Triboelectric material and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a triboelectric system (100) comprising a material (1) that comprises at least one triboelectric electrode (2), as well as a processing unit (4) capable of being connected to the electrode (2) and of processing a triboelectric signal generated by friction thereon, characterised in that the electrode (2) includes a plurality of projecting triboelectric parts, such that a friction of the triboelectric electrode (2) generates an electrical signal having a series of pulses, each pulse corresponding to the friction of one projecting triboelectric part, and in that the processing unit (4) is configured to process such a series of pulses and to generate, from such a series of pulses, a signal that can be interpreted as a sound and / or light signal, and / or to calculate, from the series of pulses, a physical parameter depending on a length of the friction and / or depending on a speed of the friction.

Description

[0001] Triboelectric material and system

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of triboelectricity, more precisely to a triboelectric material and system and, more particularly still, to a triboelectric system comprising a triboelectric material and allowing the conversion of a triboelectric signal into a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or allowing the calculation, from the triboelectric signal, of a physical parameter depending on a length of friction of the material and / or depending on a speed of friction.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Various sensors are known from the prior art for acquiring electrical signals by applying pressure or vibration to the sensor.

[0006] Piezoelectric sensors are used to measure mechanical stress or deformation. When subjected to pressure or vibration, piezoelectric sensors generate an electrical signal.

[0007] Furthermore, known triboelectric sensors consist, for example, of a positive triboelectric element and a negative triboelectric element, which generate an electric current when the two elements are pressed against each other.

[0008] The electrical signals obtained using these sensors are, for example, characterized by an amplitude which is correlated, for example, to the pressure applied to the sensors.

[0009] The use of these sensors is therefore very limited in that very little information can be extracted from the electrical signal generated by these sensors.

[0010] Thus, there is currently no triboelectric system that can obtain signals to precisely control sound systems, such as a synthesizer, or even light systems. Furthermore, there is currently no triboelectric system that can precisely calculate a physical parameter as a function of a length and / or a speed of friction carried out on a triboelectric material of a triboelectric system.

[0011] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One aim of the invention is to enable the control of sound or light systems from a triboelectric signal, i.e. an electrical signal generated by triboelectricity. Another aim is to calculate a physical parameter as a function of a length and / or a function of a speed of friction carried out on a triboelectric material.According to a first aspect, there is provided a triboelectric material comprising at least one triboelectric electrode adapted to be connected to a unit for processing an electrical signal generated by friction on said electrode, characterized in that said electrode comprises a plurality of projecting triboelectric parts, so that friction of the triboelectric electrode generates an electrical signal having a succession of pulses, said signal being intended to be transmitted to the processing unit for generation by the latter of a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or for calculation by the processing unit of a physical parameter depending on a length of the friction and / or depending on a speed of the friction.

[0013] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: the triboelectric electrode comprises a substrate layer made of a flexible material; the substrate layer is a textile; the protruding triboelectric parts are formed by triboelectric threads embroidered, woven, embossed, knitted or calendered together; the height of a protruding triboelectric part in a direction orthogonal to a general plane of the electrode is greater than 100 μm; the distance between two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts in a direction longitudinal to a general plane of the electrode is greater than 80 μm; the electrode comprises a solid weave or a solid embroidery with elongated patterns repeating in lines while being distributed in a staggered pattern from one line to another forming the protruding triboelectric parts.

[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided a triboelectric system comprising on the one hand a material which comprises at least one triboelectric electrode and on the other hand a processing unit capable of being connected to said electrode and of processing a triboelectric signal generated by friction thereon, characterized in that said electrode comprises a plurality of projecting triboelectric parts, so that friction of the triboelectric electrode generates an electrical signal having a succession of pulses, each pulse corresponding to the friction of a projecting triboelectric part, and in that the processing unit is configured to process such a succession of pulses and generate, from such a succession of pulses, a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or calculate, from the succession of pulses, a physical parameter which is a function of a length of the friction and / or a function of a speed of the friction,Said processing unit preferably comprising means for transmitting said interpretable signal to sound and / or light synthesis means. According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, taken alone or in any combination: the processing unit is configured such that the interpretable signal is a function of a frequency and an amplitude of the succession of pulses of the signal received by said processing unit; the processing unit is configured such that the duration of the interpretable signal is a function of the succession of pulses at a given frequency; the processing unit is configured to apply at least one processing operation to the triboelectric signal from among the following processing operations: filtering and rectification; the triboelectric electrode comprises a substrate layer made of a flexible material;,

[0015] 7 the substrate layer is a textile; the protruding triboelectric parts are formed by triboelectric threads embroidered, woven, embossed, knitted or calendered together; the height of a protruding triboelectric part in a direction orthogonal to a general plane of the electrode is greater than 100 pm; the distance between two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts in a longitudinal direction to a general plane of the electrode is greater than 80 pm; the electrode comprises a solid weave or a solid embroidery with elongated patterns repeating in lines and being distributed in a staggered pattern from one line to another forming the protruding triboelectric parts; the material is part of a surface of a garment or a toy.

[0016] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of using a triboelectric system presented above, the method preferably being a method of generating a sound and / or light signal by sound and / or light synthesis means connected to the triboelectric system presented above, the method comprising steps of: a) rubbing the triboelectric electrode, b) receiving, by the processing unit of the triboelectric system, a triboelectric signal generated by the rubbing, the triboelectric signal having a succession of pulses, each pulse corresponding to the rubbing of a protruding triboelectric part, c) processing, by the processing unit of the triboelectric system, the succession of pulses of the triboelectric signal and generating, from the succession of pulses, a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or calculating, from the succession of pulses,of a physical parameter depending on a friction length and / or depending on a friction speed.,

[0017] Advantageously, the method comprises a step d) of generating, by the sound and / or light synthesis means, a sound and / or light signal from the interpretable signal.

[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided a garment or toy comprising at least one surface made of a triboelectric material presented above.

[0019] Additionally, a garment or toy is proposed that includes a triboelectric system presented previously.

[0020] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the appended figures, including: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a triboelectric system; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a triboelectric electrode; Figure 3 schematically illustrates another triboelectric system; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a first pattern of a triboelectric layer of a triboelectric electrode; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a second pattern of a triboelectric layer of a triboelectric electrode; Figure 6 is a graph representing a triboelectric signal; Figure 7 represents the steps of a method of using the triboelectric system.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Triboelectricity is generated by bringing two materials of different polarities into contact. When these two materials are brought into contact, or even rubbed together, an exchange of electrons takes place between them and an electrical signal is generated. In the field of triboelectricity, "two materials of different polarities" means, a so-called "positive" material and a so-called "negative" material. In the field of triboelectricity, we speak of so-called "positive" materials, which are capable of receiving electrons, and so-called "negative" materials, which are capable of giving electrons. Examples of positive materials include nylon, wool, and the skin of dry human hands. Examples of negative materials include polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon).

[0024] So, by rubbing your finger against a negative material, for example Teflon, an electrical (more precisely, triboelectric) signal is generated because electrons from the Teflon are transferred to the finger.

[0025] Material

[0026] The triboelectric material that will be described makes it possible to obtain a triboelectric signal that can be converted into a signal that can be interpreted as a sound and / or light signal and / or that allows the calculation of a physical parameter as a function of a length of friction of the material and / or as a function of a speed of friction.

[0027] Preferably, the triboelectric material is designed so that at least one frequency value can be extracted from the triboelectric signal generated by the material. This frequency value results from the speed with which the material is rubbed. Unlike the prior art, the triboelectric material does not only allow an amplitude value to be obtained from a triboelectric signal. The proposed triboelectric material makes it possible to fully characterize the friction it undergoes so as to generate a signal that can be interpreted as a sound and / or light signal and / or so as to calculate a physical parameter that is a function of a length of the friction and / or a function of a speed of the friction.

[0028] With reference to Figure 1, the triboelectric material 1 comprises at least one triboelectric electrode 2 adapted to be electronically connected to a processing unit 4. By "material" is meant an element type which enters into the composition of something, in this case, of a system 100 which will be described below.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 3, the material 1 may comprise a plurality of electrodes 2.

[0030] The electrode 2 preferably has a circular shape with a diameter of less than 10 cm. The triboelectric electrode 2 may also have any type of shape such as a rectangular or triangular shape. The triboelectric electrode 2 preferably has a thickness of less than 2 mm.

[0031] Substrate layer

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 2, the triboelectric electrode 2 comprises a substrate layer 21, a conductive layer 22 and a triboelectric layer 24. The substrate layer 21 serves as a support for the conductive layer 22 and the triboelectric layer 24.

[0033] The substrate layer 21 is preferably made of a flexible material, more particularly a textile, such as for example any type of textile making up a garment. This is not limiting and the substrate layer 21 can also be made from other types of solid, rigid or flexible materials, such as plastic or even wood. The substrate layer 21 can comprise different materials.

[0034] The substrate layer 21 may be a part of a piece of textile, for example a garment, a toy or even a sole. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the piece of textile 3 may comprise a material 1 having a plurality of electrodes 2, each substrate layer 21 of the electrodes 2 being a part of the piece of textile 3.

[0035] Conductive layer

[0036] The conductive layer 22 is arranged on the substrate layer 21, between the substrate layer 21 and the triboelectric layer 24. The conductive layer 22 is in contact with both the substrate layer 21 and the triboelectric layer 24.

[0037] The conductive layer 22 is made of at least one electrically conductive material. For example, the conductive layer 22 may comprise copper, silver, and / or graphite.

[0038] The conductive layer 22 makes it possible to recover and then circulate an electrical signal which would come from the triboelectric layer 24 following friction of the latter with a material of opposite triboelectric polarity.

[0039] More specifically, the conductive layer 22 is preferably electrically connected, for example via electrical cables, to the processing unit 4 so that the electrical signal is transferred from the conductive layer 22 to the processing unit 4.

[0040] The conductive layer 22 preferably has a circular shape with a diameter of less than 10 cm. The conductive layer 22 may also have, for example, a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0041] The conductive layer 22 may comprise a set of conductive wires, for example woven on the surface of the substrate layer 21. It is understood that, for example in this case, the conductive layer 22 is not necessarily an element having a solid conductive surface.

[0042] The conductive layer 22 may also consist of a conductive sheet with a thickness preferably less than 1 mm.

[0043] The conductive layer 22 is bonded to the substrate layer 21. The conductive layer 22 is for example glued to or sewn to the substrate layer 21.

[0044] The triboelectric layer 24 is arranged on the conductive layer 22 and in contact with the conductive layer 22. The triboelectric layer 24 may also be in contact with parts of the substrate layer 21, for example in the case where the conductive layer 22 comprises conductive wires leaving spaces between them and therefore leaving a possible contact space between the triboelectric layer 24 and the substrate layer 21.

[0045] The triboelectric layer 24 is designed to generate an electrical signal when rubbed or simply touched. The triboelectric layer 24 is made of a material of positive or negative triboelectric polarity.

[0046] The material constituting the triboelectric layer 24 depends on the desired use. For example, if the electrode 2 is intended to be activated, i.e. to generate an electrical signal, by friction with the finger of a human hand, the triboelectric layer 24 comprises a material of negative triboelectric polarity, given that the dry skin of a hand is of positive triboelectric polarity. Conversely, the electrode 2 could be intended to be activated, i.e. to generate an electrical signal, by friction with the finger while wearing a Teflon glove and the triboelectric layer 24 in this case comprises a material of positive triboelectric polarity, given that Teflon is of negative triboelectric polarity.

[0047] The electrode 2, and therefore the triboelectric material 1, is thus designed so as to allow the generation of a triboelectric signal while comprising only a single triboelectric layer 24, and not two as may be the case in the prior art.

[0048] The triboelectric layer 21 comprises protruding triboelectric portions 212. More specifically, the triboelectric layer 21 has protruding triboelectric portions 212 and hollow triboelectric portions 214. Preferably, the triboelectric layer 21 has alternating protruding triboelectric portions 212 and hollow triboelectric portions 214.

[0049] Thus, the triboelectric layer 21 does not have a smooth surface. In other words, the triboelectric layer 21 has a rough surface, i.e. comprising asperities.

[0050] The protruding triboelectric portions 212 may, for example, be pins made of a triboelectric material.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding triboelectric parts 212 and the hollow triboelectric parts 214 are formed from triboelectric wires. Indeed, preferably, the triboelectric layer 21 is formed from triboelectric wires, i.e. made of triboelectric materials, by embroidery, weaving, embossing, knitting or even for example calendering. The triboelectric wires are superimposed and bonded, i.e. embroidered, woven, embossed, knitted and / or calendered together, etc. The triboelectric wires can be bonded according to different types of patterns. Figure 4 shows a diagram of a possible pattern of the triboelectric layer 24 which can for example be obtained by weaving. The protruding triboelectric parts 212 are for example located at the level of the superposition between two wires, i.e. a black wire and a gray wire in figure 4. The hollow triboelectric parts 214 are for example located between two areas of superposition of wires.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a pattern that can be obtained by embroidery or weaving. According to this preferred embodiment, the triboelectric layer 24 comprises a solid weave or solid embroidery. By "solid", it is understood that the weave or embroidery is non-openwork. According to this preferred embodiment also, the weave or embroidery has elongated patterns repeating in lines, being distributed in a staggered pattern from one line to another so as to form the triboelectric protruding parts 212. The elongated patterns are thus arranged in a configuration resembling those of bricks in a brick wall. The hollow triboelectric parts 214 are located between two protruding triboelectric parts 212. The hollow triboelectric parts 214 correspond, in the vocabulary of embroidery, to the binding points. The protruding triboelectric parts 212 correspond, in the vocabulary of embroidery, to the floats of the embroidery pattern.

[0053] The triboelectric wires typically have a thickness of between 5 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the triboelectric wires have a thickness greater than 80 μm.

[0054] Thus, the protruding triboelectric parts 212 preferably have a height greater than 100 pm. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the protruding triboelectric parts 212 preferably have a height d greater than 100 pm in a direction O orthogonal to a general plane of the electrode 2. By “general plane” is meant a plane along which the electrode 2 extends. Typically, the different layers of the electrode 2 extend along planes parallel to the general plane. Thus, as for example illustrated in FIG. 2, the direction O orthogonal to the general plane is orthogonal to the internal surface 213 of the substrate layer 21.

[0055] In other words also, by "height", as illustrated in FIG. 2, it is meant that the distance d between a distal point 2121 of a protruding triboelectric part 212 and a point 2141 of a hollow triboelectric part 214, in the direction O orthogonal to the inner surface 213 of the substrate layer 21, is greater than 100 pm. By "distal point" is meant for example a point of a protruding triboelectric part 212 which is the furthest from an internal surface 213 of the substrate layer 21 in a direction orthogonal 0 to the internal surface 213 of the substrate layer 21. Also preferably, the distance between two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts 212, i.e. the width of the hollow triboelectric part 214 which separates said two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts 212, is greater than 80 μm.In other words, as illustrated in Figure 2, the distance dL, called the Longitudinal distance, between two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts 212 along a longitudinal direction L at the electrode 2 is greater than 80 μm. By "longitudinal direction" is meant a Longitudinal direction to a general plane of the electrode 2, which is therefore also, for example, a longitudinal direction to the internal surface 213 of the substrate layer 21.

[0056] Therefore, the triboelectric layer 24 is designed so that when touched with a finger, the protruding triboelectric portions 212 are felt.

[0057] Thus, when the triboelectric layer 24, and therefore the protruding triboelectric parts 212, is rubbed by a material of opposite triboelectric polarity, the generated triboelectric signal has a succession of IM pulses. In other words, the generated triboelectric signal has IM local extrema, i.e. peaks, as illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a representation of the triboelectric signal, the ordinate axis corresponding to a voltage in volts and the abscissa axis corresponding to the time in seconds. Each pulse corresponds to the rubbing of a protruding triboelectric part 212.

[0058] When the triboelectric layer 24 is rubbed with the finger, for example, the finger rubs a plurality of protruding triboelectric portions 212 which generates a triboelectric signal which exhibits pulses.

[0059] As previously mentioned, the triboelectric material 1 is adapted to be electronically connected to a processing unit 4.

[0060] With reference to Figure 1, a triboelectric system 100 is proposed comprising a triboelectric material 1 and a processing unit 4. The processing unit 4 corresponds to any electronic machine suitable for receiving and processing the triboelectric signals from the electrodes 2 of the material 1.

[0061] The processing unit 4 is configured to receive the triboelectric signal generated from a friction of an electrode 2, more precisely from the triboelectric layer 24 of an electrode 2. The processing unit 4 is further configured to process the triboelectric signal to obtain a signal that can be interpreted as a sound and / or light signal and / or to calculate a physical parameter that is a function of a length of the friction and / or a function of a speed of the friction. Indeed, since the triboelectric signal obtained has a plurality of pulses, a frequency value, i.e. the frequency of the pulses, can be obtained from the triboelectric signal.

[0062] In other words, from the triboelectric signal, the processing unit 4 is configured to extract a frequency value corresponding to the frequency of the pulses in the triboelectric signal.

[0063] It is understood that this frequency value depends on the speed with which the electrode 2 is rubbed. Indeed, the faster the electrode is rubbed, the higher the number of protruding triboelectric parts 212 rubbed per unit of time and therefore the higher the number of pulses in the electrical signal per unit of time (i.e. the pulse frequency).

[0064] The processing unit 4 may for example be configured to extract this frequency value from a defined number of successive pulses of the triboelectric signal, for example for ten successive pulses.

[0065] Preferably, the processing unit 4 is not limited to extracting a frequency value from the triboelectric signal. The processing unit 4 is preferably configured to extract other data such as an average amplitude of the pulses and a duration of the triboelectric signal.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the processing unit 4 is configured to apply different processing operations to the triboelectric signal, for example to filter out background noise (for example by analog filters such as Notch filters) and / or to rectify the signal. The processing unit 4 can be configured to process the triboelectric signal in analog or digital format.

[0067] Furthermore, the processing unit 4 is configured to generate a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or to calculate a physical parameter as a function of a length of friction and / or as a function of a speed of friction from the data extracted from the triboelectric signal, namely, preferably, a frequency and, more preferably, an amplitude and / or a duration.

[0068] More specifically, by way of example, the frequency can be used to modulate the frequency of a note (which will subsequently be called “musical frequency” and which should not be confused with the frequency which is calculated from the triboelectric signal) emitted by sound and / or light synthesis means connected to the triboelectric system 100.

[0069] It should indeed be noted that, preferably, the processing unit 4 of the triboelectric system 100 comprises means for transmitting an interpretable signal to sound and / or light synthesis means. The means for transmission may consist of electrical cables electronically connecting the processing unit 4 to the sound and / or light synthesis means. The means for transmission may also consist of a wireless connection module, for example Bluetooth, which makes it possible to connect the processing unit 4 and sound and / or light synthesis means wirelessly.

[0070] The sound and / or light synthesis means enable the generation of sound or light and are adapted to interpret the interpretable signal generated by the processing unit 4 into a sound and / or light signal. The sound and / or light synthesis means are for example a synthesizer or a light spot. The synthesis means may also be a computer comprising software adapted to interpret the interpretable signal into a sound and / or light signal.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the processing unit 4 can be configured so that a musical note is assigned to the electrode 2, for example an A at 440 Hz. In other words, for this electrode 2, the processing unit 4 is configured to generate, from a triboelectric signal corresponding to a simple touch, and not a friction, a signal interpretable into a sound signal which is an A 440 Hz. In other words, the processing unit 4 is configured to, when a simple static pressure (no movement) is performed on the electrode 2, generate a signal interpretable into a sound signal which is an A 440 Hz so that sound synthesis means connected to the triboelectric system 100 emit an A 440 Hz.

[0072] Furthermore, the processing unit 4 is preferably configured so that a friction speed, called threshold speed, is also assigned to this 440 Hz LA. In other words, the processing unit 4 is also configured to generate a signal interpretable into a sound signal which is a 440 Hz LA when the calculated friction speed is equal to a threshold speed value, for example 3 cm / s. The processing unit 4 is configured to calculate the friction speed from the frequency value extracted from the triboelectric signal and the longitudinal distance dL between two protruding triboelectric parts 212, for example by applying the following formula: friction speed = frequency value x longitudinal distance.

[0073] The processing unit 4 can further be configured to modulate the musical frequency as a function of a variation in the friction speed and therefore of a variation in the frequency of the triboelectric signal. When the electrode 2 is rubbed, a frequency of the triboelectric signal can be extracted by the processing unit 4. Preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured to, when the friction speed is lower than the threshold speed value, generate a signal that can be interpreted as a sound signal with a musical frequency lower than the musical frequency of the note assigned to the electrode 2. To continue with the example presented concerning the electrode 2 to which an A 440 Hz is assigned, if the friction speed is lower than the threshold speed value, the processing unit 4 can be configured to generate a signal that can be interpreted as a sound signal with a musical frequency of 430 Hz.

[0074] Respectively, preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured to, when the friction speed is greater than the threshold speed value, generate a signal interpretable into a sound signal of a musical frequency greater than the musical frequency of the note assigned to the electrode 2. To follow the example presented concerning the electrode 2 to which an A 440 Hz is assigned, if the friction speed is less than the threshold speed value, the processing unit 4 can be configured to generate a signal interpretable into a sound signal of a musical frequency of 450 Hz.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the processing unit 4 is configured to modulate the frequency continuously. This embodiment makes it possible to vary the musical frequency continuously and precisely, for example to within 10 Hz. More precisely, the processing unit 4 is configured to calculate the musical frequency as a function of a reference frequency, the friction speed and the threshold speed. The reference frequency corresponds in this case to the frequency of the musical note assigned to the electrode 2, i.e. 440 Hz, and the threshold speed corresponds to the friction speed associated with the musical note assigned to the electrode 2. The processing unit 4 is preferably configured to calculate the musical frequency from the following formula: r , . i r , , , r , . friction speed - threshold speed musical frequency = reference frequency x LH - reference speed J .

[0076] It is therefore understood that the user can, by varying the speed with which he rubs the electrode 2, vary the frequency of the triboelectric signal received by the processing unit 4 and thus vary the interpretable signal generated by the processing unit 4 so that the musical frequency of the sound signal from the interpretable signal varies. Consequently, the user can, by rubbing the electrode 2 more or less quickly, modulate the musical frequency of a note emitted by sound synthesis means, which is the equivalent of performing a vibrato on a string instrument.

[0077] It is understood that the embodiments presented above can be applied to generate types of signals other than sound signals, for example, to generate a light signal. In this case, the processing unit 4 can be configured so that a color is assigned to the electrode 2, for example a green at 600 THz. For this electrode 2, the processing unit 4 is thus configured to generate, from a triboelectric signal, a signal interpretable into a light signal which is a 600 THz green. The processing unit 4 can thus be configured to modulate the light frequency as a function of a variation in the friction speed and therefore of a variation in the frequency of the triboelectric signal. As explained, the processing unit -4 can be configured to generate an interpretable signal which contains information other than a frequency, namely for example an amplitude or a duration.

[0078] For example, the processing unit 4 may be configured to generate a signal interpretable as a sound signal whose sound volume depends on the average amplitude of the pulses of the triboelectric signal.

[0079] Also, preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured such that the duration of the interpretable signal is a function of a succession of pulses at a given frequency, more precisely of the duration of the succession of pulses, i.e. the duration of the triboelectric signal. For example, the processing unit 4 may be configured to generate an interpretable signal only if the duration of the succession of pulses is greater than a threshold duration.

[0080] Preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured to generate a signal interpretable according to one of the following protocols: the Midi protocol, the DMX protocol, the Midi Show Control (MSC) protocol, the Midi Tuning Standard (MTS) protocol, the General Midi protocol or any other equivalent protocol.

[0081] Preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured to be electrically connected to a material 1 comprising a plurality of electrodes 2. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a keyboard of electrodes 2 can be formed, a different note or Light frequency being assigned to each electrode 2.

[0082] As explained, the processing unit 4 can be configured to calculate a physical parameter as a function of a friction length and / or as a function of a friction speed from the data extracted from the triboelectric signal.

[0083] Such a physical parameter can be, for example, the length of the friction, the speed of the friction, an average of lengths of several frictions over time, a parameter expressing the length and speed of the friction as a function of time, etc.

[0084] As explained previously, the processing unit 4 is preferably configured to calculate the friction speed from the frequency value extracted from the triboelectric signal and the longitudinal distance dL between two protruding triboelectric parts 212.

[0085] Furthermore, advantageously, the processing unit 4 is configured to calculate the friction length from the number of pulses of the triboelectric signal and the longitudinal distance dL between two protruding triboelectric parts 212, for example by applying the following formula: friction length = (number of pulses - 1) x longitudinal distance. For example, if the longitudinal distance dL between two protruding triboelectric parts 212 is 100 pm and the triboelectric signal comprises ten pulses, then the friction length is approximately and at least 900 pm. Indeed, at least ten protruding triboelectric parts 212 have been traveled, for example, by the finger of a user, which means that at least 900 pm have been traveled by the finger on the triboelectric material 1.

[0086] The friction speed and the friction length, and therefore the physical parameter depending on the friction speed and / or the friction length, can be used to characterize a displacement on the triboelectric material 1 (more precisely on the triboelectric layer 21).

[0087] Advantageously, the processing unit 4 is also configured to calculate a physical parameter depending on a pressure force on the triboelectric material 1 from the data extracted from the triboelectric signal.

[0088] The processing unit 4 is therefore advantageously configured to calculate a physical parameter that is a function of a pressure force and a function of the friction speed and / or the friction length. The physical parameter can, for example, express a change in the pressure force, the friction speed and / or the friction length over time.

[0089] Preferably, the processing unit 4 is configured to calculate the pressure force. The pressure force can be directly deduced from the amplitude of the pulses, for example by applying the following formula: pressure force = average of the amplitude of the pulses x direction coefficient.

[0090] The slope coefficient is used to convert a pulse amplitude value into a pressure force.

[0091] Therefore, the processing unit 4 is advantageously configured to characterize a displacement on the triboelectric material 1 in terms of length, speed and / or pressure force.

[0092] This is particularly advantageous, for example, for studying the movement of a foot on a sole comprising a triboelectric material 1 as presented previously. By sole, for example, is meant a cut piece that is placed inside a shoe, such as an orthopedic sole. The friction of a patient's foot on the sole, and therefore on the protruding triboelectric parts 212, generates a triboelectric signal having pulses. The processing unit 4 is advantageously configured to process this signal and calculate a physical parameter that is a function of the friction speed and / or the friction length, and possibly a function of a pressure force. Consequently, for example, a daily record of the movement of the patient's foot on such a sole can be made and recorded.

[0093] Process

[0094] Referring to Figure 7, there is also provided a method of using a triboelectric system 100.

[0095] The method comprises a step a) of rubbing a triboelectric electrode 2 of the material 1. The rubbing is for example carried out by a user using his finger.

[0096] Then, the method comprises a step b) of reception by the processing unit 4 of the triboelectric signal generated by the friction. The triboelectric signal has a succession of IM pulses, each IM pulse corresponding to the friction of a protruding triboelectric part 212.

[0097] In a processing step c), the processing unit 4 processes the triboelectric signal to obtain a signal that can be interpreted as a sound and / or light signal and / or to calculate a physical parameter that is a function of a friction length and / or a function of a friction speed. More specifically, c) the processing unit 4 processes the succession of IM pulses of the triboelectric signal. This processing may include the application of various signal processing operations such as filtering or rectification.

[0098] In step c), the processing unit 4 therefore generates, from the succession of IM pulses of the triboelectric signal, a signal interpretable as a sound and / or light signal and / or calculates, from the succession of IM pulses, a physical parameter which is a function of a length of the friction and / or a function of a speed of the friction.

[0099] Advantageously, the interpretable signal is transmitted to sound and / or light synthesis means allowing the generation of sound or light and being connected to the triboelectric system 100 and, in a step d) the sound and / or light synthesis means generate a sound and / or light signal from the interpretable signal. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the method of use is a method of generating a sound and / or light signal by the sound and / or light synthesis means.

[0100] Clothing, shoe or sole

[0101] Also provided is a garment, a toy, such as a plush toy, or a sole that comprises at least one surface made of a material 1 as described above. In other words, the triboelectric system 100 preferably comprises a triboelectric material 1 forming part of a garment, a toy, or a sole. In the case of a garment, the user can simply control sound or light synthesis means by rubbing an electrode 2 of his garment, which is practical compared to using, for example, a keyboard of a synthesizer that the user cannot as easily move with him as his garment. In the case of a toy, a user can cause the generation of sounds or lights by rubbing an electrode 2 on the toy, which makes the toy very interactive. In the case of a sole, a user can cause the generation of triboelectric signals by walking, his foot rubbing against the sole.The signals can then be used to characterize the movement of the foot on the sole. A practitioner, such as a podiatrist, can interpret this movement to make a diagnosis.

[0102] According to a certain embodiment, there is provided a garment, a toy, such as a plush toy, or a sole which comprises a triboelectric system 100 as presented previously. Therefore, such a garment, toy, or sole comprises at least one surface made of a triboelectric material 1 as described previously and a processing unit 4 as described previously. The processing unit 4 may be for example inside the toy, inside the sole or on a surface of the garment.

[0103] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached figures. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various technical characteristics or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the general teaching.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Triboelectric system (100) comprising on the one hand a material (1) which comprises at least one triboelectric electrode (2) and on the other hand a processing unit (4) capable of being connected to said electrode (2) and of processing a triboelectric signal generated by friction thereon, characterized in that said electrode (2) comprises a plurality of projecting triboelectric parts (212), so that friction of the triboelectric electrode (2) generates an electrical signal having a succession of pulses (IM), each pulse (IM) corresponding to the friction of a projecting triboelectric part (212), and in that the processing unit (4) is configured to process such a succession of pulses (IM) and generate, from such a succession of pulses (IM), a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or calculate, from the succession of pulses (IM),a physical parameter that is a function of a friction length and / or a function of a friction speed., 2. System according to claim 1, in which the processing unit (4) comprises means for transmitting said interpretable signal to sound and / or light synthesis means.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 1, in which the processing unit (4) is configured such that the interpretable signal is a function of a frequency and an amplitude of the succession of pulses (IM) of the signal received by said processing unit (4).

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the processing unit (4) is configured such that the duration of the interpretable signal is a function of the succession of pulses (IM) at a given frequency.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the processing unit (4) is configured to apply at least one processing operation to the triboelectric signal among the following processing operations: filtering and rectification.

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the triboelectric electrode (2) comprises a substrate layer (21) made of a flexible material (1).

7. System according to claim 6, in which the substrate layer (21) is a textile.

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the protruding triboelectric parts (212) are formed by triboelectric threads embroidered, woven, embossed, knitted or calendered between them.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the height of a protruding triboelectric part (212) in a direction orthogonal (O) to a general plane of the electrode (2) is greater than 100 pm.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the distance (dL) between two consecutive protruding triboelectric parts (212) in a longitudinal direction (L) to a general plane of the electrode (2) is greater than 80 pm.

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the electrode (2) comprises a solid weave or a solid embroidery with elongated patterns repeating in lines being distributed in a staggered pattern from one line to another forming the protruding triboelectric parts (212).

12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the material (1) forms part of a surface of a garment, a toy or a sole.

13. Method for using a triboelectric system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising steps of: a) rubbing the triboelectric electrode (2), b) receiving, by the processing unit (4) of the triboelectric system (100), a triboelectric signal generated by the friction, the triboelectric signal having a succession of pulses (IM), each pulse (IM) corresponding to the friction of a protruding triboelectric part (212), c) processing, by the processing unit (4) of the triboelectric system (100), the succession of pulses (IM) of the triboelectric signal and generating, from the succession of pulses (IM), a signal interpretable into a sound and / or light signal and / or calculating, from the succession of pulses (IM), a physical parameter depending on a length of the friction and / or depending on a speed of the friction.

14. Method according to claim 13, comprising a step d) of generating, by sound and / or light synthesis means connected to the triboelectric system (100), a sound and / or light signal from the interpretable signal.

15. Clothing, toy or sole comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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