information There is provided a thermal information processing system in which a current in a direction corresponding to an instruction signal output from a processing device is supplied to the Peltier element, and the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat to notify a user of desired information.

  According to such a configuration, the heat transfer device causes a current in a predetermined direction to flow through the Peltier element attached to the heat transfer device in accordance with an instruction signal from the information processing device. For example, when a forward current flows through the Peltier element, the heat transfer device generates heat, and when a reverse current flows, the heat transfer device absorbs heat. Thereby, the user can obtain a feeling according to heat generation and heat absorption, and can know information according to heat generation or heat absorption.

  Examples of the case where the user knows information corresponding to heat generation or heat absorption include the following cases. For example, the information processing device is a portable device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail, and the portable device sends at least one of incoming call or incoming mail to the portable device. This is a case where the instruction signal is output at the time of reception in order to notify the user of information related to the incoming call of the telephone or the incoming mail. As a result, the user can know that a call has been made to the portable device or that an email has been received by the portable device by experiencing heat generation or heat absorption.

  The portable device outputs the instruction signal to notify the user of the call from the specific person when the incoming call of the telephone or the incoming mail is sent from a specific person registered in advance. May be. Thereby, the user can know that the telephone and the mail were transmitted from the specific person by experiencing heat generation or heat absorption.

  The heat transfer device may be an accessory attached to a human body. The Peltier element of the heat transfer device may be provided in the vicinity of a portion in contact with the user's body. According to this, since the Peltier device is provided in close contact with or near the user's body, the user can easily experience heat. The heat transfer device may be a Peltier element itself attached to the information processing device.

  When the heat transfer device receives an instruction signal for causing a forward current to flow, a forward current is passed only to a predetermined Peltier element among the plurality of Peltier elements according to the instruction signal, and the reverse direction When the instruction signal for flowing the current is received, the reverse current may be supplied only to the other predetermined Peltier element according to the instruction signal.

  According to this, since the element that generates heat and the element that absorbs heat are distinguished from each other, information transmission or bodily sensation can be reliably transmitted to the user by heat generation or heat absorption. In particular, since heat has a property of being easily heated and difficult to cool, the heat transfer device is controlled to a predetermined temperature according to the instruction signal except when a current in a predetermined direction is supplied for a predetermined time. Also good. According to this, during normal times, by controlling the heat transfer device to a certain low temperature state, overcoming the property that heat is difficult to cool, the heat transfer device generates heat to a predetermined temperature with good response at a desired timing. Can absorb heat.

  An opening may be provided in the vicinity of the portion where the Peltier element of the heat transfer device is provided. According to this, heat is radiated from the opening of the heat transfer device, and heat conduction can be improved. If a fan is provided inside the heat transfer device so that heat is easily radiated from the opening, the heat of the Peltier element can be radiated more easily.

  The information processing device may output an instruction signal for notifying a user of information related to a game corresponding to each scene of the game based on heat level. For example, the information processing device may output an instruction signal for causing a current corresponding to the temperature of each scene to flow through a Peltier element in order to notify the user of the temperature state of each scene of the game.

  The information processing device registers a high-temperature scene and a temperature of the scene in the memory in advance in the game, and registers a low-temperature scene and the temperature of the scene in the memory in advance and registers them in the memory. When a high-temperature or low-temperature scene is displayed on the screen, an instruction signal for supplying a current corresponding to the temperature of the scene may be output.

  According to this, heat can be used as an information transmission medium of a game device or a bodily sensation effect.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a telephone call, and an e-mail, and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information depending on the level of heat, Is a Peltier element provided in the heat transfer device, which outputs an instruction signal for flowing a current from the information processing device in the forward direction or the reverse direction at a desired timing. In addition, there is provided a thermal information processing method in which a current in a direction corresponding to an instruction signal output from the information processing device is supplied, and desired information is notified to a user when the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a telephone call, and an e-mail, and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information depending on the level of heat, Information processing program for causing a computer to execute a process for notifying information to the computer, a process for outputting an instruction signal for causing a current to flow in the forward direction or the reverse direction from the information processing apparatus at a desired timing, and the heat transfer apparatus A process of flowing a current in a direction according to an instruction signal output from the information processing device to the provided Peltier element, and a process of notifying a user of desired information when the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat. A thermal information processing program is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal information processing system, a thermal information processing method, and a thermal information processing program that use heat for information transmission or a bodily sensation effect.

  A thermal information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the constituent elements having the same configuration and function, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
First, the overall configuration of the thermal information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The thermal information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing device that can process at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail, and a heat transfer device that can transmit information depending on the level of heat. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 is cited as an example of an information processing device that can process at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail. However, the information processing device is not limited to a mobile phone. Personal Digital Assistants)), or an electronic device such as a PC. In addition, the mobile phone 100 can function as a game controller using the operation unit 120.

  In the present embodiment, the user's ring 200 is cited as an example of the heat transfer device that can transmit information depending on the level of heat. However, the heat transfer device is not limited to the ring, and is attached to a human body, for example. Accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings may also be used.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 100 incorporating the Peltier element 140 functions as an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail, and heat transfer capable of transferring information depending on the level of heat. Functions as a device. That is, when the Peltier device 140 is built in the mobile phone 100, the heat transfer device is the Peltier device itself attached to the mobile phone 100 which is an example of the information processing device. In this case, the CPU of the mobile phone 100 and the Peltier device 140 are connected by an internal bus and exchange instruction signals internally.

  The cellular phone 100 includes an IC chip 110 built in the terminal body, an operation unit 120 and a display 130 provided on the surface of the terminal body, and a Peltier element 140. The IC chip 110 is a semiconductor integrated circuit, and includes a ROM, a volatile memory (for example, RAM), a nonvolatile memory (for example, an EEPROM), a CPU, a communication circuit, and an antenna (not shown).

  The ROM stores a thermal information processing program. The volatile memory temporarily stores various data, and the non-volatile memory stores various data. The CPU executes a thermal information processing program stored in the ROM using data stored in the volatile memory and the nonvolatile memory. The communication circuit communicates wirelessly with a ring 200 connected via a network. Of course, you may communicate by wire.

  The operation unit 120 inputs a telephone number or operates as a game controller by a user operation. The input command is transmitted to the ring 200 via the communication circuit and the antenna. The display 130 displays a screen such as a game.

  The Peltier element 140 has a thin sheet shape and is disposed in the vicinity of a portion where the user's hand contacts the mobile phone 100 so that the user can easily experience heat. When a forward or reverse current flows through the Peltier element 140, the Peltier element 140 generates heat or absorbs heat.

  In the present embodiment, the Peltier element 210 is also embedded in the ring 200 as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. Since the ring 200 is made of silicon, it can be applied to any user with a free size. Note that the Peltier elements 140 and 210 may be attached to the mobile phone 100 or the ring 200 without being embedded. Further, although the Peltier elements 140 and 210 are arranged in both in this embodiment, it is only necessary to be attached to at least one of the mobile phone 100 or the ring 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the Peltier element 210 includes a plurality of elements each having a pair of a P-type thermoelectric material 210a and an N-type thermoelectric material 210b, and is not shown on both sides. It has the metal which arranged this electrode. When a current is applied to the Peltier element 210 in the positive direction shown in FIG. 2B, heat moves from the outside (heat-absorbing side) of the ring 200 to the inside (heat-generating side). And the user feels that the ring 200 has become hot. On the other hand, when an electric current is applied to the Peltier element 210 in the opposite direction shown in FIG. 2C, the heat moves from the inner side (heat absorption side) to the outer side (heat generation side) of the ring 200. The user feels that the ring 200 has become cold since the heat is taken away from the user. The operation principle of the Peltier element 140 is the same as that of the Peltier element 210.

  In the present embodiment, the Peltier elements 140 and 210 are used as an information transmission medium from the device side to the user. Specifically, the mobile phone 100 generates and outputs an instruction signal that causes current to flow in the forward direction or the reverse direction at a desired timing. The instruction signal is wirelessly transmitted to the ring 200, and a current in a direction corresponding to the instruction signal output from the mobile phone 100 is passed through the Peltier element 210 on the ring side. Thus, the Peltier element 210 transmits desired information to the user by generating heat or absorbing heat. Next, information transmission by heat described above will be described with specific examples.

(Thermal information transmission process 1)
First, an example of thermal information transfer processing executed by the mobile phone 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is executed by the CPU of the mobile phone 100 every predetermined time. Actually, this processing is stored in the ROM as a heat information transfer processing program, and is executed by the CPU executing each step of the heat information transfer processing program.

  The cellular phone 100 starts the heat information transmission process from step S300, and proceeds to step S305 to determine whether or not there is an incoming call. If there is an incoming call, the cellular phone 100 proceeds to step S310, generates and outputs an instruction signal for passing a current in the positive direction, and then proceeds to step S315. If there is no incoming call, the process proceeds to step S315 without generating an instruction signal notifying the incoming call.

  Next, the cellular phone 100 determines whether an incoming mail has been received in step S315. If there is an incoming call, the cellular phone 100 proceeds to step S320, generates and outputs an instruction signal for causing current to flow in the reverse direction, proceeds to step S395, and ends this processing. If there is no incoming call, the process proceeds to step S395 without generating an instruction signal notifying the incoming call, and the process is terminated.

  According to this, the instruction signal informing the outputted incoming call is transmitted to the ring 200 via radio. As a result, a positive current flows through the Peltier element 210 embedded in the ring 200, and the user wearing the ring 200 becomes hot due to the heat transfer from the outside to the inside shown in FIG. I feel that Similarly, the Peltier element 140 embedded in the mobile phone 100 also generates heat. As a result, the palm of the user holding the mobile phone 100 feels that the mobile phone 100 has become hot. As a result, vibration, light, or sound in the conventional manner mode inevitably produces some sound, which may cause discomfort to the person beside the user, whereas the thermal information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. According to the above, the user can know that a call has been made without affecting other people, and can quickly respond to an incoming call without causing trouble to others.

  Similarly, a reverse current flows through the Peltier element 210 of the ring 200 and the Peltier element 140 of the mobile phone in response to an instruction signal for notifying an incoming call, and the heat transfer from the inside to the outside shown in FIG. The user who wears the ring 200 and the user who has the mobile phone 100 feel that the ring 200 and the mobile phone 100 are cold. As a result, the user can know that the mail has arrived without affecting other people, and can quickly respond to an incoming call without causing trouble to others.

(Thermal information transfer process 2)
Next, another example of the heat information transfer process executed by the mobile phone 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this example, the identification information (ID) of a specific caller is registered in advance in a memory provided in the mobile phone 100 by the user.

  The cellular phone 100 starts the heat information transmission process from step S400, proceeds to step S405, and determines whether there is an incoming call or incoming mail. When there is an incoming call or an incoming call, the mobile phone 100 proceeds to step S410 and determines whether or not the caller is a specific person. If the identification information of the caller is registered in the memory, the process proceeds to step S415, and the mobile phone 100 generates and outputs an instruction signal for passing a current in the positive direction, and the process ends in step S495. If it is not registered, the process proceeds to step S420, an instruction signal for flowing a current in the reverse direction is generated and output, and the process ends in step S495.

  According to this, when a positive current flows through the Peltier elements 140 and 210 according to the instruction signal, the user feels that the ring 200 and the mobile phone 100 are hot. As a result, the user can know that a call or mail has been received from a specific person without affecting any other person, and can respond with high priority to the specific person, such as immediately responding.

  In addition, when a reverse current flows through the Peltier elements 140 and 210 in response to the instruction signal, the user feels that the ring 200 and the mobile phone 100 are cold. As a result, the user can know that a call or e-mail has been received from a person other than the specific person without affecting the other person, and can respond to the specific person, such as responding later. .

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the overall configuration of the thermal information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The thermal information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a game machine 500 and a controller 600 that operates a game. The game machine 500 is connected to a television 700 that displays a game image. The game machine 500 is an example of an information processing device that can process at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail. The controller 600 is an example of a heat transfer device that can transmit information depending on the level of heat. The controller 600 may have a call or e-mail transmission / reception function.

  The game machine 500 includes a ROM, a hard disk (HDD), a CPU, a RAM, a bus, an image generation circuit, a sound reproduction circuit, an internal interface, and an external interface (not shown).

  In the ROM, a program for executing the game is recorded. Various programs and various data are stored in the hard disk. The CPU controls the entire game machine. The CPU loads a program stored in the hard disk into a work RAM in the game machine. The CPU starts the game by executing the program loaded in the RAM in this way, and advances the game while sequentially communicating with a game server (not shown).

  The bus is a path through which information is exchanged between devices such as a ROM, a hard disk, a CPU, a RAM, an image generation circuit, a sound reproduction circuit, an internal interface, and an external interface. The image generation circuit includes a graphic chip and a VRAM, and generates an image according to the instruction when the CPU generates an image generation instruction. The sound reproduction circuit is composed of a sound chip and a sound RAM. When a sound is instructed from the CPU, back music and sound processing corresponding to each game are performed according to the instruction.

  The internal interface inputs a game operation by the user using the controller 600 and outputs video and sound of a plurality of characters to a monitor and a speaker, respectively. The external interface transmits and receives various data such as commands and messages according to the operation by the player to the game server via the network.

  The controller 600 includes an operation unit 610 and a Peltier element 620 for game operation. The Peltier element 620 has a thin sheet shape, is embedded in a portion where the player holds the controller 600, and is in close contact with the palm of the player so that the player can easily feel the heat.

(Intuitive game processing)
Next, an example of the intuitive game process executed by the game machine 500 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As an example of this game, the battle game shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described as an example. This process is executed by the CPU of the game machine 500 every predetermined time. Actually, this processing is stored in the ROM as a thermal information processing program, and is performed by executing each step of the thermal information processing program by the CPU.

  The game machine 500 starts intuitive game processing from step S600, proceeds to step S605, and determines whether the video displayed on the screen of the TV 700 is a high-temperature scene. At the time of determination, a scene in the high temperature state and a temperature of the scene are registered in advance in the memory in the game machine 500, and at the same time, a scene in the low temperature state and the temperature of the scene are registered in the memory in advance. Therefore, the registration information is used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in a scene in which a player character PC operated by a player fights a non-player character NPC automatically controlled by the game machine 500, the non-player character NPC has a torch and one side is covered with flames. When it is rare, a high-temperature scene Ht is registered in the memory. In this case, the game machine 500 generates and outputs an instruction signal for flowing a positive current having a magnitude corresponding to the set temperature of the high-temperature scene Ht in step S605, and proceeds to step S615. If it is not a high-temperature scene, the process immediately proceeds to step S615 without generating an instruction signal.

  Next, the game machine 500 determines whether or not the video image displayed on the screen of the TV 700 in step S615 is a low-temperature scene. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the player character PC operated by the player swims across the river, a low-temperature scene Lt is registered in the memory. In this case, the game machine 500 proceeds to step S620, generates and outputs an instruction signal for flowing a reverse current having a magnitude corresponding to the set temperature of the low temperature scene Lt, and proceeds to step S695 to end the process. To do. If it is not a low-temperature scene, the process proceeds to step S695 immediately without generating an instruction signal, and this process is terminated.

  According to this, the output instruction signal is transmitted to the controller 600. In the controller 600, a current is passed through the Peltier element 620 in response to the instruction signal. When a current in the forward (reverse) direction flows, the player feels that the controller 600 has become hot (becomes cold). As a result, the player can experience the feeling that he / she has become a character in the game using heat that has never existed, and can enjoy a game full of realism.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the thermal information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. The thermal information processing system 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as the thermal information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment in the overall configuration, but the arrangement and functions of the Peltier elements 620 attached to the controller 600 are different.

  That is, in the controller 600 according to the third embodiment, the sheet pieces A and B of the Peltier elements are arranged in a patch shape as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it arrange | positions in the part which a player's hand contacts. In FIG. 9, the sheet pieces A and B are alternately arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The sheet piece A of the Peltier element 620a generates heat by flowing a current in the positive direction when the instruction signal instructs to flow a current in the positive direction. When the instruction signal indicates that a current in the reverse direction is to flow, the sheet piece A of the Peltier element 620a does not flow a current (OFF state).

  The sheet piece B of the Peltier element 620b absorbs heat by flowing a current in the reverse direction when the instruction signal instructs to flow a current in the reverse direction. When the instruction signal indicates that a positive current flows, the sheet piece B of the Peltier element 620b does not flow a current (OFF state).

  According to this, the plurality of sheet pieces A function only as heat generating members, and the plurality of sheet pieces B function only as heat absorbing members. Heat has the property of being easy to heat and difficult to cool. For this reason, depending on the temperature, it is difficult to instantaneously cool the heated Peltier element 620. However, according to the present embodiment, by using the sheet pieces A and B as the heat generating member dedicated sheet and the heat absorbing member dedicated sheet, respectively, it is possible to more reliably convey a “hot” or “cold” feeling to the player. .

  The controller 600 includes an infrared LED 630 in addition to the operation unit 610 and the Peltier element 620. The infrared LED 630 emits an infrared optical signal. The infrared light signal emitted from the infrared LED 630 is received by an infrared light receiving unit provided in the TV 700, and a signal notifying that the infrared light has been received is transmitted to the game machine 500.

(Thermal information transmission game process 1)
Next, an example of the heat information transfer game process executed by the game machine 500 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As an example of this game, the escape game shown in FIGS.

  The game machine 500 starts the heat information transmission game process from step S1000, proceeds to step S1005, causes the infrared light receiving unit provided in the TV 700 to receive the infrared light output from the infrared LED 630 of the controller 600, and thereby the screen The direction of the controller 600 heading toward is detected.

  Next, the game device 500 proceeds to step S1010, and determines whether or not the controller 600 is directed to an image indicating heat (coldness) in the screen displayed on the TV 700. If it is determined that it is facing, the game machine 500 proceeds to step S1015, and in the case of an image indicating heat, the game machine 500 generates and outputs an instruction signal for causing a current in the positive direction to flow through all the sheet pieces A. In the case of an image indicating coldness, an instruction signal for causing a current in the reverse direction to flow through all the sheet pieces B is generated and output.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1010 that it is not facing, the game machine 500 returns to step S1005 and again detects the orientation of the controller 600 using infrared rays, and the controller 600 displays an image indicating heat (coldness). Steps S1005 and S1010 are repeated until the direction is reached. When the controller 600 becomes hot (becomes cold) in accordance with the instruction signal output in step S1015, the player determines that the orientation may be good, for example.

  For example, in the game shown in FIG. 11 in which the exit Ext is located at the right back of the cold room, a current in the reverse direction is supplied to the sheet piece B of the controller 600 simultaneously with the start of the game. According to this, the player feels the coldness of the controller 600 and intuitively feels that the room is cold.

  During the game, when the controller 600 is heated in accordance with the forward direction instruction signal output in step S1015, the player determines that there is an exit in the direction of the controller 600. Thus, the temperature change of the controller 600 is utilized as information (thermal information) transmission means.

  In order to escape from the room, the player operates the operation unit 610 so as to go in that direction. If it is determined in step S1020 that the game machine 500 has advanced by a predetermined distance in the image direction indicating heat, the game machine 500 proceeds to step S1025 to notify the player that the game has been cleared, and the process is performed in step S1095. finish.

  Further, for example, in the game having the exit Ext on the left side of the desert shown in FIG. 12, a current in the positive direction is passed through the sheet piece A of the controller 600 simultaneously with the start of the game. According to this, the player feels the heat of the controller 600 and intuitively feels that he is in a burning desert.

  During the game, when the controller 600 gets cold according to the reverse direction instruction signal output in step S1015, the player determines that there is an exit in the direction of the controller 600. In order to escape from the desert, the player operates the operation unit 610 so as to go in that direction. If it is determined in step S1020 that the game machine 500 has advanced a predetermined distance in the image direction indicating the coldness, the game machine 500 proceeds to step S1025 to notify the player that the game has been cleared, and the process is performed in step S1095. Exit.

  If it is determined in step S1020 that the image has not been advanced by a predetermined distance in the image direction indicating heat (coldness), the process returns to step S1005, and the processes in steps S1005 to S1020 are repeated until the game is cleared.

  According to this, the player can enjoy a realistic game by giving a sense of realism by the heat generation and heat absorption of the controller 600. Also, the player 600 can give some information and hints for game capture by the heat generation and heat absorption of the controller 600. Thereby, a game using unprecedented heat can be provided.

  Further, according to the controller 600 according to the present embodiment, since the sheet pieces A and B of the Peltier element 620 function only as heat generating members and heat absorbing members, the player can more reliably feel “hot” or “cold”. I can tell you.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the thermal information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The thermal information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the thermal information processing system 10 according to the second embodiment in the overall configuration, but the handle-type controller shown in FIG. 13 instead of the controller 600 of FIG. 600 is used.

  In the handle type controller 600, a plurality of openings Op are provided in the left and right handle portions, and sheets of Peltier elements A and B are arranged one by one under the plurality of openings Op. Also in this case, it arrange | positions in the vicinity of the part which a player's hand contacts.

  The sheet A of the Peltier element 620a generates heat by causing a current to flow in the positive direction when the instruction signal indicates that a current in the positive direction is to flow. When the instruction signal indicates that the current in the reverse direction is to flow, the sheet A of the Peltier element 620a does not flow the current (OFF state).

  The sheet B of the Peltier element 620b generates heat by flowing a current in the reverse direction when the instruction signal indicates that a current in the reverse direction is to flow. When the instruction signal indicates that a positive current flows, the sheet B of the Peltier element 620a does not flow a current (OFF state).

  The plurality of openings Op can overcome the property of being easily heated and cooled easily by heat radiation from the plurality of openings Op, and can quickly transmit the heat generation state and the heat absorption state to the player.

(Thermal information transmission game process 2)
Next, a car racing game will be described as an example of the heat information transmission game process executed by the game machine 500 with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The course information regarding the race is registered in advance in the memory of the game machine 500.

  The game machine 500 starts the heat information transmission game process from step S1400, proceeds to step S1405, and determines from the course information registered in the memory whether or not the next course turns to the right. If it is determined that the vehicle turns to the right, the process proceeds to step S1410 to generate and output an instruction signal for flowing a positive current having a magnitude corresponding to the diameter R of the previous course to the sheet A, and the process proceeds to step S1415. In response to this instruction signal, the right handle of the controller 600 becomes hot. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1405 that the vehicle does not turn right, the process immediately proceeds to step S1415.

  In step S1415, game machine 500 determines from the course information registered in the memory whether or not the previous course turns to the left. If it is determined to turn left, the process proceeds to step S1420 to generate and output an instruction signal for causing a reverse current having a magnitude corresponding to the diameter R of the previous course to flow through the sheet B. In response to this instruction signal, the left handle of the controller 600 gets cold. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1495 to end the present process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1415 that the vehicle does not turn left, the process immediately proceeds to step S1495 and the process is terminated.

  According to this, the player can determine how to turn the next course from the video of the course on the screen and the temperature of the handle, and can quickly turn the handle-type controller 600 to the left or right. This makes it possible to enjoy an unprecedented game using heat.

  In addition, since the plurality of openings Op can dissipate heat inside the controller 600, heat information can be quickly transmitted to the player and damage to peripheral members due to heat can be prevented.

  If a fan is provided in the vicinity of the opening Op of the handle-type controller 600, heat information can be transmitted to the player more quickly, and damage to peripheral members due to heat can be prevented more reliably.

(Other heat information transfer game processing 1)
In addition to the game processing described above, the following games using heat can be considered. For example, in a game in which a plurality of types of monsters appear, a Peltier device is incorporated into the mobile phone 100 or the controller 600. When the mobile phone 100 or the controller 600 gets hot, a specific monster is attacked. You may make it attack.

(Other heat information transfer game processing 2)
Moreover, in the novel distribution of the mobile phone 100, it is also conceivable to express the psychological description of the hero of the novel by heat generation and heat absorption of the Peltier element. That is, when the main character is nervous or excited, the cellular phone 100 is heated by causing a positive current to flow through the Peltier element to generate heat. On the other hand, when the main character is afraid, the mobile phone 100 is cooled by flowing a reverse current through the Peltier element to absorb heat. Thereby, not only the characters can be followed, but also a novel scene can be sensed from the hand holding the mobile phone 100.

  In the above embodiment, the operations of the respective units are related to each other, and can be replaced as a series of operations in consideration of the relationship between each other. And by replacing in this way, the embodiment of the operation of the thermal information processing system can be realized as an embodiment of the thermal information processing method. The operation of the thermal information processing system can be realized by executing a thermal information processing program describing the functions of the thermal information processing system using a computer.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, a heat transfer device such as a controller may be controlled to a predetermined temperature in accordance with an instruction signal except when a current in a predetermined direction is passed through the Peltier element. According to this, during normal times, by controlling the heat transfer device to a certain low temperature state, overcoming the property that heat is difficult to cool, the heat transfer device generates heat to a predetermined temperature with good response at a desired timing. Can absorb heat.

  In addition to the information transmission by heat, it is also possible to provide a game with more realism by utilizing a synergistic effect using light, sound, vibration and the like. In addition, by cooling the controller in a normal state, it is possible to prevent a player who is immersed in the game from sweating.

  The heat transfer device may be formed of a highly conductive material in order to improve heat conduction. On the other hand, the surface portion of the heat transfer device that comes into contact with a part of the player's body may be covered with an insulator to prevent large heat from being directly transmitted to the player.

  Also, when the surface of the Peltier element is an insulator such as ceramic, the heat capacity is determined by the dielectric constant of the insulator. Therefore, by controlling the heating time based on the heat capacity, control is performed so that no current flows through the Peltier element for a predetermined time. By doing so, loss of equipment due to heat can be prevented.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a thermal information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation principle of the Peltier device with which the ring was mounted | worn. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the heat information transmission process. It is the flowchart which showed another example of the heat information transmission process. It is a whole block diagram of the thermal information processing system concerning 2nd-4th embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the intuitive game process. It is the figure which showed an example of the scene with high temperature in a game. It is the figure which showed an example of the low temperature scene in a game. It is the figure which showed the controller concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the heat information transmission game process. It is the figure which showed an example of the room with the low temperature during a game. It is the figure which showed an example of the high temperature desert during a game. It is the figure which showed the handle type controller concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed another example of the heat information transmission game process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Thermal information processing system 100 Mobile phone 110 IC chip 120,610 Operation part 130 Display 140,210,620,620a, 620b Peltier element 200 Ring 500 Game machine 600 Controller 630 Infrared LED
700 TV PC Player character NPC Non-player character Op Opening

Claims (15)

A thermal information processing system in which an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information depending on the level of heat are connected,
The information processing device outputs an instruction signal for causing a current to flow in a forward direction or a reverse direction at a desired timing,
The heat transfer device includes a Peltier element, and a current in a direction according to an instruction signal output from the information processing device is passed through the Peltier element, and the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat, thereby obtaining information desired by the user. Thermal information processing system that notifies you. The information processing device is a portable device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail,
The portable device is
2. The instruction signal is output in order to notify a user of information related to an incoming call of the telephone or an incoming mail at a timing at which at least one of an incoming telephone call or an incoming mail is received by the portable device. Information processing system described in 1.   The portable device outputs the instruction signal to notify a user of a call from the specific person when an incoming call of the telephone or an incoming mail is sent from a specific person registered in advance. 2. The thermal information processing system described in 2.   The thermal information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer device is an accessory attached to a human body.   The thermal information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat transfer device is a Peltier element itself attached to the information processing device.   The thermal information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the Peltier element of the heat transfer device is provided in the vicinity of a portion in contact with a user's body. The heat transfer device has a plurality of Peltier elements,
When an instruction signal for flowing a current in the positive direction is received, a current in the positive direction is allowed to flow only in a predetermined Peltier element among the plurality of Peltier elements according to the instruction signal,
The thermal information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when an instruction signal for flowing a current in the reverse direction is received, a current in the reverse direction is supplied only to another predetermined Peltier element according to the instruction signal. system.   The thermal information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an opening is provided near a portion of the heat transfer device where the Peltier element is provided.   The thermal information processing system according to claim 8, wherein a fan is provided inside the heat transfer device so that heat is radiated from an opening of the heat transfer device.   The thermal information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat transfer device is controlled to a predetermined temperature except when a current in a predetermined direction flows for a predetermined time in accordance with the instruction signal. The information processing device includes:
The thermal information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which outputs an instruction signal for notifying a user of information related to a game corresponding to each scene of the game by the level of heat.   The heat according to claim 11, wherein the information processing device outputs an instruction signal for causing a current corresponding to the temperature of each scene to flow through a Peltier element in order to notify the user of the temperature state of each scene of the game. Information processing system. The information processing device registers a high-temperature scene and a temperature of the scene in the memory in advance in each game scene, and registers a low-temperature scene and the temperature of the scene in the memory in advance,
13. The heat according to claim 11, wherein when a scene in a high temperature state or a low temperature state registered in the memory is displayed on a screen, an instruction signal for supplying a current corresponding to the temperature of the scene is output. Information processing system. A thermal information processing method for notifying information by connecting an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information according to heat level,
Outputting an instruction signal for flowing a current in the forward direction or the reverse direction from the information processing device at a desired timing;
A current in a direction corresponding to an instruction signal output from the information processing device is passed through a Peltier element provided in the heat transfer device,
A thermal information processing method for notifying a user of desired information when the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat. Thermal information processing program for causing a computer to execute processing for notifying information by connecting an information processing device capable of processing at least one of a game, a call, and an e-mail and a heat transfer device capable of transmitting information according to heat level Because
A process of outputting an instruction signal for causing a current to flow in the forward direction or the reverse direction from the information processing device at a desired timing;
A process of passing a current in a direction according to an instruction signal output from the information processing device to a Peltier element provided in the heat transfer device;
And a process of notifying a user of desired information when the Peltier element generates heat or absorbs heat.