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Interactive furniture device

a furniture device and interactive technology, applied in the direction of combination furniture, chairs, stools, etc., can solve the problems of unreasonable to expect that the electronic devices in public spaces would withstand the abuse of public space, limited physical interaction with the public, and limited wall-mounted or vertical displays, etc., to achieve the effect of convenient fixing or re-usability

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-03-14
NUNOERIN
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes furniture for public spaces that can catch the attention of children and adults. The furniture reacts to touch and interaction with people, but it can also withstand heavy use and damage. Additionally, the surface of the furniture is easy to fix or refurbish if scratched.

Problems solved by technology

Interactive electronic devices in public spaces are generally limited to wall mounted or vertical displays.
Their primary function is to be mounted displays, and, as a result, physical interaction with the public is limited.
It would be unreasonable to expect that these devices would withstand the abuse of a public space, including being treated as furniture, sat on, kicked, scratched or generally abused.

Method used

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Examples

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example 1

Advancing Developmental Play in Children

[0020]In a first embodiment, the disclosed device is an interactive piece of furniture that encourages developmental play. The value of play is supported by decades of neuroscientific findings, which conclude that play is essential for brain development. Play shapes the brain and makes animals smarter and more adaptable. Additional research establishes that play has a transformative aspect on the brain, which can be seen in young brains, but can also continue throughout the lifespan. Not only is play essential to human development and life, it is a deep need and function.

[0021]Previous generations of children benefited from developmental play apparatuses and teaching methods that were an integral part of kindergartens and elementary schools. In the past, kindergartens and elementary schools focused on play, exploration, use of the body and use of the imagination, however, these have been largely replaced by academic teaching and testing method...

example 2

Therapeutic Benefits to Individuals

[0026]An embodiment of this invention also offers therapeutic benefits to individuals with pervasive developmental disorders, such as autism or, more broadly, autism spectrum disorders. Approximately one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, and United States government statistics indicate that the incidence rate of autism is increasing from between 10 and 17 percent annually.

[0027]Autism is a neurobiological disorder that affects the ways people use and understand verbal and nonverbal language. The core clinical features of autism include impairment in social interaction, impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In most cases, the cause of autism is not known. However, comprehensive intervention, including parental counseling, behavior modification, sensory integration training, special education in a highly structured environment, spee...

example 3

Accessible Interaction for Elderly Patients

[0032]The invention further provides increased accessibility to interactive devices by integrating them into furniture. This allows users with limited mobility to interact with them. For example, many interactive devices are expressed as screens attached to walls, which require users to stand next to them while they are interacting with them. Because the invention integrates the interactive device into furniture, such as a chair or table, a user with limited physical abilities is able to still enjoy full participation. This is particularly relevant to the elderly, hospital patients, and the physically handicapped.

Other Embodiments

[0033]In another embodiment that is designed particularly for use in a home, school, hospital, or clinical setting, the invention is a free standing form that is light enough to be transported by a therapist, doctor, parent or possibly even a child. The device can provide sensorial pleasure to individuals, as well ...

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Abstract

We disclose interactive furniture having a solid translucent surface that produces a light or sound output in response to a signal generated from an external stimulus. Preferably, at least a portion of the solid surface lights up when touched, and remains lit as programmed. The device is particularly useful in public spaces, such as restaurants, museums, and waiting rooms and has developmental and entertainment value.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 534,225 by Hayne and Ferreira, filed Sep. 13, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to interactive furniture devices, as well as applications for providing developmental, educational, therapeutic, and entertainment benefits.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Interactive electronic devices in public spaces are generally limited to wall mounted or vertical displays. Generally, they are not intended to be interacted with by more than gentle touching with hands. Their primary function is to be mounted displays, and, as a result, physical interaction with the public is limited. It would be unreasonable to expect that these devices would withstand the abuse of a public space, including being treated as furniture, sat on, kicked, scratched or generally abused.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]W...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47B97/00
CPCA47D1/00A47D9/00A47B13/086A47B13/12A47C7/725A47C9/00A47C11/00A47B2220/0077
Inventor HAYNE, ERINFERREIRA, NUNO GONÇALVES
Owner NUNOERIN
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