JP2017202161A - Input unit for simulated walking experience device, simulated walking experience device, and step input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input unit for a simulated walking experience device which can precisely sense stepping actions of a user and which ensures the user's safety.SOLUTION: Provided is an input unit for use in a simulated walking experience device comprising: a monitor 30 for displaying an image; an input unit 10 for detecting vertical motion of feet of a user and generating a stepping signal; and a control unit 20 for controlling a display image displayed on the monitor based on the stepping signal. The input unit comprises: a body portion 11; a fixed portion 13 fixed to a top surface of the body portion; and two rotation portions 12a, 12b which are supported on the top surface of the body portion so as to be capable of rotating independently from each other. The two rotation portions are arranged adjacent to the fixed portion on a same side with respect to the fixed portion. The rotation portions are supported so that an end on a side closer to the fixed portion vertically moves most largely, and vertical motions of the user's feet are detected by rotation of the rotation portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present application relates to a walking simulation experience device that can detect a user's motion and allow the user to experience a walking state in a simulated manner, and in particular, detects and uses the user's vertical movement of the foot. An input unit for a simulated walking experience device that generates a footstep signal indicating that the user has stepped, a simulated walking experience device that provides an image that causes the user to experience a walking state in response to the footstep signal, and further, The present invention relates to a stepping input device that detects a movement and generates a stepping signal.

  Conventionally, a pseudo-experience as if the user is actually performing an action by generating an input signal corresponding to the user's movement and changing the displayed image based on the generated input signal. Various pseudo-experience devices have been proposed.

  As such a pseudo-experience device, it pursues realism as much as possible by linking advanced image processing technology and image reproduction technology with acoustic technology, etc., and seeks high entertainment and is used for advanced training applications There is a so-called virtual reality (VR).

  On the other hand, in the device for the purpose of maintaining the motor function of the elderly, functional recovery training for the disabled person, and improving the exercise ability of the athlete, the user is required to repeat a certain movement that tends to be monotonous. There is a pseudo-experience device that changes an image to be displayed on a monitor based on an input signal generated corresponding to a user's operation so that a predetermined operation can be continued without getting bored.

  As such a pseudo-experience device, in addition to displaying images that make you feel the depth, by sending wind from the front according to the user's movement state, you can feel like the user is actually cycling An athletic apparatus (see Patent Document 1) that can be tasted has been proposed. In addition, the intensity of the user's exercise is measured using a load means that gives the user an exercise load, and the display image of the monitor is changed according to the exercise intensity. A wellness device (see Patent Document 2) that enables selection of an image program to be displayed on a monitor from body movement has been proposed.

  In addition, the user's stepping action on the specified foot panel is raised and lowered so that health promotion and rehabilitation exercises for the elderly can be continued by enjoying the changes in the displayed image. A game device in which an image displayed on the screen changes according to the number of steps (see Patent Document 3), and detects a user's stepping action based on a change in the angle of the hip joint. There has been proposed a simulated walking sensation device (see Patent Document 4) in which the change speed of an image displayed on a monitor changes according to a change in the speed of a stepping action using an input means.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-80096 JP-A-10-151223 JP 2002-233663 A JP 2001-296951 A

  In the simulated walk-in experience device for the purpose of improving the health of the elderly, it is most important that the user does not get tired of doing the prescribed movement, and the reality of the image displayed on the screen is often requested Not. In addition, since it is preferable that the walking simulation experience device can be easily used in facilities for the elderly and at home, the simulation experience device can be easily used by effectively using an existing device such as a personal computer or a game machine. Emphasis is placed on being able to be configured at low cost and versatility in which displayed images can be switched according to user preferences.

  In addition, since the primary user of the simulated experience device is an elderly person or a person with a physical disability, it may be a burden even with simple actions such as stepping, so even a slight movement can be detected reliably. Along with the performance that can be achieved, there is a special feature that high safety is required.

  However, in the walking simulation experience device described in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 described above, although the simplicity and versatility of the device configuration is secured to some extent, the user is considered to be an elderly person, It could not be said that it was sufficient in terms of whether it had a detection function with high stepping motion and safety.

  The present application aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, accurately senses the user's stepping action, and has an input unit for a simulated walking experience device that fully considers the safety of the user, It is an object of the present invention to provide a walking simulation experience device including this input unit, and a stepping input device.

  In order to solve the above problems, an input unit for a simulated walking experience device disclosed in the present application includes a monitor that displays an image, an input unit that detects a vertical movement of a user's foot and generates a step signal, and the step signal The input unit used in the walking simulation experience device including a control unit that controls a display image displayed on the monitor based on the main unit, and a fixed unit fixed to the upper surface of the main unit. Two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part so as to be rotatable independently of each other, both of the two rotating parts being on the same side with respect to the fixed part. It is arranged adjacent to the fixed part, and is supported so that the end part on the side close to the fixed part moves up and down the most, and detects the vertical movement of the user's foot by the rotation of the rotating part. It is characterized by that.

  The walking simulation experience device disclosed in the present application is a monitor that displays an image, any input unit disclosed in the present application, and a display that is displayed on the monitor based on a footstep signal generated by the input unit. And a control unit for controlling the image.

  Further, the stepping input device disclosed in the present application is a stepping input device that detects a vertical movement of an operator's foot and generates a stepping signal, and includes a main body part and a fixed part fixed to the upper surface of the main body part. Two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part so as to be rotatable independently of each other, both of the two rotating parts being on the same side with respect to the fixed part. It is arranged adjacent to the fixed part, and is supported so that the end part on the side close to the fixed part moves up and down the most, and detects the vertical movement of the user's foot by the rotation of the rotating part. It is characterized by that.

  With the above configuration, the walking simulation experience device input unit disclosed in the present application detects the up and down movement of the foot performed with the user placing his / her foot on the upper surface, and generates a stepping signal by the two rotating units. be able to. For this reason, even if a user's stepping action is weak, this can be detected reliably.

  In addition, the walking simulation experience device disclosed in the present application includes a characteristic input unit disclosed in the present application, so that even an elderly person or a person with a disability can easily use the walking simulation experience.

  Furthermore, the stepping input device disclosed in the present application can generate a stepping signal by detecting the vertical movement of the foot performed with the user placing his / her foot on the upper surface by the two rotating parts. Even people with disabilities can use various devices that operate by detecting the stepping action.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an image diagram for explaining a state in which the user is using the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A shows a state where the user sits on a chair and makes a stepping input. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the user performs stepping input while standing with the back of the chair as a support. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the input unit for the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the input unit for the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a switch used in the input unit for the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a display image in the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6A is a display image example at the start of the simulated walking experience. FIG. 6B is an example of a display image in a state where the simulated walking experience has progressed to some extent. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a state where the user places his / her foot on the input unit for the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a case where a footstep signal is input by raising and lowering the tip of the foot with the heel attached to the fixed portion. FIG. 7B shows a case where a footstep signal is input so that the heel is stepped down with the toe side attached to the fixed portion.

  The input unit for the simulated simulation experience device of the present disclosure is displayed on the monitor that displays an image, an input unit that detects the vertical movement of the user's foot and generates a step signal, and the monitor based on the step signal. The input unit used in the walking simulation experience device including a control unit that controls the display image to be displayed, and can be rotated independently of the main body unit and the fixed unit fixed to the upper surface of the main body unit. And two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part, both of the two rotating parts being arranged on the same side of the fixed part and adjacent to the fixed part. The end portion on the side close to the fixed portion is supported so as to move up and down the most, and the up and down movement of the user's foot is detected by the turning of the turning portion.

  By doing in this way, the input part for walk simulation experience devices disclosed in the present application rotates each of the two rotation parts arranged on the upper surface of the input part by the vertical movement of the right foot and the left foot of the user. Thus, the stepping signal can be reliably detected from the movement of the user's foot. In addition, since the most vertically moving part of the rotating part is the part adjacent to the fixed part, the user can move the foot up and down with a part of the foot placed on the fixed part. Even a user who cannot perform a stepping exercise with a strong force, such as a person with a disability, can generate a stepping signal.

  In the walking simulation experience device input unit according to the present disclosure, it is preferable that the rotating unit is supported by the main body unit by a hinge mechanism disposed at an end opposite to the side close to the fixed unit. By doing in this way, the structure which supports the two rotation parts arrange | positioned adjacent to a fixing | fixed part so that the edge part near the fixing | fixed part may move up and down most easily can be implement | achieved easily. The cost of the input unit can be reduced and the reliability can be improved.

  The main body includes two switches arranged corresponding to the two rotating parts, respectively, and the corresponding switch is operated when the rotating part rotates to generate the stepping signal. It is preferred that By doing in this way, it is possible to reliably generate a stepping signal through the switch housed in the main body part from the vertical movement of the rotating part rotatably arranged on the upper surface of the main body part.

  In this case, the switch includes an operation surface that is biased upward, and a switching element that forms an electrical connection when the operation surface is pushed down, and the back surface of the rotating portion is It is preferable to be in contact with the operation surface. By doing in this way, an electric signal can be generated reliably from the movement in which the rotating part is pushed down.

  Furthermore, in a state where the operation surface of the switch is not pushed down, it is preferable that the upper surface of the end portion of the rotating portion on the side close to the fixed portion is located higher than the upper surface of the fixed portion. In this way, the rotating part can be easily rotated with respect to the fixed part, and even a user who cannot perform a stepping force powerfully, such as an elderly person or a person with a disability, can easily generate a stepping signal. Can be generated.

  In this case, it is preferable that a difference in height between the upper surface of the end portion of the rotating portion close to the fixed portion and the upper surface of the fixed portion is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. In this way, it is possible to reliably detect the vertical movement of the foot without imposing a burden on the user.

  Further, in this case, the fixed portion and the two rotating portions are both configured by a plate-like member having the same thickness, and the thickness of the plate-like member is closer to the fixed portion of the rotating portion. It is preferable that the thickness is greater than the difference in height between the upper surface of the end portion and the upper surface of the fixed portion. By doing in this way, since a clearance gap does not arise in the boundary part of a fixed part and a rotation part, the danger that a user's foot tip will be pinched can be avoided.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the input part of the walk simulation experience apparatus disclosed in the present application has a resin non-slip member disposed on the back surface of the main body part. By doing in this way, it can avoid effectively that an input part slips by a user's stepping operation, and a safer input part can be realized.

  The walking simulation experience device disclosed in the present application includes a monitor that displays an image, any input unit disclosed in the present application, and a display image displayed on the monitor based on a footstep signal generated by the input unit. And a control unit for controlling.

  The simulated walking experience apparatus disclosed in the present application includes the characteristic input unit disclosed in the present application, so that it is possible to reliably detect the vertical movement of the user's foot and generate a stepping signal for operating the simulated walking experience apparatus. it can. For this reason, even elderly people and persons with disabilities can enjoy a simulated walking experience by moving their feet up and down.

  Further, the foot pedal input device disclosed in the present application is a foot pedal input device that detects the vertical movement of the operator's foot and generates a foot step signal, and a main body portion and a fixed portion fixed to the upper surface of the main body portion. Two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part so as to be rotatable independently of each other, both of the two rotating parts being on the same side with respect to the fixed part. It is arranged adjacent to the fixed part, and is supported so that the end part on the side close to the fixed part moves up and down the most, and detects the vertical movement of the user's foot by the rotation of the rotating part. .

  By doing in this way, the stepping input device disclosed in the present application can reliably detect the vertical movement of the user's foot and output a stepping signal. For this reason, even elderly people who have difficulty in stepping on with strong force or persons with disabilities can output footstep signals in response to the vertical movement of their feet, and operate game machines and communication devices. it can.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the walking simulation experience device input unit disclosed in the present application, the walking simulation experience device including the input unit, and the stepping signal input device will be described using specific embodiments.

  In addition, the walking simulation experience device disclosed in the present application is not intended to provide a user with an advanced virtual simulation experience called virtual reality, For the purpose of giving an incentive to perform an exercise for the purpose of rehabilitation, a simulated experience situation is provided by an image that is linked to the vertical movement of the user's foot. For this reason, the embodiment described below is a walking simulation realized with emphasis on excellent versatility and cost performance that can be easily configured in elderly care facilities and general households. An experience device is illustrated.

(Embodiment)
[Walking simulation experience device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on an input unit 10 that detects a vertical movement of a user's foot and generates a step signal, and a step signal generated by the input unit 10. A control unit 20 that controls an image displayed in order to make the user experience the walking state in a simulated manner, and a monitor 30 that displays an image for the simulated walking experience. In addition, in FIG. 1, the input part 10 is shown as a figure seen from the upper side so that the structure of the upper surface may become clear. Moreover, the control part 20 and the monitor 30 are shown as a front view seen from the user side so that the structure is easy to imagine.

  In the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, a walking simulation experience is provided to the user by changing the image displayed on the monitor 30 based on the stepping signal detected from the vertical movement of the user's foot. is there. The monitor 30 is preferably maintained at a height close to the line of sight of the user who is using the walking simulation experience device for a user who views the simulation experience video. As a means for adjusting the position of the monitor 30 to the height of the user's line of sight, there is a method of placing the monitor 30 on a dedicated stand or a walking simulation experience device in which the monitor 30 is incorporated at a predetermined height. A configuration method is also conceivable. However, in the present embodiment, a state in which the control unit 20 and the monitor 30 are placed on a general table such as a table 40 or a desk is emphasized from the viewpoint of realizing a walking simulation experience apparatus with a simple configuration. Show.

  The input unit 10 to be placed on the user's foot, that is, the floor surface, and the control unit 20 placed on the table 40 are connected by a cable 51 that transmits a footstep signal. In addition, transmission of a footstep signal between the input unit 10 and the control unit 20 can be performed by wireless communication instead of wired communication. In this case, a signal transmission unit is provided in the input unit 10 and a signal reception unit is provided in the control unit 20. Are arranged and the cable 51 is not necessary.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the control unit 20 and the monitor 30 are configured as separate devices is shown, and an image of an image displayed on the monitor 30 is provided between the control unit 20 and the monitor 30. They are connected by a cable 52 that transmits signals and the like.

  The input unit 10 detects the vertical movement of the user's foot and generates a stepping signal necessary for operating the simulated walking experience apparatus.

  As shown in the top view of FIG. 1, the input unit 10 of the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment has two rotating parts 12 a and 12 b and a fixing part 13 arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus on which the user places his / her foot. Yes.

  The two rotating portions 12a and 12b are configured to be independently rotatable. Further, the two rotating portions 12 a and 12 b are disposed adjacent to the fixed portion 13 on the same side (the back side in FIG. 1, the side far from the user) with respect to the fixed portion 13.

  A specific configuration of the input unit 10 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 20 has a function of changing an image displayed on the monitor 30 based on the inputted stepping signal when the stepping signal generated by the input unit 10 detecting the vertical movement of the user's foot is inputted. Have

  More specifically, the control unit 20 changes the still image displayed on the monitor 30 based on a footstep signal that is generated once every time one of the left and right of the user's foot moves up and down once. At this time, every time one step signal is detected, the control unit 20 can control the image displayed on the monitor 30 to be different in accordance with the step signal. In addition, the control unit 20 can perform control to sequentially update images displayed on the monitor 30 every time a plurality of, for example, about 5 to 20 stepping signals are input.

  At this time, the control unit 20 can update the display image in response to a small number of stepping signals and perform the stepping operation relatively easily when a user who has difficulty in the stepping operation is using it. In the case of a user, the relationship between the number of footstep signals input and changes in the image displayed on the monitor 30 is controlled, for example, the display image is not updated unless a certain number of footstep signals are input. It can set so that it can be changed suitably.

  In this way, by making it possible to adjust the degree of change in the display image in accordance with the exercise ability of the user, it is possible to provide a simulated walking experience apparatus that allows many users to enjoy the exercise that suits each user. it can. Further, the control unit 20 is not limited to the vertical movement of the user's foot, not only when the right foot and the left foot are alternately raised and lowered, but also when one of the feet is continuously raised or lowered, It is possible to update the display image that is detected as the stepping action and displayed on the monitor 30. By doing in this way, a simulated walking experience can be provided to a wider range of users.

  As a display image displayed on the monitor 30 by the control unit 20, an image that can feel that the user is walking can be used. For example, each time you take a few steps on the promenade, a photograph of the field of view at that point is updated and displayed sequentially according to the number of stepping signals, so that the user can have a simulated walking experience. In the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image displayed on the monitor 30 is not limited to that directly related to the walking simulation experience. The vertical movement of the user's foot is counted and displayed as “steps” on the monitor 30, and the image displayed on the monitor 30 is updated at any time according to the number of steps. By grasping the motion as if a walking motion was performed and changing the display image, the user can have a simulated walking experience.

  As described above, the control unit 20 of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment controls the display image displayed on the monitor 30 based on the stepping signal generated by the input unit 10 according to a predetermined program. Moreover, it is preferable that the control part 20 is equipped with the versatility which can change the control content of a display image suitably according to the state of the user or the step signal which was actually input.

  In order to perform such a function, the control unit 20 includes at least a logic circuit that can execute a predetermined program, a program storage area that stores the program, and a storage unit that stores an image to be displayed on the monitor 30. Need to be. Such a control part 20 can be comprised as an aggregate | assembly of the some electronic circuit block comprised in order to fulfill | perform each function. In addition, by using a general-purpose personal computer (personal computer) as the control unit 20, it is possible to easily realize a configuration capable of performing necessary functions.

  In executing various functions of the control unit 20, an assembly of electronic circuit blocks that perform the respective functions can be regarded as the control unit 20. Therefore, the control unit 20 is not limited to one in which all the electronic circuits described above are physically provided in one device. For example, if a personal computer is used as the control unit 20, the display image data displayed on the monitor 30 is connected to the personal computer as the control unit 20 as an external device, and is an HDD that is a device different from the personal computer. It can be stored in a storage medium such as a (hard disk drive). In this case, the personal computer and the HDD are combined and understood as the control unit 20.

  When the control unit 20 includes a plurality of display programs for displaying a predetermined image in response to the stepping signal, the control unit 20 may appropriately select a user's selection or, for example, when one program is executed a predetermined number of times. The control unit 20 can be set to be changed to a different control program. When such a program selection or switching is performed, the control unit 20 can have means for selecting a program. In addition, since the control unit 20 includes a rewritable storage area, the control program or the display image data displayed on the monitor 30 can be appropriately added or replaced.

  The monitor 30 is an image display device that is controlled by the control unit 20 and displays a predetermined display image. Specifically, an image signal for displaying an image is input to the monitor 30 from the control unit 20, and the monitor has a function of displaying a predetermined image by the 30 image signal.

  As the monitor 30, various devices capable of displaying images, such as a flat display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic electroluminescence display (OELD), a CRT, and an image projector, can be used. The monitor 30 is constituted by a drive circuit for driving the.

  Further, as a means for realizing a simulated walking experience, when appealing not only to a visual surface by a predetermined display image but also to hearing, a predetermined speaker is provided from a speaker provided in the monitor 30 or a speaker separately provided around the monitor. It may be set so that a predetermined sound is reproduced at the timing. Further, the monitor 30 includes necessary accompanying devices, so that wind can be sent from the blower or an odor related to the displayed image can be generated corresponding to the displayed image.

  Note that the monitor 30 and the control unit 20 may be physically integrated devices, and a simulated walking experience in which the control unit 20 and the monitor 30 are integrated with a notebook computer or an integrated desktop personal computer. A device can be configured.

  As described above, in the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, the control unit 20 is displayed on the monitor 30 based on the stepping signal generated by the input unit 10 by detecting the vertical movement of the user's foot. By controlling the display image, the image displayed on the monitor 30 changes according to the number of steps of the user. Therefore, incentives to perform stepping motions are created because of the pleasure of changing the displayed image by performing the motions of stepping exercises as health promotion for the elderly and rehabilitation exercises for people with disabilities. Can be increased.

  Moreover, since the walk simulation experience apparatus demonstrated by this embodiment can comprise the control part 20 and the monitor 30 using a commercially available personal computer, substantially only the predetermined input part 10 is prepared. It can be easily realized. For this reason, the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment can be easily configured even in elderly care facilities and general households.

  FIG. 2 shows a usage state of the walking simulation experience apparatus described in the present embodiment.

  First, as shown to Fig.2 (a), the walk simulation experience apparatus concerning this embodiment can be used in the state in which the user sat on the chair.

  In this case, the input unit 10 is arranged under the feet of the user 62 sitting on the chair 61, the control unit 20 and the monitor 30 are arranged on the table 40 placed in front of the chair 61, and these are connected by cables. By connecting, a walking simulation experience device can be easily configured.

  In this way, even elderly people with weak feet and people with disabilities that cannot stand on their own can easily and happily perform stepping exercises for health promotion and functional recovery. Can contribute.

  Moreover, the walk simulation experience apparatus concerning this embodiment can be used in the state which the user stood up, as shown in FIG.2 (b).

  In this case, a chair 61 with a backrest is arranged in front of the user so that the user 62 ′ can grasp it as necessary, and the input unit 10 is arranged immediately behind the chair 61. By arranging the control unit 20 and the monitor 30 on the table 40 arranged in front of the chair 61 and connecting them with a cable, a simulated walking experience apparatus can be configured. In addition, it is also possible to set it as the apparatus structure which can be used in the state which the user stood up similarly to the state shown in FIG.2 (b) using auxiliary tools other than a chair.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), if the user is standing on the input unit 10, the stepping action in the state of sitting on the chair 61 as shown in FIG. It is possible to perform a stepping exercise with a large movement of the foot, which can greatly contribute to health promotion of the elderly.

[Input section]
Next, the input unit of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the input unit for the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 4 is sectional drawing of the input part for walk simulation experience apparatuses concerning this embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a cross section in which the input unit is cut along a straight line located between two rotation units of the input unit and an extension line thereof.

  The input unit 10 for the walking simulation experience device according to the present embodiment includes a bottomed frame-shaped main body 11 composed of a frame-shaped member 11a and a bottom plate 11b, and two times arranged on the upper surface of the main body 11. The moving part 12 (12a, 12b) and the fixed part 13 arrange | positioned adjacent to the rotation part 12 are provided.

  In the input unit 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the frame-shaped portion 11 a is made of a plate-shaped member by using a hollow square metal member having a square cross section as the frame-shaped portion 11 a. The area of the upper surface is increased so that the rotating portion 12 and the fixing portion 13 can be easily fixed to the upper surface of the frame-shaped portion 11a. Moreover, the intensity | strength of the frame-shaped part 11a which requires a user's weight on the upper surface is ensured by using a square material as the frame-shaped part 11a. The frame-shaped portion 11a does not need to surround the entire periphery of the input portion 10, and can be formed at a place where the rotating portion 12 and the fixed portion 13 can be arranged and supported on the upper surface. . Further, in order to fix the fixing portion 13 to the upper surface thereof, a frame-like portion 11a is appropriately added to a portion that hits the periphery of the fixing portion 13. In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, a 20 mm square hollow aluminum frame can be used as an example of a member that forms the frame-shaped portion 11a.

  In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, a metal plate material is used for the bottom plate 11b that forms the bottom surface of the main body 11 in order to ensure the strength to support the weight of the user as with the frame-like portion 11a. . As an example, an aluminum base having a thickness of 5 mm can be used as the bottom plate 11b.

  The size of the input unit 10 is appropriately determined in consideration that both feet of the user are placed on the upper surface. In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, the size of the input unit 10 in the left-right direction is 380 mm as an example, and the size in the front-rear direction is 300 mm as an example. The size of the bottom plate 11 b corresponds to the size of the input unit 10.

  In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, the input unit 10 has a constant weight by configuring the main body unit 11 with a metal member. If the input unit 10 is too light, the input unit 10 may move undesirably when used on the floor. This is to avoid such a situation.

  Moreover, in the input part 10 demonstrated by this embodiment, the cushioning material 15 made from resin is arrange | positioned on the back surface of the main-body part 11 in consideration of a user's safety. By using a resin member that is generally used as a non-slip member such as a relatively soft rubber material or polyvinyl chloride resin as a cushion material, even when a horizontal external force is applied by the user's stepping action, It can prevent more reliably that the input part 10 slips on a floor. In addition, by forming irregularities on the back surface of the cushion material 15, that is, the surface of the surface in contact with the floor surface, an undesirable situation in which the input unit 10 moves in the horizontal direction can be more effectively avoided. .

  Two rotating portions 12 a and 12 b are rotatably fixed to the upper surface of the main body 11, and a fixing portion 13 is fixed adjacent to the rotating portion 12.

  In the input unit 10 shown in the present embodiment, the two rotating units 12 (12a, 12b) and the fixing unit 13 are each formed of a decorative plywood material having a plate thickness of 16 mm. The aesthetic feeling of the input unit 10 can be improved by configuring the rotating unit 12 and the fixed unit 13 constituting the upper surface of the input unit with a decorative plywood. In particular, since the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment is assumed to be used in a nursing facility for an elderly person or a general household, by configuring the upper surface of the input unit 10 with a decorative plywood, It is possible to prevent an uncomfortable feeling with respect to other furniture including the table 40 and the chair 61 used for configuring the walking simulation experience apparatus.

  Further, by using a decorative plywood with chamfered corners as the rotating part 12 and the fixing part 13, it is effective for the user to feel pain when placing his / her feet on the input part 10. Can be prevented.

  In addition, in the input unit 10 of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, the rotating unit 12 and the fixed unit 13 can use various members that can support the weight applied by the user from above, In addition to the decorative plywood exemplified above, various plate-like members such as wood, metal material, and resin material can be used. In addition, even if it is a case where the member of which material is used as the rotation part 12 and the fixing | fixed part 13, the surface state in consideration of the state where the user took off the shoe or putting the foot barefoot It is preferable to take safety into consideration.

  The two rotating portions 12a and 12b are hinges having hinge mechanisms 14 on the side different from the side on which the fixed portion 13 is disposed, that is, the right back side in FIG. 3 and the right end in FIG. Is fixed to the upper surface of the frame 11 a of the main body 11. By doing in this way, the rotation part 12 can be rotatably supported by the upper surface of the main-body part 11 so that the edge part near the fixing | fixed part 13 may move up and down most.

  Of the rotating parts 12 arranged adjacent to the fixing part 13, the end part on the side close to the fixing part 13 is supported so as to move up and down the most, so that the user can move the foot up and down. In addition to direct transmission to 12, the user applies a downward force while the part of the sole is placed on the fixing part 13, so that the rotating part 12 adjacent to the fixing part 13 is moved. It can be rotated downward. For this reason, even if the user is an elderly person who cannot greatly move his / her foot up and down, the up / down motion of the foot can be reliably detected as the rotation of the rotating unit 12.

  In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, two switches 16 are arranged inside the main body unit 11. The switch 16 is a depressing switch that causes electrical conduction by depressing the upper surface. Further, the two switches 16 correspond to the two rotating portions 12, respectively, at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the rotating portions 12a, 12b and below the position closer to the fixing portion 13 in the front-rear direction. Has been placed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the height of the switch 16 is higher than the height of the frame-like portion 11 a of the main body portion 11. For this reason, the back surface of the rotating portion 12 is supported by the upper surface of the switch 16, and the end portion of the rotating portion 12 on the fixing portion 13 side is higher than the surface of the adjacent fixing portion 13. Note that, in the input unit 10 of the present embodiment, the switch 16 having a height of about 26 mm is used as an example with respect to the height of the frame-shaped portion 11a described above of 20 mm.

  As described above, in the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, since the height of the switch 16 is higher than the height of the frame-shaped portion 11a, when the downward external force is not applied to the rotating unit 12, the fixed unit 13 and A step is formed at the boundary with the rotating part 12 so that the rotating part 12 is higher. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the height H of this step is 8.5 mm as an example.

  In this manner, by providing a step with a predetermined height H between the end of the rotating unit 12 and the fixing unit 13 in a state where no downward pressing force is applied to the rotating unit 12, The vertical movement of the foot is effectively transmitted to the portion of the rotating unit 12 having the largest vertical movement, and the vertical movement of the user's foot can be detected with high sensitivity.

  In addition, by setting the height of the step generated between the rotating portion 12 and the fixing portion 13 to 8.5 mm, the thickness of the decorative plywood forming the rotating portion 12 and the fixing portion 13 is smaller than 16 mm. It is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the rotating portion 12 and the fixed portion 13 in a state where a step is formed. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a shortage situation in which the user mistakenly puts his / her foot into the gap between the rotating part 12 and the fixed part 13.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a switch arranged inside the main body in the input unit described in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the input unit 10 of the present embodiment, the switch 16 disposed in the main body is placed on the switch main body 16 a and the switch main body 16 a so as to be movable up and down. A switch plate 16b as an operation surface, and a switch cover 16c that integrally covers the switch body 16a and the switch plate 16b.

  The switch body 16a is concentrically formed so as to surround the switch case 71 formed of a bottomed frame-shaped member made of hard resin having a circular shape in plan view, the switching element 72 disposed in the center of the switch case 71, and the switching element 72. Are provided with three support springs 73. A movable pin 74 protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the switching element 72. When the movable pin is pushed downward, an electrical contact inside the switching element 72 is conducted and the switch is turned on. Since the movable pin 74 is urged upward by an urging means (not shown), the switch is turned off when no force is applied to push the movable pin 74 down.

  The switch plate 16b includes a plate body 75 made of hard resin similar to the switch case 71 of the switch body 16a, and a resin pad 76 attached to the inner surface of the central portion of the plate body 75. The plate main body 75 is disposed above the switch main body 16a and is urged upward by three support springs 73 that are in contact with the inner surface thereof. By depressing any part of the switch plate 16b that is the operation surface of the switch 16, the entire switch plate 16b moves downward while maintaining a substantially horizontal state. When the switch plate 16b is pressed downward, the movable pin 74 that protrudes upward from the central portion of the switch body 16a contacts the inner surface of the plate body 75 and is pressed down. Since the resin pad 76 is disposed on the center inner surface of the plate body 75, the vertical movement of the switch plate 16b can be reliably transmitted to the movable pin 74 without slipping between the switch plate 16b and the movable pin 74.

  The switch cover 16c is a cover made of a thin and soft resin such as made of ethylene vinyl acetate, and covers the whole from above so that the switch body 16a and the switch plate 16b do not shift in the horizontal direction. Further, since the switch cover 16c is made of a soft resin, the upper surface of the switch 16 and the rear surface of the rotating portion 12 that contacts the upper portion of the switch 16 do not slip.

  As the switch 16, a commercially available foot switch can be used.

  In the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, since the switch 16 is disposed in the main body unit 11 corresponding to each of the two rotation units 12, the rotation unit 12 according to the vertical movement of the user's foot. The rotation can be reliably converted into an electrical signal by the switch 16.

  Note that, in the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, the switch 16 has a rotating part on the operation surface of the switch 16 using the switch 16 whose upper end is higher than the main body 11 while being accommodated in the main body 11 as described above. A step of height H between the rotating part 12 and the fixed part 13 is formed so that 16 is pushed up. That is, the rotating part 12 is pushed upward by the repulsive force of the support spring 73 that urges the operation surface upward in the switch 16. As described above, by using the repulsive force of the support spring 73 inside the switch 16 as the force for lifting the rotating unit 12 on the fixing unit 13 side, the input unit 10 of the present embodiment uses the rotating unit 12 as a force to lift the rotating unit 12 upward. No great force is required to push down. For this reason, even when the user has a weak stepping force such as an elderly person, the input unit 10 that can easily detect the motion of raising and lowering the foot and generate a footstep signal is realized. Can do.

  Of course, in order to push up the back surface of the rotating portion 12, a spring having a predetermined repulsive force may be disposed in the main body portion 11 instead of using a force for urging the operation surface of the switch 16. Is possible. In particular, when realizing a walking simulation experience device aimed at strengthening the muscle strength of the foot, the force necessary to push in the rotating part 12 is changed in the strength of the spring arranged in the main body part 11. Thus, it can be set as appropriate.

[Step signal input device]
Next, the stepping signal input device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the input unit for the walk simulation experience device has been described, which allows the walk simulation experience to be performed mainly for the purpose of urging elderly people to step on. However, the input device described in the present embodiment is not used only for such a walking simulation experience device, but as an input device that detects the vertical movement of the foot by the user and generates a footstep signal, It can be used for applications.

  Note that the footstep signal input device described in the present embodiment is different from the input unit for the simulated walking experience device described in the above embodiment in terms of the use of the footstep signal generated by the input device. The specific configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the input unit 10 described above. For this reason, description about the specific structure of an input device is abbreviate | omitted.

  The stepping signal input device described in the present embodiment corresponds to each of the two rotating parts, for example, as an operating device for a video game, or as a remote controller for adjusting the power supply or operating state of a home appliance or the like. It can be used as an operating device that can generate at least two types of input signals using two switches.

  As described above, the walking simulation experience device input unit according to the present embodiment has a user's foot by means of the two rotatable parts arranged adjacent to the fixed part on the upper surface of the input part. Can be detected. In the input unit according to the present embodiment, the portion adjacent to the fixed portion of the rotating unit moves up and down the most, so the user cannot move his / her foot greatly or it is difficult to step on with a strong force Even so, the vertical movement of the foot can be detected, and elderly people can enjoy a simulated walking experience.

  Moreover, the input unit according to the present embodiment can be used as a stepping signal input device for operating various devices other than the simulated walking experience device.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the case where a photograph actually taken on a walking path is used as an example of the display image displayed on the monitor 30 of the walking simulation experience apparatus is illustrated. However, in the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image displayed on the monitor 30 is not limited to the one that faithfully reproduces the above-described walking scenery.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the monitor in the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 6A is an example of an initial screen when starting a simulated walking experience, as can be seen from the fact that “0 steps” is displayed in the upper right of the display image. In FIG. 6 (a), a landscape with sheep in the grassland by the pond is displayed.

  FIG. 6B shows an example of a display image on the monitor 30 in a state where 51 stepping signals are input, as can be seen from the fact that “51 steps” is displayed in the upper right of the image. In FIG. 6 (b), the scenery at the shore of the coast where shells and starfish are launched is displayed.

  As described above, in the walking simulation experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, a plurality of images 81 that are not related to each other are sequentially displayed without displaying the change in the scene caused by the actual walking on the monitor 30. be able to. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the step count display 82 to the next destination, the bar graph 83 indicating the progress of the entire process, and the current image display program The user can be given an incentive to perform a certain amount of stepping exercise by using a display 84 or the like indicating the number of steps required to reach the final stage of the step as the number of steps to the destination.

  In the walking simulation experience apparatus described in the present embodiment, various landscape images that are not individually related have already been detected, not only when reproducing an image that changes by actually walking, such as a scene of a walking path. By displaying the number of steps and the number of steps required until the end of the program or switching to the next image as the number of steps to the destination, the user is encouraged to continue walking and see various images. Can give you fun.

  As described above, by enabling the setting of the control unit 20 to be changed, for example, a landscape familiar to the user can be displayed, or a photograph of a close relative such as a family can be displayed. It can be customized according to the user. In addition, by strengthening the game elements, it is possible to display museums and art galleries sequentially along the viewing route, or to display images with continuity such as Tokaido 53. Good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the situation which uses the input part 10 so that the fixing | fixed part 13 might be located in the side near a user and the two rotation parts 12 in the side far from a user was demonstrated. However, in the input unit 10 of the simulated walking experience apparatus according to the present embodiment, the rotating unit 12 is located on the side closer to the user, in addition to the use of the fixed unit 13 disposed on the user side. Can be used as such.

  FIG. 7 is an image diagram illustrating a situation in which the input unit described in the present embodiment is used in a different orientation. FIG. 7A shows an example of use in a state where the fixing portion is placed on the side close to the user as in the above-described embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows that the fixing portion is placed on the side far from the user. The example of use in the state is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the input unit 10 is arranged so that the fixing unit 13 comes closer to the user, the user puts the heel of the foot 62 a on the fixing unit 13. The rotating part 12 can be pushed downward by moving the ankle. For this reason, compared with the case where it lifts upwards, keeping the leg 62a parallel to the upper surface of the input part 10, the burden concerning a knee and a thigh part becomes small. In particular, when used while sitting on a chair, the burden on the user can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the input unit 10 is arranged so that the rotating unit 12 comes closer to the user, the user places the toe side of the foot 62 b on the fixing unit 13. When the heel side is stepped down in the mounted state, the rotating portion 12 can be rotated downward. In this case as well, the burden on the knee and thigh is reduced as compared with the case where the foot 62b is lifted upward while being kept parallel to the upper surface of the input unit 10. In the case shown in FIG. 7 (b), as shown in FIG. 2 (b), when a stepping motion is performed while standing on the input unit 10 with the back of the chair 61 in the front as a support, Since the heel can be lowered by multiplying the weight, the burden on the user can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inside of the main body portion 11 is formed such that the end portion of the rotating portion 12 on the side close to the fixing portion 13 is located above the upper surface of the fixing portion 13 and forms a step having a height H. The structure which supports the back surface of the rotation part 12 upwards with the switch 16 arrange | positioned in was demonstrated.

  In this way, by forming a step with a height H, as shown in FIG. 7, when a stepping action is performed with a part of the sole placed on the fixed portion 13, the user It is particularly preferable that the vertical movement of the foot can be detected more reliably. In addition, since the stepped portion having the height H is formed at the center portion in the front-rear direction of the input unit 10, even when the sole is pulled up in a state parallel to the upper surface of the input unit 10, the user's stepping action Can be reliably detected.

  However, in the input device described in the present embodiment, it is not an essential requirement that the end of the rotating unit 12 on the side close to the fixed unit that moves up and down most is higher than the surface of the fixed unit 13. . Even when the fixed portion 13 and the upper surface of the rotating portion 12 are at the same height, it is possible to apply a pressing force to the end of the rotating portion 12 adjacent to the fixed portion 13. The step signal can be generated from the vertical movement of the user's foot by rotating the part.

  In addition, when forming a level | step difference between the surface of the fixing | fixed part 13 and the surface of the rotation part 12, it is preferable that the height H of a level | step difference shall be about 5 mm to 15 mm. When the height H of the step is lower than 5 mm, the difference between the case where the height of the end portion of the rotating portion 12 and the surface of the fixed portion 13 are made the same without obtaining the effect of providing the step. Cannot be obtained. On the other hand, when the height H of the step exceeds 15 mm, the risk of falling when the user stands on the input device and gets on it increases.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the rotation unit 12 is supported by arranging the hinge mechanism at an end different from the end on the fixed unit 13 side in the rotation unit 12 has been described. By doing in this way, the edge part near the fixing | fixed part 13 of the rotation part 12 can be moved up and down to the maximum.

However, in the input unit 10 described in the present embodiment, the hinge mechanism arranged on the back surface side of the rotating unit 12 is arranged on the side far from the middle part in the front-rear direction, so that the rotating unit 12 A configuration in which the portion adjacent to the fixed portion 13 moves up and down the most can be realized.
In this case, in order to realize a configuration in which the end portion adjacent to the fixed portion 13 of the rotating portion 12 is positioned higher than the surface of the fixed portion 13, It is necessary to adjust the shape of the frame-like part 11a of the main body part 11 so that the end part is slightly lowered downward.

  In the above embodiment, as a switch that detects the vertical movement of the portion adjacent to the fixed portion 13 of the rotating portion 12 and generates an electrical signal, the fact that the operation surface arranged on the upper surface has been pressed is An example using a mechanical stick type switch that detects by vertical movement was shown. However, in the input unit according to the present embodiment, the switch for detecting the rotation of the rotation unit 12 is not limited to the one exemplified above. For example, a terminal portion extending downward is formed on the back side of the rotating portion 12 in the vicinity of the fixed portion 13, and the fact that this terminal portion approaches the bottom surface 11 b of the main body portion 11 is electrically and magnetically It is possible to adopt a configuration that can be detected optically and optically. It is also possible to employ a mechanism that detects the rotation of the rotation unit 12 as a switch by the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism that rotatably supports the rotation unit 12. As described above, in the input unit described in the present embodiment, various switches that generate and output electrical signals according to the rotation of the rotation unit 12 can be used for the input unit 10.

  The input unit 10 described as the above embodiment has a generally square upper surface as a whole, and two small substantially square-shaped rotating units 12a and 12b and a horizontally long fixed portion 13 are the input unit. It constitutes the upper surface. However, the upper surface shape of the input unit 10 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1, and various shapes such as a vertically or horizontally long rectangular shape, a circular or elliptical shape, a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, and other polygonal shapes are adopted as the overall shape. can do.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the width of the two rotating parts 12a and 12b, which is shown as the length in the left-right direction in the figure, and the width of the fixed part 13 are the same. . However, as the input unit 10 used in the walking simulation experience apparatus of the present embodiment, the two rotating units 12a and 12b are within the range in which the vertical movements of the left and right feet of the user can be detected respectively. The combined size of the rotating parts 12 arranged adjacent to each other and the width of the fixed part 13 are not necessarily the same.

  Further, in the input unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement region of the fixing unit 13 is different from the arrangement region of the two rotating units 12 a and 12 b in that the input unit 10 extending in the left-right direction in FIG. It is divided by a center line that is roughly divided into two. However, the structure in which the rotation part 12 and the fixing part 13 divide the upper surface of the input part 10 into two parts is not an essential structure. For example, in the overall rectangular fixing portion, the central portion of one side is notched, and two rotating portions are arranged in the notched portion, that is, two It can be set as the structure where the left-right part of a fixing | fixed part extends in the left-right direction of a rotation part.

10 Input unit (input device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Main-body part 12 (12a, 12b) Rotation part 13 Fixing part 20 Control part 30 Monitor

Claims (10)

A monitor for displaying images;
An input unit that detects a vertical movement of the user's foot and generates a stepping signal;
The input unit used in a walking simulation experience device including a control unit that controls a display image displayed on the monitor based on the stepping signal;
A main body part, a fixed part fixed to the upper surface of the main body part, and two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part in a state of being rotatable independently of each other,
Each of the two rotating parts is disposed adjacent to the fixed part on the same side with respect to the fixed part, and is supported so that the end part on the side close to the fixed part moves up and down the most. ,
An input unit for a simulated walking experience apparatus, wherein the vertical movement of the user's foot is detected by the rotation of the rotation unit.   The walking simulation experience device input unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotating unit is supported by the main body unit by a hinge mechanism disposed at an end opposite to the side close to the fixed unit. In the main body portion, two switches arranged corresponding to each of the two rotating portions,
The walk simulation experience device input unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stepping signal is generated by operating the corresponding switch by rotating the rotation unit. The switch has an operation surface that is biased upward, and a switching element that forms an electrical connection when the operation surface is pushed down,
The input unit for a simulated walking experience apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a back surface of the rotating unit is in contact with the operation surface.   5. The walking simulation according to claim 4, wherein in a state where the operation surface of the switch is not pressed down, an upper surface of an end portion of the rotating unit on a side close to the fixing unit is positioned higher than an upper surface of the fixing unit. Input unit for experience devices.   The walk simulation experience device input unit according to claim 5, wherein a difference in height between an upper surface of an end portion of the rotating unit closer to the fixed unit and an upper surface of the fixed unit is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.   The fixed part and the two rotating parts are both composed of a plate-like member having the same thickness, and the thickness of the plate-like member is such that the upper surface of the end part near the fixed part of the rotating part and the The walk simulation experience device input unit according to claim 6, wherein the input unit is thicker than a difference in height from an upper surface of the fixed unit.   The input part for walk simulation experience apparatuses in any one of Claims 1-7 by which resin-made anti-slip | skid members are arrange | positioned at the back surface of the said main-body part. A monitor for displaying images;
An input unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A walking simulation experience device comprising: a control unit that controls a display image displayed on the monitor based on a stepping signal generated by the input unit. A stepping input device that detects a vertical movement of an operator's foot and generates a stepping signal,
A main body part, a fixed part fixed to the upper surface of the main body part, and two rotating parts supported on the upper surface of the main body part in a state of being rotatable independently of each other,
Each of the two rotating parts is disposed adjacent to the fixed part on the same side with respect to the fixed part, and is supported so that the end part on the side close to the fixed part moves up and down the most. ,
A stepping input device that detects the vertical movement of the user's foot by the rotation of the rotating portion.

Images